Chapter 23- The National Goddess Raised by the Best Actor(2)

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Chapter 23

The living room was dimly lit by a single lamp. Ji Yang, his head spinning badly, sat on the sofa to rest for a moment. A woman descended from the stairs.

Her long, straight hair fell sleek and smooth, framing a delicate, palm-sized face, fair and refined. Her eyes carried a hint of lingering sorrow and unease, but she quickly masked it. She walked to the kitchen and returned with a bowl of sobering soup.

“Drink this—it’ll make you feel better,” Xu Ruier said, sitting across from him. Her gaze lingered on him, filled with longing.

She had admired this man for five whole years, idolizing him as someone almost sacred and untouchable. One day, he appeared in her life, close yet distant. She desired him but didn’t dare approach too boldly. He occupied her heart and mind completely, and she was content to do anything for him, no matter how difficult.

Xu Ruier didn’t even know what role she played in his life. The emergence of Xu Wan left her flustered because her sister had always had a habit of taking what belonged to her and trampling on it mercilessly. Would this time be any different?

In the past, her family had cut her off financially to stop her from going abroad, leaving her to struggle alone. It was during that time that he appeared. She saw him as her savior, her faith, just like countless other fangirls who carefully, tenderly admired their idols.

Ji Yang leaned forward, resting his head on his hand, his brows deeply furrowed in discomfort.

“Does it hurt a lot?” Xu Ruier quickly gathered herself, moving closer. Just as she was about to touch him, she hesitated, her hands trembling.

Other than necessary physical contact in bed, they had no other interactions. He disliked it, and she didn’t dare initiate.

“Yeah,” Ji Yang muttered, leaning to her side. His weight pressed on her as he appeared extremely vulnerable and weary.

Feeling his sudden lean against her shoulder, Xu Ruier stiffened completely, freezing in place, unsure of what to do. Ji Yang’s voice broke the silence. “Let me lean here for a bit—I’m feeling awful.”

“…Okay,” Xu Ruier responded softly.

Ji Yang rested against her for a moment before lifting a hand to massage his temple, his discomfort evident.

“Let me help,” Xu Ruier offered hesitantly. Her fingers lightly pressed against his forehead, her movements careful and timid.

“Alright,” Ji Yang replied, using the opportunity to lie down on her lap. Closing his eyes, he settled into a quiet slumber.

Xu Ruier’s heartbeat quickened, and she momentarily forgot how to breathe. Staring at him, she hesitated before gently placing her hands on him, massaging his temples.

Lowering her head, her gaze was filled with admiration and love as she studied his face, mesmerized, just as she had done countless nights before.

As she continued, Ji Yang’s phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence. The abrupt ringtone made him frown, but he didn’t sit up. Instead, he reached for the phone and answered it.

“Hello?”

“Hey, what’s going on? You and Xu Wan were photographed together, and it’s blowing up online. What’s happening?” his manager’s urgent voice came through, though his tone remained respectful.

Ji Yang was a massive draw in the entertainment industry, a walking headline. Even though he rarely took endorsements—maybe one a year—his popularity never waned.

“Director Li’s new project. I got drunk, and she gave me a ride home. Nothing happened,” Ji Yang explained calmly. “Oh, by the way, don’t sign the contract for Chen Hui’s variety show. Turn it down. But I’ll consider the script from Haicheng. Also, arrange an additional audition slot for a supporting actress role.”

“Got it.” The manager sounded both pleased and worried. What kind of spell had Xu Wan cast over Ji Yang? Still, he offered a reminder. “The director in Haicheng has a reputation for being very strict.”

Skipping out on Chen Hui’s brainless romance show was a good call, but was Ji Yang planning to use his influence to help Xu Wan land a role in Haicheng?

“Don’t worry, it’s just an audition slot,” Ji Yang reassured.

“Alright, then.”

Ending the call, Ji Yang looked up to find Xu Ruier staring off into space. The next moment, their eyes met.

Xu Ruier froze for a moment, staring blankly at him.

Ji Yang smiled, his expression light and carefree as he sat up. “Did your legs go numb from being pressed on?”

“No,” she quickly replied, shaking her head.

“Then go upstairs and rest.” Ji Yang stood, then casually asked, “Now that you’ve graduated, have you thought about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?”

Xu Ruier stayed silent.

Of course, she wanted to work in her field of expertise. But Xu Wan had learned about her studying acting and entered the entertainment industry first. If she joined now, would she end up making things worse for herself?

Having endured oppression from Xu Wan since childhood, her instinct was to shrink back.

“The supporting female role in the Haicheng project would suit you. There’s a chance to audition. If you’re interested, you should give it a try,” Ji Yang suggested.

Xu Ruier’s eyes widened slightly. “…An audition opportunity? For me?”

She had assumed this was for Xu Wan. It was a major production, aiming for film festivals and awards. Even a supporting role was highly coveted, with countless popular actresses vying for it.

“Who else would it be for?” Ji Yang’s lips curled into a faint smile. “So, are you going to go?”

“Mm-hmm.” Looking into his eyes, Xu Ruier beamed, nodding excitedly. She quickly added, “I’ll do my best!”

She really liked that script, and the supporting role was one of her favorite characters.

“Get some rest,” Ji Yang said.

As soon as he spoke, Xu Ruier stood, but as the sensation of tingling numbness swept through her legs, she wobbled, looking visibly embarrassed.

Her legs had indeed gone numb.

“Always trying to act tough.” Ji Yang shook his head, scooping her up effortlessly and carrying her upstairs.

Xu Ruier’s body felt weightless, and she tensed up entirely, unsure of where to place her hands.

It was his first time carrying her.

He was so close.

He smelled so good.

“Go to sleep. I’ll take a shower,” Ji Yang said, setting her down and covering her with a blanket. He grabbed some clothes and headed into the bathroom.

Xu Ruier stared at the bathroom door, unable to calm her thoughts.

He seemed like himself, yet somehow, he didn’t. He hadn’t acted like this before. His actions tonight were enough to leave her overwhelmed.

When Ji Yang came out after his shower, Xu Ruier pretended to be asleep.

He walked over, lifted the blanket, and got into bed. He simply lay down to sleep, making no further moves.

Xu Ruier felt a small pang of disappointment but was also content. She didn’t dare to hope for too much—just being by his side like this was already a blessing. She forced herself not to think about the rumors circulating online. Ji Yang had already explained everything, hadn’t he?

It was just a simple social outing. Xu Wan had merely given him a ride home.

Ji Yang closed his eyes, but he didn’t fall asleep. Instead, he continued reviewing the memories, analyzing the dynamics between him and Xu Ruier to avoid making any missteps. A gradual approach would be necessary.

Late that night.

The internet erupted when paparazzi photos emerged of Ji Yang and Xu Wan together. Although blurry, the individuals in the pictures looked remarkably like them.

Fans lost their minds.

How could Ji Yang possibly be in a relationship?

He was their god, their untouchable, celibate idol—a “heavenly being” who didn’t partake in worldly matters. They simply wouldn’t accept the idea of him dating anyone!

Xu Wan quietly orchestrated some hired accounts to stir up the news further, but within an hour, Ji Yang’s studio issued an official clarification.

The statement explained that both had attended a dinner gathering with others and dismissed the rumors as false.

The director of the project also came forward to clarify. Naturally, fans were thrilled, and the buzz gradually died down.

Xu Wan, however, was fuming.

Shortly after, her agent called her with good news: Ji Yang had arranged for the Haicheng director to leave a supporting role audition slot for her.

Her heart leapt with joy.

A film of that caliber—she wouldn’t dare dream of landing the lead, but even the supporting role was an incredible opportunity. It was a prestigious project with significant artistic merit.

“Get me the script first. I’ll familiarize myself with it and make sure to nail the role. After all, it’s just an audition. I still need to give it my all,” Xu Wan said, maintaining a composed facade.

“Got it!”

The agent was just as excited. Ji Yang had been offering resources left and right recently, and this was no exception. Landing a role in this movie would be invaluable.

As long as Xu Wan delivered a competent performance, Ji Yang’s influence would ensure the director showed her favor!