When the Female Lead Becomes Obsessive – Chapter 27

Volume One: Those Years I Was a CEO

Waiting is a Beautiful Word (End)

《Gunpowder Everywhere》 finally wrapped up filming, while the broadcast of 《Qing Yan》 made You Jiayi explode in popularity across the country¹.

The broadcast platform had even released 《Qing Yan》 overseas, expanding the viewing audience.

Consequently, many foreigners came to believe that the immortals spoken of in China looked just like You Jiayi.

Fresh and elegant, ethereal and unconventional².

With You Jiayi’s surge in fame, Wen Nuan had even fewer opportunities to see her. You Jiayi was now busier than she was, practically flying everywhere, her feet barely touching the ground.

Many good scripts came knocking proactively, requesting You Jiayi’s participation, without Wen Nuan needing to find ways to fight for them.

Various endorsement deals and variety show activities also poured in. Some people, unable to contact Shu Changning, even resorted to calling the operator at Xu Corporation – it was quite the frenzy.

Kong Yushu also gained fame from the variety show 《Renewed Heartbeat》, and he started preparing for the next one, so busy he couldn’t get away³. Left with no choice, Wen Nuan could only transfer Wei Cheng over to manage Yixin Entertainment.

Everything seemed to be moving towards a bright future, yet Wen Nuan felt a sense of panic at this moment.

“Tongzi, has Jiayi’s blackening value increased again recently?” Wen Nuan touched her chest.

The System shook its head: 【No, the female lead’s blackening value is already 0.5. It’s about to reset to zero, and then we can leave.】

Wen Nuan frowned: “Leave? Leave to where?”

Usually, when a mission was completed, the System would offer a choice, letting the Task-taker decide whether to stay or leave.

【Naturally, leave this Mission World and go to the next one.】 The System was puzzled by Wen Nuan’s question.

“After the blackening value resets to zero, can I stay?”

The System paused: 【Apologies, Host, you cannot stay.】

“Why?”

It had always been possible to choose before.

【That’s different. Different missions naturally have different handling methods. When the blackening value resets to zero, the Host will immediately leave this Mission World.】 The System sighed.

“If I leave, what happens if the female lead’s blackening value rises again?” Wen Nuan asked doubtfully.

【A Replica. We will establish a Replica identical to the Host to stay behind.】

Wen Nuan lowered her gaze, saying softly, “That… ultimately isn’t me.”

【Host, are you… reluctant to leave the female lead of this world?】 the System asked.

Wen Nuan nodded: “Of course. I was thinking of spending a lifetime properly with her, only to find that my time with her is shrinking bit by bit.”

The blackening value was only 0.5. As soon as the female lead was moved by her one more time, they would be separated immediately.

“If I raise the blackening value, can I stay in this Mission World a bit longer?” This was the only method Wen Nuan could think of.

Since the blackening value was the basis for her existence in this Mission World, couldn’t she just maintain it by being sometimes gentle and sometimes cold towards the female lead, preventing it from resetting to zero?

The System fell silent for a moment: 【Host, even so, do you want to drive the female lead mad?】

Wen Nuan paused: “What do you mean?”

【No one can endure their beloved being hot and cold⁴ towards them, right? One moment showering her with care and attention, the next turning hostile and neglectful. Extreme emotional fluctuations will gradually throw a person’s mind into chaos and confusion, eventually leading to a breakdown and madness. At that point, although the female lead would still be alive, it would be a life worse than death.】

The System looked at the stiffened Wen Nuan and said gravely: 【With such actions, are you trying to turn the female lead into… a walking corpse⁵?】

Wen Nuan’s face turned pale, her fingertips clenched tightly. “Isn’t there any other way?”

She really didn’t want to leave. She truly wanted to spend a lifetime properly with You Jiayi.

【There is.】

Wen Nuan’s eyes flashed with surprise: “What?”

【After your Points are unfrozen, the Host can use all Points to exchange for a world. Then you can return to reunite with her.】 This was the only solution the System could offer.

It was also the method that could solve the fundamental problem.

Yes, after her points were Unfrozen, she could indeed use them to exchange for one world to retire in.

The System’s method was indeed effective.

But she was still reluctant.

How could she be willing to leave someone she liked so much, whom she had finally met?

The phone on the table flashed; it was a WeChat video call from You Jiayi.

Her fingertips trembled. Wen Nuan rubbed her stiff face and answered the call.

No matter how busy they were, they had to make time to see each other and chat – this was their agreement.

The video connected, and You Jiayi appeared on the screen, her smile like a blooming flower. She held a sunflower and smiled, “Look! I just picked it. Isn’t it pretty?”

You Jiayi was currently in the suburbs of B City participating in a variety show recording.

Wen Nuan smiled: “Pretty. It looks like you.”

You Jiayi looked at the sunflower, blinking: “Huh? Is my face as big as a sunflower now?”

“….” Wen Nuan said helplessly, “I was praising you for being bright and radiant like a sunflower. Who said your face was big?”

You Jiayi giggled: “Heehee, just teasing you. You even said yesterday that I’d gotten so thin my sharp chin was showing. But…” She leaned closer to the camera, scrutinizing carefully, “Wen Nuan, are you in a bad mood?”

Wen Nuan’s pupils contracted slightly. She smiled: “No.”

“Then why do you look so tired? Is work too exhausting?” You Jiayi asked, concerned. “How about you get off work early today, okay?”

“Okay, I’ll get off work early today.”

You Jiayi blew a kiss at the camera. “So good. Rewarding you with a kiss.”

Wen Nuan pressed her lips together, smiling without speaking.

For some reason, looking at the brilliantly smiling You Jiayi, she felt both joy and an immense sourness in her heart.

“Seeing you so tired really breaks my heart. Wen Nuan, although I don’t earn as much as you, I’ll work hard to make money, striving to make sure you won’t be so exhausted anymore. When that time comes, how about I support you?” You Jiayi looked nervously at Wen Nuan.

Wen Nuan blinked, the sourness making her eyes redden. “Okay.”

You Jiayi smiled happily. “I’ll send this bouquet of sunflowers over to you. I’ve arranged for same-city express delivery; it should arrive tonight.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting.”

“Wen Nuan, the program team is calling for assembly. I have to go now,” You Jiayi said, waving.

“Mm-hmm, hope the recording goes smoothly. Take care of yourself.”

Wen Nuan watched the disconnected video call and fell silent.

Smoke from the lit cigarette between her fingers dispersed from her lips. Wen Nuan watched the drifting smoke.

“Don’t you think it’s laughable?”

【What?】

Wen Nuan exhaled a puff of smoke. “I finally open my heart⁶ wanting to treat someone well, only to find my love is so short-lived.”

The System didn’t know how to comfort her, so it could only place many more cigarettes on the table for her.

Watching the cigarette butts gradually pile up in the ashtray, the System knew Wen Nuan was self-healing.

It always believed in Wen Nuan’s control over her emotions; she loved the female lead.

But Wen Nuan knew clearly that only after completing all the Unfreezing tasks could they reunite.

Wen Nuan stubbed out the last cigarette. When she opened her eyes, the sorrowful emotions slowly faded.

“Tongzi, thanks.”

The System smiled: 【It’s nothing. We’ve always been partners.】

That point had never changed.

The popularity of 《Qing Yan》 far exceeded expectations. Because of this drama, You Jiayi was nominated for the Golden Eagle Award⁷.

Shu Changning wasn’t surprised when he heard the news; he felt You Jiayi deserved such excellence.

It was just that You Jiayi was overly nervous, looking exactly like she was about to go into battle and have a fierce fight with someone.

“The Golden Eagle Awards ceremony is still a week away. Why are you so nervous now?” Shu Changning saw You Jiayi sitting on pins and needles⁸ every day.

You Jiayi sighed: “Of course I’m nervous. It’s such a major award.”

Shu Changning patted You Jiayi’s shoulder reassuringly: “Stick with big bro, there will be plenty more chances to win awards in the future. The movie 《Feng Yu》⁹ you just acted in is also very likely to be nominated for an Oscar, you know.”

You Jiayi gave a faint “Oh.”

Seeing her casual attitude, Shu Changning wondered why it seemed like the Golden Eagle Award was more precious than an Oscar in her eyes.

“What are you actually worried about regarding the Golden Eagle Award? Worried you won’t get it?” Shu Changning asked, surprised. “Don’t worry, I’ve looked at the nominated dramas. Almost no one can compete with 《Qing Yan》. No need to worry about not winning.”

You Jiayi’s hands fidgeted constantly. “One can’t be too complacent about anything.”

“Ai, trust big bro’s judgment, you’ll definitely win!”

Annoyed by Shu Changning’s chatter, You Jiayi sat to the side, absorbed in her own nervousness.

She didn’t care whether she won the award or not. The only person she cared about, from beginning to end, was that person.

You Jiayi was determined to win the Golden Eagle Award. Not only was Shu Changning certain, but the general public was also convinced You Jiayi would definitely win it.

The Golden Eagle Awards ceremony opened. Xu Wen Nuan, as You Jiayi’s partner, attended together. In the car, she saw You Jiayi trembling nervously all over.

Thinking the female lead might be a bit nervous, Wen Nuan hugged her and coaxed softly, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here beside you. Don’t worry. No matter the result, I’ll face it together with you.”

You Jiayi buried her face in her shoulder. “Mm.”

You Jiayi’s attire today was stunning: a strapless evening gown resembling a wedding dress. On the pure white light gauze, roses were embroidered stitch by stitch. Her ink-black hair, like seaweed, cascaded down her back.

From a distance, You Jiayi looked like a princess who had escaped from a castle.

Sweet and ethereal, her glances captivatingly radiant.

Xu Wen Nuan placed You Jiayi’s hand in the crook of her arm and smiled gently. “Let’s go.”

My dear princess, please claim the crown that belongs to you and become Her Majesty, the Queen, high above all.

From signing autographs and posing for photos on the red carpet to the awards ceremony venue, the pair of Xu Wen Nuan and You Jiayi were the center of attention¹⁰, receiving immense focus.

The organizers placed their seats in the front row. Xu Wen Nuan felt the trembling in her palm and squeezed her hand. “Don’t be afraid.”

You Jiayi smiled: “Mm-hmm, not afraid.”

Then her hand trembled even more violently.

Wen Nuan: “….”

The evening’s proceedings moved quickly. After several award segments came performances by singers, easing the tense atmosphere in the venue.

They waited until twelve o’clock before the announcement for the Golden Eagle Award slowly began.

The big screen displayed the nominated dramas and contestants. At a glance, 《Qing Yan》 was outstanding¹¹.

The award presenter was the renowned director Shan Yifei¹². He first made some small talk with the audience before opening the award envelope delivered by the ceremony attendant¹³.

“Alright, let’s see which actor is the winner of the 20th Golden Eagle Award?” Shan Yifei looked at the name on the list, revealing a knowing smile¹⁴. “The winner is the female lead of 《Qing Yan》, You Jiayi! Let’s congratulate her, it’s truly well-deserved¹⁵.”

Enthusiastic applause echoed throughout the venue.

Xu Wen Nuan clapped, watching You Jiayi walk step by step onto the stage that belonged to her, claiming her crown.

Filled with gratification.

“Tongzi, it should be time to go, right?”

With the female lead winning Best Actress¹⁶, and with Shu Changning and the Replica around in the future, becoming Best Actress in film¹⁷ and achieving a Grand Slam¹⁸ would surely let You Jiayi earn a fortune¹⁹. She didn’t need to worry anymore.

The System shook its head: 【The blackening value hasn’t reset to zero yet. Still missing 0.3.】

Wen Nuan was astonished: “Why?”

【I don’t know either. Logically speaking, with the female lead winning the award, her career and love life are both smooth sailing, truly achieving peak life harmony. The blackening value should have been eliminated.】

But the blackening value had only dropped by 0.2, which was very puzzling.

A trace of pleasant surprise flashed in Wen Nuan’s eyes. “Does this mean we still have to help the female lead win Best Actress in film?”

Shu Changning had said the movie You Jiayi was currently in might contend for an Oscar.

【I don’t know. How about we try and see?】 The System also couldn’t figure out why the female lead’s blackening value wasn’t decreasing.

Wen Nuan looked at the dazzling You Jiayi on stage and thought: Being able to accompany you for a while longer is truly wonderful.

You Jiayi accepted the trophy and flowers handed over by Shan Yifei.

She walked to the microphone and took a deep breath. “Thank you all very much for your support. Without your help, I fear I wouldn’t have been able to receive this honor today. There are truly too many people to thank; besides thanks, it’s still gratitude.”

Xu Wen Nuan kept clapping for her, her gentle eyes fixed on her.

“Actually, I’m very nervous today, extremely nervous. Ever since I was nominated for the Golden Eagle Award, I started getting nervous. Nervous about whether I could win, and also nervous about whether today’s marriage proposal… will be successful?”

The crowd erupted in an uproar, looking at the person on stage in disbelief.

The director, quite intuitively, switched the camera to the stunned Xu Wen Nuan below the stage.

Xu Wen Nuan’s clapping hands froze; she couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

You Jiayi’s hands twisted together nervously. She lifted her skirt hem and walked down the stage, slowly approaching Wen Nuan. Placing the trophy and flowers on the seat, she took out the red diamond ring she had treasured for so long from her glove.

“From the very first moment I saw this diamond ring, I felt it suited you perfectly. You are both dazzlingly brilliant, passionate and splendid, like the warm sun in winter, the rosy clouds of dawn in summer, the still clean and flawless clear sky in spring and autumn. And the reason I bought this diamond ring is…”

She was so nervous she couldn’t speak smoothly, her whole body trembling, tears welling in her eyes. “I thought… with this mortal body, I could make you, who are like the four seasons… stay for me…”

Under Xu Wen Nuan’s shocked gaze, You Jiayi knelt on one knee, holding the diamond ring up to her, and choked out, “Wen Nuan, will you marry me?”

Xu Wen Nuan’s eyes widened. She covered her mouth, gasping.

She had never thought You Jiayi would propose to her, never.

Everyone in the venue held their breath, watching the two below the stage.

Even the audience watching the live stream stopped sending bullet comments, nervously watching the two in the video.

Seeing Wen Nuan hadn’t replied, You Jiayi’s heart pounded even more fiercely. She thought Wen Nuan might have been scared by her.

Just as she was about to ask again, she saw Xu Wen Nuan squat down, raise her hand, extend her ring finger, her gaze full of warmth and emotion.

The corners of her eyes reddened as she smiled gently. “Okay.”

In that instant, You Jiayi seemed to see a magnificent scene like spring all year round²⁰ blooming in her eyes.

【Ding! Female lead’s blackening value reset to zero. Replica construction in progress. Task-taker will soon Detach from the Mission World. Please prepare.】

Wen Nuan looked at the diamond ring placed on her ring finger. She pulled You Jiayi into her arms and kissed her fiercely.

Lips and tongues entwined, passion flared.

You Jiayi felt Xu Wen Nuan’s unprecedented fire and fierceness, as if her entire breath and senses were firmly grasped by Xu Wen Nuan.

The two kissed amidst the world’s congratulations.

Wen Nuan kissed You Jiayi, tears sliding from the corners of her eyes. Holding her lips, she whispered softly, “I love you.”

【Three, two, one… Replica construction successful. Task-taker Detaching!】

——Wait for me.

---

---