Chapter 36

[Is that even a question? Shen Yibai is definitely talking about Ning Mingyue.]

Ning Mingyue thought so, too.

However, in front of the camera, she still played it coy. “Hmm, I’m not quite sure yet, but I believe we’ll find out the answer very soon.”

As she finished speaking, she lowered her eyes and gave a shy smile.

[What’s the difference between the white moonlight CP and a public announcement at this point?]

[I’m shipping them so hard!]

The other Guests also finished their interviews one after another.

Everyone’s phones buzzed with a message.

“Youai Butler: Three days have passed in the blink of an eye. Are you Guests interested in learning more about someone? Tonight, we are unlocking the WeChat 1v1 private chat feature! Besides posting exclusive Moments for the person you’re interested in, you can also take the initiative to start a chat with them!”

Private chats were open?

Ning Xi rolled up her sleeves, preparing to continue expressing her “goodwill” toward Ning Mingyue with more cheesy pickup lines.

The next second, her WeChat was bombarded by “Where’s the Simp.”

Where’s the Simp: “Hahahaha, so what if you deleted my WeChat? The Program Team’s WeChat allows private chats now.”

Where’s the Simp: “Hahahaha!”

Where’s the Simp: “Add my old WeChat back.”

Where’s the Simp: “Or I’ll keep annoying you.”

Where’s the Simp: “Hello? Hello? Hello?”

Now that the private chat feature was open, Fu Zhi acted like a prisoner who had just been released after years of incarceration, frantically spamming Ning Xi with messages.

It was his way of getting revenge for being blocked by her earlier.

Ning Xi immediately set him to “Do Not Disturb.”

Then, she received a “friendly reminder” from the Program Team staff: She couldn’t simply ignore the other person’s WeChat; the two of them had to “interact.”

Ning Xi: …Are you serious?

Truly, money was hard to earn, and the crap was hard to swallow.

But it wasn’t like she was out of options.

And so, the netizens in the livestream witnessed a very “active” back-and-forth exchange-

Where’s the Simp: “Hahaha, is this annoying? Add me back on WeChat and I’ll stop. Say something.”

Tian Xiaocao: “Sorry, talking is a pet peeve of mine.”

Where’s the Simp: “Pet peeve? Is this some new meme???”

Tian Xiaocao: “[Sweat emoji]”

Tian Xiaocao: “I mean, I don’t like it when people say ‘Say something.'”

Where’s the Simp: “?”

Tian Xiaocao: “I’m triggered by ‘?'”

“Where’s the Simp” quickly unsent the “?”

Tian Xiaocao: “I’m triggered by unsent messages.”

Fu Zhi seemed to be driven completely insane. He sent a string of “???” and then, as if realizing his mistake, quickly unsent them again.

Where’s the Simp: “Then what exactly are you NOT triggered by?”

Tian Xiaocao: “I’m triggered by people asking about my privacy.”

Where’s the Simp: “…”

Tian Xiaocao: “I’m triggered by people sending ‘…'”

Fu Zhi made another grand gesture of unsending the message.

Finally, he seemed completely exhausted and flew into a rage.

Where’s the Simp: “You have so many triggers, are you the reincarnation of Lei Zhenzi or something?”

Tian Xiaocao: “Huh? I think you’re being a bit aggressive. I’m triggered by people who have no patience.”

The status at the top of the chat box showed “The other party is typing…” but even after half an hour, Fu Zhi still hadn’t sent a message.

Ning Xi arched an eyebrow.

Heh, with a brain that had never won a single argument against her, Fu Zhi actually dared to keep bothering her?

[Someone check on Ning Xi’s mental state, please.]

[I’m dying laughing, Hahahaha! Ning Xi, are you a walking landmine?]

[A woman always has her reasons, don’t question it.]

Having dealt with the nuisance that was Fu Zhi, Ning Xi went back to reading her script.

The script for *The Chess Player* contained elements of mystery and investigation. Although Ning Xi was brave, she hadn’t delved much into the mystery or horror genres.

After some serious thought, Ning Xi clicked on *Detective Conan*, deciding to use it as a starting point.

On the other side.

Fu Zhi was grinding his teeth in frustration over Ning Xi’s “triggers.” He was racking his brain for a way to win a round and get Ning Xi to add his WeChat back.

Then, he received a message from Lu Ming:

Lu Ming: “Zhi Ge, stop messing with Ning Xi. She’s starting to scare me.”

Fu Zhi replied disdainfully: “Scared of what? You’re a grown man, and you’re afraid of her?”

Lu Ming: “No, look at what Ning Xi is doing right now.”

Accompanying the message was a screen recording of Ning Xi’s livestream.

Fu Zhi clicked on the video casually. After watching it, he let out a sneer.

Fu Zhi: “Are you okay? You’re scared just because Ning Xi is watching a cartoon in the study?”

Lu Ming: “Zhi Ge, look again. Look closely. Ning Xi is taking notes!!!”

Fu Zhi’s pupils shrank.

He clicked on the video Lu Ming had sent again and realized that the girl was actually taking notes while watching murder cases.
She even paused specifically when the murder methods were being revealed to jot down some insights.

Fu Zhi: !!!!

This brat!!!!

What on earth is she trying to do!!!!

In the study.

Seeing Ning Xi so “diligent and eager to learn,” the netizens were also a bit puzzled.

However, they weren’t as dim-witted as Fu Zhi and Lu Ming, so they didn’t jump to the conclusion that Ning Xi was plotting to “off” Fu Zhi.

[Holy crap, she’s so serious even while watching cartoons. As expected of my daughter.]

[“When there’s nothing to praise, just force it.”]

[Speaking of which, is Ning Xi preparing for a role? I remember Sunshine Studio’s new drama is a female-led suspense series.]

[Ning Xi acting? Hahahahahaha, what a ridiculous combination. With a face like hers, she should just stay on stage as eye candy.]

[Sunshine Studio prioritizes quality above all else. How could they accept a complete newbie like Ning Xi who knows nothing about acting? Ning Xi fans, stop trying to claim this role. [Vomit]]

[??? Anti-fans, stay out of your daddy’s business. Sunshine Studio was the one who reached out to Ning Xi. Who’s “claiming” what?]

[I can’t even be bothered with those haters. I’m afraid they’ll lick my hand.]

Ning Xi was naturally unaware of the netizens’ speculations and remained immersed in Detective Conan.

Just then, her phone chimed.

It was a WeChat friend request:

“Xie” has requested to add you as a friend.

Xie?

Xie Lanchen?

Xie Lanchen wanted to see her Moments tonight?

Ning Xi’s pupils quaked.

She hesitantly accepted Xie Lanchen’s friend request.

Xie Lanchen immediately sent a transfer of one hundred yuan.

Ning Xi’s hands moved faster than her brain. She quickly tapped to accept the transfer and then sent a somewhat tactful message:

“Is this really okay?”

“After all, I’m not the type of person whose eyes light up at the sight of money.”

“Even though I really like your way of saying hello, I think it’s better if I return this.”

Xie Lanchen: “No need. This is for the lemonade from this afternoon. Thank you.”

Lemonade money?

Ning Xi thought about it and remembered that she had indeed treated Xie Lanchen to that buy-one-get-one-free lemonade today.

But that one was free!

For once, Ning Xi felt a rare pang of guilt.

So she replied: “The lemonade wasn’t that expensive. I said it was my treat.”

Xie Lanchen: “It’s fine. When someone treats me to something, I like to pay them back tenfold or a hundredfold.”

Xie Lanchen: “I hope this doesn’t trouble you?”

Ning Xi was pleasantly surprised.

Xie Lanchen actually had a habit of throwing money around?

She quickly replied: “This is-too great! I just love treating people to things!”

[Fu Zhi: Ning Xi, I dare you to say that one more time.]

At this moment, Ning Xi had long since forgotten her previous fear of Xie Lanchen, the crazy villain boss.

First, she had no grudge against Xie Lanchen, so he had no reason to kill her later.

Second, for the book’s female lead, Ning Mingyue, she was a minor villain, while Xie Lanchen was the major villain. As fellow villains, they should cherish each other.

Third, who could say no to money? Who? Who? Who?

Ning Xi felt that being broke was scarier than death.

In conclusion:

Ning Xi: “From the moment I saw you, I knew we were destined to be friends!”

Xie Lanchen: “So, are we friends now?”

Ning Xi: “Yes! If anything happens, you can come to me. I can’t help with big things, and I don’t want to help with small things, but remember to find me!”

Xie Lanchen: “[Happy]”

Xie Lanchen: “I’m very happy to be your friend.”

Xie Lanchen looked at his phone screen, the smile in his eyes like stars falling into a lake, carrying a brilliant and gentle light.

They were friends now.

Also, did she really like money that much?

What a coincidence; he just happened to be very rich.

*

At ten o’clock that night, Ning Xi stretched and looked at her notebook full of notes with great satisfaction.

Just now, while listening to the background noise of Detective Conan, she had finished writing the character biography for Ming Jia, the role she was going to play.

She liked studying in such noisy environments.

Ning Xi closed her laptop and returned to the bedroom.

As soon as she entered, she saw Jiang Sheshe rummaging through the room with an anxious expression, seemingly looking for something.

She kept muttering to herself:

“Where did I put it? I clearly used it this morning.”

“Not on the sofa, not on the pillow, not under the bed, not in the suitcase… How can it not be anywhere!”

“Arghhhhh!”

Jiang Sheshe tugged at her hair in frustration.

Ning Xi decided to stay away from the crazy woman for her own safety, so she silently went to the vanity to remove her makeup.

However, just as she took the cleansing balm out of her makeup bag, the sharp-eyed Jiang Sheshe noticed her:

“Ning Xi, what is that?!”