Forced Cohabitation After a Hit Romance Variety Show with My Rival Actress - Chapter 9

With a snap, Chi Yu lit a slender cigarette.

The cigarette, held delicately between her fingers, glowed faintly in the night.

Smoke curled around her as she squinted, her gaze drifting aimlessly over the neon-lit cityscape.

Jin Hongjin clicked her tongue twice, leaning against a nearby wall. “All you did today was take some promotional photos for the dating reality show. Who did you meet that stole your soul?”

Chi Yu inhaled deeply, exhaling a hazy plume of smoke. She smiled wryly. “I actually met someone who devours people.”

“Ugh!” Jin Hongjin slapped her thigh. “You’re still hung up on that joke I made? It was just a joke! Why are you still teasing me about it?”

The cigarette tip flickered between light and shadow.

Chi Yu merely smiled, saying nothing.

The open space on Lan Yue Mountain offered a panoramic view of Jing City’s bustling streets below.

“Seriously, who did you meet?” Jin Hongjin pressed, her eyes gleaming with gossip.

“Oh, let your sister guess! Did you run into Sister Ruan Feiyu? That must have been incredibly awkward.”

With that, she sighed dramatically.

“Speaking of which, Ruan Feiyu and Gu Yuan are both friends of your sister. Your sister is such an impressive person—a genius in physics who became a professor at Yan University at just 29. That’s Yan University! Who else gets to be a professor there at 29? I admire her so much for being both brilliant and beautiful. But your sister always thinks I’m a bad influence on you and returns every gift I send her.”

“Hey, when is your sister coming back from A Country? Is it this year too? Does she know you’re about to fly to B Country for that dating reality show?”

Jin Hongjin and Chi Yu’s families have been close for generations, and they grew up together. Jin Hongjin was quite the troublemaker in her younger days, going through girlfriends as quickly as flipping through pages of a book. Chi Yu, being her close friend, often got caught up in her scandals.

“Chi Yu, why don’t you actually try dating Ruan Feiyu? Maybe if you settle down, your sister will finally change her opinion of me. Besides, Sister Ruan clearly likes you so much.”

“……”

Amidst the swirling smoke, Chi Yu gazed up at the starry sky.

“Do you know who the mysterious guest was on the final episode of Love’s Heartbeat?”

Jin Hongjin slapped her forehead. “I was so busy gossiping, I forgot to ask! Who was it?”

Chi Yu turned her head and smiled brightly. “It was Gu Yuan.”

By the time Chi Yu returned to her rented apartment, it was already past ten at night.

All she wanted was to take a quick shower and collapse sideways on her bed.

Jing City’s weather was still oppressively hot, even in mid-September, with lingering traces of summer’s heat.

Even a short run outside left her feeling sticky and uncomfortable. Today’s photoshoot, with its heavy makeup and shimmering body powder, had only made matters worse.

Now, the makeup was starting to melt, leaving a greasy film on her skin. She wouldn’t feel clean until she washed it all off.

Swish, swish, swish…

The sound of running water filled the cramped space, the air thick with steam.

Water droplets cascaded down her pale skin, tracing the graceful curves of her body.

Finally, they slipped away from her flushed ankles and fingertips, carrying away the summer’s lingering heat.

After her shower, Chi Yu sat down at her computer, her hair still damp.

She opened the official Weibo account for Love’s Heartbeat.

The photos of the new season’s guests were prominently displayed at the top of the page.

There was Li Tianyin, the cool girl with smoky eyes; Lu Wenrui, the actress with a sweet smile, clutching a bouquet of lilies; and Lin Yihan, the CEO of a listed company, whom Jin Hongjin had been raving about.

Ruan Feiyu was temporarily placed in the middle of the second row, while I was shoved into the lower left corner like an afterthought.

The most striking image was the final photo: a graceful silhouette in black, marked with a question mark.

This was the Mysterious Guest for this season of Love’s Heartbeat, whose identity would only be revealed during the live broadcast.

The number of comments beneath the post was already staggering.

Oh my god, look at this lineup! It’s already incredible!

Except for that Chi Yu girl, everyone else is a legendary goddess in the entertainment industry!

Seriously, this is already amazing. Can you even imagine how mind-blowing the Mysterious Guest will be?!

The premiere is tomorrow! I’m dying of anticipation! Who could it be?!

Can I dare to dream? My aloof, ethereal wife—the serene beauty who transcends worldly concerns—could you please just make one appearance on a variety show and show your face?

Don’t even say it, upstairs! I wish my icy wife would join too, but she never participates in variety shows. She’s completely dedicated to her acting career, let alone a dating reality show.

Upstairs and the floor above, I won’t name names, but let’s just say they graduated with a master’s degree from the most prestigious performing arts academy, with impeccable credentials. Rumor has it they wanted to pursue a doctorate, but lacking a suitable advisor, they returned to acting instead.

Since I’ve made it this obvious, you probably all know who I’m talking about. I’m daring to dream of Gu Yuan. If my wish comes true, this faithful follower vows to livestream herself washing her hair while doing a headstand.

Chi Yu read the post and snapped a photo with her phone.

“Hmm, looks like you’ll be washing your hair upside down soon.”

After taking the photo, she put her phone away and suddenly remembered her manager mentioning a script he’d emailed her. She checked her inbox and found a sprawling fantasy world where humans were insignificant. The immortal and demonic realms even featured time-traveling mecha warriors.

Her character was a fallen immortal who served as a romantic obstacle for the male and female leads.

As she read, Chi Yu couldn’t help but frown.

The script was genuinely awkward—so awkward she almost closed her laptop and went to bed. After all, she had a recording session tomorrow and needed to wake up at 5 AM for an international flight.

Just as Chi Yu reached for the top edge of her laptop, about to close the screen, the device suddenly emitted a series of notification sounds:

Beep beep beep

Her eyes darted to the lower right corner, where the icon of a certain big-eyed Weibo avatar was bouncing.

Someone sent me a message on Weibo?

She was using a private Weibo account, known to very few people.

Chi Yu released her grip on the laptop.

Clicking the notification, she saw a message from an account named Moonlit Wanderer:

It’s been a while since you’ve been online.

Chi Yu stared at the black-and-white “Y” avatar. For a fleeting moment, it seemed vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Her fingers gently rubbed the mouse as she moved the cursor to the input field:

Huh? Are you sure you have the right person?

Moonlit Wanderer:  I don’t think so. You probably just don’t remember me.

Xiao Nvzi:  ……

I… haven’t used this account in almost four years.

The other party offered a helpful hint:

It’s been a long time since we last spoke. You used to write diary-style posts on the Yan University Forum, sharing your daily life with your girlfriend.

……

When I was younger, I really went through a phase.

Chi Yu still wanted to bury her face in her hands just thinking about it. Fortunately, the other person was remarkably understanding.

Your writing was excellent. I was always eagerly following your updates back then.

I even joined your Weibo fan group using this account.

“……”

Forget it. Just let the world end. I don’t want to live anymore.

When such embarrassing memories resurface, the emotions associated with them feel entirely different.

Chi Yu was speechless. Then, the other person sent a third message:  Are you still with your girlfriend?

Her fingers paused over the keyboard before she typed:  We broke up.

The “typing…” indicator appeared briefly before the reply came:  What a coincidence! My girlfriend back then is also my ex-girlfriend now.

Chi Yu wasn’t particularly interested in other people’s gossip, but the words “ex-girlfriend” stung her eyes.

Ex-girlfriend… Yes, she had just met her ex-girlfriend today.

Moonlit Wanderer: Actually, we had a peaceful breakup.

Little Woman: Funny, we also had a peaceful breakup.

As Chi Yu typed, her half-dried hair hung limply over her shoulders, leaving faint damp stains blooming across her silk pajamas.

Ignoring the dampness, she stared intently at the computer screen.

Was it really peaceful? Not exactly.

Moonlit Wanderer suddenly sent a message: But recently, my ex-girlfriend came back.

Chi Yu stared at the screen, her face illuminated by the pale glow. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she typed:

Unfortunately, this time my ex-girlfriend doesn’t remember me.

…

The other party sent a smiling emoji.

I’ve been meaning to ask, what do you do for work, Great One?

I saw your writing in the Yan University Forum’s off-topic section—it was excellent! It’s a shame you said you don’t work in a writing-related field.

Chi Yu:  Yeah, I’m in the sports department, training for weightlifting in the 81kg+ category.

Online, identity is self-assigned.

Really? So the Great One is an athlete! I’m studying funeral rites and etiquette.

Even long nights need some amusement.

Chi Yu completely abandoned the idea of turning off her computer and going to sleep.

If you weren’t studying funeral rites and etiquette instead of film directing, I might have thought you were my ex-girlfriend.

This time, after Chi Yu sent her message, there was a long silence before Moonlit Wanderer finally replied.

Yeah, what a coincidence! If I didn’t know you were a weightlifter in the 81kg+ category, I would have thought you were my ex-girlfriend too.

Chi Yu gently rubbed her fingers together, picked up the glass beside her still misted with cold condensation, and took a sip of ice water.

“Heh…”

Her slender, pale fingers tapped out a few more words on the keyboard: Yan University, where we study, truly covers everything.

After a moment, Moonlit Wanderer replied:

Yeah, Yan University isn’t just a university; it has middle and high schools too. The affiliated high school is even on campus. I wonder if we’ve ever crossed paths there.

Chi Yu replied: Probably not.

Who would know someone studying mortuary science?

Oh…

Was your ex-girlfriend also from Yan University?

Since they didn’t know each other, Chi Yu decided to let loose: Yeah, she was my senior.

Oh, a senior! Was she good to you?

Without hesitation, Chi Yu typed back: Yes.

If she was so good to you, why is she your ex-girlfriend?

Chi Yu sent a scratching-head emoji, then immediately followed up with: How did your ex-girlfriend become your ex-girlfriend?

…

After a brief silence, Moonlit Wanderer replied: Probably because she didn’t like me anymore. She even started flirting with someone else.

Little Girl: Judging by your tone, it seems you still have feelings for her?

Moonlit Wanderer: Then do you still have feelings for your ex-girlfriend?

Chi Yu’s hand had just reached for her cup when she suddenly felt a sharp, icy sting on her fingertips.

She withdrew her hand, cradling it in her other palm and gently rubbing her fingertips.

After a long silence, Moonlit Wanderer sent another message:

Did I stump you?

Actually, our situations are probably different. I haven’t forgotten my ex-girlfriend. When I see her flirting with others, I want to tie her up and bring her home—bind her hands but not cover her eyes, because I want her to see only me.

“……”

Chi Yu gently rubbed her fingertips, curling up in her chair and resting her elbows on her knees.

Ahem… Sister, aren’t you being a little… you know?

Moonlit Wanderer spammed several laughing emojis.

Just kidding! Are you scared?

Scared?

Chi Yu scoffed.

Of course I know you’re joking. But if you still have feelings for her, fight for her! Even if you end up kidnapping her and training her like a dog at your bedside, I’ll support you all the way.

Moonlit Wanderer: Alright, I’ll follow your advice and fight for her.

I hope you’ll always support me.

Chi Yu rested her cheek in her hand, gazing at the screen as she finished the last sip of water in her cup.

Her fingers danced across the keyboard: Wishing you success.

Moonlit Wanderer: Thank you.

I might not have time to check Weibo for a while. Would you mind adding me on WeChat?

The message lingered on the screen for several seconds, its words reflected in Chi Yu’s bright, deer-like eyes.

Exchanging WeChat contacts with an online acquaintance she’d only known for a short time wasn’t exactly outrageous, but it was a first for Chi Yu.

It felt… novel and a little thrilling.

Moonlit Wanderer, seeing her prolonged silence, seemed to assume she was hesitant and sent another message: I apologize for the presumptuous request. If you’re uncomfortable, let’s just forget about it.

Chi Yu smiled and typed back: It’s just exchanging WeChat contacts. What’s there to be afraid of?

The other party sent a smiling emoji, and after exchanging WeChat IDs, the Moonlit Wanderer logged off.

But almost immediately, her phone chimed.

Chi Yu picked it up and saw a red notification dot on the WeChat icon.

Tapping the dot, she found a “+1” notification in the “New Friends” section.

Gu Yuan has requested to add you as a friend. Accept or Decline?