After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 31

31:

After the press conference, the production team released each couple’s promo photos the next day, along with a short teaser clip.

Though not a celebrity show, the guests’ extraordinary backgrounds and diverse marriage situations drew significant attention from married viewers.

Many Xia employees were potential viewers too. Jiang Yan had just arrived at work when Li Xiaoyuan approached with a grin.

She’d barely set her bag down when a hot coffee appeared on her desk, from the café downstairs.

“What’s with the sudden coffee treat?”

Jiang Yan was easygoing, not as strict as the director, and had bailed out colleagues on mistakes a few times, quickly gaining popularity in the department.

Li Xiaoyuan, outgoing, was among the first to approach this “parachuted” superior and now her closest work friend. She was usually cheerful, but today’s overt attentiveness felt odd.

“You said last time the café’s coffee was great. We had breakfast next door and grabbed one for you.”

Jiang Yan eyed her skeptically but touched the cup, smiling. “Thanks. The milk tea’s on me this afternoon.”

Li Xiaoyuan’s smile flickered, Jiang Yan noticed but didn’t pry. As she sat to sip, Li Xiaoyuan blurted, “Actually, I wanted to ask about the show with Manager Xia. Will it really cover lots of marriage details?”

“How so?” Jiang Yan licked her lips, the coffee was indeed good.

Li Xiaoyuan sighed bitterly. “Entertainment shows dominate lately. I wanted real family life stuff, but it’s all mother-in-law drama, couple fights—scripted or not, it kills any desire to marry.”

Jiang Yan vaguely recalled that Li Xiaoyuan turned 30 this year, with a boyfriend of over three years; they’d planned to wed this summer.

“You’re not married yet and already watching this?”

“Better safe than sorry, knowledge helps. Watching my parents and relatives’ marriages, it’s not happy; it’s endless petty frustrations gonna drive you mad.”

Jiang Yan nodded. “Most of the previous generation’s marriages are like that. It’s life.”

“Ugh! I don’t want to repeat after my parents’. If marriage means the same, I’d rather stay single.”

Li Xiaoyuan’s conflict showed in her furrowed brow, almost unrecognizable from her usual smiling self. Jiang Yan believed her worries were genuine.

Qu Lan, who was passing by, sling an arm around Li Xiaoyuan. “You really asked Director Jiang?”

Knowing their closeness, Jiang Yan figured Li had confided in Qu Lan but wouldn’t relay the conversation.

“She’s just curious about our show.”

Qu Lan nodded knowingly, intrigued. “Director Jiang, spill—what’s in it? Is it worth watching?”

“Didn’t realize you two cared so much about marriage.”

“Xiaoyuan and I differ, but I’m even more invested.” Qu Lan leaned in, whispering, “I’ve dated my girlfriend since college. I’m thinking of proposing.”

Their sincerity tugged at Jiang Yan; she couldn’t mislead.

“Manager Xia and I are just guest stars for two episodes, I don’t know much. But from what I’ve seen, it digs into how marriage impacts each couple.”

Impacts could be good or bad, no fixed script; it depended on real dynamics.

Though vague, Li Xiaoyuan and Qu Lan were thrilled. “As long as there are no product placements or fake scandals, just real marriage footage.”

Jiang Yan hadn’t realized the market lacked such shows; the producers had done solid research.

At the press conference, she’d seen high online viewers, assuming shills. Post-livestream, she learned they were genuine.

That evening, she mentioned it to Xia Yining, omitting the women’s personal stories.

“Turns out not just middle-aged folks, young people are excited too.”

Xia Yining’s eyes stayed on her screen, but she registered it.

“Chenchen messaged me, her classmates are watching too.”

Jiang Yan was surprised. “Ha, marriage anxiety crosses ages now, even college kids?”

Xia Yining looked at her. “They’re at legal marriage age.” Pausing, she added softly, “Marriage does need careful thought, it’s for life.”

She didn’t care if Jiang Yan heard or responded, she just felt a pang of melancholy. Regaining composure, she glanced over, Jiang Yan was texting.

The melancholy resurfaced. They commuted together, shared a room, and appeared on a show proving their perfect marriage.

But behind closed doors, only they knew the truth. Xia Yining believed in love but not marriage; to her, it might be a shackle, clipping her wings in love’s name.

Post-marriage, Jiang Yan had toned down her fervent pursuit, not demanding more materially. Xia Yining’s wariness persisted, but pity grew.

If she couldn’t give Jiang Yan what she wanted, they’d coexist peacefully, treating her kindly within bounds.

She’d seen online comments; Ye Chenchen sent “Buddha-like love,” highlighting their “unique” press conference vibe.

A reminder, they needed more intimacy on camera.

Sighing lightly, she called, “Jiang Yan, for the official filming, are there any parts you want to join?”

Jiang Yan was in a group chat with the shop owners, renovations nearly done, debating new vs. traditional furniture.

She wondered why Xia Yining changed plans; she’d lead, Jiang Yan just followed.

“I asked the Second Sister-in-Law. Our episodes: duet a song, make food, I piggyback you twice.”

Xia Yining clarified, “I mean, do you want to bake cookies with me?”

Pausing the chat, Jiang Yan answered seriously, “Cookies are simple. I’ll pass plates.”

Xia Yining hadn’t expected her initiative to be rebuffed with laziness. Recalling comments, she swallowed irritation.

“But our press conference wasn’t intimate enough, we need more interaction later.”

“Our answers matched. Are the producers unhappy?”

Xia Yining inhaled deeply, staying elegant. “Haven’t you seen the online posts?”

Jiang Yan shook her head honestly. Lately, besides food street plans, she’d honed her skills. Ding taught her stir-fry, but no practice time.

Xia Yining stated directly, “You don’t have to bake, but think how to show our closeness.”

Her ears warmed, face unchanged: “But no kissing.”

—

Yan Zi and Xia Chenxu finished the first two episodes. Per plan, Episode 3 welcomed Xia Yining and Jiang Yan, linking them to Yan Zi’s pair as same-s3x marriage reps.

Post-broadcast, online buzz grew, opinions varying. Yan Zi’s elite heir-ex-star duo started strong but felt “overdone” after two episodes.

Especially Yan Zi, saying constantly “Honey, look!” or “I’ll do this with my husband.”

Overly cutesy, like she couldn’t function alone, though elite poise lingered.

Other guests smiled silently; only the power couple, a male doctor and a female lawyer spoke up. Lawyer He Youran subtly jabbed Yan Zi multiple times, their husbands intervening to prevent fights.

With their rivalry set, both are ready to compete this episode. But Xia Yining’s arrival oddly deflated He Youran.

They wore a couple sporty casuals, leaning athletic for the contest. Fair-skinned beauties with stellar vibes, newlywed energy radiating.

Other couples clapped welcome, inwardly envious: That pre-marriage-wear phase is enviable.

Jiang Yan quietly observed. She’d watched the episodes, each pair was unique. She sought a model to mimic but found none fitting.

It’s better to improvise. She’d bluffed the wedding; an editable show was easier.

The host handed Yan Zi the mic to describe Xia Yining and Jiang Yan’s home life.

“Xiao Jiang dotes on Ningning, totally obedient. Since marrying, they’re inseparable; where Ningning goes, Xiao Jiang follows. So enviable.”