I Swear I Don’t Want to Be Everyone’s Favorite - Chapter 49

Despite grumbling inwardly, Jiang Luoyue still sent the address to Xiang Fan.

The room returned to tranquility, letting the sunlight bathe her face. After a long while, Jiang Luoyue, feeling both puzzled and incredulous, called Yu Qing.

At Yunyue Entertainment, Yu Qing had just finished a PR meeting. The screen still displayed public opinion data about Jiang Luoyue from various platforms.

Her tone was harsh, and everyone nodded meekly in agreement. When she received the call, the impatience on Yu Qing’s face hadn’t yet faded, but her voice involuntarily softened.

“Luoyue?” Yu Qing asked, “What’s wrong?”

Now, whenever Yu Qing saw Jiang Luoyue, she thought of the rumors circulating online. Having personally seen the environment Jiang Luoyue once lived in, she firmly believed the rumors were true and deeply regretted not being with her yesterday due to work.

Otherwise, the moment Jiang Lanhui uttered her first word, Yu Qing would have shut her up, preventing all the subsequent troubles.

Yu Qing selectively ignored the other guests who had spoken up for Jiang Luoyue, her mind filled only with the image of Jiang Luoyue standing alone to fight back. Her heart ached with even more pity.

As for the PR department, which she had just berated mercilessly: “…”

Had they ever heard Yu Qing speak to them in such a gentle tone? Was favoritism this blatant nowadays?

Having been showered with Yu Qing’s concern and attention all day yesterday, Jiang Luoyue had already built up some immunity. Though still a bit embarrassed, she replied softly, “Sister Yu, I might become the female lead in Xiang Fan’s new movie.”

“Movie lead?” Yu Qing was still distracted and didn’t take it seriously. “How normal. You’re so outstanding; any role is deserved”

Before she could finish, someone couldn’t take it anymore and reminded her, “Sister Yu? Do you want to hear what you’re saying?”

Yu Qing snapped back to reality.

Recalling Jiang Luoyue’s words after a few seconds, she exclaimed in astonishment, “Female lead? Whose female lead? Xiang Fan’s?”

“Yes.”

Seeing Yu Qing so worked up, the ripples of emotion in Jiang Luoyue’s heart quietly subsided. She felt that this was a moment to act cool, so she feigned nonchalance and said, “She mentioned signing a contract. When are you free?”

Yu Qing replied, “Right now,” and immediately hung up. Before Jiang Luoyue could process it, she received another message: 【Where’s the address?】

Jiang Luoyue: “…”

After sending the same address for the second time, Jiang Luoyue gradually calmed down.

When someone is struck by a windfall, their first instinct is to lie stunned on the ground. But once they get up, they start thinking about many things like how to enjoy the windfall, how to portion it out, and where it came from.

She didn’t believe that her relationship with Xiang Fan was good enough for Xiang Fan to directly appoint her as the female lead.

But if it wasn’t out of personal favor, why would Xiang Fan choose her? Jiang Luoyue didn’t think her acting skills were so exceptional that Xiang Fan had to have her; in fact, she had obvious shortcomings. There were surely more talented and suitable actresses in the industry.

Even before signing the contract, Jiang Luoyue felt uneasy and began worrying about all the ways she might hold the production team back.

In the past, Jiang Luoyue might have hidden her concerns, striving not to let anyone see her thoughts. But now, she was gradually opening up, starting to ask questions when she didn’t understand.

Even if this studious spirit sometimes made others feel awkward, at least Jiang Luoyue wouldn’t be left with regrets or unanswered questions.

The moment she saw Xiang Fan, the question on her lips slipped out.

Xiang Fan raised an eyebrow slightly, glancing at Jiang Luoyue, who had blocked her at the entrance. “If I don’t answer, can I not enter your home?”

Jiang Luoyue: “…”

Jiang Luoyue silently stepped aside, her voice suddenly dropping. Xiang Fan took in the blush on her face and realized she was feeling a bit embarrassed.

But Xiang Fan had no intention of avoiding the topic. She looked directly at her calmly and asked with a smile, “What?”

Jiang Luoyue raised her voice, but Xiang Fan still pretended not to hear. Finally, Jiang Luoyue realized the other was teasing her and raised her voice even higher: “What tea would you like?!”

“Oh, you can speak? You were so quiet, I thought you were learning from Yu Jingtang.” Xiang Fan curled her lips. “Water is fine, thank you.”

When the water cup landed on the coffee table with a thud, Xiang Fan was flipping through the contract. She glanced at the table, relieved to see no water had spilled. “Are you angry?”

Jiang Luoyue didn’t answer. Xiang Fan lifted her gaze and found her sitting right in front, staring intently at her.

“Hmm.” Under her gaze, Xiang Fan instead began to comment on Jiang Luoyue. “A full forehead, plump cheeks, excellent complexion, it’s a face overflowing with fortune. Miss Jiang, you’re going to have a very lucky year.”

Jiang Luoyue nearly laughed at her nonsense but forced herself to keep a straight face.

Xiang Fan continued with a few more fortune-telling remarks, all of them positive, but Jiang Luoyue still ignored her. So, she set down the contract and sighed. “Are we playing a game where you can’t speak? I’m willing, but before we start, Luoyue, you should tell me the rules.”

“Otherwise, it’s a bit unfair, don’t you think?”

Hearing her speak as if coaxing a child, Jiang Luoyue felt the frustration of punching cotton. “…”

“Are you serious?” she finally asked. “My agent hasn’t arrived yet. If you’re joking, you can leave now.”

Xiang Fan raised an eyebrow. “Even if I were joking, why would I have to leave when your agent arrives? Am I that unsightly?”

Jiang Luoyue: “That’s not what I meant.”

Why did everyone from Hate Me love twisting her words?

Jiang Luoyue had only heard that people grow more alike the longer they spend together. She’d never heard that spending time on a variety show could make guests develop the same emotions as the show’s title.

Xiang Fan’s smile faded, and after a few seconds, she said, “For this film, I originally planned to cast a newcomer.”

“Even if it wasn’t you, it would have been someone else around your age. Comparatively, you fit the role and have enough on-set experience and discipline. With such a suitable actress, why would I look for someone else?”

Xiang Fan spoke so bluntly, as if Jiang Luoyue were the best choice after careful consideration. Even though Jiang Luoyue still had doubts, she didn’t ask further.

When Yu Qing arrived, she reviewed the contract, and both parties officially signed.

Seeing Jiang Luoyue finally show a hint of a smile, Xiang Fan grinned. “Not angry anymore?”

Yu Qing, still floating on cloud nine with the contract in hand, was out of the loop. “Angry? What was Luoyue angry about? Come thank Director Xiang.”

Yu Qing had never imagined that Jiang Luoyue, just by participating in a few episodes of a variety show, would be invited by Xiang Fan to star in her new film and as the lead actress, no less.

Such a dream was something Yu Qing wouldn’t have dared to imagine just a few months ago, yet it had become reality, unfolding right before her eyes.

Beyond shock and gratitude, Yu Qing couldn’t find more words, repeatedly expressing her thanks: “You have a discerning eye, Guide. Luoyue won’t let you down.”

Perhaps it was because everyone had been too approachable during the program’s filming that Jiang Luoyue had never felt much distance from them. Only now, seeing Yu Qing so emotional, did she belatedly realize that she had indeed latched onto a powerful ally.

She tried to muster the right emotions, only to find Xiang Fan giving her a teasing smile. The words of gratitude stuck behind her lips, and Jiang Luoyue couldn’t help but chuckle wryly.

As they saw Yu Qing off, Xiang Fan continued with a serious tone: “I believe that with Luoyue joining this production, it will undoubtedly achieve even greater success than expected.”

“Absolutely! Absolutely!”

After Yu Qing had walked away, the two stood facing each other in front of the elevator. Jiang Luoyue watched as Xiang Fan pressed the floor button and asked, “Aren’t you leaving?”

Xiang Fan feigned innocence: “Are you kicking me out right after using me?”

Jiang Luoyue choked for a moment, finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a serious demeanor. She asked, “I understand experience on set, but what do you mean by discipline?”

“Following arrangements and understanding the director’s vision,” Xiang Fan explained.

Jiang Luoyue pondered for a moment, then deliberately provoked her: “Really? I thought you just didn’t get to scold me enough on the show and wanted me in your crew so you could publicly berate me to your heart’s content.”

Xiang Fan was momentarily speechless. She glanced at Jiang Luoyue, noticing the unconscious smug smile on her face. A retort rolled on the tip of her tongue, but all that came out was a soft sigh and a helpless laugh: “Do I seem that fierce in your eyes?”

But if Jiang Luoyue said so, then so be it. As long as she was happy.

–

While the two were enjoying their harmonious moment, at the Jiang residence.

Jiang Lianyan clenched her phone tightly, having just seen another post directly targeting her. She felt both annoyed and resentful.

When Jiang Lanhui made her appearance, Jiang Lianyan had already arranged for PR and hired trolls, waiting for the other party to cause a scene before immediately steering public opinion to make everyone assume Jiang Luoyue had wronged her parents.

Who would have thought that Jiang Lanhui, who had been so sharp-tongued in front of her, would turn into a useless mute before Jiang Luoyue, standing there and taking the counterattack, utterly humiliating herself.

After the live stream was cut off, public opinion immediately swung in Jiang Luoyue’s favor, with everyone criticizing her parents. Even though Jiang Lianyan promptly called off the PR campaign, some people had already noticed the trolls relentlessly targeting Jiang Luoyue, suspecting that someone was behind a plot to frame her.

A few hours earlier, Yunyue Entertainment had issued a statement announcing they had launched an investigation into the matter and would pursue accountability to the fullest.

Jiang Lianyan could use money to silence Jiang Lanhui, but the PR company was merely a business partner. When trouble struck, they would abandon her, and if questioned, they would undoubtedly sell her out.

Although Jiang Lianyan didn’t believe Yunyue could cause her any real trouble under the Jiang family’s protection, she still felt furious and resentful. Her hatred for Zhou Ruonian, who had brought Jiang Lanhui to her, grew stronger.

She must have been insane to believe that woman’s nonsense.

Remembering Zhou Ruonian’s confident demeanor and Jiang Lanhui’s exorbitant demands, Jiang Lianyan took a deep breath and abruptly stood up.

The pink dance costume clung to her waist, outlining her curves, and swayed gently as she executed a dance movement.

Staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror, Jiang Lianyan’s thoughts drifted back to a gathering several years ago. By chance, she had overheard others whispering about how little she resembled her mother, Jing Lan, and jokingly questioning their blood ties.

That incident cast a deep shadow over Jiang Lianyan’s heart. She secretly poured out her sorrows and complaints to Jiang Yu, voicing her suspicion that she might not be her mother’s biological child.

It was the first time she saw a look of stunned disbelief on Jiang Yu’s face.

And it was also the first time Jiang Lianyan learned the truth she was not her mother’s biological daughter.

She had come to the Jiang family, had become Jiang Lianyan, only because their real child had gone missing.

This revelation shattered Jiang Lianyan. She fled abroad and, using every means at her disposal, ensured that those who had gossiped about her would never again have the chance to wag their tongues in her presence.

Although her older sister repeatedly assured her that the Jiang family would only ever have two daughters, Jiang Lianyan still regarded this matter as her most sensitive wound. She harbored intense animosity toward anyone who bore even the slightest resemblance to Jing Lan, terrified that they might steal everything she now possessed.

Jiang Luoyue was exactly that kind of person.

To this day, Jiang Lianyan had not forgotten how she felt the first time she heard Jiang Luoyue’s name and saw her photograph.

Shock, silence, and bitter resentment.

It was as if, compared to her, Jiang Luoyue was more like Jing Lan’s true daughter.

In that moment, Jiang Lianyan felt overwhelmingly grateful that Jing Lan was not by her side. Yet, the mere thought of Jing Lan falling silent or sighing with emotion over their resemblance filled her with a maddening urge to make Jiang Luoyue disappear.

The dancer in the mirror continued to move, spinning with all her might. But due to her recent neglect of practice, her movements had grown stiff and awkward, as if no matter how hard she tried, she could never return to her former grace.

Then, in a moment of misstep, Jiang Lianyan fell heavily onto the carpet. Gritting her teeth, the pain jolted her back to her senses, making her realize just how much she had been obsessing over Jiang Luoyue lately.

What was Jiang Luoyue, anyway? Just a bastard.

So what if they looked alike? The Jiang family had only two daughters her sister and her. That was an unchangeable fact.

As she struggled to steady her breathing and suppress the jealousy and fear surging through her like a tide, a sudden knock came at the door.

Jiang Lianyan shot up like a startled bird. “I’m practicing!” she blurted out, only then noticing how broken her voice sounded.

Outside, Jiang Yu frowned slightly. She had never heard Jiang Lianyan speak in such an impatient tone before. In her presence, the girl had always been gentle and obedient.

“Shi Wei from the Shi family is here to see you,” Jiang Yu pushed aside her thoughts and got to the point. “Do you know her?”

Jiang Lianyan was taken aback. “Sis?”

She immediately opened the door. Jiang Yu stood there in a shirt, her brows heavy with weariness and exhaustion.

Only in Jiang Yu’s presence did Jiang Lianyan feel a sense of security. She knew that, no matter what, her sister would unconditionally support her and remain her steadfast anchor.

Like a drifting heart finally finding a harbor, Jiang Lianyan hurried forward and wrapped her arms around Jiang Yu’s waist.

Tears blurred her vision, but she held them back as she answered Jiang Yu’s question. “I don’t know Miss Shi.”

The sudden press of Jiang Lianyan’s now-developed body against hers made Jiang Yu’s brow furrow deeper. Truthfully, she was not accustomed to physical contact with anyone, Jiang Lianyan was the sole exception.

But that exception existed only because she was “Lianyan,” her sister.

But because of Jiang Luoyue, Jiang Lianyan suddenly realized that no matter whether Jiang Luoyue was her sister or not, Jiang Lianyan was not “Lianyan.”

They were not related by blood, so they shouldn’t be as intimate as family.

Jiang Lianyan buried her face in Jiang Yu’s shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of her perfume. Before she could even begin to cry, her hand was suddenly grabbed.

She froze, still dazed, when Jiang Yu pushed her away without hesitation.

Her body lost its support, the lingering warmth vanishing in an instant. She stared at Jiang Yu in bewilderment and asked, “Sister?”

“You’ve grown up. You shouldn’t be this close to me anymore. It wouldn’t look good if word got out.” After saying this, Jiang Yu avoided her gaze and turned away. “Get dressed now and go meet the guests.”

Wouldn’t look good? What wouldn’t look good? Weren’t they sisters? Who would misunderstand a hug between sisters?

Unless,

Unless in Jiang Yu’s heart, they were no longer sisters.

It felt like a bolt from the blue. Jiang Lianyan couldn’t move for a moment.

It wasn’t until a servant cautiously urged her again that she hastily threw on her coat.

The sound of footsteps echoed in her ears.

Betrayal and humiliation coiled around her heart. Just as her mind went blank, and all she wanted was to confront Jiang Yu for an explanation, she saw two people in the living room.

Jiang Yu looked sullen, a stark contrast to Shi Wei, who was dressed casually.

The woman sipped her coffee, and upon seeing Jiang Lianyan, she suddenly smiled and slowly stood up. “I have work to attend to, so I won’t disturb you any longer.”

Someone saw the guest out, while another noticed Jiang Lianyan and cautiously called her name.

That “Lianyan” seemed like a spell, instantly capturing the attention of Jiang Yu, who had been silent.

“Sis ”

Before she could finish the affectionate address, Jiang Yu abruptly questioned her, “Did you send Jiang Lanhui to cause trouble for Jiang Luoyue?”

Jiang Lianyan was stunned and instinctively denied it. “How could that be? I would never ”

The next second, a phone was slammed heavily onto the coffee table.

On the screen was surveillance footage of Jiang Lianyan discussing the matter with Jiang Lanhui. Arrogant, Jiang Lianyan hadn’t even bothered to find a private place for the conversation, wanting only to resolve it quickly.

“Destroy her. No matter what happens, the Jiang family will have your back.”

Jiang Yu repeated the words she had said at the time. Jiang Lianyan’s face instantly turned pale. She reached out to touch Jiang Yu’s hand but was shoved onto the sofa.

Listening to Jiang Lianyan’s sobbing explanation that it wasn’t intentional, what came to Jiang Yu’s mind was the DNA sample of Jiang Luoyue she had obtained that morning.

“Three days,” Jiang Yu suddenly said.

Jiang Lianyan’s voice abruptly stopped as she looked up at her.

“The DNA test results will take at least three days.”

After leaving these words, Jiang Yu walked out of the Jiang residence.

Staring at the tightly shut door, Jiang Lianyan felt as if struck by lightning. For the first time, she truly broke down in tears, but there was no longer an audience that belonged solely to her.