A Character

Lin Feiruo was still innocent when it came to matters of the heart. Although she had heard of and seen many things, the reality was always different when it came to personal experience.

Even though she was fully aware that it was all an act, standing next to such a living, breathing top-tier beauty, with people teasing her, still made her feel both shy and excited.

Her innocence was immediately evident in the sudden flush of her ears, which turned a bright red.

From a distance, Yu Shuyi couldn't quite see her clearly, but Jian Xiyan, on the other hand, noticed the transformation instantly.

The first time she had brought Lin Feiruo here, she hadn't even seen her blush; now, was she really getting nervous?

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Go inside."

Lin Feiruo’s expression appeared perfectly normal, but if it weren’t for her betraying ears, everything would have been flawless.

"Okay."

She took a deep breath to steady herself and only then realized that her wrist was tingling.

Looking down, she realized someone’s hand had subtly hooked around her wrist.

The fingers were so soft, transmitting a warm and comfortable sensation. The touch was light, like a mosquito sneaking in a bite, but it was oddly not annoying.

Yu Shuyi, watching the two of them walk hand-in-hand, was filled with satisfaction, and then continued walking into the house.

"These past days, it’s been just me, feeling so bored. Fortunately, you both are back today, and tomorrow... well, that's when it will truly become lively."

Yu Shuyi immediately ordered someone to prepare tea, assuming the role of the gracious hostess.

Logically speaking, Jian Xiyan should be the current head of the Jian family, but Yu Shuyi had been managing household affairs for many years.

She knew everyone’s preferences by heart, and her temperament was gentle, unobtrusive, and not one to stir trouble. Jian Xiyan relied heavily on her second uncle’s family, so she had no intention of taking over these duties.

Her current focus was on the family business; many significant projects had been on hold, waiting for her to officially take over before they could proceed.

The pressure on Jian Xiyan was greater than ever. She bore the weight of expectations and responsibilities and was keenly aware that many eyes were watching her.

If she succeeded, it would be as expected, but if she failed, there would certainly be people ready to take advantage of her downfall.

Having someone to help her at home was something Jian Xiyan couldn’t wish for more, though she worried that her second aunt might voluntarily step aside and propose traveling around the world with her daughter to relax.

After sitting down with Lin Feiruo, Jian Xiyan released her hand and gave her a look, signaling her to relax and act naturally.

Yu Shuyi appeared to be in a good mood. “You probably don’t know, but Xiao Min said she changed her flight. She’ll be home tomorrow.”

Jian Xiyan was slightly surprised. “She changed her mind at the last minute? I asked her two days ago, and she said she was traveling with her classmates in Country Y and would stay a couple of extra days.”

“You still don’t know her well enough? The moment she sees news about Jiang Wanru, all her plans go out the window.”

Who was Jiang Wanru? Lin Feiruo searched her memory but found no relevant information.

It seemed like she had nothing to contribute to this conversation. Luckily, Yu Shuyi hadn’t intended to include her, so Lin Feiruo sipped her tea while listening to the banter.

Upon hearing Jiang Wanru's name, Jian Xiyan smiled knowingly.

“She’s changed favorite celebrities several times, but Jiang Wanru’s position has never wavered.”

At this point, Yu Shuyi displayed the helplessness and frustration of a mother. From the elegant, serene wife of a wealthy family, she had become the typical mom venting about her daughter: “The effort she puts into Jiang Wanru—well, I don’t even know how many times more than she’s ever put into me, her own mother.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t even count it, it’s all tears when you do.”

Jian Xiyan seemed to recall something and tilted her head slightly, glancing at Lin Feiruo casually.

Lin Feiruo, holding her teacup and stifling a laugh, found it amusing how Yu Shuyi’s complaints about her daughter seemed so much more relatable.

But when Jian Xiyan gave her a look, she thought it was a cue to stop laughing.

Although she felt Jian Xiyan was being a bit too stern, this was the Jian family, and Lin Feiruo chose to comply.

She quickly stiffened her lips, no longer smiling.

Jian Xiyan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at her reaction.

Yu Shuyi didn’t seem to realize that over the years, she had been subtly influenced by her daughter, particularly when it came to matters concerning Jiang Wanru.

“Jiang Wanru’s new drama started filming earlier than expected. They’re preparing to enter the set in the next couple of days. This is her first major role in her transition, and I’ve heard many people are fighting to get in, desperately trying to secure resources.”

Jiang Wanru was a top-tier actress, often appearing in entertainment news when Lin Feiruo skimmed through the current events. With Jian Xiaomin constantly singing her praises, Jian Xiyan was somewhat familiar with her.

However, being a businesswoman constantly traveling and attending meetings, Jian Xiyan didn’t have the time to follow her career closely. But hearing Yu Shuyi mention this made her think of the favor Lin Feiruo had asked of her some time ago.

At the time, she had been occupied with hosting a new overseas partner, returning home late every night.

Lin Feiruo had waited for her quietly in the villa and was finally able to ask her for a favor one day when Jian Xiyan returned slightly earlier than usual.

“Do you think you could put in a good word with Mr. Fang Qi Yuan? He’s invested in a new movie, and I heard it’s Jiang Wanru’s transitional role. I’d like to know if there’s any way I could get in.”

Jian Xiyan silently drank the detox tea that Aunt Shu had brought. There must have been another reason Lin Feiruo came to her for help—money alone couldn’t solve the issue.

“I’ve heard Mr. Fang is investing in a blockbuster, and it’s Jiang Wanru’s first big project. Industry insiders are really excited about it, and it’s already expected to be a major hit in the Spring Festival season.”

This phrasing clearly indicated that Lin Feiruo had been coached by someone, and at that moment, she was simply acting as a messenger.

Jian Xiyan’s expression subtly turned cold, but Lin Feiruo, absorbed in repeating her words, didn’t notice.

“Opportunities like this are rare. With such great backers and so many talented people involved, it would be incredible to learn from them…”

Jian Xiyan interrupted her calmly, “What role do you want?”

Lin Feiruo, hearing this question, felt certain that Jian Xiyan was inclined to help her. Her face lit up with joy, and she promptly presented her well-rehearsed response: “If the second female lead is too difficult, I’d be happy with a supporting role or a special appearance.”

Jian Xiyan didn’t know much about movie investments. In the past, Lin Feiruo had handled things herself with money, and Jian Xiyan hadn’t bothered to inquire. This time, Lin Feiruo had come to her for help, suggesting that money alone wasn’t enough.

“I’ll think about it.”

This consideration, however, took a full half-month.

Jian Xiyan wasn’t deliberately dragging her feet, but she was simply too busy. She couldn’t possibly instruct her secretary to keep track of something like this, and it wasn’t until Lin Feiruo brought it up again, just before she was about to leave on a business trip, that she realized Jian Xiyan hadn’t given it any attention.

That was when their first major argument as a married couple occurred, loud enough that Aunt Shu thought one of them was planning an affair.

“Divorce! Now, divorce!” Lin Feiruo shouted, slamming her hand on the table to signal a break.

Jian Xiyan, worn out by her busy work schedule, was exhausted by Lin Feiruo making a fuss over some little-known celebrity. After all, this was an agreement. Did she really think she couldn’t handle a divorce?

“You can have a divorce, but not now. Don’t forget the promise you made.”

Lin Feiruo, feeling guilty for unilaterally changing the agreed-upon date, couldn’t deny it. But Yanshan had cried over the phone today, lamenting how long she might have to wait for another chance.

“You can’t just keep delaying things!” Lin Feiruo’s eyes remained red.

Jian Xiyan, with the last vestige of patience, spoke calmly, “Don’t take the pressure she’s passing onto you and put it on me.”

“I… she…”

She faltered, unable to finish her sentence.

Yanshan’s situation had never been openly discussed between them, but Lin Feiruo knew that Jian Xiyan was aware of it. This delicate, unsaid relationship had lingered like a windowpane soaked with water—wet, but never breaking.

Now, with Jian Xiyan’s words, Lin Feiruo felt like she had been struck with a blow, her heart burning with frustration, but unable to find an outlet.

Seeing her fall silent, Jian Xiyan took a deep breath.

The atmosphere in the study lightened, and Jian Xiyan’s calm voice broke the silence once more. “When I return from my business trip, I will fulfill your request for a divorce.”

Lin Feiruo had already been counting the days, knowing that the agreed-upon date was indeed the time she had mentioned.

“However, you need to cooperate for three more days, and you must return to the main house.”

The main house had always been a troublesome place. After their marriage, they had consciously reduced their visits, not to mention staying overnight.

Jian Xiyan had always been more cautious in this regard, and Lin Feiruo hadn’t expected her to make this request.

“Why three extra days out of nowhere?”

“Your second uncle wants to see you,” Jian Xiyan said, lowering her gaze. “It’s also possible that he wants to observe our relationship. His words carry great weight right now.”

This explanation almost sounded like an assertion—she was implying that Lin Feiruo had no choice but to comply.

But Lin Feiruo wasn’t happy about it. Since Jian Xiyan wouldn’t help her, why should she spend three more days in the main house?

“I don’t…”

Before she could finish, Jian Xiyan intercepted her words. “One role.”

“What?”

“The role you want, I can make it happen.”

Lin Feiruo’s lips curled into a smile, both grateful and embarrassed. “Then… thank you.”

Aunt Shu dared not eavesdrop, but her emotions often got the better of her, causing words like “divorce” and “her” to float out from time to time.

Jian Xiyan’s reputation had to be maintained, no matter what. Even when she was on her way to the airport, casually inquiring over the phone, Fang Qi Yuan immediately understood.

By the time Jian Xiyan’s flight had landed, Yanshan’s manager had already received a call from the assistant director of the production.

In the grand scheme of things, when considering the role and the three days, Lin Feiruo technically owed Jian Xiyan a small favor.

However, Jian Xiyan didn’t hold it against her, and Lin Feiruo seemed uninterested in mentioning it. Since her return, neither of them had brought up Yanshan.

After dinner, Jian Xiyan mentioned that she was tired and wanted to go back to her room to rest. Yu Shuyi didn’t insist on keeping her, thinking they could chat properly tomorrow when everyone had arrived.

Lin Feiruo followed Jian Xiyan upstairs. This floor was where only Jian Xiyan and Jian Xiaomin resided. Since she had moved out after their marriage, it often felt empty. Jian Xiaomin was studying abroad and would only return for short visits after traveling during her vacations.

Lin Feiruo’s mind was occupied with the thought of rooms not exceeding three colors, particularly curious about whether there was any warm-tone decor in the cold ambiance of Jian Xiyan's space.

Jian Xiyan’s bedroom and study were connected, with a sliding door separating the two. When they had to stay overnight, Lin Feiruo typically slept in the study.

Tonight, Lin Feiruo spoke little and had a rather neutral expression, mostly just smiling and nodding.

It wasn’t that she performed poorly, but she appeared somewhat distracted.

Jian Xiyan was planning to remind her tonight; after all, her second uncle would be home tomorrow.

The second uncle wasn’t as easy to sway as the second aunt. If Lin Feiruo kept acting this distracted, they might risk exposing a problem.

Jian Xiyan opened the door to her bedroom and flicked the light switch, instantly transforming the dimly lit room into a bright space.

Lin Feiruo entered behind her and surveyed the room. True to Jian Xiyan’s style, it was understated yet luxurious. The color palette didn’t exceed three hues, and both the furniture and decor exuded quality.

The quality wasn’t just in the design but in an indescribable sense of refinement.

The lamp near the door was extraordinary—its lampshade was hand-blown with an abstract, artistic flair, while the lampstand was carefully treated with copper paint, the color finely mixed to create an antique look with a heavy, refined feel.

Jian Xiyan crossed her arms and stood, waiting for Lin Feiruo to speak. After a moment of silence, she turned around to find Lin Feiruo gazing intently at… the lamp?

Jian Xiyan was puzzled at first but then realized. The look on Lin Feiruo’s face was one of reluctant farewell.

It was a farewell to everything she had once encountered, everything connected to the Jian family.

Jian Xiyan let her gaze slide away and patiently waited, standing there in silence for a moment longer.

She thought to herself: Lin Feiruo, this stubborn person, would eventually be outwitted by Yanshan.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***