4

Lin Xin, being part of the entertainment industry, knew very well that the news of her divorce from Zheng Lanwen, which had erupted online yesterday, wasn't just a coincidence. She suspected it was Zheng Lanwen who had leaked the news.

After all, their decision to divorce had been sudden and private. Other than the two of them, no one else should have known about it.

Right after Zheng Lanwen left, Lin Xin's agent had called.

At the time, Lin Xin had been disheartened and spoke in a cold tone, merely asking her agent to give her some time.

Lin Xin's agent was Meng Kelin, a woman whose reputation in the entertainment industry, while not at the very top, was still highly respected. She had plenty of resources and a recognizable name.

Lin Xin wasn't the first actress Meng Kelin had guided to success, but she was undeniably the most successful one.

Their relationship, however, wasn't purely professional. Lin Xin had entered the entertainment industry at a young age, and it was Meng Kelin who had practically watched her grow up. Naturally, Meng Kelin cared for Lin Xin differently than she did for her other clients. Lin Xin's divorce made Meng Kelin equally anxious.

Hearing Lin Xin's icy tone that night, Meng Kelin knew Lin Xin was in a bad place and chose not to push her any further that day.

However, a whole day had passed since then. No matter how hard it was, Lin Xin needed to face reality. Now that a storm was raging online, hiding away wasn't an option for someone who still wanted to remain in the entertainment industry.

So, shortly after Lin Xin finished breakfast, she received another call from Meng Kelin.

This time, Lin Xin's mood had shifted. Unlike the previous night, she had seemingly come to terms with reality and could speak calmly.

"Hello, Sister Meng."

Meng Kelin was slightly taken aback. "How are you holding up?"

Lin Xin glanced at the woman washing dishes in the kitchen and replied, "Just finished breakfast."

Meng Kelin paused, momentarily speechless. That wasn't what she had been asking about, and Lin Xin surely knew that. But seeing her sidestep the issue, Meng Kelin chose not to press her, instead saying, "The situation online isn't looking great. You need to address it properly."

Lin Xin didn't reject the suggestion, prompting Meng Kelin to add, "I'm not joking—this could get worse. Reputation is everything for a celebrity. It's incredibly important. Please don't act impulsively."

Meanwhile, Ye Linghua, who hadn't helped with breakfast, seemed extra eager to make up for it by meticulously cleaning up the kitchen. After finishing with the dishes, she started wiping down every surface she could find with a cloth.

Lin Xin paid her no attention. After listening to Meng Kelin's advice, she unlocked her phone and began browsing through the latest news.

Sure enough, as Meng Kelin had warned, a trending topic was making waves online—one tagged with the peculiar term Forced Love'.

At first glance, the phrase seemed abstract and harmless, as though it could refer to anything. But clicking on it revealed Lin Xin's name plastered across the headlines.

A prominent blogger with millions of followers, known as Raging Bear, had posted a long exposé on Weibo, confidently claiming to have the inside scoop.

[In the past two days, the intense love-and-hate triangle involving Lin Wan, Zheng Lanwen, and Lin Xin has been making waves. I've followed the drama closely from the start, and here's the full story. To truly understand this mess, we have to go back six years]

[It that time, Lin Wan and Zheng Lanwen both participated in the talent show Youth Shines Bright. Lin Xin was one of the show's mentors. Believe it or not, Lin Xin fell for Zheng Lanwen at first sight. But unfortunately, Lin Wan and Zheng Lanwen formed the popular 'Net-Wen' CP, leaving Lin Xin on the sidelines]

[Then, Lin Wan suddenly withdrew from the industry and moved overseas, while Zheng Lanwen and Lin Xin shocked everyone by getting married. The 'Net-Wen' CP fell apart, leading to a war between Lin Xin's fans and Zheng Lanwen's fans. The Star Sisters accused Zheng Lanwen of using Lin Xin for clout, while the Huskies claimed Zheng Lanwen had been forced into the marriage. That year, the internet was in chaos. Yet in the end, the two still tied the knot.]

[Who could've guessed that after just five years, it would all end in divorce?]

[Recently, there have been over 20 trending topics about this scandal. Rumors even suggest that Zheng Lanwen rushed to meet Lin Wan right after her divorce. According to insiders, Lin Wan's departure from the industry wasn't entirely voluntary, and Zheng Lanwen's marriage might have been forced]

[So, what role did Lin Xin really play in all of this? Let's stay tuned and watch how this unfolds?]

The post painted an outline of their entangled relationships—from their first meeting to marriage and eventual divorce—but left many specifics intentionally vague. Still, it successfully conveyed the notion of 'Forced Love' while framing Lin Xin as a manipulative capitalist.

The speculations ran rampant.

Did Lin Xin force Lin Wan to leave the country?

Was Zheng Lanwen coerced into the marriage?

The internet exploded with debates.

[So, what they're saying is that Zheng Lanwen was a victim of forced love?]

[Are you kidding me? My poor Wolfie suffered so much?]

(Wolfie: nickname for Zheng Lanwen from her fans.)

[Unbelievable! Does being a senior in the industry give you a free pass to bully others?]

[Now that you mention it, Lin Wan's sudden departure from the industry was indeed suspicious. She was doing so well in China—why would she suddenly leave?]

[Ha, being the "Queen of Entertainment" really makes you feel untouchable, huh?]

[Capitalists don't see people as humans. Careers are probably like ants to them.]

And yet, Lin Xin's fans—the Star Sisters—were quick to jump in and defend her.

[So now you don't even need evidence to make accusations, huh?]

[Excuse me, but is Zheng Lanwen even worthy of Lin Xin?]

[Back then, what was Lin Xin's status? And what was Zheng Lanwen's? Lin Xin singlehandedly gave her so many opportunities!]

[Forced love? More like Zheng Lanwen latched onto Lin Xin for her own benefit.]

The fan war escalated, but the balance of power wasn't as skewed as it used to be. Over the years, Zheng Lanwen had built a fanbase of her own, while Lin Xin's fan activity had waned due to her semi-retirement.

Even Lin Wan's relatively small fanbase chimed in, subtly swaying public opinion and fanning the flames.

As Meng Kelin had warned, the situation was spiraling. Lin Xin's online reputation was taking a serious hit.

Reading through the heated debates, Lin Xin's anger flared.

The timing and details made it clear to her: Zheng Lanwen must have played a role in this mess.

Although they worked for rival companies, Lin Xin had given her heart and soul to support Zheng Lanwen. Over the years, when Zheng Lanwen's company ignored her, Lin Xin had been the one to pull her up step by step.

Divorce was one thing—they could have parted on good terms. But for her ex to conspire against her like this? Lin Xin couldn't accept it.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. But after pouring so much effort into someone only to be stabbed in the back, how could anyone stay indifferent?

As if on cue, Meng Kelin called again, her tone urgent.

"Do you understand now? If we don't act soon, we'll lose the opportunity to turn this around."

In any crisis, timing was critical. Missing the golden window to respond would make it nearly impossible to salvage the situation.

Lin Xin stayed silent, and Meng Kelin's frustration spilled over.

"Are you seriously still considering Zheng Lanwen's feelings? I'd bet my life that she's involved in this! Her company wouldn't dare pull a stunt like this without her approval!"

Lin Xin didn't reply.

Meng Kelin's voice sharpened. "Even if she isn't involved, clearing your name doesn't hurt her, does it? Or do you think you deserve to swallow this humiliation?"

Lin Xin took a deep breath and finally nodded. "Alright. I understand."

* * * *

The battle online raged on like a wildfire, with casualties mounting on both sides, only for fans to passionately revive themselves and rejoin the fray.

At this point, the details of the love triangle—who was right and who was wrong—no longer mattered. What mattered was who could secure the upper hand for their idol.

By 11 a.m., the intensity of the online war had reached its peak.

It was at this moment that Lin Xin's Weibo account posted an update.

The moment the post went live, fans, haters, and casual observers alike swarmed to read it.

[Lin Xin V:]

[I, Lin Xin, have always conducted myself with integrity. A clean conscience fears no shadow. Whether it was during my time as a mentor on Youth Shines Bright or later, when I married Ms. Zheng, I have never wronged anyone. I started in this industry at the age of 3 and have worked for 22 years. Tell me, who could possibly make me betray my principles and turn into the kind of person I despise most?]

[My marriage to Zheng Lanwen was initiated by Ms. Zheng herself. I'm a sentimental person, and I still have the chat logs to prove it. I can make them public anytime. As for Lin Wan's departure from the country, everyone in the industry knows the truth behind it, and I trust that discerning bystanders can see it too. Trying to pin this on me is absurd.]

[During our five years of marriage, I worked hard to maintain it. The decision to divorce was mutual, and we parted amicably. I have no regrets about the marriage, nor do I regret the divorce. However, tarnishing the reputation of this marriage crosses the line. I'm fully prepared to see you in court, @RagingBear.]

[@RagingBear, since you claim to have industry friends, why don't you take a guess—not just about why we got married, but also why we got divorced? 😊]

This sharply worded post immediately caused an uproar online.

Although Meng Kelin wasn't entirely satisfied with Lin Xin's impromptu 'mini-essay,"' he couldn't deny how cathartic it felt.

With her experienced team, Meng Kelin swiftly went into action, guiding the public opinion online.

For many, Lin Xin's words planted a seed of doubt about Lin Wan's role in the situation. While Lin Xin hadn't explicitly accused Lin Wan of being a third party, her choice of words left plenty of room for speculation.

Naturally, the netizens followed Lin Xin's line of reasoning:

[The reason for the marriage is simple—Lin Xin liked Zheng Lanwen]

But what about the divorce?

If Zheng Lanwen sought out her ex-girlfriend immediately after the divorce, is it really believable that they only reconnected after the marriage ended?

So, could Lin Wan have been the cause of the divorce?"

Once the seed of doubt was planted, it quickly grew into a towering tree of suspicion.

Lin Xin's years in the entertainment industry had earned her a strong foundation of loyal fans and an idol-like aura. Baseless slander against her wasn't easy to sustain.

In contrast, Lin Wan, who had a much shorter career and a weaker fanbase, struggled to defend her reputation once people started questioning her. Her fans lacked the strength to change the narrative.

Even worse, if Zheng Lanwen stepped forward to defend Lin Wan, her actions would appear suspicious, further fueling the rumors.

As a result, the tide of public opinion began to shift.

By the afternoon, despite numerous efforts, Zheng Lanwen's company was unable to counteract Meng Kelin's strategy.

As Lin Wan's image continued to deteriorate, their attempts to reverse the situation proved futile.

When the evening sky was painted in hues of red and gold, Zheng Lanwen finally gave up the fight and, in a moment of defeat, pulled out her phone to call Lin Xin.

This, however, didn't mean she was ready to admit defeat.

Meanwhile, Lin Xin never got to enjoy Ye Linghua's lunch that day. Ye Linghua had burned her hand while trying to prepare the ribs.

In the end, Lin Xin had to take over the kitchen, preparing a decently hearty meal for a bandaged Ye Linghua, who now had both her head and right hand wrapped in gauze.

After posting her explanation on Weibo, Lin Xin had stopped paying attention to the online drama. She enjoyed her lunch and even indulged in a pleasant afternoon nap.

Ye Linghua had grabbed a pillow and sprawled out on the terrace just outside the living room, basking in the dappled sunlight filtering through the tree leaves. The warm spring breeze gently carried away any lingering heat, leaving behind a serene atmosphere.

Usually, Lin Xin preferred resting in her bedroom, but today was different. Perhaps it was the sight of Ye Linghua's relaxed posture that swayed her. Lin Xin decided to stay in the living room, lying on the sofa as the soft spring breeze lulled her to sleep.

* * * *

When Lin Xin woke up, Ye Linghua was still asleep.

Lin Xin couldn't help but twitch her lips in mild exasperation before walking over to her.

The bright afternoon sunlight wasn't harsh—it spilled through the gaps in the tree canopy, casting warm, speckled patterns over Ye Linghua's figure.

Her sleeping face, bathed in the gentle sunlight, seemed to glow faintly.

The unexpected beauty of the scene left Lin Xin momentarily speechless.

She had always known Ye Linghua was beautiful, but every now and then, Ye Linghua would reveal a new side of her beauty, catching Lin Xin off guard. Lying on the terrace like this, her skin seemed almost translucent under the light, and the faint, fine hairs on her face were just barely visible.

With her usual smile absent, Ye Linghua's features carried a subtle coldness, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly air.

Lin Xin crouched down unconsciously, her gaze drawn in.

She truly was stunning.

Unlike Lin Xin's own sharp, refined beauty, Ye Linghua's charm lay in a natural elegance that soothed the soul. Compared to herself, Ye Linghua's presence felt broader, more unrestrained.

And now, as she lay there asleep, an added touch of ethereal grace made her all the more captivating.

Good looks and poise like hers weren't something that could be cultivated—they were innate.

And as if that weren't enough, Ye Linghua was tall.

Lin Xin's eyes roamed over her figure, a hint of jealousy flaring up. She wasn't just tall—her proportions were perfect. Better than her own, even!

"This is too much," Lin Xin muttered under her breath. "Not only is she beautiful, but she's got a great figure and amazing poise too! What's her secret?!"

Completely absorbed in her thoughts, Lin Xin didn't notice the slight flutter of Ye Linghua's eyelashes.

As the warm sunlight washed over her, Lin Xin found herself questioning once again, "Is she really just a housekeeper?"

Ye Linghua, who had been pretending to sleep, nearly choked on her own breath. "..." Was it because I can't cook? Is that why she keeps doubting my identity?

Thankfully, Lin Xin's phone rang, breaking her train of thought.

The ringtone was still the one she'd set specifically for Zheng Lanwen, and she hadn't gotten around to changing it yet.

With an expressionless face, Lin Xin answered the call. She already knew why Zheng Lanwen was calling—this had to be about Lin Wan.

Sure enough, Zheng Lanwen spoke with self-righteous indignation. "Can you help clarify things for Wanwan?"

"Clarify?" Lin Xin asked coldly.

"There's been some backlash against her since your post," Zheng Lanwen explained. "People are saying she's a homewrecker… I hope you can explicitly state that she wasn't involved."

Lin Xin let out a cold laugh. "You want me to post another clarification—for Lin Wan's sake?"

Zheng Lanwen didn't respond but also didn't deny it. Clearly, that was exactly what she wanted.

Lin Xin's heart, already chilled by Zheng Lanwen's earlier actions, now felt completely frozen. Why should I?

She knew she shouldn't agree. Lin Wan hadn't interfered in her marriage—Zheng Lanwen had been the one to push for divorce after seeing Lin Wan return.

Calling Lin Wan a homewrecker wasn't accurate, but why should Lin Xin be the one to defend her?

When Lin Xin was being attacked that morning, did Lin Wan step up to clarify anything for her?

She didn't.

So why should Lin Xin go out of her way now?

She opened her mouth to refuse but hesitated. Years of yielding to Zheng Lanwen's demands had left her accustomed to suppressing her own feelings, and the words caught in her throat.

As she wavered, the phone was suddenly snatched from her hand. Startled, Lin Xin turned to see Ye Linghua standing beside her.

Her expression was cold.

Holding the phone to her ear, Ye Linghua spoke curtly, "She's not going to clarify anything. We're all adults—figure it out yourself."

With that, she hung up without waiting for a response.

Lin Xin: "..."

"Ah?" Ye Linghua suddenly turned back to Lin Xin, her usual smile returning as she explained cheerfully, "Sorry, I hung up by accident."

Lin Xin: "..."