Volume 1, Chapter 52: Do you really think I care about that petty endorsement fee?

Duan Yixiao’s eyes widened slightly, brightening instantly. “What solution do you have?”

Chen Nianke’s gaze curved delicately at the corner, a ripple of spring light shimmering in her eyes. She smiled coyly, elusive and enchanting. “That depends on how you perform.”

Duan Yixiao understood immediately. With a swift movement, he pressed down on her, his deep, affectionate eyes filled with intoxicating warmth. “No begging later, understood?”

Chen Nianke’s plan was this: Wen Ying was returning to Qingcheng in a couple of days to attend a grand fashion event. She happened to have some connections with the organizers and could secure two invitations.

Duan Yixiao was very pleased. His fingers interlaced with hers as his low, magnetic voice carried a hint of seduction. “Having you is truly my blessing.”

Chen Nianke shot him a mock scolding glance. “Honestly, did you put some spell on me?”

Duan Yixiao looked puzzled. “Hmm?”

Chen Nianke pouted. “Otherwise, how did I fall for you twice?”

At her words, the emotion in Duan Yixiao’s eyes deepened, his lips curling into a satisfied, even vain smile.

After a moment, Chen Nianke took a small box from her bag and handed it to him.

“What’s this?” Duan Yixiao asked curiously as he accepted it.

Chen Nianke opened it for him and took out a string of beads. “Remember when your bracelet broke? I went to the temple and got you a new one. May everything bring you joy, may all your wishes come true. May the winds rise and waters flow, and may time grant you peace.”

Her reminder sparked a memory in Duan Yixiao. Indeed, ever since that bracelet broke, things hadn’t gone smoothly for him. Now that she had gotten him a new one, surely he would be blessed again, and all would go his way.

He immediately treasured it, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist. Gently pinching Chen Nianke’s chin, he kissed her softly, his eyes full of emotion. “Thank you.”

Chen Nianke feigned annoyance and pushed him lightly. “I don’t want your empty thanks. Not sincere enough.”

Duan Yixiao’s tone took on a playful edge. “Then what do you want?”

Chen Nianke opened her mouth, hesitated, then gave up. “Never mind. What could I possibly want? If Jiang Yunmiao finds out, she won’t be happy. If she demands it back, I’ll have to return it.”

“Sometimes I really think I’m pathetic. Why do I insist on being entangled with you? I was born and raised pampered by my parents, so why now…” She wore the look of someone wronged yet trying to stay strong.

“Sorry, I…” Duan Yixiao’s guilt surged instantly.

“You really did wrong by me. So your punishment is… to make me coffee as compensation.” Chen Nianke’s bright eyes flashed with a mischievous light, her tone as proud as a princess’s. She knew this would get to him, giving him a mix of relief and tension.

When she made such harmless requests, he would do his best to fulfill them.

“Alright.” Her request was trivial, and Duan Yixiao felt even more protective of her.

Two days later, Duan Yixiao indeed saw Wen Ying at the fashion gala.

As soon as the event ended, he intercepted her in the parking lot.

“Miss Wen, please give me a chance to talk.”

Wen Ying and Duan Yixiao had some prior dealings. When she was the spokesperson for Qianfan, she often appeared at its events, so they had crossed paths.

Her indifferent gaze swept over Duan Yixiao and Chen Nianke, then she asked coldly, “Where’s Yunmiao?”

Duan Yixiao coughed awkwardly. “You know she’s about to give birth. She’s heavy and uncomfortable.”

Wen Ying smiled faintly, radiant as sunshine, a recognized goddess. Yet beneath the brilliance lay sarcasm and chill. “She’s about to give birth, and you’re parading another woman around? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Wen Ying had seemed rather gentle before, but her sharp words caught Duan Yixiao off guard.

“Miss Wen, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Chen Nianke, and I really admire your films…” Chen Nianke stepped forward, trying to build rapport.

Wen Ying narrowed her eyes and suddenly remembered who Chen Nianke was. No wonder the face seemed familiar.

“Sorry, I have no interest in meeting you.” She was Duan Yixiao’s ex, Jiang Yunmiao’s rival—clearly dripping with hostility.

Chen Nianke’s voice faltered. She looked helplessly at Duan Yixiao. Was Wen Ying really that bad at small talk?

Duan Yixiao gave her a reassuring look, then cut to the chase. “Miss Wen, first, I want to apologize for the earlier baseless accusations. We have already expressed our apologies on the brand’s official account and hope you can feel our sincerity. Also, we would like to invite you again to be the spokesperson for Qianfan. The endorsement fee is negotiable.”

Wen Ying wore a long light brown fur coat, exuding an air of elegance.

“Just because you apologized, you think I should forgive you? And do you think I need your measly endorsement fee?”

Duan Yixiao’s expression turned cold, a shadow clouding his handsome face, though a faint smile lingered at his lips. “Of course not. You’re the one with ample resources. If you have any conditions, just say.”

Wen Ying pressed her brow slightly, disdainful. “You know well I signed with Qianfan only out of respect for Yunmiao. Now you bring your mistress here—what’s that supposed to mean?”

The smile on Duan Yixiao’s lips stiffened, a hint of menace flashing through. “Did Yunmiao tell you that? She’s mistaken. Nianke is not a mistress.”

Wen Ying scoffed. “She doesn’t even qualify as a mistress? Duan Yixiao, you’re truly despicable.”

Duan Yixiao wanted to argue further but Wen Ying’s bodyguards stopped him.

Watching Wen Ying leave by car, Duan Yixiao’s handsome features darkened, a wave of humiliation and frustration washing over him.

Chen Nianke comforted him gently, “Don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of popular actresses. It doesn’t have to be Wen Ying.”

Duan Yixiao pondered, then sighed. “I know, but Wen Ying is the best choice. Anyone else is just a compromise.”

Still, to quickly turn the brand’s reputation around, Qianfan swiftly activated plan B, signing another actress and launching a marketing campaign. The brand’s popularity rebounded somewhat, and Duan Yixiao’s expression improved.

However, in recent days, Zhou Manhua’s temper had grown increasingly volatile and unpredictable.

Jiang Yunmiao had initially thought she was entering menopause, hence the mood swings.

Later, she reconsidered—it was probably the approach of the New Year, combined with her still-unhealed leg and inability to return to the Duan household without causing discomfort, that made her impatient and irritable.

So she nitpicked Jiang Yunmiao for any small fault. “Honestly, what’s the use of marrying you as a daughter-in-law? You can’t help at all, and just looking at you makes me angry.”

Jiang Yunmiao sneered silently—no matter if she could help or not, she wouldn’t!