Chapter 89 – After Secretly Marrying a Top Star, I Was Cheated On by Her (18)

Yu Liuxue not only failed to earn the trust of Yang Nianjiao and Yu Yu, she ended up shooting herself in the foot, pushing Yu Bing even further away. Regret filled her heart. She looked pitifully at Yu Bing and murmured, “Sister, why are you here?”

Yu Bing didn’t spare her a glance. Leaning lightly against the doorframe, she turned to Yang Nianjiao and asked, “All done?”

Yang Nianjiao nodded, shut her laptop, picked up her small purse, and said cheerfully, “Let’s go. I’ve already made a reservation.”

It was only then that Yu Liuxue began to realize what was going on. So the big shots were going out to dinner. She blinked quickly and looked to Yang Nianjiao. “President Yang, what about me? Do you need anything else from me?”

“You?” Yang Nianjiao turned back briefly, her gaze brushing over her face without stopping. “Just go back and continue your confinement.”

Yu Liuxue: “……”

Lately, aside from attending the occasional event, Yu Liuxue’s life had been no different from Zhou Zhou’s. Like a disgraced concubine from ancient times punished and forbidden from leaving her chambers, she was stuck with nothing to do, so bored she felt mushrooms were about to grow on her body. As the year-end awards ceremony drew near, Mercury Girls returned to the scene after two months of preparation. Yang Nianjiao had timed their comeback carefully, eyeing a few specific awards.

Half a year had been enough for Xiao Nian to finish shooting another film. Although she was an actress, some award shows covered a wide range of entertainment, and she was bound to cross paths with Yu Liuxue. Ever since the old photo of her and Gu Qingzhi was exposed six months ago, Xiao Nian’s state had plummeted. She’d never managed to get back to how she used to be. It was the most exhausting shoot of her life—mentally and emotionally draining. After it ended, she declined almost all activities except for attending major award ceremonies.

Now, Xiao Nian was sitting cross-legged on her couch at home, holding her phone and searching her name one entry at a time. During filming, she had resisted the urge to go online, dedicating herself completely to her role. No one knew just how much effort it took to endure, like a drowning person struggling in the middle of the sea. Her entire body radiated fatigue.

After finishing her search, a long list of posts appeared. The moment she saw the changes on the screen, she reflexively closed her eyes, too scared to look. While filming, she’d occasionally overhear others gossiping about her. On their faces she saw suspicion, disappointment, and the disillusionment that came from the collapse of her carefully crafted public image. Each memory was sharp and vivid, like a blade stabbing back into her heart.

She clenched her phone and took a deep breath before forcing herself to open her eyes.

> “Let’s summarize the recent gossip.
First: Xiao Nian and Gu Qingzhi may have been just an idol and a fan, but many rumors hint they were lovers. That’s why Xiao Nian’s frantic denial of the photo and the rumors, as well as smearing Gu Qingzhi as a fame-hungry fraud, seems suspicious in hindsight.
Second: While entangled with Gu Qingzhi, Xiao Nian was also involved with Gu’s teammate Zhou Zhou. Two years ago, someone even caught them having dinner and leaving in the same car—see Image 1. This proves again that Xiao Nian is a seasoned player in love, both scummy and unfaithful, always targeting naive young girls. Disgusting.
Third: Before her contract with her former agent had even ended, she’d already found a new one behind their back. That agent made her what she is today—everyone saw how dedicated and attentive she was. But after making it big, Xiao Nian ruthlessly ditched her and pretended to be the victim. Vile behavior.
Still love this top star now?”
Xiao Nian’s mind went blank. Her eyes fixed on the timestamp of the Weibo post—it had been posted three months ago. And yet all this time, neither the agency nor her manager had done anything. Rage flared, threatening to burn away her reason. Her expression darkened ominously. In three months, everything she had carefully built over the years could be torn down.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Nian called her manager. The line connected quickly, and her manager’s cheerful voice came through: “Xiao Nian, congratulations on wrapping up filming yesterday! You’ve worked hard. Don’t worry, I’ve declined all unnecessary gigs for you—just relax and enjoy your break!”

“Sis,” Xiao Nian’s tone was calm, but something in it felt off, “Before I left, didn’t I tell you—if anything negative about me pops up online, you have to delete it immediately?”

“That gossip account ‘Top Star Exposé’ has been slandering me for three months. Why have you and the company done nothing? Not a single action taken?” Xiao Nian drew another deep breath. “Do you realize how much damage this has caused me?!”

“When you came to sign me back then—”

Her manager cut her off, clearly irritated. “If you didn’t actually do those things, even baseless rumors wouldn’t hurt you. There’s no evidence—your fans won’t believe it. People forget fast.”

“I’ve managed plenty of artists before, all with clean private lives, and they always listened to me. Why has no one ever dug into their dirt?” She sneered. “Xiao Nian, maybe you should reflect on yourself. Flies don’t swarm around uncracked eggs.”

Xiao Nian: “???”

“And let’s not forget, I didn’t beg you to sign with us. You chose us for our resources. It was a fair trade—so don’t act like you’re above it all. If you listen and bring in revenue, the company will naturally care more about you. But if you don’t—”

Xiao Nian didn’t let her finish. She hung up.

Her breathing was filled with fury. How did she ever think this was a good company? How could a big-name agency have a manager like this? How could their professional ability be so utterly abysmal?

Compared to Yu Yu, it was the difference between a king and a rookie.

Xiao Nian suddenly found herself thinking of how good Yu Yu had been to her. If Yu Yu were still around, she would never have let this happen.

The manager, stunned by being hung up on, fumed. “If she weren’t still useful, I wouldn’t even bother with her.” She picked up her phone again. “Hey, you done with work? Let’s go eat. That brat artist of mine is driving me up the wall. She better never fall into my hands again, or I’ll show her what real discipline looks like…”

Yu Liuxue began to feel a little sorry for Xiao Nian. The smooth sailing of her career these past few years was largely thanks to Yu Yu taking care of all the messy affairs behind the scenes. Xiao Nian had been completely protected. All she had to do was act—everything else, Yu Yu handled, shielding her from the ugliness of the industry.

Now, Xiao Nian was painfully naïve. She had never experienced the chaos of the entertainment world because Yu Yu had blocked all of it out. She’d been able to exist in a pure, undisturbed bubble. But now that Yu Yu was gone, Xiao Nian had to face these messy problems herself—conflicts between artists and managers, and the rot within some companies.

And of course, occasional scandals about herself.

Yu Liuxue smiled faintly, then turned toward Yu Bing. Lifting her pink gown, she ran quickly over. “Sister, I’m ready.”

Then she glanced down hesitantly at the puddles on the ground. It had rained heavily the night before, and she certainly couldn’t step in them—her haute couture gown would be ruined. She turned back and looked pitifully at her. “Sister, why hasn’t the rainwater dried up yet?”

Yu Bing cast a glance at the muddy water. “I’ll carry you.”

Yu Liuxue had been waiting for her to say that. The moment Yu Bing’s words fell, she fluttered over with grace, obediently waiting to be picked up. Zhou Zhou, who had followed behind, let out a cold snort. After all this time, Gu Qingzhi still hadn’t given up on her.

Zhou Zhou’s mind drifted again to Xiao Nian. Lately, Xiao Nian had been contacting her less and less. Zhou Zhou wasn’t sure if the novelty had simply worn off, or if it was because she’d accidentally liked one of Xiao Nian’s posts and upset her. But in any case, it didn’t matter anymore. As long as Xiao Nian didn’t come around to stir things up, Zhou Zhou felt a great sense of relief. She no longer had to be constantly on edge, worrying about being approached.

Zhou Zhou squinted as she looked at Yu Liuxue, who was smugly nestled in Yu Bing’s arms and even tossed her a taunting little smile. Zhou Zhou curled her lips and deliberately raised her voice, saying, “Qingzhi, wait for me! Was it all fake when you used to call me ‘Sweetie’? You don’t like me anymore?”

As the words left her lips, Yu Liuxue noticed Yu Bing giving her a subtle once-over. “???”

The female lead is really…

Getting more and more out of line.

She immediately turned to Yu Yu and tattled, “Sister, my teammate seems to have some… inappropriate thoughts about me. You have to keep an eye on her!”

Zhou Zhou: “???”

She bit her lip, shooting Yu Liuxue a sharp glare. Fine, you win this round.

At the awards ceremony that evening, Mercury Girls won both Group of the Year and Most Popular Group of the Year. Yu Liuxue, on the other hand, swept the individual awards—Best Female Singer of the Year, Best Album, Best New Artist, and three more. She practically had her hands full collecting trophies, and the media went wild, propelling her popularity to new heights.

“Thinking back to when Gu Qingzhi was still an unknown, desperate enough to join a talent show with no other options… No one knew what was going through her heart back then as she stood at the edge with everything on the line. When she dropped out, everyone felt sorry for her. But the truth proves—if you’re gold, you’ll shine eventually. Now she’s an outstanding female singer, a girl we’ve all watched grow up…”

Online press releases praised Yu Liuxue to the heavens, to the point even she felt a little embarrassed. After the ceremony, she cautiously sidled up to Yu Bing and breathed sweetly, “Sister.”

Yu Bing looked at her calmly.

“It’s all thanks to your protection that I’ve become this amazing. This honor tonight doesn’t just belong to me—it’s a result of both our efforts.” Yu Liuxue poured her heart into it, even shamelessly using her charm. “So, Sister, I really want to thank you properly.”

“No need.” Yu Bing refused without a second thought. “Go home and rest early. You’ve got an event tomorrow.”

Yu Liuxue furrowed her brows slightly, her expression falling as tears welled up in her eyes, looking like she might cry at any moment. She spoke sorrowfully, “You’re the most precious person in the world to me. I just want to thank you once, that’s all. You’ve done so much for me, never asking for anything in return… It makes me uneasy, like all this is just a dream. The moment I open my eyes, your kindness might vanish…”

Yu Bing had never realized how endlessly a girl could talk. She felt that if she didn’t give in, Yu Liuxue might talk her ear off all night. Pressing her lips together, she sighed, “Fine.”

Her voice carried a note of helplessness.

Yu Liuxue’s eyes lit up, her blood practically rushing backward with excitement. She clenched her fists, eyes sparkling. “Then, Sister, wait for me at the company entrance. I’ll come out as soon as I can.”

“I bought a house in the suburbs. President Yang and the others definitely won’t find out…”

“No need,” Yu Bing cut her off. “Just come to my place.”

Yu Liuxue: “…!” You said it yourself! Don’t regret it later!

Two hours later, after showering and getting ready again at her apartment, Yu Liuxue stepped out the door and immediately bumped into Zhou Zhou, who had been about to go for a walk out of boredom. Seeing her, Zhou Zhou reflexively said, “Gu Qingzhi, come take a walk with me.”

But Yu Liuxue didn’t even look back, spraying on perfume as she replied, “No thanks. You don’t have a woman, but I do.”

Zhou Zhou: “???” — like a confused grandpa staring at his phone on the subway.

“You’re going on a date with that bodyguard?”

Yu Liuxue paused mid-step, curling her lips into a devilish smirk. “Sweetie, it doesn’t matter who I’m dating. What matters is, if you don’t try harder, you’ll lose me forever. Didn’t you say you liked me? But lately, you’ve been such a disappointment.”

“It’s getting late. I have to go. Sweetie, see you tomorrow.”

Leaving the dumbfounded Zhou Zhou behind, Yu Liuxue snuck out of the company and immediately spotted Yu Bing sitting in a black Benz. Her face lit up with joy, and she scurried over. “Sorry for keeping you waiting, Sister.”

Yu Bing buckled her seatbelt for her. “This car hasn’t been used in a while—there’s some dust. Hope you don’t mind.”

Dust? Yu Liuxue looked aggrievedly at her. I’m tainted now.

Guess I’ll have to take another shower later.

Yu Bing’s home was just as the rumors said—spotless and minimalist, with only black, white, and gray tones throughout. Even though this was supposed to be Yu Liuxue thanking her, it ended up being Yu Bing who cooked her a bowl of noodles. Yu Liuxue insisted on a bottle of wine, and halfway through started pretending to be drunk.

Her cherry-red lips glistened. “Sister, I’m drunk.”

Yu Bing: “…”

Naturally, she stayed the night. Yu Bing ran her a bath, but Yu Liuxue clung to her like glue, refusing to get down. Emboldened by alcohol, she gazed at Yu Bing with dreamy eyes. “Sister, don’t you like me?”

“Don’t you want to have me, make me yours?”

Yu Bing’s throat bobbed slightly—maybe she swallowed—but her face remained calm. “You really are drunk.”

Yu Liuxue nearly died on the spot. That was not the response she wanted! So she began a battle of wits and will, stubbornly going toe-to-toe with Yu Bing. After being ruthlessly thrown into the tub, soaking Yu Bing’s clothes in the process, she was eventually bundled up and tossed onto the bed like a ragdoll—completely stripped of dignity.

Clutching the bedsheet, she turned back pitifully. “Sister, you’re so mean… you hurt me…”

Yu Bing turned away and went to shower with her clothes in hand. Before leaving, she reminded her, “Rest early. You have an event tomorrow.”

After showering, Yu Bing returned to find Yu Liuxue curled up on the sofa, hugging her knees and gazing longingly at her. Whether intentional or not, her clothes were barely hanging on—loose enough to stir the imagination. Yu Bing stopped in her tracks.

Suddenly, she set down her towel, walked over, and scooped her up without a word, carrying her into the bedroom and gently laying her down. She opened the nightstand drawer to get something ready, then turned off the light and softly asked, “How long has it been since you last did this?”

Yu Liuxue blinked and whispered, “Twenty-five years.”

Yu Bing: “…”

So before… with Xiao Nian?

She stroked Yu Liuxue’s head. “If it hurts, say so, alright?”

Liuxue quickly nodded, all obedient. “Got it, Sister.”

Since it was her first time, she didn’t last long. Her neat teeth clenched around a pillow, fingers gripping the sheets, eyes brimming with tears. She turned back, tearfully, “Sister… it hurts.”

But the woman who had just told her to speak up if it hurt was now entirely focused, unrelenting, and clearly ignoring her pleas. Yu Liuxue: “???”

Women really are liars.

Yu Bing was no exception.

Liuxue had no idea how she made it through that torturous time. She only remembered Yu Bing finally stopping and leaning in close to ask:

“What place does your sister hold in your heart?”

Yu Liuxue was momentarily stunned. “Of course Sister Yu is one of a kind to me in this world…”

Ah!

This woman had actually baited her on purpose?!

Yu Liuxue ended up getting thoroughly “disciplined” again. It wasn’t until near dawn that Yu Bing finally stopped. After carrying her to get cleaned up, Yu Bing tucked her in and said, “Sleep.”

“Sis, I have an event tomorrow…”

She mumbled a couple of sentences, but sleepiness overwhelmed her and she drifted off. The next day, when Yu Bing forcibly lifted her out of bed, she stared into the mirror at her perfectly intact self and was full of confusion—after how intense things were last night, how could there not be a single love bite on her?

She turned to look at Yu Bing. Yu Bing, looking pristine and proper like a gentleman, reminded her very kindly, “You’re running late.”

Xiao Nian was also attending the awards ceremony today. Whether by coincidence or fate, the two arrived at exactly the same time—and Xiao Nian’s red carpet slot was just before Yu Liuxue’s. The moment their eyes met, they quickly looked away, exchanging only polite nods and smiles. Yu Liuxue noticed how much more haggard Xiao Nian looked these days—she must have been dealing with quite a few troubles.

After walking the red carpet, Yu Liuxue no longer had a chance to approach Xiao Nian. She was immediately surrounded by a crowd, like a moon amidst a sky full of stars. A trace of disappointment flickered across Yu Liuxue’s face, and it just so happened that Yu Bing caught that expression. Later, when Yu Liuxue received another award and took the trophy from the host onstage, she stood before the microphone with a look of sincere gratitude.

“Thank you, everyone, for giving me such an important award today.”

“I have many people to thank—President Yang, my manager-sister, and so on. But the person I must thank the most is my idol—Teacher Xiao.” Yu Liuxue smiled as she looked at Xiao Nian’s strained face on the big screen. “I’ve liked Teacher Xiao for a long time. Back when I was still unknown, it was her who inspired me, who encouraged me to hold on. If not for her, I’d probably still be wasting away in the company dorms…”

Xiao Nian smiled, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Yu Liuxue’s speech immediately set off a firestorm online.

“I think Gu Qingzhi’s words are loaded. What do you all think? Any paparazzi willing to leak some info? I’ll pay a high price!”

“What loaded words? It’s just another clout-chaser trying to stir up drama. Everyone, disperse.”

Xiao Nian had been on edge for a long time, but when the moment finally arrived, she found herself unusually calm. So what if she had been married? What was the big deal? Marriage wasn’t a crime. At most, it just meant fewer resources. But right now, she had several films pending release. As long as the box office numbers were good, her position would remain unshaken.

Thinking this, Xiao Nian regained her composure.

Yu Liuxue realized that Xiao Nian was much steadier than she’d imagined. As soon as the awards ceremony ended, Yu Liuxue jumped on Weibo, switched to her alt account, and posted a few blurry mirror selfies of Gu Qingzhi and Xiao Nian: “Here it is, here it is, the thing you all wanted is here!”

To her shock, right after posting it, her follower count surged at a terrifying speed—so fast it surpassed her main account in the blink of an eye.

Yu Liuxue: “???” I feel deeply offended.

I’m a gold-certified singer, and yet now I have to rise to fame by pretending to be a gossip account?

Yang Nianjiao finally gave her a rare compliment and even allowed her to go on vacation for half a month after the awards season. Yu Liuxue was moved to tears. “Thank you, President Yang, you’re the best boss in the world!”

“But,” Yang Nianjiao paused, “come straight back and start preparing the new album after the trip.”

Yu Liuxue: “…Okay.”

A true businesswoman, through and through.

Yu Yu walked into the president’s office and whispered something in Yang Nianjiao’s ear. After hearing it, Yang Nianjiao frowned and glanced at Yu Bing beside Yu Liuxue. She fell into thought for a moment before slowly nodding. Yu Liuxue stared at the two of them, utterly confused about what kind of riddle they were trying to solve.

“President Yang, can we go now?”

Yang Nianjiao got up. “Let’s go, all of us together.”

But as she walked closer to Yu Bing, she suddenly wrinkled her nose. “Why do you smell like Gu Qingzhi’s perfume?”