Being the Diva’s Rumored Girlfriend [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 7

After finalizing the schedule for the next month, everyone dispersed.

In the following months, the girl group didn’t have any major performances, just two small-scale commercial gigs that weren’t particularly significant.

When Mu Xiaoxiao heard that Mi Man was going to film a reality show, she looked at her in surprise, mouth full of beef jerky. “You’re the first in our group to do a variety show, huh?”

Though beef is a good source of protein, eating it the way Xiaoxiao did could easily lead to weight gain. Mi Man poured her a cup of barley tea and handed it to Xiaoxiao, who was curled up on the couch playing games.

“Mmm, thanks, Manman. Just finishing this round,” Xiaoxiao mumbled, pressing the auto-play button before taking a sip of the tea.

Summer heat hadn’t arrived yet, but the air conditioning was already running, making the room slightly chilly.

Mi Man sighed. “Sister Gu told me to pack today. Tomorrow morning, I have to meet at Mu Yunshu’s studio before heading out for filming.”

Xiaoxiao hugged her cup and asked, “What kind of reality show is it? Do you need to prepare anything in advance?”

“It’s called The Realest You, season three,” Mi Man said. “I’m probably just there to fill a spot.”

Xiaoxiao paused. “Isn’t that a CP show? You’re pairing up with Mu Yunshu???”

The Realest You was a reality show developed by a regional TV station, where pairs completed assigned tasks together. The filming requirements weren’t difficult—mostly just daily activities and some travel.

The catch? The show marketed itself as a “couples” program, with previous guests being actual romantic pairs or married couples.

Now that Mi Man was suddenly joining, it was impossible not to worry.

“Are you… going to be okay?” Xiaoxiao asked cautiously. “If your thing with Mu Yunshu gets exposed, your reputation will be ruined.”

Mi Man pressed her lips together. The discussion at the company earlier was still fresh in her mind. If she refused, there was a high chance she’d be forced into it anyway. Then…

Before they could finish their conversation, the sound of the door opening interrupted them.

Looking over, they saw Cheng Jing in a beige dress, holding hands with her girlfriend as they walked in.

Mi Man’s gaze lingered on their intertwined fingers before she stood up and said to Xiaoxiao, “I’m going to pack.”

“Okay~”

As Mi Man retreated to her room, Cheng Jing watched her for a moment before telling her girlfriend to go ahead.

Inside the room, Mi Man pulled out her suitcase. The contract stated filming would last over a month, so she needed to pack enough to avoid inconvenience in an unfamiliar place.

Knock knock knock—

Cheng Jing leaned against the doorframe, smiling faintly. “Heard you’re going on a reality show?”

Mi Man glanced back. “Yeah, company’s arrangement.”

She didn’t mention who she’d be paired with.

Cheng Jing’s delicate brows furrowed. “Manman, you haven’t talked to me properly in so long. Did something… happen between us?”

Mi Man shook her head with a light laugh. “I’ve just been busy lately. And you’ve been spending all your time with Yao Xuan anyway.”

The implication was clear: you do your thing, I’ll do mine, no need to ask so many questions.

Cheng Jing frowned slightly, watching Mi Man’s retreating figure with displeasure. This girl had always been the one chasing after her—since when did she have to be the one initiating conversation?

“You and Mu Yunshu… are you doing well?” Cheng Jing sat in her chair and said coolly, “Has she given you a lot of resources?”

Mi Man paused briefly before continuing to tidy her things. “No, not really.”

“But wasn’t this reality show arranged for you through her connections?”

“…What do you mean?”

Cheng Jing feigned innocence, pursing her lips. “I just feel like ever since you got close to Mu Yunshu, you’ve barely looked my way. It’s a bit uncomfortable.”

That much was true. Mi Man’s popularity now overshadowed everyone else in the girl group, to the point where even the company gave her special attention during dance rehearsals. As the main dancer and leader, Cheng Jing naturally had her grievances.

Watching Cheng Jing act coquettish, Mi Man blinked.

Was she complaining that Mi Man wasn’t spending time with her?

Her calm heart suddenly fluttered, as if something had stirred it. Mi Man’s cheeks warmed slightly as she replied, “I haven’t been ignoring you, I just…”

Cheng Jing tilted her head, eyes smiling. “Just what?”

Mi Man hesitated, then turned back to her packing. “I’ve just been busy, that’s all.”

Cheng Jing: “…”

“Is that so? Well, go ahead and finish up. I’ll be heading out for a bit.”

“Mm.”

As Cheng Jing left, Mi Man folded her clothes absentmindedly, a nagging doubt creeping in—had Cheng Jing just been fishing for information?

Probably just her imagination.

Mi Man sighed inwardly.

——————

The next day, before dawn had even broken, Sister Gu barged into the room with a loud kick, yanking Mi Man out of bed while she was still half-asleep.

In the pitch-black room, ignoring the other members sharing the dorm, she ordered Mi Man to brush her teeth, wash her face, and follow her out.

In her drowsy state, Mi Man vaguely recalled being led into a car, then out of it, and finally handed off to someone.

When she finally opened her eyes, the sky was just beginning to lighten. Blinking in confusion, she asked, “What time is it?”

Mu Yunshu, standing beside her, answered calmly, “Four.”

Four?!

No wonder she was so exhausted.

Mi Man rubbed her eyes and let out a small yawn before turning her head.

Only then did she notice the crowd of people bustling around the white three-story building ahead. Mu Yunshu, dressed in ripped jeans and a cropped top, wore a wide-brimmed linen hat and was smiling at her.

Mi Man’s face instantly flushed, her mind buzzing so loudly she thought her head might explode.

Wh-wh-why was she standing so close?!

Instinctively, Mi Man took two steps back, cheeks burning. “Y-you—why are you here?”

The moment she asked, she remembered—Sister Gu had dragged her out early this morning. She quickly glanced around and spotted her silver suitcase nearby, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.

At least her things were safe.

Mu Yunshu chuckled at the way she clung to her luggage, looking utterly relieved. “Awake now?”

Mi Man nodded timidly. She really had been out of it earlier.

Mu Yunshu tilted her head. “The makeup artist will give you a light touch-up soon. We’re heading to the airport.”

“The airport?”

Mi Man stared at her blankly. “This early?”

Mu Yunshu smiled and said, “Because we have filming today. They started following us with cameras the moment we got off the plane, so the schedule will be a bit tighter.”

After speaking, she reached out and patted Mi Man’s head, laughing, “Go get your makeup done with Sister Aida.”

Mi Man gazed into Mu Yunshu’s amber-like eyes and suddenly found herself momentarily spellbound.

This woman… was truly beautiful.

Exactly her type.

In the studio’s makeup room, a woman dressed in colorful clothes touched up Mi Man’s makeup while endlessly praising her flawless skin in a mix of Chinese and English.

Mi Man grew increasingly embarrassed by the compliments.

“Just greet the fans seeing us off at the airport later,” Mu Yunshu instructed her assistant. “Try not to let them get too close to Mi Man.”

The assistant looked puzzled. “Just a greeting? No photos or autographs?”

Mu Yunshu shook her head. “No.”

Everyone knew Mu Yunshu disliked fans coming to the airport—crowds created chaos, and any incident would be troublesome. That’s why her travel plans were usually kept secret.

But this time was an exception.

Not only were there airport greetings and send-offs planned, but entertainment reporters and media had also been notified, clearly aiming for a grand spectacle.

For Mu Yunshu, who usually kept a low profile, this sudden fanfare for a variety show recording made it obvious who it was all for.

Studio colleagues exchanged glances at their boss. What was going on? Weren’t they told the boss wasn’t seeing anyone? How did she suddenly acquire such an inseparable young wife?

And she seemed determined to make her famous.

The thought of their “boss’s wife,” who could fall asleep standing up, gave everyone a headache.

“Just follow the plan we agreed on,” Mu Yunshu said with a smile. “While we’re filming, handle studio matters among yourselves. If anything’s unclear, ask me.”

“Understood.”

The studio’s relaxed atmosphere meant everyone knew their daily tasks. Given the nature of their work, they either had too much free time or were swamped, leading to a culture of habitual lateness but willingness to work late.

The management turned a blind eye—after all, the team worked hard and took responsibility.

Mi Man emerged with barely noticeable light makeup and saw her luggage already loaded into the car. Puzzled, she turned to Mu Yunshu. “Teacher Mu, are we leaving now?”

Mu Yunshu looked up, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her close.

Mi Man’s eyes widened in shock as Mu Yunshu’s face suddenly filled her vision.

They stood so close that Mi Man could feel goosebumps rising where Mu Yunshu held her wrist.

Mu Yunshu’s bright eyes were unmistakable even under her cap.

Leaning in, she whispered by Mi Man’s ear, “Did you forget what I said?”

Mi Man hiccuped nervously. “W-what?”

Mu Yunshu chuckled softly. “From now on, just call me Yunshu when we meet. No need for formal titles like ‘Teacher’—people might notice.”

Mi Man seemed to vaguely recall this person saying those words in the ballroom booth last time, but she couldn’t quite adjust to it right away. She could only press her lips together and say, “I’ll be more careful in the future.”

Mu Yunshu grasped Mi Man’s wrist, watching as the girl before her gradually flushed under her gaze. An inexplicable joy bubbled up in her heart.

A mischievous impulse arose, and Mu Yunshu chuckled softly, saying, “Let’s go, Manman.”

Mi Man’s face turned crimson. Though she knew this was all an act, wasn’t this person’s performance a bit too convincing???

“O-okay,” Mi Man stammered, turning her head away slightly. “Yunshu…”