Oops, I’m the Scumbag Ex in Her Storyline - Chapter 27
Apparently, Xin Yan’s offer was too generous—Kong Zhiluo’s agency didn’t even bother with a proper background check before accepting it on the spot.
Long-term endorsements weren’t really popular anymore. Most brands now went with short-term collaborations based on current popularity, switching ambassadors every year—or even every three months for some.
Kong Zhiluo’s agency wasn’t familiar with long-term contract procedures, so they agreed to sign the paperwork at Xin Yan’s company.
It took three days to draft the contract. When the official signing day arrived, it wasn’t just the agent who came—Kong Zhiluo herself showed up too.
In the office, Xin Yan reclined in her comfy chair and sighed dramatically.
“An ambassador represents the face of the company. The company is me. So from today on… Kong Zhiluo is my face.”
Bei Lanlan: “…”
She put down what she was working on and turned her head. “The contract’s signed already?”
Xin Yan shook her head and gestured toward the monitor across from her. “They just sat down. An Zhiyuan’s still making small talk.”
Bei Lanlan froze for a second—she remembered that monitor was usually for Xin Yan’s stock charts. Curious, she walked over to look. Sure enough, the stock page was gone. In its place was a live feed from
Conference Room 5’s surveillance camera.
…
Bei Lanlan had a lot to say, but didn’t know where to begin.
After a moment of stunned silence, she finally said, “If you want to see them, why not just go downstairs?”
Xin Yan raised an eyebrow. “And let everyone gossip about me chasing drama? I’m not that stupid.”
Bei Lanlan: “…”
Yeah, but sitting here secretly watching the feed isn’t exactly a genius move either.
Still, she didn’t say anything. Instead of going back to her desk, she stood beside Xin Yan and joined in watching.
Noticing her interest, Xin Yan even handed her one of her Bluetooth earpieces.
Bei Lanlan accepted it silently and put it in. Instantly, she heard An Zhiyuan’s smooth, ingratiating voice coming through.
Long-term endorsements were a whole different ballgame. A short-term deal only required a photo shoot and some press coverage. Done and paid. But long-term contracts involved more—attending major corporate events, promoting the company’s image, supporting key initiatives, and even participating in social functions.
Some executives wouldn’t bring their wives to public events but would show up with brand ambassadors instead. It had become industry standard—no one batted an eye.
Xin Yan didn’t know any of this. She thought signing the contract would be the end of it—she and Kong Zhiluo would go their separate ways, no need to cross paths again.
So she sat there watching the surveillance feed like it was a live reality show, occasionally offering her own commentary.
“An Zhiyuan talks way too much. They’re here for the contract and the money—not to hear him brag about how talented his daughter is.”
Bei Lanlan glanced at the middle-aged agent on screen. “She actually seems to enjoy it.”
She was smiling so much the crow’s feet were practically etched in.
Xin Yan didn’t comment. A few seconds passed, then she pointed at Kong Zhiluo on screen. “She’s really quiet. I’ve only heard her say two sentences since she walked in. Is she not interested?”
Bei Lanlan took a closer look. “I don’t think that’s it. She just doesn’t like to talk when it’s not about acting. During interviews and variety shows, she’s like this too.”
Xin Yan turned slowly to look at her. “How do you know that?”
Bei Lanlan replied, “I’ve been reading up on her the last couple days.”
Xin Yan stared at her, silent.
Bei Lanlan added quickly, “I just didn’t trust the agency to vet her properly, so I checked a few fan sites myself—both fans and haters. I wanted to see if there was any actual dirt.”
Oh. That made sense.
Xin Yan’s expression relaxed, replaced with curiosity. “So what did you find?”
Bei Lanlan found her sudden change of mood funny but answered seriously:
“She comes from a wealthy family, only child, elite education, multi-talented. She had four girlfriends—all of them exactly like you described: rich, beautiful, and elegant, just like Jing Chu. Every relationship lasted over a year—stable, clean, and drama-free. For someone in her industry, that’s pretty rare.”
Xin Yan gave a wry smile. “Well… so far.”
Bei Lanlan blinked. “What do you mean?”
Xin Yan smoothed her sleeves. “Nothing.”
She couldn’t very well tell Bei Lanlan that Kong Zhiluo had a fear of intimacy.
Each of her first three relationships had ended right before cohabitation or meeting the parents. Afterward, she’d bolt abroad. And during her engagement, she had cheated—with Bei Lanlan—most likely because of the mounting pressure.
Xin Yan had sympathy for that kind of emotional struggle—but still, if you’ve got issues, go get therapy. Don’t drag innocent people into your mess.
…
While they talked, the group in the meeting room had begun reviewing the contract. No one was speaking anymore—it was boring to watch. Xin Yan took off her earpiece, and Bei Lanlan prepared to head back to her desk.
Before leaving, she paused. “I would like to take two hours off tomorrow afternoon.”
Xin Yan asked, “Time off? Where are you going?”
“There’s a PhD student on campus looking for a thesis assistant. I want to apply.”
Xin Yan’s eyes lit up. “A PhD student? In your field?”
Bei Lanlan nodded.
Xin Yan beamed. “That’s great! Go for it!”
Bei Lanlan smiled as well. Like Xin Yan said, it was a good thing—returning to campus, taking part in experiences she’d once missed out on… it felt like her life was finally moving forward again.
“It’s just an interview, though. They might not choose me.”
Xin Yan waved it off. “No way. Of course they’ll pick you. And even if they don’t, no big deal. In a few years, once you become a PhD yourself, you can just hire yourself as your own assistant!”
Bei Lanlan: “…”
After a beat, she said, “That might be a long time away. I don’t plan to go to grad school right away.”
Xin Yan looked up, surprised. “You don’t want to keep studying?”
“I do,” Bei Lanlan explained. “Just… not immediately. I want to work for a few years first—get some experience—and study while working.”
As she said this, she gave Xin Yan a tentative look. “After I graduate… can I still work with you?”
Xin Yan froze. “You can… but I assumed you would want to move on.”
After all, working with her meant dealing with admin tasks all day—paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork.
But Bei Lanlan smiled. “I think this place is great. Assistant An will leave someday, and when he does—I’ll be ready to take his place.”
With that, she turned and walked out, leaving Xin Yan behind—mouth open in stunned silence.
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Author’s Note:
An Zhiyuan:
People… are just too dangerous… 😰