Madam Zhao was by no means a sheltered damsel. All the bullying the original host had suffered in the entertainment industry was swiftly resolved by her, as if by lightning.
The couple had built their empire together from scratch, and Zhao's current success was inseparable from Madam Zhao's contributions. With their children excelling, their family harmonious, and their careers thriving, she had decided to relax and retire.
Now, having foreseen those events, she wouldn't allow the company to become Mr. Zhao's sole domain. The very next day, she returned to work, much to Mr. Zhao's chagrin.
Concurrently, multiple newspapers published articles praising Jun Jiuli, instantly turning her into a viral sensation. With two major groups verifying her Weibo account, her online presence rivaled that of top-tier celebrities.
"Young Master Yan of Yan Group Reportedly Faces Amputation; Zhao Family's Daughter Remains Loyal. Cooperation Between Two Companies Continues, Dispelling Engagement Rumors."
"To have such a wife, does it matter if the son is not one's own? Never mind wishing for mandarin ducks, never mind wishing for immortality, I envy Young Master Yan every day."
"If one were to marry, they should marry Zhao Xinming; Young Master Yan is truly fortunate."
Each article featured photos of the original host and Yan Yuheng from their past. The handsome couple was a striking sight, and many netizens exclaimed their admiration, proclaiming, "Sister, I can!"
Many also expressed pity for Jun Jiuli, lamenting how such a promising person had been suddenly crippled. Soon, it was unearthed that the original host had once been a minor figure in the entertainment industry.
"Haha, are those who accused my sister of being a gold digger feeling the burn now? Compared to her, isn't she the one with the substantial wealth?"
"Oh my god, is this a Mary Sue novel brought to life? With such a formidable family background, yet still so low-key."
"This must be a script about being doted on by everyone; her brothers are just too outstanding."
"Sister, sister, look at me! I want an autographed photo of Brother Xian."
...
Jun Jiuli held an invitation for a variety show called "Pastoral Courtyard" and chuckled playfully as she scanned the participant list.
The director was Li Mochen, and the cast included Li Baixia, Zhao Xianming, Sun Yanwu, Xiao Yanyan, and second-tier actress Sun Nanyi.
Sun Nanyi was Sun Yanwu's elder sister, and with Jun Jiuli, the supporting characters seemed almost complete. What was Li Mochen planning? This plotline hadn't existed in the previous life.
Shui Wa: "Found it. There are two anomalous magnetic field fluctuations in this world. They've been identified as Li Mochen and Yang Jinxiu. They seem to have been reborn."
Jun Jiuli: "It wasn't a waste upgrading you; you're still useful. Let's go watch the show. Li Mochen definitely has ulterior motives."
Shui Wa: "This world is already riddled with holes. ⊙\_⊙"
"It doesn't matter to me anyway. Once the Heavenly Dao regains its senses, it will reselect the male and female leads. We'll just complete our mission and leave."
"You're absolutely right."
...
"Really? Brother Long, can I really participate in the variety show with Senior Brother Xian?" Xiao Yanyan was so excited she almost leaped three feet high.
Her agent gestured for her to quiet down and said sternly, "Director Li is known for his strictness in the industry. This is his first time filming a variety show. Go back and watch the videos I sent you carefully, and prepare what you need to bring."
"Mhm, I'll do as Brother Long says."
"Xiao Yan, you have talent. Don't rush things. This variety show is live, so you need to be mindful of your image."
"Your starting point is already much higher than most people's. To receive an invitation from a renowned director right from the beginning, you must seize this opportunity well."
"Thank you, Brother Long, for your guidance. And thanks to your care; otherwise, as a newcomer, how could I possibly have such a chance?"
"Haha, it's all thanks to Xianming. You should go thank him properly later."
Xiao Yanyan lowered her head, her cheeks flushed. "Mhm, I will. Thank you, Brother Long, for your help."
The agent patted her shoulder and left the studio to arrange their subsequent affairs and coordinate with the production team. Xiao Yanyan then went to Zhao Xianming's private lounge.
"Knock, knock."
"Come in."
Hearing the deep, husky voice, Xiao Yanyan felt her entire body go numb.
"Senior Brother, thank you for securing this live broadcast opportunity for me."
With that, she bowed deeply. Her wide collar revealed a patch of fair skin.
Zhao Xianming felt his throat tighten. This woman was damnably alluring. He took off his glasses and rubbed his nose bridge.
He said softly, "It has nothing to do with me. Li Mochen invited you himself."
"Director Li also did it out of respect for Senior Brother. I heard Senior Brother never accepted variety shows before; why this time?" Xiao Yanyan's face was full of innocent curiosity.
"Come a little closer."
As Xiao Yanyan moved closer, Zhao Xianming grabbed her hand and pulled her into his embrace. He buried his head near her body and took a deep breath.
"Don't you know who I'm doing this for?"
Xiao Yanyan softened completely and sat on Zhao Xianming's lap. Their eyes met, and as passion surged, they kissed intensely.
"Mmm, no, we can't." Xiao Yanyan struggled incessantly.
Zhao Xianming carried her to the desk, pinned her flailing hands, and said with a slight gasp.
"Why not? Why can't we?"
"I am your brother's girlfriend."
Zhao Xianming let out a scoff. "You're not married yet. Zhao Yuming's girlfriend can be you, or it can be someone else. I'm claiming you today."
"You... beast."
"I'm a beast, and what can you do about it? If you have the guts, call Zhao Yuming to save you."
"You're unreasonable." She started to cry, appearing like a startled fawn.
Zhao Xianming forced her to look up and kissed her again, only releasing her when she was almost breathless.
"Be good, my heart is all yours. Don't cry anymore, okay? My heart aches so much." He then placed Xiao Yanyan's hand over his chest.
"Do you feel it? It's saying I love you. I can't live without you, will you be with me?"
His gaze was firm and incredibly persistent as he looked into Xiao Yanyan's pure and innocent eyes.
"You're hesitating, aren't you? You have feelings for me too, don't you?"
"I... I... I don't know."
Zhao Xianming shook her shoulders. "How can you not know? Say what you're thinking. Do you have feelings for me or not? If you reject me now, I promise I'll never pester you again."
Xiao Yanyan looked at the handsome face before her, her heart wavering.
She wanted to agree to be with Zhao Xianming. But she feared it would backfire, given how close their relationship was.
"Senior Brother Xianming, please don't force me. I'm not the kind of person you think I am. I won't tell Ah Ming about what happened today, and from now on, we'll only have a professional relationship."
"Ah Ming, Ah Ming. Do you like him that much? I can give you what he can give you too."
"It's different; I can't do this. I met Ah Ming first, so let's just say we had destiny but no fate."
She said this pitifully and tried to break free from Zhao Xianming to leave the lounge.
Zhao Xianming lunged forward. "Since you think we have fate, then I won't let us have no fate. Follow your heart, and I'll solve all the problems."
The tears that had been welling up in Xiao Yanyan's eyes finally fell. She suddenly hugged Zhao Xianming's waist tightly, and together they fell into the depths of love.
Shui Wa: "Host, you're quite proactive, aren't you?"
Jun Jiuli: "This old woman is focusing on her cultivation and is uninterested in the fleeting pleasures of the outside world."
"Uh..."