“Get … get a marriage certificate and live together?!” Gu Qingtong had never even thought about this matter. Suddenly reminded, it felt like something exploded in her mind.
She just realized that in her imagination, a marriage alliance was simply a matter of agreeing to the conditions and each party contributing money.
Her emotional dullness affected every aspect of Gu Qingtong’s thinking.
“Well, I will arrange all of that later.”
Yan Chi responded before her, as if she had been prepared for it.
After speaking, she glanced at Gu Qingtong, placed her slender index finger on her lips, and made a gesture for silence.
With just one action, devoid of any emotion, it emitted a mature and domineering aura that made her whole body tremble. Coupled with her cool and restrained face, in that instant, Gu Qingtong understood why Yan Chi was known as the “heavenly handsome” figure in the entertainment industry.
If I’m teasing you with a subtle approach, it’s just my way of amusing myself as an older sister. A random thought flashed through Gu Qingtong’s mind, recalling a comment she had seen in a video montage of Yan Chi’s character turning dark: “Sister, don’t kiss me with your own hands!”
Suddenly realizing that her mind was filled with all sorts of messy thoughts, Gu Qingtong’s breath stopped, and she hastily put away her bold ideas.
After going through this series of actions, Gu Qingtong was also shocked and snapped back to reality. She understood that Yan Chi was acting, so she could only suppress her emotions, accompany her with a smile, and silently mutter in her mind.
If it was a contractual marriage, getting a marriage certificate was definitely necessary; otherwise, there would be no proof when competing for inheritance rights and shares. But cohabitation… was that really necessary?
“Why are you hesitating? We still have those vacant villas in the western part of the city that we kept for ourselves, right? You can just move in there!”
Yan’s family head was indeed very excited and had already started planning their marital home.
Grandfather Gu refused to fall behind, saying, “No! My granddaughter should live close to our house! It’s not as if she doesn’t have several properties in her hands. Choose between a spacious villa, a large single-floor apartment, or whatever you like!”
The two elderly people started arguing in a strange place again.
“What?! Grandfather, why didn’t you mention it earlier?”
Gu Qingtong remembered being forced to return home and live with her unlucky parents recently, and she protested in dissatisfaction.
Wait, that’s not the point. The point is that Yan Chi can’t possibly live with me!
“If I don’t trouble you for a few months, can you obediently listen?” Grandfather Gu rolled his eyes and threw a glance.
“Stop arguing. Let the children handle it themselves. They might even find us meddlesome. It’s getting late, and I still have to go to the company later.” In the end, Grandfather Yan put an end to the noisy situation.
Gu Qingtong checked the time and realized it was almost time to gather over there. There would be many people, and they needed to dress uniformly. She had to go early to change clothes and do her makeup. She wondered at what time Yan Chi, as a guest, would arrive.
Thinking about it, she couldn’t help but steal a glance at Yan Chi, who was getting ready to leave.
Just then, Grandfather Gu suddenly spoke up.
“What are you standing there for, Gu Qingtong? Don’t you have something to do this afternoon? You’re supposed to participate in some event, right?”
How did that slip out?
Gu Qingtong had planned to send Yan Chi away and then sneak off to the event. When she had free time backstage, she would take some beautiful photos of Yan Chi and upload them to her seldom-used alternate account.
“It’s not like you’ll understand even if I explain…”
Gu Qingtong still wanted to try to get away with it, but before she could finish her sentence, Yan Chi came to her side and calmly said, “I’ll accompany you.”
“But you were going to…” she was about to blurt out but suddenly stopped herself, realizing she had said the wrong thing. She wore a pained expression and fell silent.
“What was I going to do?” Yan Chi stared into Gu Qingtong’s eyes, her captivating pupils resembling a kaleidoscope, and a faint smile played at the corners of her lips. Every word she spoke seemed pressing, “Do you know what event I’m attending today?”
“Well… the event we’re both going to is actually the same one.”
Everything was exposed, and Gu Qingtong had no choice but to come clean. If she didn’t confess, it would leave the impression that she had been secretly following his schedule, making her seem even more suspicious.
Gu Shuyu couldn’t believe it and interjected, “The same event? How can someone like you go to an event with a popular actress?”
“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything!” Gu Qingtong gritted her teeth, unable to bear it any longer.
“Well, since we’re going the same way, let’s go together.”
This time, Gu Qingtong had no more excuses and obediently followed behind Yan Chi.
A private car was already parked at the entrance of Gu’s house. Gu Qingtong recognized it as Yan Chi’s exclusive car, as it appeared frequently in the pictures shared by the sisters in their group.
“I-I’m just part of the atmosphere team for the event, you know, the ones standing below. I’m not a trained young actress.”
Gu Qingtong obviously cared about what Gu Shuyu had just said, and after hesitating for a while, she spoke up.
“If that’s the case, I’m just part of the atmosphere team on stage, not a trained young actress either.”
Yan Chi’s tone lacked any consolation, but somehow it magically eased Gu Qingtong’s discomfort.
Seemingly noticing that Gu Qingtong’s mood had improved somewhat, Yan Chi proactively asked, “What do you think about getting the marriage certificate and living together?”
“If it were up to me, getting the marriage certificate seems necessary. We can choose a time when we’re both available to do it. But living together…”
“Does it feel forced?” Gu Qingtong couldn’t discern any thoughts from Yan Chi’s calm expression.
“Are you… not wanting others to know that we’re in a marriage of convenience?” After hesitating for a long time, Gu Qingtong finally voiced her thoughts.
Upon hearing this question, Yan Chi suddenly stopped in her tracks. This sudden change made Gu Qingtong tense up, starting to doubt if she had misunderstood something in the process.
She saw a hint of unfamiliar unease appear on Yan Chi’s typically aloof face, like a crack on a perfect piece of art.
Furrowing her brows, the fragility emanating from her was particularly strong.
“To be honest with you, because of my health and the entertainment industry, I have never entered the Yan family enterprise, let alone developed my own power within it. As a result, I am the weakest among those vying for inheritance rights. The only leverage I have is the emotional bond I formed with my grandfather by growing up by his side.”
When expressing her emotions, Yan Chi had a strong ability to make others empathize.
Just by looking at her expression, Gu Qingtong felt a heart-wrenching sensation wash over her.
“But as for Yan Song, he just got his engagement broken, and I entered into a marriage alliance with you for the sake of benefits. If others were to find out, they would surely think that I orchestrated everything. I don’t want to attract too much attention before the competition intensifies. My illness and personality serve as the best shield. They won’t believe that I would suddenly compete for the Yan family’s industry.”
Gu Qingtong listened in a daze, believing every word Yan Chi said. She realized that behind the glamorous and powerful flower, there were so many difficulties.
In the original work, there were indeed several factions vying for control of the Yan family. If the male lead, Yan Song, didn’t have a protagonist’s halo, he would have been crushed long ago.
Yan Chi had no support from her parents and had always been on her own. Gu Qingtong had no doubt that Yan Chi’s words were genuine.
“It’s alright, I will definitely help you keep the secret. If there’s anything you need assistance with, just let me know. Although I haven’t achieved much, our Gu family doesn’t have these power struggles. As long as we don’t go bankrupt, everything will be fine.”
Gu Qingtong had a personality of standing up for justice, always ready to lend a hand when she saw someone in trouble. It was as if she couldn’t resist helping others, as if it was ingrained in her DNA.
Although she often ended up being taken advantage of due to her impulsive nature, she would forget the pain and be ready to help again the next time.
And the person in front of her, Yan Chi, was the one she had always admired and pursued. Clearly, Gu Qingtong’s belief and sense of duty as a hero to save the beauty had reached its peak, making her somewhat simple-minded.
“I’m sorry, I lost control and let you see an imperfect side of me. I am also working on my own plan. However, during this period, I might need your help in concealing my affairs, just like today in front of my grandfather.”
As she spoke, Yan Chi restrained the emotions she had just shown and returned to being the calm and collected high-level flower she used to be, silently looking at Gu Qingtong.
Gu Qingtong recalled how Yan Chi deliberately avoided the topic of living together in front of her grandfather. Suddenly, an idea sprouted in her mind. Since she had just moved out of her apartment in the city center, why not live together with Yan Chi and put on a show for the Yan family to see?
Isn’t it just finding a roommate for oneself? As long as I don’t show any selfishness or excessive concern for Yan Chi, and since Yan Chi won’t be living in the same room as me, there’s no harm in helping her, right?
But before Gu Qingtong could speak, Yan Chi seemed to know what she was thinking:
“It’s okay, you don’t need to consider anything for me. I understand. It’s getting late, let’s hurry and leave.”
Unable to voice her proposal, Gu Qingtong inexplicably felt a hint of disappointment.
Ultimately, even though she claimed to be helping Yan Chi without any selfish motives, it was clear that it was not true.
Gu Qingtong gritted her teeth but decided not to say anything.
The two of them boarded the nanny car, with two people inside: a driver and another person who appeared to be Yan Chi’s assistant, Xiao Jun.
“Teacher Yan, who is this?” Xiao Jun was taken aback when she saw Gu Qingtong getting in.
“Gu Qingtong, my fiancée.”
“Oh, fiancée, she… huh, fiancée?!” Xiao Jun was startled, almost choking on her breath. When did this happen? How did she not know?
And for some reason, this name seemed familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before?
The driver, hearing the commotion, forgot to start the car and turned around eagerly, wanting to join in the gossip.
“Secret marriage.” Although Yan Chi’s words were brief, both of them understood that she was telling them to keep it a secret and not to disclose this matter.
“Does… does the agency know about this?” Xiao Jun carefully chose her words and asked with caution.
Upon hearing Yan Chi’s words, her heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down. ’Fortunately, fortunately.’ She secretly glanced at Gu Qingtong, sizing her up.
So Teacher Yan likes this type of appearance, huh? And she seems to look much younger than Teacher Yan’s actual age. I thought someone as cold and noble as Teacher Yan would prefer someone who is equally mature…
Even in the entire entertainment industry, Gu Qingtong’s striking beauty captivates people’s attention, the type of beauty that is mesmerizing at first glance.
She appears to be young, as if she hasn’t fully revealed her enchanting beauty yet, but every frown and smile exudes a girlish charm appropriate for her age.
The word “gorgeous” is the perfect description for her.
Gu Qingtong has already sensed Xiao Jun’s gaze, but she doesn’t feel embarrassed. On the contrary, she lifts her head and gives Xiao Jun a radiant smile.
She takes pride in cultivating her own beauty, wanting to be seen by others without reservation. Gu Qingtong is not the type to be unaware of her own beauty; instead, she’s quite conceited. It’s her habit to boast about anything she has.
Under this smile, Xiao Jun blushes involuntarily. A beauty like Gu Qingtong is a treasure in the world! When two beauties are together, it’s like a world-renowned masterpiece!
She covers her chest, looking at the two’s stunning appearance, and marvels at her own fortune for being able to witness such sweetness firsthand.
“Xiao Jun, help me confirm the schedule for next week.”
Yan Chi’s voice brings Xiao Jun back from her daze, and her eyes seem even colder than usual.
“Oh… Okay!”
Others may not notice, but Xiao Jun clearly feels that Yan Chi seems somewhat unhappy.
No way, could it be because I was staring at Teacher Yan’s fiancée and she’s jealous?!
No way, does Teacher Yan really love her that much? Xiao Jun feels like her level of idol worship has risen significantly.
Gu Qingtong obviously didn’t notice the situation between the two and arrogantly said, “Ah, you’re looking at the wedding date, right? I’ll ask my manager too.”
Although it’s a secret marriage, it’s obviously impossible to hide it from the assistant and the manager. It’s a good thing to straightforwardly introduce the situation.
As she spoke, she opened her phone and quickly sent a message to her manager.
Is Teacher Yan’s fiancée also an artist?
Xiao Jun pricked up her ears, capturing a crucial piece of information. This time she was clever and didn’t ask directly. Instead, she searched on Baidu Baike1Chinese encyclopedia and immediately got the results.
No wonder she hasn’t heard of her. It seems that she doesn’t have much popularity. Even the photo on the encyclopedia page is a blurry still from a TV drama several years ago, and the roles she played were just insignificant supporting roles.
As she scrolled further, she saw a familiar name: Yun Mingxuan.
As soon as she saw Yun Mingxuan’s name and the news on this page, Xiao Jun’s memory suddenly became clear. She knew where her familiarity with Gu Qingtong came from.
Yun Mingxuan is currently a popular idol-actress.
Five or six years ago, she gave up her third year of high school and without notifying her company, secretly violated her contract to participate in a girl group survival show as a trainee.
Coincidentally, it was the “Year of Survival Shows,” and the program became a huge hit.
However, Yun Mingxuan’s popularity remained on the edge of the debut group, in a very precarious position.
In order to gain attention and debut, she played the victim on the show, claiming to have been bullied in a private school and that her former company, owned by a wealthy young miss, had bullied her as well. The company not only deceived her into signing a contract with a hefty penalty clause but also considered sidelining her at one point.
It was because of her dream that she took a desperate chance and participated in the show as a trainee. If she couldn’t debut, she would face a huge compensation fee from the “blood-sucking company.”
This strategy and persona instantly made an impact, and the program team capitalized on the sensational topic, regardless of its authenticity, to generate hype and support.
At that time, not only did countless netizens vote for Yun Mingxuan, but they also indignantly exposed the “blood-sucking company” and the young miss who bullied her.
Obviously, that young miss was Gu Qingtong, and the company naturally referred to Gu Shuyu’s shabby company. At the time, Gu Qingtong was still unknown, and she was even targeted by online criticism.
As the controversy gradually subsided, Yun Mingxuan successfully debuted, and in the end, the netizens no longer cared about who was right or wrong.
During that time, Xiao Jun was busy with her studies in her third year of high school and didn’t have time to watch variety shows. She only heard about these things from others.
The reason why she was familiar with Yun Mingxuan was that not only did Yun Mingxuan publicly claim to be a fan of Yan Chi, using it to boost her own image, but she also took advantage of Yan Chi’s popularity to create a few trending topics. Every time she saw Teacher Yan, she would come over and pester her for a while before leaving, all captured by the cameras.
Even Yan Chi’s fans grew tired of her behavior.
Xiao Jun knew that Teacher Yan was not a social person in private. It was already not easy for her to handle various interviews and engagements, and having Yun Mingxuan trying to get close to her was something she didn’t really appreciate.
Thinking about this, Xiao Jun suddenly felt like the dimensional barrier had been shattered. So, the young miss who was once criticized has also become an artist?
And now, she has even become Teacher Yan’s fiancée!
Sensing the atmosphere of a battlefield, as a seasoned onlooker, how could Xiao Jun not continue to investigate? She immediately found Gu Qingtong’s Weibo account.
Gu Qingtong’s Weibo had only a few tens of thousands of followers, not even close to Teacher Yan’s number. She couldn’t even compare to an internet celebrity. It was probably because her company didn’t buy followers for her. Seeing her pitiful situation, Xiao Jun sympathetically clicked the “follow” button.
As she scrolled down, the first post she encountered was a repost, and the original post boldly stated “Young Actors Development Program.” Xiao Jun’s curiosity was piqued. Wasn’t this the event that both Teacher Yan and Yun Mingxuan were going to attend today?!
The video came from the official Weibo account of the Central Academy of Drama. Xiao Jun didn’t expect that Gu Qingtong had actually graduated from the top drama academy?
Xiao Jun admired her even more. Initially, judging by her appearance, one would assume that she relied on her looks to debut.
This Miss Gu was quite interesting. Just when Xiao Jun thought she had relied on her family to make her debut, she discovered that she could also rely on her looks to make a living. And just when she assumed she was merely a beautiful vase, she realized that she had real talent.
In the video, although Gu Qingtong’s shots could be counted frame by frame, her face was undeniably exceptional. Even the top comments under the original post were filled with questions about the beautiful girl who appeared at two minutes and twenty seconds.
Gu Qingtong’s original posts were mostly daily life photos, such as her recent popular photo with the pink fox doll from the D Park. She was wearing a sailor uniform, holding an ice cream, exuding a refreshing summer vibe.
Xiao Jun clicked into the post, expecting to find comments filled with flattery, but to her surprise, she came across some highly offensive comments that were prominently displayed in the top comments.
“Here we go again, pretending to be young, how disgusting!”
“Has Miss Gu apologized to our Xuan Xuan today? No!”
❖❖❖❖❖
She was shocked to realize that even after more than six years had passed, Yun Mingxuan’s fans were still insulting Gu Qingtong, the target of the previous online controversy!
And this wasn’t an isolated incident. Every Weibo post of Gu Qingtong was accompanied by insults and humiliations, as if a mad dog would bite and trample on her as soon as they saw her updates.
“This is just too much!” Xiao Jun was so infuriated that she almost exclaimed out loud.
If the information about Gu Qingtong’s age on Baidu Baike earlier was correct, this meant she was underage when she was exposed online six years ago. During these six years, Xiao Jun couldn’t imagine how she had dealt with such maliciousness.
If It was gossip that led Xiao Jun to continuously search for information about Gu Qingtong earlier, now she genuinely felt deep sympathy for her.
