MGG - 11

Chapter 11: Handsome to Death

In the past, Su Ling had thought that someone like Zheng Xiaoya was truly a “favored child of heaven.” Born into an intellectual family with ancestral merits, she seemed destined for greatness.

Upon entering the entertainment industry, Zheng Xiaoya rose to fame almost instantly. She was talented as well—within three years of her debut, she became an award-winning actress.

Everything she possessed was something Su Ling might never achieve, no matter how hard she tried.

When the magazine announced Zheng Xiaoya as Qin Xiao’s fiancée, Su Ling quietly read through the article.

Was she upset? Perhaps a little, but not much. Since she hadn’t invested any emotions into the relationship, there was no heartbreak to speak of. Instead, she felt a strange sense of relief—as if she had been freed from a heavy burden.

Yet Zheng Xiaoya’s relentless targeting of her made life unbearable for Su Ling.

Now, seeing Zheng Xiaoya in all her glory on set, Su Ling furrowed her brows.

“You know her too?” Yun Bu pulled Su Ling aside and whispered conspiratorially. “She’s the famous Best Actress, but her personality is absolutely insufferable. Rumor has it that within a month of joining the production, she went through three assistants. None of them could stand her. I don’t know where she gets this superiority complex—she treats people like they’re beneath her.”

Seeing Su Ling remain silent, Yun Bu continued indignantly, “If she were genuinely aloof, fine. But look at her shamelessly clinging to my idol!”

Su Ling looked at her in surprise. Yun Bu gestured with her chin, and Su Ling followed her gaze. Zheng Xiaoya stood beside Ji Chong, too far away for their conversation to be heard. However, Zheng Xiaoya’s face was radiant with smiles, her expression toward Ji Chong unusually intimate.

Su Ling’s feelings were complicated.

So Zheng Xiaoya liked Ji Chong now? Then why did she later fall madly in love with Qin Xiao?

Moreover… although Zheng Xiaoya came from a good family, compared to the Qin family, the difference was astronomical. How did Zheng Xiaoya end up as Qin Xiao’s fiancée?

Too many mysteries left Su Ling with an absurd sense that her past life had been lived in vain.

Su Ling pressed her lips together. “Yun Bu, thank you for your kindness, but I really can’t join this production.”

Yun Bu froze. “Why not?”

“I can’t explain the reason right now.”

Yun Bu nodded, suddenly serious. “Alright, if Lingling says she won’t act, then she won’t. I’ll tell Ji Chong lat…”

Before she could finish, Ji Chong and Zheng Xiaoya walked over, accompanied by a portly middle-aged man. Yun Bu quickly greeted them. “Director Liu.”

Su Ling raised her eyes, meeting Zheng Xiaoya’s gaze head-on.

Zheng Xiaoya had a striking, glamorous beauty, even more enchanting than Tang Weiwei. She had been smiling, but upon seeing Su Ling, her smile faltered slightly.

Zheng Xiaoya clenched her teeth inwardly. She had assumed Su Ling was just a minor extra, yet this “extra” outshone even her, the lead actress. What was the point of her acting in this production anymore? She immediately regretted allowing Ji Chong to bring such a person here.

Zheng Xiaoya smiled. “You look unfamiliar. Are you still a student?”

Su Ling glanced at her and nodded.

“You’ve never acted before, have you? Do you even know how?”

Of course Su Ling knew. Not only did she know, but during her performance in Twelve Years of Dust , the director had praised her as a genius. If not for the accident that broke her leg, perhaps she would have become a remarkable actress in a few years’ time.

But facing Zheng Xiaoya now, she simply said, “No.”

Remembering Su Ling’s earlier refusal to join the production, Yun Bu stayed silent. A flicker of disdain appeared in Zheng Xiaoya’s eyes, though she kept smiling. Jokingly, she said to Director Liu, “Director Liu, isn’t that role quite important? Are you really willing to gamble on a newcomer?”

The role wasn’t crucial, but Director Liu understood Zheng Xiaoya’s underlying meaning. He glanced at the breathtaking newcomer before him, sighed inwardly, and laughed. “Why wouldn’t I take the risk? It’s just that we already have someone in mind for this role. The girl looks promising, though. We’ll keep her in mind for future opportunities.”

Su Ling politely nodded. “Thank you.”

Director Liu felt a pang of regret. Overweight and kind-hearted, he had directed for so many years and knew how difficult it was to make it big in the industry. Especially for someone like Su Ling—being too beautiful wasn’t always a blessing. First, it invited jealousy and suppression. Second, without someone powerful backing her, many with ulterior motives would try to take advantage of her. This innocent-looking girl, dressed modestly and clearly without connections, had a rocky road ahead of her.

Ji Chong remained silent. He wasn’t yet a megastar, while Zheng Xiaoya had already been nominated for Best Actress. Unable to intervene, his eyes conveyed a hint of apology.

Zheng Xiaoya smiled sweetly. “Ji Chong, shall we go eat? Director Zhang reserved a table at Lian Yue Hotel.”

Ji Chong responded gently. “I wouldn’t dare refuse.”

Attending dinners was essential for networking. For those starting from scratch like them, seizing every opportunity was the only way to climb higher.

Once they left, Yun Bu’s disappointment and frustration became evident.

Noticing Yun Bu’s demeanor, Su Ling was alarmed. “You… you like Ji Chong?” It wasn’t the admiration one might feel for an idol—it was the affection one reserves for a beloved. Suddenly, she recalled Yun Bu’s cause of death—Yun Bu had taken on the role of the second female lead in a fantasy drama. Those years, she had worked tirelessly, as if trying to catch up to someone. Then, during a wire stunt, the safety harness failed, and Yun Bu fell to her death.

Could that someone be Ji Chong?

Fortunately, Yun Bu quickly plastered on a smile. “How could I? Idols are meant to be admired from afar, not touched. Besides, how could he ever notice me? Come on, Lingling, let’s go eat.”

Su Ling was deeply troubled. She needed to find out the truth. She couldn’t let Yun Bu die!

But no matter how meticulously they planned, no one expected that, fundamentally, this production belonged to Qin Xiao.

On his turf, nothing escaped his watchful eye.

After eating with Yun Bu, they returned to the set. Normally, this time of day was for naps, but now, a crowd had gathered—three layers deep inside, three layers outside.

Yun Bu, ever sensitive to gossip, exclaimed, “Lingling, let’s go check it out!”

“I’d rather not…”

“Come on, accompany me!”

Unable to resist Yun Bu’s persistence, Su Ling relented. “Fine.”

As they approached, they noticed the spectators’ expressions were extremely subtle.

Su Ling immediately spotted the man sitting in the chair. She froze, instinctively retreating further into the crowd.

Yun Bu had never seen Qin Xiao. She asked a supporting actress playing the role of a close friend, “Who is he?” He looked incredibly imposing—everyone else stood while he sat alone. On such a hot day, even Director Liu stood by his side, sweat pouring down his face.

Then Yun Bu looked up and nearly burst out laughing. Zheng Xiaoya stood in the center, visibly flustered but still forcing a composed smile.

The actress replied to Yun Bu, “That’s Mr. Qin, our investor.”

Yun Bu suddenly understood—it was the boss of Qing Entertainment, the sole heir of the Qin family, and an epic-level wealthy individual.

Qin Xiao had placed a vase on Zheng Xiaoya’s head.

For twenty minutes, Zheng Xiaoya endured the strain in her neck and arms. When had she ever been treated like this? The surrounding crowd struggled to suppress their laughter, while Zheng Xiaoya gritted her teeth—this was the most humiliating moment of her life!

Qin Xiao drawled lazily, “Don’t let your hands shake. That vase is worth ten million yuan.”

It was an antique vase, indeed valued at ten million.

Zheng Xiaoya’s face turned pale. “Mr. Qin, when did I offend you?”

Qin Xiao’s lips curled slightly. His demeanor exuded cold indifference, yet his presence commanded attention. He didn’t even bother responding.

Yun Bu was thrilled. “Oh my god, my idol is about to change! Damn, he’s so handsome it kills! I wonder what this whole ordeal is about. If it’s for me, I’d gladly die for it.” She had endured Zheng Xiaoya’s arrogance countless times on set!

Su Ling: “…”

Qin Xiao suddenly turned his head.

Su Ling met his gaze—dark eyes tinged with amusement. She quickly lowered her head, feeling anxious. She dreaded the thought of Qin Xiao calling her name in front of everyone.

Fortunately, Qin Xiao soon turned back. Zheng Xiaoya managed to endure, but he grew impatient. “Shaking like a sieve—is this the leading actress you chose?”

Their drama featured a female protagonist who was a gymnastics prodigy, excelling in balance beam routines.

Director Liu chuckled awkwardly. “What do you suggest?”

“Replace her.”

“With whom?”

Qin Xiao smirked and stood up, turning around. Su Ling felt as if needles were piercing her back. When his gaze swept over her, she wanted to strangle him! Everyone was watching, and if she wanted to survive, she couldn’t afford to be associated with Qin Xiao.

Su Ling wished she could bury herself in the ground!

Qin Xiao’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “What do you think?”

Director Liu thought he was being addressed and realized this was a life-or-death question. He carefully suggested, “Do you have anyone in mind?”

Su Ling was terrified. She had no choice but to raise her eyes and meet his gaze, pleading silently. Her eyes shimmered, soft and luminous.

Qin Xiao was momentarily stunned.

Her expression stirred an indescribable… thrill within him.

Sweetness overwhelmed him.

For the first time, Qin Xiao questioned himself. Was he some kind of masochist?

He averted his eyes, deciding not to tease her further. To Director Liu, he said, “It’s your decision. You’re the director—why are you asking me?”

“Yes, yes,” Director Liu hastily agreed.

Su Ling breathed a sigh of relief.

Qin Xiao wanted to laugh. How could she be so timid? He took out an envelope, its beige paper adorned with a smiley face.

That item was unmistakably familiar!

Su Ling had mailed it just a few days ago, containing thirteen thousand yuan. She had personally filled out Qing Entertainment’s address.

Qin Xiao’s lips curved slightly. “This was found at your production site. Whoever it belongs to, come forward and claim it. Otherwise, it’ll be publicly announced.”

Su Ling: “….” Could she possibly avoid going forward?

The mere thought made her shudder with fear.