Chapter 015: Mrs. Jiang

At last, the livestream came to an end. Qu Wan's voice was hoarse from talking so much, and she stretched lazily. After bidding farewell to everyone in the chatroom, she received a message from Jiang Zeyu.

"Wanwan, why are you so happy?" her assistant asked while helping to pack up.

Qu Wan grinned. "Am I? I don't think so. Anyway, once everything’s packed, I’ll head home."

"Alright."

After seeing the production team off, the assistant drove Qu Wan back to her apartment complex.

She entered the elevator, still messaging Jiang Zeyu.

"How did your movie negotiations go? Did you get the part?"

"Not decided yet."

"I think whatever you act in will be beautiful."

When she reached her door, Qu Wan entered her passcode and slipped in quietly, intending to give someone a little scare.

But as soon as she stepped inside, she saw Jiang Zeyu standing at the entrance.

She paused, surprised. "Hey? How did you know I was back?"

"I texted your assistant. She said you were on your way up."

"Oh." Qu Wan nodded awkwardly, thinking to herself that Miao Miao really didn’t know how to keep a secret.

As she changed her shoes, Jiang Zeyu kept his gaze fixed on her.

She looked back, puzzled. "W-what’s wrong?"

"Did one of my fans send you a dead cat?" Jiang Zeyu’s voice was low, his words coming out with difficulty.

"You watched the livestream?" Qu Wan hadn’t expected him to be watching—he was always so busy. Yet he knew about the dead cat.

She quickly forced a smile. "I was just making stuff up. It never happened."

Jiang Zeyu's frown did not ease. "Then I’ll ask your agent. She should know, right? And Gu Siyuan, he knows too, doesn’t he?"

Qu Wan fell silent, forcing a light laugh. "It was a long time ago. I just mentioned it offhand today."

"Why didn’t you tell me then?"

"We had just gotten our marriage certificate, and besides, it wasn’t your fault. Every star has a few overzealous fans. Besides, I only received something like that once all year."

"I’m sorry." Jiang Zeyu was filled with guilt, just as Qu Jin had said—Qu Wan was wronged by marrying him.

Qu Wan shook her head quickly. "I told you, it's not your fault. Why are you apologizing? It was ages ago. I never took it to heart. I just brought it up in passing tonight. You really don’t need to feel bad."

"I’m sorry. Next time something happens, will you please tell me too? I can do better than Gu Siyuan." Jiang Zeyu’s voice caught unexpectedly as he spoke.

Qu Wan was taken aback. Why did things suddenly get so emotional? And what did this have to do with Gu Siyuan? Why bring him up?

"Let’s not let it happen again, alright? Before, maybe I was too shy to trouble you, but now, since we’re in the business of keeping each other warm at night, you can rest assured, if anything comes up, I’ll come right to you." Qu Wan patted his shoulder with a smile.

Jiang Zeyu forced a smile in return and replied softly.

As Qu Wan went upstairs, she still felt bewildered. Why had Jiang Zeyu reacted so strongly just now? Something seemed off about him as he spoke.

Maybe he just felt guilty?

Or maybe it had something to do with the contract? If his fans hurt her, did he have to pay a penalty on behalf of his fans? As ridiculous as that sounded, it also felt like the most likely answer.

Qu Jin really was heartless—making so much money and still using his own sister for profit. Yet none of that money ever made its way to her! He kept it all for himself! Outrageous! A real skinflint!

In the days that followed, Jiang Zeyu’s fans were far more restrained.

Ever since Jiang Zeyu had announced their marriage, there had been no mention of Qu Wan on Weibo. Both he and his team knew that if he defended Qu Wan too openly, it would only provoke his fans further. Qu Wan had repeatedly told him not to interfere.

So they had always chosen to stay silent.

But this time, Jiang Zeyu would not stay silent.

First, his studio issued a statement, publicly referring to Qu Wan as "Mrs. Jiang" and standing up for her.

Then Jiang Zeyu himself posted on Weibo:

"I hope everyone will watch their words and actions. I’m truly grateful for your support, but I also want to protect everyone important to me."

Qu Wan hugged her phone as she read the post, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

"What are you grinning about? You’ve been beaming for ages," Ye Fang frowned at her.

"What would a single person understand?" Qu Wan kept smiling.

"Heh, so you’re the only one who gets it? All because Jiang Zeyu spoke up for you."

"Not just that. His team called me Mrs. Jiang! Do you remember his agent? Every time she saw me, she looked at me like I was manure clinging to his flower. She must be furious at the statement. Not to mention his fans—ha!"

Ye Fang shook her head. "Honestly, you’re so inexperienced…"

Qu Wan kept smiling and asked, "So, what did you want? I was planning to enjoy some quality time at home with Mr. Jiang."

"…Here, take a look." Ye Fang handed her two scripts and a reality show invitation. "Consider these."

"How are the scripts?"

"Small productions, web drama quality, brainless sweet romances. Take your pick."

"What’s the variety show?"

"An acting reality show. They’re probably after your popularity—having you on would definitely make waves. You’ve been trending a lot lately."

"Yeah, always getting flamed on the trending list," Qu Wan said with a hint of pride.

"…Just think it over. The timings don’t clash anyway, and your schedule is free."

"Got it."

"Hey, seems like our new boss really likes you. First day, she called you in directly. She also handled that variety show—lots of our artists wanted that spot, even Gu Siyuan. What’s the story with you two? How do you know him? And what’s this about an engagement?" Ye Fang’s face was full of gossip.

"Ye Jie, less gossip, more work," Qu Wan scolded, all seriousness.

"Tsk, I just can’t figure it out. So I concluded—could it be that Gu Shihuan is a Jiang Zeyu anti-fan?"

"…Oh my, your imagination is wild. Let me quietly clue you in: you know Gu Siyuan, right? Everyone knows he’s rich, but do you know what his family does?"

Ye Fang shook her head.

"Gu Shihuan, Gu Siyuan—haven’t you figured it out?" Qu Wan raised an eyebrow at her.

Ye Fang’s eyes lit up in sudden realization. "Oh, so they’re siblings! No wonder she’s willing to give you resources. So you two have known each other for a while?"

"Known each other? I suppose so," Qu Wan replied nonchalantly.