The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 67

Shen Zui was not one for empty sweet talk; her word was her bond. Since that day at the Shen estate, Shen Nian had rarely heard news regarding the family residence. Aside from necessary holiday greetings, she had almost forgotten that a person like Shen Bi even existed.

Of course, there was another reason for this: She was incredibly busy!

Her sophomore year of university was the true inaugural year of her career in the entertainment industry. Using that year as a starting point, Shen Nian began her brilliant journey toward stardom.

When Xi You first debuted, she starred in a film by the famous director Zhou Muqiu, earning her the title of the industry’s “Ultimate Resource Player.” When paparazzi originally leaked the rumors of their relationship, the internet was filled with voices insulting Shen Nian, claiming she wasn’t worthy of Xi You and was merely “climbing the social ladder.”

Even later, when Xi You entered the lower-tier market and began spinning her wheels in idol dramas, the audience still had a poor impression of her, believing she relied solely on her background to get ahead.

But soon, the netizens learned what a real “Resource Player” looked like.

Shen Nian’s debut work was an obscure web drama, but she relied on her sheer beauty and acting prowess to push The Chronicle of Zhuang Zhou into the top 100 “must-watch” list. Her second project was a cameo for a rookie director; though her supporting role lasted less than ten minutes, she became the most popular character in the film. Her third film was a massive leap—she starred in Director Hu Ze’s long-awaited project, Rumors and Slander.

It was from this point that the label “Resource Player” became attached to her. However, when Rumors and Slander was released and Shen Nian swept the Best Newcomer awards at every major ceremony, the detractors were instantly silenced. With a single film, she had stripped away the “Resource Player” stigma that Xi You had spent years dreaming of losing.

More than that, many film critics voiced their regret on Shen Nian’s behalf—if it weren’t for her “Newcomer” status holding her back, the Best Actress crown would surely have fallen to her this year.

During the post-ceremony interview, the newly crowned Best Actress, Yang Yao (a female Alpha), stood right beside Shen Nian. An entertainment reporter, looking for trouble, raised a microphone and asked:

“Miss Chen Yiyi, a famous film critic, publicly stated that you were the true Best Actress in her heart this year. What do you think? Do you also feel that you surpassed Yang Yao?”

Faced with countless camera lenses, Yang Yao struggled to maintain her smile. Shen Nian was only a senior in university; she hadn’t even received her diploma yet. The crowd saw her youth and waited for her to make a fool of herself.

Unexpectedly, the young star bowed gracefully and gave a perfect answer to the camera: “I’ve watched Senior Yang Yao’s Dream of the Palace several times. I love that work; she is a role model I learn from.”

She raised the Best Newcomer trophy in her hand. “Furthermore, I have already received the praise I deserve. Tonight is a very fulfilling night for me.”

Yang Yao turned to look at her, the smile on her face becoming much more sincere.

The reporter wouldn’t let go. “Missing out on the Best Actress award… don’t you find it even a little regrettable?”

“No.” Shen Nian arched an eyebrow.

Just as the reporter thought the answer was boring and prepared to dig for more, she heard the girl say leisurely: “I’ll just win it next time.”

Her tone was so nonchalant, it was as if the “next” trophy was already sitting in her hand. The scene fell silent for a moment before erupting into cheers. Even her competitor, Yang Yao, began to applaud her.

Seeing that her answers regarding professional matters were airtight, the reporters shifted gears. “Now that you’ve won an award, what’s the first thing you want to do?”

“To be honest…” Shen Nian tilted her head slightly. “I really want to hurry back.”

Reporter: “Back to do what?”

Shen Nian took a deep breath. “To share the joy of this moment with my lover.”

She spoke with restraint, but her heart had already broken through the crowd and flown away. From the moment she stepped off the stage, her mind held only one name: Shen Zui! Shen Zui! Shen Zui!

Shen Nian’s relationship had been public for a long time, but the industry had never managed to photograph her mysterious “civilian” girlfriend. Hearing her mention it proactively, everyone’s interest spiked.

“We heard before that you have plans to marry. Have you registered the marriage yet?” “Do you have any plans to reveal your partner? Everyone is dying to know what kind of person could make the great beauty Shen Nian so infatuated.” “Can you introduce her? Is she a Beta or an Omega? Who confessed first?”

Seeing the situation getting out of hand, Mo Huai quickly squeezed through. “No comment! Sorry, please do not ask questions unrelated to the film and the awards. Thank you.”

She shielded Shen Nian as they walked out. An old acquaintance among the reporters chased after them, teasing: “Your artist is dating a civilian who can’t help her career at all. Sister Mo, you must have felt regretful eight hundred times over, right?”

“Bullsh*t!!!” Mo Huai, who was planning to keep her head down, turned and barked. She yelled at the sky, “If anyone dares to say Shen Nian and her lover aren’t a match, I’ll be the first to tear their mouth off!!!”

The reporter: “???!!!”

He felt something was very wrong. In that moment of distraction, Shen Nian and Mo Huai had already climbed into the car and sped away.

“…There are no other major arrangements for now. You have two films waiting for release; I’ll notify you when it’s time to cooperate with the promotion.” Mo Huai rambled on in the car, keeping track of the time. “We return to City A tomorrow. You can focus on your graduation.”

It was mid-May, and the city night was warm. Shen Nian opened a window, letting the wind hit her face. Hearing Mo Huai’s words, she gave a soft “Mm” and smiled. “Thanks for the hard work, Sister Mo.”

“It’s nothing.” Over the past few years, Mo Huai had taken on two other newcomers besides her. She let out a long breath. “If only everyone could be like you, I don’t know how happy I’d be.”

Shen Nian had powerful backing and great resources—that was true—but she also had genuine acting skills. No matter what project she took or how much people doubted her at first, she always turned in a performance that left everyone convinced.

Mo Huai thought of the call she had received from Director Hu Ze before the ceremony. Back then, she had used all her persuasive powers just to get Shen Nian a supporting role in his film. But tonight, when he called to invite Shen Nian to be the lead in his new movie, Mo Huai had rejected him nonchalantly with the excuse that “the schedule doesn’t match.”

In just three short years, she had watched Shen Nian go from a sophomore to a graduating senior, from an unknown girl to a red-hot star.

“Why do you keep staring at me?” Shen Nian turned and glanced at her with a smile.

Mo Huai leaned in. “When we first signed the contract, I said I’d make you a ‘phenomenal’ star… I was actually bragging.”

“Haha.” Shen Nian smiled. She nodded. “I know.” A phenomenal star was not something easily achieved. Their contract was only for five years; Shen Nian hadn’t taken the claim to heart.

“But now, I truly have confidence!” Mo Huai puffed out her chest. “Shen Nian,” she looked at her artist with expectation, “Give me a chance. Let’s renew the contract and fight together for another ten years. What do you think?”

“Sister Mo, isn’t it a bit early to talk about this?” Shen Nian didn’t fall for the trap. She tapped her cheek with a finger. “We still have two years to go. No need to rush.”

Mo Huai heard the polite refusal and pouted. She wanted to lock down this “Golden Buddha” permanently, but she didn’t dare push too hard and cause resentment. Instead, she handed over a room card. “Here.”

“Hmm?” Shen Nian was confused.

“The previous hotel had sasaeng fans (stalkers) lurking.” Mo Huai avoided her eyes. “I checked you out and booked a new room. Go sleep there tonight.”

“Mm.” Shen Nian nodded, suspecting nothing, though she was a bit surprised. “This is… a Presidential Suite?”

Mo Huai nodded. She smiled. “You just won an award. The company won’t let you be mistreated.” She patted Shen Nian’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, the company is footing the bill.”

Shen Nian held the room card between two fingers and looked back with a smile. “Thanks, Sister Mo~”

“Oh, stop!” Mo Huai turned away. “I’m not your fangirl! Stop using your charms on me!”

Shen Nian laughed, gave an “Oh,” and turned back to watch the scenery.

She had finished filming a new movie two months ago and had been busy with promotions lately; she was physically and mentally exhausted. After bidding farewell to Mo Huai, she went to the top floor of the hotel alone and swiped into the Presidential Suite.

Because she smelled a rich rose fragrance upon entering, she didn’t immediately rush to remove her makeup. Instead, she followed the scent to the master bedroom.

The master bedroom had been specially decorated with flowers, balloons, ribbons, and a red banner with gold lettering that read: “Congratulations to Shen Nian for winning the Golden Film ‘Best Newcomer’ Award.”

Shen Nian leaned against the doorframe, shaking her head with a laugh. “Sister Mo and A-Qi must have done this.”

She walked inside and saw the rose petals spread on the bed in the shape of a heart. She was speechless. “…What were those two thinking? A heart to congratulate me on an award? This is so tacky!”

Just as she was about to pull out her phone to take a picture and tease Mo Huai, a seductive female voice came from behind her.

“…Is it very tacky?”

Shen Nian spun around.

The Jewel of the Shen Family was leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, looking slightly distressed. “But I followed the tutorial exactly.”

Shen Nian stared at her blankly. She hadn’t even heard what Shen Zui said.

The long-unseen Shen Zui stood before her wearing a pink nightgown. The hem blossomed like petals and was extremely short, barely covering her fair, delicate long legs. Further up, the neckline was cleverly designed—beneath the crossed V-neck was a small “window,” tightly wrapping around her full curves.

In the May weather, with the air conditioning on, Shen Nian felt as if a fire was burning inside her.

“Was the outfit a mistake too?” Shen Zui rested her hand on her hip. A flash of mischief crossed her eyes as she said on purpose, “I’ll go change.”

She turned to leave, but before she could take two steps, a whirlwind caught her. The next second, she was pulled firmly into a hug from behind.

Shen Nian’s fingers brushed against her neckline. Taking advantage of her height, she looked down, taking in the entire breathtaking view.

“Who taught you this?” Her voice was raspier than ever.

A blush rose to Shen Zui’s face. She was nearly at her limit of embarrassment, yet she remained stubborn. “…I didn’t need anyone to teach me.”

“Oh.” Shen Nian smiled. She turned the woman around by the shoulders, cupped her chin, and looked directly into her eyes. “Then it seems… my Little Aunt is naturally gifted.”

Little Aunt.

It had been nearly three years since Shen Zui had heard that title from her lips. Her already flushed face burned even hotter. She struck Shen Nian’s shoulder with her fist. “…Don’t call me that.”

“Hmm?” Shen Nian feigned confusion. She leaned in close, her breath hitting Shen Zui’s lips. “Not ‘Little Aunt’?”

She licked her own lips. “Then what should I call you?”