Hi, Wifey! [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 9

“Ding-ding—”

Cheng Wanyu frowned deeply as she sat on the single sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching her phone screen light up and dim repeatedly.

The entire room was unlit, save for the hotel’s small nightlight flickering rhythmically like steady, powerful breathing.

Only when the phone chimed a second time did Cheng Wanyu pick it up to check—a message from her agent.

Guan Junwen: “Wanyu, what’s going on with you? You’re never this impulsive. Today you actually trended for defending Fu Xia. You’re not the type of artist who lacks judgment. I need you to explain why you protected Fu Xia.”

Seeing no response, Guan sent another message a minute later.

Guan Junwen: “The company is handling PR now. If Manager Chen hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known about this. Did you give the café surveillance footage to the studio? Was this premeditated, or were you acting the whole time? I need a valid reason.”

Rubbing her temples, Cheng Wanyu replied: “No reason needed. You know I’ve always disliked fans insulting Fu Xia.”

Guan Junwen: “Online comments are beyond our control, but this time you were reckless. Your career is just gaining momentum—you can’t afford scandals.”

Cheng Wanyu: “I don’t consider protecting Fu Xia a scandal. Should I have just watched her get bullied?”

Guan Junwen: “Whether Fu Xia gets bullied isn’t your concern.”

Cheng Wanyu: “You’re wrong. Her being bullied is absolutely my concern.”

Guan Junwen: “…I need an explanation.”

Cheng Wanyu irritably stared at the words “I need an explanation.” She roughly pushed back her long hair, wishing she could tell Guan the real reason—but some truths had to remain hers alone.

The memory of those smug, sarcastic fans earlier that day weighed heavily on her heart.

Fu Xia had simply sat there quietly scrolling through her phone, her delicate features calm as if unaffected by the insults. This very composure only fueled Cheng Wanyu’s anger further, her rage oscillating between Fu Xia and that wealthy fan until she could no longer contain it.

She knew the golden rule for public figures: avoid unnecessary trouble.

Cheng Wanyu could tolerate many things—but not this.

The quieter Fu Xia remained, the more it gnawed at her. She knew the consequences of confronting fans, yet she refused to stay silent any longer.

In the dark room, the city’s neon-lit skyline glittered beyond the window—a sleepless metropolis alive with lights.

Another message arrived: “The situation’s contained, but you should still make a public statement. Fu Xia’s a talentless artist who brings you no value. Reconsider meeting those veteran actors I introduced—they’re all very impressed with you.”

As Cheng Wanyu moved to exit the chat, another notification popped up. Her finger slipped—she’d already opened it.

The glaring sunset of midsummer painted the city in vivid hues as Fu Xia messaged Cheng Wanyu: Have you rested yet? Thank you for helping me so much today. Can I treat you to late-night snacks?

Reading Fu Xia’s message, Cheng Wanyu felt the gloom brought by her agent dissipate instantly. Pressing her lips into a smile, she replied: Okay

A voice message arrived immediately. When Cheng Wanyu played it, Fu Xia’s cheerful voice rang out: “Then open your door quick! I’m right outside!”

Accompanying the message came dull thumping sounds from the doorway.

Cheng Wanyu hurriedly turned on the lights and opened the door to find Fu Xia wearing a white baseball cap and black-and-white athletic wear. Looking up with a beaming smile, she lifted a convenience store bag and asked: “Late-night snacks?”

The snacks came from the same convenience store as before. Fu Xia placed her phone and purchases on the coffee table in the outer room, then unpacked some oden. “I noticed what you ate last time,” she said, “but they didn’t have those vegetable skewers, so I picked different ones. Hope you like them.”

Cheng Wanyu examined the selection – the same fish cakes, now accompanied by fried tofu pouches, kelp knots, some sturdy bean products, and a small bunch of bean sprouts.

Hands clasped behind her back, Fu Xia smiled brightly: “See if you like them. If not, I’ll eat them.”

Cheng Wanyu glanced at her: “Are these actually your favorites?”

Fu Xia laughed: “Haha, yes! Figured I’d take them if you didn’t want them.”

This way nothing would go to waste, and she’d get to enjoy them.

With a soft chuckle, Cheng Wanyu said: “I’m not picky. I’ll eat anything.”

Delighted, Fu Xia thought it perfect either way – she could eat any rejects, but preferred seeing Cheng Wanyu enjoy them. Producing instant noodles, she asked: “Got hot water? I’m craving noodles – you don’t mind, right?”

“Not at all. Give them here – I’ll prepare them for you.” “Thanks!”

Watching Cheng Wanyu boil water for the noodles, Fu Xia suddenly realized she’d come to express gratitude, yet now had Cheng Wanyu serving her instead.

“I can make them myself once the water’s ready,” Fu Xia said anxiously, hovering behind Cheng Wanyu. “It’s embarrassing having you do it.”

Cheng Wanyu turned to see Fu Xia’s contradictory stance – verbally offering to help while remaining perfectly still. Amused, she turned back to the noodles: “It’s fine. Go sit down.”

Fu Xia peeked over her shoulder until everything was ready, then obediently returned to the sofa, hands on knees, patiently awaiting her snack.

With ten minutes needed for the noodles to steep, Cheng Wanyu started on the oden first. The broth was light and clear. She slid the ingredients off their skewers, letting them soak in the golden broth before eating with deliberate elegance.

To Fu Xia, Cheng Wanyu’s refined dining manner resembled a formal Western meal rather than casual late-night snacking.

If the scene were to change, with Cheng Wanyu dressed in an evening gown at a banquet in a Western restaurant, she would undoubtedly be a stunning beauty.

Cheng Wanyu’s profile didn’t reveal much about her background, but seeing her refined demeanor, Fu Xia couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Is your family pretty well-off?”

Caught off guard by the question, Cheng Wanyu glanced up at her, tucking a stray lock of black hair behind her ear before replying, “Not particularly wealthy.”

Fu Xia pressed, “So, just a little rich?”

Cheng Wanyu thought about her family’s villa, company, yacht, and helicopter, then nodded. “You could say we have some modest means.”

Fu Xia took her at her word. “No wonder you have such an elegant air about you. Not like me—I’m practically a country bumpkin.”

Cheng Wanyu’s dark eyes flickered toward her, a faint smile curling her lips. “That’s not true at all. You look lovely in formal wear too.”

Fu Xia waved a hand dismissively. “That’s all just Photoshop. You can’t take online pictures seriously.”

Cheng Wanyu countered, “Have you forgotten we attended the same gala once?”

Fu Xia thought for a moment. “Now that you mention it, I do remember running into you a few times.”

Cheng Wanyu lowered her gaze, skewering a beef ball with a stick and holding it out to Fu Xia, her other hand cupped beneath to catch any drips. “The instant noodles will take a while. Have a meatball first.”

Fu Xia eyed the plump, tender beef ball glistening with savory broth—one drop even threatening to fall—and quickly leaned in to take a bite, savoring it in her mouth.

“Phew—”

She exhaled sharply, fanning her mouth. “Why’s it so hot?!”

Cheng Wanyu couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “There’s broth inside. Take smaller bites, or you’ll burn your tongue.”

Fu Xia had been about to swallow it whole, but heeding Cheng Wanyu’s warning, she chewed slowly, breaking down the thick meatball before finally finishing it.

Between chews, she praised, “This convenience store’s meatballs are amazing. We should buy more next time.”

Cheng Wanyu speared another one and offered it. “Want another?”

Before she knew it, Fu Xia had eaten four or five, and seeing Cheng Wanyu’s oden nearly gone, she hastily waved her off. “No more, or I won’t have room for the noodles.”

Cheng Wanyu nodded, pouring her a glass of water as she watched Fu Xia noisily slurp up her instant noodles.

“Oh, by the way,” Fu Xia looked up, “did you see the group chat? Director Chen gave us half a day off tomorrow since we’re shooting a night scene. Any plans?”

Cheng Wanyu replied, “Just staying in the hotel. You?”

Fu Xia grinned. “Same here.”

After all, both of them were public figures, and with their recent string of trending topics, the hotel was the safest place to be.

Fu Xia poked at her noodles with the plastic fork before finally mustering the courage to meet Cheng Wanyu’s gaze. “Since you’re staying in tomorrow… can I come see you?”

Cheng Wanyu’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes flickering slightly. “You want to visit me?”

Fu Xia nodded earnestly.

For some reason, a sweet warmth bloomed in Cheng Wanyu’s chest. Pressing her lips together, she asked, “What did you want to do tomorrow?”

Fu Xia’s gaze wavered slightly as she murmured, “My assistant thinks my acting is terrible. She said this drama has excellent production and distribution, and wants me to take it seriously and perform well.”

Cheng Wanyu asked, “So?”

Fu Xia replied, “I was hoping you could tutor me. It would also be a good opportunity to… develop our relationship.”

Cheng Wanyu looked puzzled. “What kind of relationship?”

Fu Xia said earnestly, “Our schoolmate friendship, of course.”

Cheng Wanyu: “…?”