My Wealthy Ex-Girlfriend Knelt and Begged Me to Come Back [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 62

Ji Chen continued eating a bit of pasta, mixing the vegetable salad into it.

Even though the appearance turned somewhat unappetizing, she was used to eating this way—it made the flavor richer, with more layers.

“Oh right, I actually came to say goodbye.”

“I’ll be leaving soon, going on a business trip. A plant research institute invited me to work on a project—using computer methods to record plant growth data. They’re following up on a scientific project for plant disease prevention and control.”

…Oh. So her sister came to say goodbye. That’s why she had come all the way to her company.

Ji Jiayu used the tip of her fork to pierce the fried egg, the yolk spilling out, staining the pasta.

She raised the corner of her lips in a light laugh and sighed softly, “Sounds impressive… As expected of my sister.”

“The flight is at nine tonight,” Ji Chen added.

Ji Jiayu froze for a moment. The smile at the corners of her lips faded. She set down her utensils—the silver fork clinking sharply against the porcelain plate.

“I’ll send you off.”

Ji Chen lit up her phone screen, glanced at the time. “Finish eating first. There are still three hours…”

…

Two days later, Ji Jiayu boarded a flight with her assistant, Xiao Yao. After arriving at the hotel designated by the program crew, assistants were no longer allowed to accompany them…

The celebrities were then separately arranged to board helicopters and flown to a small island off the southern coast of China.

The variety show this time was Starry Wild Survival—a survival reality program that combined missions with outdoor wilderness survival. All participants were stars, generally those with new movies or dramas upcoming, using the variety show both for publicity and to boost popularity.

The program used both live broadcast and pre-recorded content.

The livestream began—

[Let me see, who are the guests this time?]
[Wow, this season also has Movie King Yu and Movie Queen Wei hahahaha…]
[LOL, last season Yu Laoshi and Wei Laoshi suffered so badly. Heard they’re here again this time. Hope they can carry the newcomers!]
[Go Ayang gege, fighting!!]
[No marketing flops, no weakling traffic flowers, please!! Last time some celebrity’s spoiled kid disgusted me to death!]
[?? Without traffic stars, where would the show get its hype?…]

The camera panned—fourth guest walked slowly into frame.

The girl had long hair spilling down, slightly lowered head, strands falling over her collarbone, only her delicate chin showing.

The next moment, she lifted her slender arm. Pale fingers tucked strands of jet-black hair behind her ear, slowly tying it into a high ponytail. Loose wisps fell at her temples, looking unforced, adding a lively yet natural beauty.

Her gaze was cool and ethereal. The strands brushing past her eyes gave her a messy, casual allure.

It was Ji Jiayu.

When she walked over, her figure paused slightly. She had seen someone—

Someone she didn’t want to see…

Ayang sat in the row of plastic stools. Maybe because last time on Summer Youth Trip, Movie King Yu’s rejection made him shrink back, Ayang now clung tightly beside Movie Queen Wei.

Clearly, this time he had switched targets—not clinging to Yu Hu for attention, but looking to hype a hetero CP instead.

Ji Jiayu deliberately detoured a little and sat down beside Yu Hu’s plastic stool.

She had previously worked with Yu Hu on Alas, the Moon Shines on the Ditch. That drama had brought them both popularity. Since then, they’d only met on variety shows.

But Yu Hu, having been in the industry for years, at least wasn’t troublesome—a relatively reliable senior.

Unlike Ayang. That male “green tea” had shown her an inexplicable hostility ever since debut.

They were both green tea, but his hostility toward her was just far too obvious.

Rumor said Ayang’s next step was also film, also campus genre—almost like he deliberately followed whatever she did, producing knock-offs.

Like a copycat…

Enemies bound to meet.

Clearly, the production team was deliberately mischievous, arranging for the two of them to clash in the same season.

The fifth guest stopped in front of Ji Jiayu.

“Hello, do you still remember me? I’m Wang Lulu. We met during Director Zhang’s audition for Escaping Summer.”

“Even though I didn’t get the role, you left a deep impression—you act so well, haha…”

It was indeed fate—they’d met before at the audition.

This time, Wang Lulu actively brought up Ji Jiayu’s new drama Escaping Summer—in effect, tossing her an olive branch and even helping with promotion.

Ji Jiayu lifted her face with ease, extending her hand gracefully.

Two beautiful hands clasped briefly, both slender and fair.

Ji Jiayu understood the signal, and after shaking, returned the favor by offering Wang Lulu her own chance to promote:

“Hello, I’m Ji Jiayu. I remember you, Lulu… Have you landed a new drama lately?”

“I want to transition, but I’ve been too hasty. I auditioned for a few films but failed. My agent suggested starting with web dramas first.”

Wang Lulu nodded. “Right, my new drama Scenery Along the Road will start filming next month.”

She sat down next to Ji Jiayu.

The final guest appeared.

She stopped beside Wang Lulu. “Excuse me… Could we switch seats?”

Wang Lulu looked up, confused.

The girl had her hair in double buns, long curled lashes. Despite it being a wilderness survival show, she was dressed in luxury—Fendi sun jacket, Chanel inner wear.

Clearly, a rich family’s spoiled daughter.

It was Chen Yiying.

Wang Lulu hesitated, puzzled. “Are you sure you want to switch?”

“Thank you.” Chen Yiying quickly squeezed into the spot beside Ji Jiayu. “I just wanted to sit next to Jiayu…”

Chen Yiying was probably even younger than Lin Qiaoxuan. A rich heiress, she had only entered showbiz for fun—playing the role of “capital city heiress, pampered princess.”

When Ji Jiayu first met her, she had been Qiu Miaoran’s so-called “sworn sister,” full of hostility toward Ji Jiayu, constantly picking on her.

But after co-starring in Alas, the Moon Shines on the Ditch, Chen Yiying’s attitude changed completely.

Now whenever she saw Ji Jiayu, she’d beam and call her “Teacher Jiayu” or “Jiayu~.”

It was obvious she was still very young. Though spoiled, she wasn’t malicious.

Especially when Ji Jiayu won “Best Supporting Actress”—Chen Yiying had clapped the loudest, happier than if she’d won herself (though she hadn’t even been nominated).

Chen Yiying: “…” I may be weak, but my sis is awesome~ (#^.^#)

Ji Jiayu tilted her face slightly, lips curving as she looked at the slightly spoiled girl.

“Long time no see.”

“Jiayu… Is that all? So perfunctory?” Chen Yiying huffed softly.

“What? Where am I being perfunctory?” Ji Jiayu tilted her head, feigning innocence.

Chen Yiying pouted. “Every time I see you, it’s been so long. And I heard you’re going to film another drama soon. I think you owe me a hug…”

Ji Jiayu grinned, her crimson lips revealing pearly white teeth, dimples faintly sinking at her cheeks.

She leaned over, slender arms wrapping around Chen Yiying in a hug.

The other guests all turned to watch with amusement.

Only Ayang, sitting diagonally opposite, shot a glance over. His lips tightened, a flash of jealousy flickering in his eyes.

The livestream barrage exploded with CP-fan frenzy—

[Aaaaaa soft girl hugs!!]
[OMG I’m dying, shipping so hard! Princess Yiying X Little Fish is eternal! As a drama fan, my heart is FULL!!]
[Say it louder: I’m in love!! The drama’s been a year, and people are STILL shipping them!]

But Ji Jiayu’s solo fans, “Fish Foodies,” weren’t impressed—

[Focus on Jiayu’s work please. Though Princess Yiying is cute too, haha…]

…

Haters and disguised antis jumped out—

[Ji Jiayu really cracked the traffic code, huh? Tch, so fake. Just another ‘plastic sisters forever’ hype stunt. Leeching clout again… speechless.]
[Notice no one’s paying Ayang attention? Only Movie Queen Wei bothered chatting with him. Poor guy…]

…

Meanwhile, wilderness-survival purist fans scoffed—

[Princess-whatever, Little Fish-whatever? Marketing darlings huddling together. Gross. Survival show isn’t for this fluff. I bet they’ll turn on each other by the finale. Traffic idols OUT of Starry Survival—don’t taint our sacred ground!!]

…

“Warriors, welcome to Taoyuan Island,” the host declared. “Bring your armor and your sword—let’s set off together!”

The crew handed each participant a toolbox and a first aid kit.

Clearly, only tools (swords) and first aid kits (armor) were provided—no food, no water.

Soon after, the group, led by local guides, began their climb into the mountains.

Props had already been set up. They would camp overnight in the mountains, footage later cut and uploaded to YouKuku platform.

It was time for group assignment—

Wei Ying glanced back at the group. “We’re too many to climb together. Yu Hu, why don’t us two seniors each lead a team of newbies?”

Yu Hu nodded. “Sure. Let’s discuss how to split. Or anyone with suggestions?”

“I…” Ji Jiayu hesitated. She was closer with Yu Hu, but Movie Queen Wei was her new co-star… Hard to choose.

Yu Hu simply called her out: “Xiao Yu, why don’t you come with me? We’ve worked together before. Easier to coordinate tasks.”

After all, judging by Ji Jiayu’s Summer Youth Trip performance—she could climb trees, catch fish. Among pampered idols, she was reliable and useful.

Ji Jiayu nodded. “Alright, Teacher Yu. I’ve no objections.”

Chen Yiying lowered her head, speaking softly, “I… I want to be in Jiayu’s group too. Even if I’m weak… I hope you won’t dislike me.”

Yu Hu froze. During filming before, Chen Yiying, as the third female lead, had been the most troublesome one—picking celery out of boxed meals.

Honestly, he didn’t want her in his group.

But since they knew each other, he forced a smile.

“Of course not. We’ve worked together too. Why would we dislike you?”

Yu Hu smiled kindly. 🙂

= secretly very reluctant.

The warrior squad split into two:

• • Group A: Yu Hu, Ji Jiayu, Chen Yiying

• • Group B: Wei Ying, Wang Lulu, Ayang

Each group would ascend from different entrances, meet at a designated spot, and collect water/food along the way.

If they failed, they’d just have to go hungry for the night.

The island’s mountain was half-developed, meaning no proper trails. The path was steep.

Chen Yiying followed behind Yu Hu, clearly excited—never having climbed such a mountain. Thinking of Yu Hu’s faint hesitance earlier, she felt annoyed, but encouraged herself: “I’m not as useless as they think. I actually like hiking…”

The next second, her step slipped on loose gravel. Stones tumbled down noisily.

She had just said she loved hiking, and immediately nearly fell.

Fortunately, someone caught her—

“Careful.”

Ji Jiayu’s thin arm still held her steady.

From the side, Ji Jiayu gave her a flat glance. “If you fall from halfway down, you won’t need to film anymore. Straight to a two-month rest, isn’t that better?”

Chen Yiying lowered her chin, stray hair falling, ears visibly flushed. Seemed a little shy.

Unlike Lin Qiaoxuan, who’d argue back on variety shows—Chen Yiying had no retorts, only red ears.

Yu Hu, walking in front, only now realized he had left them behind. If not for Ji Jiayu, Chen Yiying would’ve been hurt.

He paused, making a mental note to watch the group’s weakest member more carefully.

“I… thank you…” Chen Yiying murmured.

“No problem.” Ji Jiayu stepped onto the steep slope.

Chen Yiying bit her lip, troubled. “Um… how do we get down from here?”

“I can hold your hand,” Ji Jiayu offered. “Go slowly.”

Yu Hu started climbing back down. “Better let me help her. Forgot about you two just now…”

But Chen Yiying hesitated only a moment before grabbing Ji Jiayu’s hand, carefully stepping down the slope.

The barrage exploded again—

[HAHA she saved her! Jiayu has such girlfriend power!!]
[Nooo, princesses can’t end up together…]
[When two zeroes meet, there must be a one~]
[Switch roles!! Jiayu top, Yiying bottom—so perfect!!]

…

On another screen—

Qiu Miaoran’s hand trembled holding her phone. Her lashes quivered, eyes scanning the screen.

Full of “so perfect,” “shipping them,” “they’re fated.”

Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

First it was Lin Qiaoxuan. Now Chen Yiying.

These viewers were like they all had some “illness.”

Her breath caught, fury burning hotter. Fingers typing harshly, she sent a barrage:

[Not compatible. Not at all!!]

Switching apps, she opened Weibo.

In the Super Topic square, she found an edited video—

@HappyDruggedShipper: Shippers, I’m thriving! Isn’t Little Fish from an orphanage? Today I found her sponsor sister—an outstanding Qing University alumna. They’re a match made in heaven. I just brain-dumped 30k words of age-gap nurturing romance!

Scholar x Traffic Star
[Video Clip]

At an award ceremony—Ji Jiayu, in a gradient ocean-blue gown, walked with light steps. Her long legs faintly visible beneath, sequins on her hem glittering brilliantly.

At a tech summit—Ji Chen stood at the podium in a white shirt, sleeves neatly rolled, exposing slender arms. Eyes warm and calm, softened by the curve of her undereye hollows.

Two completely unrelated clips spliced together, overlaid with pink filter and Love Cycle BGM.

Comment section screaming—

[Faster! Give me more!!]
[My CP is real!!]
[Crying. Waiting for you to grow up. God-tier pairing…]

…

Qiu Miaoran’s eyes reddened with rage, chest heavy with frustration. Fingers stabbing her phone screen:

“Spreading rumors is illegal. Scram.”

After posting, she switched back to the live broadcast.

Assistant Li sat beside her, diligently taking meeting notes.

Qiu Miaoran sat in the front row, sometimes adjusting her gold-rimmed glasses, sometimes looking down at her phone, like a college student sneaking their phone during class.

When the meeting neared its end, Assistant Li’s phone rang. Stepping outside, he glimpsed her screen—

Nearly burst into laughter.

So their cold, aloof CEO wasn’t “squeezing in time to work.” She was… secretly watching idols.

On her phone—

The cast fetched water at a mountain spring. The water was clean, untouched by pollution.

Ji Jiayu crouched, taking a bamboo tube from her basket. Her pale hand dipped it into the waterfall.

Water spilled over, dampening her front.

The camera zoomed close—

Ji Jiayu’s slender white fingers curled around the bamboo, fingertips flushed pink against green.

Tilting her head back slightly, lashes trembling, red lips parted. Water streamed out, some spilling down her chin. Droplets rolled along her jawline.

They dripped onto her tank top—already damp with sweat—spreading wet patches, turning sheer, almost revealing the milky skin beneath.

…

Outside the phone screen, the meeting ended, attendees dispersing.

Qiu Miaoran coughed lightly, throat suddenly dry.

The air felt hot, stifling.

She tugged a finger inside her collar, loosening it slightly.

Assistant Li returned, having taken the call. Glancing at her screen—shocked.

She was still watching.

Not even blinking. Even as the meeting ended, she couldn’t look away.

“President Qiu…” he reminded softly. “The expo’s over.”

“Oh.” She rose calmly. “Then you may leave.”

“But just now, PR called me. They said…”

“What did they say?” she asked.

His lips twitched, stiff smile forming. “They said you forgot to switch to your alternate account before commenting.”

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