The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 55

Life went on as usual, working during the day, then cuddling up together in the evenings playing games and watching TV.

Ye Qinglan took on several endorsements, boosting her public visibility.

For J.S’s new product campaign, everyone expected Ning Yunshu to choose Ye Qinglan, but she surprised them by selecting another artist from Bai Qian’s company instead.

Netizens were baffled.

Some thought Ning Yunshu was doing Bai Qian’s company a favor, especially since Bai Qian had withdrawn from the variety show. Regardless of the reason, the main goal was to avoid making too many enemies in the industry, which was small enough that burning bridges over minor issues wasn’t worth it.

Others argued that if there was any compensation to be made, it should have gone to Bai Qian herself. Choosing someone else seemed like a deliberate snub.

But many disagreed. Bai Qian was just one artist as long as her company wasn’t alienated, it didn’t matter. The industry was full of rising stars, and who got promoted depended entirely on the decision-makers behind the scenes.

Sacrificing Bai Qian for the company’s benefit wasn’t an unacceptable trade-off for her agency.

The debate raged on among netizens.

Then came the bombshell revelations that left everyone stunned.

First, paparazzi exposed Bai Qian’s scandalous private life, she had been involved with a married man, none other than her own boss, Wei An, the chairman of Hanguang Media Group.

The news sent shockwaves through the internet.

Netizen A: “So this is the ‘pure and innocent Princess Qian’ you all praised? Disgusting.”
Netizen B: “Knowing he was married and still getting involved? She deserves the worst!”
Netizen C: “Everyone knows Wei An rode his wife’s coattails all his shares are hers. If she finds out, both of them are done for.”
Netizen D: “With this much noise, how could she not know? No wonder J.S didn’t pick Bai Qian it would’ve tanked their reputation.”

That afternoon, Hanguang Media Group issued a public statement announcing Wei An’s resignation as chairman during a board meeting. His wife, the original majority shareholder, took over.

Shortly after, she declared she would divorce Wei An, retaining custody of their children while he walked away with nothing.

The public celebrated.

Bai Qian faced a total online blacklist, and Wei An lost everything exactly the outcome netizens had hoped for.

As a result, Hanguang Media’s stock not only stabilized but even saw a significant rise.

At an upscale club, two women raised their glasses in celebration.

“Congratulations, President Li, on breaking free,” Ning Yunshu said with a light smile, swirling her champagne flute.

“I owe you my thanks, President Ning. Without your help, dealing with that old fool Wei An wouldn’t have been so effortless.” Li Wenqiu, impeccably maintained despite being in her forties, showed no trace of age. Her smiling eyes held a lazy yet dangerous glint.

Ning Yunshu chuckled. “Glad to be of service. Business is about mutual benefit, after all.”

Li Wenqiu’s lips curved. “Indeed. I look forward to your guidance in the future.”

“Guidance? You’re the seasoned expert in this field, I should be learning from you,” Ning Yunshu replied with a laugh.

They shared a knowing smile, leaving the rest unspoken.

That evening, Ning Yunshu returned home humming a tune, clearly in high spirits.

Ye Qinglan turned her head slightly and asked, “You seem to be in a particularly good mood today. Did you land a big client?”

“Mm, you could say I’ve gained a new business partner,” Ning Yunshu admitted readily.

“President Li from Hanguang Media Group?” Ye Qinglan raised an eyebrow.

“As expected, nothing escapes my sister’s notice,” Ning Yunshu giggled, leaning in closer.

“How did I do? Doesn’t my sister have any praise for me?” Ning Yunshu stared at her expectantly.

She looked just like a big dog wagging its invisible tail, waiting for its owner’s approval.

“Good job, good job,” Ye Qinglan chuckled, ruffling her hair.

“Is that all?” Ning Yunshu gazed at her with puppy-dog eyes.

Ye Qinglan couldn’t help but laugh before finally giving in and planting a kiss on Ning Yunshu’s cheek.

Only then did Ning Yunshu hum happily and skip off to the bathroom.

Watching her antics, Ye Qinglan shook her head in amusement.

After dinner, Ye Qinglan mentioned, “Tomorrow is Xiao Wenjin’s birthday. She invited us both.”

Ning Yunshu blinked in surprise. “President Xiao’s birthday? I should go pick out a gift for her tomorrow.”

Ye Qinglan nodded. “Sure, we can look together later.”

Ning Yunshu curved her lips, then pouted slightly. “Sister, are you and President Xiao very close?”

Hearing the jealousy in her voice, Ye Qinglan decided to tease her. “Yes, we met in a university club. Actually, you could say she was my mentor of sorts.”

Ning Yunshu’s lips pursed. “Oh. I’m so jealous she got to go to university with you and be in the same club.”

Ye Qinglan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Ning Yunshu, did our dinner tonight have vinegar in it?”

Ning Yunshu met her gaze. “But I really am jealous.”

Ye Qinglan reached out and gently pinched her cheek. “Alright, alright. She and I are just friends, nothing more.”

Ning Yunshu finally let out a small, satisfied hum.

“Little jealous one,” Ye Qinglan teased.

“You’re mine. No one else can take you away,” Ning Yunshu declared seriously.

“No one could take me even if they tried,” Ye Qinglan replied with a laugh.

Ning Yunshu smirked triumphantly.

“Exactly.”

Ye Qinglan couldn’t help but chuckle again.

The next day, Ning Yunshu took Ye Qinglan to a boutique to pick out a new jewelry set before the two drove to Xiao Wenjin’s home.

The house was already lively with many guests when they arrived. Spotting them, Xiao Wenjin came forward to greet them.

“Qinglan, President Ning, you made it.”

“Happy birthday, little koi,” Ye Qinglan said with a smile.

“Why are you calling me that too?” Xiao Wenjin sighed in exasperation.

Ning Yunshu grinned. “Happy birthday, President Xiao.”

“Thank you, President Ning,” Xiao Wenjin replied politely.

“Come inside. My mom’s been asking about you,” Xiao Wenjin said, ushering them in.

“Oh! Qinglan’s here!”

Sure enough, Xiao’s mother hurried over as soon as they entered.

“Auntie, hello,” Ye Qinglan greeted warmly.

“Hello, hello! It’s been so long you’ve grown even more beautiful,” Xiao’s mother said, her eyes tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Finally, she turned to Ning Yunshu. “And this must be the renowned President Ning?”

“Madam Xiao, it’s a pleasure,” Ning Yunshu nodded courteously.

“Oh dear, no need to call me ‘Madam.’ Just call me Auntie Xiao like Qinglan does. Since you’re her closest friend, you can address me the same way,” Mrs. Xiao said with a smile.

“Of course, Auntie Xiao,” Ning Yunshu replied smoothly.

“Alright, come in and have a seat. Everyone here today is familiar, so Qinglan, you can introduce President Ning to them yourself,” Mrs. Xiao added cheerfully.

“Sure,” Ye Qinglan responded with a smile.

“Then I’ll go ahead and greet the other guests. Enjoy yourselves for now,” Xiao Wenjin said with a grin.

“Go on, go on,” Ye Qinglan waved her off.

She then led Ning Yunshu toward the group indeed, they were all familiar faces. Aside from Ke Ying, there were a few of Ye Qinglan and Xiao Wenjin’s university clubmates, as well as some of Xiao Wenjin’s work friends.

Ye Qinglan introduced Ning Yunshu to each of them, and after exchanging greetings, everyone settled in to chat.

Mr. Xiao soon came downstairs after finishing his class and greeted the guests, who all responded warmly. Once most of the guests had arrived, Xiao Wenjin, the guest of honor, finally took her seat.

Laughter and conversation filled the air, and soon, a towering three-tiered cake was wheeled out.

After singing the birthday song and letting Xiao Wenjin make a wish, they began cutting the cake.

“So, what did our little lucky charm wish for this time?” one of Xiao Wenjin’s friends teased.

Xiao Wenjin smirked. “If I told you, it wouldn’t come true, would it?”

“Since when has our little lucky charm ever had a wish not come true? People online practically worship your portrait like the God of Wealth,” someone else joked.

Xiao Wenjin’s lips twitched, and she glanced sideways at Ye Qinglan. “All thanks to a certain someone.”

Ye Qinglan, who had been enjoying her cake, looked up innocently. “Hmm? What does that have to do with me? Everyone here knows you’re just naturally lucky.”

A bit of cream lingered at the corner of her lips, and Ning Yunshu considerately handed her a napkin. Ye Qinglan took it without hesitation and wiped her mouth.

Their movements were so natural and intimate that Xiao Wenjin couldn’t help but notice, her gaze darkening briefly before she quickly regained her usual playful demeanor.

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have become a modern-day deity.”

“Then shouldn’t you be thanking me?” Ye Qinglan retorted bluntly.

Ning Yunshu rolled her eyes. “Oh, I’m so grateful to you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Xiao Wenjin: “Shameless.”

The group burst into laughter.

After finishing the cake, everyone prepared to head to the pool in the backyard. Since Ye Qinglan and Ning Yunshu hadn’t brought swimsuits, they stayed by the shore, sipping drinks and chatting.

The more Mrs. Xiao observed Ye Qinglan, the more regretful she felt. She couldn’t help but sigh to her husband, “What a shame. I always thought it’d be wonderful if Qinglan and Wenjin ended up together. Who would’ve guessed.”

Mr. Xiao remained unperturbed. “It’s not a big deal. It just means the two of them weren’t fated.”

“Wenjin’s life has been smooth sailing so far. A little setback in love isn’t the end of the world and it’s not even a real problem. Honestly, she’s handling it better than you are,” he added.

Mrs. Xiao grumbled, “If only she’d tried harder back then, maybe things would’ve worked out.”

“Impossible. Just look at the way Qinglan and President Ning look at each other. Wenjin never stood a chance,” Mr. Xiao shook his head.

Mother Xiao took one look and could immediately tell, when their eyes met, the intense love radiating between them was unmistakable.

Like threads intertwining, tightly entwined.

Finally, Mother Xiao sighed deeply. “Fine, perhaps I’ve overthought it. I just hope Wenjin will find someone she loves, who loves her in return.”

Father Xiao was more optimistic.

“Don’t worry, our little koi’s fortune is the best in our family.”

“She’ll definitely find it.”

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