Chapter 4

Chapter 4

After hanging up the phone, Zuo Mingran grabbed her phone and started scrolling through Weibo. 

Because it was unrelated to the main storyline, she didn't have any memories of conflicting with the female supporting role. It was only vaguely mentioned by Shi Shuangxia. 

Just to be safe, Zuo Mingran decided to search online herself, to avoid any surprises later on. 

A few minutes later, with a clear understanding of the situation, Zuo Mingran held her phone and covered her face in agony. 

Was it too late for her to regret now? 

There were only two main conflicts in the entertainment industry: resources and rankings. 

Zuo Mingran had been in the industry for seven years, starting from when she was nineteen and acted in her first TV drama. The term "flower vase" had never Zuo her side. 

In this industry where looks were crucial, some people with average looks could carve a path with their acting skills. However, Zuo Mingran was the opposite. She proved that being good-looking didn't give her the freedom she desired. 

Throughout her career, Zuo Mingran had yet to have a representative work she could be proud of. The words associated with her, apart from "flower vase," now included "rich family." 

As Zuo Mingran's manager, Shi Shuangxia clearly knew what this meant. In the era of popularity, with fans constantly flowing to popular stars, once another star of the same type appeared, the attention Zuo Mingran received would quickly be divided. And reality was often cruel – once the popularity faded, the star would quickly be forgotten. 

Since it wasn't possible to improve her acting skills, in order to change the situation, Shi Shuangxia had to find another way. She arranged for Zuo Mingran to take on a male-led drama. 

The focus of this drama was on the male actors, with even the official trailer showing little presence of female characters. Shi Shuangxia accepted this drama for one simple reason – to elevate Zuo Mingran's status. 

The production team of this drama was known for their high standards, and the director aimed for positive word of mouth. Shi Shuangxia had put in a lot of effort to secure Zuo Mingran a role in the drama. 

However, because it was a male-led drama, the female actors had limited screen time. Zuo Mingran's role was similar to another female actress, Wen Feifei, both in terms of screen time and appearance. The scriptwriters didn't want to offend either side, and although they privately called them dual female leads, everyone knew that wasn't the case. After all, it was a male-led drama. Having dual male leads could be understood, but two female leads – what kind of situation was that? 

It is well known that Zuo Mingran is red, but he lacks acting skills. On the other hand, Wen Feifei is the opposite - she has professional training and is a rising star who has already won Best Supporting Actress shortly after her debut. She has been praised for her explosive acting skills in marketing press releases.

Putting these two people together, it is unclear how much the crew wanted to avoid trouble.

If it were someone else, they might just take a group photo and post it on Weibo, whether it is genuine or pretend, at least leaving a good impression in public.

But these two clearly took a different approach. Their conflicts started from the moment they joined the crew, with zero interaction outside and their fans constantly criticizing each other. They even came close to a physical fight during the wrap-up party, in front of the entire crew. Although their respective managers quickly intervened, news of the incident spread and caused a stir online.

With such a mess, Zuo Mingran's newly ignited rich woman dream quickly dissipated, and she lost the mood for shopping. After dinner, she went straight home.

Just like before she Zuo, her spacious room was empty, and if not for the warm yellow lights, it would be hard to imagine anyone living here.

Zuo Mingran stood at the door for a moment, confirming that she had indeed turned off the lights before she Zuo. Silently taking off her high heels and holding them in her hand, she dialed Shi Shuangxia's phone number.

After a couple of rings, someone answered the phone, and at the same time, a figure abruptly appeared in her field of vision.

Yan Yunyang, her legal husband.

Just over ten hours ago, they sat face to face to sign their divorce agreement. The other party then Zuo, and their brief meeting lasted no more than five minutes.

Zuo Mingran had carefully looked around this apartment. Although it was meant to be their marital home, there was no trace of a second person living here, not even Zuo Mingran herself, who only stayed for a few days during her busy work schedule. The whole house was empty without any signs of life.

The fact that Yan Yunyang was now appearing here was indeed somewhat unexpected.

Although she didn't know what his intentions were, Zuo Mingran still put down the high heel she was holding as a possible weapon, and after saying "It's nothing" into her phone, she ended the call.

Yan Yunyang watched her actions, didn't say anything, and just brought two cups of water when he went to the kitchen.

"Thank you." Zuo Mingran took the water cup and quietly thanked him.

Yan Yunyang: "You're welcome."

Although they had only been married for a year, the atmosphere between them felt like two strangers forced together. Even in acting, their chemistry was lacking. It was no wonder they never appeared together in public, probably afraid of being discovered.

Lost in her thoughts for a moment, Zuo Mingran sat down on the couch and directly asked, "What brings you here at this time?"

Yan Yunyang was clearly taken aback by her directness, pausing in his drink, but still nodded and answered, "My mother is returning to the country in three days and will be staying here for a while."

Zuo Mingran quickly grasped the situation. Not many people knew about their fake marriage, except for the two of them and Shi Shuangxia, who had to be informed due to work reasons. Yan Yunyang's parents had divorced years ago, and his mother had been living abroad for nearly twenty years. Even when Zuo Mingran and Yan Yunyang got married, all she did was send back a valuable set of jewelry through someone else.

Now that Yan's mother suddenly returned to the country, whatever the purpose may be, their fake marriage must not be exposed.

Thinking back to the several pairs of shoes she had seen in the shoe cabinet earlier, Zuo Mingran had a bad feeling. "What do you mean?"

Yan Yunyang's expression remained unchanged as he said, "In the coming period, we may need to live together."

Her anticipation turned into reality, and Zuo Mingran sighed, leaning back on the couch with a half-smile. "So, are you here to discuss with me or to inform me of the established fact?"

Yan Yunyang didn't expect her to react this way. His knowledge of Zuo Mingran had only come from an investigation file - clean background, no backing, just a pretty face. That was why he chose her as a marriage partner. But now, it seemed that the reality was somewhat different.

Remembering Zuo Mingran's guarded posture with the high heels, Yan Yunyang let out a laugh. He was already good-looking, perhaps because of his leadership position, he exuded an aura of authority that made him difficult to approach when he had a stern expression. 

Not having observed him closely yesterday, Zuo Mingran now noticed that Yan Yunyang had a pair of charming peach blossom eyes that seemed to shimmer when he looked at others. Especially when he smiled, there was an inexplicable hint of tenderness, but unfortunately, that smile didn't reach his eyes, adding a touch of coldness.

"This is part of the contract." Indeed, Yan Yunyang didn't budge. "When necessary, both Miss Zuo and I have to make certain sacrifices."

Zuo Mingran looked at his softened brows and eyes due to his smile, and in her heart, she couldn't help but wonder who would be more fitting for that sacrifice.

"My room has already been arranged separately, so Miss Zuo doesn't need to worry."

At this point, Zuo Mingran had no reason to refuse. After all, the legal effect was there, and Yan Yunyang didn't ask her to do anything. They were just adding another roommate. Zuo Mingran shrugged and accepted the situation calmly.

The apartment was spacious, with two floors. The first floor had a living room, dining room, kitchen, tea room, and gym. The second floor was a more private area with a study, bedroom, and a small balcony.

Yan Yunyang and Zuo Mingran's rooms were at opposite ends of the hallway, separated by stairs and a balcony. It seemed like the room layout was designed to ensure they wouldn't interfere with each other.

The next morning, Zuo Mingran was awakened by a series of urgent calls from Shi Shuangxia. Tomorrow was the promotional ceremony, and as the female lead, Zuo Mingran needed to try on dresses, do a styling session, and go through the event flow.

Zuo Mingran struggled to get up from bed, and as soon as she opened the door, the aroma of food filled her nose. She paused for a moment, realizing that there was now another person in the house.

But Yan Yunyang didn't seem like someone who would cook.

With curiosity, Zuo Mingran leaned on the railing and looked down. Although the kitchen was partially open, it was in a slightly obscured location, making it difficult to see everything clearly. Unconsciously, almost half of Zuo Mingran's body leaned out.

Yan Yunyang took out the steamed buns from the steamer and just as he turned around, he saw Zuo Mingran on the second floor doing something dangerous.

His brow twitched, afraid that he would startle her if he suddenly spoke. Yan Yunyang walked to a place where Zuo Mingran could see him and then looked up, saying, "Don't lean on the railing, it's dangerous."

Zuo Mingran responded with an "oh" and retracted back, but her gaze stayed on the steamed buns in Yan Yunyang's hand.

"Did you make breakfast?"

This question was simply the most uncreative and nonsensical thing she could say. Yan Yunyang, without lifting his head, replied, "There are frozen ones in the refrigerator."

Those were probably bought by the assistant and put in the fridge. Zuo Mingran wasn't someone who could cook, the only thing she could do was put food in the microwave and set the time. To prevent her from starving when she was alone, the assistant would usually prepare some frozen food in the refrigerator.

The rich aroma of the food attracted Zuo Mingran's hungry stomach. It was clear to the naked eye that Yan Yunyang had done more than just steam buns. Zuo Mingran watched as he brought out two bowls of porridge and two fried eggs from the kitchen.

...wait, two bowls?

Zuo Mingran's brain was still in a daze as she had just woken up, and she didn't understand for a while. Yan Yunyang set the tableware and naturally invited her, "Come down and have breakfast."