Chapter 128: Simultaneously Offending Three Bigshots (Arc End)

Yu Liuxue instinctively looked toward Yun Ning. With the two headline-makers standing side by side, the media’s flashbulbs lit up the area like broad daylight. Yu Liuxue’s skin glowed like snow, even more delicate than Xie Zhenxue’s. The reporters were visibly excited, already drafting tonight’s headlines in their minds.

Yun Ning’s expression darkened instantly. She stood off to the side, her face blank as she watched Xie Zhenxue bask in affection and attention.

Just then, Meng Xi arrived on the scene and immediately saw what was happening. Her temper flared. She stomped her foot in frustration and marched straight toward Yun Ning. “Why aren’t you pulling that white lotus Xie Zhenxue away?”

Yun Ning glanced at her coolly. “Why don’t you do it?”

Meng Xi: “…” Fine, I will! Who’s afraid of who?!

Fuming, she stormed onto the red carpet, her black figure heading straight for Xie Zhenxue. Xie Zhenxue instinctively clenched her hands and edged closer to Yu Liuxue. Because this involved Aunt Xiao, Meng Xi, provoked by Yun Ning, completely lost her usual composure. She strode over and grabbed Xie Zhenxue’s wrist with a cold expression. “Xie Zhenxue, come with me.”

Xie Zhenxue: “…?”

Meng Xi didn’t give her a chance to explain. Without warning, she dragged her off the red carpet. In that critical moment, Xie Zhenxue quickly flashed a graceful, apologetic smile to the cameras, trying to make Meng Xi’s behavior seem less bizarre.

Once they were out of the media’s line of sight, Xie Zhenxue broke free. Holding up her dress, she smiled sweetly. “Miss Meng, may I ask what exactly you’re doing?”

“What I’m doing?” Meng Xi narrowed her eyes, scanning her up and down with a hostile look before letting out a cold laugh. “I should be asking you that. What were you doing standing so close to Aunt Xiao in broad daylight?! Trying to make it obvious you have improper thoughts about her?”

“Broad daylight?” Xie Zhenxue chuckled softly. “Sorry, Miss Meng, it’s already 7:30 in the evening.”

“And…” She let go of her skirt. “I don’t see how my business has anything to do with you.”

“How does it not? Anything involving Aunt Xiao is my business!” Meng Xi was about to put her hands on her hips but then remembered she was now a vice president. She forced herself to maintain a composed expression. “As long as I’m around, don’t even think about getting your way.”

Xie Zhenxue’s smile no longer reached her eyes. Her expression gradually turned cold. Meng Xi involuntarily shivered and instinctively took half a step back. The next second, Xie Zhenxue pulled her into the nearby emergency exit. In the darkness, Meng Xi could feel Xie Zhenxue’s soft body slowly closing in. She was very close, her delicate face tilted up, her breath carrying a faint fragrance. “Miss Meng.”

That one “Miss Meng” made Meng Xi shiver again, her scalp tingling. But determined not to lose her momentum, she straightened up and forced herself to sound tough. “What do you want?”

Xie Zhenxue’s voice carried a hint of laughter. “If there’s a next time, I won’t let you off so easily.”

“Who Miss Meng likes is none of my concern. But if you try to stop me from liking Aunt Xiao, I won’t be polite.” As she spoke, Xie Zhenxue’s fingers slowly trailed up from Meng Xi’s lower abdomen. Meng Xi’s body tensed reflexively, her back pressing tightly against the wall, wishing she could melt into it.

Xie Zhenxue’s eyes glowed faintly in the dark, making Meng Xi’s heart pound wildly.

“Xie Zhenxue, I’m warning you, don’t you dare try anything. If you so much as touch a finger of mine, I’ll blacklist you from the entire internet tonight!” Meng Xi threatened fiercely.

There was a long silence. Then a low chuckle echoed in her ear.

Xie Zhenxue lifted her head. “Try anything? Like… this?”

A hand slid silently along Meng Xi’s thigh. She screamed in shock, but her lips were immediately sealed by something soft. Meng Xi’s eyes flew wide open in terror, her hands frozen mid-air, unsure where to go.

After a long moment, Xie Zhenxue pulled away. One hand on the door handle, she turned back with a gentle smile, her gaze fixed on the completely stunned Meng Xi. “Miss Meng, if you don’t behave next time, it won’t stop at just a kiss.”

Light streamed through the glass door, casting a hazy glow over Xie Zhenxue’s delicate features. She looked like a celestial maiden who had just descended to the mortal world. Seeing the red lip print on Meng Xi’s lips, Xie Zhenxue curled her lips slightly and murmured, “No one can stop me from being with Aunt Xiao.”

With that, she decisively opened the door and left.

Meng Xi stood alone in the emergency stairwell for a long time. It wasn’t until ten minutes later that she finally snapped out of it. She instinctively covered her lips. “Xie Zhenxue, I’m going to blacklist you for a thousand years!”

That was her first kiss!!!

Furious, Meng Xi trembled as she pulled out her phone, crying as she barked at her assistant, “Blacklist Xie Zhenxue! Immediately! Entire internet! From now on, anyone who dares work with her can forget about ever getting a single ad from our company!”

Her assistant quickly tried to calm her down. “Miss Meng, please don’t cry. Can you tell me what happened first? Should I report this to Chairman Meng and Madam…”

“No, no, no, no!” Meng Xi shook her head frantically. Her parents could never find out about this. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Just do as I say. I want to see results tonight.”

Who did Xie Zhenxue think she was? How dare she threaten her?

And steal her first kiss.

After Xie Zhenxue was dragged away by Meng Xi, Yu Liuxue let out a long sigh of relief. She patted her chest, still shaken. That was close—she’d almost been ravaged by Yun Ning right there on the bed.

Recently, Xie Zhenxue had swept several major awards. Tonight, as expected, she once again took home a highly prestigious golden trophy. The internet exploded with excitement, with comments flooding in:

“I knew it! Hard work never goes unnoticed. Xie Zhenxue, you’re amazing!”

“It’s because of Zhenxue’s dedication that she brought Ji Can—a character not easy to love—to life so vividly. She made us love her and ache for her. Who would dare argue that Zhenxue isn’t the best actress of the year?”

Besides Xie Zhenxue, Yu Liuxue also racked up several Best Screenwriter awards. Tonight’s win in particular silenced all dissent online. Combined with the record-breaking ratings of Season Two, Xiao Yuetong’s reputation soared to new heights.

Yun Ning sat in the audience. After the awards ceremony ended, she went ahead to wait in Yu Liuxue’s dressing room.

As Yu Liuxue stood to leave, Xie Zhenxue suddenly called out, “Aunt Xiao.”

She turned instinctively and saw Xie Zhenxue looking despondent. Her long lashes drooped, and there was no trace of joy on her face despite winning an award. Yu Liuxue turned back and leaned in slightly. “What is it?”

Xie Zhenxue gently pressed her red lips together. “Aunt Xiao, could you spare me five minutes?” Afraid Yu Liuxue would say no, she quickly added after a brief pause, “Just five minutes. There’s something I want to tell you in person.”

Yu Liuxue thought for a moment. The lead actress had recently taken on several new projects, delaying the filming of Season Three, so they likely wouldn’t see each other again anytime soon. “Alright. Come with me.”

The moment her tear-filled eyes lit up, Xie Zhenxue quickly lifted her skirt and followed Yu Liuxue. Yu Liuxue led her to a quiet corner, and just as she was about to stop, she heard Xie Zhenxue softly apologize, “Aunt Xiao, I’m sorry. I was too impulsive that day.”

“It was my fault. I shouldn’t have forced you to do something you didn’t want to do. After I got home, the more I thought about it, the more I regretted it. I hurt you, but I never got the chance to apologize, and that’s been weighing heavily on my heart.” Xie Zhenxue looked up with tearful eyes, her dark pupils glistening with moisture, her expression pitiful. “Aunt Xiao, I know I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”

Seeing her like this, Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but sigh deeply in her heart. Why was the female lead so stubbornly fixated on her? She pressed her lips together and gently said, “Zhenxue, I don’t blame you.”

“I just want to tell you, in this world, the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. Instead of pinning your hopes on others, it’s better to depend on your own strength. Only what you earn through your own efforts can’t be taken away by others.” Yu Liuxue thought for a moment, then gently rubbed her head and smiled. “You’re an exceptional person, and I understand how you feel about me. But I don’t want to hold you back.”

“You’re still young, and your career is just beginning. You deserve something better.”

Xie Zhenxue’s expression slowly turned blank. She instinctively grabbed Yu Liuxue’s hand. “Aunt Xiao, are you saying you don’t want me anymore? Did I not do well enough? Did I upset you somehow? Just tell me, and I’ll change…”

“It’s not like that, Zhenxue.” Yu Liuxue interrupted her with a sigh. “Even though I’ve been single all this time, once I’ve chosen someone, I don’t change my mind easily.”

“You’re wonderful. It’s just that fate…”

“I understand.” Xie Zhenxue smiled as two streams of tears rolled down her cheeks. She bit her lower lip and wiped her eyes, forcing a smile. “Then… can we still be friends?”

“You’re a great person, and I want to protect you.”

“I’ll work hard to become stronger. If Yun Ning ever bullies you, I’ll get revenge for you.”

“Alright.” Yu Liuxue gently wiped away her unstoppable tears, then kissed her forehead. “I believe you’ll become the most outstanding and legendary actress in the world.”

Xie Zhenxue immediately burst into laughter through her tears. “Then Aunt Xiao, if you ever get a good script, you better not give it to anyone else. Don’t let good things go to outsiders. If you ever forget me, I’ll be mad.”

“Of course I won’t.” Yu Liuxue patted her chest. “I’m nothing if not loyal.”

Xie Zhenxue blinked, then, in return, covered her mouth with her hand and leaned in close to whisper in Yu Liuxue’s ear, “Aunt Xiao, I’ll tell you a secret. When I followed you over here just now, Yun Ning saw us.”

Yu Liuxue: “!!!” Oh no, you little…

Yu Liuxue looked at her with utter despair. You’ve changed, girl. You’re no longer that innocent woman you used to be.

A sly glint flashed in Xie Zhenxue’s eyes. “Even if I can’t have you, Aunt Xiao, making Yun Ning jealous is more than enough for me.”

You’re satisfied, sure, but I’m the one who has to face the consequences! Seeing Yu Liuxue’s expression slowly twist in horror, Xie Zhenxue gracefully lifted her skirt, waved goodbye, and cheerfully called out, “Aunt Xiao, don’t forget our promise! I’ll be waiting for you!”

Yu Liuxue nearly lunged to cover her mouth, but Xie Zhenxue, despite wearing high heels, ran off like the wind and vanished in no time.

After she left, Yun Ning’s tall figure slowly appeared behind Yu Liuxue. She smiled gently. “Aunt Xiao, are you done?”

Yu Liuxue felt a chill run down her spine. “Y-yeah, I’m done…”

“No, Ning Ning, let me explain!” I didn’t, I swear, don’t listen to anything the female lead said!

Yu Liuxue was immediately scooped up by Yun Ning and tossed into her private car. All the way there, Yun Ning’s smile didn’t change one bit. Yu Liuxue clutched her seatbelt nervously, racking her brain for an explanation. “Zhenxue doesn’t like me anymore. We’re just friends now.”

Yun Ning didn’t react.

Yu Liuxue scratched her head and added, “Zhenxue’s about to get really busy. It’ll be hard to see her in the future, so I just… talked to her a bit.”

Finally, Yun Ning responded with a soft laugh. “So Aunt Xiao, are you feeling regretful?”

Yu Liuxue shook her head like a rattle drum. “No no no no, I swear, I absolutely didn’t mean that.”

“Then why do I feel like you did?”

Yu Liuxue: “…”

That night’s storm was fiercer than ever. Yu Liuxue ended up taking half a month off and spent every day and night holed up in her room, tangled up in passion. A month later, feeling like she might actually die in this melodramatic world, she quietly slipped away from Yun Ning and flew abroad for a vacation.

Even though it was supposed to be a vacation, her assistant had already sold off several of her completed scripts. Huge sums of money were being deposited directly into Yu Liuxue’s account.

“Xiao Yuetong” had now become a golden name in the screenwriting world. A single script could fetch tens of millions, and countless companies were fighting over them, sometimes almost coming to blows.

Yu Liuxue hugged a coconut contentedly and sighed to the System, “Turns out, in any industry, the ones who make real money are those at the very top. But what’s the point of making all this money? In the end, I still had to flee the country because my girlfriend scared me half to death.”

The System twitched its lips. “Host, actually, your fate is quite fortunate. The best part is that no matter where you run, your partner can always find you.”

Yu Liuxue was so startled she dropped her coconut. She turned her head stiffly, and when she saw Yun Ning’s eyes burning with restrained fury, she didn’t hesitate—she sprang up like a fish and tried to bolt. But Yun Ning easily pinned her down on the beach chair, smiling radiantly. “Aunt Xiao, where do you think you’re going?”

Knowing when to surrender, Yu Liuxue immediately clung to Yun Ning. “Ning Ning, you might not believe this, but I was kidnapped and brought here.”

As she spoke, she wiped away a couple of tears. “Ning Ning, you don’t know how scared I was. I’m a woman in my forties—why do I have to go through something this crazy? I was so afraid I’d never see you again. I missed you so much. Every second, I couldn’t stop thinking about your face. So, driven by sheer will to survive, I outwitted the kidnappers and finally escaped.”

Yun Ning was silent for a long time before she slowly said, “Was the kidnapper’s name Xiao Yuetong?”

Yu Liuxue: “…”

Yun Ning pulled out her passport. “Then what’s the deal with this visa?”

Yu Liuxue: “…”

I was wrong QAQ. I’ll still dare next time.

The night Xie Zhenxue won the Movie Queen title, she was told she’d been blacklisted. The one behind it was none other than Meng Xi, who had pulled her away from the media’s cameras in front of everyone that evening. Her manager, both shocked and confused, came to her and asked, “Zhenxue, what’s your relationship with that young lady from the Meng family?”

Xie Zhenxue smiled faintly. “Nothing special.”

After a moment, she narrowed her eyes again. “But soon, it will be. Brother, could you help me find out where Meng Xi is right now?”

The manager looked puzzled. “What are you planning to do? Don’t do anything reckless. Your career is on the rise right now. Don’t throw it all away over something foolish.”

Xie Zhenxue smiled. “You’re overthinking it. Miss Meng might have some misunderstandings about me, so I want to explain things to her in person. My career is indeed on the rise, which is why I want to clear up any misunderstandings between us as soon as possible.”

“Don’t worry about me. I know where the line is. I wouldn’t risk my entire future on a whim.”

The manager didn’t suspect anything and quickly found out where Meng Xi was. As Xie Zhenxue was about to leave, the manager even kindly asked, “Do you want me to drive you there?”

“No need. I’ll go on my own.” Xie Zhenxue put on sunglasses and a mask, fully disguising herself.

Meng Xi wasn’t home—she was working late at the office. Though calling it work was generous; she was more like spacing out. The lights in her office were bright, casting a flawless glow on her fair, delicate skin. She was deep in thought when the phone suddenly rang, startling her. She picked up nervously. “Hello?”

“Miss Meng, um, Xie… Xie Zhenxue is at the front desk. She says she wants to see you…”

Meng Xi’s temper flared instantly. Xie Zhenxue actually dared to show up? She let out a cold laugh. “Send her up.”

After hanging up, Meng Xi sat stiffly on the couch, arms crossed, her expression icy. So now Xie Zhenxue finally realized the consequences? Hah, there’s nothing in this world that money can’t solve. Now she’s panicking? Too late.

The sound of high heels drew closer and closer. Meng Xi had deliberately left the door open, so the moment Xie Zhenxue appeared, she saw her. Slowly, Meng Xi picked up a newspaper. “Well, well, what wind blew the great Movie Queen Xie in today?”

Xie Zhenxue walked in and casually shut the office door behind her. A soft click sounded as she locked it.

Meng Xi’s eyes widened. Remembering Xie Zhenxue’s odd behavior before, she instinctively shifted her position, her whole body on alert. “Xie Zhenxue, I’m warning you, this is a company building! If I scream, my security will have you thrown out and plastered all over tomorrow’s headlines!”

Xie Zhenxue curled her red lips into a smile. “Miss Meng, no need to get worked up. I just want to know if I’ve offended you in some way.”

Meng Xi: “!!!” You stole someone’s first kiss and now you’re playing innocent?

Fuming, she crossed her arms and glared at her coldly. “No, but I’m still mad.”

Xie Zhenxue didn’t argue. Instead, she asked calmly, “Miss Meng, may I have a glass of water?”

“Pour it yourself,” Meng Xi rolled her eyes. “There are disposable cups on the table.”

As Xie Zhenxue got up, Meng Xi’s gaze involuntarily followed her. She watched those slender, fair fingers pick up a paper cup and fill it with cold water. Xie Zhenxue’s full red lips gently touched the rim, leaving behind a sultry, seductive lipstick mark. Heat crept up Meng Xi’s face as her mind flashed back to that night in the fire escape when she was forcefully kissed.

Meng Xi clenched her teeth. This wasn’t over.

After casually finishing the water, Xie Zhenxue slowly turned around. “Miss Meng, about that kiss…”

Meng Xi’s head snapped up, eyes blazing.

Xie Zhenxue smiled. “Don’t tell me that was your first kiss?”

Her confident tone made Meng Xi feel utterly humiliated. She stomped her foot in anger and stormed over to Xie Zhenxue. “This is how you ask for help?”

“Xie Zhenxue, I’m telling you, unless you get on your knees and call me ‘sister’ three times tonight, I’ll make sure your career is over… Xie Zhenxue, what are you doing?!”

Meng Xi suddenly screamed. Her vision went dark as Xie Zhenxue pushed her down onto the couch.

“‘Sister’?” Xie Zhenxue murmured the word softly. Meng Xi shrank back in fear, trying to break free. “Don’t you dare. I’ll call someone.”

Xie Zhenxue chuckled lowly. “Sister, even if you scream your lungs out tonight, no one’s coming.”

Before Meng Xi could figure out what she meant, her clothes were torn open. Her pupils contracted in shock, and she couldn’t even form words. Xie Zhenxue lifted her chin. “Miss Meng, didn’t you enjoy it that night? Then why try to blacklist me afterward?”

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding between us.”

Meng Xi had been pampered her whole life. When had anyone ever treated her like this? The moment she felt wronged, tears began to fall uncontrollably. “Forget it! Even if I jump out of this building and die, I’ll make sure you’re blacklisted for good!”

Seeing her cry, Xie Zhenxue stopped. She took off her coat and gently covered Meng Xi. “I’m sorry.”

Meng Xi, tears streaming down her face, glared at Xie Zhenxue, feeling even more aggrieved the more she thought about it. Xie Zhenxue watched her quietly for a long moment, then gently pulled her into an embrace. “I’m sorry.”

Meng Xi snorted heavily through her nose. “If you don’t get on your knees and beg me tonight, just wait to see yourself on tomorrow’s headlines.”

“Who’s begging who?”

By the time Meng Xi realized something was wrong, it was already too late.

Yun Ning was filthy rich, and Yu Liuxue’s scripts were top-tier. Thanks to that, the production team always enjoyed great perks. Over time, a saying began to circulate in the industry: “The world is vast, but the screenwriter is supreme.”

That pretty much summed up how favored Yu Liuxue was.

As long as it was a drama funded by Yun Ning, it didn’t matter if you were the hottest star or a diva with an attitude—if Yu Liuxue was involved, even if you were a dragon, you’d better coil up and behave. Otherwise, you’d be packing your bags and blacklisted on the spot with no second chances.

Because of this, every crew Yu Liuxue worked with had a harmonious atmosphere. And since Yu Liuxue herself was easygoing, everyone was eager to collaborate with her. In less than three years, Xiao Yuetong’s name appeared on the rich list. She was the first screenwriter ever to make it onto that list, which showed just how insanely wealthy Yu Liuxue had become.

Xiao Kewei, her own son, ended up being the last to find out—and only by accident, through something his boss said. He would never forget the day he rushed back from overseas, sleeves rolled up, ready to dive into his next project. His boss walked over, patted him on the shoulder admiringly, and said, “Kewei, I really admire your drive and independence!”

Hearing that, he already sensed something was off. Sure enough, his boss shook his head with a sigh. “If only my son had your ambition. That kid’s just waiting to burn through his inheritance. Not like you—working so hard even though your mom is loaded…”

Wait a minute…

Loaded? Mom?

Xiao Kewei stared blankly at his boss. “President Zhao, what are you talking about?”

His boss burst out laughing. “What? You didn’t know Xiao Yuetong made it to number three on the rich list?”

After that, Xiao Kewei couldn’t hear a word. He stumbled out of the office and immediately searched for news about Xiao Yuetong. The results filled several pages: 【Xiao Yuetong: The Richest Screenwriter in History!】 【Xiao Yuetong: A Role Model for Women Who Made the Rich List by Writing Scripts!】 【Xiao Yuetong: I Don’t Marry Into Wealth—I Am Wealth…】

Xiao Kewei: “???”

He felt something was off. His mom was supposed to be flat broke. So he immediately had someone look into her background, and the deeper they dug, the more shocking it became. Gambling? Debts? The house mortgaged to the bank? All of it was fake! He’d been fooled by his own mother for five whole years!

No wonder every time he offered to pay off the debts, she would say to just hold onto the money for now, that the uncles and aunties weren’t in a rush, and it could wait a little longer.

Xiao Kewei’s fingers trembled as he dialed Yu Liuxue’s number. “Mom, we never had any debts at all. You lied to me?!” His voice rose by at least three pitches by the end.

Yu Liuxue raised an eyebrow slightly. “Oh, that. Kewei, I did it for your own good. I didn’t want to see you waste your life doing nothing, so I told a little white lie.”

A little lie? A well-intentioned one?

“My dear son, let me officially tell you now: the more than 200 million you’ve earned over the past few years is all yours! How about that? Isn’t it a surprise? A shock? Going from a second-generation debtor to a second-generation rich kid overnight?!”

Xiao Kewei: “…” What a surprise. What a shock. I’m so thrilled I could drop dead on the spot.

He’d already come so far in his career that even if he wanted to quit, it would be difficult. For one, his departure would cause too many complications. And for another, he genuinely liked his current job.

Lying on the floor, Xiao Kewei reflected on his life. It had been orchestrated down to the last detail by his own mother.

Could she have done it on purpose? Because she had her eye on his girlfriend?

Yu Liuxue suddenly sneezed hard. She rubbed her nose and thought, That little brat Xiao Kewei must be cursing me after finding out the truth. She glanced at Yun Ning beside her and couldn’t help but think of Meng Xi and Xie Zhenxue. So she asked, “Are Zhenxue and Xiao Xi still at odds?”

No one knew what had happened, but Meng Xi had suddenly started chasing Xie Zhenxue all over the place, even threatening to blacklist her from the industry—despite having just handed her a luxury brand endorsement the day before.

A smile grew in Yun Ning’s eyes. “Aunt Xiao, is this really the time for you to be worrying about other people?”

“Shouldn’t you be explaining to me who Ye Jin is?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” She is the wind, the rain, and the West Lake water—my tears.

Yu Liuxue nearly got a leg cramp from the way she was being handled. Hugging the blanket tightly, she huffed, “Yun Ning, don’t think I’m weak. I was just going easy on you!”

Yun Ning didn’t even look up. “Oh? Is that so?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” Can you at least let me save some face?

Later, Yun Ning picked up her phone and casually said to Yu Liuxue, “Aunt Xiao, I have a wedding essentials checklist here. Want to take a look?”

Wedding essentials checklist? Yu Liuxue looked wary. Yun Ning smiled. “You never know, it might come in handy for your writing.”

“…Fine. Send it to me.”

But less than half a month later, the internet was buzzing with rumors that she was getting married. The cause? She had accidentally captured a screenshot of the wedding checklist Yun Ning had deliberately copied to her desktop while taking a selfie.

That alone might have been manageable. But Yun Ning, who never used social media, immediately posted on Weibo that same day: “@Xiao Yuetong Aunt Xiao, is this true?”

Yu Liuxue: “…” Was that really necessary?

Resigned, she opened Weibo. “It’s true. Get changed right now. I’m coming to pick you up so we can go to the Civil Affairs Bureau¹.”

Yun Ning smiled and gripped her phone. “Okay.”

Translator’s Notes