Xia Wanfu was watching the first drama she had filmed, her phone screen filled with dense bullet comments.
Even through the screen, she could feel the overwhelming resentment, as these were all insults directed at her.
The more rational viewers wouldn't blame the actor herself, as it only meant she was a good actress.
However, there were also impulsive haters who would spew utterly unbearable words.
As this drama aired, her Weibo follower count increased exponentially every day.
Simultaneously, many irrational haters came to attack and curse.
She had foreseen this, but despite mentally preparing herself,
Seeing the overwhelming barrage of negativity, she still felt terrible.
As an actor, if she couldn't even endure this, what right did she have to debut?
Xia Wanfu calmly exited the interface and opened Weibo.
Her follower count had jumped from tens of thousands to over two million.
Her Weibo had only three or four posts, all promotions for the new drama.
She couldn't help but click on the comments left by some users.
"The embodiment of a white lotus, playing herself!"
"Regardless of the character, the actress herself is unlikable; she has a natural green tea vibe."
"Don't even think about seducing Brother Wen Yan!! Whether in or out of the show."
…
Xia Wanfu casually scrolled through a few comments, all filled with sarcastic remarks, with a majority being from Wen Yan's fans.
Expressionless, she exited the comments and opened the post Weibo.
She edited: "Thank you all for recognizing my acting skills. I will bring you more good works in the future."
After posting this Weibo, she turned off her phone, indifferent to how it would escalate.
"Miss, dinner is ready."
Xia Wanfu turned her head and asked, "Has the young master returned?"
"The young master said he won't be coming back for dinner tonight."
Xia Wanfu gazed out the window at the boundless darkness, her unease growing stronger.
Ever since their last camping trip, Jiang Zexi had been returning home less and less frequently.
He seemed very busy, often staying out overnight.
Yet, his attitude towards her remained as gentle as ever, so gentle it felt unreal.
But even so, even when he was by her side, she felt a sense of distance, as if a vast chasm separated them.
Especially after spending more time together, this feeling intensified.
Yet, she couldn't pinpoint the problem.
She didn't care about the overwhelming online abuse; it couldn't touch her.
But the constant overthinking tormented her, leaving her mentally exhausted.
This feeling was hard to articulate, and if she wanted to discuss it, she wouldn't know where to begin.
Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her inner turmoil and went to the dining room for dinner.
A table full of dishes, yet she had little appetite. These dishes were too sweet for her, though Jiang Zexi seemed to enjoy them.
As long as he liked it, she could accommodate, just to become the person he desired.
She thought this would bring her peace, that Jiang Zexi would treat her even better.
But it was the opposite; no matter what she did, this strange feeling persisted.
Jiang Zexi was clearly gentle and attentive, with eyes only for her.
Yet, every time she looked into his tender gaze, it felt unreal.
Xia Wanfu absently ate a few bites and put down her chopsticks, preparing to go back to her room to rest.
There was a bit more filming for her next drama tomorrow, so she needed to rest early.
Love couldn't be her entire life; her fame and fortune were what truly mattered.
As she stepped onto the stairs, the sound of a keypad unlocking echoed from the front door.
Her footsteps upstairs paused, and she turned to look.
The door slowly opened, and Jiang Zexi walked in, his face etched with fatigue.
A surge of joy filled her, and Xia Wanfu rushed to greet him, all her worries vanishing.
"Brother Zexi, you're back!"
"Yes, I'm back. Have you eaten?"
Jiang Zexi changed his shoes and handed his coat to the butler, Cao, who came to meet him.
"I have. I'll eat a little with you."
Jiang Zexi gently pulled her into his embrace, burying his face in her neck, greedily inhaling the jasmine scent from her hair.
His closeness brought a whiff of alcohol, intoxicating her.
"Have you been drinking a lot? I'll ask Butler Cao to make you some hangover soup."
"No need, holding you is enough." Jiang Zexi closed his eyes, finding a moment of peace only at this time.
Xia Wanfu let him hold her, gently stroking his back.
A moment later, Jiang Zexi released her and said, "I'm preparing to take over the family business. I'll be busier from now on."
So that was the reason for his recent busyness, Xia Wanfu smiled faintly. "Don't work too hard; your health is important."
"Mm, let's eat first."
With Jiang Zexi by her side, Xia Wanfu finally had some appetite, and even the unappealing dishes tasted delicious.
After dinner, they went upstairs together.
As they entered the room, Jiang Zexi pinned her against the door, his voice suppressed and hoarse.
Xia Wanfu gently wrapped her arms around his neck, looking up at him with eyes full of lingering affection.
"Brother Zexi, will you always treat me this well? I want to hear you say—"
Jiang Zexi immediately lowered his head and kissed her lips, his eyes slightly closed, his emotions unreadable.
…
Xia Wanfu was lost in his passionate kiss, her other thoughts vanishing. Yet, she knew clearly in her heart.
This was only temporary; after tonight, that complex emotion would resurface.
Late into the night.
Jiang Zexi had fallen into a deep, exhausted sleep. Xia Wanfu was too tired to move but felt no sleepiness.
She lay in Jiang Zexi's arms, feeling his warmth, listening to his heartbeat and breathing, her nose filled with his scent.
Gazing at his sleeping face, Xia Wanfu reached out and traced his features, wanting to etch his likeness into her heart.
She loved Jiang Zexi so very much.
She couldn't live without him anymore.
The quiet night was silent, the hustle and bustle of the day having subsided. But by the latter half of the night, it began to rain.
Raindrops pattered down, creating countless small puddles on the ground.
Xia Wan Tang was jolted awake by a nightmare, all sleep gone, her body drenched in sweat.
In her dream, faceless figures surrounded her, pointing and speaking in harsh tones.
She couldn't make out what they were saying, but she knew it was all accusations and curses.
Those figures were ephemeral, like terrifying, ferocious demons.
She couldn't escape, like a lamb led to slaughter.
Xia Wan Tang gasped for breath, staring blankly at the ceiling. She felt a slight distension in her lower abdomen and a dull ache in her waist.
A warm flow descended, soaking her entire backside.
This familiar feeling signaled the arrival of her period.
She sat up abruptly, and a pungent smell of blood emanated from the sheets.