The Abused Heroine Stops Pretending [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 4

Since its premiere, Diverse Living had received high praise and attracted a wide audience.

It was a lifestyle variety show, similar to other countryside-themed reality programs meant to be soothing and relaxing.

However, this show had one major difference from the others. It had no script.

Aside from the production team giving basic directions to keep the schedule moving, everything else was left to the cast members. This allowed the audience to see a more genuine and unfiltered version of their favorite celebrities.

For a day or two, it was possible to keep up a perfect image, but over ten days or a couple of weeks, the truth would always come out.

And this show was scheduled to film for two months. It combined live broadcasts with recorded footage, making sure that viewers would not miss a single important moment.

No assistants were allowed. Every celebrity had to manage their own daily tasks.

Shortly after returning to the country, Meng Xue, the leader of the girl group MS1, signed with Jingcheng Entertainment under the company’s top manager, Ying Tianhe.

When the news was released, many companies that had tried to recruit Meng Xue were left disappointed. No matter how much they offered, nothing carried more weight than being managed by a top-tier agent.

After all, Ying Tianhe was the one who had guided Tang Jing to become a two-time Best Actress.

Not long after, news broke that Tang Jing would also be participating in Diverse Living.

Fans and netizens were stunned.

Sun Sijia’s fans were especially vocal online.

Comments flooded in.

“I hope Tang Jing doesn’t come and interfere. Our Jia Jia shines best on her own.”

“Why does she cling like glue? Can she please stay away from our girl?”

“Just because she’s more famous, she thinks she can step all over Jia Jia.”

Tang Jing’s fans didn’t stay quiet. They came to defend her.

“Is this show owned by your idol’s family? Our Tang Jing can join if she wants.”

“Exactly. If I remember correctly, your girl only got into this show because of Tang Jing.”

“Some people barely have any work to show but act like they’re the biggest star on Earth.”

The argument between fan groups quickly escalated.

At that moment, the official Diverse Living account made an announcement. The show would begin in two days, and the full cast list was posted.

With Tang Jing and Sun Sijia already trending, the production team clearly saw the opportunity. Just by putting the two of them on screen together, the show would become a hot topic before it even aired.

Tang Jing’s name was listed first. That was expected given her status.

Following her was a senior figure from the music industry. Then came the rest of the regular cast, in the same order as last season. But at the very end, a new name appeared.

“Meng Xue!”

“Isn’t she managed by the same person as Tang Jing? Is this part of the agent’s plan?”

Ying Tianhe saw this comment and snorted. “I’m just a worker. Do you really think I can tell her what to do?”

Another post read, “Wait, Meng Xue is Sun Sijia’s high school senior!”

“No way. That’s actually true.”

Even though Meng Xue had been working in another country, her performance videos had always been popular among young viewers back home.

It all started a few days earlier when Sun Sijia had posted a selfie. In the photo, there was someone beside her, but the person wore a hat, showing only a sharp jawline and a beautiful collarbone.

What drew everyone’s attention was a small red mole on the collarbone. The placement was striking and unforgettable.

Fans immediately started guessing who the person might be. Sun Sijia replied that it was her senior from school.

Everyone assumed the senior was someone outside the industry and moved on.

But when Meng Xue’s name showed up on the cast list, her fans began to worry she might be mistreated on the show. Some of them started checking the social media of the other cast members for any clues.

One of them found the post from Sun Sijia and recognized the mystery person immediately. Meng Xue’s fans knew their idol well. Even with just a glimpse, they could tell it was her.

And just like that, the online buzz exploded again.

“What kind of love triangle is this? I can already tell this season is going to be amazing.”

“We’ve got Tang Jing, Sun Sijia, and now the senior shows up too.”

“Plus the senior is managed by the same person as Tang Jing. She’s definitely going to look after her junior.”

“I thought Tang Jing only cared about Sun Sijia.”

“Wouldn’t the manager be against this? They were just trending for a scandal days ago.”

“Maybe having the junior on the show was a strategy to reduce rumors and increase exposure.”

“Whatever the case is, I am beyond ready for this.”

“Please hurry up, production team. We can’t wait any longer.”

The first part of the show’s format included filming at the celebrities’ homes. From packing their suitcases to heading out, everything was meant to feel real and unscripted.

This added a sense of authenticity and gave the audience something to look forward to.

Since Meng Xue had only recently returned, she was still staying at a hotel. When Ying Tianhe heard this, she hesitated briefly, then firmly decided to move her into Tang Jing’s villa.

The original Tang Jing had disliked anyone living in her home.

But this Tang Jing was more than happy to have Meng Xue move in.

Still, to stay in character, she had to act her part. She stood at the doorway with a cold expression, completely blocking the entrance and refusing to step aside.

Ying Tianhe said, “I know you don’t like sharing your space, but when the show starts, the director might make you share a room or even a bed. What will you do then? Act like a diva on camera?”

“I won’t do that while I’m working,” Tang Jing replied calmly.

Ying Tianhe said, “Xiaoxue is still staying in a hotel, which really isn’t convenient. Once the show starts filming, the production team will need to come and record everything. Having her stay here is much better. You two will be together, and it will also be easier for the crew.”

Tang Jing had always been considerate of others. After hearing that, she began to hesitate.

Ying Tianhe smirked to herself. Of course she knew Tang Jing well. That kind of reaction was exactly what she expected. Tang Jing was already wrapped around her finger.

She also had another reason for wanting Meng Xue to move in with Tang Jing. It was a way to confuse the public and build more buzz around the two of them. She wanted her own artists to be linked together in the public eye. As for Sun Sijia, she could stay out of the picture.

Ying Tianhe would rather see Tang Jing paired with Meng Xue than allow someone as greedy and fame-hungry as Sun Sijia to gain anything from this.

Even if Tang Jing hadn’t agreed to bring Meng Xue onto the show, Ying Tianhe had already planned to make it happen one way or another.

Sensing the tension in the room, Meng Xue nervously clutched the handle of her suitcase and softly said, “Sister Ying, maybe I should stay at the dorm.”

The company provided dorm rooms for its artists, although many preferred to buy their own homes and live independently.

Ying Tianhe shook her head. “Your dorm was just approved. It hasn’t even been cleaned up yet. The show starts tomorrow. There’s no time to get it ready.”

Whatever hesitation Tang Jing still had disappeared. She turned around and headed toward the interior of the house.

“Come in.”

Ying Tianhe grinned and leaned closer to whisper to Meng Xue, “She just acts cold. Deep down, she’s got a soft heart. Just give her a little nudge and she’ll give in.”

Meng Xue nodded sweetly. As she watched Tang Jing’s retreating figure, a small dimple appeared on her cheek. She thought the woman was simply adorable.

Tang Jing opened the door to the guest room next to her bedroom.

“You can stay here.”

Ying Tianhe glanced down the hallway, curious. “Wasn’t the room I stayed in last time even bigger than this one? Why not let Xiaoxue use that one?”

Of course, there was a reason. Tang Jing wanted to be closer to Meng Xue. If it weren’t for the system’s rules, she would have let her move into her own master bedroom.

But right now, they weren’t that close yet. In the original storyline, they were still considered romantic rivals.

“That room hasn’t been cleaned. If you want to use it, you’ll have to clean it yourselves.” She finished speaking and went downstairs.

Ying Tianhe immediately rolled up her sleeves, ready to go clean the room herself.

Meng Xue quickly pulled her back. “Sister Ying, this room is perfect. I really like it.”

What mattered most was that it was right next to Tang Jing’s bedroom, with only one wall between them. Just thinking about sleeping with the person she secretly cared about right next door made her heart race.

Ying Tianhe looked at her like a concerned older sister. She still thought the room was a bit too small. “Are you sure you don’t want to switch?”

After all, the other guest room was more spacious, and the bed was bigger too.

Meng Xue shook her head.

Seeing her insist, Ying Tianhe gave up. “Alright, then go in and unpack your things. I’ll head downstairs to talk with Tang Jing for a bit.”

“Okay, Sister Ying.”

Tang Jing was in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of water. She had only taken a sip when she saw Ying Tianhe walk in.

“If you want water, get it yourself,” she said.

Tang Jing was never shy with people she knew well. Especially with someone like Ying Tianhe, who had stayed at her house many times and probably knew where everything was even better than she did.

“I’m not here for water. I wanted to talk about Meng Xue.”

Tang Jing turned her attention to her.

Ying Tianhe said, “Meng Xue just got back from overseas. She’s still not used to the working environment here. Once filming starts, you’ll need to keep an eye on her. She’s five years younger than you, so you’re basically like her older sister now.”

Tang Jing responded with a flat “Okay.”

Her attitude made Ying Tianhe uneasy. She started listing concerns. “Don’t let her wander off on her own. She doesn’t know her way around yet. What if she gets lost? Also, keep an eye on her eating habits. And during filming, watch what she says…”

“Sister Ying.” Tang Jing had to interrupt. “She’s twenty-two, not two.”

“Even if she were thirty or forty, I’d still expect you to keep an eye on her,” Ying Tianhe said firmly.

Tang Jing stared at her.

The way she looked made Ying Tianhe a bit uncomfortable. She frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Tang Jing said, “Sister Ying, the way you’re talking, it sounds like a mother-in-law telling her son to take care of his wife.”

Ying Tianhe scoffed. “If that were the case, I’d be thrilled. At least it would keep you away from that Sun Sijia and all her drama.”

The smile disappeared from Tang Jing’s face. She looked down, expression dim and quiet.

Ying Tianhe hated seeing her like that. She quickly backed off. “Alright, fine, I won’t mention her again. Just promise me you’ll take good care of Meng Xue when you’re on set.”

Tang Jing gave a quiet nod.

Ying Tianhe patted her on the shoulder, offering a silent show of support before turning to leave.

As soon as she left, any trace of sorrow vanished from Tang Jing’s face. She looked perfectly fine.

She said to the system, “When I marry Meng Xue in the future, Sister Ying is sitting at the head table.”

The system responded, “Noted. You really know how to plan a story.”

Meanwhile, on Meng Xue’s side, Ying Tianhe had also given her a few last reminders. Most importantly, she told her to stick close to Tang Jing during filming and never let her be alone with Sun Sijia.

“Xiaoxue, Sun Sijia is your junior, right?” Ying Tianhe said. “Do me a favor. No matter what, stay with Tang Jing and keep her away from your junior.”

Though Meng Xue hadn’t been back in the country long, she already knew a fair bit about the entertainment industry here. She nodded. “I understand, Sister Ying.”

Ying Tianhe smiled and gave her a light pat on the back. “Good. I trust you.”

“Alright, I’ve got things to take care of. If you need anything, just go find Tang Jing. Don’t worry about bothering her. Remember what she told you earlier. Be persistent. Even the iciest person can melt if you push hard enough.”

Comparing Best Actress Tang to a block of ice made Meng Xue laugh. She nodded, her dimples showing. “Got it, Sister Ying.”

After Ying Tianhe left, the villa was quiet again.

Only Tang Jing and Meng Xue remained inside.