Chapter 53: “I gave birth to him!”

Jiang Xiao remained silent, just gazing at him for a moment, her eyes bearing a faint shade of dark circles.

Taking advantage of the situation, Zhou Xiulin pulled her closer. “You’ve also been working hard these past few days. Do you want to take a break?”

Jiang Xiao shook her head. “Let’s wait a while. In October, we can take a break together with Little Bean Sprout.”

Zhou Xiulin seemed somewhat indifferent. “A vacation is fine, but I didn’t plan on bringing him along.”

“Mr. Zhou, don’t be so stingy.” Jiang Xiao pinched his chin.

The two of them chatted for a while longer, but Jiang Xiao couldn’t resist her drowsiness and slowly closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.

A week later, Jiang Yi was discharged from the hospital, and Jiang Xiao also refocused on her work. “Eternal Sword and Dragon Slayer” had been filming for nearly half a month, and news about several supporting actors began to appear sporadically in the media. Especially the CP pairing of Qin Yilu and Yi Han, which attracted a fan following. One was charming, and the other was handsome, making them quite a match.

Jiang Xiao took a day off to visit the drama set.

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“She’s the rumored ex-girlfriend of Mr. Zhou from last time.”

“She’s also in the crew? What role is she playing?”

“She’s playing Zhu Er.”

Jiang Xiao smiled without any unusual expression on her face.

Qin Yilu stared at her attentively. “Jiang Jie, aren’t you reacting at all?”

Jiang Xiao spoke earnestly, “You and Yi Han, concentrate on your acting for me. Don’t worry about anything else for now. Improve your acting skills, and playing Zhao Min well will take you far. Also, during this time, try not to interact on Weibo too much. If the CP fans start speculating negatively, it’ll only add fuel to the fire.”

“We haven’t done much else besides shooting lately.”

“In any case, post less on Weibo. Remember what happened to last year’s hit drama.” Jiang Xiao had experienced firsthand how another CP fanbase fell apart.

Qin Yilu suddenly understood. “Jiang Jie, what will I do if I lose you!”

Jiang Xiao changed her tone, “You’ll learn with experience. This show has Zhang Wuji surrounded by four different women with distinct personalities. Even if one day we’re not together anymore, you need to stand on your own.”

Qin Yilu was stunned, “Jiang Jie, are you planning to leave us?”

Jiang Xiao looked at her, “All good things must come to an end. I might stop being a talent agent one day. Anyway, go prepare for your scenes now. I need to head back. “Changting” starts filming tomorrow, and both Mr. Zhou and I have to be there.”

Qin Yilu understood, “Please take care on your way back.”

Before Jiang Xiao left, she ran into Zhuo Yutong, who had just finished shooting.

At this time, Zhuo Yutong was playing the young version of Zhu Er and was dressed very girlishly. She was naturally beautiful, and her appearance in traditional Chinese clothing made her even more stunning. This was the woman who wanted to seduce her husband!

On her way back, Jiang Xiao sent a photo to Zhou Xiulin.

After seeing the photo, Zhou Xiulin replied, “Jiang, our star manager, are you signing someone new again?”

Jiang Xiao responded, “I wouldn’t dare sign Mr. Zhou’s rumored girlfriend.”

Zhou Xiulin asked, “Who is this?”

Suppressing a smile, Jiang Xiao replied, “One of your rumored girlfriends.”

Zhou Xiulin looked closely and then realized, “Her again?”

Jiang Xiao said, “Head to the airport immediately, Mr. Zhou. I will meet you in Lingnan tomorrow.”

Zhou Xiulin put down his phone and asked his chauffeur, Jiang Qin, who was driving, “What are the usual signs when your girlfriend is jealous?”

Jiang Qin’s face instantly stiffened, “Mr. Zhou, I don’t have a girlfriend yet.”

Zhou Xiulin stared at him for several seconds and said, “I see.”

The next day, Jiang Xiao and Zhou Xiulin arrived at the Lingnan Film and Television City.

The opening ceremony of “Changting” was lively. Nowadays, whether it was a TV drama or a film, opening ceremonies were in vogue. Lighting incense, paying respects to deities, praying for smooth production, and hoping for high viewership were all part of the ritual.

Xu Jiaren, as the leading actress, stood beside the director.

After the opening ceremony, reporters conducted individual interviews with Xu Jiaren. She was a clever actress and interacted well with reporters.

Once the interview was over, Jiang Xiao approached and handed her a bottle of mineral water.

Xu Jiaren didn’t hide her joy in front of Jiang Xiao. “Jiang Jie, it feels like I’m dreaming.”

Jiang Xiao looked at her. “Jiaren, keep up the good work.”

Xu Jiaren was briefly silent. “Jiang Jie, I’ll work hard.”

Becoming a superstar relied on luck, while becoming a rising star required good fortune and hard work. Xu Jiaren was eager for fame, and she knew there was already a rift between her and Jiang Xiao. Initially, the four of them, including Song Yiwen and herself, had emerged. Qin Yilu and Yi Han had listened to Jiang Xiao and patiently waited for a year.

After chatting for a while, Xu Jiaren was called away.

Jiang Xiao stood in place, contemplating Xu Jiaren’s figure. She knew that once the filming of “Changting” ended, her working relationship with Xu Jiaren would also come to a close. She quickly contacted her studio and had them work with several media outlets they frequently collaborated with to promote Xu Jiaren.

“Xiaoxiao—” someone called her from behind.

Jiang Xiao composed herself and turned around to see Liang Yue.

Liang Yue was wearing a qipao, showcasing her slender figure with grace and charm.

“Hello, Teacher Liang,” Jiang Xiao greeted her calmly.

Liang Yue furrowed her brows slightly. “You don’t need to worry. I will teach Jiaren well,” referring to Xu Jiaren, who resembled her when she was young, a hardworking and determined individual.

“I believe Jiaren will make significant progress during this shoot. I’d like to thank Teacher Liang on her behalf,” Jiang Xiao said.

Liang Yue pursed her lips. “You don’t have to speak to me like this.”

Jiang Xiao took a deep breath, feeling a hint of irony. “I don’t understand. So, are you trying to acknowledge me? The reporters are waiting outside.”

Liang Yue gazed at her, her eyes revealing a fleeting sense of helplessness.

Fortunately, at that moment, Zhou Xiulin walked over. “Teacher Liang, Jiang Xiao and I have to attend a charity gala tonight. We must take our leave.”

“Alright, we can chat another time,” Liang Yue replied, her expression returning to normal.

That evening, the two of them attended a charity gala jointly hosted by Huaxia, Xingmei, and Yoha Video. After arriving at the hotel, Jiang Xiao immediately changed into an evening gown. The gown had been prepared by Zhou Xiulin and was the latest summer fashion, fitting her well. Jiang Xiao had seen many such gowns and recognized it as a high-end designer piece.

Many artists from both film and television companies attended the event, including Zhou Yanyan, who had taken leave from the film set to be present. There were also some celebrities who had good relationships with Zhou Xiulin and Mo Yiheng.

Jiang Xiao, as one of the organizers, didn’t raise any suspicion by her presence.

Tonight, Mo Yiheng appeared with his fiancée Han Rui. Han Rui held Mo Yiheng’s hand affectionately, and their intimacy was evident. Han Rui smiled gracefully on the red carpet, and during one moment, she waved to the cameras, drawing attention to the engagement ring on her ring finger, impossible to ignore.

In the last half-hour of the red carpet event, Zhao Xinran arrived alone, exuding the same elegance and grace as before.

Actors were indeed actors, and she seemed unaffected by the situation.

The last to appear was Zhou Xiulin. He wore a well-fitted black suit, and as he walked out, his steps paused slightly when he noticed Jiang Xiao standing nearby. He gestured for her to come over.

Jiang Xiao looked surprised, as she had accompanied him to evening events before, but walking the red carpet was a first for her, especially in a live broadcast. She shook her head at him.

Zhou Xiulin kept his gaze on her, waiting.

Jiang Xiao furrowed her brow for a moment, then finally lifted her dress hem and walked towards him.

Zhou Xiulin reached out, gallantly taking her hand. “Miss Jiang, please—”

Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but smile. “What are you doing?”

Zhou Xiulin looked down at her. “Consider it a rehearsal for our red carpet before our wedding.”

Zhou Xiulin and Jiang Xiao walked the final stretch of the red carpet together. The charity event officially began. Jiang Xiao took a deep breath, feeling quite nervous. “Now I understand why some celebrities trip on the red carpet; it’s nerve-wracking.”

“It’s like this the first time. You’ll get used to it with practice.”

Stars live under the spotlight, and after a few times, even their smiles for the media become standardized.

After everyone had taken their seats, Jiang Xiao said to him, “You did that on purpose.”

Zhou Xiulin patted her hand. “You need to be prepared.”

Jiang Xiao immediately pulled her hand back and gave him a stern look. “You and your son have schemed against me.”

He just chuckled.

This scene didn’t escape the notice of certain individuals, such as Zhao Xinran.

After the event, Zhao Xinran’s mind was in disarray. She connected the dots of the past few years, and disbelief filled her eyes.

Before she could find Jiang Xiao, she was intercepted by Han Rui.

“Miss Zhao, hello.”

Zhao Xinran stopped in her tracks. “Hello, Miss Han.”

Han Rui curled her lips. “Now, everyone calls me Mrs. Mo.”

Zhao Xinran gazed at her in silence.

Han Rui took a step forward, confrontational. “Miss Zhao, you are indeed even more beautiful in person than on TV. No wonder you’re so popular among men. But there’s something I’d like to tell you: Can one rely on their looks forever?”

Zhao Xinran tensed. “Thank you. It may not last forever, but day by day is enough for me.”

Han Rui’s expression changed, and anger surged within her. “Zhao Xinran, have you no shame!” With these words, she raised her hand and slapped Zhao Xinran hard, her blow fierce and accurate.

Zhao Xinran was taken aback, clearly not expecting Han Rui to physically assault her here. “You!”

There were people nearby, so Zhao Xinran had no choice but to suppress her feelings.

With a parting remark, Han Rui said, “Leave him sooner rather than later.”

At that moment, Mo Yiheng hurried over, glanced at Zhao Xinran and Zhao Yanyan, and ultimately walked away with Han Rui.

Zhao Xinran took a deep breath, turned, and left.

When she found Jiang Xiao, the imprint of a hand on her face was evident.

Jiang Xiao was momentarily stunned. “What happened to your face?”

“Han Rui slapped me.”

“Xinran, if you don’t break free, no one can save you.”

Zhao Xinran smiled bitterly. “You say that, but what about you? What’s going on between you and Mr. Zhou? Jiang Xiao, you’ve been hiding it well. These four years! You really kept it all under wraps.”

The atmosphere instantly changed.

Paper can’t hide fire. Jiang Xiao had considered that with her frequent interactions with Zhou Xiulin, their secret would eventually be exposed.

“We got married four years ago.”

“Four years ago? That means it was during the time we were filming ‘Prosperous World,’ right?” Zhao Xinran’s mind raced. “I knew it; my guess was right on point. And the child of Mr. Zhou?”

“I gave birth to him!”

Even though Zhao Xinran had suspected it before, hearing it firsthand left her in shock. “We’ve been guessing all along, and at one point, we even thought it was Cheng Ying. Turns out, it’s you.”

“The circumstances were unique at the time, and we had an agreement not to disclose it.”

“You’re being naive! Don’t you know how many people want to seduce Zhou Xiulin?”

Jiang Xiao looked at her in silence. “You’re advising me, but what about yourself?”

Zhao Xinran shook her head. “I can’t turn back; it’s too late for me.”

“You can! Xinran, cut ties with Mo Yiheng completely, and never see him again. Don’t stay obsessed. You saw Han Rui’s attitude today; she won’t let you off easily.”

Zhao Xinran looked bewildered and after a while, said, “Alright, I promise you. Actually, I didn’t want to come here today, but I wanted to see his wife.”

Jiang Xiao made a phone call and had an ice pack delivered. “Apply this before you leave. I’ll head out first.”

“Jiang Xiao, be careful lately.”

“What do you mean?”

“Some of your artists have snatched so many good resources. Many people are envious and keeping an eye on you! There are all sorts of rumors in the industry!” Zhao Xinran suddenly smiled. “But now, I’m really looking forward to seeing the expressions on their faces when they find out the truth.”

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Sansukini: So my other novel (Married to the Male Lead’s Hidden Rich Brother) is ending soon and I will be translating a new one but I can’t make up my mind what to translate next. Please help me choose.

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Casting Nets to Catch a Husband

Liu Yu, with her exquisite beauty, was sold into a brothel by her heartless parents in her previous life and died on the night she left the pavilion in the most luxurious brothel in Yangzhou City.

When she opened her eyes again, she had returned to the year she was fifteen, just one month before being sold to the matchmaker by her parents.

With her rebirth, there was one urgent matter at hand.
Within a month, she had to find a good husband for herself, escape from the Liu family, and avoid the fate of being sold in her previous life.

She took all the money she could spare, knocked on the door of the matchmaker’s house in Changfeng Town. And as soon as she left the matchmaker’s house, she met a young man. The matchmaker whispered to her, “Lu Chengxiao, the third son of the Lu family, the owner of the Lu Feng Cloth Shop.”

Liu Yu understood; he was her third target.

Recently, Lu Chengxiao had encountered a beautiful woman several times and admired her. He was thinking it was a match destined for marriage.

It wasn’t until one day when they met in the mountains, the beautiful woman twisted her foot and couldn’t move so he carried her all the way.

When he returned to deliver the medicine, he saw the beautiful woman walking lightly, with no sign of a twisted foot. The heat behind his ears receded, and his eyes grew colder. He turned and went back to Changfeng Town.

Several days later, the beautiful woman shyly handed him a purse, thanking him for his help.

Lu Chengxiao sneered, “Thanking me for helping? That day, I turned back and saw the lady walking normally. Why would I need to help?”

“I can’t accept this purse. If we privately exchange gifts, it might be hard to explain later. It’s better for the lady to keep her dignity.”

Alright, this one couldn’t work. Liu Yu took back the purse, curtsied, and walked away…

Lu Chengxiao thought it was a decisive rejection, until several days later, he saw Liu Yu drop an embroidered handkerchief in front of the bookshop where the young man, Chen Sheng, worked. The gentleman picked up the scented handkerchief, and the beautiful woman blushed and thanked him. What a beautiful encounter.

Lu Chengxiao: “…”

A wave of frustration welled up in his chest, and he clenched his teeth as he tossed and turned in his dreams.

Until later, when he saw Liu Yu about to stage a falling-into-the-water scene, Lu Chengxiao panicked. He jumped into the river before Chen Sheng, pulled her ashore, held her slender waist, and couldn’t help but feel both angry and pained. He didn’t even want to ask more questions. He just held her in his arms and almost begged, “Don’t you want a good marriage? I’ll marry you!”

【This is a story that begins with scheming, falls into love, with a heart full of sincerity, and ends up in a marriage. It is also a story of two major businesses rising, with elements of urban and farming life.]

Tag: Rebirth, Love at first sight, Sweet Romance, Ancient Era

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Interstellar Dad

In the interstellar era, with the advent of artificial uteruses, women are liberated from the constraints of childbirth. Jiang Miao works hard, earns money, and pays five years of social security contributions, finally qualifying for “Genetic Parenting Selection.” Surprisingly, in the first round of the lottery, she matches with a suitable parenting partner:

“Congratulations on your successful lottery! We have matched you with the most genetically compatible parenting partner!”

“Congratulations! Your parenting partner has agreed to artificial insemination!”

“Congratulations! Your parenting partner has agreed to carry the fetus and give birth!”

“Congratulations! Your parenting partner has agreed to give the child to you!”

Jiang Miao: Absolutely perfect!

That is until she meets Yan He, who wears a black military uniform and is as cold as an iceberg. Jiang Miao realizes that her plan might have taken a small deviation. Actually, natural conception wouldn’t have been a problem either. The allure of uniforms is hard to resist.

Iceberg Interstellar Colonel vs. Earth-crossing woman

Tags: Sci-Fi, Interstellar, Sweet Romance, Future Setting, Light-hearted, Transmigration