Chapter 29: Nothing to Do with Me

"Grandpa, I’ve already finished today’s work. You can ask someone if you don’t believe me."

Xie Chengyu replied with a casual shrug.

Xie’s grandfather blinked, then remembered his grandson’s reputation—yes, he often wrapped up tasks ahead of schedule. A quiet swell of pride rose in his chest. But then he caught a whiff of perfume on Xie Chengyu’s clothes, and his brows knitted again.

"What were you doing just now? Where’d that scent come from? What did you do with that woman?"

Three rapid-fire questions, direct and sharp.

Xie Chengyu remained expressionless. He didn’t elaborate. Just brushed it off with a few brief words.

Throughout the exchange, Nan Xiao stood quietly beside Xie’s grandfather, silent as stone.

She thought: *The old man summoned Chengyu out of nowhere. Of course Chengyu will think it’s my fault. Even if I explain, he won’t believe me.*

So she said nothing. Did nothing. Just stood there, cold and still, watching everything unfold.

But inside, her heart was tearing apart.

Across the room, Xie Chengyu spoke to his grandfather—but his attention kept drifting toward Nan Xiao.

He noticed that since they’d entered, she’d only glanced at him once. Then she’d lowered her head, stayed silent, gave him no sign of care. That indifference unsettled him in a way he couldn’t name.

After a few more words with his grandfather, Zhang Sa noticed Chengyu keep stealing glances at Nan Xiao. She raised an eyebrow, then paused, thinking deeply.

“Sir,” she said gently, “we still have some important matters back home. Maybe we should head back?”

“What is it?” Xie’s grandfather asked.

“It’s complicated. I’ll explain on the way.”

He didn’t understand what Zhang Sa was thinking, but she’d cared for him faithfully for years. He trusted her implicitly. And honestly, he was tired of dealing with Xie Chengyu right now. So he nodded and left with her.

The dressing room fell silent.

Xie Chengyu stepped toward Nan Xiao.

“What happened today?”

“Grandpa came to persuade me to move back to the main house. I refused,” she answered honestly.

Xie Chengyu’s brow twitched slightly. “You don’t want to go back?”

Hearing that, Nan Xiao felt a spark of anger flare.

*Does he still believe that recording was real? Does he think I actually don’t want to divorce him? That’s why he’s asking like this?*

“I didn’t even argue when you proposed divorce,” she snapped. “Why would I not want to leave? That recording was a misunderstanding.”

Her voice trembled slightly. After speaking, she turned her face away.

Xie Chengyu’s expression cooled.

It was exactly the answer he wanted—clear, decisive, final. Yet somehow, the way she rushed to prove she truly wanted to end things made him feel… uneasy. Almost irritated.

“By the way,” he suddenly asked, “do you have any male friends?”

Nan Xiao froze.

“No,” she said instinctively. “Why?”

Her only male friend was Xiao Zekai—but he was a celebrity. She always kept their relationship low-key around others, so she’d naturally say no.

“Nothing,” Xie Chengyu said, studying her eyes.

He couldn’t tell if she was lying. But then he reconsidered: *What does it matter if she has male friends?*

She hadn’t left the house in three years. Her face had been scarred—she had almost no friends besides Lin Yan. It was unlikely she had anyone else.

And yesterday’s call from Zhou Wen? Probably just a mix-up.

The thought eased something deep inside him.

When Xie Chengyu left, Nan Xiao gathered herself and headed out to observe filming.

This scene was Xiao Zekai’s monologue. Soon it would be Xu Ruoxin’s turn.

Just as she approached, Xu Ruoxin stepped forward.

“Miss Nan,” she said sweetly, “could you please adjust my scene? It’s too revealing. My husband wouldn’t like it.”

Immediately, a nearby actress whispered, “Wow, Ruoxin’s really close to Mr. Xie. Is he that possessive? Doesn’t want you getting too close to other men?”

Xu Ruoxin smiled, unbothered. “Yeah, he loves me. Our relationship’s always been strong.”

Sure, there had been rumors after Xiao Zekai’s confrontation on set. But over the past few days, Xie Chengyu had shown up repeatedly—always kind, attentive. Everyone saw it. The earlier doubt faded.

She looked at Nan Xiao, eyes gleaming with quiet triumph.

But Nan Xiao just stared back, voice flat.

“Sorry, Miss Xu. That scene can’t be changed. If your husband’s unhappy, that’s your personal issue. Don’t let it interfere with work.”

Xu Ruoxin bit her lower lip, frustration flickering across her face.

Then she released it, smiling again. “Fine. Let’s keep it as is.”

She walked away.

Nan Xiao watched her retreating figure—and felt a hot, bitter jealousy rise in her chest.

She wouldn’t admit it. But yes, she was jealous. Jealous of Xu Ruoxin’s ease, her confidence, the way she moved through life like she belonged.

She forced herself to stay focused. So far, she’d managed to keep it together.

Then the next scene began—the very one Xu Ruoxin found too exposed.

It was a pivotal moment between Qin Ran and the Emperor, where their intimacy deepened. Some physical closeness was necessary. That’s why Nan Xiao had insisted on keeping it intact.

But as the scene unfolded, just as the Emperor was about to press Qin Ran onto the bed, she staggered—then collapsed to the floor.

Everyone froze.

Xiao Zekai, still in his yellow robe, bent down, frowned. “She passed out.”

Chaos erupted. Crew members rushed over, lifting her carefully, calling for an ambulance.

Nan Xiao watched, frowning.

Was this connected to her refusal to change the scene?

She didn’t go to check on Xu Ruoxin. Instead, she returned to the dressing room, reread the script section, confirmed the scene couldn’t be cut, and closed the book.

Then—knock knock.

She called out, “Come in.”

The door opened.

Xie Chengyu stepped in, face dark, eyes stormy.

He loomed over her. “You refused to change her scene?”

Nan Xiao clenched her fists.

Right then, her phone buzzed. A message from Zhou Ruicheng: *Xu Ruoxin fainted because she skipped breakfast. Nothing to do with you refusing to edit the scene. You’re clear.*

Relief washed over her. She was guilt-free.

But now Xie Chengyu stood before her, angry, accusing.

Was he blaming her for Xu Ruoxin collapsing?

“Yes,” she said, voice steady. “I refused Miss Xu’s request. The scene can’t be changed. And her fainting? That had nothing to do with me. She just didn’t eat breakfast.”