She Wants to Divorce Me

Is there anything more awkward than being caught badmouthing someone? Seeing Chang Yu and Lu Yusheng’s expressions, Ji Yaoguang felt inexplicably guilty. She pursed her lips, looking at Cheng Henian who had uttered those shocking words. This person seemed oblivious to embarrassment, appearing as composed as if she hadn’t been the one speaking earlier. Her fingers tapped idly, her eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. After a moment of silence, she looked up and smiled sweetly at Lu Yusheng, “Teacher Lu, I’ve admired you for a long time.”

Lu Yusheng sneered, “Admired my ‘oldness’?” She deliberately emphasized the word, reminding Cheng Henian that she hadn’t forgotten her previous comments.

Cheng Henian exclaimed in surprise, her puzzled gaze sweeping over Lu Yusheng before she said with apparent distress, “Teacher Lu, how could you eavesdrop on our conversation? Aren’t you just causing yourself unnecessary grief?” In that moment, Ji Yaoguang truly admired Cheng Henian’s courage.

To turn the tables in such a situation, Cheng Henian must be one of a kind. Lu Yusheng laughed instead of getting angry, finally understanding why this person couldn’t survive in the industry. Many gossiped privately, but to say such things to someone’s face without fear of offense—she was either well-connected or missing a few screws, and Cheng Henian was clearly the latter. Lu Yusheng suppressed her indignation and anger, whispered a few words in Chang Yu’s ear, then clicked away on her high heels.

Cheng Henian watched her leave, still marveling, “At her age, walking so fast in ten-centimeter heels. Isn’t she afraid of throwing out her old back?”

Chang Yu: “…” She glanced casually at Ji Yaoguang and Cheng Henian before turning to leave.

Cheng Henian seemed to have boundless energy. She waved her hand in front of Ji Yaoguang’s eyes, teasing, “They’ve gone far away, no need to keep looking.” Even when met with an angry glare, she remained nonchalant.

Being on set meant either in the makeup room or reviewing scripts in the rest area. Ji Yaoguang understood this and wouldn’t disturb Chang Yu. Kicking at some pebbles on the ground, she looked at Cheng Henian and asked, “Are you willing to collaborate with Lu Yusheng?”

“You should ask Sister Lu that,” Cheng Henian replied with a grin, not clearly stating her own willingness.

“…” Ji Yaoguang glared at Cheng Henian before asking, “Aren’t you afraid she’ll make things difficult for you? With Lu Yusheng’s status in the industry, she could easily deal with you.”

“What do I have that’s worth her attention?” Cheng Henian smirked, “First, she’s already left the music scene. Second, I’m not in that circle either. Is she going to extend her reach into radio dramas? Though I studied music and love it, I’m not after fame or fortune. When I first entered the industry, I already proved myself. Regardless of what happened, I would have retired at my peak anyway.”

“You seem very open-minded,” Ji Yaoguang chuckled, “But there are countless ways to target someone. You’re still too young; someday reality will wear down your pride and sharp edges.”

This time, Cheng Henian didn’t respond immediately. A flash of depth passed through her eyes. She blinked at Ji Yaoguang, clutching her chest as if her heart had been struck. With a flirtatious smile, she said softly, “Are you worried about me? Since we’re so compatible, why don’t we exchange contact info? QQ, WeChat, phone number?”

Ji Yaoguang: “…” Engaging in conversation with Cheng Henian had been a mistake.

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Due to Princess Pingyang’s advance notice to the examiner, Yun Yanhui’s success in the imperial examinations was a foregone conclusion. The new top scholar rode proudly on a tall horse to inscribe her name at the Ci’en Pagoda in the capital, congratulated by fellow successful candidates. After finishing, Yun Yanhui glanced back, seeing Prince Xiang Zhao Tiandan standing under a distant tree, fan in hand, accompanied by Princess Pingyang’s close attendant. Yun Yanhui’s gaze passed over the two figures standing in the wind, finally settling on an elegant pleasure boat in the middle of the river.

“Brother Yun, what are you looking at?”

“At the vast sky and clouds, at the rivers and mountains stretching for thousands of miles,” Yun Yanhui replied with a serene smile, like a gentle breeze in February.

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“OK! Everyone take a break for lunch!” Li Ou shouted, waving to people nearby. It was December, and the outdoor scenes couldn’t ward off the bone-chilling cold despite the thin spring attire. As soon as he spoke, Jiang Huai began stamping his feet and rubbing his hands, hunching over as if unable to withstand the harsh winter cold.

Chang Yu brushed her sleeve, her face impassive. Qiao Xi hurried over with a cashmere coat, draping it over her shoulders. She glanced at Chang Yu, then followed her gaze to see Ji Yaoguang timidly standing at a distance, finding it somewhat amusing. Ji Yaoguang was quite self-aware, not daring to approach, instead quickly retreating to the trailer to wait quietly.

“Did you notify Su Ci?” Chang Yu asked calmly.

Qiao Xi nodded, replying, “She said she could arrive today.” Seeing Chang Yu fall silent, she couldn’t resist her curiosity and asked, “Director Li seems to have approved, but will Yaoguang agree? I remember she swore never to act in Director Li’s films. Moreover, are you really confident in her? Don’t let her ruin this film.” Neither Su Ci nor Qiao Xi had much faith in Ji Yaoguang’s acting abilities, though they could protect her well enough. As for her acting career, they were content to let her muddle through.

“I trust her,” Chang Yu’s voice was faint; Qiao Xi almost thought she had imagined it. She cast a surprised look at Chang Yu, who offered no further explanation, unhurriedly walking towards the makeup room.

Given Chang Yu’s status in the industry, she had a private rest area just west of the makeup room. Ji Yaoguang, waiting in the trailer, grew impatient when Chang Yu didn’t emerge. Suddenly remembering this, she casually exited the vehicle, just in time to see Jiang Huai walking with his assistant.

“Sister Ji, coming to our side?” Jiang Huai’s smile was radiant, his eyes shining like bright stars in the night sky. Though he hadn’t debuted long ago, he had amassed a large following of both young girls and older women. This unexpected warmth put Ji Yaoguang on guard. She glanced warily at Jiang Huai, looking around for any hidden paparazzi that might land her in the headlines again tomorrow.

“No need, thank you,” Ji Yaoguang’s voice was polite but distant. Disappointment flashed across Jiang Huai’s face, but he said nothing more, patting his assistant’s shoulder before walking away. Most Sheng Tang artists were under strict control, rarely making inappropriate public statements. Ji Yaoguang had little interaction with Jiang Huai and didn’t truly know what lay behind his seemingly sunny disposition. Her gaze swept the surroundings once more before she straightened her clothes, composed herself, and strode towards Chang Yu’s rest area.

Chang Yu had already removed her makeup and was resting with her eyes closed in a chair, her boxed meal untouched. Qiao Xi was eating heartily and waved Ji Yaoguang over when she entered, pushing a boxed meal towards her. The crew, aware of Ji Yaoguang’s relationship with Chang Yu, had evidently sent her portion here. “Isn’t she eating?” Ji Yaoguang sat opposite Qiao Xi, gesturing with her eyes to inquire.

Qiao Xi shook her head, setting down her chopsticks to thoughtfully open the lid for Ji Yaoguang.

Chang Yu suddenly opened her eyes, coldly regarding Ji Yaoguang’s face.

Ji Yaoguang, struck by Chang Yu’s coldness, thought she might be asked to leave and gripped her chopsticks tightly.

Chang Yu pursed her lips without speaking, then lowered her head and swapped her boxed meal with Ji Yaoguang’s.

Ji Yaoguang didn’t understand Chang Yu’s intention, but when she opened the box, her expression suddenly changed. She glanced at Chang Yu, her eyes full of unspoken grievance and frustration. Ji Yaoguang didn’t eat cilantro, and Su Ci had reminded the crew of this when she left. Her portion had been prepared accordingly, but it had ended up with Chang Yu. Wasn’t this deliberate bullying? However, her pitiful look had no effect. Chang Yu remained composed, using her chopsticks to move some vegetables around as she asked calmly, “Why aren’t you eating? Not hungry?”

Her hand trembling as she held the chopsticks, Ji Yaoguang shook her head and looked away from Chang Yu’s face, slowly picking out the cilantro. Was there a more evil food in the world than cilantro? Yes, besides cilantro, there was garlic, ginger, fennel… Dejectedly mixing her rice, she was about to eat when suddenly several pieces of meat appeared in her bowl. Ji Yaoguang’s eyes immediately lit up. She had never been harsh on her stomach, and as a meat lover, she welcomed all offerings. Glancing at Chang Yu, Ji Yaoguang began eating rapidly, as if afraid someone might snatch it away.

Chang Yu frowned slightly and tapped the table without speaking.

Qiao Xi, who had been quietly observing, understood her artist’s meaning. Looking at Ji Yaoguang, who was practically wolfing down her food, she said slowly, “Yaoguang, you should chew slowly when eating. Otherwise, you’ll easily gain weight and harm your stomach.”

Ji Yaoguang put down her chopsticks and replied, “It’s fine, I don’t gain weight easily.”

Qiao Xi lowered her head, pinching her own little belly with her left hand at her side, secretly shedding tears of frustration. No wonder Chang Yu was cold to her! Looking at the fearless Ji Yaoguang, she inwardly fumed.