After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 30

30:

Seeing them return, Xia’s mother briefly asked about the show’s schedule and process, then urged them to rest. “It’s pre-recorded, but you still need to mind the details in public.”

In their room, Jiang Yan set the small box by the door and asked Xia Yining, “What did Mom mean by ‘details’?”

Xia Yining removed her watch and accessories, changed out of her coat in the dressing room, then answered. “What else? Don’t embarrass the Xia family, especially with our words and actions. Avoid trouble.”

Tomorrow, besides filming, there was an online press conference—live, with audience interaction.

“With the Second Brother and Second Sister-in-Law there, they’ve got more pressure, right?”

As guest stars, their segment tomorrow wasn’t their main episodes, just a brief appearance.

Xia Yining replied calmly, “Second Brother’s under First Uncle’s orders. Mom’s only concerned with us.”

Though living in the same mansion, Xia Langxing and Xia Langyan lived in separate wings. Jiang Yan had noticed signs that they would eventually split the household.

She rarely probed Xia family affairs, and Xia Yining seldom volunteered details. As a newcomer, Jiang Yan’s restraint earned the elders’ approval. But the Jiangs’ were rarely mentioned, holding little status as in-laws.

Helping unpack the box, Jiang Yan saw Xia Yining preparing for filming, surprised by a notebook.

“Aren’t you just baking cookies?”

“I haven’t done it seriously in a while. I might be rusty.” Xia Yining sat beside her, sorting the box and picking up the notebook. “I used to tinker with this in school. I’ve forgotten many details.”

Flipping through, Jiang Yan saw not just notes but cute illustrations, sparking her interest. “You’re so thorough, writing and drawing.”

Xia Yining paused, closing the notebook. “It helped me master techniques quickly. I was young then.”

Sensing her slight embarrassment, Jiang Yan encouraged, “Being thorough isn’t about age. You’re still serious now.”

Tomorrow’s filming was light, but Xia Yining’s focus showed she wasn’t half-hearted.

“I just want to do my best.”

Unlike Yan Zi’s competitive drive, Xia Yining’s motive was simpler: do the job well.

No baking was needed tomorrow, but Xia Yining reviewed her old notes before bed. Jiang Yan skimmed Yan Zi’s materials on her phone, detailing possible press conference questions.

“What’s this about ‘marriage attitude’?” Jiang Yan noticed the questions focused on marriage or charity’s significance, confirming the show’s sincerity.

Xia Yining, who’d seen the materials, explained, “They’ll likely ask about our views on marriage and how we feel about it.”

Jiang Yan smirked. “Isn’t that a bit silly? They invite couples, who’d publicly say marriage is bad or they don’t like it?”

Xia Yining’s gaze shifted from her notebook to Jiang Yan. “The funds raised help people in troubled marriages, so these routine questions are expected.”

Jiang Yan reviewed the rest, finding no tricky ones, and relaxed.

“What’s our unified response? Have you written it? Send it to me.” Seeing Xia Yining scribbling earlier, she assumed it was for tomorrow’s answers.

Routine questions deserved templated responses.

“I haven’t.”

“So we will wing it tomorrow?”

Jiang Yan stepped closer, noticing Xia Yining tense up from her relaxed position against the headboard, sitting straighter and pulling the blanket up defensively.

Jiang Yan stopped, annoyed yet amused by the reaction. “To be safe, a unified stance is better. Our views on marriage might differ from others.”

Xia Yining didn’t mind aligning, but too-perfect answers risked seeming rehearsed.

“Don’t worry. Tomorrow, I’ll handle most answers. You just agree with me.”

That was easy. Jiang Yan nodded, sleeping soundly.

The next day’s filming involved little for them, mostly posed shots. Wearing matching couple’s casual outfits, they stood out among the other pairs.

Watching them pose for promo photos, Yan Zi told Xia Chenxu, resting nearby, “Ningning’s stunning, she’s not a celebrity but she outshines them. The makeup artist said she’s a breeze to work with.”

“You’re just noticing?”

Yan Zi knew she’d never surpass Xia Yining in the family’s eyes but wasn’t upset. Glancing at Jiang Yan, she added, “I didn’t expect Xiao Jiang’s vibe to be so good. She looks better today than at the wedding.”

“Living with the Xia’s, she’d better adapt, or it would be embarrassing. It shows Ningning’s guiding her well—otherwise, her days would be tougher.”

Xia Chenxu knew the Jiangs’ struggles and their attempts to leverage Xia Langyan’s name for credit-based deals, indicating ongoing cash flow issues. Though Jiang Yan hadn’t asked for favors, he and his brothers were watching her moves.

Yan Zi had heard some of this but doubted Jiang Yan’s involvement. “She’s part of the Xia family now. Are you overthinking her ties to the Jiang’s?”

“Time reveals intentions. We’ll see if she’s stubborn or truly indifferent to her family.”

Xia Chenxu set his coffee aside, standing to chat with another couple.

Xia Yining and Jiang Yan posed for ages, their smiles stiffening when the photographer finally signaled OK.

Jiang Yan rubbed her cheeks. “This was harder than our wedding photos.”

“It’s more meaningful,” Xia Yining said, tired but not resistant.

After all guests shot promo photos, the crew recorded a short teaser video highlighting the show’s key moments.

The guests, usually busy, had a packed schedule. What should’ve been a relaxed afternoon tea became the online press conference.

As expected, Xia Yining and Jiang Yan drew the most attention. Questions from reporters and viewers focused on them.

“What’s the biggest change in your lives since the same-s3x marriage law passed?”

Xia Yining smiled, pausing briefly. “The core change is that we can be together openly, recognized and protected by law. Essentially, this law grants us equal standing with other marriages.”

The host looked at Jiang Yan, who nodded firmly, fully agreeing.

Next, the host picked an audience question. “What feels different after marriage compared to before?”

These “audience” questions, pre-prepared by the crew, centered on the law’s impact and significance.

Xia Yining, unbothered, answered calmly. “No major difference, but before, she accommodated me more. Now, we accommodate each other.”

Jiang Yan’s lips tightened, but she nodded.

The host lingered, clearly hoping for Jiang Yan’s input. She just smiled at Xia Yining and nodded again.

Rumors of the pampered Xia heiress and Jiang Yan’s years-long pursuit seemed true, she agreed with whatever Xia Yining said.

The host moved on. “Some still question same-s3x marriage, saying it disrupts traditional society and family structures, even potentially causing population crises. Do you have any thoughts about it?”

Xia Yining’s expression darkened. Though expecting such questions, hearing them stung.

She loathed how entrenched biases rejected new ideas, escalating to absurd moral outrage.

Her tone sharpened, serious. “Its passage shows many need it. Some may have waited years, just not at the right time. Society progresses, and relationships diversify. We should embrace new family models with openness.”

Pausing, she continued, “I hope this law comforts those with regrets, ensuring their missed joys don’t repeat for others.”

Before the host’s gaze, Jiang Yan was already nodding.

She’d thought Xia Yining, with their arranged marriage, had a casual view of it. Now, she realized she didn’t know her well enough.

Jiang Yan stole extra glances, seeking overlooked details, only for viewers to interpret it as “gazing lovingly at her wife.”

The host, seeing “kdl” (knocked-down-by-love) comments flooding the chat, grinned. “Your performance truly shows the law’s significance.”

Ye Chenchen, watching the livestream abroad before class, sat on the school steps with her laptop. A foreign classmate, curious, approached. “Chenchen, are you doing homework?”

“No, I’m watching my cousin’s press conference.”

The classmate, familiar from photos, grew interested. “Your gorgeous cousin?”

Ye Chenchen scooted over. “Yeah, she’s still stunning today.”

She tilted the screen for her friend.

“Who’s that?” The classmate pointed at the quiet figure beside Xia Yining.

“That’s Jiang Yan, my cousin’s… wife.”

Their matching outfits hinted at closeness, but marriage was unexpected.

“They seem so polite.”

Ye Chenchen side-eyed her. “Polite, how?”

“My behavioral psychology minor says body language is honest.” Pointing at the screen, she explained, “They pull apart when close, which is odd. They barely make eye contact, and their expressions aren’t synced, it feels… distant.”

Ye Chenchen wanted to flash a screenshot of Jiang Yan’s gaze to argue but didn’t. She considered translating the fangirling comments but found it too much hassle.

Just then, the host asked about their home life, who calls the shots and what happens if they disagree.

Xia Yining answered candidly, “She respects me, so I usually decide.”

This time, the host wouldn’t let Jiang Yan just nod.

Not wanting to break the mood, knowing few questions remained, and seeing Xia Yining’s ease, Jiang Yan spoke.

“She decides at home. We rarely disagree.”

The host pressed, smiling. “No marriage is without bumps. Newlyweds have fewer, but they will come.”

Other couples had confirmed this, and as the newest pair, still in their honeymoon phase, they’d naturally have less conflict.

But none at all? The host doubted Jiang Yan.

“I’m thrilled to be married to her. Even if we argue, I remember how hard this marriage was to achieve and cherish it. Winning a fight but losing my wife is pointless.”

Given her years-long pursuit, her words rang true. Xia Yining glanced back, meeting Jiang Yan’s clear gaze.

Ye Chenchen seized the moment. “See? That’s Eastern restraint in expressing love. Public displays don’t need hugs to show closeness.”

The classmate, only watching briefly, didn’t argue. Seeing Ye Chenchen’s defense, she figured the family saw more authentic moments.

Easterners were reserved, perhaps shyly distant on camera.

She stopped debating, watching earnestly and asking Ye Chenchen to translate unclear parts.

As the conference neared its end, the classmate mused, “Is this that ‘Buddha’ thing you mentioned?”

Ye Chenchen blinked. “What Buddha?”

The classmate gestured, recalling, “Buddha-like?”

Not wanting to dive into Chinese nuances with a half-year Mandarin learner, Ye Chenchen summed up, “Exactly. That’s their Buddha-like love.”