Hi, Wifey! [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 10

The online controversy surrounding Cheng Wanyu’s scolding of fans sparked a wave of righteous indignation, with most people believing she did nothing wrong, earning her a surge of new casual fans.

Moreover, this incident led to Cheng Wanyu and Fu Xia officially following each other on Weibo, even tagging one another to express their intention to “break the ice.” They both wished for smooth filming of their upcoming drama “City: Little Seasons,” while the production team released stills of them—Fu Xia as a fiery bombshell in red-and-white floral prints, and Cheng Wanyu as a sharp-suited elite in purple.

Though some speculated this was a publicity stunt by the production team, seeing Quella (aka “Sister Xu”) still hopping around on Weibo—only to lose 20,000-30,000 of her hard-earned 200,000+ followers—made people dismiss her claims outright. Fans even dug up her family background, demanding she “get out of the industry.”

After days of heated discussions, Fu Xia and Cheng Wanyu’s relationship remained lukewarm at best.

In Fu Xia’s mind, she’d never been particularly likable as a celebrity. Though Cheng Wanyu didn’t seem to dislike her, people often hid their true feelings. Fu Xia kept her distance, only approaching Cheng Wanyu occasionally to rehearse lines or seek acting advice. Their interactions remained cordial.

As summer’s heat intensified, the crew finally granted everyone a day off after a month of nonstop filming—even ironmen needed rest.

With no plans, Fu Xia lounged in bed scrolling through her phone after reviewing scripts. Lately, she’d become fascinated by the “#ChengFuShip” hashtag, which hosted not just racy fanfics and suggestive fanart of her and Cheng Wanyu, but also beautifully edited photos and compilation videos.

Bored, she immersed herself in the tag, currently hooked on a fanfic titled “Tides of Wild Joy”—a childhood friends AU where she and Cheng Wanyu grew up as neighbors, attending school and shopping together. The sweet, exquisitely written fluff felt like a spring breeze, compelling Fu Xia to tip the author 300 yuan.

Unfortunately, updates were sporadic—just a few hundred words every few days—leaving her craving more. Still, she wasn’t obsessed; she simply enjoyed this oasis of tranquility where 10,000+ fans transformed malice into adoration, their devotion unwavering regardless of outside storms.

Take that awards show years ago—some internet platform’s influencer gala where they’d both been invited. Whether by design or coincidence, Cheng Wanyu sat right beside her. When Fu Xia saw her approach in that black evening gown, her heart leapt to her throat. Their infamous feud made the seating arrangement shocking—so much so that Fu Xia turned wooden throughout the event, her legs jelly when she took the stage.

True to form, photos surfaced the next day with headlines blaring: “Gala Tension: Fu Xia Glares at Cheng Wanyu!”

Of course, the result was Cheng Wanyu’s fans bombarding her with criticism, cursing her inside and out. Fu Xia truly had no way to defend herself, so she simply pretended not to see it, seeking some peace and quiet.

But in the eyes of the Cheng-Fu shippers, Fu Xia’s “glaring stare” was interpreted as “shocked disbelief,” her “pupil tremors” as “overflowing affection.” When Cheng Wanyu took the initiative to greet her, it was seen as “flirting with her wife.” When Cheng Wanyu sat beside Fu Xia, it was “snuggling up to her wife.”

Some even dug up the fact that Cheng Wanyu’s earrings and Fu Xia’s brooch were designed by the same designer, though from different brands.

What was this?

This was love hidden deep beneath the surface!

This was Cheng Wanyu’s profound yet unspoken feelings for Fu Xia!

Though the outside world always misinterpreted their affection, mistaking their tender gazes for rivalry, in the eyes of the Cheng-Fu shippers, the two were deeply in love, adoring and cuddling each other—absolute soulmates!!!!

See how wide Fu Xia’s pupils were? That was pure love!

See how Cheng Wanyu greeted her first? That was a secret confession of love!

This was love!

Overflowing, barely contained, unnoticed by the world—love!!!!

Looking at these sky-high delusions, Fu Xia sometimes had to admire the fans’ “sharp eyes,” but she didn’t dislike it. In fact, she found it amusing.

Though the Cheng-Fu shippers had strange interpretations, they still loved both of them, so Fu Xia forgave them.

Just as Fu Xia was idly scrolling through her phone, she saw a message from Director Chen in the actors’ WeChat group.

Director Chen: “We have a new addition to the cast today—everyone, give them a warm welcome!”

Only then did Fu Xia notice an invitation notification above Director Chen’s message.

Adding a new member at this stage of filming was unusual, but the entertainment industry often defied logic, so Fu Xia didn’t pay it much mind. It was probably some young actor or actress who had invested in the production—nothing new.

The newcomer introduced themselves with a selfie—a handsome young man, heavily edited. His skin was airbrushed to an unnatural paleness, almost blurry, his eyes enlarged, and his nose either surgically enhanced or photoshopped to be high and delicate.

In short, he was a rather greasy guy.

Fang Chushi: “Hello everyone, I’m the new cast member. You can call me Chushi.”

Supporting Actor #1: “Chushi looks so young! How old are you?”

Fang Chushi: “Just turned 18.”

Supporting Actor #2: “Wow, such a young little brother! You must be the youngest in the crew, right?”

Fang Chushi: “I’m still inexperienced. I hope my seniors can guide me—there’s so much I need to learn.”

Supporting Actor #3: “No need to be so formal! There’s not much we can teach you anyway—most things you’ll have to figure out yourself.”

Fang Chushi: “Got it. Thanks for the advice, sis. I’ll work hard.”

Fang Chushi: “Is Teacher Fu Xia here? I’m a fan of hers and would love to get her autograph.”

Supporting Actor #1: “Teacher Xia is here, but she usually doesn’t talk in the group. You can try asking her on set.”

Fang Chushi: “That’s a shame. I was hoping to add Teacher Fu Xia as a friend.”

Supporting Actor No. 2: You can ask her when you join the crew. Teacher Xiaxia is really nice—she even treats everyone to coffee sometimes.

Fang Chushi: That’s great! I’ll go ask for her autograph when I visit the set tomorrow!

Seeing the group chat discussing asking for her autograph, Fu Xia rested her chin on her hand and thought for a moment before deciding not to respond. She turned off her phone, pretending she hadn’t seen the message.

No one paid much attention to this minor incident. Although Fu Xia had a bad reputation outside the industry, no one dared to speak ill of her within their circle. The two actors who had secretly complained about her on set were inexplicably kicked out the next day—something Fu Xia only realized a week later.

When she asked Zhou Wen about it, Zhou Wen said it was the crew’s decision, and she didn’t know the details. Though surprised, Fu Xia didn’t dwell on it, brushing it off like passing clouds.

So, when a newcomer arrived this time, Fu Xia didn’t pay much attention. She remained focused on memorizing her lines diligently and continued seeking discussions with Cheng Wanyu every day.

The next day on set, Fu Xia, who had stayed up late reading fanfiction the night before, was dragged out of bed by Zhou Wen in the morning. As a result, she didn’t look her best. While getting her makeup done, Cheng Wanyu, sitting beside her, glanced at her twice before handing her a canned drink. “Didn’t sleep well last night?” she asked.

Fu Xia took the drink and was surprised to see it was her favorite Red Drink. “How did you know I like this?” she asked.

Cheng Wanyu watched her sip the drink and replied calmly, “Heard your assistant mention it once.”

Without suspicion, Fu Xia thanked her and finished the drink, feeling much more refreshed. Still, the makeup artist couldn’t help but complain about her puffy eyes, warning her not to stay up late—actresses feared puffiness the most, as it led to hair loss and premature aging.

Fu Xia was so startled she repeatedly promised never to pull all-nighters again.

After makeup, Fu Xia began filming for the day. Thanks to her “deskmate genius” Cheng Wanyu’s help, she felt her line delivery had improved significantly. At the very least, she could now recite entire passages without relying on cue cards. Even Director Chen had praised her, leaving her glowing with pride.

During lunch, Fu Xia carried her boxed meal over to Cheng Wanyu and squeezed in beside her. Cheng Wanyu’s dark, bright eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at her.

“Can I come see you again tonight?” Fu Xia asked cautiously between bites. “The extra practice paid off—Director Chen even complimented me today.”

“Mhm,” Cheng Wanyu said. “I heard. You did well.”

Fu Xia beamed and leaned closer. “So, can I come over tonight?”

The scent of Fu Xia’s citrus perfume made Cheng Wanyu’s heartbeat erratic. Gazing into her bright, shimmering eyes, she murmured, “Okay—”

Before she could finish, a voice suddenly called out, “Teacher Fu Xia!”

Fu Xia looked up to see a young man in a white T-shirt and jeans waving enthusiastically at her before walking over with a bright smile.

“Teacher Fu Xia,” he said. “I’m Fang Chushi, a new addition to the crew. Just wanted to introduce myself.”

He then turned to Cheng Wanyu with a grin. “Hello, Teacher Cheng.”

Cheng Wanyu’s brows furrowed slightly. She recognized him as the newcomer who had planned to ask for Fu Xia’s autograph in the group chat yesterday. Pressing her lips together, she remained silent.

Fu Xia naturally remembered him. She looked up at Fang Chushi and asked, “Want an autograph?”

Fang Chushi nodded with a bright smile, saying, “Thank you, Teacher Fu Xia!”

After signing for him, Fu Xia blinked at the young man and remarked, “You’re not 18, are you?”

Fang Chushi was taken aback, “Huh?”

Fu Xia studied his face and said bluntly, “You already have neck lines—no way you’re 18. Did you buy your way into the cast?”

Fang Chushi: “…”

This woman certainly didn’t mince words.