This Best Actress is a Bit Annoying - Chapter 25.1

“Ahem—”

Xia Qingye choked. She shoved Nie Zhuying away abruptly, her mouth filled with the pungent sting of wasabi. The flavor instantly overwhelmed the other sensations—sensations that were heart-pounding and almost addictive—and shot straight down her throat.

She ran into the kitchen, intending to spit it out. But in the end, as if possessed, she slowly chewed and swallowed the wasabi dumpling that likely contained half of Nie Zhuying’s “good luck.” Her stomach flared with a fiery heat, a reaction far more intense than any she’d had from eating chili peppers before.

When she had added the wasabi, she only wanted to see a certain someone make a fool of herself. She had been ruthless with the portions. In the end, she had outsmarted herself.

Nie Zhuying, meanwhile, turned and ran toward the restroom. As she passed Xia Yanbo, she gave him a bizarre, questioning look—as if wondering why he was standing there like a wooden post—completely oblivious to the earth-shattering thing she had just done.

Xia Yanbo clenched his fists. He strode to the kitchen door to check on Xia Qingye, his lips twitching as he struggled to find the right words.

Xia Qingye composed herself and brought out a pot of lily bulb soup she had simmered earlier. Meeting Xia Yanbo’s heavy, hesitant expression, she smiled. “Brother, have a bowl. It’s good for the lungs.”

After a long silence, Xia Yanbo replied, “Alright.”

When Nie Zhuying emerged from the restroom, she was perfectly unruffled. Seeing the food, she trotted back over to Xia Qingye like a curious child and sniffed. “Does it taste good?”

Seeing her acting as if nothing unusual had happened, Xia Qingye felt a strange sense of relief. She ladled a bowl for her. “It’s still hot. Eat slowly.”

Beside them, Xia Yanbo watched their familiar interaction. Every movement exuded a sweet aura he couldn’t ignore. Even though he had prepared himself mentally for the fact that his sister liked women, it hadn’t felt this awkward until he witnessed it with his own eyes. He suddenly felt that agreeing to let Nie Zhuying stay in the house was a mistake—it was as if he had accidentally pushed his sister into a wolf’s den.

His first impression of Nie Zhuying remained stuck on the night of the banquet. She was beautiful, yes, but her personality was hard to swallow.

Arrogant, dismissive, acting as if the entire world should revolve around her.

If Qingye chooses to be with someone like that, it’s Qingye who will suffer in the end.

“I heard Miss Nie mention she has to rush to appearances after the New Year. Roughly when? I’ll have Xiao Li prepare a gift for your parents; I’ll have to trouble you to bring it back personally,” Xia Yanbo said while sipping the soup, pretending it was a casual inquiry.

At those words, Xia Qingye’s hand slipped, and her spoon clinked against the bowl with a sharp ring.

Nie Zhuying drained her bowl in one go. “I’ll thank CEO Xia on behalf of my Mommy and Daddy then. I’m leaving on the third or fourth day of the New Year. CEO Xia, is there a chance for us to talk?”

Xia Yanbo was already planning to lay his cards on the table. This suited him perfectly. “Sure. If you don’t mind, shall we go to the study?”

Xia Qingye watched the two head up to the second floor. A trace of regret she didn’t quite understand welled up in her heart. She finished her soup slowly, then cleaned the kitchen and the hall. Seeing the study door still tightly shut, she curled up on the sofa to watch the Spring Festival Gala alone.

Though her eyes were on the TV, her mind was far, far away.

The Study

Xia Yanbo got straight to the point. “Miss Nie, it’s just the two of us here. Regarding the marriage contract, I want to hear your thoughts.”

A standard business-negotiation tone.

Nie Zhuying stood, looking down at Xia Yanbo as he swiveled in his office chair. She took a step forward, leaning down with both hands braced on the desk. She gave a roguish smile. “This contract is only recognized by my Daddy and Mommy. I don’t recognize it, and I don’t want to recognize it. Furthermore, to be honest, I don’t like you!”

“What a coincidence. I’m not interested in Miss Nie either.”

The two were at loggerheads for a moment. Seeing him acting mysterious, Nie Zhuying turned to leave.

Xia Yanbo stood up. “Miss Nie, even if you walk out this door, it won’t change your parents’ decision. Even if we are thousands of miles apart, they will still bundle us together. As long as that verbal contract exists, neither of us is free.”

Xia Yanbo’s upbringing and his innate desire for control made him extremely dissatisfied with this sudden verbal betrothal. A joke of a comment and a pair of jade earrings trying to bind two people—it was a farce! He hadn’t spoken up before out of respect for the elders, who were likely friends of his late parents, but now that Nie Zhuying had accidentally brushed against his bottom line, he could no longer ignore it.

Nie Zhuying paused in her tracks.

Xia Yanbo continued, “And by the look of it, you’ve rebelled before, but you’ve failed every time.”

Nie Zhuying finally turned back. She had to admit, Xia Yanbo was somewhat clever. “Speak plainly. What’s the plan? Solving my problem is solving yours.”

“There is a desperate measure we could take.”

“What?”

Xia Yanbo turned the ring on his pinky finger. “First, keep it from your parents. Then, we both find someone we actually like in the shortest time possible. By the time the rice is cooked, we both propose to break the contract. Even if your parents want to stop us, they won’t be able to.”

Act first, report later.

Nie Zhuying imagined the scene. She suspected her father would have a stroke. But then again, it wouldn’t be just her protesting; it would be four of them. Strength in numbers. She hesitated. “Is there any other way?”

“You went to your parents to break the contract—did that work?”

“No.”

Since she had her romantic interests crushed by her parents several times during her adolescence, she had learned to protest. She’d been protesting for over a decade with zero results.

Xia Yanbo tapped the table, settling the matter. “Then this is the way.”

Nie Zhuying thought it over. Currently, this seemed like the only method that might work. If either she or Xia Yanbo talked to her parents alone, they’d likely hit a wall. “Fine.”

And so, the two reached a consensus on the marriage contract: Find lovers.

New Year’s Day. A fresh start.

The entire city was quiet. Doorways were covered in “Fu” characters and bright red, creating a festive atmosphere.

To suit the occasion, Xia Qingye chose a bright red wool coat. As soon as she got up, she received a thick red envelope. She gave a sweet smile. “Thanks, Brother! Happy New Year. I hope all your wishes come true and you find true love soon.”

Xia Yanbo looked at his sister’s smiling face and couldn’t help but pat her head. “Happy New Year. I hope our Qingye grows even more beautiful and finds a lover who dotes on you, loves you, and never lets you suffer—a lifetime of happiness.”

Xia Yanbo also prepared one for Nie Zhuying.

Nie Zhuying accepted it awkwardly. “I wish CEO Xia a prosperous business and an endless stream of beauties in the new year.”

“Ahem—” Xia Yanbo nearly spat out his water. This “auspicious wish” first thing in the morning was a bit much!

Nie Zhuying burst into a clear, hearty laugh, bold and unrestrained. This was the first time she had shown such an emotion at the Xia house.

Xia Qingye watched them with a suspicious gaze. She felt that after a night of interaction, the tension between her brother and Nie Zhuying had noticeably eased.

Last night, her biological clock had kicked in, and she had fallen asleep on the sofa while watching the Gala. When she woke up this morning, she was covered in a blanket, so she had no idea how late the two had talked. But looking at the results, it seemed to have gone well.

“There might be people coming to pay New Year visits this morning. Qingye, you’ll have to work a bit hard then.”

“I know, Brother.”

Early in the morning, Xia Qingye was busy in the kitchen. When the first wave of guests arrived, she served tea, fruit, snacks, and candy. After seeing them off and cleaning up, the second wave arrived. She was as busy as a little bee.

As for Nie Zhuying, she headed upstairs after breakfast to prepare for her live stream.

Zhou Ling called, sounding worried. “Is everything ready on your end? Do you want to tease any content for the stream to draw in your hungry fans?”

Nie Zhuying sat with her legs crossed, resting her feet on the desk, choosing the best angle to feed Nuonuo, who was circling her chair. She tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder and let out a snort. “Wasn’t the news of the stream sent out long ago? Isn’t the topic of ‘Is the mark on my lip a hickey’ explosive enough? Once the viewer count hits the limit, lock the channel immediately.”

The incident where Xia Qingye bit her lower lip had been sensationalized by various marketing accounts. Headlines like “The Ten Men in Nie Zhuying’s Secret Life” and “A Summary of Nie Zhuying’s Past Romances” were everywhere. Malicious speculation, gossip, and rumors were rampant.

If her parents hadn’t picked such a perfect time to visit, she would have put on a “sockpuppet” account and charged into battle herself to tear those dirty-mouthed guys apart!

Dammit, why didn’t she know she was so “boyfriend-material”?

Nie Zhuying’s agency was pushing her to issue a statement saying the incident was groundless or an accident, or to use a new project to divert attention—saying it was for a role, etc. The PR department had several plans ready, just waiting for her nod.

Zhou Ling wanted her to reply on Weibo so her fans wouldn’t worry. Instead, Nie Zhuying directly mentioned the New Year’s live stream on Weibo, promising to address all fan concerns face-to-face.

This unpredictable nature made Zhou Ling worry constantly. However, the effect was excellent. It gave the fans a strong reassurance—no avoidance, no nonsense, no awkward subject-changing, but a straightforward resolution. Heaven knows Nie Zhuying had been too lazy to give her fans any “benefits” for a long, long time. This move delayed the issue, allowing it to fade during the busy New Year, while simultaneously piquing fan curiosity.

Nothing is more anticipated than a close encounter with one’s idol!

Zhou Ling still felt uneasy. “How do you plan to explain the bite mark on your lip?”

Nie Zhuying already had a plan. She sounded indifferent over the phone, her tone light. “It’ll be fine. Just relax.”

If Zhou Ling had known the “gift” Nie Zhuying was about to give her, she would have done anything to sabotage the stream.

The stream was set for 9:18 AM, a time meant to symbolize “good luck from the start.” Many fans got the hint and waited with their phones, starting a second-by-second countdown at 9:00 AM. Those who had stayed up late for the New Year even set alarms, terrified of oversleeping.

To them, communicating face-to-face with their idol on the first day of the year—even if their specific questions weren’t answered—was worth it just for a glimpse!

Over the years, Nie Zhuying had built a massive fan base through her solid acting and works. They were from all over, every type of fan imaginable. When the stream started, the room lagged for five full minutes.

—Fan1: What’s the situation? I can’t get in!

—Fan2: Lagging so hard I want to smash my computer…

—Fan3: Can’t get in. If any kind soul leaves, I’ll give them a hundred yuan.

—Fan4: I’ve been waiting for three hours. I went to the bathroom for one minute and you guys… it’s heartbreaking.

While the fans were crying about the lag, Nie Zhuying changed into loungewear and lazily crossed her legs. At exactly 9:48, thirty minutes in, she had the channel locked.

The camera adjusted slightly, focusing on her.

Nie Zhuying’s waterfall of curls was draped casually behind her. To suit the occasion, she was wearing red—a red hoodie with a sporty vibe. She looked exceptionally spirited and stylish.

“Hello everyone, I’m Zhuzi. Congratulations to the lucky ones; you have the chance for a one-hour date with me. The clock starts now!”

—Fan5: Aaaah! My Zhuzi is so “Alpha”!

—Fan6: Even her opening is different. Classic Zhuzi style. Love it! What do I do, I want to take her home.

—Fan7: Zhuzi looks so good in red. Like a lotus rising from the water. Kiss-kiss!

—Fan8: 666666

—Fan9: Giving Zhuzi a mad ‘Call’!

Nie Zhuying gave her opening. Seeing the various comments, she smiled. “Today, I’m taking you on a tour of my temporary little nest. It’s not large, but it has everything. Oh, and later, Zhuzi is going to introduce you to two new family members. You’d better prepare yourselves mentally.”

She pointed the camera at a pile of colorful origami and a small bookshelf, trying to avoid private areas like the bed. But the space was small; after a quick pan, the layout of the room was clear.

As she spoke, the fans went wild. Many had nearly forgotten the previous drama; seeing their idol without makeup, in loungewear, they were overjoyed, sinking into her beauty. But when they heard about “two new family members,” their hearts skipped a beat.

Nie Zhuying was usually so cold and aloof; this sudden approachability made everyone nervous. It felt unfamiliar.

—Fan10: Terrifying thought… is she going to tell us she’s secretly married and has a child? So scared…

—Fan11: Probably going to announce a relationship…

—Fan12: I don’t want this dog food! My Goddess is so good; how could any man in the world be worthy of her? I won’t accept it, waaaa…

—Fan13: My heart just broke into eighteen pieces.

Nie Zhuying loved reading these comments; they were all like little drama queens. Picking a few at random could summarize into a whole play.

“It’s the New Year; I have to give you some benefits and surprises. Ah, someone asked if I’m getting ready to marry. Let me answer that seriously: I’ll definitely marry one day. I can’t stay single forever; otherwise, if I’m sick in bed one day and no one is there to care for me, wouldn’t that be pitiful?”

The comments were a sea of wails, with people asking “when?” and saying “don’t marry, I can care for you.” But there were also rational fans who agreed. Two extremes, almost sparking a fight.

Nie Zhuying took the opportunity to set her phone on the desk. She leaned down and picked up Nuonuo, who had been circling her feet and nearly tripping her several times. She brought him to the camera.

“Nuonuo, say hello to everyone.”

Nuonuo was a white Samoyed, only two months old. His watery eyes stared at the screen, looking very confused. Because Nie Zhuying was holding him by his front legs, he couldn’t find leverage, so his back legs were kicking restlessly.

—Fan14: Aaaah! So cute! As moe as the Goddess!

—Fan15: A little puppy!

—Fan16: Hahaha, one of the ‘members’ the Goddess mentioned?

—Fan17: Goddess, you nearly scared us to death!

—Fan18: Nuonuo? I have one named Nuomi! They look so alike; are they siblings?

Nie Zhuying held Nuonuo in her arms, leisurely petting the dog while smiling at the camera. “I’m going to play with Nuonuo for a bit, or he’ll keep whimpering. I’ll give you five minutes for questions; I’ll answer five first.”

When she mentioned the stream on Weibo, she promised to answer ten questions. She had already answered one, leaving nine. If she handled five now, that would leave four for the “grand finale”!

Originally, the fans were entranced by her petting the dog, wishing they could be Nuonuo and be stroked by the Film Queen. But the tone shifted, and everyone immediately started typing their pre-prepared questions. Countless comments flooded in, turning the screen black.

Nie Zhuying’s face darkened. “Slow down, I can’t keep up.”

Even so, the screen remained full. Nie Zhuying stopped playing with the dog and brought Nuonuo closer to the screen to read together. She managed to find five questions among the chaos.

Nuonuo’s front paws were on the desk, his large watery eyes staring forward alongside Nie Zhuying, raising the Film Queen’s “moe” level to the max. Occasionally his little head would move around, and his fluffy fur would brush against Nie Zhuying’s cheek, making netizens scream “so cute!”

“Someone asked if the bite mark on my lip was from someone in the industry?”

It was a standard question. Whether she said yes or no would cause a stir. If “yes,” the topic would become “Nie Zhuying and someone in the industry acting for real…” If “no,” it would become “Nie Zhuying’s fiancé is an outsider…”

Nie Zhuying’s eyes curved into slits. She stuck out her tongue and licked the spot where it had healed, smacking her lips as if savoring the memory. “She is indeed in the same industry as me.”

Xia Qingye nearly knocked over her teacup. She had managed to find a gap in her busy morning to squeeze into the stream, just to see how Nie Zhuying would handle the fans’ difficult questions. She never expected the other woman to be so straightforward and unshielded in her reply.

Especially when she licked her lips suggestively at the camera—that languid, slightly seductive state and that triumphant look in her eyes made one’s heart itch. Xia Qingye gulped down two mouthfuls of water, suppressing the ripples in her heart.

Nie Zhuying was naturally very sexy; this unconscious flirtation was hard to resist. For a second, Xia Qingye had the urge to cup that face and kiss those moist red lips hard.

Nie Zhuying had no idea that two doors away, a woman had just had a fleeting thought about her. She continued to the second question, her hand still teasing Nuonuo’s paw. “Have you ever gone under the knife anywhere on your body?”

This question concerned plastic surgery. Nie Zhuying often saw news on Weibo about an actress whose nose went crooked from a sneeze, or someone who used to be beautiful but was ruined by surgery. She usually commented on them with great interest; she never thought she’d be asked herself.

It was a low-level question. Nie Zhuying curled her lip. “Not interested.”

The following questions were more general; the fans didn’t want to make things too hard for their idol. They asked if she planned to develop internationally. In recent years, Nie Zhuying’s path had been clear—one or two blockbusters were Hollywood collaborations, and she was often abroad. She answered without hesitation.

Once the five questions were done, she set Nuonuo down.

She propped up her head and looked at the camera. “Next, I’ll introduce the second family member.”

The fans’ attention sharpened instantly, staring as if to bore a hole through their screens. The comments section was a flurry of “Where?” and “6666”…