Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 29

The assistant cleared his throat, automatically skipping over the previous topic and getting straight to business. “I looked into Lanterns Like Daylight. Our company is one of the main producers and has invested in the project.”

“We’re invested in it too?” Jun Xizhi asked.

“Yes,” the assistant nodded. “The project manager probably thought it was a minor project, so the approval process never reached your desk.”

Since it was their own company’s project, resolving the issue would be much easier.

“The audition you mentioned does have problems,” the assistant said, his tone turning serious. “The Deputy Director is in charge of casting the supporting roles. The third female lead isn’t a particularly important role, and I’ve heard he’s been taking bribes to push certain actors into the part.”

“Push actors in?”

“Exactly.” The assistant explained the situation briefly.

Yang Jun was a director with some minor fame in the industry, but his reputation was poor. Many lesser-known actors had suffered under his petty schemes. As the Deputy Director for Lanterns Like Daylight, he was responsible for casting several supporting roles.

Though several roles were ostensibly open to public auditions, Yang Jun had no intention of letting such a lucrative opportunity slip through his fingers. Even before the audition registration deadline, he had already finalized his list of preferred candidates.

These things were easy to decide: the highest bidder wins.

And that’s how things had come to this.

Jun Xizhi narrowed her eyes, her tone icy. “Fixed?”

The assistant acknowledged her, sensing Jun Xizhi’s foul mood and refraining from further comment.

“Understood,” Jun Xizhi said. “Thank you for your hard work.”

The assistant volunteered, “Boss, I’ll tell the Deputy Director right away. How dare he—”

“No need. Just send me his number. I’ll handle it,” Jun Xizhi said calmly. “Otherwise, people might think we don’t care about our own projects.”

Well, she’s truly angry now.

The assistant hesitated. “Boss, since you’re already contacting him, should we just—”

“No need.” Jun Xizhi understood the assistant’s meaning. Mentioning Jian Suixin finally eased the slight furrow in her brow. “I trust Xiao Jian’s abilities.”

The assistant didn’t press further.

After hanging up, she sent the phone number.

Simultaneously, she mentally lit a candle for the Deputy Director, wishing him the best of luck.

Jun Xizhi entered the number and dialed.

The call connected, and a middle-aged man’s gruff voice answered, “Hello? Who is this?”

His voice was openly impatient, and the noisy background of a television could be heard through the receiver.

Jun Xizhi’s tone was polite, even slightly smiling, though the smile held no warmth.

“Director Yang, hello. My name is Jun. I’m calling to inquire about the casting for Lanterns Like Daylight.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end. A few seconds later, a door slammed shut, and the line finally went quiet.

The Assistant Director was a seasoned player in the industry, lacking in talent but masterful at currying favor. He immediately recognized the name and family of the person he needed to butter up.

A call at this hour, inquiring about the production, combined with that surname—there was no need to ask who was on the other end.

The Deputy Director’s voice instantly shifted from arrogant impatience to obsequious friendliness, the flattery dripping from his tone. “Um… Miss Jun… I’m so sorry to bother you with this…”

Jun Xizhi cut him off before he could finish his obsequious flattery. “Director Yang, it’s getting late. Let’s get straight to the point.”

The Deputy Director, who had a whole string of sycophantic remarks stuck in his throat, choked on them. He forced out a dry laugh and quickly changed tack. “Yes, yes, let’s get to the point. Let’s get to the point.”

“Director Yang, there’s no need to be nervous. I’m calling because I’ve heard some rumors and wanted to confirm them with you.”

The Deputy Director’s heart tightened, knowing this couldn’t be good news. “Please go on.”

“I have no ulterior motives. I simply wanted to share my thoughts with you,” Jun Xizhi said calmly, as if they were having a casual conversation.

Jun Xizhi’s voice remained perfectly steady throughout the call, but the Deputy Director was sweating bullets. He wasn’t stupid; he knew this wasn’t just a friendly chat. “A-ah, please speak. I’m listening.”

“In my opinion, fairness is the most fundamental principle. Regardless of someone’s capabilities, if even basic fairness can’t be guaranteed, then that person shouldn’t continue leading this project, nor should they remain in the industry.”

“What do you think?”

 

Despite her best efforts to adjust her mindset, Jian Suixin couldn’t shake off the disappointment of her first audition being cut short before it even began.

In the dead of night, while others slept soundly, she was still wallowing in her late-night “NetEase Cloud Music” mood.

The System couldn’t stand it any longer. “Host, go to sleep.”

“I can’t,” Jian Suixin replied.

An hour later:

“Host, go to sleep. You have work tomorrow.”

“Now I really can’t sleep.”

“Huh?”

“I failed the audition and still have to go to work. Even my insomnia is restless. My life is so miserable.”

The System: ……

After tossing and turning until nearly 3 a.m., she finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.

The next morning, she was jolted awake by a call from her manager.

Jian Suixin nearly snapped, but her manager threw out a lifeline before she could speak: “You’ve got another chance at the audition!”

Having already given up hope, Jian Suixin was stunned. “What chance?”

“The audition! I just got word—the production team announced they’ll be recording the entire audition process and making it public to ensure fairness and transparency.”

Jian Suixin, who had been on the verge of a mental breakdown from sleep deprivation, instantly snapped awake. “Really? That’s amazing!”

The two women chattered excitedly, expressing their joy at this unexpected turn of events.

This sudden good news banished her fatigue, her dread of the early morning commute, and even her headache. Her mood soared, and she climbed six flights of stairs without even breaking a sweat.

“I don’t know if this is good luck or bad luck,” she mused. “I thought the duck that was already in my beak had flown away, but it came right back!”

When Jian Suixin finally calmed down and wanted to share the good news with Jun Xizhi, she realized her friend had already left.

Resisting the urge to call immediately, Jian Suixin went to wash up first.

She wanted to wait until she officially secured the role before telling her Elder Sister, planning it as a surprise.

With the resource-backed nepotism gone, Jian Suixin’s audition proceeded smoothly under fair and transparent conditions, and she successfully landed the role.

After the audition, her manager told her that the director had praised her performance, expressing surprise that this was her first acting role and eagerly anticipating her future work.

Though it was only the third female lead in a relatively modest production, it was still a significant achievement for their agency.

On the day the audition results were announced, Jian Suixin’s manager gripped her hand excitedly. “Give it your all! You’re the company’s hope now.”

Suppressing her inner excitement, Jian Suixin picked up her elder sister from work right on time.

To celebrate this auspicious day, she bought Jun Xizhi flowers again.

This time, it wasn’t just a single stem, but a whole bouquet.

Perhaps sensing Jian Suixin’s surprise, Jun Xizhi emerged earlier than usual that day.

Thus, the workers who had just finished their busy day and were walking home witnessed a truly heartwarming scene.

A beautiful woman carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers approached another beautiful woman. Their faces radiated sweetness as they embraced intimately.

Bystanders who happened to witness the scene murmured, “Ah, so sweet!”

Of course, the small assistant was among the onlookers.

Even if she hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have mattered. Within ten minutes, the company’s group chats exploded again, flooded with messages about the boss and her (future) girlfriend.

Some had even started betting on when the two would officially get together.

Fortunately, after this period of “training,” the assistant’s resilience had greatly improved, and she was even showing signs of accepting the reality that her boss might be “stolen away” by someone else.

Jun Xizhi accepted the flowers. Though she had already guessed the reason, she still asked with a smile, “Why the sudden flowers?”

Jian Suixin’s smile was radiant and unreserved. Instead of answering verbally, she held up her phone screen to Jun Xizhi. “Look!”

The screen displayed the audition results.

Jun Xizhi smiled. “Congratulations.”

“I should be buying you flowers, not the other way around,” Jian Suixin said.

“We don’t stand on ceremony between us,” Jian Suixin replied.

Jun Xizhi insisted earnestly, “That won’t do. I’ll give you flowers when we go out for the celebration dinner.”

“Okay,” Jian Suixin agreed. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “For the celebration dinner, should we bring Taotao?”

Jun Xizhi smiled, her lips curving slightly. “Do you want to?”

Jian Suixin hesitated, then ultimately decided to temporarily abandon her friend and follow her heart. She shook her head gently.

Jun Xizhi smiled. “Good. Just the two of us, then. No one else.”

Meanwhile, on her way home from work, Ying Tao suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest.

Ying Tao frowned, puzzled by the sudden discomfort.

The feeling was subtle, difficult to describe.

If forced to explain, it was akin to being struck by an arrow of affection from afar.

“Elder Sister, there’s something else I need to tell you,” Jian Suixin said after a moment’s hesitation, deciding to confide in Jun Xizhi. “Actually, a few days before the audition, my manager suddenly informed me that the role had already been cast internally and that I didn’t need to bother preparing.”

Jun Xizhi reacted with appropriate shock. “Internally cast? What happened?”

Jian Suixin recounted the events of the past few weeks, concluding, “Thank goodness I got another chance for a fair competition. Otherwise, the role would have gone to someone else.”

Jun Xizhi frowned slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me about something so important?”

Jian Suixin pursed her lips, feeling a little guilty. “I’m sorry, Elder Sister. This wasn’t something ordinary people could resolve. Even if I had told you, it would have only made you angry with me, so I kept it to myself.”

Jun Xizhi’s expression turned disapproving. “I would have helped you find a solution. What if there had been a chance? Xiao Jian, don’t do that again.”

Jian Suixin’s heart warmed. “I won’t.”

She smiled. “Although I don’t know the specifics, I suspect some powerful figure helped me behind the scenes. I’m truly grateful to her. If I ever get the chance to meet her, I’ll thank her properly!”

Jun Xizhi’s lips curved slightly, but she didn’t elaborate. Instead, she praised, “Ultimately, it was your own hard work that paid off.”

 

After a period of preparation, Jian Suixin was finally ready to join the film crew.

She went to say goodbye to her dear neighbor.

“Taotao, I’m heading to the set now. Please take good care of my Elder Sister, okay? Don’t forget!” Jian Suixin said before leaving. “Oh, and remember to take care of yourself too.”

Ying Tao swallowed the last bite of pre-departure “dog food” (a Chinese term for public displays of affection). Knowing she wouldn’t have to endure their lovey-dovey antics for the next month or two, she silently endured it. “Okay, Xin Xin, don’t worry. Take care of yourself on set too. I’ll be waiting for you to become a huge star!”

“I’ll be gone for a month or two, but I might sneak back to visit if I get a chance,” Jian Suixin said, still feeling the sting of her current poverty and worrying about the rent.

“By the way, you’ve been living here for over three months now. Are you planning to extend your lease?”

Ying Tao: “I’m not sure yet. I’ll probably keep renting for now. With housing prices in City A, buying a place is out of reach.”

“Didn’t you rent somewhere else before? How was that?”

Ying Tao: “Yeah, I used to live right next to my company. It was so convenient—just a short walk to work.”

Jian Suixin: “That sounds perfect! Why didn’t you stay there?”

“Well, um…” Ying Tao’s head drooped, clearly reluctant to discuss the topic further. “I had a fight with my roommate.”

Jian Suixin: “A fight with your roommate? And you moved out? Did your lease expire?”

Ying Tao: “Of course not!”

Considering their shared impoverished circumstances, Jian Suixin felt sorry for Ying Tao. “Was the conflict really that bad? Since you weren’t living in the same room anyway, couldn’t you have just waited until the lease expired before moving out?”

Upon hearing the words “not living in the same room,” a subtle shift crossed Ying Tao’s expression, but she said nothing further, clearly unwilling to discuss the topic.

She mumbled vaguely, “It’s not about how big the conflict was. It’s… it’s just impossible for us to live together anymore. Not even for a day, not even for an hour.”

Jian Suixin hissed. “That serious? Your conflict must have been pretty intense.”

Ying Tao wanted to say something more, but she hesitated, settling for a simple nod.

Jian Suixin sighed. “You’re too easygoing. You just moved out like that. Conflicts always involve both parties. You’re the one who’s suffering the consequences.”

Ying Tao immediately retorted, “Don’t say she’s at fault!”

Jian Suixin blinked in surprise. “Huh?”

Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Ying Tao waved her hands frantically, flustered. “I mean… it wasn’t her fault. I did something wrong to upset her, so I moved out.”

Jian Suixin pressed, “If there was a misunderstanding, you could have explained. Why leave so abruptly?”

Ying Tao began to stammer again, her words catching in her throat.

Sensing that the matter was too sensitive to discuss openly, Jian Suixin stopped pressing. “Well, what’s done is done. Maybe some time apart will help you both cool down.”

Ying Tao nodded, saying nothing more.

 

Officially joining the film crew, Jian Suixin felt completely out of place at first. It took her several days just to learn everyone’s names.

Once she grew accustomed to the routine, her life became a monotonous cycle between the hotel and the set, even more boring than her previous job.

Work consisted of filming scenes, sneaking in some downtime, and constantly thinking about her Elder Sister.

Since joining the crew, all her communication with Jun Xizhi had shifted online. Not seeing her in person every day was initially unbearable.

She hadn’t realized how much she missed their daily interactions until they were gone. Now, Jian Suixin found herself with so much she wanted to tell Jun Xizhi.

But she hesitated to bother her too often, fearing she might disrupt her work. Most of the time, she kept her thoughts bottled up, or else she’d pester the System.

“Tong’er, do you think Elder Sister is taking good care of herself without me around?”

Back in her hotel room that night, Jian Suixin lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Without me, Elder Sister has no one to pick her up from work. It must be so inconvenient.”

The System muttered, Without you, she can finally ride in her long-neglected luxury car. What’s inconvenient about that?

“Without me, who’s going to cook her delicious meals when she gets home? What will she do?”

Your cooking skills were taught by Sister Zhi herself, you know. She’s a far better cook than you are.

Oh, right. Maybe she’ll just go to fancy restaurants alone.

“Without me, Elder Sister…”

Seeing Jian Suixin about to launch into a litany of sentimental comparisons, the System quickly interrupted, “Hey, calm down! It’s only been a month. It’ll pass quickly. Just hang in there.”

Jian Suixin pulled the blanket over herself, her voice muffled, “Mm, I’ll hang in there.”

 

That morning, the film crew proceeded with their routine shooting schedule. Since Jian Suixin’s scenes weren’t up yet, she sat in a corner, studying her script.

She had chosen a secluded spot, hoping for some peace and quiet where she wouldn’t be disturbed.

Lost in her script, she suddenly heard a voice, as if someone was on a phone call. Jian Suixin’s attention was involuntarily drawn to it.

“Mm-hmm, yeah, she suddenly said she’s coming… Ah, pretend I don’t know? Oh, I see. Well, when she gets here, we should at least take her out for dinner tonight, right?… No need? Okay, okay. Sigh, the ones who pay the bills are the bosses, so we’ll do whatever she wants.”

The voice was intermittent. Jian Suixin stood up and glanced over to see the Director standing nearby, talking on his phone.

She vaguely caught a few phrases—it sounded like someone was coming?

An investor?

She only overheard a snippet and didn’t pay much attention.

Whoever it is, I don’t know them anyway.

Then she thought, If only Elder Sister could visit me on set.

Of course, it was just a wishful thought. They lived too far apart, and Jun Xizhi had her own work to attend to. She couldn’t just drop everything and come running.

Jian Suixin sighed, checked the time, and realized her scenes were coming up soon. She prepared to head back.

Halfway back, Jian Suixin overheard several crew members whispering excitedly.

At first, their voices were hushed, but as their excitement grew, they struggled to contain their volume.

“Yes, yes! She’s absolutely stunning! A real beauty!” one of them squealed in a low voice.

“Really? She can’t be prettier than Sister Jian or Sister Ran, right?”

“I don’t know! They’re making her sound like a goddess!”

“Ugh, all this talk is useless. Let’s go see for ourselves! Hurry, hurry!”

Their excitement was palpable as they shoved each other toward the exit.

Jian Suixin hadn’t paid much attention at first, but their words piqued her curiosity, reminding her of the phone call she’d overheard earlier.

Is this the VIP the Director mentioned?

Following the group of girls outside the set, Jian Suixin spotted a figure standing nearby. Long hair cascaded down her back, she was dressed entirely in black, and wore sunglasses.

Her exposed skin glowed like jade, and her lips were full and crimson.

Even with only half her face visible beneath the sunglasses, it was clear she was a striking beauty.

Before even seeing her full face, Jian Suixin recognized her.

That face was too beautiful, too familiar.

Jian Suixin rushed forward and threw her arms around the woman. “Elder Sister!”

 

The Deputy Director had caught wind of the “investor’s” impending arrival well in advance.

As a director, he was at best third-rate. But when it came to sucking up and flattering others, he was a national-level graduate of excellence.

When Jun Xizhi had personally called him out by name, he’d been genuinely terrified. He’d worked hard to get where he was and feared losing his job.

Afterward, he’d frantically inquired about the identity of this powerful figure. Initially clinging to a sliver of hope, he’d abandoned all audacity once he learned her true background. He’d since behaved with remarkable restraint on set, keeping his tail tucked between his legs.

He didn’t know why Jun Xizhi had targeted him specifically, but having heard of her upright character and aversion to corruption, he suspected someone had secretly reported him, prompting her sudden investigation into the casting process.

Hearing that Jun Xizhi was visiting the set, he naturally planned to put on a good show, hoping to salvage his reputation.

The Deputy Director had begun preparing the day before. Now, upon learning of Jun Xizhi’s arrival, he immediately began searching the set for her.

Meanwhile, Jun Xizhi was chatting with Jian Suixin.

“Elder Sister, what brings you here?” Jian Suixin asked, delighted to see her sister.

“I came to discuss a client nearby and thought I’d drop by to see you,” Jun Xizhi explained.

Recalling the phone conversation she’d overheard earlier, Jian Suixin teased, “Elder Sister, are you our production’s investor?”

Jun Xizhi’s expression flickered with momentary panic, but she quickly regained her composure, smiling as she asked, “What ‘client’ are you talking about?”

Jian Suixin, oblivious to her reaction, continued, “Oh, nothing. I just heard the Director mention earlier that the investor would be visiting today, and then you showed up.”

Jun Xizhi nodded knowingly. “They probably took the investor to the hotel. I didn’t see anyone else when I arrived.”

“That’s likely. The client always gets the VIP treatment, unlike us working stiffs.”

Jun Xizhi chuckled in agreement. “Exactly.”

As they chatted, someone came running up from behind. Before they even got close, the person called out anxiously, “Miss Jun, you’re here? How did such a busy person find time to visit?”

Jun Xizhi’s smile froze.

Jian Suixin turned to see the Assistant Director of the film crew.

Curiosity piqued, she asked, “Elder Sister, do you two know each other?”

“Yes, I—”

The Deputy Director’s reply was cut short by Jun Xizhi. “We’ve met before. We had a brief encounter during a company project.”

The Deputy Director paused, startled. “Ah? I…”

“Director Yang, long time no see. How have you been?” Jun Xizhi said, giving him a subtle wink to signal him to keep quiet.

The Assistant Director reacted after a few seconds, not entirely clueless. Realizing the situation, he quickly smiled and chimed in, “Ah, yes, Miss Jun, it’s been a while.”

Jian Suixin’s eyes widened in realization. “So that’s how it is. What a coincidence!”

After greeting Jun Xizhi, he didn’t forget Jian Suixin, turning to her with a warm smile. “Teacher Xiao Jian, it’s good to see you too.”

Jian Suixin quickly returned the greeting, a strange feeling creeping into her heart.

Since joining the crew, she’d heard countless rumors about the Assistant Director—his fiery temper, his tendency to make life difficult for junior actors. Though he hadn’t been as unbearable as the rumors suggested during their interactions, he’d never shown her any warmth. Why was he suddenly being so friendly?

“Has the Assistant Director lost his mind?” Jian Suixin muttered to the System.

“……Maybe he’s just in a good mood today,” the System replied.

Instead of leaving after the greetings, he lingered near them, striking up a conversation with Jun Xizhi in a friendly, familiar tone.

Jian Suixin grumbled to the System, “This side of the Assistant Director is rare indeed. Did he suddenly learn what politeness is? He’s never this courteous to the Director himself. Is this the kind of attitude he reserves for investors?”

The System offered a weak explanation: “Perhaps… perhaps he’s just being polite to outsiders.”

The three chatted, each with their own hidden agendas.

Jun Xizhi mentioned she’d be staying on set for a couple of days, not in a hurry to leave. This naturally raised the question of accommodation.

Jian Suixin, hiding her ulterior motives, pondered for a moment how to phrase her request before carefully choosing her words.

“Elder Sister, have you booked a hotel yet?”

Jun Xizhi shook her head. “I came in a hurry and haven’t had a chance.”

“The production team has already arranged accommodations, so it might be difficult to change things. My room has a pretty big bed—plenty of space for two people. Would you mind squeezing in with me for the next couple of days?”

Jian Suixin finished, watching Jun Xizhi anxiously, unsure if she would agree.

Before Jun Xizhi could answer, a grating voice cut through the air.

“Miss Jun, that won’t do at all! You’ve come all this way—you absolutely deserve your own room.”

Jian Suixin: …Who’s ruining my plans?!

She turned to glare at the Assistant Director. Why are you still here?!

The Assistant Director, not giving anyone a chance to speak, slammed his hand on the table. “Alright, that’s settled! Leave it to me.”

“I…” Jun Xizhi tried to interject, but the Assistant Director was too absorbed in his own self-importance. Believing he was doing Jun Xizhi a great favor, he declared loudly, “Miss Jun, rest assured! As long as I’m here, I’ll never let you share a room with Teacher Xiao Jian!”

Jun Xizhi: ……

Jian Suixin: ……

Jian Suixin was furious.

Fvck you, you son of a b1tch! My Elder Sister hasn’t even said a word, what business is it of yours?!

She suddenly sprang forward, blocking the Deputy Director’s path to Jun Xizhi. Grabbing Jun Xizhi’s arm, she yanked her behind her, adopting a protective stance.

The Deputy Director, still displeased by her interference, thought to himself, What a clueless idiot! Miss Jun finally visits, and who wants to share a room with you? “Teacher Xiao Jian, stop joking around. I’ll go arrange the accommodations.”

Jian Suixin: “No!”

The Deputy Director was baffled. “Why not?”

Jian Suixin: “No reason. Just no.”

The Deputy Director, already short-tempered, had barely restrained himself due to Jun Xizhi’s presence. Now, after being repeatedly contradicted, he snapped. “You think you can just say no and that’s the end of it? Fine, I’ll make sure this happens!”

Jian Suixin’s face was dark with displeasure as she declared loudly, “No! Elder Sister is sleeping with me tonight!”

Seeing the stalemate, the Deputy Director abandoned his argument with Jian Suixin and turned to Jun Xizhi to discuss his arrangements. Jun Xizhi agreed, leaving Jian Suixin with no authority to interfere.

“Miss Jun, it’s your first time here. The crew can’t possibly let you suffer any inconvenience. We’ll definitely arrange a proper room for you.”

Jun Xizhi nodded faintly. “Mm.”

“Exactly! Arranging a room is no trouble at all—it’s just a minor matter.”

Jun Xizhi nodded. “Mm.”

Seeing Jun Xizhi’s amenable attitude, the Deputy Director seized the opportunity to ingratiate himself. “Since you’re a guest on set, we should naturally take good care of you.”

Jun Xizhi nodded again. “Mm.”

Encouraged by her friendly demeanor, the Deputy Director glanced smugly at Jian Suixin and whispered to Jun Xizhi, “Miss Jun, if you ask me, friends should maintain some distance. Wouldn’t it be better for everyone to have their own room? No one would disturb each other. Why insist on sharing? Where does she get her confidence, anyway?”

After his gossiping, he flashed an ingratiating smile. “Miss Jun, shall I arrange your room for you?”

Jun Xizhi smiled. “Mm, I’ll be sharing with Xiao Jian. Thank you for your trouble.”

The Deputy Director’s face lit up, his smile still plastered on his face as he reflexively replied, “Great! I’ll have someone…”

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing what she’d said. “Wh-what?”

Jun Xizhi’s smile remained unchanged. “I said, I’ll be sharing with Xiao Jian.”

The Deputy Director’s eyes widened.

Jun Xizhi added, “Oh, and you asked where she gets her confidence? I give her her confidence.”

The Deputy Director: ……