Chapter 27- The National Goddess Raised by the Best Actor(6)

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Chapter 27

The evening breeze greeted Ji Yang as he opened the door to his home, immediately enveloped by the tantalizing aroma of cooking. From the kitchen came the rhythmic sounds of a spatula flipping through a pan.

He closed the door and walked in, noticing a neatly arranged table full of vibrant dishes, their colors and scents perfectly appealing.

“You’re back?” Xu Ruier appeared, wearing a bunny-themed apron. She seemed slightly nervous, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her apron, though her eyes gleamed with joy.

“You’re in a good mood,” Ji Yang remarked, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it onto a nearby chair. One hand in his pocket, he made his way toward her.

Xu Ruier’s gaze was locked on him as he approached, her breathing quickening slightly. In a soft, delicate tone, she said, “Thank you.”

“Just for giving you an opportunity,” Ji Yang said casually. “It’s your effort that matters. If you’re thanking anyone, thank yourself.”

Xu Ruier bit her lip, a swirl of emotions stirring within her. Yet she couldn’t help but add, “If it weren’t for you, Director Xu Yuan wouldn’t have even looked my way.”

Now, she had the chance to act in a movie and stand alongside the man she cherished deeply. She could finally be closer to him.

“If you’re going to thank me for this, how many times would I owe you thanks?” Ji Yang suddenly leaned in closer, a playful smile on his face. “By the way… your dish seems to be burning.”

Xu Ruier’s cheeks turned beet red before her expression froze. Her eyes widened in realization. With a sharp gasp, she rushed back to the kitchen in a flurry.

Her flustered demeanor was too much; Ji Yang couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Not long after, six dishes and a soup adorned the table.

“Here,” Xu Ruier said, placing a bowl of rice in front of him before ladling soup into another bowl.

Though she had prepared meals for him countless times before, today she seemed particularly shy. Her hands were slightly unsteady, and her eyes darted away nervously.

Her pure, unpretentious demeanor radiated a kind of charm that was hard to ignore.

“Thanks,” Ji Yang said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Eat up. You’ve been straining your voice these past few days, so I made everything mild. I hope you don’t mind,” she said, her tone gentle.

“Such special treatment?” Ji Yang teased, his grin widening. “If I give you more audition opportunities, does that mean I’ll get gourmet meals every day?”

At his remark, Xu Ruier’s face flushed even deeper. Avoiding his gaze, she stammered, “If you like, I can cook for you every day.”

She meant it—she would gladly do it, but he wasn’t always around.

“Deal. You said it, so it’s a promise!” Ji Yang declared.

Xu Ruier couldn’t help but smile, her lips curling up into a radiant expression. Her eyes sparkled like starlight, glowing with hidden affection.

However, just as the warmth between them was building, her phone rang.

“It’s mine.” Xu Ruier hurriedly said as she saw Ji Yang about to get up. “I’ll take it in the living room. You go ahead and eat.”

“Alright.”

Walking into the living room, she picked up her phone. Seeing the contact name, her heart sank. A wave of unease washed over her, and her body tensed.

Ji Yang paused his eating, his eyes following her movements with curiosity.

The phone continued to ring, stopping only to start again. Finally, Xu Ruier took a deep breath and answered, pressing the phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Why did it take you so long to pick up?!” Xu Ping’s displeased voice came through loudly. “I’ve called and messaged you, and you didn’t respond. What are you doing?”

“Mom, I was having dinner,” Xu Ruier said quietly, lowering her voice under her mother’s scolding.

“Dinner? Didn’t you say you’d come home to eat? Hurry up and get back here. Your grandparents are waiting for you. Honestly, you— Forget it! Just come home!” Xu Ping’s tone left no room for refusal.

“Mom—”

Beep, beep, beep.

The call ended abruptly. Xu Ruier stared at the phone, her face clouded with anxiety. She glanced toward the dining table, where Ji Yang was looking at her with a questioning expression. Her discomfort only deepened.

“What happened?” Ji Yang asked, rising from his chair.

“My mom wants me to go back for dinner,” Xu Ruier replied, her voice tinged with guilt as she lowered her head. “I missed her earlier calls, so I’m not sure what it’s about. I’m sorry, but I need to go.”

“You’re not going to finish dinner with me?” Ji Yang’s tone carried a hint of disappointment. “You spent so much time preparing all this food. Shouldn’t you call her back to check? It’s not close to their house. You could at least eat before going…”

Though he didn’t finish his sentence, the suggestion was clear.

In the past, Xu Ruier wouldn’t have dared to question such instructions. But looking at Ji Yang, and then at the table full of dishes she’d spent hours preparing, she hesitated. Finally, she redialed Xu Ping’s number.

Ji Yang moved to the side, deliberately giving her privacy as she answered the call.

“Mom, can I finish dinner first before coming home? What’s the matter? I’m with a friend right now…”

“Your grandparents are waiting for you! Don’t you think they already have enough complaints about you? Your sister is already back home, and you’re still out gallivanting. What will people think of you? How am I supposed to hold my head high in the Xu family? Get back here immediately! Don’t make me repeat myself!” Xu Ping’s tone was harsh, her anger barely restrained, leaving no room for negotiation.

Xu Ruier instantly turned into a submissive little rabbit, murmuring yet another apology to Ji Yang.

Ji Yang sighed internally. This was exactly her nature—no wonder the original Ji Yang in this life had controlled her so thoroughly.

Hurriedly changing clothes and grabbing her bag, she prepared to leave.

“Shall I drive you?” Ji Yang offered, following her to the door.

“You should finish your meal first. You probably didn’t eat well at lunch, so make sure to eat more.” Xu Ruier declined softly, apologizing again. “I’m really sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize for this,” Ji Yang said with a light chuckle. He reached out to ruffle her hair. “Be careful on your way. If you’re back early tonight, we can rehearse together. I’ll help you get into character. Otherwise, you might end up getting scolded to tears by Director Xu Yuan.”

Her heart warmed at his words. She looked up at him, and before she knew it, she stepped forward and hugged him. “You’re so good to me.”

“Better than you think.” Ji Yang wrapped his arms around her before she could step back, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. His tone was serious as he added, “Really.”

Stunned, Xu Ruier left the house in a daze. Even after reaching the Xu family home, her mind was still a blur.

Her idol was becoming increasingly gentle. What could she do?

Even if it was a trap, she’d willingly jump in.

At the Xu Family Home

As she stepped inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively—everyone was chatting and laughing. She, however, felt like an intruder.

Old Master Xu didn’t say much, but Old Madam Xu’s sharp tongue was as cutting as ever, delivering a barrage of sarcastic remarks.

After all, Xu Wan’s mother was a proper lady from a prestigious family, with strong ties to the Xu family. Xu Ruier’s mother, on the other hand, had climbed the social ladder by getting pregnant. Worse still, Xu Ruier wasn’t a boy, making her inferior in the Xu family’s eyes.

“Dinner is ready! Just finished cooking!” Xu Ping called out with an ingratiating smile. She turned to Xu Ruier and said, “Come on, help me carry the dishes.”

Xu Wan, sitting comfortably, clung to Old Madam Xu’s arm, while Old Master Xu and Xu Dong had already taken their seats. Xu Ping led Xu Ruier to help in the kitchen—a sight everyone in the family was used to.

“Here’s your favorite crispy spare ribs, Wanwan.” Xu Ping smiled as she placed the dish in front of Xu Wan.

“Thank you, Mom.” Xu Wan returned a warm smile but internally scoffed with satisfaction.

The best form of revenge was to have this mother and daughter duo forever serving her, remaining beneath her feet.

“Ruier, fetch the steamed eggs for Grandma,” Xu Ping instructed from the kitchen.

“Okay,” Xu Ruier replied, quickly retrieving the dish.

As everyone sat down, Old Madam Xu turned to Xu Ruier and snapped, “You’ve been abroad, graduated, and still haven’t found a job. Tomorrow, follow your father to the company. Or are you just planning to freeload forever? Graduating in performing arts, of all things—why don’t you learn from your sister?”

Her tone was dripping with disapproval.

“Ruier hasn’t been out of school for long,” Xu Wan interjected, appearing to defend her. “She’s still young. It’s okay. But going to work with Dad could help.”

Old Madam Xu let out a cold huff, her face full of disdain. “I can’t figure out what she does with her time.”

“Ruier’s only been out of school for less than a month. Give her a bit of time.” Xu Ping’s expression grew stiff as she tried to appease the elder woman.

“Fine, let her go to the company. At least that’ll make her more presentable for marriage later,” Old Master Xu said decisively.

For the unimportant second daughter, an arranged marriage was inevitable—this was her fate.

“I’ve already secured a role from an audition,” Xu Ruier suddenly spoke up. “I have work now, and I’ll work hard.”

“You’re not cut out to be an actress.” Old Madam Xu’s face darkened, immediately dismissing her. “Go work at the company. That way, it’ll be easier to arrange a proper marriage for you. Don’t get any silly ideas—you’re not your sister.”

The statement completely invalidated her aspirations.

Xu Wan raised an eyebrow, sipping her soup leisurely. She felt much better.

Xu Yuan cast her as the main supporting actress? That idea made her jealous to the point of madness. She wouldn’t allow it. She would make sure Xu Ruier fell hard from her little pedestal.

“I just want—”

“Are you talking back now?” Old Madam Xu’s sharp voice interrupted. She pointed accusingly at Xu Ping. “Look at how you’ve raised your daughter! She’s rebellious and refuses to follow the family’s plans. Does she think she’s so capable? Running off abroad last time, and now this! What does she want to do next?”

Xu Ping, visibly agitated, raised her hand and slapped Xu Ruier across the face. “How dare you speak to your grandmother like that!”

The slap landed hard, leaving Xu Ruier’s cheek stinging and her eyes filling with tears. She lowered her head, stunned and hurt.

“That’s enough! What’s the point of this during dinner?” Xu Dong frowned, giving a mild reprimand.

Dinner ended with everyone lost in their own thoughts. It was tentatively decided that Xu Ruier would abandon her role and work at the company, awaiting an arranged marriage.

Later That Night

Alone in her room, Xu Ruier nursed her emotional wounds. She knew no one in this family would ever truly care for her. Years of Xu Wan’s schemes had rendered her invisible—a forgotten second daughter overshadowed by her sister, the family’s pride and joy.

But this time, she refused to give up.

Ji Yang had said he’d help her rehearse. He had said he’d act alongside her.

She didn’t dare dream of more.

But just having this was enough for her.