Showbiz Scandal: The Official Announcement of My Ex and Myself

On their way back from grocery shopping, Yu Xia suddenly asked Yuan Wang, "Isn’t there a male supporting role missing in your upcoming movie? The director spoke to me about doing a cameo and mentioned they were short on cast members. If no one is confirmed yet, why not let Liang Huaixin audition for it?"

Yuan Wang said, "That could work. There are a lot of choices. If his acting is good, passing the audition would help the director. But it’s just an audition opportunity; do you think he’d be interested?"

"Who doesn’t seize opportunities through auditioning?"

Yuan Wang agreed, pulling out his phone and rapidly typing a message.

When he was done, he glanced at Xie Qingci, who stood expressionless next to him, and intentionally asked, "You’ve only met once and you’re already helping him. How come I never see you helping your dear boyfriend?"

The way he drew out the words was sickening, making Yu Xia shiver and look at him with a "What’s wrong with you?" expression.

"Get your facts straight, he’s with Changhui Entertainment."

With such a strong background, are there really any opportunities lacking?

Yuan Wang added, "True, he’s already at a level that many can’t reach. Is he planning to stay in TV and film from now on? No more idol work?"

Even though the person they were discussing was right next to them, he only asked Yu Xia, as there wasn’t much familiarity with Xie Qingci.

Yu Xia, recalling the reason for Xie Qingci’s outburst last night, brought it up, saying, "He’s right here. Why not ask him directly? You should communicate more with the young folks, instead of just holding the family’s white gloves and walking behind a dog all day."

To chase after the neighbor’s German Shepherd, he regularly volunteered to walk the dog in the community, being dragged around by it.

Yuan Wang pulled at the corners of his mouth, speechless.

Xie Qingci coughed, then answered the question normally, "That’s the current plan. I’m not exactly great at singing or dancing, so having roles to act in is quite good too."

His openness broke the ice, making Yuan Wang feel more at ease and naturally bring up his first film.

"I watched your film, ’Burning Spring,’ too. Your acting was quite good. Though, you still couldn’t surpass Yu Xia, but she was born for this and has the talent, not many can outperform her."

He then turned to Yu Xia, saying, "Especially that scene where you slapped him; it was so satisfying to watch. He’s already acted in two or three films, right? How about you? Do you have anything saved up for this year? Or are you planning to join another project?"

Yu Xia answered, "I have material saved up, and I’ll be joining another group."

"I envy you. You’ve been really lucky, with your films being aired effectively, having something come out each year, and audiences from all age groups recognizing you. I have a film that’s been collecting dust for four years now, unsure of when it will air."

Without airing, it’s like filming in vain. The money is in hand, but the achievements that should’ve been aren’t there, meaning the pay for the next film won’t increase, leaving no online trace of the actor, as if they’re working behind-the-scenes.

But if it airs smoothly and performs well, the next film’s pay could be several times the previous, being a whole different concept.

Xie Qingci listened earnestly from the side, and on entering the house, he consciously took the groceries to the kitchen and began washing vegetables.

He didn’t wear an apron; he just stood in front of the sink in a black T-shirt and pants, tossing the pulled-off leaves into the colander with his head down.

In the living room, Yuan Wang was still chatting away, while Yu Xia absent-mindedly listened, leaning against the kitchen doorway watching Xie Qingci.

Imagining it, she could picture how he managed high school on his own.

With his parents frequently away, tired of takeout, he probably casually washed some vegetables to cook noodles, indifferent to the taste, as long as it filled him up.

Unlike those used to chores, he didn’t like wearing aprons; even if his clothes got frequently splashed, his first choice would likely be to change clothes after eating.

After all, he had plenty of T-shirts of the same color in his wardrobe back then.

Yuan Wang, dry-mouthed from talking, looked up to find Yu Xia hadn’t been listening at all, with her eyes almost glued to Xie Qingci in the kitchen.

He mockingly said, "What are you looking at? Your eyes are about to stick. Were you even listening to me?"

Yu Xia waved dismissively, "I was listening. Keep going."

"..." Yeah, right.

He walked over to lean against the doorway and looked inside.

"Found someone who cooks for you, are you secretly thrilled?"

"Yeah, I’m overjoyed."

Yuan Wang sneered, "I can see that. Your eyes are like X-rays. Is it that good-looking? I stand around and I’m just as charming. I’ll have you know, I’m a budding chef myself."

All the unrelated nonsense got automatically filtered out; all she heard was "Is it that good-looking?"

"What’s not to like? Look at those legs, that waist and back, the upright posture is extra points. And that side profile, dare you say it’s not good-looking? Plus, importantly, the vibe. A poised handsome guy cooking for you—if you don’t appreciate it, aren’t you excited?"

Yuan Wang asked, "...Why should I be excited?"

Anyway, he just saw a somewhat pleasing man washing vegetables, not much different from when he stood in the kitchen... right?

Or, is Yu Xia implying something else?

He rolled up his sleeves and walked in, "I’m helping out too!"

Yu Xia’s hand didn’t fully rise to stop him, thinking he was perceptive yet bemoaning that the scene of a handsome man cooking got spoiled.

What a pity.

At noon, the dishes were served.

Yuan Wang, having no sense of being a guest in a couple’s home, plopped down next to Xie Qingci, rubbing his hands ready to dig in.

He even enthusiastically called to Yu Xia, "Come sit and eat, no need to be polite. Although I did my share, the place is still yours."

"You do realize it’s our place, yet you took my best seat for eating."

He paused, "Am I hearing things? Is there really such a thing?" he looked around.

"Can’t eat sitting somewhere else?"

Yu Xia replied, "...Eating, hurry and eat yours!"

Just shut him up!

Xie Qingci stood and moved to sit beside her.

Yuan Wang, not wanting to call him out, started eating first, giving Xie Qingci a thumbs up as he did so.

"Quite impressive; good-looking, kind, and hardworking. Yu Xia, you’ve really scored."

Yu Xia elegantly picked up her chopsticks, snatched the best piece of meat from Yuan Wang, and placed it in Xie Qingci’s bowl.

"Yes, you’ve scored. Very few have tasted his cooking aside from me. Here, my darling, have the best piece of meat."

Xie Qingci nearly choked.

Yuan Wang directly started coughing.

"What darling? Gatorade?" He downed two bowls of soup in one breath, his expression distorted as if near death, "This spot really is unlucky. Already indigestion at the start of the meal."

The surrounding staff stifled their laughter almost unable to hold it in.

Yu Xia maintained a calm appearance.

"People like you, who only know to chase dogs indirectly, wouldn’t understand. We normal folks, when in love, express our feelings bluntly and boldly."

Yuan Wang suddenly chuckled, shaking.

She frowned, "What are you doing? Rabies?"

"You say blunt and bold? Do you know what netizens say about you now? ’A naive nouveau riche lord who joyfully acquired a beautiful concubine,’ they even made you a motto — ’I ain’t got much education, ain’t good with words, but I surely love you’ hahahahahahahaha!"

Yu Xia’s face turned green.