Hi, Wifey! [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 25

The August heat was scorching, and alongside the weather, there were all sorts of galas. The most eye-catching among them was undoubtedly the charity gala at the end of the month.

This annual charity event, jointly organized by major websites, invited top-tier celebrities. During this grand philanthropic feast, the artists would auction off their personal items, with the proceeds going toward building schools in mountainous regions, desert afforestation projects, and various prevention and control initiatives. For the celebrities, it was also an opportunity to gain both fame and fortune.

Thus, preparations for the charity gala began as early as the start of August, with massive publicity and invitations extended to prominent figures from all walks of life, hoping to raise a substantial sum at the auction.

Fu Xia’s painting had been submitted a week prior. As a leading actress, the items she put up for auction always drew significant attention—they had to be tasteful yet not overly extravagant, while still holding considerable collectible value. Every August gala left everyone racking their brains for the perfect contribution.

Meanwhile, the film crew continued shooting at a steady pace. Director Chen, as a renowned filmmaker, had also received an invitation. With both leading actresses from the crew attending, he simply gave everyone a three-day break to rest before resuming production.

On the day of the gala, though the sun had yet to fully set by seven o’clock, the venue was already ablaze with lights.

Flashbulbs, cameras, and the media’s long and short lenses were kept at bay by a red barrier tape. The red carpet was wide and immaculate, leading to a massive signature wall at the end, adorned with an artfully arranged floral pattern. Nearly a hundred celebrities would leave their autographs here as mementos.

Fu Xia wore a white fishtail gown with a train that day. The pure white silk fabric exuded elegance, its simple cut accentuating her curves. At the bust, two delicate pink roses were pinned like embellishments, complementing her hairstyle and makeup to give her an air of youthful allure—both sensual and divine.

Zhou Wen sat across from her, glancing at her tablet and occasionally taking calls to check on the evening’s arrangements.

Fu Xia gazed out the window as their car approached the hotel. The entire road had been cordoned off, allowing only celebrity vehicles to pass, so many attendees arrived on foot. Even as the event neared, the streets were still crowded with people.

“Is it really necessary to make such a grand spectacle out of a charity gala?” Fu Xia propped her chin on her hand, idly watching the selfie-takers outside and wondering which celebrities’ fans they were.

Without looking up, Zhou Wen replied, “This is the fifth year it’s been held. Even if it’s extravagant, no one’s going to complain now. And as an invitee, don’t badmouth the organizers after you step out of the car, got it?”

Fu Xia nodded resignedly. “Got it. Speak less, do more—I’ll just be the prettiest poster girl.”

Zhou Wen finally lifted her head to glance at her. “Poster girl? What have you been browsing lately? You’re glued to your phone all day. If I hadn’t nagged you, you’d still be scrolling while getting your makeup done.”

Fu Xia paused, then straightened up and put her phone away. “Of course, I’ve been keeping up with current affairs. With all the storms and typhoons lately, everyone’s been having a tough time.”

Zhou Wen rolled her eyes. She had just asked casually, not expecting Fu Xia to come up with some elaborate answer. But truth be told, she was genuinely afraid of Fu Xia’s sharp tongue. She repeatedly emphasized, “At the auction, you absolutely must not say anything out of turn. Leave everything to the host. I’ve already briefed her. All you need to do is stand next to your painting. Please, for heaven’s sake, don’t cause any trouble.”

Fu Xia looked at her indignantly and huffed, “Sister Zhou Wen, do you really think so little of me? I’ve attended this gala twice already. Can’t you trust me by now?”

Zhou Wen stared back. “No, I don’t trust you. My dear petrel, you really need to be more careful.”

Fu Xia puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. “Who are you calling a petrel? You and your whole family are petrels!”

As the car slowly came to a stop in the traffic, Zhou Wen asked Fu Xia, “Cheng Wanyu is arriving after you. Do you want to greet her?”

Fu Xia recalled their WeChat conversation from that morning. Cheng Wanyu had mentioned she’d arranged for their seats to be together, though they’d still walk the red carpet separately. Fu Xia thought sitting together wouldn’t be a big deal, but walking together would be too awkward.

After all, she and Cheng Wanyu weren’t close.

Even though Zhou Wen really wanted her to build a good relationship with Cheng Wanyu, Fu Xia was just too stubborn. She’d gone so many years without friends that suddenly having to get along with Cheng Wanyu felt like an impossible task.

“We’re both in cars now; there’s no chance to greet her,” Fu Xia said, fiddling with her dress. “Let’s talk after we’re seated.”

Zhou Wen glanced at her and noticed Fu Xia seemed nervous. She chuckled. “What’s wrong, my big star? Getting jittery before we’ve even reached the red carpet?”

The car had begun crawling forward at a snail’s pace, just a few hundred meters from the banquet hall entrance. Fu Xia couldn’t help but retort, “I’m not nervous at all. I just feel a little hot.”

Zhou Wen didn’t press further, simply smiling and saying, “Do your best inside. Don’t lose any of the items you’re wearing—they’re loaned by the sponsors and need to be returned.”

Fu Xia touched her diamond earrings. These things were supposedly worth over a hundred thousand. She definitely couldn’t afford to lose them.

The flashing camera lights illuminated the entire gala. As Fu Xia stepped out of the car, she was momentarily blinded. Once her eyes adjusted to the intense glare, she smoothly walked down the carpet, took the marker from the host, signed the wall, and then curved her lips into a practiced smile, subtly showcasing the brands she was endorsing.

While posing for photos, Fu Xia noticed a black limousine pulling up on the opposite side of the red carpet. The heavy door opened, and Cheng Wanyu emerged in a sleek black mermaid gown.

Cheng Wanyu hadn’t told Fu Xia what she’d be wearing today, so Fu Xia’s first thoughts upon seeing her were twofold:

First: Their outfits clashed again.

Second: Cheng Wanyu looked stunning.

The first thought was quickly dismissed when Fu Xia remembered Zhou Wen’s explanation that most female celebrities wore sponsored outfits from the same brands, so “clashing” wasn’t really a thing. Besides, aside from both wearing mermaid dresses, their upper halves were quite different.

The style of Fu Xia somewhat resembled that of an Athenian goddess. Her hair was fluffy and soft with a light chestnut hue, and she wore a white fishtail dress. Paired with the hairstyle customized by the stylist, she truly looked like an Athenian goddess. On the other hand, Cheng Wanyu exuded a much more mature and sensual aura. Her black shoulder-length hair was curled into large waves, and her dark makeup made her skin glow. The diamond leaf hairpin on her head was particularly dazzling.

Cheng Wanyu looked absolutely stunning like this. Fu Xia was momentarily entranced, only snapping out of it when the female host beside her tugged at her dress, reminding her that she had been standing in front of the signature wall for too long. She quickly gathered her skirt and turned to head toward the front hall.

Watching the white figure walk away, Cheng Wanyu stepped onto the spot where Fu Xia had just stood and signed her name right next to Fu Xia’s signature.

Just then, Cheng Wanyu noticed something glinting on the floor. Upon closer inspection, it was a diamond earring.

The host also saw it and was about to bend down to pick it up when Cheng Wanyu lifted the hem of her dress and crouched down first, picking up the earring and examining it. A faint smile curled at the corners of her lips.

Seeing this, the host said, “Teacher Cheng, let me take it. I’ll ask around to see who it belongs to.”

“No need,” Cheng Wanyu replied with a smile. “I know whose it is. I’ll return it to her myself.”

Though slightly surprised, the host agreed with a smile. Cheng Wanyu, as a newly risen A-list celebrity, was highly popular, and they had no reason to make things awkward over such a small matter. Besides, more celebrities were arriving one after another, so they simply let Cheng Wanyu take the earring inside.

Upon entering the banquet hall, Cheng Wanyu noticed the surrounding boom cameras already in motion. The lighting was dim, but the central seats were brightly illuminated.

Fu Xia was seated in the seat farthest to the right in the second row, her head lowered as if searching for something. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her light brows slightly furrowed as she kept her gaze fixed near her feet.

Cheng Wanyu walked over and sat beside her, extending her hand to present the diamond earring in her palm.

Fu Xia had been fretting over losing one of her earrings. Seeing that someone had found it, she was about to look up and thank them when she realized it was Cheng Wanyu.

Their eyes met, and Fu Xia felt a flutter of nervousness at the cool, elegant fragrance emanating from Cheng Wanyu.

It wasn’t her fault—years of conditioned reflexes had made it hard to control her expression.

“Your earring fell near the signature wall,” Cheng Wanyu said. “How careless of you. If you lost something from the endorsement, it would be quite embarrassing.”

Fu Xia’s cheeks flushed slightly. She couldn’t very well admit that she had lost the earring because she had been too busy staring at Cheng Wanyu—that would be far too humiliating.

“Thank you,” Fu Xia murmured, reaching out to take the earring.

Just as her fingers brushed Cheng Wanyu’s palm, the latter suddenly closed her hand, trapping Fu Xia’s fingers within her grasp.

Fu Xia looked up at her in confusion, unsure of what she intended.

Cheng Wanyu glanced at the lively greetings happening around them before leaning slightly closer. Her long black hair brushed against Fu Xia’s cheek, sending a faint tickling sensation.

“Even if I give it to you, you can’t put it on yourself, can you?” Cheng Wanyu’s dark, gleaming eyes met Fu Xia’s as she said, “Lean in. I’ll help you wear it.”

Fu Xia felt her heart flutter as Cheng Wanyu’s long hair brushed against her. It was just as Cheng had said—she wasn’t very good at putting on earrings herself. If Cheng was willing to help, that would be ideal. She still had to go up on stage later for the auction, and missing an earring would look unprofessional.

“Alright then,” Fu Xia said, withdrawing her hand and tucking her hair behind her ear as she leaned closer. “Thank you for this.”

Fu Xia’s earlobes were soft and delicate, with a faint pink hue. Cheng Wanyu stared at the tiny piercing on her small, rounded ear, feeling an inexplicable itch in her chest. The closer Fu Xia got, the tighter Cheng’s throat became.

Cheng moved slowly, her fingers gently brushing against Fu Xia’s soft earlobe. The touch made Fu Xia’s head spin for some reason. By the time the earring was finally in place, Fu Xia’s ears were burning. She quickly let her hair fall back down, trying—and failing—to hide her flushed ears as she sat stiffly in place, unsure what to do.

Fu Xia stole a cautious glance at Cheng Wanyu, only to find her still watching her—almost as if… she was waiting for praise?

“Um…” Fu Xia murmured, her face reddening. “Thank you. You’re really good at this. It didn’t hurt at all.”

Cheng Wanyu pressed her lips together and leaned in, whispering by Fu Xia’s ear, “You’re welcome.”

Her warm breath tickled, making Fu Xia’s ears burn even hotter.

What’s wrong with this woman? Fu Xia didn’t dare look at Cheng, grumbling inwardly.

She’s way too good at flirting, isn’t she?