The Supporting Female Lead Chooses to Mark the Villain [Rebirth] - Chapter 77

A few days later.

Duan Wenyin had prepared the film contract, and Shen Nian headed to the company for the final signing. In Mo Huai’s office, she met her benefactor from her previous life once again.

“Director Duan.”

“Shen Nian!” Duan Wenyin was delighted to see her. She stood up immediately and waved her over.

Before Shen Nian could even speak, Duan Wenyin blurted out, “I read the email you sent me very carefully!”

During her recent free time, after much deliberation, Shen Nian had organized her thoughts on the script and sent them to the director. In the email, she used a tactful tone to point out two highly controversial plot points from her past life, hoping Duan Wenyin would take them seriously.

“The screenwriter for this film is a Chinese-American female writer; the story is adapted from her childhood experiences,” Duan Wenyin explained. “She immigrated with her family at a young age and is heavily influenced by Western culture.”

“I see,” Shen Nian nodded.

“I spoke with her, and we both feel that the points you raised make perfect sense.” Gratitude flickered in Duan Wenyin’s eyes. “Thank goodness you reminded us in advance; otherwise, I don’t know what kind of public backlash we would have faced later.”

Shen Nian didn’t take all the credit. “It’s natural to be unfamiliar with certain local nuances after being abroad for so long. I only offered a small reminder.” She curled her lips into a smile. “I’m honored that you accepted my suggestions.”

Duan Wenyin gripped her arm excitedly. Before she could speak, Mo Huai walked in. “What are you two chatting about so happily?”

Noticing the intrusion, Duan Wenyin realized she was acting a bit too familiar and slowly let go of Shen Nian’s arm. “Just discussing the script.”

“You two…” Mo Huai glanced at them teasingly, “have gotten quite close lately, haven’t you?”

Duan Wenyin gave a polite smile, while Shen Nian looked at her agent with a puzzled expression. “Where were you?”

For a contract signing as important as this, Mo Huai would normally be hovering. Yet when Shen Nian arrived, Duan Wenyin had been alone in the office. Leaving a major client unattended wasn’t like Mo Huai at all.

Mo Huai’s face instantly dropped. She slumped into her office chair. “Where else? Dealing with your mess.”

“Hmm?” Shen Nian was confused.

“A-Qi said there’s a man wandering around the company lately, acting very suspicious.” Mo Huai glanced at Duan Wenyin; figuring this wasn’t a secret, she spoke freely. “We checked the surveillance today, and that man is definitely trouble.”

Duan Wenyin asked worriedly, “What is he trying to do?”

“A-Qi recognized him later. He’s one of Shen Nian’s sasaeng fans. We actually had him arrested once before.” Mo Huai’s frown deepened. “That guy has some nerve—getting caught once wasn’t enough to make him behave!”

Shen Nian’s brow furrowed. She seemed to have a faint memory. “Is it that male Alpha she mentioned before?”

Mo Huai nodded. “Yes.”

“Did you call the police?”

“Yes!” Mo Huai slammed the desk. “We called them the moment we saw him on the monitors, but by the time the police arrived, he had vanished again.” She wiped her forehead and sighed. “I was just downstairs talking to the officers; that’s why I’m late.”

She turned to Duan Wenyin. “Director Duan, I’m sorry for the wait.”

“It’s fine,” Duan Wenyin waved it off. She looked at Shen Nian. “These people are getting more and more ridiculous, following you all the way to your company. You mustn’t let him off easily.”

Mo Huai nodded in agreement. “Since he wasn’t caught this time, be careful when you go out. Do you want me to assign you some bodyguards?”

Shen Nian shook her head. “No need.”

Duan Wenyin advised, “It’s better to be safe. You never know what people like that are capable of.”

“I’m joining the film set next month.” Shen Nian wasn’t being careless; she truly felt secure in her routine. “Security at the apartment is very strict. They won’t find an opportunity.” She pointed to the paperwork. “Let’s not talk about that. Let’s look at the contract.”

An hour later, the signing was complete.

Mo Huai invited Duan Wenyin to dinner at a new private kitchen nearby, but Duan Wenyin’s first reaction was to look at Shen Nian. “Is Shen Nian going?”

Shen Nian shook her head, offering a perfect excuse: “I’ll be busy on set soon, so I want to spend as much time as possible at home with my girlfriend.”

“Ah…” Hearing this, Duan Wenyin also declined. “Then I won’t go either. Sister Mo, don’t go to any trouble.”

In the elevator, Duan Wenyin hesitated before asking, “Actually… I originally wanted to invite you to help us revise the script. Since the writer and I lack local experience, I’m afraid the new version might still have issues.”

Shen Nian agreed readily. “If you need me, I can do it.”

“Really?” Duan Wenyin’s eyes widened. “But you said you wanted to stay home with your girlfriend?”

“She has to work, too,” Shen Nian smiled. “During the day, I’m actually not that busy.”

Duan Wenyin was relieved. “Then, before you join the set, could you look over the revised scenes a few times and give us your opinion?”

“Of course,” Shen Nian nodded. Though young, she stood with a quiet, upright dignity that commanded respect. “Call me whenever you’re ready.”

Duan Wenyin’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Okay!”

Mo Huai watched this with curiosity. “Tsk, tsk,” she teased Shen Nian. “You’re quite special toward Director Duan. I’ve never seen you this enthusiastic with all those famous directors we’ve worked with.”

They reached the underground garage. Shen Nian casually replied, “Those famous directors don’t need my help.”

After seeing Duan Wenyin off, Shen Nian turned to Mo Huai. “Any news on the missing persons cases I asked about?”

Mo Huai shook her head. “Don’t be so impatient. These things take time. I’ll filter the data and send it to you before you join the set.”

Shen Nian nodded and drove away. As the parking lot fell silent, a man with a hunched back emerged from a dark corner. He stood where Shen Nian’s car had been, staring in the direction she had gone, whispering her name to himself.

“Finally… I found you…”

A week later, Shen Nian was heading out to meet Duan Wenyin to review the new script. Shen Zui accompanied her, as the meeting spot was near Shen Zui’s office.

“Duan Wenyin?” Shen Zui asked as they left. “I don’t think I’ve heard of this director. You’re collaborating with her?”

“She’s been developing her career abroad; she only recently returned,” Shen Nian explained, carrying Shen Zui’s bag.

Shen Zui glanced at her. “To land the ‘Best Newcomer’ as soon as she returns… she must be very talented?”

Shen Nian smiled. “Yes, I think she’s quite good.”

While waiting for the elevator, Shen Zui couldn’t help but ask, “In what way?”

“Huh?”

“In what way is she ‘good’?” Shen Zui looked up at her. “Her personality? Or her ability?”

“Both,” Shen Nian replied. She lowered her head, squinting playfully at her lover. “What’s this? Suddenly so interested in her?”

Shen Zui looked away, pouting slightly. “Aren’t you the one who is interested in her?”

Shen Nian hooked a finger under Shen Zui’s chin and turned her face back. “Why do I smell something sour?”

“You should get your nose checked,” Shen Zui countered stubbornly.

“Fine.” Shen Nian pecked her lips. “I guess I was mistaken. Our President Shen isn’t a petty person.”

Shen Zui gripped her wrist. Her expression was calm, but her tone was serious. “You’re at the height of your popularity right now. There are many people who will try to curry favor with you. You need to be discerning.”

“Understood.” Shen Nian found her serious expression adorable. She reached out and patted Shen Zui’s head. “Thank you for the guidance, President Shen. I’ll be careful.”

“Careful of what?” Shen Zui huffed.

Shen Nian laughed. “Careful to protect your little lover~”

Shen Zui froze, her cheeks turning red. She cleared her throat but didn’t argue. “Yes. Pay more attention.”

“Mission accomplished!” Shen Nian’s eyes sparkled. “Can I have some of my reward in advance?”

Sensing her breath approaching, Shen Zui held her at the shoulders. “What reward?”

Shen Nian leaned down and pecked the corner of her mouth. Then she stole another kiss. “Chu~”

They walked to the parking lot laughing and joking. Shen Nian drove them out, chatting leisurely. She didn’t notice that after they left the complex, a battered old sedan started its engine and followed them closely from behind.