After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 27

27:

Xia Yining pondered for a moment, not immediately agreeing or declining. Those familiar with her knew this meant she was considering it. If she weren’t open, she’d have rejected it outright.

“We’ve never done this kind of show and don’t know the details. I’ll discuss it with Jiang Yan and I will give you a formal answer later.”

Seeing a chance, Yan Zi’s face brightened, nodding quickly. She flashed Jiang Yan a smile, almost making it seem like the deal was done.

After dinner, back in their room, Xia Chenxu’s expression was strained. As Yan Zi sat at her vanity removing makeup, he approached, his face dark.

“I told you not to bother Ningning. Why did you bring it up?”

Yan Zi paused while removing an earring, glancing at her displeased husband through the mirror and humming lightly. “It’s not a bad thing. Charity work is something our family always supports. Besides, I haven’t taken work since we got married. This is a rare chance, and the production only made a small request.”

“Have you considered they might be using you as a stepping stone to get to Ningning and Jiang Yan?”

Yan Zi’s tone remained calm, unbothered. “I know, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just testing the waters for them, not forcing Ningning to agree.”

Xia Chenxu, hands on his hips, was at a loss for words, shaking his head. Communication with his wife was growing harder.

Seeing his impatience, Yan Zi’s mood sank, her voice softening. “Now even Xiao Jiang’s working at the company. I can’t just stay home as a full-time wife, doing nothing.”

Xia Chenxu didn’t get it. They’d been married for years, why bring this up now?

“Sister-in-Law hasn’t mentioned working, and the family can afford it. Why compare us?”

Yan Zi turned, looking at him earnestly. “It’s different. She’s trying for a baby, so of course she stays home. I’ve been married for years, but I still haven’t worked, and I’m losing touch with the world. Back then, I was Xie Zhiyun’s rival. Now she’s won multiple Best Actress awards, while I’m fighting for a charity show.”

Her words grew tinged with sadness, revealing dissatisfaction with her current state.

Xia Chenxu frowned, puzzled by her sudden career comparisons.

Yan Zi continued, “I thought Xiao Jiang’s arrival would boost my status, but the treatment she got was far better than mine. I can’t just sit comfortably like before.”

Mention of Jiang Yan cooled Xia Chenxu’s frustration. Though her company role was pre-agreed, its swift implementation post-wedding surprised him.

“If you want to work at the company, I can help—”

Yan Zi cut him off. “No, I don’t understand business. I’m an artist; that’s my skill. Chenxu, this show is for a good cause. If Ningning doesn’t object, please don’t object either, okay?”

Her tone softened, sounding genuinely eager to seize this chance. Unsure of Xia Yining’s stance and seeing his wife’s pleading grip on his hand, Xia Chenxu couldn’t bring himself to refuse outright.

Back in their room, Xia Yining leaned against the desk as Jiang Yan set up the sofa, bringing up Yan Zi’s proposal. “What do you think about the show Second Sister-in-Law mentioned?”

Jiang Yan fluffed the pillow, turned, and said, “I’ve never done anything like it, but it sounds challenging.”

“If it’s for charity, I think it’s acceptable. And as guest stars, not regulars, it shouldn’t be a big issue.”

Jiang Yan recalled couple-based reality shows she’d seen, cautioning, “But with all those cameras, are we sure we can handle it?”

She emphasized “we,” worried Xia Yining might overlook that the show focused on their married life.

“I know, that’s why I didn’t agree right away.”

Jiang Yan realized Xia Yining wanted to participate but was concerned their act might slip.

“If we don’t go, is it a big loss?” Jiang Yan wasn’t keen on reality shows but didn’t mind charity.

“No real loss, but I think it’s a good opportunity.”

“How so?”

“To let the public understand same-s3x marriage—a chance to spread awareness, isn’t it?”

Jiang Yan’s face stayed neutral. She hadn’t noticed Xia Yining’s enthusiasm for promoting same-s3x marriage before.

After a moment, Xia Yining asked, “If there’s a script and we rehearse, would you do it?”

Seeing she’d considered scripting, Jiang Yan sensed her inclination.

“If it won’t cause slip-ups or trouble, I’m fine with it.”

Xia Yining planned to get details from Yan Zi before deciding. The next day, Xia’s mother seemed hesitant.

“You’re newlyweds, you’re still adjusting. And with work keeping you from your honeymoon, a show might not be right.”

“Mom, are you worried we’ll embarrass ourselves?”

“Not that, but positioning you as a same-s3x marriage model puts too much pressure on you.”

Her mother’s concerns weren’t baseless, Xia Yining’s marriage was her biggest worry. Newlyweds needed time to settle, and public scrutiny would add stress and interference.

“It’s fine. We’re just guest stars, not constantly filmed,” Xia Yining reassured with a smile. “If anything’s off, the producers can edit it out.”

Xia Langyan, surprisingly supportive, differed from his wife. He believed strong relationships thrived through challenges.

“It’s rare for Ningning to be interested. Experiencing it isn’t bad. And it’s a chance for more people to know Xiao Jiang, so it’s not a downside.”

“I don’t want her to be famous, and neither does she.”

Fame meant scrutiny, and scrutiny risked exposing flaws. Xia Yining wanted Jiang Yan to play her part quietly, not stand out.

To her parents, though, it sounded like territorial protectiveness.

“Look at Ningning, married only a bit and already managing Xiao Jiang completely.”

Their teasing left Xia Yining unable to explain clarifications, for it would only muddy things.

After discussion, Xia Langyan decided for her. “If the show’s details check out, go for it. You and Xiao Jiang can treat it as practice, there’ll be many joint appearances ahead.”

Even if not a celebrity, as a Xia heiress, Xia Yining was destined for the spotlight. And as her partner, Jiang Yan couldn’t stay invisible.

Xia Yining asked Yan Zi to get the filming schedule and script, agreeing to the invitation. Jiang Yan, having anticipated her decision, wasn’t surprised.

Their interactions were mostly smooth, with only the wedding night’s argument, which both tacitly avoided revisiting. Jiang Daming called several times, but Jiang Yan brushed him off. As a deputy director with few tasks, what could she achieve?

She laid it out plainly, and Jiang Daming, beyond urging effort, offered no concrete steps.

“Brother, pushing me doesn’t help. If I had that ability, I wouldn’t need to watch faces in the Xia family.”

Jiang Daming had heard from Xia Chenyong’s brothers that Jiang Yan wasn’t mistreated but held no real sway. People were polite for Xia Langyan’s sake, but in elite circles, that meant little.

“I know it’s tough, but if our family falls, your life in the Xia family gets harder. Xiao Yan, we’re fighting so you can stand tall there, so the Jiangs can’t collapse.”

Jiang Yan scoffed inwardly, feeling little support or care from her family. Post-wedding calls from Jiang Chaohan and Jiang Daming mostly hinted at securing Xia resources.

Her mother asked about her adjustment to the Xia family and her relationship with Xia Yining, but their bond was shallow, and deep topics fizzled out.

If she admitted she was sleeping on her wife’s sofa, who would believe her? Jiang Yan smirked wryly, tempted to spoil the Jiangs’ doomed fate to Jiang Daming: bankruptcy was inevitable, unsalvageable.

Lii Zifeng hadn’t bothered her lately, likely because the shop acquisitions stalled, rendering her useless to him. But she’d made new friends through Boss Qian and Tian Sheng, meeting other nearby shop owners.

Surprisingly, many had been open for over twenty years, each with signature dishes but an unspoken agreement not to steal each other’s specialties.

Emerging from the kitchen, Jiang Yan saw Tian Sheng chatting with Boss Qian. He waved her over, pointing to a plate of freshly made pan-fried buns. “I made these for you.”

Tian Sheng’s shop excelled at pan-fried buns and potstickers, even their soy milk standing out. Jiang Yan once wondered why Boss Qian didn’t focus on these, later learning it was to avoid competing with Tian Sheng.

“Last time, Qian said you loved these, so since you’re here, I’m showing off my skills.”

A boss’ personal touch was bound to differ from the shop’s usual fare. Sure enough, Jiang Yan took a small bite, and rich broth flowed, captivating her taste buds.

Fresh, scalding, smooth yet not greasy, the crispy exterior wrapped tender meat, stunning her with the first bite. Experienced, she bit gently to avoid spilling, slurping eagerly to savor every drop.

Tian Sheng watched her with a grin, nudging Boss Qian. “I told you, Xiao Jiang knows quality.”

He leaned closer. “This is my private recipe, only made for family holidays.”

Jiang Yan marveled, decades-old shop owners had such character. Beyond consistent daily dishes, they had hidden gems. No wonder modern food tasted increasingly uniform, the good stuff was kept secret.

“Why not sell it?”

“To put it bluntly, the costs are too high. Pan-fried buns are common Haicheng snacks, but raise the price, and business doesn’t improve—you just get complaints.”