Of course, the kiss didn't happen.
Thinking of the constipated expression Yi Yang had when leaving the old house, Xu Xinyi felt a sense of release, having endured a lot for two years.
Mr. Yi had a benevolent look in his eyes, "Come, tell grandfather, how did you two end up like this?"
"Like this?" Did he mean the piece of honey toast Yi Yang had or the cup of black coffee without sugar or milk she had?
Madam Yi helped Xu Xinyi out, "Dad, don't worry about the kids' matters. What's important now is for you to get better."
Mr. Yi smiled slightly, "Alright, I won’t worry. Xinyi, have you not been working recently?"
"I have, I have to go to the film set later."
"Why didn't you let Yi Yang take you just now?"
"No need, Grandfather. We’re heading in different directions.” Xu Xinyi feared being silenced by Yi Yang during the car ride.
Moreover, their marital status was still a secret.
She had to snuff out any possibility of their relationship being revealed, even if it was a one-in-a-million chance.
"Grandfather, I'm done eating. You take your time. I have to go to the film set, I might be busy these days. I’ll chat with you properly after the rush is over."
"Go ahead, work is important."
Once Xu Xinyi left, Mr. Yi let go of his chopsticks and his smile faded a little.
Approaching seventy, Mr. Yi had struggled to build his business from nothing in his youth and encountered numerous trials and tribulations. He had seen enough of the clever tricks the younger generation played. He understood Yi Yang's and Xinyi's discord.
"Are they still like that?"
Madam Yi, upon hearing this, knew that Mr. Yi had seen through everything.
Madam Yi remained silent. Mr. Yi sighed deeply, "Yi Yang thinks he can hide everything from me, and you too. Did you think I wouldn't find out about the divorce agreement that was intercepted by me?"
"Dad, you knew?"
"How could I not know?" Mr. Yi sighed, "I often think, did I make a mistake two years ago by marrying Xinyi to Yi Yang? Did it harm Xinyi and Yi Yang?"
Madam Yi put down her chopsticks, "Don't think like that."
"How can I not think like that?"
After a long silence, Mr. Yi continued, "Forget it, I won't interfere in their matters. Let them decide their own path in the future. Xinyi has a bad temper, spoiled by her grandfather since she was little, but she doesn't seem malicious to me. If they really divorce, this child will be very sad. I understand you don't like her," Mr. Yi chuckled, "You both really underestimate me. Although I'm nearly in the grave, I can handle this bit of stimulation."
Madam Yi also laughed, "The doctor asked you to rest well, so I dared not let you know about this."
"Okay, I know now, and I’m fine. I'll go up to rest for a while. You carry on with your work."
Saying that, with the help of Uncle Chen, Mr. Yi slowly went upstairs to rest.
Madam Yi watched Mr. Yi's staggering figure and slowly sat down again.
---
The show Xu Xinyi acted in, "Beibei's Career Promotion Diary," was a city-based romantic workplace drama, and the filming location was in the city, just an hour's drive from the Dewdrop Bay Villa.
She didn't let the crew pick her up. Instead, she quietly drove there herself.
"Host, you haven’t been evil enough lately."
"I'm not evil enough?" Indeed, she had been quite low-key these past few days because of Yi Yang's situation.
Before coming, "Xu Xinyi's" venomous character was unyielding, arrogant, and domineering, mainly shown through scene-stealing, seizing endorsements, slapping people, and unashamedly blacklisting other celebrities, all of which were major taboos in the entertainment industry.
Looking across the entire entertainment industry, there are almost no stars who are on good terms with "Xu Xinyi".
In terms of public opinion, "Xu Xinyi" is even more powerful, able to unite the fans of several stars who are at odds with each other, making her unparalleled in the pursuit of her life.
Therefore, in this situation, continuing to "sin" rather than trying to wash oneself white better fits Xu Xinyi's pursuit of life.
— It's none of your business, it's none of my business.
She only asks to live comfortably and doesn't care what others say.
Now, it has been about two years, and she is very satisfied with everything, except for Yi Yang.
Xu Xinyi leisurely entered the crew, where the crew was shooting vigorously, and she could hear Director Zheng's loud scolding from afar.
"Xinyi, you're back?"
"Yeah." Xu Xinyi sat in front of the monitor, watching the female second who repeatedly made NG, and said with a smile, "How many times is it?"
The person beside her said in a low voice, "Eighteen times."
"Eighteen times?" Xu Xinyi mercilessly sneered, "She really is talented."
Director Zheng is also a director with some experience in the film and television industry, having directed several popular dramas, but he still couldn't resist the dominance of capital. At the beginning of the filming of "Beibei's Promotion Diary", several actors were introduced by the investors.
The female lead without acting skills, the female second who came from singing and dancing to the film and television industry, and the male second character, whose perfect passionate image was bound to explode, not to mention the other prominent supporting roles – several key actors were all introduced into the crew.
A good director was on the verge of losing his reputation, after a week of shooting, Director Zheng was so desperate that he couldn't continue. So, he took a risk, chose to offend an investor, and forcibly breached the contract to replace the female lead and sign Xu Xinyi.
Xu Xinyi's reputation is not good, but her acting skills are good, and most importantly, she has a background to resist investors.
These were the reasons for Director Zheng to consider Xu Xinyi.
After the female second's actress made the NG twenty-one times, Director Zheng reluctantly passed it.
But Xu Xinyi saw the sad look on Director Zheng's face.
It wasn't related to whether Left Rong had good acting skills or not, it was none of her business, she didn't want to bother with her. But since she joined the crew, it was as if she had a feud with her. They were always at odds.
"Is Xinyi here?"
Xu Xinyi smiled, "Sorry, director, I wasted two days, but don't worry, I will definitely catch up on the lost progress today."
The director has always been kind to actors with good acting skills, just as teachers would treat good students favorably in their school days.
"I certainly believe in your acting skills, go and get your makeup done."
Before leaving, Xu Xinyi looked at Left Rong who was still touching up her makeup, her eyes still red. It was known that she had been scolded by Director Zheng several times during the shoot, and she felt extremely embarrassed in front of everyone.
In the makeup room.
"Xinyi, have you been staying up late again recently? There are dark circles under your eyes."
Xu Xinyi sighed, "Yes, I haven't been sleeping well recently."
Left Rong looked at Xu Xinyi, and considerately gave her a bottle of concealer, "Xinyi, this is the concealer my mother used, it's really good, it will definitely suit you."
Xu Xinyi hypocritically smiled back, "No need, you keep it."
Left Rong smiled, "I don't need it, I'm only 23 years old, the makeup artist said my skin is good, I don't need makeup for filming."
Finding fault for no reason.
"Even if your skin is bad, you can cover it with makeup, but how do you cover up bad acting? If I sprinkle some rice on the ground, a chicken could act better than you."
Xu Xinyi sent a text message to Yi Yang as she played with her phone: Honey, when will you be home tonight?
Left Rong choked. Xu Xinyi usually just brushed her off, she didn't expect her to speak so aggressively today, giving her no face at all. The grievances she had felt from being scolded by Director Zheng resurfaced, making her tremble with anger.
Proud people can't stand this, she was about to retort, but Left Rong's agent walked in from outside and said something in her ear.
It was only because of those two sentences, the fire in Left Rong's heart miraculously subsided.
She glanced angrily at Xu Xinyi and temporarily restrained her anger.
"How's it going? Xinyi, are you ready? Once ready, come out and start filming." Director Zheng urged in the dressing room.
"I'm ready, I'll be right there."
"Director," Left Rong also got up, following the director, and whispered, "Director, I have something to do tonight, and I have no scenes this afternoon. May I leave early?"
Director Zheng despised stars with no acting skills who didn't want to study and were always looking to take time off.
His face darkened, "Alright."
"Thank you, director!"
---
Yi Yang didn't have the habit of checking private messages at work, especially not from Xu Xinyi. It wasn't until eight o'clock in the evening, when he was standing at a bustling reception with a glass of red wine, that he noticed this message from Xu Xinyi.
Of course, he didn't reply.
All the men attending the party had a female companion, except him, making him seem somewhat out of place.
A server approached, "Are you Mr. Yi Yang Yi? Mr. Song invites you."
They said it was a party, but in fact, it was about discussing project-related matters.
The waitress led the way around the banquet hall into a room.
"Mr. Yi, Mr. Song Chengzhou, I have long admired you," facing them was a young man who looked to be in his early thirties, not much worse off than Mr. Yi.
Mr. Yi calmly extended his hand and shook the man's hand, "Mr. Song, hello."
Chinese people like to negotiate business at the dinner table. Alcohol is a good thing, it can numb one's reason and lower your guard. Mr. Song Chengzhou haggled with Mr. Yi about the project, but Mr. Yi blocked all attempts, a few drinks later, but he didn't lose his mind. For a project of this magnitude, even the thought of taking a bit of profit from him could amount to an unimaginable figure.
Seeing that Mr. Yi was impervious, the alcohol lost its effect.
With a single glance, Mr. Song had someone at the door, and he welcomed a few women inside.
Naturally, these women were not ordinary women. The entertainment industry is a good place, and beautiful women aiming to make a name for themselves are constantly emerging.
Mr. Yi leaned back lazily, feeling a bit tipsy from the alcohol, and with half-closed eyes, he couldn't help but chuckle at the women coming in through the door.
When the alcohol fails, use women.
It is evident that money is a good thing.
A slim and sweet-looking girl sat down beside Mr. Yi; her features were delicate, and her eyes gave the impression of a very clean girl. If it weren't for seeing her in such a place, Mr. Yi might have thought so.
But somehow, under the hazy light, he suddenly thought of Xu Xinyi.
Alluring and charming, she seemed even more sexy when sitting on his lap.
Mr. Song introduced, "I noticed that Mr. Yi was the only man at the banquet without a partner. This is Zuo Rong, the red-hot female star."
"Mr. Yi, hello, my name is Zuo Rong."
The name sounded familiar, but for a moment Mr. Yi couldn't remember where he had heard it before. Without saying anything, he continued talking with Mr. Song about the unfinished business.
Zuo Rong was also considered a second-line star in the entertainment industry. She was lucky to have converted from singing and dancing and had garnered a large number of fans with her appearance and voice. She recently got involved with Song Chengzhou and landed her first role in the film and television industry.
Song Chengzhou helped her a lot, and although the two of them were in a consensual relationship, Zuo Rong was clear in her heart that she had lost interest in herself in Song Chengzhou's eyes. So she had to seize this opportunity to grab onto another person.
Before coming, she had inquired about Mr. Yi and knew his influence as a person she could not afford to miss.
Picking up a glass of wine, she looked at him seductively, "Mr. Yi, may I have a drink with you?"
The smile on her face was deliberately coquettish and out of place.
Mr. Yi glanced coldly, said nothing, but his intention was clear.
Zuo Rong was shocked by his gaze and did not dare to move. But at the thought of her manager's instructions before, she became more active.
Her face and figure were unmatched in the entertainment industry. Otherwise, she wouldn't have made it to the second line in two years. Men are creatures that think with their lower bodies. Perhaps they might be restrained for a while, but they would never be restrained for a lifetime. No man could resist a woman's temptation.
Zuo Rong boldly approached Mr. Yi, and her low-cut dress presented an impressive view.
"I've heard of Mr. Yi's great name a long time ago, and it's really Zuo Rong's honor to meet you today."
The room was full of men who were showing their true colors, but unfortunately, Mr. Yi was not one of them. His desire for women wasn't as strong, and when he smelled the strong perfume on Zuo Rong, he felt a strong sense of disgust.
He looked at Song Chengzhou, "I'm here to talk business, not to play with women."
Zuo Rong's face turned pale instantly, her hand trembled, and the glass in her hand tilted, soaking Mr. Yi's shirt.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, Mr. Yi!"
Mr. Yi caught her hand before it could touch him and displayed an even stronger disgust.
It was clear to Song Chengzhou that Mr. Yi's scale had been touched, and it would be bad to let Zuo Rong stay. He frowned, waved his hand, and Zuo Rong had no choice but to leave.
About an hour later, the door of the room opened.
With his coat draped over his hand, Mr. Yi was immediately received by his assistant as he left.
"Mr. Yi."
Left in the corner, Zuo Rong shivered, her thin figure was insufficient for the cold November weather. A cold wind seemed to come from nowhere.
Today, she was wearing less than in the room. Standing there, a thin woman, shaking and shivering with crossed arms. Her hair was messy and her face seemed to turn pale blue in the dim light.
Under soft lighting, Zuo Rong's face lacked the allure seen in the room. It appeared more pitiful, evoking sympathy.
"I...I'm sorry! I didn't mean to just now," she said, her eyes downcast, her lips trembling, and a look of grievance and despair in her eyes. She seemed like a lost rabbit in a hopeless situation, shaking and trembling, creating a feeling of pity.
"I know your shirt must be very expensive, I...I'll pay you back!"
Mr. Yi looked on coldly, completely unmoved.
This was something he had learned from Xu Xinyi.
Human hearts are malicious, especially those of women.
The woman in front of him was not skilled enough; she was far worse than Xu Xinyi.
"No need."
Mr. Yi lost interest and turned to leave.
"Mr. Yi," she stopped him, her eyes filled with despair and hope, "I... I know it's unreasonable for me to ask, but now only you can help me. I didn't intend to come here. Can you take me away? I don't want to stay here and be...!"
Before she could finish her sentence, tears filled her eyes.
At the same time, Xu Xinyi had finished her final scene on the set. As the crew wrapped up, she prepared to return to the apartment to rest.
Her agent Anya twisted her slim waist, stepping in high heels, looking glamorous to greet her, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, looking more like a star than she did.
As soon as she got into the car, Xinxin flipped through entertainment news and boredly asked, "Do I have any news lately?"
Anya had been by Xinxin's side for two years, and as her future agent, she naturally had to win her over. Maybe it's that birds of a feather flock together, she and this senior agent hit it off at first sight, regretting not meeting sooner.
The only difference is, this senior agent is glamorous and charming, best at casting a wide net and keeping fish in the pond, while she hasn't even cast her net out yet.
"Miss, if you behave yourself on set, there won't be any news."
No news?
Xinxin felt distressed.
She had managed to get the news of her arrogant, scene-stealing behavior to Yi Yang, but still, Yi Yang wouldn't agree to a divorce.
How can I make him dislike me more?
Xinxin seriously contemplated this question without any vigor.
"Xinxin, isn't that... isn't that Mr. Yi?"
"Yi Yang?" At the mention of Yi Yang, Xinxin suddenly became energized.
"It's from the chief editor of an entertainment magazine, saying that Zuo Rong sent these photos to several media outlets, spending a lot of money, preparing to release them together."
Xinxin carefully examined the several pictures on Anya's phone.
One was dimly lit, showing Zuo Rong sitting next to Yi Yang. The lighting was dim and Yi Yang's expression wasn't clear, but the position of the two hinted at intimacy.
Another photo showed Zuo Rong standing in the corridor, talking to Yi Yang. It wasn't clear if it was the angle, but Yi Yang's gaze at Zuo Rong seemed particularly gentle.
The last one showed Yi Yang leaving, and Zuo Rong wearing the suit jacket that had been draped over Yi Yang's arm.
The three photos presented too many issues.
Anya, who was vacillating between men, couldn't help but notice, but she couldn't say so in front of Xinxin.
"Xinxin, please don't be angry, I'll ask and clarify, maybe it's not Yi Yang in the photos."
"No, it's definitely Yi Yang," Xinxin's tone was extremely certain. "Anya, take me back to the old house, quickly!"
Although Xinxin and Yi Yang had not publicly disclosed their relationship, several people close to Xinxin knew and kept it a secret for her.
In this marriage, Anya knew exactly where Xinxin stood.
Xinxin had been domineering all her life, but in front of Yi Yang, she had lost all her dignity. She didn't have high hopes for this marriage but was helplessly in love, unable to listen to reason.
"Go back? What do you want to do?"
"Anya, trust me, I know what to do."
Of course she knew what to do, and was even slightly excited.
'Xinxin', after going through the experience of being emotionally hurt by Yi Yang, had extremely low self-esteem in front of him. Gradually, she had developed a strong desire to control and possess. The insecure 'Xinxin' was driven mad at the sight of Yi Yang talking to other women, let alone these photos.
Affair, infidelity.
Finally, there was a reason to exploit this.
Great.