36-40

Chapter 36: Living in the Manor

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Nanny Li lived in the villa with Xia Wanyuan and then moved to the apartment. She had never thought that she would be able to work at the manor too.

“Miss Xia, everything is packed.” Nanny Li packed her luggage excitedly. She was especially excited about going to the manor.

Not long after, the car that had been sent to pick up Xia Wanyuan arrived. When they arrived at the manor, Nanny Li realized that the things she had packed were unnecessary.

“Madam.” Uncle Wang heard from Jun Shiling that Xia Wanyuan was coming. He was both shocked and relieved at the same time.

It had been a long time since anyone else had stayed in the manor, not to mention a woman.

Uncle Wang immediately arranged for people to deliver hundreds of sets of branded outfits, from inside to outside, from top to bottom, including all kinds of jewelry. The entire wardrobe was practically overflowing with attire.

As for the daily necessities, they were fully equipped.

‘Is Xia Wanyuan really not the real Madam Jun?’ Nanny Li was deeply suspicious. “…”

“Thank you, Uncle Wang.” Xia Wanyuan felt that the old man in front of her didn’t have any hostility towards her, but was rather very loving and considerate. Hence, she too, expressed her goodwill with sincerity.

“Mommy.” At this moment, the little dumpling had also arrived home. At first, he had thought that the chauffeur was lying to him. He did not expect that his Mommy had really come to the manor to live with him!

Seeing the unconcealed joy and happiness in Xiao Bao’s eyes, Xia Wanyuan felt that she had made the right choice.

…

“Big Boss is leaving on time today.”

“Does it mean that we can get off work on time too? That’s great. I hope this happens every day,” the executives gathered together and whispered.

Jun Shiling’s figure gradually disappeared into the distance.

The car drove back to the manor slowly. Just as they entered the main gates, Jun Shiling saw Xia Wanyuan and Jun Yin sitting on the lawn not far away through the car window.

As the sun set, red crimson clouds appeared in the sky, casting a red glow on the mother and son on the lawn. Xia Wanyuan looked gentle and quiet with her white-knitted shirt, while Jun Yin, who wore the yellow Pikachu shirt was cute and adorable.

Jun Shiling looked at the two of them laughing and playing on the lawn and his eyes were filled with warmth.

“Daddy’s back!” Xiao Bao heard movements, turned his head around, and saw a familiar car. Moments later, Jun Shiling got out of the car exuding his usual cold aura.

“Why are you rolling on the ground again?” Jun Shiling looked at him sternly when he saw the mud on Jun Yin’s clothes.

“It was an accident.” Xiao Bao could not help but move closer to Xia Wanyuan when he saw his father’s cold expression.

Xia Wanyuan patted his head. “Let’s go. Time to stop playing, it’s time to eat.”

“Okay!”

Xiao Bao sprang to his feet, grabbed Xia Wanyuan’s hand, and then carefully ran over to hold Jun Shiling’s hand.

“It’s time to eat!” Xiao Bao imitated the little rabbit who had held its parents’ hands in the art exhibition today.

Even though Jun Shiling had just scolded Xiao Bao for getting mud everywhere with a cold expression, he did not reject his small hands that were stained with dirt.

The three people who were holding hands had three long shadows cast by the setting sun. The afterglow of the crimson clouds shone on them, giving them a lazy but gentle glow.

Uncle Wang looked on from afar as the family walked into the house, and his eyes filled with relief.

…

“Young Master, Madam, the food is ready.” The moment the three of them entered, Uncle Wang welcomed them.

Xia Wanyuan subconsciously glanced at Jun Shiling. He was too busy washing Xiao Bao’s hands, as if he had not heard Uncle Wang call her ‘Madam’.

Since the other party was not bothered by it, Xia Wanyuan herself did not dwell on it either.

The dishes were still the same, but there was clearly more laughter at the dining table today. There was Xiao Bao’s childlike chatter, Xia Wanyuan’s gentle murmurs, and Jun Shiling’s occasional simple responses.

Compared to the huge and gorgeous but extremely cold manor in the past, there was much warmth in the house now. Even Jun Shiling had an extra bowl of rice.

After the meal, Xia Wanyuan and Xiao Bao played with building blocks in the living room. Not only did Xiao Bao enjoy playing them, Xia Wanyuan was very interested in it too as it was her first time playing something like this.

Jun Shiling was having a meeting in the study. After consecutively passing the third proposal of the night, everyone was certain that the storm was over since the boss’s mood had turned from gloomy to sunny.

Only Lin Jing still had a professional smile on his face. No one present knew better than him why Jun Shiling had changed.

After ending a two-hour meeting, Jun Shiling switched off his laptop and walked out of the study. On the carpet downstairs, Xia Wanyuan and Xiao Bao had already built a pyramid.

Jun Shiling stood in the corridor on the second floor and looked at them for a while before saying, “It’s getting late. Jun Yin, why haven’t you taken a shower?”

Jun Yin raised his head and looked at Jun Shiling, his eyes shining like black grapes. Since Jun Yin was born, this was the first time Jun Shiling had seen him behave like a child.

He was like a baby bird that had finally found a safe harbor to shelter itself from the wind and rain. Under the wings of his parents, he could finally relax his guard and relax.

“Daddy, are we sleeping together today?”

Looking at Xiao Bao’s sparkling eyes, Jun Shiling found himself nodding.

“Oh yeah! Mommy, I’m going to take a shower. You go too!” After Jun Shiling had agreed to his request, Xiao Bao happily rushed into the bathroom, not forgetting to turn around and give Xia Wanyuan a reminder to shower.

By the time the servants brought Xiao Bao to the bedroom after bathing him, Xia Wanyuan was already lying on the bed, reading a famous biography that Jun Shiling had placed by the bed.

A ball of milky fragrance burrowed into her bosom. Xia Wanyuan held him with one arm and flipped through a book with the other.

“Mommy.” Xiao Bao was quiet for a while before he suddenly spoke.

“What’s the matter?”

“I’m very happy that Mommy, Daddy, and I are living together.” Xiao Bao leaned closer to Xia Wanyuan and mumbled.

“As long as you’re happy.” Xia Wanyuan smiled.

“Is Mommy happy too?” Xiao Bao asked Xia Wanyuan in a serious tone.

“Why do you ask? Mommy is happy if you’re happy.” Xia Wanyuan stopped flipping through the book and lowered her head to look at the bundle of joy in her arms.

“I want Mommy to be happy. Only when Mommy is happy will I be happy.” Xiao Bao stared at Xia Wanyuan seriously with his big eyes. The words he said moved her greatly.

“You’re such a good boy. Mommy is doing very well. Go to sleep, baby. Goodnight.” Xia Wanyuan patted Xiao Bao’s back comfortingly and kissed his forehead.

“Mommy, I want to wait for Daddy to come before sleeping.” Xiao Bao looked at the door expectantly.

…

Xia Wanyuan felt helpless. ‘Shouldn’t a three-year-old child be quite forgetful?’ Why was her child’s memory so good?

Half an hour had passed, but Jun Shiling still had not gone to the bedroom. Because Xiao Bao insisted on not sleeping, Xia Wanyuan had no choice but to put on her gown and go out to look for Jun Shiling.

Chapter 37: Returning to the Crew

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The person in charge of the Jun family seemed to have boundless glory and power, but standing at such a high position, he definitely had to endure endless pressure.

If the one in power made even the slightest mistake, it would have an irreversible impact on such a large corporation.

After quickly reviewing three proposals that were close to 50 pages, Jun Shiling stood up and looked at the stars outside the window.

Xia Wanyuan walked to the door and knocked when she saw light coming from the study.

“Come in.” Jun Shiling continued looking out of the window and did not turn back.

Xia Wanyuan opened the door. “Will you be done soon? Xiao Bao is waiting for you to sleep.”

He thought that it was Uncle Wang, but a clear female voice came from the door.

Jun Shiling turned around and saw Xia Wanyuan, who was dressed in a flowery nightgown, standing at the door. She was not wearing any makeup, but it made her look even more beautiful. She was like a pure lotus, calming one’s chaotic emotions.

“I’ll finish up now.”

Xia Wanyuan covered herself with her jacket and walked towards the bedroom while Jun Shiling followed closely behind.

In the bedroom, Xiao Bao was so tired that he could barely keep his eyes open. When he saw Xia Wanyuan and Jun Shiling enter, he smiled.

“Go to sleep.”

Xia Wanyuan got onto the bed and pulled Xiao Bao into her arms. Similar to the previous time, Jun Shiling went to the bathroom to change into his pajamas and laid on the other side of the bed.

Feeling the presence of his father and mother around him, Xiao Bao fell into a deep sleep within half a minute.

Xia Wanyuan lowered her head to look at Xiao Bao, who had his eyes closed and long eyelashes shut. When she looked up, she met Jun Shiling’s gaze. He was about to check on Xiao Bao as well.

Jun Shiling’s deep eyes were like an ancient well, making it impossible to see through his emotions. However, Xia Wanyuan seemed to be burned by this gaze. Her face revealed some discomfort, and she shifted her gaze away awkwardly. Closing her eyes again, she prepared to sleep.

At the same time, Jun Shiling, who had wanted to check on Xiao Bao, unexpectedly met a pair of clear, bright eyes like those of a forest deer. It was as if her eyes were filled with dew in the night, the bright moon in the sky, and loaded with everyone’s dreams.

Jun Shiling felt as if that coolness had calmed his heart. But very quickly, he sensed Xia Wanyuan’s discomfort and withdrew his gaze. At the same time, he moved closer to the bed, trying to distance himself from Xia Wanyuan.

Fortunately, they were on a custom-made luxurious bed. There was more than enough space for three people.

…

The next morning, when Xia Wanyuan woke up, Jun Shiling was already gone.

Because there were still a few scenes to shoot for “The Long Ballad”, Xia Wanyuan had to go to Beijing Film City for a few days.

When Chen Yun received the message from Xia Wanyuan, he rushed over to fetch her to the production team.

Chen Yun remained silent as he watched Xia Wanyuan walk out of the manor. He only spoke when Xia Wanyuan came close to him.

“Xia Wanyuan, tell me honestly. Did your family get rich again? This is actually a house that your family bought, right?”

“Of course not. If I were so rich, would I need to act as the second female lead?” Xia Wanyuan felt a little speechless at Chen Yun’s imagination.

“That’s true.” Chen Yun scratched his head. “But don’t you live here now?”

“It’s just a friend’s house. I’m only staying here for a while.” Xia Wanyuan didn’t want to talk about her relationship with Jun Shiling.

“Oh, then your friend is quite nice.”

“Yeah.”

When they arrived at the set, everyone greeted Xia Wanyuan upon seeing her. Compared to when she had first joined the production team, the majority of the cast and crew now viewed Xia Wanyuan very differently.

Initially, everyone had only been biased against Xia Wanyuan because they had heard that she had a bad temper.

But in reality, Xia Wanyuan was not only good-looking, but her temper was not as bad as the rumors made her out to be. On the contrary, apart from not taking the initiative to interact with others, she could be considered approachable.

She did not complain about being tired during filming, and had high standards for herself. Furthermore, in their eyes, her acting skills were not as bad as what the rumors said.

“Xiao Xia, come here.”

Director Yang waved at Xia Wanyuan upon her arrival.

“What’s wrong, Director?” Xia Wanyuan thought that something had gone wrong with her scene, so she hurried over to Director Yang.

“Here’s the thing. Didn’t you draw on a lantern paper the previous time? I brought it home and my daughter’s classmate came to visit and saw it coincidentally. She said she quite liked your painting and wanted to get to know you. I wonder if you’re willing for me to give her your contact information?”

Li Nian had asked Yang Hui about it and Director Yang promised her that he would convey Li Nian’s words to the owner of the painting after he couldn’t stand his daughter’s pestering anymore.

“Yes, that’s not a problem, Director Yang.” In fact, in the eyes of the teachers in her previous life, Xia Wanyuan’s painting could only be considered to have barely passed. Therefore, Xia Wanyuan had never felt that her painting was that great.

She was quite happy as she did not expect that there would be a young man in this era who liked her paintings.

Not far away, Ruan Yingyu was fuming as she watched the film crew express their goodwill towards Xia Wanyuan.

To think she had even bought those people afternoon tea. It was as if she had fed the dogs! Why hadn’t she seen them behaving so enthusiastically when she returned?

“Today’s first scene is between Xiao Xia and Xiao Ruan. The two of you should prepare for it properly.”

After reviewing the schedule, Director Yang instructed everyone on how to proceed.

Chapter 38: Drama

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

In order to investigate the mystery of his birth, Lin Xiao brought his sister, Tian Ying Er, to the general’s residence.

“Have another one, beautiful,” the general said, laughing as he fed a grape to his favorite concubine.

The former Heavenly Spirit Princess, now the most favored concubine in the general’s residence, Shen Pei, welcomed him with a face full of smiles. Every frown and smile of hers had captivated the general to no end.

“I am Lin Xiao. I am here to pay my respects to the Great General.”

The dancers and singers dispersed, and two people who looked like an immortal couple appeared. The young man led his innocent and kind sister into the extravagant hall with high spirits.

When she heard the familiar clear voice, the pampered concubine, who was originally behaving in an overweeningly arrogant manner because she had the general’s love, actually panicked. Her first reaction was to raise her sleeves to cover herself.

“My dear, what’s wrong?”

Forcing herself to put down her sleeves, Shen Pei forced a smile when the general noticed her abnormality.

“General, I’m fine. I just have a headache.”

However, her hands were tightly clenched under her long sleeves. In the close-up shots, her long nails were even embedded in her flesh.

In the hall, Lin Xiao greeted the general. His actions were full of youthfulness, causing the others in the hall to exclaim endlessly.

Shen Pei looked at the young man standing in the hall in sorrow. When Lin Xiao glanced at her inadvertently, she even lowered her gaze demurely.

The banquet had not ended yet, but the lively and active little sister could not help but run to the garden to watch the fireworks. Shen Pei also found an excuse to leave the room.

The pure and innocent Tian Ying Er watched the fireworks by the lake and was in high spirits. Her eyes had the pureness that only one who had been well-protected would possess.

In contrast, Shen Pei was wearing a colorful dress and dazzling jewelry. However, she looked at the woman in simple clothes in front of her with apparent envy.

“Brother Lin has his own important matters to attend to. If you follow him like this, you will be a burden to him.”

Tian Ying Er’s eyes were filled with obvious surprise when someone suddenly interrupted her and even mentioned “Brother Lin”.

“What’s your relationship with Senior?” Tian Ying Er looked at the woman in luxurious clothes with hostility.

“What relationship I have with Brother Lin has nothing to do with you.” Hearing Tian Ying Er call him ‘Senior’, Shen Pei looked even more lonely. She looked at Tian Ying Er with a strange sense of inferiority and pride before turning to leave. “In short, you have always been a burden to Brother Lin.”

“Very good! One take is enough! Prepare for the next scene.”

Needless to say, Xia Wanyuan’s performance was impeccable, and Qin Wu was a talented actor. Although Ruan Yingyu was a little immature compared to them, she was still considered one of the more talented young actresses in the new generation. Therefore, Director Yang was very satisfied.

Lin Xiao, who had stayed in the general’s residence for a few days, gradually unearthed the important keepsake that his parents had left there. The keepsake was kept in the secret chamber of the general’s residence.

In the dark General’s residence, two ghostly figures slowly crept into the study. Lin Xiao activated the secret switch in the study room and a bookcase slowly moved away.

“Sister, wait for me here. Let me know if anything happens.”

“Yes, Senior.”

Tian Ying Er watched Lin Xiao enter the secret passage nervously as she paced around the study.

Suddenly, a cat meowed outside the window. Tian Ying Er, who was already in a mess, jumped in shock and knocked over the vase on the table. The sound of the porcelain breaking was like a high-pitched siren in the quiet night.

The guard outside quickly reacted and kicked open the door of the study. When he saw Tian Ying Er inside, he immediately lunged forward with his sword.

However, before the guard’s sword could reach Tian Ying Er, it was deflected by a hidden weapon. Lin Xiao, who had come out of the secret room at some point in time, grabbed the frightened Tian Ying Er and dashed out of the window.

“Catch them!”

All the guards in the general’s residence gathered and searched one room after another. Upon seeing that they were about to find them in the woodshed, Tian Ying Er was so frightened that her eyes were filled with tears.

At that moment, footsteps came from the door. Lin Xiao gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and stared at the door warily.

The door was pushed open and Lin Xiao, who was hiding behind the door, had already pressed the blade of his sword against the person’s throat.

“Brother Lin, don’t be afraid. I’m here to save you.”

Lin Xiao heard a familiar voice and turned his face over. That person had beautiful eyebrows and rosy lips. Through the faint light outside, Shen Pei, who had washed off her heavy makeup, reminded Lin Xiao of the beautiful woman under the lanterns he met three years ago.

“It’s you? Miss, why are you here?”

Lin Xiao did not recognize that she was the General’s beloved concubine. Shen Pei was relieved.

“Don’t ask so many questions. I’ll go out and lure them away. There’s a hidden path to the right of the woodshed, you can leave from there later.”

“Miss, why are you helping us?” Lin Xiao slowly withdrew the sword he was holding at Shen Pei’s throat.

“Treat it as me returning a favor.”

Shen Pei took a deep look at this man who had appeared in her dreams countless times but had slowly faded from her memory. It was as if she wanted to remember his face forever.

After that, Shen Pei resolutely walked out of the woodshed and walked towards the place where the light was dense. However, in Lin Xiao’s eyes, it was as if she had walked into endless darkness, making his heart turn cold.

The camera zoomed in.

Shen Pei, who was leaving the woodshed step by step, could not stop her tears from flowing.

At this moment, Shen Pei, who was walking along the corridor, no longer walked as gracefully the her who was a pampered concubine. Instead, she had regained the royal etiquette that she had not practiced for three years. It was as if she wanted to leave behind her last shred of dignity as a royal.

Chapter 39: Young Master Xuan

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Alright, that’s a wrap. We’re done for today, today’s scenes were completed very well. Everyone has worked hard, so have a good rest!”

Director Yang clapped his hands and everyone got out of their characters.

“Wipe your tears.”

Someone handed a handkerchief to the teary-eyed Xia Wanyuan.

“No need, thank you.” Xia Wanyuan took out a packet of tissues from her wide sleeve and wiped her tears. Only then did she see Qin Wu standing in front of her.

“We’ve been filming together for so long but we haven’t added each other on WeChat. Miss Xia’s acting skills are really good. I hope we can discuss more about acting in the future.”

Qin Wu looked at Xia Wanyuan rather sincerely, and his eyes showed burning passion.

Initially, when he first came to the production team, he looked down on Xia Wanyuan. But later, he slowly realized that she was very different from the rumors.

He had been in the entertainment industry for so many years and had seen many female celebrities, but he had never seen someone like Xia Wanyuan. Not only was she beautiful on the outside, but she also exuded an air of graceful indifference and elegance from within.

Her eyes were as clear as the first drops of dew in the morning, making one involuntarily drown in them.

Many people said that an outstanding actor would immerse himself in the character and be one with the character.

He and Xia Wanyuan did not have many scenes together, but every time they acted together, he would see Xia Wanyuan’s shy expression and the pair of eyes that were filled with him and him alone. The camera shots could not capture the warmth, but he knew how passionate his heart was at that time.

After asking around, although Xia Wanyuan had some scandals, it seemed like she was single at the moment, so he wanted to give it a try.

“Also, we’re about to end the filming for this drama and start our publicity campaigns. We should add each other on WeChat so that we can keep in contact,” added Qin Wu when he saw Xia Wanyuan hesitating.

“Fine. Add me.”

Xia Wanyuan agreed after hearing what Qin Wu said.

After adding each other on WeChat, Qin Wu knew his limits and left happily.

Xia Wanyuan was somewhat baffled as to why Qin Wu was suddenly so excited.

After all, in her previous life, she had spent all her time devising strategies for the sake of reviving her country. She had never fallen in love or had a relationship, so she was a little slow at knowing the intentions behind men who expressed goodwill to her.

Ruan Yingyu was sitting in front of the mirror in the dressing room. Seeing Xia Wanyuan enter, she gave her a contemptuous look.

“Pfft.” Ruan Yingyu glanced at Xia Wanyuan’s makeup remover with eyes that were filled with ridicule. “It looks like the Xia family has really gone bankrupt. The great Miss Xia has actually been reduced to using this kind of third-rate product.”

…

Xia Wanyuan had no knowledge of the current cosmetics brands. Those were all prepared by the production team.

Upon hearing Ruan Yingyu’s words, Xia Wanyuan seemed to understand something. The entertainment industry was a place where one stepped on the weak and flattered the strong. Even the distribution of items depended on the person.

Xia Wanyuan put down the makeup remover in her hands. Although the person beside her spoke in an annoying manner, it gave her a reminder.

Seeing that Xia Wanyuan did not react, Ruan Yingyu felt as if she had punched cotton. “Hey, didn’t you hear what I said?”

“Then don’t you know that I have a name?” Xia Wanyuan turned and looked directly at Ruan Yingyu. Her imposing gaze caused a chill to crawl up Ruan Yingyu’s spine.

“Just who are you pretending to be? Your family has gone down in the world. Or did you forget?” Ruan Yingyu suppressed the uneasiness in her heart. There was nothing to be afraid of since the Xia family was already bankrupt, she thought. “Xia Wanyuan, your face is really pretty.”

Ruan Yingyu’s tone suddenly changed as she looked at Xia Wanyuan’s face with a twisted expression. Her facial features were average, and her main focus was to be pure and fresh. However, that narrowed the range of character types that she could portray.

“Young Master Xuan likes people like you the most.” Ruan Yingyusmiled mysteriously. “Xia Wanyuan, don’t forget my kindness when you become rich in the future.”

After speaking, Ruan Yingyu did not bother to wait for Xia Wanyuan to react and threw the makeup remover on her table into the bin in front of her. She then walked out smugly.

Contrary to Ruan Yingyu’s expectations, Xia Wanyuan did not have much of a reaction. After all, she had no impression of whoever Young Master Xuan she had mentioned.

…

In the luxurious villa by the beach of Hawaii, miserable screams could be heard.

“Continue screaming. You know I like it.” The half-naked man was holding a whip and whipping the woman who was already bruised all over on the bed. It was completely different from ordinary sex. This man put in real strength.

The woman on the bed had tears streaming down her face, and her skin was already starting to bleed.

“Young Master Xuan, please let me go. I beg you.” The woman could not resist any longer. Her chest was filled with the smell of rust. She shouldn’t have listened to her manager’s nonsense and used this method to exchange for resources!!

“Beg me? Sure, I’ll let you go.” The gloomy man smiled evilly. Although he said that he would let her go, his hand holding the whip raised even higher.

“Crack!” A loud slap resounded throughout the villa.

“Ahhh!” Her fragile skin finally tore, and endless blood gushed out from the enormous wound caused by the vicious whipping. The woman’s miserable cries seemed to make the man even more excited. He raised the whip and was about to lash out again when his WeChat notification rang.

There was a flash of ruthlessness in Xuan Sheng’s eyes. He took the phone beside him. It was the little actress who had contacted him through layers of connections.

He did not like the kind of plain and simple person like her. He wanted to delete her contact immediately, but he did not as she said she would give him someone good.

The other party sent him a video. Xuan Sheng opened it and his eyes gradually lit up with interest.

The video showed a scene of the drama that was secretly taken from the side. A gorgeous beauty dressed in luxurious clothes was walking under the moonlight. As she walked, lotuses bloomed with every step she took. She had an indescribably noble aura, and the tears that kept falling from her eyes made her look more pitiful.

Xuan Sheng’s eyes lit up. He could be said to have had countless women, but he had never seen such a woman who was both firm and gentle. It was as if there was a coldness that originated from the peak of an iceberg in her bones. It made him wonder what it would be like to see this iceberg melt.

After sending a message to the other party, Xuan Sheng put his phone away and looked at the woman who was shivering on the bed. The image of that elegant noblewoman appeared in his mind and he suddenly lost all interest in the woman on the bed.

“Someone, throw her out.”

As expected, she received a satisfactory reply from Young Master Xuan on the other end of the line. Ruan Yingyu’s lips curved upwards. “Xia Wanyuan, how long can you live in Young Master Xuan’s hands with just your face?”

Xia Wanyuan, on the other hand, was completely unaware of these matters. She was somewhat speechless as she accepted Li Nian’s praise.

Not long after Ruan Yingyu left, Xia Wanyuan received a friend request from Li Nian. Because Director Yang had introduced her, Xia Wanyuan quickly accepted it.

She did not expect that Li Nian would call her by all sorts of titles—senior, expert, and master. This caught her off guard.

Li Nian’s one-sided conversation and praises continued for ten minutes before she carefully asked, “I wonder when Master will be free. My mentor likes your paintings very much. He hopes to meet you and discuss with you more about painting.”

“Sure, let’s do it this weekend.” Xia Wanyuan agreed readily. It was rare for someone to praise her painting. After all, in her previous life, her teacher had been resentful of her for failing to meet his expectations, saying that her painting was flawed.

“Okay! Thank you so much! See you this weekend!”

After receiving Xia Wanyuan’s promise, Li Nian happily went to report the good news to her mentor.

Seeing how young Xia Wanyuan looked in her profile picture, Li Nian hesitated for a moment before making up an explanation saying “Master might just be young at heart.”

Hence, both her mentor and Li Nian assumed that the owner of the painting was an old woman with gray hair.

Chapter 40: Father Xia

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Wanyuan.” Chen Yun had unconsciously changed the way he addressed Xia Wanyuan. “Did you forget your Weibo password?”

Weibo could be said to be a very important platform for publicity and to know public opinion. Many of the film crew members followed each other on Weibo and shared posts.

Xia Wanyuan, who had not updated her Weibo for very long, seemed out of place among the group of seemingly intimate cast members.

The news online about her being arrogant and being isolated by the production team was spreading like wildfire.

However, Xia Wanyuan was not too familiar with how Weibo worked, and she did not have the time or energy to maintain her Weibo account. The moment she went up, she was met with all sorts of insults and even bloody photos. She did not understand why these people could be so hostile towards a stranger.

“What should I post?” Xia Wanyuan logged onto her Weibo account, which had long been forgotten by her.

“You can repost the Weibo posts of the production team and the relevant casts to create an atmosphere of a good relationship. At the same time, you can also share things about your daily life.” After Chen Yun said that, he added, “Just stop posting photos of those flashy bags and jewelry.”

That day, Xia Wanyuan reposted more than ten members of the film crew, including the director, the photographer, the gaffer, Qin Wu, and the third female lead. Only Ruan Yingyu’s post was not reposted.

As the netizens scrolled through Weibo, they suddenly realized that their homepage had been flooded. The main point was that there wasn’t even an original Weibo post. The netizens were forced to watch the daily filming lives of the production team of “The Long Ballad”.

“Look at your so-called daughter and son. Ever since what happened, have they ever called to ask about you? Why wouldn’t you believe me when I said they were ingrates?”

In the Xia family’s villa that was about to be auctioned off, Han Yuan rubbed her nine-month pregnant belly and looked indignantly at Father Xia, who was twenty years older than her.

She was furious. Back then, because the Xia family was rich, she had taken advantage of Xia Wanyuan’s birth mother’s illness and, as a nurse, secretly hooked up with Father Xia, who often came to the hospital.

Who would have thought that the Xia family would go bankrupt after she had chased away Xia Wanyuan? That wench was always at odds with her and she despised her with every fiber of her being.

“You’re so useless.” Han Yuan was no longer as gentle as she usually was in front of Father Xia. Her eyes were filled with dissatisfaction.

“Yuan, we are bankrupt, but we still have a few properties. My ex-wife still has over a million dollars in her account. If we spend it sparingly, I will definitely be able to support you and our child.”

It seemed that Father Xia’s hair had turned partially gray. He was not angry at Han Yuan’s accusation. Instead, his red eyes were filled with regret and guilt.

After all, he was the one who had trusted someone else’s investment plan and invested tens of millions of dollars into it, causing the Xia family’s capital chain to break and lead to bankruptcy.

“Over a million?! Xia Yuanqing, do you think we’re dealing with a beggar here?!” Han Yuan was instantly enraged.

Every year when she went back for the New Year, she would return home in a luxurious car. Among those sisters whom she had bought street goods together with her when they were young, everyone knew that she had married well.

A few days ago, she had told her relatives that she was going to bring them to Europe. Now, Xia Yuanqing actually said that he was going to rely on only a million dollars to support her. How could he afford it?!

“Yuan.” Father Xia stepped forward, wanting to hold Han Yuan’s hand, but his hand was abruptly flung away.

“Isn’t that daughter of yours married to a big shot?” Thinking of Xia Wanyuan’s husband, Han Yuan was filled with envy and gloating.

“Go and beg your daughter. Ask her to talk to Master Jun. Hasn’t Master Jun always wanted a divorce? Then get him to pay a divorce fee.”

“How can they do that?! What would Wanyuan do after the divorce?! Besides, could that person from the Jun family be so easily threatened?!” Hearing Han Yuan mention Xia Wanyuan, Father Xia instantly became agitated.

Although he and Xia Wanyuan had gradually distanced themselves over the years, and Xia Wanyuan had hated him a lot because of Han Yuan, she was still his flesh and blood.

Even when the Xia family was in its most difficult time, he did not even think of begging Jun Shiling because he knew that Jun Shiling would not help him. A man like that would not be threatened at all.

That was also the reason why even though Xia Wanyuan and Jun Shiling were married, he had never dared to publicize that he was Jun Shiling’s father-in-law. What would happen to him would probably be worse than bankruptcy.

“Fine! Just take care of your ungrateful daughter! Let me tell you, when this child is born, I will never let you see him!” Han Yuan lost her temper and yelled at Father Xia before slamming the door and leaving.

In the house, Father Xia stood dejectedly in the room and let out a deep sigh.

…

Meanwhile, in the production team, Xia Wanyuan’s filming had already ended, and the Jun family had sent a chauffeur to pick her up.

Everyone’s faces turned as pale as a paint tray after Xia Wanyuan got into the world-class luxury car.

“Tsk, I didn’t expect that Princess Xia had become even richer after the Xia family went bankrupt.” Ruan Yingyu’s assistant pretended to sigh unintentionally. “Although her biological father could not give her money anymore, it seems that her godfather has probably given her even more.”

It was time to get off work, so many people were passing by. As those words spread, they slowly evolved into fake news saying that “Xia Wanyuan’s godfather drove a luxury car to the production team to fetch her home and someone saw it with their own eyes.”

As she had already left, Xia Wanyuan could no longer hear what everyone was commenting about her. At that moment, she was sitting in the silent car, looking at Jun Shiling with curiosity.

She thought that it was just the chauffeur, but she did not expect to see a pair of deep eyes the moment she got into the car.

After exchanging greetings, the car fell into a strange silence.

The journey was long. Xia Wanyuan looked out of the window for a while, then searched for things in the car that she could do to kill time.

Jun Shiling, who had been reading documents with his head lowered, suddenly pulled out a book and placed it in front of Xia Wanyuan.

“Thank you.” Xia Wanyuan reached out for the book and read the synopsis. It was quite interesting, so she began to read it seriously.

For a moment, there was only the sound of flipping pages in the car. It was quiet and peaceful, filling the car with an inexplicable sense of harmony.