Chapter 57: A Mistress

Several weeks later, the YouTu Travel Festival arrived as scheduled. The backstage was bustling that day, not only with many well-known bloggers but also with invited performance groups.

The makeup room backstage was typically shared by four people. When Guan Xi entered with Wang Qing and her assistant Little Ka, she found a familiar face among her roommates – Zhao Xiaorou.

The other two she hadn’t met in real life, but they had connected online with the same IDs they used there. They were all online friends.

“Hello, hello, I’m Li Qian, my Weibo ID is Xiaodanjuan.” Li Qian was petite and cute.

Guan Xi shook hands with her, saying, “I know you; I’ve been following you for a long time. Finally, we meet.”

“Yeah, today is a large-scale online friends’ gathering,” Li Qian said. “Wow, Guan Xi, you look even better in person than in photos.”

“Thank you.”

Li Qian genuinely praised, considering that in this age where even famous beauties like Zhao Xiaorou can look different in person than in online pictures due to heavy photo editing.

She truly didn’t expect Guan Xi, whom she met offline, to be even more beautiful than online.

Li Qian: “Hey, can we take a photo together?”

Guan Xi: “Sure, but I need to put on some makeup. The makeup artist is waiting for me.”

“Okay, okay, we have plenty of time tonight.” Li Qian stared at her without turning away.

Oh my, she hasn’t put on makeup yet, but her bare-faced skin is already stunning…

When Guan Xi sat down at the makeup table, she greeted another mutual friend, Qi Feifei, who was beside her. Qi Feifei is a blogger who explores various shops worldwide, recommending everything from delicious food to trendy stores. Guan Xi started following her because she found many good restaurants through her.

“What a coincidence, I didn’t expect we would share the same dressing room.” Guan Xi greeted Zhao Xiaorou, who was on her other side. After sitting down, Zhao Xiaorou greeted her first.

Due to the previous program incident, Guan Xi didn’t have a good impression of her: “It’s not a coincidence. Aren’t we from the same studio? It’s normal to be arranged together.”

Zhao Xiaorou smiled: “Guan Xi, I heard you were invited to share on stage this time. It was me two years ago. If you don’t understand anything, you can ask me.”

“Oh, I didn’t know it was you. If you had told me earlier, I would have had many questions for you, but now I’m about to go on stage, it’s too late.” Guan Xi smiled without much emotion, “But still, thank you.”

Zhao Xiaorou: “You’re welcome, I’m a senior, it’s natural.”

Senior, my foot…

Guan Xi couldn’t be bothered to listen to Zhao Xiaorou’s fake words and signaled the makeup artist to start applying makeup. Then, she took out her phone to review her speech.

An hour later, the outdoor event began.

“How are the preparations going, teachers? You can go out and take a seat now,” a staff member came over to call people.

“Okay.”

Guan Xi finally adjusted her makeup and hair before leaving the backstage with Li Qian and others.

The seating arrangement at the venue was fixed, with the front row in the middle reserved for corporate executives and some invited industry insiders. The front rows on both sides were occupied by the stars of the evening, bloggers under YouTu, or some invited influencers. Behind them were the journalists, marketing accounts, and the general audience.

Guan Xi and her group were positioned on the right side, so after coming out from backstage, they had to walk across the long stage in front. Guan Xi was originally focused, but unexpectedly, as she walked, she caught a glimpse of a familiar face.

“…?”

Her steps didn’t pause, but her gaze immediately stuck to that person. The person sitting seemed to have noticed her too. He remained calm, just pointing to his own phone.

Guan Xi, dressed in a gown, naturally had her phone in her handbag. Seeing his gesture, she didn’t immediately pick it up. It wasn’t until she sat down that she took out her phone to check.

She had been busy with the final makeup preparations just before coming out, so she hadn’t checked her phone. Now, she discovered a message from Jiang Suizhou a few minutes ago.

Jiang Suizhou: [When are you coming out?]

Guan Xi glanced over the crowd towards the center and replied to him with lowered eyes: [Why are you here? Didn’t you say you never attend these events?]

Jiang Suizhou: [Changed my mind today.]

Guan Xi silently smiled: [Oh? Checking up on me?]

Jiang Suizhou: [Otherwise, I have nothing to do.]

Guan Xi: [So thoughtful? Okay, I’ll reward you with a hundred kisses when we get home tonight.]

Jiang Suizhou: [I’ll count them.]

Guan Xi: […No need to be so strict about it.]

After chatting randomly with Jiang Suizhou for a while, Guan Xi put her phone back.

The people around were engrossed in their own conversations. Since everyone was from the online community, there was a bit of initial awkwardness when meeting offline, but once they started gossiping, the atmosphere became lively.

“Who is that guy? Do you guys know?” Qi Feifei asked.

Li Qian: “Are you talking about the guy in the black suit in the front row?”

Qi Feifei: “Yes, yes, him.”

Li Qian smiled meaningfully: “I knew you were talking about him. I just walked by and saw him—so handsome. He’s the perfect representative for the boss position.”

“Hahaha, yeah, which company’s boss?”

Li Qian thought for a moment: “Probably some rich second generation. Where can you find such a young big boss?”

“The behind-the-scenes boss of YouTu is Jiang Suizhou, not some rich second generation… How many generations rich is he now?” At this moment, Zhao Xiaorou, sitting nearby, suddenly interjected.

Guan Xi heard Jiang Suizhou’s name, lifted her gaze to glance at Zhao Xiaorou, and realized they were discussing Er Gou (Second Dog).

Li Qian, sensitive to this handsome guy, noticed that Zhao Xiaorou knew some inside information and immediately asked curiously, “Is it true? The boss of YouTu? But isn’t the boss of YouTu called Chen Fan?”

Zhao Xiaorou: “Chen Fan is the public face, but YouTu is under the Guangyi Group. Jiang Suizhou is the heir of Guangyi, so he’s the real boss.”

Li Qian suddenly understood: “Oh, that’s how it is. Xiaorou, you know a lot.”

Zhao Xiaorou looked a bit proud: “Of course.”

But in reality, she didn’t know much. She didn’t meet Jiang Suizhou during her previous visit, and these few sentences were just something she casually asked from some industry friends who came together today. It was information passed on by others…

Qi Feifei: “Oh my, Guangyi Group.”

In this day and age, there were probably very few people who didn’t know about the Guangyi Group.

Li Qian: “This is the legendary handsome and wealthy, the most amazing fifth young master.”

Guan Xi silently picked at her nails.

What fifth young master? Clearly, it’s Jiang Er Gou (Second Dog).

Li Qian: “Hey, how old is he? Is he married?”

Zhao Xiaorou: “Not even thirty, I heard she’s not married.”

Qi Feifei: “Oh my! High quality!”

Li Qian laughs: “Whether he’s married or not is none of your business! Even if he’s not married, with looks like that, he must have a group of admirers.”

Guan Xi: “…”

Qi Feifei jokes: “You don’t understand, do you? It’s because he has a group of admirers that it concerns you. But if someone has a wife or only one girlfriend, then it really doesn’t concern you.”

“Hahaha, your thoughts are quite dangerous.”

Qi Feifei quickly says: “Hey, I’m just joking, just joking. I do have a boyfriend!”

“Hahaha.”

“Guan Xi, why aren’t you saying anything? Did you see that Jiang Suizhou just now? The one sitting in the middle.”

The performance on stage begins, and Guan Xi looks at the stage in front of her and responds, “I saw.”

“How is he, handsome or not?”

Guan Xi: “Average.”

“Just average? No way, I think he’s very handsome.” Li Qian says, “Why are you not interested at all?”

Guan Xi: “I…”

“Yeah, why are you not interested at all?” Zhao Xiaorou looks at her and says, “You should be the most interested.”

Guan Xi instantly holds back what she was about to say, finding it unbelievable, “What do you mean? Why should I be the most interested?”

Zhao Xiaorou innocently says, “I didn’t mean anything else, just that you are so beautiful. Men would surely like you a lot, and your chances are bigger than ours.”

Playing this teasing game with her again???

Guan Xi is no longer keeping her composure and immediately retorts, “So what? I’m not like some people who climb up whenever they see a profitable man.”

Zhao Xiaorou, having heard numerous negative news about men, most of which were true, understands the context.

Zhao Xiaorou’s expression changes abruptly, “Guan Xi, what do you mean?”

“I mean exactly what I said.”

“You—”

“Hey hey hey, stop arguing. Xiaorou, don’t say anything,” Li Qian hurriedly advises, “There are people around, it’s not appropriate.”

Li Qian and Qi Feifei were initially joking about the matter. Now, seeing the inexplicable tension between Zhao Xiaorou and Guan Xi, they feel a bit puzzled. Being blocked like this, Zhao Xiaorou can only hold back her words. She turns her head in annoyance and doesn’t speak further.

Guan Xi looks at her as if she’s crazy… Why is this person always intermittently odd?

**

The YouTu Travel Festival adopts a live broadcast format, and the award ceremony will begin halfway through the program. Apart from going on stage to receive an award, Guan Xi also has another task—a ten-minute travel sharing session.

While waiting for the award ceremony to begin, Wang Qing suddenly emerges from backstage, crouching low and making her way to Guan Xi.

“Guan Xi, Guan Xi.”

“What’s wrong?”

Wang Qing’s expression is somewhat unpleasant, “Come with me for a moment.”

Guan Xi is puzzled, but seeing Wang Qing’s serious look, she gets up and walks with her to the side.

Wang Qing anxiously takes out her phone, “What’s going on here?”

“What?”

“I just got busy and saw this. Someone posted these things online an hour ago, saying something about you and Mr. You… mentioning your connections with many wealthy people. Where did these photos come from?”

Guan Xi immediately took her phone, lowered her gaze, and saw a series of photos of her with other people. From the angles of these photos, it was obviously taken without her knowledge.

There were several pictures of her with You Hao, and as she recalled from these images—You Hao supporting her, getting into You Hao’s car… wasn’t that the scene when she had menstrual cramps in the parking lot that day?

And there were a few more photos from later, surprisingly taken when Wei Xiuyang came to pick her up that day. Moreover, there were more pictures from Wei Xiuyang’s side, not only of him picking her up but also scenes of them entering the residential area together.

After going through the photos, Guan Xi felt completely bewildered. What on earth was this? Her with You Hao and Wei Xiuyang???

However, on her phone, the whistleblower was presenting a detailed narrative—

【Guan Xi really became popular suddenly. How is it possible that no one is backing her up? My colleague said she’s having an affair with her own boss. It’s said that because of You Hao’s help, she got into “Our Guesthouse,” which was originally Zhao Xiaorou’s variety show. In short, You Hao is showering her with all kinds of resources, and the most explosive part is that You Hao is not single, and Guan Xi intervened】

【Guan Xi went to spend a night at the home of a certain second-generation heir to Aston Martin. This guy often comes to pick her up, and everyone in the company knows】

…

“Who are these people? They’re really good at making up stories. How could you be involved with Director You?” Wang Qing said, “But who is this wealthy second generation? Frequently coming to pick you up? Why don’t I know?”

Wang Qing actually knew nothing about Guan Xi’s private matters, the only thing he knew was about her former fiancé she met before, but he hasn’t seen him since returning to the country.

Guan Xi: “Frequently? It was just that one time. What wealthy second generation spending a night together? That’s my younger brother.”

Wang Qing was stunned: “Really?!”

“Nonsense.”

Wang Qing immediately felt relieved: “That’s good, that’s good. But the problem is, the person spreading the rumors deliberately posted under the hot topics and your Weibo. They’re doing it in a detailed manner, and many netizens are being misled. We need to figure out how to clarify this.”

“Contact Director You, and come up with a clarification statement now.” Guan Xi glanced at the stage, “I have to go back now; we’re already at the award ceremony. Once everything here settles, we’ll deal with this matter.”

“Okay, make sure you’re not affected.”

“I won’t be.”

For Guan Xi, these bizarre news didn’t affect her at all. She was just surprised that someone was secretly taking pictures of her. After sitting back, the host had already started cueing the proceedings. Guan Xi temporarily set aside her frustration and confusion, focusing on the current situation.

However, during the time she went up to receive the award and give a speech, there were still people causing a stir in the live broadcast comments.

【Ah, ah, ah, Xi Xi is here! Her looks are too stunning, completely overshadowing that group of photo-editing weirdos.】

【She’s truly beautiful! Absolutely on par with celebrities!】

【The dress is so beautiful.】

【High-end… the new design for this year’s fashion week.】

【Stop praising her; what’s there to praise about being a mistress?】

【???】

【For those who don’t know, quickly check Weibo. Someone has exposed it; it’s about being the boss’s and a wealthy second generation’s, no wonder she’s decked out in gold and silver.】

【Just came back from Weibo; I’m shocked.】

【Any evidence? Don’t spout nonsense.】

【Those intimate photos are evidence, and it’s even from their own studio.】

【You need looks to be a mistress or a sea queen; you guys don’t understand anything.】

【Sigh, just entered the fandom and got dragged out.】

…

For all bloggers, after the proceedings on stage were completed, there was an interactive exhibition area for the travel festival. In this area, various photos taken during travels were exhibited, and major bloggers would sign on the photo wall and have simple interactions with their fans.

As one of the most popular travel bloggers recently, Guan Xi naturally had a large number of fans who came specifically to meet her. But no one expected that just before this event, the online gossip about her surfaced.

Wang Qing, fearing any mishaps, instructed Guan Xi to sign on the wall and then leave directly, temporarily canceling the scene of interacting with fans.

“Cancel it? Those are all fake. I’m not satisfied with this,” Guan Xi said backstage while touching up her makeup. “What about those fans who came for me?”

“What fans?” Wang Qing replied, “Right now, no one even knows if those are still your fans. Who knows how the news is spreading.”

“… “

Damn, that’s heartbreaking.

Wang Qing: “Now go through the final program, just sign your name, don’t linger. There are many marketing accounts and journalists shooting over there. If anyone asks you a question, don’t answer, just leave.”

Guan Xi was even more dissatisfied: “Can’t I explain a bit?”

“If you speak directly in front of the camera, what if you say something wrong and people misunderstand? Just come back directly. Wait for Director You’s response, and then we can release a statement.”

Guan Xi almost rolled her eyes. What kind of situation was this? So troublesome!

On the other side, in the seats in front of the stage—

“Mr. Jiang.” Zhou Hao ran over to him.

The program on stage was about to end, but Jiang Suizhou hadn’t left because he was waiting for Guan Xi. Since he didn’t leave, the other high-level personnel didn’t dare to move either. They all sat together and watched the last program.

“What’s the matter.”

Zhou Hao leaned down, lowered his voice at his ear, “Miss Guan seems to have encountered some trouble. It seems that someone maliciously spread some rumors online to smear Miss Guan.”

As Zhou Hao spoke, he handed his phone to Jiang Suizhou. After looking at it for a while, Jiang Suizhou’s eyebrows lightly furrowed. Without saying a word, he stood up and walked towards the backstage area. The others around him breathed a sigh of relief when they saw him leave his seat.

Finally, they could leave…

Zhou Hao followed Jiang Suizhou, explaining as they walked, “Mr. Jiang, this information only came out recently. But because today’s broadcast format is live, many people are commenting in the barrage, so the news is spreading quickly…”

“Where is Guan Xi?”

Zhou Hao: “At this time, you should be in the interactive exhibition area.”

“Does she know?”

“Not quite sure, but she should know. She has her own staff with her.”

…

After finishing her makeup, Guan Xi was taken by the staff to the interactive exhibition area.

It’s lively here, and after the person before her finished signing, it was Guan Xi’s turn. Although she was reluctant, she followed Wang Qing’s experienced advice and decided to sign and leave without lingering.

However, she never expected that when she turned around after signing in front of the photo wall, an unopened bottle of mineral water would suddenly be thrown in from beyond the partition.

Along with a sharp voice: “Come down——”

Guan Xi reacted quickly, tilting her head when the water bottle was thrown, so she wasn’t hit directly on the bridge of her nose but on the right jawline. It was much better than a direct hit, but it still hurt!

Guan Xi had never encountered such a thing. Even in her most difficult times before, no one dared to treat her like this.

Her temper flared up instantly! Guan Xi ignored the idea of signing and leaving, walked to the edge of the partition, and looked down at the crowd below, saying, “Who threw the water bottle? Since I can still talk to you calmly now, come out.”

“You’re the third party! Deserve to be hit,” came that sharp voice again.

Before Guan Xi could say anything, a young girl said, “What nonsense! Xi Xi is not like that!”

“There’s evidence, relying on this method to climb up and snatch the resources of my family’s Xiaorou!”

The girl blushed and said, “Just a few pictures, why say that! The person in your family has problems, who else can you blame!”

“It’s your family that has problems——”

“Clearly, it’s yours!”

…

The interactive exhibition area is not very large, and the fans here have been screened. Most of them focus on a particular blogger. While Guan Xi’s anger was still on the rise, the situation below had evolved into two waves of fans arguing.

Guan Xi: “…”

“Guan Xi, there are rumors that you are dating your married boss and also involved with a wealthy second generation at the same time. Is it true?” A reporter below seized the opportunity and immediately pointed the camera at Guan Xi.

Guan Xi: “It’s not true.”

“It is said that it’s information from someone who knows you—”

“I have a boyfriend.” Guan Xi interrupted the person, saying directly, “Don’t assume anything based on rumors. Just because someone comes forward doesn’t mean they know the truth.”

“Boyfriend? Are you saying you’re not single?”

“I’m not single, so please don’t casually spread rumors about me. Thank you.”

“Can you reveal who your boyfriend is and how you met?”

“No—”

“Her boyfriend is me.”

All cameras and gazes focused on Guan Xi, but just at this concentrated moment, a steady voice suddenly came from off-camera. Everyone was stunned, and all eyes turned to the man who had walked up to Guan Xi.

He was dressed formally, handsome, but his face seemed to have a layer of frost.

“Who are you…”

He glanced coldly at the person who spoke, couldn’t be bothered to answer, and just looked towards the restless crowd not far away, saying, “Take out the person who threw the mineral water bottle just now.”

Several people in suits with earphones, who came in with him, immediately obediently ran in that direction.

“Let’s go.” He took Guan Xi and walked to the side.

Guan Xi: “Why did you come?”

“Looking for you.” Jiang Suizhou glanced at her, “Did you get hit?”

Guan Xi smirked, annoyed, “Yes! The right side of my face hurts.”

Jiang Suizhou felt a bit anxious, “Go backstage and put some ice on it.”

…

The cameras below didn’t put away, especially a couple of savvy marketing accounts who recognized the man in front of them as Jiang Suizhou, the rarely seen heir of Guangyi Group, who appeared in the main seat tonight.

“Oh, it’s Jiang Suizhou!”

“Who?”

“The heir of Guangyi Group. He was sitting outside watching the show just now! Guan Xi is actually his girlfriend!”

“What about the news from earlier?”

…

The fans at the scene were stunned, and Wang Qing on the side was completely dumbfounded. Jiang Suizhou… Guangyi Group??

Wang Qing silently took out her phone and started searching on Baidu…

**

“Guan Xi, Guan Xi—” in the backstage corridor, Wang Qing, who had finished gathering information, caught up.

Guan Xi stopped at the sound, “Wang Qing, I’m going to the dressing room now. Let’s tidy up and leave.”

“Okay.” After Wang Qing replied, she glanced at Jiang Suizhou, feeling a bit awkward. “Mr. Jiang…”

Wang Qing was not someone from the business circle, and Jiang Suizhou was a camera-shy figure, rarely appearing in the media. So, while she knew about Guangyi Group, she had no idea about Jiang Suizhou.

Moreover, with her busy day dealing with Guan Xi’s affairs, she didn’t even notice that Jiang Suizhou, whom she had seen before, was also present in the audience.

Jiang Suizhou nodded in acknowledgment, then looked at Guan Xi, “You still want to go to the dressing room? Come to my resting room first and put some ice on your face.”

“My things are there, I need to get them,” Guan Xi touched her face, saying, “It doesn’t feel swollen, no need to apply ice.”

“No, you have to,” Jiang Suizhou insisted.

“Really, it’s not necessary.”

“You just said it hurt a moment ago; you must apply ice.”

“I…”

Wang Qing quickly said, “Okay, okay. I’ll go get some ice from the staff. You two go to the dressing room, and I’ll be right there.”

Jiang Suizhou said, “That works. Thank you.”

In the dressing room at this moment, those who had finished the interaction, including Zhao Xiaorou, were chatting. Li Qian, looking at the online news, was somewhat incredulous, “Guan Xi doesn’t seem like that kind of person…”

Zhao Xiaorou chuckled, “Can you really tell from these things?”

Qi Feifei added, “But Guan Xi is quite wealthy herself, there’s no need for this.”

“Wealthy? Have you ever wondered where her money comes from?” Zhao Xiaorou sneered. “Let me tell you honestly, the variety show she appeared on before was supposed to be mine. She got it by relying on her relationship with Mr. You.”

Li Qian and Qi Feifei exchanged glances but remained silent.

Zhao Xiaorou continued, “But who can blame her for being attractive? I have to admit that.”

The door of the dressing room clicked, signaling someone was coming in. Li Qian and Qi Feifei quickly sat back in their positions, and Zhao Xiaorou smiled, not saying much, just touching up her lipstick in front of the mirror.

Although she was supposedly touching up her lipstick, her gaze used the mirror to observe the person coming in. She guessed it was Guan Xi returning and wanted to see her expression at this moment.

Indeed, it was Guan Xi who came in. Zhao Xiaorou saw a displeased look on her face and smirked slightly. However, the next moment, when her gaze fell on the man who entered with Guan Xi, her smile froze.

“My seat is here. Wait for me; I’ll tidy up.” Guan Xi, upon entering, glanced at Zhao Xiaorou but didn’t say anything more. She walked straight to the makeup table.

Jiang Suizhou followed.

Li Qian and the others had just discussed Jiang Suizhou in front of the stage, so they recognized him. They just didn’t expect the big boss to suddenly come to their small dressing room. After a few seconds of stunned silence, they suddenly stood up.

“Mr. Jiang… Hello.”

Jiang Suizhou glanced at the two and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Li Qian and Qi Feifei felt their hearts in their throats. After the greeting, they didn’t dare to say anything more. Zhao Xiaorou also froze, wondering why he was here…

“Here, here, the ice is here.” After a while, Wang Qing rushed in from outside.

Jiang Suizhou said, “I’ll do it.”

Wang Qing quickly handed him the ice.

Jiang Suizhou took it and pulled a chair to sit next to Guan Xi, then turned Guan Xi’s chair in his direction. “Don’t move for now; let’s apply some ice.”

Guan Xi made a sound of acknowledgment, obedient at this moment.

However, the instant Jiang Suizhou applied the ice, she immediately recoiled, “It’s so cold!”

Jiang Suizhou frowned, “Come a bit closer.”

Guan Xi resisted and said, “The ice… not enough, I don’t hurt anymore.”

Jiang Suizhou dissatisfiedly said, “If it swells tomorrow, don’t make a fuss.”

“I won’t make a fuss.” Guan Xi tilted her head, not letting the ice approach. “Not enough… I said I don’t hurt, don’t come over… Jiang Suizhou!”

Jiang Suizhou didn’t listen to her, ignoring the resistance and pulling her over, holding her chin and carefully pressing the ice down. “Be good, it will be better in a while.”

Guan Xi had no choice but to endure, her brows furrowed from the cold. “Sss… you’re so annoying…”

Previous

Next