Chapter 19: How Did You Figure It Out?

So, just who the hell is Xie Chengyu?

Xu Ruoxin’s eyes dipped low, her mind racing.

The next morning, Xu Ruoxin arrived at the set early with her assistant Fangfang—a round-faced girl wearing round glasses, clutching a dozen milk teas in her arms, looking utterly exhausted.

Xu Ruoxin took off her sunglasses and smiled openly. “Thanks everyone for yesterday’s kindness. My husband said he’d treat you all to milk tea—come grab one!”

“Wow, Mr. Xie’s so thoughtful—he actually bought us drinks!”
“Mr. Xie really spoils Miss Ruoxin, even remembers people who’ve helped her.”

The crew cheered, rushing over to collect their drinks. In seconds, the area around Nan Xiao was empty. She sat alone on a chair, clutching her script, her body trembling slightly.

She’d told herself yesterday not to get upset over this. Emotionally, she knew better. But logic and heart were two different things.

Hearing Xu Ruoxin call Xie Chengyu “my husband” right there in front of everyone? It still twisted her gut.

She felt Xu Ruoxin’s gaze land on her—sharp, mocking, like a knife under her skin. Instinctively, she wanted to run.

Then, a lazy, smooth voice cut through the air: “Miss Xu… are you and Mr. Xie married?”

Xu Ruoxin turned, surprised to see Xiao Zekai suddenly speaking up.

Xiao Zekai was a strikingly handsome man—though not quite as refined or mature as Xie Chengyu, he was still undeniably good-looking. She smiled. “Not yet. But we’re getting there.”

“Hmph.”

A dry chuckle escaped him. Anyone with ears could hear the sarcasm dripping from his tone. Xu Ruoxin frowned. Why was he laughing like that?

“So you’re Mr. Xie’s girlfriend?” Xiao Zekai drawled, cool as ice. “But I heard Mr. Xie’s wife is someone else. So… what exactly are you, Miss Xu? His mistress?”

Silence fell for a beat.

The crew members holding their milk teas all turned toward Xu Ruoxin, eyes wide with shock.

If it were anyone else saying this, they’d just brush it off—what did they know? But this was Xiao Zekai.

He came from old money—could’ve inherited billions, but instead chose to crash into the entertainment world. And damn if he didn’t make it big. He was now a top-tier star, red-hot and untouchable.

He and Xu Ruoxin were worlds apart. Years in the industry, flawless reputation—people just assumed he wouldn’t lie. So… was she really just a mistress?

“I’m not!” Xu Ruoxin snapped, her face flushing crimson. For a split second, she lost composure.

But she wasn’t some naive girl. She’d clawed her way up from nothing. If she hadn’t learned a few tricks along the way, she’d never have made it this far. So she regained control fast.

She didn’t know why Xiao Zekai was suddenly targeting her—but she knew she couldn’t stay here any longer. “You’re really something, Xiao Ge,” she said, turning to leave.

“Wait.”

Xiao Zekai stopped her.

She paused, glancing back. “What is it, Xiao Ge?”

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. “I think you’re a few years older than me, aren’t you? Calling me ‘Ge’ feels a little… inappropriate, don’t you think, *big sis*?”

“…”

“HAHAHA!”

Laughter erupted instantly. People bent over, doubled up. Even Nan Xiao couldn’t help it—she snorted out a laugh.

Xiao Zekai was still the same ruthless jerk he’d always been—no matter who he disliked, he never gave them an inch.

Xu Ruoxin’s hands trembled with rage, but she held it together. Forced a smile. “I call you ‘Ge’ because you’re a veteran in this industry. That’s all. If it bothers you, I won’t do it anymore.”

With that, she couldn’t stand the stares—those hungry, gossipy eyes watching like a circus act. She turned and walked away fast.

Meanwhile, Nan Xiao felt queasy. She decided to head back to the dressing room for a breather.

But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Xiao Zekai follow her in. Then—*bang*—the door slammed shut behind him. He stood by the entrance, frowning at her.

Nan Xiao shifted uncomfortably. Before she could speak, he asked, voice tight: “Why are you still such a softie? Other women are already calling your man ‘husband’ in public—and you’re still holding back?”

Her eyes dropped. “I’m divorcing Xie Chengyu.”

That hit him like a punch.

Divorcing?

She and Xie Chengyu were splitting up?

He hadn’t seen that coming. Three years—that was all it had been. But honestly, he’d never believed they’d last long anyway.

He stepped forward quickly, clapped her shoulder hard—almost cheerfully. “Little dumpling, congratulations. You’re finally free. What finally made you see sense?”

She glanced up at him. It wasn’t *her* decision. It was Xie Chengyu who’d filed for divorce.

But she didn’t tell him that. Being in the same room with him still felt awkward—too many memories of their explosive fight, the final break.

She straightened her face, cold. “None of your business. Go do your job.”