Chapter 23

Kong Xiyan was jolted awake by her alarm. She groaned, rolled over, fumbled for her phone to silence it, and was about to burrow back under the covers when something felt off.

The blanket was arched in one spot, and her legs were tangled between someone else's thighs. She looked down and saw Chi Wanzhao's sleeping face, instantly tensing.

She barely stifled a gasp, yanking her legs back!

Chi Wanzhao didn't stir, just turned over and went back to sleep.

Kong Xiyan pressed a hand to her chest, her heart pounding. When had Chi Wanzhao come back?

Last night?

Impossible. She'd gone to bed at eleven-thirty.

In the middle of the night?

Early morning?

Why hadn't she texted her first!

Kong Xiyan shot a suspicious look at Chi Wanzhao's back, then slipped on her slippers and got out of bed. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Yanyan sitting there, locked out, looking up at her with those big blue eyes full of reproach.

Kong Xiyan scooped her up, glanced back at the still-sleeping Chi Wanzhao, pressed her lips together, and headed downstairs.

After breakfast, Chi Wanzhao still hadn't come down. Since Kong Xiyan had moved in, she'd never seen her sleep in. After a moment's thought, she left some porridge in the pot, scribbled a note for Chi Wanzhao, and left.

Breaking the Cocoon had only aired two episodes, but online views had already surpassed a hundred million—a rarity that immediately set it apart from the current crop of dramas.

Kong Xiyan's Weibo had gained a mix of followers, both haters and genuine fans.

They'd quickly started brawling in the comments under her old posts about the mistress scandal.

Kong Xiyan rarely posted on Weibo, but recently the official drama account had been tagging her nonstop. The same account that had once tried to bury her was now taking an unconventional approach.

Not only did they tag her, but they also sang her praises daily.

Mostly, this was thanks to online reviews.

The tag "The Most Fitting Chu Qian" had gone viral, with fans posting fan edits under the official account every day, plus promotional clips from popular influencers.

In other words, since Breaking the Cocoon premiered, it had completely overshadowed the mistress scandal.

Replacing it was the queen, Chu Qian.

In the novel, Chu Qian was flawless—even when Lin Liang attacked the city, she embraced self-sacrifice. Apart from her obsession with Lin Liang, she had no faults.

Although the drama had cut many of her scenes, the core plot remained—especially in the first two episodes, where she was the focus. So she received the most criticism and the most praise.

Fans of both the drama and the novel had even started arguing over whether she should end up with the Crown Prince or the general.

Even Fu Qiu was firmly on the Crown Prince's side.

She often pulled Kong Xiyan aside and asked, "Sister Kong, do you like the Crown Prince or the general?"

The actor playing the Crown Prince was a newcomer with mediocre skills. Kong Xiyan often overshadowed him in their scenes, but luckily he came from a wealthy family and carried an air of nobility.

His performance gave the Crown Prince the right temperament, if not the presence—but fortunately, the character was gentle and had long admired Chu Qian, so fans mistook his lack of assertiveness for tenderness.

It was all for love of Chu Qian.

Honestly, Kong Xiyan preferred the newcomer playing the Crown Prince; he was polite and knew his limits, which was rare.

She never told anyone that, though. In this industry, words could be twisted, and who knew how a casual remark might get repeated.

Everyone minded their own business.

Kong Xiyan took a deep breath, and a cold breeze swept past. She pulled her coat tighter and looked up to see the van approaching.

Fu Qiu spotted her and pulled her into the car, pressing a hand warmer into her hands. "Sister Kong, the weather's been so fickle these past two days. Why aren't you wearing more?"

Kong Xiyan glanced down at her bundled-up self and laughed. "Isn't this enough?"

She was wearing far more than Gu Ling and Wu Qing—every time she saw them in thin coats and knee-length skirts in this weather, she felt cold just looking at them.

Fu Qiu fussed like an old hen: "Sister Kong, you don't know. Every time I see you out in this wind, I wish I could wrap you in a blanket."

Kong Xiyan: ...

The driver let out a muffled laugh from the front seat. Fu Qiu didn't care and kept muttering.

Kong Xiyan turned to look out the window. Most leaves had fallen, leaving bare branches. Early November wasn't really that cold, but the temperature had dropped recently, so Xiao Qiu was exaggerating a bit.

She wondered how the kids back in the countryside were doing.

Kong Xiyan turned back to Fu Qiu. "Xiao Qiu, did you buy those things I asked for?"

Fu Qiu said, "Huh? Yeah, I bought them. Sister Kong, what do you need all that stuff for?"

Kong Xiyan's voice was light. "Nothing. Where did you put it?"

Fu Qiu gestured behind them. "All in the trunk. You can check if anything's missing whenever you want."

"Good."

When Kong Xiyan first came to City B, she'd had only a few hundred yuan. Half went to rent, and thankfully, the production had paid part of her fee in advance, or she might have ended up empty-handed.

Thinking that the things she'd bought for the children were in the trunk, a hint of joy touched her brows.

Fu Qiu was already glued to her phone. Her daily ritual was to log onto a burner account and cheer for Kong Xiyan—from her Weibo to the official account.

Of course, some fans called her a paid shill and even cursed that her future husband would be a mistress-seeker like Kong Xiyan. She just curled her lip in disdain.

Fu Qiu muttered, holding her phone: "Sister Kong, Sister Kong, come look! There's a new edit—it's of you and the Crown Prince. Wow, this is actually kind of heart-fluttering!"

Kong Xiyan: ...

Fu Qiu: "Wow wow wow, this fan I love so much! Exactly—the past is the past, why keep harping on it? Everyone has a past!"

Kong Xiyan: ...

Fu Qiu: "Tsk, tsk, tsk, these people are insane. Their mouths are so filthy, guess they don't brush their teeth in real life. Watch me tear them apart!"

Kong Xiyan: ...

Fu Qiu: "This one's obviously a hater of Sister Kong. But how can they curse people like that! So vicious—report, report!"

Kong Xiyan snatched Fu Qiu's phone, turned off the screen, and smiled wryly. "Xiao Qiu, do you know what you look like right now?"

Fu Qiu had been about to dive into the online battle, but Kong Xiyan took her phone. She wasn't annoyed and asked cheerfully, "Sister Kong, like what?"

Kong Xiyan: "A Saint Seiya."

Fu Qiu: ...

Fu Qiu, the Saint Seiya, took her phone back from Kong Xiyan but didn't open Weibo again, just huffing in protest.

They reached the set soon. Tong Yue had been busy since the premiere two days ago, so Kong Xiyan wisely didn't disturb her.

On set, Xiao Cheng was rehearsing lines with Gu Ling. He spotted Kong Xiyan getting out of the car and greeted her with a smile. "Sister Kong!"

Kong Xiyan glanced over, smiled back, and walked past with a nod.

Gu Ling curled her lip. "Hmph, acting all high and mighty."

Wu Qing also cast a dissatisfied look toward Kong Xiyan. She leaned close to Gu Ling and whispered something. Gu Ling smirked. "Really?"

Wu Qing raised an eyebrow. "That's right."

Gu Ling clicked her tongue. "If you ask me, He Lao wouldn't do something like that. Did you stir the pot?"

He Lao had always had an excellent reputation in the industry—dedicated and professional, never delaying filming even when sick.

He wouldn't take out personal grudges at work. If he were that kind of person, he'd have given Kong Xiyan a hard time as soon as she joined the production.

That's why Gu Ling said that.

Wu Qing rolled her eyes. "Stir the pot? What would I stir? It's her own fault for having too many scandals. She deserves it."

Gu Ling, however, leaned in with curiosity. "Hey, spill. I'm curious too."

After all, He Lao was always someone who'd been upright.

When Wu Qing saw Xiao Cheng focusing on his script, she moved closer and whispered into Gu Ling's ear. "Actually, I just mentioned a few things about He Wei. I used to be her fan, and I knew a bit about her state after the breakup. I embellished a little. He Lao dotes on He Wei, so of course he's angry."

Gu Ling glanced at her. "Sly."

Wu Qing smiled and said nothing.

They had never been so at ease with each other, but now, with a common goal, they'd grown closer.

Wu Qing knew Gu Ling resented Kong Xiyan because of online stuff. Gu Ling had originally been cast as the female lead, but Kong Xiyan's acting was better, and she'd overshadowed her from the start. It wouldn't be long before "eclipsing" articles came out.

Gu Ling couldn't accept that.

Originally, Guo Yixi was playing the second female lead, but with her looks and acting, she couldn't outshine Gu Ling. Kong Xiyan, though, was different—she was the woman called a genius of the entertainment world three years ago.

She had natural talent and could play anything. Even Gu Ling had to admit, after watching the first two episodes, that Kong Xiyan brought Chu Qian to life. As an online comment said, it was a perfect rendition.

No wonder Gu Ling was furious.

But there was nothing she could do. Kong Xiyan was in the same company, managed by Tong Yue. Not long ago, they could mock her when Aunt Tong seemed indifferent, but now Aunt Tong was practically following Kong Xiyan around. If they tried to make things difficult for her, their careers might suffer.

So despite their resentment, they had to appear friendly.

At least when the official account praised Kong Xiyan and tagged them, they'd say nice things to win fan approval.

Wu Qing was annoyed not just because Kong Xiyan had taken Guo Yixi's role—that didn't really matter to her since she didn't like Guo Yixi anyway. It was that Kong Xiyan had taken away Tong Yue, the big tree they'd hoped would shelter them. And later, she started liking Xiao Cheng, but his eyes were always on Kong Xiyan, which fueled her hatred.

But she was clever enough to know she couldn't act openly, so she'd play dirty instead.

If He Lao bullied her, it could be passed off as him avenging He Wei. Even if online commenters found out, they'd only blame Kong Xiyan, not her.

Perfect.

Thinking of the show that was about to unfold, Wu Qing's brows curved in delight.

----

When Chi Wanzhao opened her eyes, it was past nine. She turned to look beside her—no sign of Kong Xiyan. Her hand reached over; the blanket was cold.

She got up, washed up, and went to freshen up, her expression calm.

Yanyan hadn't seen her in a while. Although this morning's behavior had upset her a little, her excitement at seeing Chi Wanzhao after days hadn't faded, and she kept rubbing against her calves.

She followed her everywhere, her white fur clinging to Chi Wanzhao's legs as if glued, refusing to leave.

Until Chi Wanzhao came out of the bathroom and sat on the sofa, where Yanyan leaped into her arms.

She stroked Yanyan's head, and the annoyance from waking dissipated.

Yanyan stayed obediently in her arms, occasionally licking her wrist and palm, ticklish. Chi Wanzhao smiled softly, pressing her nose to Yanyan's pink little nose, her gaze unusually gentle.

After playing for a while, Chi Wanzhao noticed the laptop on the desk.

It was one of the few pieces of luggage Kong Xiyan had brought—a bit old, with half the white paint on the keys worn off, clearly used often.

Chi Wanzhao touched the mouse and saw a paused video.

She pressed play, and the scene picked up from the banquet. Her eyes fixed on the screen. Kong Xiyan's Chu Qian exuded fierce dominance, a single look enough to command the room.

Kong Xiyan on screen seemed to have become someone else entirely, completely different from her usual self.

Chi Wanzhao watched for a while, then turned on the danmaku. Instantly, a wall of comments scrolled by.

— Wah wah wah, all my love for Brother Xiao!!!

— Today I'm licking Brother Xiao's gorgeous face!

— Brother Xiao's beauty is world-class!

— Brother Xiao is the best, the hottest, the most special!

Of course, interspersed were a few sparse comments about Kong Xiyan.

— Get that mistress Kong Xiyan out of the entertainment industry!!

— Real-name boycott against that mistress Kong!

— Won't watch anything with Kong Xiyan!

— Then don't watch, nobody's forcing you. Why bother commenting! Get lost!

— Are you a paid water army for Kong Xiyan? How much is she paying you per comment?

— I just think Kong Xiyan's acting is good, so what! She's better than both the male and female leads, so what!

The rest devolved into endless insults. Chi Wanzhao took a deep breath and snapped the laptop shut. Even Yanyan in her arms sensed her displeasure and didn't dare let out a single meow.

Chi Wanzhao stood up, set Yanyan down, and headed upstairs to change. Passing the dining table, she noticed a small note.

It was the same kind of note she'd left for Kong Xiyan before. She stepped closer and read it: "I made porridge this morning. It's in the pot. You can heat it up. Yanyan's lunch is in the fridge."

All the aggression draining from her in an instant.

She went to the kitchen and indeed found the now-cold porridge. She heated it up, poured it into a bowl, and set it on the table, then just stared at it without eating.

Yanyan, confused, sat on the table and tilted her head at her.

After a long look, Chi Wanzhao suddenly stood and went up to the second floor.

Yanyan followed.

At the end of the hallway on the second floor was a locked room. Chi Wanzhao opened it and went in. The painting she'd finished last time sat in the center, covered with a white cloth. She walked over and lifted the cloth, revealing the beauty in the painting.

And not far from her, two cats.

Yanyan had followed her in and, seeing it, started meowing excitedly. Chi Wanzhao looked down at her and said, "Go inside."

Yanyan seemed to understand and, familiar with the place, walked into an adjoining room.

That room was lined with many framed paintings—all of Kong Xiyan, but a much younger Kong Xiyan, with a ponytail, holding a yellow cat, full of vitality.

Several were outdoor scenes with lush scenery, her smiling, even more beautiful than the flowers.

Yanyan found her usual spot, jumped up, and lay down. Turning her head, she could see the gentle smile in Kong Xiyan's portrait. She meowed at the painting a few times and pawed at the glass.

In the other adjoining room, Chi Wanzhao had already mixed her colors. She sat before the easel, thought for a moment, then her wrist moved, and Kong Xiyan's busy figure in the kitchen took shape.

She painted with intense focus. Yanyan, bored after playing in the inner room, came out and saw her, then didn't dare disturb her.

She seemed used to it, sitting to the side and watching.

Chi Wanzhao sat in the studio for a long time, her wrist moving, her sharp brows softening as she looked at the figure in the painting.

Three hours later.

It was finally finished.

She set down the brush with satisfaction.

The moment she did, Yanyan padded over, nipped at her ankle, and meowed, looking up at her pitifully.

Chi Wanzhao looked down at her and whispered, "Alright, let's go out first."

Only then did Yanyan excitedly hop to the door, swishing her long tail.

Downstairs, the porridge had long gone cold. Chi Wanzhao didn't mind; she took a sip, and though it was plain congee, she felt it tasted sweet.

Yanyan was already impatiently waiting by her bowl, tapping it with her front paws, the clatter echoing through the living room.

Chi Wanzhao knew her tricks and shot her a glare, but still took out the cat food Kong Xiyan had prepared from the fridge.

She heated it and put it in the bowl, and Yanyan wolfed it down.

Afterward, she called Li Bo to come clean the apartment, and Zhou Sheng had the car waiting at the door.

He saw Chi Wanzhao, who'd rested for the morning, still with a cold face and sharp brows, her sidelong glance carrying a biting chill.

Zhou Sheng opened the back door and bowed his head. "Miss Chi."

Chi Wanzhao nodded and got in. Once Zhou Sheng was inside, she asked, "Has Jiang Yuan contacted you these past two days?"

Zhou Sheng hesitated. "No."

Jiang Yuan was Wei Yan's agent. Since Wei Yan had been poached to Jingyan three years ago, Jiang Yuan had managed him. While not as capable as Tong Yue, he was still top-tier in the industry.

In fact, without Jiang Yuan, Wei Yan wouldn't be where he was today.

It was also well known that Jiang Yuan and Wei Yan had an unusually close relationship.

Zhou Sheng glanced at Chi Wanzhao. He had no idea when she had managed to pull Jiang Yuan to her side.

Impressive—what a move.

Chi Wanzhao noticed his look and asked coldly, "What is it?"

Zhou Sheng snapped out of it and replied, "Nothing."

The black sedan sped along the road. Zhou Sheng skimmed Chi Wanzhao's schedule and suddenly asked, "Oh, Miss Chi, you mentioned visiting the set earlier. Still going?"

She'd given instructions before many events unfolded, and he'd arranged it accordingly. Though he knew she'd just returned and was busy, seeing it on the schedule, he thought he'd mention it.

Chi Wanzhao hummed in acknowledgment, thinking of Kong Xiyan she'd just seen in the video.

A side so different from her usual self.

Her heart stirred. "Let's go."

Zhou Sheng thought for a moment and said, "Miss Chi, online opinions about the mistress have been improving over the past two days, and the buzz is holding. Weibo trending three times. Tong Yue has pressured the official account, so Director Sun won't dare give her a hard time anymore."

Chi Wanzhao remained silent, only glancing at Zhou Sheng when she heard "mistress," then looking away.

The oppressive silence typical of the car returned.

On set, everyone was busy. Today, Guo Yixi had somehow managed to tag along with Director Sun. She greeted everyone except Kong Xiyan—sharing a few laughs with Gu Ling and Wu Qing.

Kong Xiyan was getting her makeup done on the other side. Fu Qiu huffed, "She's not even filming. Why's she here? To throw her weight around?"

"She's acting like she owns Director Sun."

Kong Xiyan shot her a sidelong glance and lowered her voice in warning: "Xiao Qiu, it's fine to say such things in front of me, but if it reaches others' ears, do you still want to work in this industry?"

Fu Qiu replied, dissatisfied, "But they gossip about you without keeping it private and even mock you—"

Kong Xiyan knew Xiao Qiu was standing up for her. She had no ill intentions but was too blunt. It was easy being around her, but she didn't think before speaking, and in this industry that devours people, that wouldn't get her far.

Usually, Kong Xiyan would offer guidance, but today she saw Fu Qiu openly criticizing Guo Yixi, and her face hardened as she looked at her: "Xiao Qiu, remember in this circle: do more, say less, especially about gossip."

Xiao Qiu shrank her shoulders, her voice weak under Kong Xiyan's rare anger: "I know. I just can't stand it. Seeing them push you away like that—it makes me furious."

Kong Xiyan smiled lightly. "Why bother with others? We're only filming together for a few months. Don't let it get to you."

Only then did Fu Qiu calm down. She crouched beside Kong Xiyan and looked up at her. "Sister Kong, you're so magnanimous."

Magnanimous?

She was anything but.

Kong Xiyan didn't explain to Fu Qiu. She just looked away. Soon, the makeup artist came to touch up her face. The next scene was about to start.

The scene was where Lin Liang had gathered evidence and planned to go to the palace, but the Prime Minister got wind of it and turned the tables. Forced by the Prime Minister's pressure, the emperor had no choice but to imprison Lin Liang pending trial.

In the novel, it was just a scheme between the emperor and Lin Liang, but Chu Qian didn't know. Seeing Lin Liang imprisoned, she panicked and planned to sneak into the prison at night.

What she didn't know was that the Prime Minister's men planned to kill Lin Liang in prison.

If Chu Qian went, she might disrupt the emperor's plan.

So she couldn't go.

In winter, the wind was biting. Chu Qian stood in a thin silk dress in the pavilion. Soon, her maid ran over and whispered, "Miss, everything's ready."

Chu Qian nodded. "Let's go."

Just as she was about to leave, her father, the Right Prime Minister, walked over with a grave expression. Chu Qian frowned slightly but bowed her head. "Father."

The Right Prime Minister stood before her, his face stern, voice low. "Where are you off to?"

Chu Qian's expression remained calm, her tone breezy. "Nowhere. I was about to go back to my room."

"Your room?"

"Which room?"

"Qianqian, don't think I don't know what you're up to!"

Caught, Chu Qian showed no embarrassment. She stood straight, her eyes bright as stars, even more poised.

"Daughter doesn't understand what you mean, Father."

The Right Prime Minister threw the night clothes at her feet. "You don't?"

"Fine. My clever daughter, keeping secrets from me."

Chu Qian's brow furrowed slightly, glancing at the maid beside her. The Right Prime Minister said, "Don't look at her. I placed a spy by your side."

"Father!"

Chu Qian cried out in disbelief, then with some annoyance, "Why would you plant a spy on me!"

"Are you treating me like a thief?"

The Right Prime Minister looked at her defiant expression and felt anger rise. He had her late in life, his wife died early, and he never remarried. He doted on Chu Qian endlessly, worried she'd become spoiled, yet she'd grown up with a temperament much like his younger self.

And she was incredibly clever.

He was proud of that, which was why he usually indulged her.

But not today. He absolutely couldn't let her go.

If she went, one of two outcomes awaited her: either she'd be killed as one of the Prime Minister's people, or she'd destroy the emperor's plan and face consequences later.

Though the emperor cared for Chu Qian, eliminating the Left Prime Minister was his long-cherished wish. If Qianqian interfered, even he might not protect her.

So she couldn't go.

But he couldn't say any of this—who knew how many spies the Left Prime Minister had, maybe even in his own residence, which would be disastrous.

So he put on a stern face and forced his words: "You're not going!"

"Guards, take the young lady back to her room. No one is to let her out without my command!"

Chu Qian's eyes widened, and she clenched her teeth. "Father!"

The Right Prime Minister turned to the others. "What are you standing there for? Do I have to say it twice!"

He rarely lost his temper, and his fury startled everyone. They scrambled to restrain Chu Qian.

She struggled, shouting, "Father, if you don't let me go, I'll die here!"

"Smack!"

A crisp slap landed on Kong Xiyan's face. Everyone, including Director Sun, froze. The scene wasn't supposed to be an actual hit—just a fake one—but no one expected He Lao to strike her hard.

He Lao remained stony-faced, saying nothing. Kong Xiyan paused for a second before slipping back into character. Director Sun's heart was in his throat; everyone held their breath.

"OK!"

The moment Director Sun called it, he heard He Lao say to Kong Xiyan, "I'm sorry, Miss Kong. In that scene, I thought a real slap would have a better effect."

"I didn't have time to discuss it. Sorry."

He said sorry twice, but Kong Xiyan saw contempt in his eyes, and his apology was dismissive.

She opened her mouth to say, "It's—"

"Sister Kong!"

Fu Qiu rushed over and cried, "Let me see!" Seeing the faint handprint on her cheek, she angrily said to He Lao, "He Lao, what do you mean by this?"

"If Sister Kong can't film because of your slap, are you going to compensate Director Sun or Sister Kong?"

"Also, who gave you the right to decide alone? Isn't that going too far?"

Fu Qiu was like a lit firecracker, rattling off nonstop. He Lao just stood there calmly, as if he hadn't heard a word.

Even Director Sun had to show him some respect. He Lao had an excellent reputation, always dignified and dedicated—he'd filmed even while sick, in freezing cold or scorching heat, always doing his own stunts.

So he had very few haters.

Plus, his niece was He Wei, currently a top-tier star and influential, capable of topping trending with just a photo; she ranked second among popular actresses.

Not to mention his former niece-in-law? No—former nephew-in-law, Wei Yan, who was red hot and nominated for Best Actor, likely to be this year's Best Actor if nothing went wrong.

So even Director Sun didn't dare disrespect him.

Kong Xiyan pulled Fu Qiu's hand and didn't argue further with He Lao. Fu Qiu grumbled her discontent, but soon noticed no one on set dared approach; everyone was watching with a sense of spectacle.

Even Xiao Cheng, who'd always been considerate to Sister Kong, just glanced over and looked away.

That only annoyed Fu Qiu more.

But she stayed silent.

Sister Kong was right—do more, say less in this circle.

A few minutes later, Xiao Cheng brought over a cup of hot water and handed it to Kong Xiyan. "Sister Kong, you okay? I wanted to come over, but Gu Ling dragged me off to rehearse."

Kong Xiyan accepted the cup graciously, took a sip, and smiled. "I'm fine."

Xiao Cheng glanced at He Lao, then said a few more things to Kong Xiyan. Seeing her unbothered, he shrugged and returned to his assistant.

A short distance away, Wu Qing crowed delightedly in Gu Ling's ear: "Serves her right! Now, as long as He Lao's around, let's see how Kong Xiyan can act so high and mighty. Little 'avenging' moments like that are probably just the beginning."

Her eyes gleamed with excitement, as if she'd done the hitting. Gu Ling was more composed and asked with some worry, "What if someone leaks this?"

Wu Qing glanced sideways. "Don't worry. Even if word gets out, everyone will praise He Lao for being so dedicated. And even if they figure out it was deliberate, he's an elder, and with what happened to He Wei, him venting for her is only natural."

Gu Ling nodded. "True."

Everyone on set looked at Kong Xiyan with various expressions, but she was unruffled. She sat in her chair, doing her makeup. The next scene was her arguing with the Right Prime Minister, where he threw away the hairpin Lin Liang gave her, and she dove into the water to retrieve it without a second thought.

She only needed to act out the first half; a stunt double would handle the jump since it was too cold, and Director Sun worried she might catch a cold and delay production. Also, Kong Xiyan had a sensitive stomach and couldn't handle cold, so a double was arranged.

When Kong Xiyan finished her makeup and walked over to Director Sun, Guo Yixi suddenly piped up, "Director Sun, is that the stunt double?"

The double, a girl about Kong Xiyan's height, was already made up and waiting to the side.

Director Sun glanced over. "Mm."

Guo Yixi's eyes flickered with interest. "But I remember Xiyan hates using a double. And with her great acting, can a double pull it off?"

Kong Xiyan said flatly, "Sister Guo, don't worry. It's just a jump into water; it won't interfere."

He Lao heard and snorted. "Just? I don't know what you actors are thinking these days. Even a jump needs a double. Think you're some damsel in distress? What, the scandal around this production isn't enough—you want to add a 'face-replacement' one?"

He rarely made such comments. Doubles were a profession too—he'd never used one, but he respected the craft. His sarcasm now was just to needle Kong Xiyan.

Guo Yixi chimed in with him: "Right, Xiyan. It's not that cold out, so maybe skip the double. Otherwise, the image you've built online these past few days might crumble."

"The mistress scandal just blew over. Add 'unprofessional actress' and then a double, and who knows what people will say about you."

She shot a look at He Lao when mentioning "mistress." He Lao just humphed through his nose, not even deigning to give Kong Xiyan a contemptuous glance.

"Yeah, Sister Kong. I think you should skip the double, too. Your acting's so good, what if the double messes it up? This is your first drama since returning, after all."

Wu Qing stood by Guo Yixi, adding her two cents, then flashed a smile at her.

The two of them seemed genuinely concerned for Kong Xiyan.

But their words didn't sway Kong Xiyan. Instead, Director Sun's brow furrowed. Breaking the Cocoon had been receiving good reviews since it aired, and he knew Kong Xiyan was a big reason—her acting was superb, bringing the fans' Chu Qian to life.

Even if it was just a water scene today, if someone blew it out of proportion and created another scandal, as Guo Yixi suggested, things might not look good later.

Director Sun thought for a moment, pulled Kong Xiyan aside, and said, "Miss Kong, in my view, how about we do this scene for real?"

After all, she was Assistant Zhou's person, so he couldn't be as reckless as He Lao; he had to discuss it.

His brows were so furrowed they'd kill a fly, his face full of conflict. Kong Xiyan saw his expression and realized she could insist on the double if she wanted.

But then Director Sun might make her life difficult afterward. After all, he was the director, and she was just an actress.

After a moment's thought, Kong Xiyan nodded. "Okay."

Director Sun's brows relaxed, and he smiled. "Then it's settled!"

Kong Xiyan took a breath and walked over to stand near He Lao, waiting for the clapperboard.

He Lao glanced at her with a sneer.

When she hit the water, despite being prepared, the cold slammed into her. The November water was biting cold. She wore only a thin silk dress; the moment she jumped, goosebumps rose everywhere, and her stomach cramped painfully.

Her face turned pale. The cold water seeped in everywhere, chilling her from head to toe.

Kong Xiyan shivered in the water.

But Director Sun didn't call cut.

She had no choice but to grit her teeth and stay in. The icy water gradually made her dizzy, warmth draining from her body, the air growing thinner.

"Cut cut cut!!!"

Director Sun bellowed. Kong Xiyan finally surfaced, gasping for breath. Fu Qiu had been waiting by the pool, pulling her out and wrapping her in a towel. Director Sun, still talking to He Lao, said, "He Lao, just now you were supposed to look anxious. Why did you have a smile on your face!"

Even though Director Sun knew He Lao was trying to get at Kong Xiyan, the slap had been enough; now he wanted to do it again!

He Lao bowed his head. "Sorry, let's do it again."

Director Sun cursed under his breath and stormed off. Fu Qiu took Kong Xiyan to change and redo her makeup. As she stood at the edge of the pool, a series of claps echoed from nearby.

Everyone's attention turned.

Before Director Sun could even react, he looked up to see Chi Wanzhao standing there with an enigmatic smile, just like last time.

Slightly swayed by the cold wind, in a camel-colored trench coat and eight-centimeter heels, her beauty rivaled any actress on set—narrow shoulders, thin waist, exceptional presence.

Her phoenix eyes narrowed as she looked at the pale woman not far away. The smile faded, her face chilling. "Miss Kong is certainly dedicated. But her acting? It's all show."

As her expression turned cold, the surrounding atmosphere seemed to freeze. The entire set fell silent, not a sound dared to be made.

Assistant Zhou followed behind her, a gentle smile on his face, though the cold gleam behind his glasses was unmistakable. He glanced at He Lao, then lowered his eyes.

Kong Xiyan looked steadily at Chi Wanzhao, unbothered by her words. Her delicate face was still pale from the jump, her eyes bright and dark, lightly made-up, exuding a soft, fragile beauty.

Their gazes met in the air briefly.

Everyone wore different expressions, but their eyes all carried interest—the air ripe for a show.