After Transmigrating, I Joined a Dating Show with the Fake Heiress Actress - Chapter 6

Su Qingwan set down the seasonings in her hand and instructed Yin Xiao to keep an eye on things. Steeling herself, she approached Bai Man. “Bai… Bai Man, you…”

 

When she saw the tears welling in Yima’s eyes, Bai Man felt as if she had been transported back to her childhood.

 

Born prematurely, she had been frail and sickly as a child. Her parents had doted on her, and she had relished their affection. She had believed this love would last forever, but as her health improved, they told her she was going to have a younger brother.

 

She couldn’t recall how she had felt upon hearing the news. All she knew was that after her brother was born, her parents’ attention shifted almost entirely to him. They constantly reminded her, “You’re the older sister. You need to take care of your brother and let him have his way.”

 

To win back her parents’ love, she obeyed. But what did she gain?

 

Knowing she couldn’t tolerate spicy food, they still added chili peppers to her favorite dishes, simply because her brother liked them.

 

Whenever she refused to give her brother something he wanted, regardless of his tantrums, her parents would scold her.

 

But why? Why should she always have to accommodate her younger brother, always have to give way to him?

 

Just because she was born a few years earlier?

 

No, she refused to accept it.

 

When her brother was ten, she went to take a special admissions exam, a three-day trip including travel. When she returned home, she found her room in utter disarray. All her books and certificates had been torn to shreds or defaced with graffiti. The anime figurines she had painstakingly collected lay shattered on the floor.

 

Unable to contain her fury any longer, she stormed over and gave her brother a thorough beating.

 

Her parents happened to arrive home at that moment. Without asking for an explanation, they immediately began berating her.

 

It was then that she finally understood: they had long since transferred their affection to her brother. In their eyes, she was always the one at fault.

 

Even after the aunt explained the whole situation, they still blamed her for laying a hand on their precious son.

 

All the sacrifices and compromises she had made to earn their love and attention now seemed utterly ridiculous.

 

So, right in front of them, she beat her brother again.

 

Her father, heartbroken, struck her for the first time. Overwhelmed by injustice, she stormed into her brother’s room and, mimicking his destructive behavior, trashed everything in sight.

 

They called her mad. And she was.

 

Anything her brother coveted, she’d rather smash than let him have. When he falsely accused her, she made the accusation a reality. When they cut off her allowance to discipline her, she took her brother’s allowance too—no one would spend a dime.

 

Later, their family company faced bankruptcy. Fresh out of graduate school, she investigated the company’s situation and presented them with a condition: she demanded thirty percent of their shares.

 

With the family holding only thirty-five percent of the company’s stock, her acquisition would make her the largest shareholder, thwarting their plans to leave the company to her brother.

 

Desperate, they reluctantly agreed.

 

But when she saved the company, they reneged, accusing her of exploiting their crisis.

 

So what if she exploited their crisis? She simply refused to let their plans succeed.

 

Years had passed, and she thought she’d moved on. But seeing Yima today brought those old wounds flooding back.

 

She couldn’t contain her anger. “We’re all experiencing life for the first time. Why should Yima have to defer to her younger brother? When you demand she do so, have you, as her father, ever treated them equally?”

 

The man’s face flushed crimson as he stammered, “When did it become your place, as an outsider, to meddle in my family’s affairs?”

 

“Even an outsider like me feels indignant on Yima’s behalf. Imagine how deeply wronged she must feel.”

 

In the live stream, the chat flooded with more comments than before.

 

I’m with Bai Man on this. We’re all just figuring things out for the first time. Why should anyone have to defer to anyone else?

 

I feel for Yima, but Bai Man’s approach is risky. What if this man takes his anger out on her when he gets home?

 

The man’s right. This is a family matter. Bai Man shouldn’t interfere.

 

What do you mean “shouldn’t interfere”? It’s because of cold-hearted people like you that so many tragedies happen.

 

This man’s mindset is deeply ingrained. Look at him—he’s not remorseful, just furious. Furious that Bai Man humiliated him and stripped him of his male pride.

 

The commenter above has a point, but I still stand with Bai Man.

 

 

Standing beside Bai Man, Su Qingwan received a pointed look from Director Xu, her heart sinking with resignation.

 

Emotionally, she sided with Bai Man. The man’s bias was undeniable. Zhuoma, as the elder sister, was shorter than her brother, her frail frame a stark contrast to his robust, healthy physique. Combined with the man’s earlier words and the brother’s history of snatching things, it wasn’t hard to imagine the silent suffering Yima had endured alone.

 

Yet reason told her that Bai Man’s actions were bound to spark controversy, given her lack of proper standing in the matter.

 

Realizing he couldn’t win the argument with Bai Man, the man turned to Director Xu. “You’re the boss here? Keep your employees in line. Meddling in my affairs is none of their business.”

 

Director Xu nodded and stepped forward. “I apologize for her harsh words. Please don’t take them to heart.” He then shot another glance at Su Qingwan, urging her to persuade Bai Man to apologize and end the matter.

 

Su Qingwan lowered her head, pretending not to notice. Sensing the simmering anger radiating from Bai Man, she quietly edged two steps away.

 

She didn’t want to become the target of misplaced anger.

 

“What’s going on here?”

 

Yu Meng’s voice shattered the tense silence.

 

Zhang Jiale hurried to Yu Meng’s side and quickly explained the situation.

 

Yu Meng scoffed coldly, crossing her arms. “Bai Man, you were so tough just now. What happened? Did you suddenly lose your nerve?”

 

She strode over to the man and crouched down beside Yima, extending her palm. The two candies instantly caught Yima’s eye.

 

“Want one?” Yu Meng asked, tearing open the wrapper. “Yima, you can’t let people push you around like this. You need to be a little selfish. Remember not just the kindness people show you, but also the injustices they inflict.”

 

She placed the candy in Yima’s mouth, who seemed to understand only vaguely. Rising, she lowered her voice and said to the man, “You take care of her when she’s young, and she’ll take care of you when you’re old. If you can’t treat her fairly, don’t blame her if she resents you later.”

 

The man seemed to take her words to heart. His face flushed red as he bent down, scooped up both children in his arms, and walked away.

 

Bai Man turned to see Yima smiling at her. In that moment, her rationality returned somewhat. “I’ll come visit you tomorrow,” she said, worried the man might take his anger out on Yima.

 

“Still planning to go alone? I’m coming too,” Yu Meng said, stepping beside Bai Man and waving at Yima. “Yima, are you welcoming me?”

 

Yima hesitated, turning to the man for approval. When he nodded, she beamed. “Welcome, sisters, to my home.”

 

The boy muttered sullenly, “I don’t like them.”

 

“Zhuole, don’t be rude.”

 

It was the first time Zhuole had been scolded by his father. His face crumpled instantly, and he buried his face in the man’s shoulder, whimpering.

 

Seeing this, Bai Man let out a silent sigh of relief.

 

When she caught Yu Meng’s smug expression out of the corner of her eye, her lips twitched slightly.

 

“What? You want to thank me?” Yu Meng tilted her chin slightly. “You really should. With that aggressive attitude of yours, who wouldn’t get angry?”

 

Bai Man turned away, her rational mind acknowledging she had acted impulsively, but her pride refusing to admit it.

 

Su Qingwan hesitated, then moved closer and asked tentatively, “Are you alright?”

 

She had entered the entertainment industry solely to earn money. In her early days, she had refused to attend dinner parties at her manager’s insistence, which led to a prolonged period with no work. Combined with the pressure of her studies, she had felt utterly suffocated during that time.

 

Realizing she couldn’t continue like this, she began attending psychology lectures in her spare time. Bai Man’s unusual behavior closely resembled the symptoms of psychological trauma discussed in class.

 

Since the Bai Family had no other children, Bai Man must have suffered this injustice at the Su Family.

 

Her mother was a reasonable woman, and even when biased, she wouldn’t inflict such deep psychological trauma on Bai Man.

 

Could it have been her father?

 

With this thought, she resolved to call her sister as soon as she returned to the guesthouse and retrieved her phone.

 

Before Bai Man could respond, Yu Meng interjected, “She seems perfectly fine to me,” she sighed dramatically. “I just hope she doesn’t drag Yima down with her.” She glared at Bai Man. “Otherwise, you’ll be a complete sinner.”

 

Bai Man frowned slightly. “If you keep quiet, no one will think you’re mute.”

 

With that, she turned and strode toward the guesthouse.

 

“Hey! The filming isn’t over yet! What do you think you’re doing, quitting mid-shoot?” Yu Meng shouted after her, standing on tiptoe to make her voice carry.

 

Bai Man stopped, turned to see Yu Meng had already moved to Su Qingwan’s side, and then doubled back. She gently grasped Su Qingwan’s wrist and, under Yu Meng’s stunned gaze, led Su Qingwan away with her.

 

“Director, look at her,” Yu Meng said, pointing at Bai Man’s retreating figure.

 

Director Xu waved his hand dismissively. “Let her go.”

 

He had no desire to provoke Bai Man again. Her domineering presence had left him feeling deeply pressured, and a seed of doubt had taken root in his mind. Was Bai Man truly just a clueless, halfway-reclaimed heiress?

 

Her aura suggested otherwise.

 

“Ms. Yu,” Liu Yue approached with a plate in hand. “You must be hungry. Have a snack to tide you over.”

 

Yu Meng shook her head, glancing again in the direction Bai Man and Su Qingwan had disappeared. With a complex expression, she finally turned away and walked toward the picnic blanket.

 

Livestream Chat

 

Ah, what’s happening? I’m actually finding Bai Man and Yu Meng’s bickering kind of entertaining.

 

Me too! These two together would be hilarious.

 

I’m still rooting for Bai Man and Qingwan. That wordless, take-charge move of just whisking her away was so badass.

 

I can’t stand Bai Man. She’s so arrogant. My Mengmeng is right—if anything happens to Yima, it’ll be Bai Man’s fault.

 

I don’t like that kind of talk. You know Yima’s being treated unfairly, yet you turn a blind eye? Is your heart made of iron?

 

I’m really curious about what Mengmeng said to that biased man.

 

Bai Man should have been more tactful before pointing things out. That way, she could have minimized the potential risks.

 

Ha! It’s easy to talk when you’re sitting comfortably. Who can think about being tactful when they’re burning with anger? Besides, if that man truly believes he’s done nothing wrong, all the tact in the world won’t make a difference.

 

 

Bai Man remained unaware of the heated debate raging in the live broadcast chat. She had already returned to the room arranged for her by the production team, where she stood silently by the window, gazing up at the night sky. The stars, like pearls scattered across a jade plate, glittered against the velvet-black canvas.

 

Knock, knock, knock…

 

Snapping out of her reverie, she turned and walked to the door, opening it.

 

Su Qingwan stood there, holding a steaming bowl of noodles. The rising steam brushed across Su Qingwan’s eyes, making her appear even more delicate and endearing.

 

“I only know how to make noodles,” Su Qingwan said tentatively. “Would you mind settling for this?”

 

Bai Man had no appetite and was about to decline when she noticed Su Qingwan’s reddened hands. She immediately reached out and took the bowl. “What about you? Did you make any for yourself?”

 

Su Qingwan nodded. “Yes, mine’s downstairs.”

 

Without another word, Bai Man carried the bowl downstairs.

 

“If you don’t want it, I can take it back myself,” Su Qingwan followed, her pink lips pressed into a thin line.

 

Having rushed to a promotional event earlier that day, Su Qingwan had arrived at the guesthouse late in the afternoon. The several-hour car ride had completely killed her appetite. She hadn’t felt hungry earlier, but as soon as she returned to the guesthouse, her stomach began to protest. That’s when she borrowed the kitchen to cook noodles.

 

Remembering that Bai Man hadn’t eaten either, Su Qingwan cooked an extra bowl.

 

Bai Man descended the stairs and walked straight to the nearly five-meter-long rectangular dining table. She sat down opposite the bowl Su Qingwan had placed, stirred the noodles to coat them in broth, and then picked up a few strands to eat.

 

The noodles were cooked to the perfect tenderness, and the rich scallion aroma made her take a few more bites.

 

Su Qingwan had been watching her the whole time, and her slightly anxious heart finally relaxed seeing Bai Man enjoying the meal.

 

After a few more bites, Bai Man couldn’t eat any more. But she didn’t leave; instead, she waited for Su Qingwan to finish, then picked up Su Qingwan’s bowl and headed toward the kitchen.

 

Of course, she had no idea where the kitchen was.

 

In the end, the innkeeper had to guide her to the kitchen, where she clumsily washed the bowl and returned it to its original place.

 

The next morning, after breakfast prepared by the innkeeper, the group returned to the grassland.

 

Unlike the previous day, this time the staff had brought five horses.

 

“Today’s task is simple: learn to ride horses. Pairs will be formed, and guests are free to choose their partners,” Director Xu said, stroking his chin meaningfully.

 

Seeing Yu Meng approaching, Bai Man immediately declared, “She’s with me.”

 

Yu Meng raised an eyebrow and glanced at Su Qingwan, but before she could ask a question, Liu Yue’s coquettish voice rang out, “Ms. Yu, can I be in your group?”

 

“Ms. Yu has always been kind to women,” Bai Man said with a half-smile. “I’m sure she won’t refuse.”

 

Yu Meng immediately retorted, “Bai Man, can you stop being so presumptuous? Did you even ask Qingwan what she wants before making this decision?”

 

Bai Man gestured for her to ask.

 

“Qingwan, did she threaten you while I was away?”

 

Seeing that everyone else had already paired up, Liu Yue frantically grabbed Yu Meng’s arm, her voice trembling with tears. “Ms. Yu, they’ve all chosen their partners. If you don’t team up with me, I’ll be left out!”

 

“This…”

 

Noticing Yu Meng’s hesitation, Su Qingwan said softly, “I’m fine being in a group with Bai Man.”

 

Though she said this, Bai Man, standing to her left, still caught the flicker of sadness in her eyes.

 

“Fine!” Yu Meng glared at Bai Man before leaving, delivering a fierce warning. “If I find out you’ve been manipulating her, you and I are finished.”

 

Bai Man couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Always speaking in these ambiguous terms, she thought. No wonder Su Qingwan is overthinking things.

 

“I’m curious,” Bai Man asked, “on what basis are you saying this?”

 

Yu Meng stopped, turned, and retorted angrily, “Didn’t I say? Qingwan and I are friends.”

 

Bai Man’s expression shifted to surprise. “Just friends?” She stepped closer. “I thought you had romantic feelings for her. After all, anyone would interpret your words that way.”

 

Something in Bai Man’s words seemed to strike a nerve with Su Qingwan. She momentarily lost herself in thought, her emotions a tangled mess.

 

Yu Meng’s expression also became strained. She opened her mouth to explain to Su Qingwan, but the words caught in her throat.

 

She averted her gaze and snapped at Bai Man, “Stop stirring up trouble here!” With that, she turned and hurried away.

 

“She’s clearly flustered,” Bai Man observed thoughtfully.

 

Su Qingwan’s lowered lashes trembled slightly. She looked up at Bai Man. “Bai Man, what exactly are you trying to achieve? No matter how much resentment you harbor, direct it at me. But,” she swallowed hard, “can you please stop targeting Yu Meng?”