Entangled in Scandals

Song Jinxing interrupted Zhong Ruanxing, who was excitedly about to give him a rundown of the Song family: "No need."

Zhong Ruanxing didn't catch on right away. "What?"

"I don't need to know about them," Song Jinxing said coldly. "Whether it's in this body now, or when we switch back later—I don't need to."

Zhong Ruanxing was puzzled. "But… they're your family…"

Song Jinxing looked at her expressionlessly. Her usually bright and smiling peach blossom eyes were now like frost locked in eternal ice. Instinctively, Zhong Ruanxing shut her mouth.

Damn it! She actually got scared by her own face!

Song Jinxing opened a document on his phone. "These are the basics. In here are some details about the company. Memorize them—there can't be any mistakes. From now on, for any document you need to sign or decision you have to make, you must consult with me first."

Zhong Ruanxing noticed the document had been created two hours ago. Clearly, he had already anticipated that the switch wouldn't be easily reversed.

Song Jinxing continued, "Of course, I'll also handle your work as best I can. Rest assured, I won't do anything inappropriate with your body. If you have any particular requirements for your work, just let me know—I'll do my best to meet them."

Zhong Ruanxing scratched her head. "I don't really have any. Honestly, I'm pretty obscure. There's not much work to speak of."

Song Jinxing: "?"

Zhong Ruanxing grew a bit flustered. "What's with that expression?!"

Song Jinxing replied seriously, "You're very beautiful. I didn't expect you to not be famous."

Zhong Ruanxing: "?"

Sincerity really was a deadly weapon.

Her irritation vanished in an instant, replaced by a helpless smile. "Maybe it's just that my style doesn't suit the current entertainment trends. Haven't you noticed that all the top stars right now have that sweet, first-love kind of image?"

She lifted a finger and pointed at the proud curve of the chest on Song Jinxing's current body. "Someone like me—before I even do anything—I've already been slut-shamed."

Song Jinxing's face darkened. "What kind of talk is that!"

Zhong Ruanxing let out a sigh. "After you found out I was a celebrity, did you ever look me up online?"

Song Jinxing shook his head.

Zhong Ruanxing lowered her head and typed her own name into the search bar. When the news results popped up, she let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Look."

Song Jinxing took the phone and saw the very first headline: "Zhong Ruanxing Erotic Photo Collection". The rest weren't any better: "Sultry Starlet with a Scorching Body—Click to Watch Zhong Ruanxing's Hottest Videos", "Sex Symbol Zhong Ruanxing Caught in Scandal—Did She Sleep With Ten Men for a Role?"...

There was even a post on a forum asking: "What's the name of the porn Zhong Ruanxing starred in? I can't find it anywhere."

1st Floor: "Same request!"

2nd Floor: "Blessings to the kind soul—share the link if you find it."

3rd Floor: "Zhong Ruanxing never shot any porn. She's a properly trained actress, geez..."

The more Song Jinxing read, the darker his expression became. The vile comments were hard to stomach, especially for someone raised with such strict manners and principles. When he turned to look at Zhong Ruanxing, however, she didn't seem particularly upset. Just a little wistful.

"It's like, in their eyes," she said softly, "someone who looks like me must have been through the casting couch... must have used her looks to trade for roles."

It wasn't just outsiders who thought that way—those within the industry did too. At every dinner party, the higher-ups would cast suggestive glances her way, assuming that if they extended an 'invitation,' she would surely agree.

So when she rejected them outright, they became spiteful. Retaliation came swiftly—in the form of blacklisting, malicious rumors, and a storm of scandal. Over the years, she became entangled in endless gossip and was branded a seductress.

No director wanted to work with someone with such a controversial reputation. No fans were interested in idolizing someone labeled as scandalous.

And so, she gradually faded into obscurity.

A few supporting roles here and there, a handful of appearances on minor variety shows, interviews that barely aired. That's how her days passed now.

Who even remembered anymore that she had graduated from a proper acting academy?

Song Jinxing wasn't good at comforting people. After a moment of silence, all he said was,

"You're excellent. You don't need to care about what others think."

It was exactly because she was excellent that others saw her as a threat—enough to resort to such despicable tactics like drugging and framing her in an attempt to destroy her completely.

Zhong Ruanxing shouted, "Of course I'm excellent!"

She straightened her back and lifted her chin proudly, her eyes shining.

"I love the body my parents gave me, and I love myself too. I'm the hottest, okay? As for the rest—Who Care?"

Song Jinxing corrected her seriously,

"It's 'cares.' When 'who' is used as a subject, the verb should be in third-person singular."

Zhong Ruanxing: "?"

Help!!!

Her expression must have looked so utterly speechless that it unexpectedly amused Song Jinxing.

It was the first time Zhong Ruanxing had seen him smile since they met. The smile was faint and fleeting, like a shooting star that flashed across the sky—leaving behind only a beautiful trace.

Zhong Ruanxing also burst into laughter and handed her phone over.

"Alright, from now on, you're a big celebrity. First order of business—identify our rivals. See these people? Memorize their names and faces. The next time you see them, freeze them with that icy glare you just gave me!"

As the night passed, the eastern sky began to pale. Morning wind stirred gentle ripples across the ocean, scattering soft light over the water.

Yawning, Fu Ling walked over from the side building and nearly tripped in shock when he saw the two figures still sitting on the living room sofa, deep in conversation.

No way, right? Did the boss seriously spend the whole night chatting with her?!

Heartbroken!

The first ray of sunlight brushed across the sea and filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Their exchange of information was finally complete. Zhong Ruanxing stretched with exhaustion, her eyes barely able to stay open.

Meanwhile, Song Jinxing was still sitting upright, his expression alert and composed.

She blinked at him in disbelief and asked,

"Aren't you sleepy at all?"

Song Jinxing replied calmly, "I'm used to it."

Zhong Ruanxing's eyes widened in alarm. "Absolutely not! You have to break that habit! You can't stay up all night in my body—you'll ruin my looks!"

Song Jinxing hesitated.

He had promised that he would fulfill any request she made. But pulling all-nighters had long become routine for him. To seize control of the vast Song Corporation within just six months of returning to the country, he had poured in more time and energy than most could imagine. Sleep, to him, was a luxury.

And now, with time even more scarce—juggling both company affairs and learning Zhong Ruanxing's schedule—the only resource he could squeeze was sleep.

Still, a promise was a promise. He could sacrifice his own health, but not act recklessly in someone else's body.

So after a brief pause, he nodded. "Alright."

Zhong Ruanxing insisted, "You must get eight hours of sleep every day!"

Song Jinxing said, "I promise. But if there's an emergency at the company—even in the middle of the night—you have to inform me."

Zhong Ruanxing held out her hand. "Deal!"

He placed his palm against hers. His large hand made her slender, delicate fingers look even smaller. It was strange to see such a spirited expression on his own face.

Suddenly, a phone rang from the coffee table.

The ringtone was a popular song, distinctly different from the default tones, easily recognizable as hers. Zhong Ruanxing picked it up, and when she saw the caller ID, a look of reluctance crossed her face.

Song Jinxing saw the name "Duan Tanyun" displayed on the screen.

During their information exchange the night before, this name had come up often. She was a good friend Zhong Ruanxing had made when she first entered the entertainment industry. Over the years, the two had supported each other through hardship—an alliance born of mutual struggle and obscurity.

But at last night's banquet, the only two drinks Zhong Ruanxing had were both handed to her by Duan Tanyun.

Even if she suspected her, Zhong Ruanxing still held onto a sliver of hope—that the person who drugged her wasn't her closest friend.

However, based on the conversation Song Jinxing had overheard on the balcony, the person calling at this exact moment was most likely the real culprit.

Seeing Zhong Ruanxing's face go pale, Song Jinxing calmly took the phone from her and said, "I remember her voice. I'll know if it's her the moment she speaks."

With that, he answered the call.