Hi, Wifey! [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 15

Director Chen was taken aback for a moment before repeating, “Fang Chushi?”

Seeing Cheng Wanyu nod, Director Chen took a sip from his thermos filled with goji berry and red date tea, then said, “You mean that new male actor who joined the crew? He’s just a financial backer’s placement—paid to make an appearance. Is there any problem with him?”

Cheng Wanyu smiled politely. “No problem at all. I was just a little curious since I often see him following Fu Xia around.”

At the mention of ‘Fu Xia,’ Guan Yunwen’s brows furrowed. She looked up at Cheng Wanyu, noticing how intently she was listening to Director Chen, her expression completely focused.

Why was she so interested in Fu Xia?

Guan Yunwen was a perceptive person, and she knew Cheng Wanyu well enough to understand that she wasn’t the type to take an interest in strangers. Guan Yunwen felt certain that Cheng Wanyu was hiding something from her.

Director Chen was quite amiable outside of filming, and this meeting wasn’t particularly formal—just a casual chat with the actors he was working with.

“Fang Chushi does have some connections,” Director Chen said. “He was recommended to me by the CEO of Changdu Group, who also invested over two million in our production. Since the investment was generous, we had the screenwriter write him a likable role.”

“But after he joined the crew, it became clear he wasn’t up to par,” Director Chen continued, addressing Cheng Wanyu. “You see him calling everyone ‘brother’ and ‘sister,’ but he’s actually 28 years old, still pretending to be an 18-year-old fresh out of school. It’s uncomfortable to watch.”

Both Cheng Wanyu and Guan Yunwen were surprised. “28 years old?”

Director Chen nodded seriously. “Hard to tell, right? He’s been in the entertainment industry for years but never really took off. When he stopped getting roles, he started cozying up to wealthy backers. Who knows what his relationship is with the CEO of Changdu Group, but that’s how he ended up here.”

Sighing, Director Chen added, “Fang Chushi isn’t reliable. He’s got a decent face, but his words are all fluff—really off-putting.”

Cheng Wanyu pressed her lips together. “I see…”

Director Chen studied her. “You mentioned he’s always hovering around Fu Xia? Honestly, I can tell he’s got some ulterior motive, but as the director, I can’t say much since they have scenes together. You and Fu Xia seem close—maybe you could give her a heads-up.”

Guan Yunwen frowned.

Cheng Wanyu nodded. “Alright, I’ll pass that along for you.”

Director Chen smiled. “Fu Xia’s a hard worker and follows the rules. At first, I thought she was one of those spoiled, arrogant actresses, but after working with her, I realized she’s got a good heart—nothing like the rumors suggest.”

Cheng Wanyu’s lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes crinkling. “Yes, she’s a good person.”

When they left the set together, neither spoke until they got into the car.

Sitting inside, Guan Yunwen finally broke the silence, turning to Cheng Wanyu. “Would you mind telling me what your relationship with Fu Xia really is?”

Cheng Wanyu glanced at her and replied calmly, “Friends.”

“Friends?” Guan Yunwen stared at her. “Do you really think I’m a child, Cheng Wanyu?”

Cheng Wanyu met her gaze but said nothing.

Guan Yunwen said, “The way you look at Fu Xia is off. I don’t care about your sexual orientation or preferences, but I don’t want any negative rumors spreading while you’re under my management.”

Cheng Wanyu replied calmly, “What do you mean by negative rumors?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Guan Yunwen’s exquisite makeup accentuated her striking beauty as she fixed her gaze on Cheng Wanyu. “When you ran away from home, what did you tell your parents in front of me?”

With displeasure, Guan Yunwen continued, “You said you wanted to become a triple-threat superstar in film, television, and music. I’ve worked hard to guide you, and now that we’re finally gaining traction, I absolutely won’t allow you to throw it all away over someone like Fu Xia.”

“Triple-threat superstar,” Cheng Wanyu said lightly. “Isn’t that what you wanted to cultivate, Guan-jie?”

Guan Yunwen fell silent, simply staring at Cheng Wanyu without a word.

Cheng Wanyu continued nonchalantly, “You still haven’t let go of that person, have you? Over the years, you’ve groomed many actresses, singers, and TV stars, but none have lived up to the standard of that person in your heart. That’s why you can’t bear to see me stop here.”

Guan Yunwen said sharply, “Don’t bring her up.”

Cheng Wanyu pressed on, “Back then, you were willing to step back and give her all your resources, pushing her to become a top-tier triple-threat star. Do you regret it now?”

Guan Yunwen clenched the hem of her clothes. “I said, don’t mention her—”

“Does not mentioning her make her disappear?” Cheng Wanyu gazed out the window at the fleeting scenery before turning back. Through the rearview mirror, she saw Guan Yunwen’s tense figure shrouded in the car’s shadows. She reached out and patted her hand comfortingly. “I’m sorry, Guan-jie. I didn’t mean to bring her up. I just want you to know—I’m not her. I won’t stray from the path. But I hope you won’t target Fu Xia. She’s someone very important to me.”

“Important to you?” Guan Yunwen withdrew her hand and crossed her arms, glancing at Cheng Wanyu. “Importance is a two-way street. Otherwise, you’ll only end up disappointed.”

Cheng Wanyu didn’t respond immediately, instead turning back to the passing scenery outside the window.

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was already around seven in the evening. Guan Yunwen didn’t accompany Cheng Wanyu upstairs, dropping her off at the entrance before leaving.

As Cheng Wanyu entered the hotel and reached her floor, she heard a familiar voice engaged in an argument.

“I told you, I don’t need anything. Why won’t you leave me alone?”

“Teacher Xiaxia, don’t you have feelings for me too? I just want to come in for a coffee. Is that too much to ask?”

“No. I don’t like people entering my room.”

“But this is a hotel. People come and go all the time, don’t they?”

“Don’t twist my words. Move aside—I’m closing the door.”

“Teacher Xiaxia… Ah!”

“Ah!!!”

Hearing the commotion, Cheng Wanyu rushed over to find Fang Chushi crouching on the ground, clutching his hand in pain. Fu Xia stood frozen in place, her face pale with shock. “Are you okay? I told you I was closing the door—why did you stick your hand in?!”

Fang Chushi grimaced in agony, his face ashen. Their screams drew the attention of everyone on the floor, doors opening as people peered out to see what had happened.

Fu Xia was a bit nervous. Seeing Cheng Wanyu approach, she explained in a low voice, “I didn’t mean to hurt him. I told him I was closing the door—he was the one who stuck his hand in…”

By the end, as if afraid Cheng Wanyu wouldn’t believe her, she bit her lip and stood there, looking utterly wronged.

Someone had already come to check Fang Chushi’s injury. They could see two distinct marks on the back and palm of his hand, the skin even broken in places, with beads of bl00d seeping out. It looked painful.

“You should go to the hospital. It looks pretty serious.”

“Yeah, I’ll let the production assistant know and arrange a car.”

“Alright.”

Two people helped Fang Chushi up, offering a few words of comfort as they did. Regardless of the circumstances, he was injured—it was only right to console him.

Fang Chushi frowned at his hand, lips pressed tightly together as he looked up at Fu Xia, hesitating as if wanting to say something.

Fu Xia instinctively took two steps back. For some reason, she was all too familiar with that expression—she could practically predict his next words: Why would you do this to me? Do you really hate me that much?

Before Fang Chushi could speak, a figure suddenly stepped between them, blocking their line of sight.

Fang Chushi blinked in surprise. “Teacher Cheng?”

Cheng Wanyu glanced at his hand. “Fu Xia did warn you she was closing the door. Why did you still stick your hand in? Now you’ve gone and injured yourself—this is going to affect filming.”

Fang Chushi, pale-faced, said, “I didn’t realize Teacher Fu Xia disliked me so much. I just wanted to talk to her.”

Cheng Wanyu replied, “We all know you’re her fan, but even fans shouldn’t force their way into her room.”

Fang Chushi: “…No, I didn’t force my way in.”

“If you didn’t, why would she slam the door on your hand?” Cheng Wanyu eyed him. “Unless you’re suggesting she dragged your hand in herself?”

Fang Chushi’s expression darkened. Peering over Cheng Wanyu’s shoulder at Fu Xia, who was hiding behind her, he said, “Teacher Xiaxia, I really didn’t force my way in. Maybe I was just too excited, and you accidentally squeezed my hand. It really was an accident.”

The way he phrased it—so passive-aggressive—made it sound like Fu Xia had hurt him on purpose.

Fu Xia muttered, “Then don’t try to force your way in next time. I really don’t like people entering my room.”

Fang Chushi: “…”

She added, “If you’re going to block someone’s door in the future, maybe use your foot instead. Otherwise, if you run into a girl with a strong grip, she might just crush your hand clean off.”

Fang Chushi: “…”

The two people supporting him exchanged awkward glances. Everyone on set had noticed how Fang Chushi clung to Fu Xia, but no one expected him to try barging into her hotel room. It was… unsettling.

“He’s got a nice face, but who forces their way into a girl’s room?”

“His earlier words made it sound like Teacher Fu Xia was targeting him, but turns out he was the one trying to get in? No wonder she shut the door on his hand. If it were me, I’d have gone for his head.”

“No kidding…”

The murmurs in the crowd reached Fang Chushi’s ears, and his face turned even paler. Just then, the driver arrived, and a few crew members escorted him downstairs.

Once he was gone, Cheng Wanyu turned back to Fu Xia. “Scared?”

Fu Xia nodded and said to her, “I really didn’t hurt him on purpose. He reached in himself. If you don’t believe me, you can check the surveillance footage.”

Cheng Wanyu shook her head, reached out to pat Fu Xia’s head, and said, “No need to check the footage. I believe you.”

Fu Xia let out a sigh of relief. She was truly afraid of such situations, but fortunately, Cheng Wanyu was there to speak up for her.

“Would you like to come in for a while?” Fu Xia looked at Cheng Wanyu and said, “It’s quite hot today. I’d like to treat you to a drink.”

Cheng Wanyu’s gaze lingered on Fu Xia’s white silk nightgown. The neckline was cut low, revealing her slender, fair neck and collarbones, making Cheng Wanyu feel that the weather was indeed rather warm. Meeting Fu Xia’s clear eyes, she hesitated for just a moment before slowly nodding in agreement.