Chapter 20 — IAVD (QT) Chapter 20

Ji Xiu was more than just a talented actor.

Born into a scholarly family with parents who were university professors, he was handsome and possessed a refined, gentle temperament. Even in an entertainment industry teeming with beautiful people, his visuals were top-tier. Consequently, unlike other veteran actors, he didn't just have general public recognition; he had a massive, die-hard fanbase.

His "girlfriend fans" were legion, active across Weibo, Douban, and every major forum. Their engagement rivaled that of the hottest young idols. Every time he released a new drama, won an award, or broke a viewership record, his fans celebrated as if it were a national holiday.

Last month, when he won Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival—completing his "Grand Slam" of the three major international festivals—the news sent his fans into a frenzy of celebration. Normally, when a celebrity’s fans spam the internet like that, it triggers a massive backlash. But with Ji Xiu’s seniority and undeniable ability, no one could find a reason to mock him. This only brought more fans into the fold.

But if the public found out that Ji Xiu was already married and had a child...

Wouldn't that be handing his detractors a weapon on a silver platter? His girlfriend fans would likely leave in droves, possibly turning into anti-fans. It would be a devastating blow to his career.

Director Wang, being close to Ji Xiu, couldn't help but advise him against being impulsive. Ji Xiu chuckled, his tone light. "Director Wang, you’ve misunderstood the situation as well."

"Oh?"

"I’m an actor. I eat based on my acting skills. As long as I keep filming, I’ll have relevance. I don't need to use 'singleness' to please fans. They don't like me because I'm single; they like me because my acting is good and my projects are worth watching." He added, "As long as I haven't broken the law, no one can truly take me down."

Director Wang paused. Come to think of it, he had a point. He laughed heartily. "In that case, I'd be more than happy to have you. A Triple Gold Film Emperor exposing his marriage and child for the first time on my show? That’s publicity I’d be a fool to turn down."

…

Xu Yun had been waiting to speak. Once he hung up, she asked tentatively, "Are we really going to expose it?"

Ji Xiu looked at her. "Are you unwilling?"

"No!" she quickly denied, then whispered, "I'm just afraid it will affect your career."

There was a trace of grievance in her voice. They had met on a film set. At the wrap party, everyone had been drinking. A staff member had accidentally sent them to the same hotel room, leading to a chaotic night. They had initially agreed to act like strangers afterward.

But Xu Yun was only eighteen then, a newcomer too well-protected by her family. She was naive and had no experience; she didn't even know to take a morning-after pill. A month later, she found herself pregnant with Ji Xiaocong. Panicked, she told Ji Xiu.

The original Ji Xiu was a scumbag through and through. His family happened to be pressuring him to marry, and he didn't want to waste time on dating. He simply asked Xu Yun if she was willing to marry him. Having grown up watching his movies and idolizing him, she had agreed in a daze.

They married without a ceremony and moved in together. Back then, when she worried about his career, he had said flatly that he didn't intend to go public. Not because he feared fans, but because he found it "troublesome." He only wanted to put effort into acting.

That cold statement had instantly chilled Xu Yun’s excitement. But being married to her idol was a dream come true, so she agreed for the sake of his career. For four years, they remained hidden.

Now, seeing him change his mind, she was happy but recalled the past. She looked at him, her lip pouting—a look incredibly similar to the way Xiaocong looked when he was upset. "You aren't afraid of it affecting your career anymore?"

Ji Xiu’s hand itched to pinch her cheek, but he restrained himself. "My career is stable now. I have the Triple Gold awards; what is there to hinder me? Besides, you and Congcong have waited for me all these years. I can't let you stay in the shadows forever."

Xu Yun’s eyes lit up, and a sweet smile broke across her face. She turned away shyly to hide it. Even with a three-year-old child, in front of Ji Xiu, she was still that simple, passionate fan girl.

Ji Xiu felt a jolt in his heart, realizing he might have flirted a bit too effectively. Fortunately, Xiaocong sensed he was losing the spotlight and ran over to fake-cry while grabbing Xu Yun’s arm. Ji Xiu took the chance to escape to the study, claiming he needed to contact Brother Wang.

…

Under normal circumstances, an artist's company would never allow them to go public with a marriage. However, Ji Xiu was different. Due to his success and wise investments, he had bought shares in the company five years ago, making him a part-owner. Furthermore, with his current status, he truly didn't need to hide it.

The company agreed to the plan and even offered to provide PR support to "escort" the announcement. The decision became set in stone.

A month later, on the eve of the program’s filming.

Xu Yun was busy packing two large suitcases for the father and son. A simple-minded Xiaocong, unaware of the "horrors" of the future, ran around "helping" her while clutching his plush toy, refusing to sleep.

Meanwhile, our protagonist, Ji Xiu, was huddled under a desk lamp, intensely studying a book. To an outsider, he looked like he was researching a profound academic text. A closer look revealed the title: 300 Recipes for Home Cooking.

It wasn't the first time Xu Yun had seen him like this, but she couldn't help but giggle. Ji Xiu quickly put the book down and glared at her with feigned sternness. "What are you laughing at?"

Xu Yun covered her mouth, looking guilty. "I wasn't the one laughing."

"If not you, then who?"

She pointed at the toddler jumping nearby. "It was Ji Xiaocong!"

"Mommy?" the boy looked up, utterly confused.

Xu Yun’s conscience pricked her. She couldn't let her son take the fall. "Okay, it was me. I’m sorry."

Ji Xiu walked over to her until they were eye-to-eye. "Since you know you’re wrong, you must accept a punishment."

Xu Yun’s ears turned pink as she whispered, "W-what punishment?"

"Are you overthinking things?" Ji Xiu asked with a trace of amusement. "My punishment is for you to teach me how to cook."

A flicker of disappointment passed through Xu Yun’s eyes, quickly hidden by a smile. "Cooking? That’s easy." She stood the suitcases against the wall and led the way. "Let's go to the kitchen."

Ji Xiu stood there for a full five seconds, staring at her back, before following. Over the past month, they had gotten along well, but due to his lingering guilt over the original owner's actions, he hadn't moved back into her bed.

Xu Yun was becoming increasingly sensitive and quiet, as if their relationship was slipping back into the coldness of the previous life. Ji Xiu felt a bit lost. Seeing her disappointment today, he finally made a decision. If he could "lie" for a lifetime, it wouldn't be a lie. He would give her a happy life.

He caught up and placed an arm around her waist, his voice carrying a light, natural smile. "What do you plan to teach me? If I don't learn it well, I won't let you off easily."

Xu Yun stiffened as if she couldn't believe it. She trembled slightly, trying to stay calm. "W-what do you want to learn?"

"Something simple and homey. And one of Congcong's favorites, so he won't refuse to eat while we're out." He smiled at her, his hand remaining on her waist. "Otherwise, if he comes back thin, you'll be heartbroken."

Xu Yun’s eyes flickered. She whispered, "Let's learn one you like, too. If you come back thin, I’ll be heartbroken as well."

Ji Xiu’s gaze darkened. "Alright. Whatever you say."