Shen Lingyi nodded in satisfaction at his answer. “Your father and I both recognize your abilities. The Fu Family doesn’t need any alliances through marriage these days, and we’re not picky about gender—as long as it’s someone from a proper family, it’s fine. Do you want to find someone yourself, or should I introduce you?”
“I’m busy with work. You find someone,” Fu Yanli replied flatly.
“Alright, then. Do you want a boy or a girl? Any preferred types?”
Fu Yanli recalled the boy from that night. Though he hadn’t seen his face, the voice alone told him he wasn’t bad-looking. After a moment’s thought, he said, “A boy. Slim build, not too bony, pleasant voice, and decent looks.”
Maybe I was always into boys like that, he mused. The first one I met was the perfect type.
Shen Lingyi thought her son was quite sentimental. Four years had passed, and he still couldn’t forget that one-night stand. But a man of his character made it all the more precious.
She pondered where to find a boy like that, when it suddenly hit her—the entertainment industry had plenty who fit the bill.
Finding one who was clean, though? That wouldn’t be easy. She’d have to pick carefully.
Jiang Shunnian had always favored comfortable, affordable clothes over the years. With his good looks, even ordinary outfits looked far better than their price tag.
Add in his rapid weight loss and fitness routine these past few days—his skin now clung lightly to his frame, accentuating his refined features. He photographed perfectly.
But his casual wear didn’t do him justice. Once he donned the drama’s costume, styled his hair, and applied makeup, it was like a dust-covered pearl wiped clean, radiating its innate brilliance.
The stunning allure and spirit he’d sealed away for four years returned in an instant.
Yu Yanchen couldn’t help but sigh beside him. “Shunnian, you’re born for the screen.”
Even the room seemed to brighten.
Makeup artists loved talents like this—no heavy lifting required to sculpt the desired effect.
Jiang Shunnian stared at his reflection, dazed for a moment.
It had been so long; he’d nearly forgotten he could look like this.
His eyes stung a little.
When Nono saw his made-up dad, his cherry-pink little mouth fell open. He stared blankly for a while before blurting, “With autumn waters for spirit and jade for bones, a celestial beauty unequaled! Daddy’s even prettier than an immortal!”
The ancient poem stunned everyone present.
“Bro, your kid isn’t reborn, is he?” Yu Yanchen slung an arm over Jiang Shunnian’s shoulder with a laugh. “This cultural level crushes both of us.”
Jiang Shunnian, whose own academic scores had barely scraped by back in school, ducked his head in slight embarrassment.
He’d wanted to tutor Nono’s studies—sure, his own grades weren’t great, but he could read, with over a decade more education than the kid and a sharp memory for lines.
At first, he’d taught Nono plenty of characters. But after buying him interactive readers, flashcards, and dictionaries, Nono rarely needed him anymore, only asking the occasional question.
So Jiang Shunnian had no idea how far his kid had progressed.
My boy’s so smart and excellent, he thought suddenly. Why does he end up tormented by that scum Qin Huan like he’s lost his mind, unable to resist at all? Is it just the plot’s unstoppable force?
Or maybe Qin Huan’s a total psycho, and Nono’s normal—unable to comprehend a lunatic’s thinking or communicate on their level.
Everyone approved of Jiang Shunnian’s post-makeup look, but the producer and director frowned. He didn’t look like cannon fodder at all—like he’d outshine the entire cast as the lead.
They had the makeup artist tone it down, dulling his overly delicate, alluring eyes and brows.
Jiang Shunnian had skimmed the script already, noting all his scenes, and even pulled up the original novel to binge-read that night.
His role was Zhou Wenqi, a small-time rich antagonist signed to the same agency as the female lead, Tang Zhenzhen. The company’s exec was his uncle.
Before the female lead’s rebirth, he’d taken a dislike to her upon noticing the male lead’s unusual attention toward her.
The first scene that afternoon had him conspiring with his uncle to push her into a trashy film. But thanks to her foreknowledge, she knew it wasn’t truly bad—just sabotaged by meddling investors. She pitched it to male lead Lu Huai and won him over.
That conversation only deepened his impression of her uniqueness, boosting his affection.
The scene was simple; Jiang Shunnian felt no pressure. His middle-aged co-star uncle, a veteran actor of many years, treated the web drama seriously. They nailed it in two takes.
Next, Jiang Shunnian ran into the female lead outside, sarcastically congratulating her on the gig—his introduction—and demanding thanks.
She responded calmly, neither servile nor overbearing.
The way he tilted his chin with a cold huff was utterly captivating—infuriating yet inexplicably magnetic.
Lu Hanwen recalled the novel: original Zhou Wenqi had a mature backstory. Spoiled rotten by his parents, he always got what he wanted. Smitten with Lu Huai, he naturally hated Tang Zhenzhen.
Jiang Shunnian had brought Zhou Wenqi to life perfectly.
This guy’s pro-level acting.
“Cut!”
Lu Hanwen beamed, praising him. “No wonder Teacher Yu recommended you so confidently. Conservatory training makes all the difference. Hope we work together again.”
“Thank you for the kind words, Director Lu,” Jiang Shunnian replied humbly.
His scenes were light; with today’s wrapped, he was off until the male lead Lin Weiyu returned the day after for their scenes.
Perfect—tomorrow, he’d take Nono to the scenic spots and museum.
Nono buzzed with excitement. The next morning, he cheerfully bid Yu-uncles goodbye and headed out with Dad.
S City’s southern location meant April was already warm. Jiang Shunnian topped Nono with a little hat and child-sized sunglasses against the glare.
Outings brought out Nono’s best behavior—he stuck close to Jiang Shunnian, never wandering.
He’d seen on TV how traffickers snatched kids in crowds.
Not leaving Daddy.
They hit a famous ancient town; Jiang Shunnian bought Nono a traditional outfit, turning him into a pint-sized young master of gold and jade.
Scenic area food was mediocre, but the views compensated. In the afternoon, the museum: as always, Jiang Shunnian read plaques for Nono’s interests and pulled up stories on his phone.
Jiang Nuonuo listened intently.
Jiang Shunnian’s voice was soft and elegant, his cadence soothing. Though lowered, a few kids gathered unnoticed behind them, hanging on every word. When he turned, he startled.
The parents chuckled. “Hello, sir. My little rascal never listens to stories like this—mind if we tag along?”
They offered snack packs.
Five kids blinked up, eyes pleading for more knowledge.
This uncle’s voice is so nice—way better than teacher’s.
Jiang Shunnian laughed helplessly and agreed—it was for Nono anyway.
Thus, the museum gained an odd sight: kids trailing a handsome young man as he lectured on artifacts and history, cradling a delicately carved cherub. Eyes followed them everywhere.
The place was vast; they cherry-picked exhibits. By exit, night had fallen, and Nono was tuckered out. Straight home.
Early next morning, back to set—where Jiang Shunnian met gold-backed Lin Weiyu.
Lin Weiyu stood 176 cm but claimed 180 officially, padding with hairstyles and lifts at events.
Female lead Chen Letong was 168 cm; for height contrast, she wore flats while he donned elevators in paired scenes.
His base looks were solid, aesthetics on point—tweaked, he appeared natural and handsome.
But next to Jiang Shunnian’s pure-natural charisma, it paled fast.
Lin Weiyu frowned at the sight of him. Confirming with his assistant—no fame, no buzz, no backing—he marched to Lu Hanwen. “Director, who’s this?”
“The actor playing Zhou Wenqi.” Lu Hanwen stayed polite despite Lin Weiyu’s attitude.
“Don’t want him. Boot him.” Lin Weiyu waved dismissively. “You trying to sabotage me?”
With that face, once it airs, who’ll look at me?
He spoke openly, uncaring if Jiang Shunnian heard. Backed by sugar daddy, what did he fear?
Zhou Wenqi was just cannon fodder—easy swap.
All eyes turned to Jiang Shunnian.
Pity—he acted well, looked killer—but showbiz bowed to power, stomping the weak. No choice.
Yu Yanchen’s fists clenched in instant fury.
