Chapter 86: Completed
The noise was quite loud. Meng Ying suppressed a laugh, stood up, and wrapped her arms around Xu Dian’s waist from behind. “What did you see?”
Xu Dian braced a hand against the wardrobe door and stayed silent for a moment.
Meng Ying chuckled. “If you wanted to put your clothes here, you could’ve just told me. No need to be so sneaky—”
Whoosh— Xu Dian turned around, pulling Meng Ying close by the waist. He lowered his head and said, “Then I’m moving in?”
The zipper of Meng Ying’s dress had slipped down to her arm, revealing her fair shoulders and a hint of her back. She tilted her head up, her eyes curved with laughter, shimmering with amusement.
“Sure.”
Xu Dian secretly let out a relieved breath. He tightened his grip, pulling her flush against him. Meng Ying also reached up, looping her arms around his neck. Xu Dian didn’t dare suggest Meng Ying move to his place instead, so he just buried his face in the crook of her neck and murmured, “Your place is still a bit small, though.”
“Then you—”
Before she could finish, Xu Dian, afraid she’d misunderstand, quickly added, “But small places are cozy too.”
His words were so obviously insincere.
Meng Ying pretended not to notice and nodded. “Yes, small places do feel cozier.”
“Mmm.” Xu Dian responded just as unconvincingly.
“Now hurry up and get me a dress.” Meng Ying squirmed. Xu Dian hummed in agreement, turned, and opened the wardrobe. His gaze swept over the shirts and trousers before picking out a dark blue dress from the side. The dress was figure-hugging, with red striped detailing on the shoulders. Meng Ying took it and turned toward the bathroom to change—but Xu Dian suddenly stretched out an arm, blocking her path. He lifted his chin and said, “Change here. Let me see.”
“See what?” Meng Ying shot back. Did he really think he could just watch without getting handsy?
Noticing her reddened ears, Xu Dian guessed what she was thinking. He forcefully shut the bathroom door and leaned against it, arms crossed, successfully cutting off her escape.
Holding the dress, Meng Ying narrowed her eyes. Their gazes locked in the air—his peach-blossom eyes glinting with mischief, while she refused to back down. She nodded. “Fine.”
With that, she took a step back, hung the dress on the hook, and then faced him squarely as she began pulling her current dress down.
And she wasn’t just changing her dress—she was changing her underwear too. Meng Ying remained utterly composed, while Xu Dian, standing across from her, was anything but. His eyes darkened, and he instinctively straightened up. Meng Ying kept her eyes on him as she dressed, her expression perfectly calm. But Xu Dian moved faster—he grabbed the dress, stepped forward, and turned her around. “Let me help you,” he said, his voice rough.
Once her back was to him, Meng Ying’s cheeks flushed. She’d been holding it in earlier.
The dress slipped over her head, and Meng Ying reached her arms out. Xu Dian caught her wrists, then slid his grip down to the soft flesh of her inner arm.
Meng Ying’s knees went weak. Xu Dian caught her, pulling her close as he murmured, “You’re blushing too. Thought you were so tough, huh?”
Meng Ying gritted her teeth. “Shut up.”
“Oh?” Xu Dian laughed.
Meng Ying added, “And clear your throat. And don’t touch me.”
“You’re the same,” Xu Dian countered, resting his chin on her shoulder as his other hand gently adjusted the dress. He chuckled. “Alright, you win.”
Then he turned her around and kissed her lightly.
Meng Ying glanced at her watch. “Come on, let’s go. We still have to eat.”
It was rare for her to go shopping, and she was buzzing with excitement. Xu Dian let himself be pushed along, straightening his cuffs as they headed for the door. He called Jiang Yi on the way. “Go to Yiwan Landscape and pack some clothes for me. Deliver them to Xinyue Community.”
Jiang Yi: “Mr. Xu? No need to hide the clothes anymore?”
Xu Dian: “Nope.”
Jiang Yi: “Congratulations.”
Xu Dian: “Thanks.”
Once outside, Meng Ying locked the door. Xu Dian took her hand as they went downstairs and got into the Mercedes. In their earlier rush, Meng Ying hadn’t paid attention, but now she glanced around the car.
Xu Dian turned the steering wheel, fingers tapping idly. “Last night’s car got soaked.”
“It’s unusable?” Meng Ying whipped her head toward him.
The man hooked a finger at his collar, where faint bite marks were still visible. He made a vague sound of agreement. “Mmm. Probably not. It sat in rainwater all night.”
“…That car seemed pretty new.” Meng Ying couldn’t help tugging at his shirt.
Xu Dian caught her hand and held it. “It’s fine. Switching cars isn’t a problem.”
Meng Ying: “…”
Xu Dian had reserved a table at a skyline restaurant. By the time they arrived, the sky had darkened. They went upstairs, ate, and then strolled across the elevated walkway to the shopping mall across the street. Because of her public profile, Meng Ying wore a mask, while Xu Dian didn’t—he just wore his glasses.
Meng Ying rarely went shopping. When she was a student, she couldn’t afford it. Later, her career made it difficult. Going shopping with a boyfriend was something she’d always found romantic—she’d just gotten to it a little late.
Xu Dian, on the other hand, had never gone shopping. The rows of glittering stores held no appeal for him—he wouldn’t have glanced at them otherwise. But Meng Ying’s enthusiasm made him patient.
He watched as she darted around like a curious child, pointing at outfits and asking, “Do these look nice?”
Xu Dian skimmed them. They were… fine. Not exceptional.
After a brief pause, he asked, “Want to try them on?”
Meng Ying hesitated.
Xu Dian immediately said, “Not interested? Let’s keep going. There are better shops ahead.”
With that, he guided her forward by the waist. Meng Ying had assumed the shops ahead would be regular retail brands, but to her surprise, Xu Dian had already arranged things—there wasn’t a single customer inside. The moment she entered, the manager personally held the door open as several staff members surrounded her. “Miss Meng, we have some newly arrived designs. Would you like to try them?”
Each holding a page of a magazine, they paused as Meng Ying glanced back.
Xu Dian sat on the sofa, phone pressed to his ear as he massaged his temple. The table in front of him was laden with fruit, coffee, and other refreshments. He lifted his gaze, the lenses of his glasses catching the light, casting an air of detached elegance. After hanging up, he removed his glasses and walked over, his voice deep and tender: “Don’t like any of them?”
His eyes brimmed with unconcealed adoration.
Meng Ying tugged lightly at his collar, forcing him to bend slightly. “Hmm?”
“I meant the kind of shopping we were doing earlier, not… this,” she said, gesturing at the high-end boutique.
Xu Dian raised an eyebrow. “It’s fine. Buy what you like here, have them delivered home, and I’ll take you out to the regular stores later.”
Meng Ying: “…”
That… made sense.
But still.
She hesitated. Given her status as a public figure, shopping openly was restrictive. Yet being surrounded by attentive staff like this also made her uneasy.
Most of her clothes were either bought online or gifted by sponsors. Xu Qing had connections and occasionally secured a few affordable seasonal pieces for her.
Xu Dian studied her hesitation, then glanced at the shop manager and staff. Instantly, the manager tensed. “Miss Meng—”
“They’re fine. I’ll try them,” Meng Ying relented, not wanting to make them nervous.
Xu Dian guided her forward with a hand at her waist. “Go on.”
“Buy as much as you want. There’s plenty of space at home.”
Then his throat tightened.
Her apartment was small. The closet barely had room, let alone a dedicated walk-in wardrobe. Plenty of space? What a joke.
The clothes in this store were more than just “fine”—they were exquisite, perfectly suited to Meng Ying’s current style. But the price tags made her avert her eyes after a single glance. She quickly changed into one outfit and stepped out. Xu Dian lounged on the sofa, chin propped on his hand, legs crossed, admiring her graceful figure.
Meng Ying spun slightly. “Does it look good?”
“Gorgeous.”
“Is it too short?”
“Not at all.”
“Which of these two do you prefer?”
“Both.”
“Does this style suit me?”
“Perfectly.”
Absolutely zero constructive feedback. Meng Ying kicked him lightly under the table. The man chuckled. “I mean it. You look stunning in everything.”
Meng Ying: “Just shut up.”
With that, she retreated into the fitting room.
She’d planned to buy just one or two pieces, but at checkout, Xu Dian signed the receipt without hesitation. “Wrap them all. Deliver to Xinyue Community.” Before Meng Ying could protest, he steered her out.
She hastily adjusted her mask and pinched his waist. “I won’t wear half of these!”
“You attend so many events. How could you not wear them?” Xu Dian looked down, amused. “Clearly, I underestimated your love for fashion.”
Meng Ying: “Trying to provoke me?”
“Wouldn’t dare.”
As they turned a corner, a bubble tea shop came into view. Meng Ying’s eyes lit up. Xu Dian noticed instantly and adjusted his glasses. “Want some?”
“Mhm!” She nodded eagerly.
His heartbeat quickened at her expression. “Wait here. I’ll get it.”
“No, I’ll queue with you.” She pulled him into the line. Xu Dian slid a hand into his pocket, keeping the other around her waist as they waited patiently.
Meng Ying stood on tiptoe to whisper to him; Xu Dian bent down to reply, their closeness effortless.
Around them, sidelong glances flickered their way.
Before long, fans were posting on Weibo:
*[BREAKING_NEWS: Spotted Meng Ying and CEO Xu on a date at Yingsheng Mall! OMG, they’re so sweet I might combust. Xu Dian even queued for bubble tea with her—almost didn’t recognize him with those glasses. They’re too perfect together. And Meng Ying was so adorably giddy. I’m deceased.]*
Meanwhile, at home, Zhao Qiao received a flurry of messages in her group chat:
**[Blooming Flowers (35)]**
**Li Yuan:** [Photo] @ZhaoQiao Is this your son and future daughter-in-law??
**Zhao Qiao:** [Shocked face] YES!! You ran into them?!
**Li Yuan:** @ZZZZ and I came for bubble tea and saw them in line!
**Li Yuan:** YOUR SON. IS SHOPPING. VOLUNTARILY.
**Wen Qinqin:** Ugh, a celebrity sighting and I’m not even in Licheng! So mad.
**Wen Qinqin:** When’s the wedding? I’m booking my flight now.
**Zhao Qiao:** Their relationship seems stable, but marriage might take a while.
**Li Yuan:** Your son’s slacking.
**Wen Qinqin:** Your son’s slacking.
**Zhao Qiao:** …Honestly? I think he’s doing pretty well.
—
With bubble tea in hand, Meng Ying soon noticed their growing entourage of discreet followers. Xu Dian’s brow furrowed slightly as he guided her toward the elevator.
Nestled against him, she sipped her drink. “They’re tailing us. Subtly, but still.”
Xu Dian: “Mm. If they don’t approach, we ignore them.”
Meng Ying nodded and took another loud slurp, then offered him the straw. He bent to sip, catching a glimpse of a phone aimed their way. Unfazed, he straightened. “Want to keep shopping?”
“Better not. The crowd’s multiplying. Let’s head back?”
Xu Dian: “Basement level.”
As the elevator doors began closing, four or five girls squeezed in, phones half-hiding their faces as they peeked at the couple. Then two stylishly dressed society matrons slipped in at the last second, winking at Xu Dian. He nodded in recognition. One eyed Meng Ying and murmured, “Goodness, look at that youthful glow. So radiant.”
Meng Ying heard but stayed composed.
“Now I want a daughter-in-law like her,” the other sighed.
At that, Meng Ying glanced over. The women beamed at her warmly, and she immediately understood—these were Zhao Qiao’s friends.
Since she had already pulled down her mask, all she could do was blink at them.
The two women’s eyes lit up, immediately blinking back—a silent, rapid-fire conversation conducted entirely through eyelashes.
Xu Dian caught the exchange from the corner of his eye.
A second later, he covered Meng Ying’s eyes with his palm and tugged her closer against him.
The two matrons froze.
Then promptly lowered their heads to vent in the group chat.
After typing furiously, they resumed their live commentary:
“Xu Dian would be perfect if he were just a little taller. Right now, he’s still not quite on Meng Ying’s level.”
Xu Dian: “…”
The five girls behind them nodded vigorously in agreement.
Xu Dian: “…”
Only after they got into the car did Meng Ying lean out to wave at the five trailing fans. The girls froze, then erupted into muffled squeals as they waved back. Xu Dian gripped the steering wheel tighter and started the engine. Just then, a red luxury sedan pulled up alongside the Mercedes, its window rolling down to reveal the two society ladies blowing exaggerated kisses at Meng Ying.
Meng Ying reciprocated with a playful air kiss of her own. Xu Dian scoffed, slammed the accelerator, and left the red car in the dust as they sped onto the main road.
—
By the time they got home, it was late, but the caffeine from all that bubble tea left Meng Ying wide awake. She rummaged through the apartment and unearthed a cheap, slightly warped Go set. “Play with me,” she demanded, tugging at Xu Dian’s sleeve.
Fresh out of the shower in his robe, he tied the belt and glanced down at the flimsy board.
“Hard pass.”
“I can’t sleep,” Meng Ying whined.
“Whose fault is that for downing three cups of milk tea?” Xu Dian reached out to poke her slightly rounded stomach under her pajamas. She swatted his hand away. “Please? Just one game?”
He studied her annoyingly alert expression and sighed. “Fine.”
They settled on opposite sides of the coffee table. Meng Ying had downloaded a Go app after watching Xu Dian play with his brother and had been practicing in secret. Xu Dian selected the black stones, popping a mint into his mouth, while she took white.
A few moves in, she kept glancing at his lips. Xu Dian noticed. “What?”
“You didn’t smoke today,” she observed.
“Forgot my pack.”
“Really?”
“You’re the one who told me to quit,” he countered, placing a black stone and nudging her to take her turn.
Meng Ying hummed. “It’d be better if you actually did.”
Xu Dian: “Since when do I have to obey you?”
She placed a white stone. “You don’t.”
Silence stretched between them until Xu Dian finally conceded in a low voice, “…I am trying to quit.”
Meng Ying: “Oh.”
He slammed down another black piece and looked up. “That’s it?”
No praise? No reward?
Meng Ying blinked at him, white stone still pinched between her fingers. Then she grinned, stood, and leaned over to press a kiss to his neck—right over the faint bite mark still visible there.
Xu Dian’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Let’s stop playing,” he suggested, voice rough.
“Nope.” She plopped back down and tapped the board. “Continue. I want to see how good I’ve gotten.”
—
One hour later.
Meng Ying stared at the board in existential despair.
Only two white stones remained, while Xu Dian’s black forces dominated the grid with obnoxious thoroughness.
He collected his pieces with infuriating calm. “Impressive skills.”
Meng Ying: “…”
Xu Dian hauled her into his arms, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Bedtime.”
—
Over the next two weeks, Meng Ying participated in promotional events for Interstellar. Though her scenes were limited, her soaring popularity led the film’s team to request she join the main cast’s tour—until Xu Dian shut it down with a flat “No.”
The producers were momentarily baffled, then remembered: the lead actor was Gu Yan. Given Xu Dian and Meng Ying’s relationship and her past dating rumors with Gu Yan, they promptly dropped the idea and instead scheduled her for high-profile solo screenings—all of which drew massive crowds.
Meanwhile, Twins’s rewatch rates skyrocketed. The earlier criticisms of Meng Ying’s acting had vanished, replaced by fervent praise. When news broke that the film had been submitted for July’s Golden Thespian Awards, the hype reached fever pitch—so much that Meng Ying found herself trending for days.
But with acclaim came backlash:
*”Meng Ying only got this far by clinging to Xu Dian. Without him, who’d even notice her?”*
*”One decent drama (Nine Heavens), one variety show Leisure Time), and one movie (Twins)—and she’s calling herself a goddess? The audacity.”*
*”First she copied Yang Tong’s outfits for clout, now she’s riding a man’s coattails. No one does shameless self-promotion like her.”*
*”That ‘personal story’ she shared on Leisure Time? Calculated to make Xu Dian look bad once Twins released. All for sympathy points. Master manipulator.”*
The most insidious comment, though, targeted her friendship with Xu Qing:
*”Xu Qing’s been grinding for years with real acting chops, yet Meng Ying’s cheap PR stunts land her an award nomination in two? Pathetic.”*
The bait worked. Some of Xu Qing’s fans turned on Meng Ying, sparking a vicious online war between their fanbases—so intense that outsiders assumed their friendship was over. Conspiracy theories spread: *Xu Qing always hated her. Meng Ying’s a social-climbing snake.*
Until Xu Qing dropped a nuclear tweet:
*[@XuQing: After my husband, the person I love most is Meng Ying. When she gets married, I’m buying her a house. Shut the hell up—my loyalty hasn’t changed.]*
Fans mid-rage-typing screeched to a halt:
*”?????”*
*”…Guess girl-on-girl love is real.”*
*”Did I just witness a sapphic masterpiece?”*
*”Wait, she’s gifting her a HOUSE?? Am I hearing this right?”*
*”Our Meng Ying is truly everyone’s sweetheart ?”*
*”Please stay like this forever, we’re rooting for you two!”*
*”When will the government assign me a house-giving bestie?? I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!”*
Just then—
**@XuCorp CEO Xu Dian V:** *No need for the house. Thanks.*
**@GuCorp CEO Gu Sui V:** *Women supporting women—we love to see it.*
*”Wow, Xu Dian’s being stingy ?”*
*”Compare this to Boss Gu’s response—Xu Dian, where’s your shame?”*
*”Pathetic. Jealous of girlfriends now? Grow up.”*
And so, the baseless fan war between Meng Ying and Xu Qing’s supporters dissolved into absurdity. But the smear campaigns against Meng Ying persisted. Hua Ying Studios and her agency worked to suppress them, though the vitriol proved stubborn—after all, the world loved a downfall. Critics sharpened their knives, waiting for her to stumble at the awards, to prove she was just another flash-in-the-pan nominee like previous years.
The invisible pressure gnawed at Meng Ying. She knew she’d given her all in Twins, knew the film’s impact was undeniable. But until the envelope opened, nothing was certain. The allure of the award twisted with her fear of failure, leaving her restless.
Noticing her tension, Xu Dian carried her to the balcony one evening, pointing at the city’s glittering skyline. “If you don’t win, will you quit acting?” he asked, the wind ruffling his hair.
Meng Ying, nestled against him, blinked.
“No. I’d keep going.”
“Then why stress?” He chuckled.
Meng Ying: “…”
He was right.
What did anxiety change?
Nothing.
So why bother?
—
As the awards neared, the attacks intensified. Old “scandals” were exhumed, and media outlets prepped their cameras like vultures circling carrion.
At the ceremony, Xu Qing entered first in a violet gown, drawing cheers. Then a Maybach S-Class glided to the red carpet—unexpected for an actress of Meng Ying’s tier. The door opened, and she emerged in a black backless dress, the tattooed rose peeking through sheer fabric. Critics expecting a nervous wreck froze as she strode forward, radiant and poised.
The Maybach’s opulence framed her like a crown. When Xu Qing paused to loop arms with her, the media’s schadenfreude died mid-shutter-click.
At the signing table, Xu Qing whispered, “How are you this calm? Did Xu Dian slip you Xanax?”
Meng Ying: “Ate well, slept well. Easy.”
The mic caught it. Live viewers choked on their popcorn.
*She’s been SLEEPING SOUNDLY while we were raging??*
Seated center-stage, Meng Ying spotted Gu Yan in the front row, listlessly scrolling his phone. She considered greeting him but thought better of it.
Award ceremonies were tedious even when nominated. Yet as Twins’s clips played and the host announced her category, her pulse spiked—
—right as a hashtag trended:
**#MengYingIsUnworthyOfXuDian**
*”Meng Ying dragging Xu Dian? Delusional. Let’s unpack: Harvard-bound at 18, chose LiCheng Uni for family duty, gutted XuCorp’s corrupt board by 22, GPA dwarfing Meng Ying’s (yes, I’ve got transcripts). She coasted on scandals and comparisons. Where’s her talent? Oh right—nowhere. Prove me wrong, ‘actress.’ Win Best Lead and I’ll eat my hat.”*
**@Li Yuan’er:** *Oops. She just won Golden Thespian Best Actress. Bon appétit.*
**@Xu Qing:** *So… livestream the hat-eating?*
**@Zhao Qiao (Xu Dian’s mom):** *Since when is my son good enough for her?? News to me.*
**@Zhu Min’er:** *Gold trophy in hand. Keep barking.*
**@Gu Yan:** *She earned this.*
**@Zhou Yang:** *Clown behavior.*
**@Xu Dian (Husband of Actress Meng):** *Get lost.*
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