Chapter Ninety-Six: Jealousy

Page (1/3)

The man’s name was Huang Xiuwen. He gained fame at a young age and won awards with ease. Years ago, Huang Xiuwen had once collaborated with Jiang Hu. At that time, Jiang Hu took any role for the money; he played a decrepit old ghost covered in festering sores. The moment his image appeared, several crew members were so frightened they had nightmares. His character was grotesque and had limited screen time, yet he embodied the malevolent spirit with such depth that it left a lasting impression. Huang Xiuwen firmly believed Jiang Hu was destined for stardom. Fortunately, fate did not disappoint him.

Jiang Hu raised his glass again, downing a full cup. His cheeks flushed, and he swayed unsteadily. Huang Xiuwen was genuinely delighted, chattering on endlessly before, somehow, the conversation shifted to Mo Nianian. “So this must be the actress playing Bai Yue? Your dance truly amazed me.” He lifted his glass, intending to toast with Mo Nianian. Jiang Hu, wanting to help, looked at Mo Nianian, who, seeing him like that, simply raised her cup and said, “You flatter me.”

“Is this your first acting role, Miss Mo? I don’t recall seeing you before.” “Yes, it is.” “To achieve such results on your first try, impressive, impressive.” “I’ve also watched Mr. Huang’s dramas; they’re indeed excellent.” The two chatted amiably, and the light in Jiang Hu’s eyes grew steadily brighter. He gripped his glass tightly; his hand trembled, and the cup shattered. Jiang Hu’s outburst drew everyone’s attention. He looked somewhat dazed and glanced at Mo Nianian. His eyes clouded with mist as he clung to her, pressing his head to her shoulder and nuzzling affectionately, “Nianian~”

Jiang Hu’s behavior stunned everyone. Although not unapproachable, he usually kept others at a distance. He gave off an air of elegance and warmth, yet with a cool reserve beneath. It was easy enough to befriend him, but to truly reach his heart was exceedingly difficult. Mo Nianian tried to push Jiang Hu away gently. “He’s drunk.” Jiang Hu’s voice softened, still nuzzling her. “No, I’m sober.” Well, definitely not sober. Mo Nianian propped up his head, attempting to put some distance between them. “Let’s head home first.”

Jiang Hu suddenly looked up, his eyes bright. “Nianian, are you going home? I’ll cook something delicious for you.” He pondered, then added, “There are still ribs and dumplings in the fridge. What would you like to eat?” Before Mo Nianian could stop him, he spoke again, “If you want to eat me… that works too.” Then, burying his head back in her embrace.

Mo Nianian: “…”
Everyone else: “…”
The silence around was suffocating. She didn’t even have to look at them to know the expressions on their faces. If she could, Mo Nianian wished Jiang Hu and everyone around would just explode on the spot. Her head ached terribly. Without even saying goodbye, she hurriedly pulled Jiang Hu away. Once drunk, Jiang Hu transformed completely, clinging to her like a giant puppy, nuzzling her face incessantly. Mo Nianian, both angry and annoyed, said, “We’ll settle this when we get home.” Jiang Hu whined, “Nianian, you started this and now you’re backing out.” What on earth was going on?

Page (2/3)

Mo Nianian gave Jiang Hu a sharp tap. “Shut up.” Jiang Hu sulked and closed his mouth. Mo Nianian couldn’t help but glance back; the expressions of the people behind them were priceless. She pulled Jiang Hu along quickly. The drunken Jiang Hu was such a handful that it took some effort to get him home. Mo Nianian was exhausted, sweat dampening the strands of hair on her forehead. She threw Jiang Hu into the room and gasped for breath, hands on her hips. Jiang Hu looked dazed, eyes misty, calling out softly, “Nianian.”

Mo Nianian, exasperated, said, “Speak properly.” Jiang Hu struggled up from the bed and hugged her tightly. “Nianian, don’t leave me.” “Jiang Hu! Just wait until you sober up tomorrow, you’re done for!” Mo Nianian tried to push him away. Jiang Hu pressed his cheek to hers. “Nianian~” Mo Nianian nearly laughed in frustration. “Are those the only two words you know?” “Nianian.” Jiang Hu’s voice was low and tender, brushing softly against the depths of her heart. She stared at him a moment. “Are you really drunk or not?” Jiang Hu seemed confused but then smiled. “I’m not drunk. I’m Nianian’s. We signed a contract.” Well, even drunk like this, he remembered that much.

Mo Nianian wasn’t sure whether to call Jiang Hu stubborn or obsessive. He paused a moment, then suddenly started tugging at his collar. “The contract says I have an obligation to keep you warm in bed.” He unbuttoned his shirt with one hand, revealing a tantalizing Adam’s apple. Mo Nianian firmly pressed his hand down. “What are you doing?” Jiang Hu’s eyes were full of hurt. “But Nianian has never let me try. Does Nianian hate me?” Tears welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over. Seriously? Mo Nianian didn’t know what expression to wear.

Jiang Hu’s handsome features worked to his advantage; even sadness made him look like a beautiful man on the verge of tears. “Nianian hates me, doesn’t she? Everything before was a lie—my fans, how you said you liked me, and that you’d always support me.” “All lies.” “No one likes me. Nianian is fake too.” His mood sank lower, his eyes reddening. Anyone else would have started comforting him by now. Jiang Hu’s looks gave him an edge; when his eyes glistened red, it was as if the whole world had wronged him. Yet Mo Nianian was the sole exception.

She was the worst at comforting others and stammered, “I don’t hate you, I don’t hate you.” “So you like me?” Jiang Hu immediately looked up, the redness still in his eyes. Mo Nianian replied, “Not everything is just hate or like in this world.” After saying that, she spread her hands. “Am I crazy, talking this much nonsense to you?” Jiang Hu’s eyes deepened. Why couldn’t it be just hate or like? He hated the whole world, only liking Nianian.

Jiang Hu looked at Mo Nianian as if half understanding, then smiled. “Nianian doesn’t hate me.” He hugged her again, happy as if he had the whole world’s children in his arms. “Nianian doesn’t hate me. Can you grant me one request?” His gaze was burning, pleading. Mo Nianian, too tired to argue with a drunk man, said, “Go ahead.”

Page (3/3)

Jiang Hu pressed Mo Nianian’s head and bit her sharply on the corner of her mouth. Mo Nianian’s eyes widened as she shoved him away. Jiang Hu’s expression was joyful, his eyes sparkling like they contained a billion stars. “I really like Nianian, very much, very very much.” So warm, so sincere, laying everything bare before her. Mo Nianian wiped her lips fiercely, her face darkening with anger. After a while, she spat out a curse. Whatever—what was the point in arguing with a drunkard? Whether bitten once or twice by a dog, it was the same—just breathe and calm down.

She tried to reason with herself but couldn’t help giving Jiang Hu a kick. Jiang Hu seemed oblivious, grinning happily at her. Mo Nianian grabbed him. “Go to sleep. Tomorrow morning, we’ll settle this properly.” Mo Nianian was so angry she hardly slept all night and, unusually, woke before ten. She stared at her two large dark circles and drifted to the kitchen.

Jiang Hu had changed into an apron, frying eggs. Seeing Mo Nianian, he smiled warmly. “Good morning, Nianian.” He hesitated, then asked, “Didn’t sleep well last night?” Mo Nianian studied Jiang Hu’s face intently for a long moment. Jiang Hu looked puzzled. “What’s wrong?” “Don’t you remember what happened last night?” Jiang Hu frowned. “I drank too much?” “Heh.” Mo Nianian gave a cold laugh. “And then?” Jiang Hu’s confusion deepened. “Did I do something?” He looked apologetic. “I’ve never been drunk before, so I don’t know what I’m like when I am.”

Mo Nianian stared for a while and found no sign he was lying. Jiang Hu hesitated, then asked, “Did I do anything last night, Nianian?” Mo Nianian was furious but had no one to vent at. She held it in. “Nothing.” “Really nothing? You don’t look well.” “Never seen someone with sleep deprivation?” Mo Nianian snapped, slamming the door in his face. The innocence in Jiang Hu’s eyes faded, replaced by a shadowy resolve.

Not hate, huh? He would make her like him, no matter if it took a year, two years, ten years, or a lifetime. He had all the time in the world. The shadow in his eyes slowly cleared, replaced by a gentle smile. “Nianian, I put your breakfast in the warming box. Don’t forget to eat. I’m heading out now.” He received no reply; she was clearly still angry. Jiang Hu’s mood brightened. No matter what kind of Nianian she was, he liked her. He was willing to wait until she revealed her true self before him.

Today’s schedule still concerned the filming of “Once Upon a Kingdom.” The movie had shattered box office records and was about to be tested overseas. To create momentum, Director Wang held another press conference. Today, the crew’s glances at Jiang Hu were all strangely different. Jiang Hu acted as if unaware, greeting everyone as usual. As soon as Director Wang saw him, his face creased with a wide smile. “You kid, well done! I thought you and Nianian were having some trouble, but you quietly pulled off something huge.” Director Wang gave Jiang Hu a thumbs-up.

“It’s just between her and me...” Jiang Hu smiled gently. “Please keep it a secret, Director Wang. Nianian doesn’t want too many people to know.” “Don’t worry, I’ve told the entire crew not to leak a word.”