Hi, Wifey! [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 14

Although Fu Xia didn’t quite understand Cheng Wanyu’s warning, she naturally wasn’t fond of Fang Chushi’s type of guy to begin with—her impression of him was practically zero.

Ever since joining the crew, Fang Chushi had been putting on a show to win over everyone, from the cast to the crew. Sometimes he’d order takeout for everyone, other times he’d treat them to meals. Whether it was the lead actors or the cleaning staff, no one was left out—everyone received gifts from him, big or small.

Fu Xia could clearly tell Fang Chushi was trying to butter her up too, sending her different gifts every day. But Zhou Wen, her manager, made sure to return every single one.

In the entertainment industry, where even a dropped needle could make headlines, Zhou Wen had to stay on high alert—especially when it came to gifts. With Fu Xia’s already shaky reputation, Zhou Wen scrutinized every little detail.

While Zhou Wen could help Fu Xia avoid Fang Chushi in daily life, the two still had scenes together, giving him plenty of chances to strike up conversations. That day, he pulled Fu Xia aside under the pretense of “rehearsing lines.”

Watching Fang Chushi pull out an assortment of snacks from his bag like a magician, Fu Xia propped her chin on her hand, twirling a strand of her pink-streaked hair. “I’ve already had lunch,” she said.

Fang Chushi grinned enthusiastically. “Teacher Xiaxia, these are all low-calorie snacks! Look—zero-calorie, zero-sugar soda, sugar-free cookies, whole wheat bread. None of this will make you gain weight.”

Fu Xia didn’t even glance at them, still playing with her hair. “Didn’t your company teach you? Don’t fall for those ‘zero-calorie, zero-sugar’ marketing scams. If you don’t want to gain weight, eat less and exercise more. Control your diet and move your legs.”

Fang Chushi had expected her sharp retort and chuckled. “Teacher Xiaxia is so knowledgeable! I’m really learning a lot from you. If you won’t eat them, I’ll just pack them back up!”

As he stuffed the snacks away, Fu Xia spread the script on the table. “Then let’s rehearse. We have quite a few scenes together today.”

Admittedly, the character the screenwriter had crafted for Fang Chushi was eye-catching.

In the drama, he played one of Fu Xia’s many ex-boyfriends—a childhood sweetheart separated by family circumstances, only to reunite in college where sparks flew, leading to a passionate but short-lived relationship. Fu Xia’s character, however, was a certified playgirl, notorious for dating five people simultaneously in college—one for each weekday, with weekends off.

Naturally, they broke up quickly. Now, reunited, the childhood sweetheart still pined for his older neighbor and hoped to rekindle their romance. After discovering they lived in the same neighborhood, he started cooking meals for the two female leads every now and then.

Fu Xia’s character was currently entangled in a fiery affair with a CEO but couldn’t resist the warmth of her childhood sweetheart, leaving them in a very ambiguous situation.

Today’s scene involved Fu Xia pretending to be sick, lying in bed and posting on social media with the caption, “Being sick is so lonely and miserable.” She received comfort from over a dozen men, but the domineering CEO she was pursuing merely gave her a “like,” leaving the female lead particularly frustrated. Meanwhile, her childhood friend, who lived nearby, saw her post and decided to play the role of the perfect homemaker, taking care of Fu Xia and preparing a warm, comforting meal for her.

Fu Xia glanced at the script and recited woodenly, “Oh, what brings you here? Are you off work today?”

Fang Chushi replied just as stiffly, “Yes, sister. I saw you were sick and thought you might not have eaten yet, so I specially made some porridge for you.”

Fu Xia twirled her hair and continued the awkward exchange, “You’re so thoughtful, remembering the porridge I like.”

Fang Chushi responded robotically, “I remember everything about you, sister, especially the porridge.”

The two went back and forth, reciting their lines like elementary school students reading from a textbook. The crew members outside the set couldn’t help but cringe—what was this amateurish performance?

It was like watching two novices fumble through a scene!

Fu Xia’s acting skills were already subpar, and though she managed to improve slightly under Cheng Wanyu’s guidance, working with Fang Chushi—a complete rookie—was like pairing two beginners together. As Director Chen would scathingly put it, “Even a chicken pecking at rice on the ground could act better than you two!”

Yet, the two remained blissfully unaware, each convinced they were delivering Oscar-worthy performances.

After finishing the scene, Fang Chushi set down the script with satisfaction and asked Fu Xia, “Teacher Xia, how did I do with my lines?”

Fu Xia, rarely one to praise, said, “Your delivery was great—just like mine.”

Fang Chushi beamed. “Thank you! Should we take it a step further?”

Fu Xia took a sip of water and frowned. “A step further?”

Fang Chushi leaned in slightly, eyes sparkling as he whispered, “Of course—taking good care of you.”

Fu Xia stared at him, confused.

Fang Chushi reached out, twirling a strand of her hair between his fingers, and flashed what he thought was a charming smile. “Teacher Xia, why don’t you get sick for real? That way, I can take care of you—make you porridge, tell you stories, let you sleep in my arms…”

Fu Xia yanked her hair back, scowling. “Why would I want to get sick when I’m perfectly fine?”
Are you cursing me or something?

Fang Chushi hesitated. “Actually… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Fu Xia rolled her eyes. “Just say it. Don’t act all shy like a schoolgirl.”

“Well…” Fang Chushi lowered his gaze, looking at her with what he imagined was deep affection. “The truth is… I really like you, Teacher Xia. I was wondering how you feel about me.”

Fu Xia studied his bashful expression, still not catching on. “What are you trying to say?”

Fang Chushi sighed dramatically. “Haven’t you realized? I like you. I want us to be… closer.”

Fu Xia’s frown deepened. Even she couldn’t miss the implication—he was practically asking to be her boyfriend.

What’s wrong with people these days? Can’t they just focus on work instead of trying to take things off-screen?

“Sorry, I’m not interested in finding a boyfriend.” Fu Xia leaned back against the chair and said, “Besides, you already have a girlfriend, don’t you?”

Fang Chushi’s eyes flickered slightly as he smiled. “How could I have a girlfriend?”

Fu Xia replied, “That woman in the silver Rolls-Royce who dropped you off at the hotel last night—wasn’t she your girlfriend?”

Fang Chushi pressed his lips together, looking at Fu Xia with amusement. “So you saw that, huh.”

Well, well. Fang Chushi had thought winning over Fu Xia would take considerable effort, but it seemed she had already been paying attention to him without him realizing it—even knowing about the woman who had driven him back to the hotel last night.

Ah, it was all because he was just too handsome. Even a woman like Fu Xia couldn’t help but be drawn to him.

“That was just a friend. She happened to be free yesterday, so we went out for dinner.” Fang Chushi reached out and tugged lightly at Fu Xia’s sleeve, whispering, “My heart belongs only to Teacher Xiaxia.”

Fu Xia wasn’t buying it. She picked up her script and walked away.

But to Fang Chushi, her reaction took on a different meaning—this woman was clearly playing hard to get.

He touched his lips, watching Fu Xia’s retreating figure as he mused quietly, “Who knew I had such charm? I haven’t even spoken to her properly, and she’s already fallen for me.”

Fingering his phone, he thought smugly that maybe having both wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

After the day’s shoot, Fu Xia returned to the hotel with Zhou Wen. Her life was dull—nowhere to go, nothing to do after work except return to the hotel or home. No outings, no entertainment. No wonder she was addicted to those steamy novels.

Cheng Wanyu, however, didn’t rush back after filming. She lingered on set until she saw Guan Yunwen approaching. Even in the summer heat, Guan Yunwen wore a sleeveless black-and-white houndstooth dress, her hair cascading down her back. When she removed her sunglasses, her understated makeup only enhanced her allure.

Rumor had it that Guan Yunwen hadn’t started as a manager but as an actress before switching careers. She was well-versed in the industry’s workings and had groomed several award-winning actresses.

Yet Guan Yunwen only managed female artists, and she was highly selective—focusing on nurturing one at a time until they reached her exacting standards before moving on to the next.

Seeing Guan Yunwen arrive, Cheng Wanyu set down her script and stood up, accompanying her to find Director Chen.

Director Chen was still reviewing the day’s footage with the assistant director, discussing adjustments for the next day’s shoot when Guan Yunwen entered with Cheng Wanyu. He set aside his work and gestured for them to sit.

“Brother Chen,” Guan Yunwen got straight to the point, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “What are your thoughts on your next film? Do you think our Wanyu could take on the lead role?”

Director Chen had always held Cheng Wanyu in high regard. He had taken on this urban rom-com primarily for the generous pay and his willingness to support new talent, but his true expertise lay in filmmaking. Though his filmography wasn’t extensive, every one of his works had won awards, making him one of the most sought-after directors in the industry.

His next film was already in pre-production, and he was currently searching for the perfect leading lady.

Director Chen happily took a sip of tea and said with a smile, “Wanyu is excellent. Her acting skills are truly polished in my opinion. If there’s an opportunity, I’d really love for us to collaborate again.”

Guan Yunwen smiled and asked, “What about the next project…?”

Director Chen chuckled and said, “I’ll recommend Cheng Wanyu, but we still have to follow the proper procedures. I’ll notify you about the audition when the time comes, probably early next year.”

Guan Yunwen knew this was practically a done deal. She nudged Cheng Wanyu with her elbow and said, “Hurry up and thank Director Chen.”

Director Chen waved his hand dismissively, “No need for such formalities. We’ve worked together so many times already. I’m happy to support talented newcomers like Wanyu—it’s a win-win collaboration. No need for all these thanks, it makes things feel distant.”

Cheng Wanyu still expressed her gratitude, “I really must thank you for being willing to recommend me.”

Director Chen’s smile deepened, the wrinkles around his eyes becoming more pronounced, appearing much more amiable than his usual off-camera temper.

Cheng Wanyu looked at him, remained silent for a moment, then asked, “Director Chen, I wanted to ask—what’s the background of that newcomer Fang Chushi in the crew?”