The Movie Queen’s Secret Stand-In Lover [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 20

During the lunch break on set, Yuan Zhi called Sun Mingyue into her dressing room to eat together, citing the need to get into the daily dynamic between their sister characters.

 

“You can ask my assistant to get whatever you’d like,” Yuan Zhi said coolly, watching Sun Mingyue sit stiffly across from her.

 

Sun Mingyue, flattered and nervous, replied, “I’ll have whatever you’re having, Sister Zhi. I’m not picky.” Besides, she had eaten so much in the morning that she could probably skip lunch altogether.

 

“Hmm.” Yuan Zhi didn’t say more, crossing her legs on the sofa as she checked her phone, her expression darkening further. It had been nearly an hour, and Zhou Ning still hadn’t replied to her last message—What are you doing right now?

 

Could it be that the person Sun Mingyue had been chatting so enthusiastically with earlier wasn’t Zhou Ning? The thought eased her irritation slightly.

 

A faint vibration sounded.

 

Yuan Zhi glanced up at the fidgeting Sun Mingyue. “Aren’t you going to answer?”

 

“Then I’ll step out for a moment, Sister Zhi~” Sun Mingyue stood carefully, her tone cautious.

 

“Private call?” Yuan Zhi gestured for her to sit back down. “It’s crowded outside. I’ll leave instead. Come back in when you’re done.”

 

“No, no, no!” Sun Mingyue panicked and quickly explained, “It’s not private at all. If you don’t mind, I can take it here?”

 

Yuan Zhi nodded.

 

Sun Mingyue answered the call, pressing the phone to her ear and whispering, “Ningning, why are you calling?”

 

Yuan Zhi’s face instantly darkened. So, it was Zhou Ning! No time to reply to her message, but plenty of time to call Sun Mingyue?

 

“I was filming earlier and didn’t see your texts. The call earlier wasn’t urgent—I just wanted to ask if we could still have dinner together tonight? You can’t?” Sun Mingyue chuckled softly. “No worries, I might not finish here either. What are you up to now? Shopping for clothes? Hahaha—” She stole a glance at Yuan Zhi’s increasingly stormy expression and abruptly cut off her laughter, apologetically saying, “Ningning, I’ll talk to you later, okay? I’m about to have lunch. Yeah, bye. We’ll catch up properly back at the hotel tonight.”

 

Yuan Zhi inwardly sneered. So, they had planned to have dinner together? And now they’d arranged to chat in detail back at the hotel? Over her dead body.

 

Her phone vibrated in her clenched hand. She looked down.

 

ZL168—I was shopping for clothes and trying things on, so I didn’t check my phone. Did you need something, Sister Zhi?

 

Her fingers tapped out a frosty reply—Then come back to City A as soon as you’re done shopping. Since you’re so free, I assume you’ve finished whatever business brought you to City Y. I’ll be back in City A late tonight and want to have supper at your place.

 

ZL168—Sister Zhi, I might not be able to leave right away. What time will you be back? I’ll try to work it out.

 

Yuan Zhi scoffed. Couldn’t leave immediately—because she wanted to stay and chat all night with Sun Mingyue? The TV show she was recording would wrap by 9 p.m., followed by a three-hour flight and travel time…

 

—No later than 2 AM. Let me remind you, the money isn’t free. You need to maintain a professional attitude at work.

 

Zhou Ning sat in the fitting room of the clothing store, counting on her fingers. The TV show recording started at 8 PM…

 

—The earliest I can return is around that time. Sister Zhi, why don’t you rest at my place first? I’ll prepare everything while you’re resting—I work very quickly.

 

Yuan Zhi considered it. Zhou Ning’s return time to City A would be similar to hers, meaning their departure from City Y should coincide too. She just needed an excuse to keep Sun Mingyue on set until 8 or 9 PM, ensuring Zhou Ning wouldn’t have any chance to interact with her.

 

As for afterward… Once Yuan Zhi returned to City A and dealt with her, Zhou Ning wouldn’t dare even if she had the intention.

 

—Fine.

 

Sun Mingyue had gained a completely new understanding of the renowned actress Yuan Zhi these past two days. An extreme perfectionist, she insisted on retaking scenes repeatedly, obsessing over every detail. Her moods swung unpredictably—sometimes warm as morning sun, other times cold as frost. A quintessential artistic temperament! Far from the easygoing persona in rumors, the real Yuan Zhi was infinitely more captivating!

 

Yuan Xiaoyuan arrived with an assistant to deliver meals.

 

“Did you prepare everything?” Yuan Zhi pushed a bowl of congee toward Sun Mingyue. Her stomach had been upset from anger toward Zhou Ning these past two days, leaving her unable to eat anything but congee.

 

Yuan Xiaoyuan took off her backpack and pulled out several movie DVDs. “All set, though the video store only had these. The stationery was bought nearby—I also got markers and gift bags.”

 

After a few sips of congee, Yuan Zhi stood and walked to the dressing table. “Bring them here. I’ll sign.” She picked up a pen and wrote “To” before pausing. “The girl’s surname is Zhou, right? Do you know her full name?”

 

“Yes, that Zhou. Don’t know the full name—the show director said she prefers to stay low-profile and only shared her surname.”

 

“Mm.” Yuan Zhi nodded and continued writing: To Xiao Zhou: Wishing you a speedy recovery. I’ll be waiting for you at my next movie premiere.

 

After signing, she wrote a heartfelt handwritten letter on stationery, then turned to Yuan Xiaoyuan. “Is the gift wrapped?”

 

“All wrapped.” Yuan Xiaoyuan signaled her assistant to produce a meticulously wrapped box from the backpack, smiling. “A mini DSLR. So thoughtful of you, Sister Zhi—hearing she rescued someone while taking photos made you think of giving a camera.”

 

Yuan Zhi sighed deeply. “I hope she likes it. Such a pitiful girl—lost her father young, has a biased mother, a leech of a brother, and now a terminal illness so young. After the recording, get her contact if she’s willing. If she needs help with medical expenses later, I’ll assist. Any other wishes within my means, I’ll try to fulfill.”

 

She picked up the signed card with visible sorrow. “Saying I’ll wait for her at the next premiere… who knows if she’ll even live to see it.”

 

Sun Mingyue, who had been quietly sipping her porridge nearby, listened to the conversation between Yuan Zhi and Yuan Xiaoyuan and was deeply moved by the story between the actress and her fan. Sister Zhi is so thoughtful and kind~ The tone she used when mentioning that fan and the gentle look in her eyes when gazing at the autograph card were so tender, completely different from how she looks at me.

 

Thinking back carefully, Sister Zhi seems quite amiable and approachable with all the other crew members, but when facing me, she exudes an icy chill…

 

Sun Mingyue blushed slightly, her heart fluttering with delight—she was special in Sister Zhi’s eyes. Sister Zhi must have particularly high expectations of her, right? The cold and indifferent attitude was to always keep her humble and cautious. The constant nitpicking of her scenes was to push for perfection and bring out the best in her character.

 

Oh my! So, this is what it feels like when “the deeper the love, the harsher the criticism”!

 

Sun Mingyue watched Yuan Zhi’s back as she organized the gifts, stars sparkling in her eyes. She secretly vowed that once she made it big, she would mentor promising juniors with the same dedication.

 

Excited, she sent a message to Zhou Ning—Ningning, I feel like I’m turning into a Little Glossy Ganoderma.

 

I’ll turn into a Little Hamster then. Zhou Ning didn’t immediately get Sun Mingyue’s point. But she quickly remembered that “Glossy Ganoderma” was the nickname for Sugar Daddy’s fans—after all, she hadn’t spent all that time in the fan community for nothing. You mean you’ve fallen for Sister Zhi? Hahahaha, last night I said Sister Zhi is beautiful, kind, and easy to get along with, but you didn’t believe me!

 

Yuan Zhi noticed Sun Mingyue excitedly hugging her phone again, chatting away, and shot her a frosty glare.

 

This time, Sun Mingyue didn’t shiver. Instead, she buried her head deeply, typing to Zhou Ning with a sweet, shy smile—Easy to get along with? Not really. But beautiful and kind? Absolutely, ahhhhh (groundhog scream)!

 

 

7:30 PM, Provincial TV Station Makeup Room.

 

Zhou Ning sat in a chair wearing the new clothes she had bought that afternoon, chatting familiarly with the makeup artist: “Did you do your own makeup too? It looks amazing. Can I get the same look?”

 

The makeup artist smiled. “Usually, people are really nervous when they come on the show, but you don’t seem fazed at all. You really do have nerves of steel.”

 

Zhou Ning feigned shyness for politeness’ sake and laughed. “Nerves of steel? More like thick skin and a scatterbrain.”

 

The makeup artist laughed even harder. “You’re hilarious. But you can’t have this makeup—the director specifically asked for a more natural look for you. Also, you should change into the outfit you wore during the rescue later. It’ll make you more recognizable. Did you bring it? If not, we can arrange for someone to fetch it for you right away.”

 

“I brought it,” Zhou Ning nodded. She hadn’t even gone back to the hotel—the clothes she’d changed out of were stuffed into the bag that had held her new purchases.

 

“Great.”

 

At 7:50 PM, Zhou Ning—wearing the new wig she’d bought (the old one had blown off the building earlier—hopefully, it didn’t scare any kids), dressed in the same old outfit from the rescue—stood backstage in the studio, waiting for the host to call her up.

 

The show she was about to film was called What Are You Doing?, a weekly observational program aired by the provincial TV station during the prime-time slot at 9 PM every Saturday. It followed the lives of guests, featuring both ordinary people and celebrities, blending social relevance with entertainment. Typically, the studio recordings involved the host and panel guests, rarely on-site participants like her.

 

The host began the introduction: “Today on What Are You Doing?, alongside our regular panelists, we welcome a special on-site guest. What does she usually do? Battling illness! Enduring family neglect! And courageously saving lives on the 98th floor of a skyscraper!”

 

Uh… Zhou Ning was stunned. Battling illness? What nonsense was this? Sure, she had fought before—but she lost and died, didn’t she?

 

Oh no! She suddenly remembered her long conversation with Reporter Liu about the mute older brother. Couldn’t he have been a little less literal? Even her story about attempting suicide was made up—couldn’t the illness be fabricated too? Just because she was bald?

 

Reporter Liu was really something. At least he could have checked the script with her before submitting it! So irresponsible!

 

Thankfully, the show was pre-recorded.

 

Zhou Ning turned to a staff member beside her and politely said, “Excuse me. The script is wrong.”

 

The staff frowned. “Which part is wrong?”

 

“The part about battling illness. I’m perfectly healthy—there was just a misunderstanding during Reporter Liu’s interview.”

 

The staff nodded. “No problem, we can edit it out later. Right now, the priority is to finish filming quickly. Your segment was added last-minute, and another show needs this studio soon.”

 

“As long as it can be edited.” Zhou Ning finally relaxed. Otherwise, claiming to be sick when she would be fraud, wouldn’t it?

 

Soon, the host finished the introduction, and it was time for Zhou Ning to take the stage.

 

Brimming with energy, Zhou Ning ran onto the stage, bowing first to the host and then to the camera.

 

“Let’s do that again,” the director said kindly from offstage. “Comrade Zhou, this segment is more serious. Try walking onto the stage with a steadier pace.”

 

“Oh, got it.” Zhou Ning smiled sheepishly, then hurried back down. This time, she deliberately slowed her steps, adopting a solemn expression as she walked up again. Once onstage, she took the microphone from the host and cheerfully introduced herself: “Hello, everyone. My surname is Zhou, and I’m from City C.”

 

Yuan Zhi had just arrived backstage from the makeup room, preparing to make a surprise appearance later to give the terminally ill, heroic Zhou girl a big shock.

 

But then she saw something horrifying. That familiar figure she had mentally berated countless times was standing on the stage not far away, speaking in that all-too-familiar flippant tone: “Hello, everyone. My surname is Zhou, and I’m from City C.”

 

Could this be any more coincidental?

 

After the initial shock of the encounter faded, she realized something even worse. The production team had said the heroic girl was terminally ill… Zhou Ning was terminally ill? Was that true?

 

She couldn’t describe how she felt. First came shock, then anger, then shock again, followed by an indescribable… sadness and loss? Was Zhou Ning really about to die?

 

Even more terrifying—earlier that morning… out of possessiveness… she had personally ruined what should have been a happy day for someone on the verge of death…

 

Oh my god!

 

Yuan Zhi’s figure swayed slightly. What kind of beast was she! Zhou Ning merely wanted to visit the ancient city with someone she liked before her death—why did she have to interfere?

 

The director shook his head offstage again: “Comrade Zhou, your tone is too cheerful for someone who just had a dangerous experience.”

 

Zhou Ning smiled apologetically. No! Mustn’t smile! She tried recalling something sad to put on a naturally solemn expression. But… there didn’t seem to be anything particularly sad to think about…

 

When her parents passed away, she had been devastated, but that was years ago. Now when she remembered them, she only felt longing, not sorrow. Especially after transmigrating here, she sometimes thought maybe her parents had also transmigrated to another world to start anew.

 

As for the original host’s father’s death, the original host had sad memories, but Zhou Ning couldn’t fully empathize! If Sun Lixiang were to die… Zhou Ning shook her head violently. No no, better not think about that now—she might laugh.

 

Sad things. Usually it’s about losing someone important, right? For her now, the important people were… her meal ticket—Sugar Daddy!

 

Zhou Ning imagined Yuan Zhi suddenly passing away in an accident, and her heart immediately ached. Pah pah pah! Imagination doesn’t count! May Sugar Daddy live forever and rule the martial world… Wait, that sounded a bit off.

 

She grasped the emotion and reintroduced herself in a subdued tone before answering the host’s questions.

 

There weren’t many questions anyway—just why she risked her life to save someone, what she was thinking during the rescue, etc. She’d already told Reporter Sun everything!

 

“I was thinking I haven’t spent all my money yet!” Zhou Ning said with utmost sincerity.

 

Backstage, Yuan Zhi smiled bitterly.

 

The director, tired of shaking his head, signaled Zhou Ning to give a more positive answer.

 

“I was thinking… I was thinking…” Zhou Ning racked her brains before finally coming up with an answer that wasn’t exactly a lie and was quite uplifting: “I was thinking I haven’t had the chance to donate my savings yet!”

 

“Even in moments of danger, Miss Zhou was still concerned about contributing to society? Such noble selflessness is truly commendable. Miss Zhou, remember when our program contacted you, we mentioned preparing a super surprise?” The host smiled mysteriously.

 

Zhou Ning suppressed her excitement and nodded calmly. Of course she remembered! Cash prize or gift—which would it be?

 

The host took an eye mask from a staff member and helped Zhou Ning put it on. “Miss Zhou, please turn around slowly while wearing this. Face backward, and I’ll count down from three before you remove it.”

 

“Sister Zhi, it’s your turn on stage,” a staff member reminded with a smile. “We’ll bring up your gift shortly.”

 

The host began counting down: “Three! Two!…” She gestured for Yuan Zhi to come on stage.

 

Yuan Zhi walked out from backstage and stood bewildered under the dazzling lights before the blindfolded Zhou Ning.

 

Never had she felt such heartache looking at Zhou Ning before. Zhou Ning had always struck her as cheerful and optimistic—in just over half a month, Zhou Ning had brought her more joy than anyone else. Who would have thought Zhou Ning was actually living on borrowed time?

 

But she should have at least a year left to live, right? Otherwise, given Zhou Ning’s character, she wouldn’t have accepted the full amount of money she offered.

 

For the next year, she needed to be as good to Zhou Ning as possible.

 

“Two point five!… One! Miss Zhou, you can remove your blindfold now!” The host’s voice was full of excitement.

 

Zhou Ning took off the blindfold. Her eyes, having just been closed, couldn’t immediately adjust to the overly bright lights of the studio. She could only vaguely make out the figure standing before her. As her vision gradually cleared, she froze.

 

Sugar Daddy?

 

Sugar Daddy again?

 

Why did she keep running into Sugar Daddy no matter where she went?

 

Could it be that the end of the universe… was Sugar Daddy?

 

Yuan Zhi’s eyes stung terribly, as if they were about to tear up. She wasn’t sure if it was from the lights or something else. Gazing at Zhou Ning’s stunned expression, she managed a sorrowful smile. Yes, she hadn’t expected this either. She hadn’t expected the heroic young girl to be Zhou Ning, nor had she expected Zhou Ning to be facing an untimely death.

 

But a terminal illness didn’t necessarily mean it couldn’t be managed. Maybe there were other ways to extend her life? She wasn’t short on money and was more than willing to help Zhou Ning.

 

Zhou Ning was still in shock: “The surprise… is you?” What kind of surprise was this? More like a scare! And she had just imagined Sugar Daddy’s death scene! Seeing her in the flesh now felt like some kind of supernatural event!

 

The host, satisfied with Zhou Ning’s dumbfounded reaction, said, “Hard to believe, right? Yes! From the notebook Miss Zhou dropped while saving someone, we learned that she’s a fan of Miss Yuan Zhi. Perhaps it was fate—Miss Yuan Zhi happened to be in Y City and, after hearing about Miss Zhou’s touching deeds, immediately agreed to our show’s request and rushed here straight from the set.”

 

Yuan Zhi, after all, was a professional actress who had seen many grand occasions and had known about this for several minutes longer than Zhou Ning. She had mostly composed herself by now.

 

Steadying herself, she took the microphone and forced a smile as she said to the host, “Miss Zhou’s deeds are truly moving. It’s an honor to be liked by her.”

 

Zhou Ning was still dazed.

 

The host and Yuan Zhi exchanged a few words, and soon it was time for the gift-giving segment.

 

A staff member wheeled out a small cart carrying two gift bags and a letter.

 

“I prepared some small gifts for Miss Zhou, but I didn’t have much time, so they might not be perfect,” Yuan Zhi said apologetically. She picked up one of the bags, took out a DVD, and handed it to Zhou Ning. Her tone was gentle, but her gaze was complicated. “This is a signed DVD of mine. There are a few others I couldn’t get in time. If Miss Zhou doesn’t mind, I can send the rest to you later. Inside this bag is a camera—I heard you love photography. And there’s also a handwritten letter…”

 

The host picked up the signed card and read aloud, “‘To Little Zhou: I hope you recover soon. I’ll be waiting for you at the premiere of my next movie.’ Wow, Miss Yuan Zhi, has your next movie already been confirmed?”

 

Yuan Zhi smiled politely. “Let’s not talk about me today. Today is about Miss Zhou.”

 

Zhou Ning felt this was a good opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding about her illness. Rather than relying on editing, she’d do it herself. She picked up the microphone and said with a smile, “Actually, there was a bit of a misunderstanding during the interview earlier. Sister Zhizhi must have misunderstood too. I’m not sick but thank you for your well-wishes.”

 

Yuan Zhi was stunned once again. Not sick?

 

“It’s like this…” Zhou Ning briefly explained the incident after she mistakenly thought the mute brother was jumping off a building, then said cheerfully: “Everyone probably misunderstood. I don’t have a terminal illness~”

 

The host probed cautiously: “What about the mother’s favoritism?” There had to be some tragic element, right? Otherwise, there’d be no explosive material!

 

Zhou Ning had agreed to appear on the provincial TV program precisely to anger Sun Lixiang and her son. Now that the opportunity presented itself, of course she would seize it!

 

“My mom’s favoritism is real. I started doing chores since kindergarten, and by elementary school, she completely stopped doing housework—it was all me before and after school. Later, I got into university but didn’t go, instead coming home early to work two jobs—day shifts at a supermarket and delivering takeout at night—because my mom had just bought a new apartment for my brother, and the financial pressure at home was huge. People might not believe it, but I hardly ever bought clothes when I was home—they were either hand-me-downs from friends or leftovers from my mom. Haha, in high school, I, a blooming teenage girl, dressed like a middle-aged woman. Because of that, I never dared to confess to the boy I liked.”

 

Yuan Zhi’s heart, which had just relaxed a little, clenched again. She had asked Xiao Yuan to do a background check on Zhou Ning and knew she had a mother and a brother, as well as the fact that Zhou Ning worked two exhausting jobs. But she hadn’t known the specifics—how difficult Zhou Ning’s life at home had been.

 

“I used to be brainwashed by my mom and didn’t know how to resist. It wasn’t until recently that I figured things out. I won’t be a free maid or a money-making tool anymore—I want to live my own life. As for my mom and brother, I just hope they won’t bother me again. If one day my mom gets sick or loses the ability to work, I’ll still fulfill my obligations. The reason I didn’t want to reveal my full name on the show is so people wouldn’t pay too much attention to me or disturb my mom and brother’s lives. No matter how awful they’ve been, they’re still my only family in this world. No matter how heartbroken I am by them, I still hope they can live safely and happily back home.”

 

Hahahaha! If she really didn’t want anyone bothering Sun Lixiang and her son, she wouldn’t have come on this show at all. As for Sun Lixiang and her son’s life—forget about safety and happiness—without the original host as their cash cow, they’d probably run out of food soon. Serves them right!

 

Zhou Ning suddenly understood what Sun Mingyue meant by “persona.” People really do put on an act in front of the camera! Look at her—clearly wishing misfortune on Sun Lixiang and her son, yet still spouting such noble words?

 

The host nodded, visibly moved. What a strong and kind-hearted girl! “For the final segment of the show, would Miss Yuan Zhi be willing to give this brave and wonderful fan girl an encouraging hug?”

 

Only then did Zhou Ning remember—she should take this chance to flatter her Sugar Daddy! With pleading eyes, she gazed at Yuan Zhi and said, “During my darkest times, Sister Zhizhi’s work brought me great comfort, and her character was a beacon lighting my path forward. I never dreamed I’d be lucky enough to meet her in person today. Sister Zhizhi, may I hug you?”

 

Quite the storyteller! Yuan Zhi put on a professional smile and slowly opened her arms.

 

Zhou Ning threw herself into Yuan Zhi’s embrace like an overexcited fan.

 

“Ah—!” Yuan Zhi gritted her teeth with a soft hiss. Her chest hurt! It felt like she’d been rammed by a bull. Was Zhou Ning’s body made of iron?

 

Well, she truly believed Zhou Ning wasn’t sick now.

 

Yuan Zhi raised her arms to hug Zhou Ning back, wearing a relieved smile. Since she was perfectly healthy, there was no need to hold back when settling scores.