The Film Queen Is Cold and Ruthless, Only Sends Money - Chapter 35.1

The muted group members were itching to argue back and clear their names.

But seeing their 24-hour mute status, no matter how much they wanted to speak, they could only hold it in.

Right now, they all shared one thought:

Why on earth had they voluntarily handed the group admin role to Jiang Zhi? Regret so much regret!

After flaunting her victory in the group chat, Su Yun turned off her phone and got ready to head out.

That morning, for once, she had woken up before Jiang Zhi left for work, and the two had breakfast together.

After learning roughly when Jiang Zhi would finish work in the evening, Su Yun realized they hadn’t really gone out much together. She suggested, “Want to go out tonight?”

Though she hadn’t yet figured out where.

“Sure,” Jiang Zhi nodded, though she considered things more carefully. “If we’re outdoors, we might need to be a little cautious.”

They had just finished filming the variety show, and there was no guarantee they wouldn’t be recognized by passersby. If that happened, they might end up wasting time dealing with it.

“Okay!” Su Yun was thrilled to get her agreement. “I’ll go online later and see if there are any fun places nearby!”

As Jiang Zhi was leaving, Su Yun even made a point to say, “When you finish work, remember to message me. I’ll come pick you up at the company!”

Only after confirming their plans did Jiang Zhi finally leave.

While bantering with the group earlier, Su Yun had already decided on where they’d go later.

Since they were in Haicheng, a coastal city, the beach was a must. Watching the ocean at night had to be amazing!

But just as Su Yun was about to head to the garage to get the car, she heard a faint noise near the entrance.

Pausing mid-step, she turned toward the sound.

Nestled in the neatly trimmed bushes was a small black cat, its body frail and about the length of a hand, curled up in the grass.

Even after hearing Su Yun’s footsteps, the kitten didn’t move only its slightly muddy tail gave a weak flick as it let out a soft, barely audible “meow.”

Upon closer inspection, Su Yun noticed the kitten’s left hind leg was stiff, likely injured. No wonder it hadn’t run away when it saw her.

–

After wrapping up work for the day, Jiang Zhi and Wen Yun fell into their usual rhythm. Wen Yun habitually asked, “Heading back now?”

In the past, even after finishing her tasks, Jiang Zhi wouldn’t rush to leave. She’d stay at the office for a few more hours, reading scripts or books.

But ever since the variety show ended, Jiang Zhi had been leaving right on time every day.

The first time Wen Yun saw Jiang Zhi clock out at 5 p.m., she had even asked if there was unfinished business.

Jiang Zhi had simply replied, “No work. Just normal hours. Going home for dinner.”

After Jiang Zhi left, Wen Yun had stood there, processing the words for a long moment before it clicked.

It shouldn’t have been “going home for dinner” it should’ve been “going home to have dinner with Su Yun.”

So today, when she saw Jiang Zhi getting ready to leave, Wen Yun wasn’t surprised. After all, those two had their own plans, and she wasn’t invited.

Jiang Zhi answered calmly, “Not going back yet. Su Yun’s coming to pick me up later. We’re going out.”

Wen Yun’s brows lifted slightly before she smiled. “No wonder you’ve been in such a good mood today. So that’s why.”

She had previously encouraged Jiang Zhi to go out more, but the latter always brushed her off with vague excuses. It really does take the right person to make a difference!

Jiang Zhi neither agreed nor disagreed, lowering her head to pick up her phone, only to see Su Yun’s message in the group chat where she had been @-ed.

She still remembered how awkward Su Yun had looked when she saw the trending topic stammering and wearing an expression of grim determination. It had been quite amusing.

But in public, she would definitely stand by Su Yun’s side.

The method was simple and crude, but effective. The only thing was, she hadn’t realized at all that, as the group admin, she was bending the rules for personal gain.

After muting everyone in the group, seeing the cat emoji Su Yun sent her, she could practically picture the other woman’s delighted and smug expression.

Wen Yun, sitting beside her, noticed the smile playing at the corners of Jiang Zhi’s lips and clicked her tongue in amazement before shaking her head and returning to her own work.

With the group chat matter settled, Jiang Zhi also saw Su Yun’s private message.

[Su Yun: I’m about to head out now. See you soon!]

Jiang Zhi wanted to reply, telling Su Yun to be careful on the way.

But before she could send it, she saw the “typing” notification appear.

[Su Yun: Might need you to wait a bit. I still need some time!]

[Jiang Zhi: Did something happen? I’m in no hurry. Take your time.]

[Su Yun: Nothing’s wrong with me! Don’t worry.]

[Su Yun: It’s just that on the way here, I ran into a certain “Black Cat Detective.”]

On the other end, Su Yun stared at the little black cat in front of her, its round eyes fixed on her nervously.

A black cat. Very tense.

Couldn’t that count as a “Black Cat Detective”?

[Jiang Zhi: …?]

–

Su Yun snapped a photo of the “Black Cat Detective” and sent it to Jiang Zhi.

[Su Yun: It’s hurt. I found it by the roadside.]

Honestly, it was lucky she’d spotted it while it was still daylight.

If it had been nighttime, she might have spent the whole evening rummaging through the bushes without ever finding the little cat.

Seeing the photo, Jiang Zhi understood Su Yun’s meaning.

[Jiang Zhi: I remember there’s a pet clinic near home. Take it there now, and I’ll meet you.]

Su Yun checked her navigation and indeed found a pet clinic nearby.

[Su Yun: Okay, let’s meet at the clinic then.]

The plan had been disrupted. Su Yun had originally intended for Jiang Zhi to go home first while she took the cat to the clinic alone. She hadn’t expected Jiang Zhi to choose to meet her there instead.

After updating Jiang Zhi, Su Yun turned to the little cat still hiding in the bushes. “I’ll take you to the hospital, okay? Be good.”

She gently picked up the kitten, careful to avoid its injured area.

Surprisingly, the kitten didn’t struggle at all. It merely let out a soft meow and nuzzled against Su Yun’s arms.

–

By the time they reached the pet clinic, Su Yun handed the kitten over to the vet and sat down to wait for the examination results.

Twenty minutes later, Jiang Zhi arrived as well.

Since it was a villa district, residents valued their privacy, and the nearby pet clinic was no exception. Thus, they only wore simple face masks, unconcerned about being recognized.

Spotting the figure at the entrance, Su Yun waved. “Over here!”

Hearing her, Jiang Zhi walked over and saw the little cat beside her.

Admittedly, Su Yun’s initial description had been spot-on, the kitten was entirely black, and when curled up, it looked like a round little lump of coal.

She asked softly, “How’s the kitten doing?”

The doctor had just finished the examination and explained, “Its leg might have hit something hard like a tree stump, but it’s not too serious, no fractures or severe injuries. Just let it rest properly.”

“I also did a quick check on other aspects. Although it’s a stray, it’s quite healthy. If you’re planning to adopt it, you can come back for a more detailed checkup later.”

After clarifying the situation, the doctor moved on to attend to the next patient, a Samoyed suspected of heatstroke, leaving Su Yun, Jiang Zhi, and the kitten behind.

When Su Yun picked up the little coal ball, the kitten tilted its head and looked at Jiang Zhi, whom it seemed to trust implicitly. A moment later, it gently pawed at Jiang Zhi with a soft meow, its clear, beautiful eyes full of affection, as if coaxing her.

Su Yun: “???”

She tapped the kitten’s forehead with her finger and asked in confusion, “I was the one who brought you here just now. Why aren’t you sweet-talking me?”

How could this little furball already know how to charm Jiang Zhi upon their first meeting? Such a tiny creature, yet more perceptive than her!

Jiang Zhi chuckled softly beside her, giving the kitten’s paw a gentle squeeze before asking Su Yun, “Do you want to adopt it?”

Su Yun huffed and turned to the kitten. “See? I’m the one who decides your fate. You’re buttering up the wrong person!”

The kitten meowed again, rubbing its round little head against Su Yun’s palm as if pretending nothing had happened earlier.

The two of them burst into laughter at the kitten’s fickle behavior.

Su Yun looked at Jiang Zhi with bright eyes and asked, “I want to adopt it. Would you mind?”

She had long dreamed of having her own cat, but back when she was struggling as an overworked employee, she could barely take care of herself, let alone a pet. Now that the opportunity had arisen, she didn’t want to miss it.

Though she had just boasted in front of the kitten that she was the decision-maker, Jiang Zhi would also be living at home, so she had to consider her opinion.

Jiang Zhi smiled lightly. “I don’t mind, but we should ask Aunt Liu first. If she’s fine with it, we can take it home.”

Since both of them would be busy with work, the kitten would mostly be left at home under Aunt Liu’s care.

Su Yun nodded. “Then I’ll ask Aunt Liu!”

She sent Aunt Liu a message, attaching a cute photo of the little coal ball in hopes of increasing the chances of approval.

Within minutes, Aunt Liu replied, telling them to bring the kitten home without worry and promising to raise it into a plump, healthy cat.

Su Yun was quite pleased with the idea of the kitten getting chubby. She had seen many people Aunt Liu’s age who doted excessively on pets, after some time, a tiny kitten could easily turn into a little pig.

Su Yun remarked, “But making it ‘white’ might be a bit difficult.”

That was one thing the little coal ball couldn’t change.

The oblivious kitten, unaware of Su Yun’s meaning, simply turned its fluffy head and continued cozying up to Jiang Zhi.

Before the clinic closed, they took the kitten for a thorough checkup, bought some essential supplies, and finally left the pet hospital.

Once in the car, Su Yun glanced at the kitten nestled between them and asked Jiang Zhi, “We haven’t given it a name yet, have we?”

Jiang Zhi had no objections. “As long as it’s not ‘Black Cat Detective,’ anything’s fine.”

Otherwise, she might suspect that if people heard her constantly shouting “Black Cat Sheriff” at home, they’d wonder if she was planning to switch from the film industry to animation.

“Black Cat Sheriff is still quite cute, but its physique is too weak right now, it needs more exercise,” Su Yun mused as she examined the cat in front of her, feeling that entrusting it with such a responsibility was a stretch.

While she was seriously thinking of a name, Jiang Zhi didn’t interrupt, simply watching the cat curiously inspecting the car and imagining certain moments of Su Yun in its demeanor.

They were somewhat alike.

After fully tapping into her knowledge base and pondering for a few minutes, Su Yun spoke up, “I know what to name it!”

Jiang Zhi looked up. “What name?”

“Xiao Bai,” Su Yun declared firmly, clearly extremely confident in her choice.

The cat was nearby, lightly batting at a newly bought pom-pom toy. Upon hearing “Xiao Bai,” it let out a “meow” before continuing its tussle with the toy.

Jiang Zhi felt she had to ask on the cat’s behalf, “Why Xiao Bai? Based on its color, shouldn’t it be Xiao Hei?”

Though she had to admit, both Xiao Bai and Xiao Hei sounded equally half-hearted.

Su Yun blinked. “There’s an old saying: ‘You are what you eat.’ Names follow the same logic. What it lacks most is whiteness, so why not call it Xiao Bai?”

After explaining, she scratched the cat’s chin and called out its new name, “Xiao Bai? Do you like it?”

“Meow.”

“See? It says it likes it,” Su Yun said with a laugh as she tore open a cat treat for it.

Jiang Zhi: “…”

It wasn’t like the cat could say it didn’t like it.

She glanced at the two getting along so happily, then down at the cat that had been bribed into accepting its name with a single treat. “Fine, Xiao Bai it is.”

At least it was more fitting than shouting “Black Cat Sheriff.”

–

After bringing the kitten home, Su Yun’s daily routine shifted from eating and sleeping to eating, sleeping, and petting the cat.

Of course, within just a few days, the once-reserved, docile cat that had lain still for pets had transformed into a full-fledged feline overlord.

Su Yun would barely get in a couple of strokes before the cat would dart over to Jiang Zhi, who had just returned from work, and “meow” its grievances at her.

But Su Yun wasn’t worried at all. After the incident in the group chat, she now trusted Jiang Zhi completely!

This carefree life, however, came to an abrupt halt when she received the reminder for the second round of filming for the show.

The night before filming began, in the [Share the Joy, Flee the Trouble] group chat:

After Jiang Zhi’s previous muting spree, everyone in the group had learned to watch their words. As for Su Yun’s trending scandal? What was that? They knew nothing!

[Lin Yan: You all got the notice from the production team, right? I wonder if it’s too late to apply to drop out now.]

[Zhao Zhao: Since Director Lin wants to quit, I’ll quit too.]

[Su Xue: Since Zhao Zhao wants to quit, I’ll quit too.]

[Su Yun: Since Xuexue wants to quit, I’ll quit too.]

[…]

Though they were spamming, every word was absolutely sincere.

Just thinking about the challenges of the last episode was already making them dread the next one!

[Liu Yangran: I wonder how the director feels reading our messages?]

[Su Yun: Probably thinking about replacing us?]

In a way, this production team whether between the director and the guests or among the guests themselves was entirely built on superficial pleasantries.

【Ye Ying: You hit the nail on the head.】

But no matter how much they wanted to refuse, the next day would still arrive.

–

【”Dear Them” Production Team: At 9 AM this morning, the second episode of the live broadcast will begin on time. Everyone is welcome to click the link below to join the guests in experiencing a different kind of travel and scenery~】

After the official announcement from the production team, it instantly trended on social media.

【Ahhhhhhh! Episode two, you’re finally here! Do you know how long I’ve waited?!】

【I’ve rewatched the edited version so many times it’s practically worn out, I can almost recite everyone’s classic lines by heart!】

【+1 +1, these past two weeks I couldn’t even find another show to watch while eating!】

【Is it 9 AM yet? Production team, hurry up and open the livestream!】

“Dear Them” had already become the hottest variety show during the first episode’s live broadcast.

The edited version condensed seven days of content into two episodes while carefully managing the runtime.

Thus, only the most iconic moments of each guest were included, ensuring that every second of the video would make viewers laugh.

After the edited version was released, the popularity of “Dear Them” continued to soar, attracting an ever-growing audience.

When the production team posted the link for the second episode’s livestream, the number of viewers flooding in doubled compared to the first episode, causing the livestream to lag for five minutes before stabilizing.

The moment it stabilized, the familiar faces of the guests reappeared on screen.

【Seeing them feels like reuniting with old friends, who else gets this feeling?!】

【I do! A more accurate description would be, it’s like seeing your mischievous besties, LOL!!】

【Just seeing them standing together makes me want to laugh, I can’t help it!】

【Where are they this time? The scenery looks so different from He Rong County!】

The production team had arranged four cars, each transporting a pair of guests to the designated locations.

The first to step out were Su Xue and Jing Zhaozhao.

The moment they exited the car, they were hit by the scorching sun overhead and a wave of blistering heat.

“It’s so hot today!” Su Xue exclaimed, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the sunlight. Just then, she spotted Lin Yan and Xu Zhi stepping out of the next car, pulling their luggage behind them.

“We’re over here!” She waved at them and called out loudly, “Long time no see, did you miss me?!”

Hearing her, Lin Yan smiled and replied, “If we hadn’t met on the show, I probably would’ve missed you a lot.”

Her meaning was unmistakable, everyone could read between the lines.

【HAHAHAHAHA! They haven’t even started the tasks yet, and the roasting has already begun. Same old, same old!】

【Lin Yan: I’d miss you all anywhere except on this show!】

【Su Xue: So there’s zero affection between us, huh?!】

Su Xue: “Director Lin, are you working on a realism-themed project lately?”

Otherwise, how could she see through things so clearly?

Next, Liu Yangran and Ye Ying arrived and greeted them, fulfilling Su Xue’s small wish.

The last car carried Su Yun and Jiang Zhi.

As Liu Yangran watched the car slowly approach and stop, she remarked, “Let’s hope these two don’t make us endure too much PDA.”

Although it was clearly a couples’ gathering, Su Yun and Jiang Zhi had a knack for making everyone else feel like they were being fed dog food.

Su Xue nodded in agreement, recalling the day she got muted in the group chat.

But then it occurred to her, “Now that we’ve started filming the show, we won’t get muted anymore, right?”

Liu Yangran: “…You’re right.”

Lin Yan: “Looking at it this way, coming here to film the show finally has some perks!”

[Curious, what did Su Yun and Jiang Zhi do to make everyone feel like they were being fed dog food?]

[And they mentioned getting muted? Was it during their private chats?]

[Don’t just say half of it! I want the tea spill the details!]

[Spill the details +1, tell me, I’ll do anything!]

When Su Yun got out of the car, the sunlight was so intense that she immediately pulled her foot back inside.

They were the last group to arrive, and all eyes were on them.

Lin Yan squinted and turned to the others skeptically, “Did you guys see that just now? The car door opened, her foot touched the ground, but then she went back inside?”

Ye Ying: “Are they really about to quit the show?”

“Should we consider it too?” Su Xue glanced back at the roadside. “Our cars haven’t left yet perfect timing for a ride back.”

Wasn’t this exactly what they had discussed in the group chat yesterday? Who knew Su Yun and Jiang Zhi would actually go through with it today talk about being decisive!

Their discussion grew so lively that they completely ignored the director standing nearby, even planning out their post-show hotpot feast in detail.

Lin Yan: “Any dietary restrictions? So far, we’ve got crayfish, crispy tripe, beef slices.”

Jing Zhaozhao didn’t have any major objections, only adding, “Just make sure to get a split pot.”

The director sitting nearby: “…”

This was supposed to be a top-rated show, why did it feel like it was on the verge of collapsing before filming even properly began?

[Hahahahaha! You’re really discussing this on the show?!]

[I mean, you’re making me hungry, why does everything you do turn into a mukbang?!]

[A hot day is perfect for hotpot in an air-conditioned room. Lunch is officially decided!]

[Director: Does anyone care about me? No, you only care about your hotpot.]

By the time Su Yun and Jiang Zhi walked over, the group was deep in debate about what else to add to the hotpot.

“Get me some fatty beef rolls,” Su Yun blurted out, naming her favorite dish, before realizing, “Wait, is hotpot really our lunch today?”

Sure, the catering was good, but was it really necessary to start ordering before all the guests had even arrived?

Hearing her voice, everyone turned around.

Su Yun was puzzled. “Why do you all look so surprised?”

“We saw you two get out of the car and then go back in, we thought you were quitting the show,” Su Xue explained. “So, we were about to leave too and grab a meal together.”

Lin Yan was also curious. “So, you weren’t actually planning to leave?”

Jiang Zhi: “The sunlight was too harsh when we got out, so we went back to grab hats.”

Sure enough, both she and Su Yun were now wearing hats, shielding their eyes from the blinding sun.

Who would have thought that such a simple action could be interpreted by them in such an absurd yet oddly reasonable way.

After listening for a while, the director finally felt relieved.

But just as he was halfway to relaxing, Su Yun spoke up again: “If we’re going to leave, we’ll definitely let you know, so don’t worry!”

They were eager to continue chatting, but the director suddenly spoke up, interrupting Su Yun’s momentum after all, the show still had to go on.

[Hahahahaha!! If Su Yun keeps talking, will this episode just end right here?!]

[Su Yun: I wasn’t planning to quit the show earlier, but since you brought it up, I might as well!]

[The guests are clearly way more relaxed now compared to the start of the first episode! Is this the growth the production team has brought them? Hahaha!!]

Director: “Welcome, everyone, to Jingguang City for the start of our second episode.

But before we begin, I’d like to ask, what were your thoughts and experiences from the first episode? Anything you’d like to share?”

Su Xue was the first to raise her hand, looking eager to answer. “Let me start. Even though the production team seemed a bit low-budget, the scenery in Herong County was beautiful, and the local farmhouse dishes were delicious!”

Her evaluation was fair, and everyone nodded in agreement especially at the first part, which perfectly captured their struggles.

“Xue’er said exactly what I was thinking,” Lin Yan added. “But when I watched the edited version, I noticed the show also did a great job introducing the traditional art of paper-cutting. Big props to the production team for that!”

Her emphasis was on the latter part, highlighting the show’s dedication to traditional culture.

However, Su Yun latched onto something else and asked curiously, “Director Lin, you actually watch the edited version at home?”

Even if she stumbled upon clips of herself, she’d swipe away immediately, let alone deliberately watching the full edited episode.

Her question made the others turn to Lin Yan as well.

Liu Yangran also chimed in, “I haven’t watched the edited version either.”

Lin Yan had watched both episodes in full. After all, experiencing the tasks firsthand was completely different from seeing them from an omniscient perspective.

Even though they had exchanged information after completing their missions, it still wasn’t as clear as watching the footage directly. “If you haven’t seen it yet, you should check it out after this episode wraps up.”

After Lin Yan finished speaking, Su Xue asked curiously, “Was there anything that left a deep impression on you?”

Lin Yan thought for a moment before answering, “The most memorable part was probably when we were doing the check-in photo challenge.”

The show’s editing was clever and skillful not only did it neatly arrange each group’s journey chronologically, but the contrast was also striking.

Three groups walking on foot, while Su Yun and Jiang Zhi leisurely rode their electric scooters, how could that not leave an impression?

Liu Yangran: “Xue’er, let’s not ask any more questions.”

The painful memories were coming back!

[That part left the deepest impression on me too! Even though they were in the same frame, it felt like they had completely different background music!]

[Gotta admit, Director Lin has strong mental fortitude she actually watched the whole episode!]

[To the comment above, maybe Director Lin was studying each group’s strengths from the edited version to prepare for a stunning performance this episode!]

[Except for Su Yun and Jiang Zhi, every group has said they’d ‘stun everyone,’ but the results, let’s not even go there!]

But mentioning the edited version suddenly reminded Lin Yan of something she had forgotten. “Yangran, Ye Ying, there’s one more thing you might find interesting.”