Chapter 58

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It wasn’t that Xu Ying never thought her engagement with He Chen would break one day, but in her thoughts, the one to suggest breaking the engagement would always be her.

She hadn’t anticipated He Chen being the first to bring it up. She set down her cup of water and furrowed her brows as she stared at him. “He Chen, what do you mean?”

He Chen commented, “I think I expressed myself very clearly. I want to break our engagement.”

Xu Ying smiled sharply, anger barely restrained. “It’s broken just because you say so? Even if we want to break it, then it should be because I broke it off!”

“It doesn’t matter to me. If you have an easier time accepting it with that, then you can tell the others it was you who broke the engagement.”

“You!” Xu Ying glared at him in rage. “He Chen, you’re already 28 this year right? Now’s not the time for joking around. We held an engagement feast with great fanfare just last month, yet now you speak of wanting to break it off? What would others think?”

“What can they think? Marriage can also lead to divorce; besides, we’re only engaged. Everyone is an adult and can understand.”

“Ah, truly ridiculous. At that time, it was you insisted on being together with me, so what happened now? Did you fall for another woman?

He Chen stared at her, his gaze serious for the very first time. “Xu Ying, ask yourself this: do you like me?”

Xu Ying pursed her lips and remained silent. It was only a good while later that she said, “Fine, you want to cancel the engagement. Go tell your parents and my parents yourself.” She picked up her purse and left without a second glance.

Thinking of the two pairs of parents, He Chen felt a slight headache. Though, for some unknown reason, his heart actually eased significantly.

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After Jian Yan returned from France with He Xiu, she received manager Yun Yan’s notification. It said that 《 Satisfactory》’s completed collection will hit the market ahead of schedule.

Yun Yan: 「It’s like this. There’s a relatively large anime festival in March. We have always had a collaborative relationship with the organizers, so this time, we’re thinking of taking advantage of this anime festival to start the collection there. I’m wondering if you’re willing to go there and attend signings?」1

Yun Yan: 「If you aren’t willing to show your face, you can wear a mask too.」

The publishing house had previously also mentioned signing autographs, but Jian Yan hadn’t dared to go to heavily populated areas as she would unavoidably have to touch men. Secondly, she wasn’t willing to show her face. Even though she could wear a mask, this didn’t go along with her aesthetics.

At present…the paparazzi had already revealed her pictures twice. Despite being deleted very quickly, tons of people have already saved the pictures. In addition, her misandry had improved significantly. If she was careful, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Tang Zhi: 「Will the autographs only be for the 《Satisfactory》 completed collection?」

Yun Yan: 「Mn. Of course, readers might still bring other books for autographs. We’ll try to limit the time as much as possible. The signing is only half an hour long, with possibly a small interview beforehand.」

Tang Zhi: 「Then can I request that the host and the staff members by my side are all women at that time?」

Yun Yan: 「This is a small matter and can be talked over with the organizers.」

Tang Zhi: 「If it’s like this, I will participate.」

Yun Yan: 「Fantastic!『hugs』」

Since the start of Tang Zhi’s career five years ago, this was the first time she was participating in a signing. As her current manager, Yun Yan felt especially excited.

「Once we finish planning the specific schedule, I’ll send it you. I’ll directly discuss the business contract with Chief Lin after!」

Tang Zhi: 「Okay ^_^」

Yun Yan: 「『kiss』『kiss』」

Yun Yan: 「Oh, that’s right. Let me ask for a bit of gossip. Is it Eldest Master He’s request that the host and the staff members all be women?『shy』」

Tang Zhi: 「… Mn, yes.」

Yun Yan: 「Eldest Master He wants to keep you to himself『smile-cry』2

Tang Zhi: 「Yes 『smile-cry』」

Shifting the blame like this and charging the crime onto He Xiu, Jian Yan’s heart didn’t twinge in the slightest.

Furthermore, she was even a bit proud.

?

Lin Zhen soon contacted her and asked if she had actually agreed to attend a signing. She was extremely shocked. These past few years, Jian Yan wouldn’t even bear to post pictures of herself on Weibo. What suddenly convinced her to attend an autograph session?

Jian Yan remarked, “People cannot stay the same forever. You and I are different. I am progressing every day.”

Lin Zhen: “…”

In the end, why did she have to make this call? This truly was eating one’s fill to the point of bursting.

3

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Once Jian Yan’s contract was signed, the organizers of the anime festival quickly announced this information. Naturally, since this was the first time Teacher Tang Zhi was participating in an autograph signing, it caused a massive uproar among her fans. The readers strived to be the first to express their excitement, fearing to be the last to do so.

「Heavens! Teacher Tang Zhi is hosting an autograph signing! This is simply a series that won’t end in a lifetime!」

「Great God, promise me! When the moment comes, don’t wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, okay?!」

「Don’t wear a mask +10086! Last time when two princes from VOICE came to an anime festival to sign autographs, they both wore masks 『goodbye』Between people, can’t there be a little basic trust?『goodbye』」

「My Teacher Tang Zhi is hot and beautiful, definitely won’t wear a mask, right?! Right!」

Reading all of her numerous readers’ opinions, Jian Yan thereupon released a Weibo post in response to everyone.

Tang Zhi 【V】: 「Don’t worry, I won’t wear a mask『shy』」

The masses felt relieved, but Nan Si, feeling wronged, sent her this Weibo message.

Nan Si 【V】: 「I sense the number of love rivals will suddenly increase 『goodbye』」

「In all honesty, hubby, are you not worried that when the moment comes, you’ll have little fans coming to muck up the festival?『laughs up sleeve』」

「Hahahahahahaha Mr. Perfect, remember to tell them to strengthen security hahaha.」

「@Tang Zhi Teacher, draw your blade! Great God Nan Si is mine!」

「Hubby, since you got together with Teacher Tang Zhi, you don’t love us anymore『goodbye』Every Weibo post of yours nowadays all has something to do with her. I’m not pleased『 smile 』」

Once He Xiu read his fans’ comments, he called Jian Yan, deeply worried and sick at heart. “Next month’s autograph signing, you better not go, okay? It seems that danger lurks on every side.”

Jian Yan: “…”

“How about I hire you two bodyguards to follow you?”

Jian Yan was a bit dumbfounded. “Isn’t that a bit excessive?”

“If you think it’s excessive, I can have them dress as staff members.”

Jian Yan: “…”

That wasn’t the problem, okay?

“I will speak with the manager and have the organizers strengthen security.”

He Xiu still was not very reassured. “Is their security reliable? How about I transfer over a team of our Starlight General Merchandise security guards? They’re all veterans of a hundred battles.”

… Jian Yan suddenly had the feeling that she was an important political leader from some foreign nation.

A moment later, she said into the receiver, “I think, you seem to be too confident of your charisma.”

He Xiu: “…”

Is that not so? Young ladies nowadays really were insane!

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But on the day of the anime festival, He Xiu realized his anxiety was a bit baseless because at the anime festival, not only did the organizers gave security guards, they had also mobilized police officers. The scale of the anime festival was massive with tons of people attending, so a team of police officers were already there early in the morning to maintain law and order.

Jian Yan also got up very early that day. The contract stated the time to be 10:30AM, so Lin Zhen said she would meet Jian Yan downstairs at 9:30AM to pick her up.

Jian Yan attached a lot of importance to her first official meeting with her readers. She stood in front of her cloakroom, having already tried out two outfits. Ultimately, she chose a light yellow coat of medium length that represented spring fashion the most.

She matched it with a pair of similar colored high heels. Beneath the coat, she wore a white lace blouse and a beige midi skirt. Standing in front of the mirror to look at herself, she tied a white bow around her neck.

The big bow was very eye-catching, making her look smart without losing an ounce of sweetness. It became the focal point of her outfit.

After Jian Yan applied her spring day makeup look, she grabbed her purse and left the apartment. Lin Zhen had just arrived downstairs and nearly prevented herself from whistling upon seeing her. “Beautiful Lady Jian, your male fanbase will definitely experience a sudden increase after today. I finally understand the emotional crisis Eldest Master He is feeling.”

“Less talking; the venue is quite far. If we arrive late, the organizers will say we violated our contract. You’ll have to pay the penalty.”

Lin Zhen: “…”

The road was indeed backed up with traffic, but Lin Zhen and Jian Yan still arrived at the venue on time. They hadn’t even gotten out of the car when they were welcomed by her manager and staff members, who were waiting outside the car for them.

Yun Yan had been Jian Yan’s manager for nearly three years, and this was the first time she saw Jian Yan in person. Frankly speaking, Jian Yan was indeed quite breathtaking. There was no need to even mention the other staff members, who had all gathered around for autographs and a group photo.

Escorted within a crowd of staff members, Jian Yan arrived to the venue safe and sound. When she entered, people caught sight of her and began surging forth.

Security guards also rushed forward to maintain order. Continuous shouts of ‘Teacher Tang Zhi’ rang out while Jian Yan made her way to the lobby nearby.

The host of the event was indeed female, and she had used her heart to cosplay Shang Ke. She was rather moved while briefing Jian Yan about the process; afterward, she went on stage to declare the start of the interview.

The area beneath the stage was packed with spectators, who held all kinds of digital equipment in their hands. Their camera lenses were all focused on stage at Jian Yan. Influenced by the atmosphere, the host exclaimed with anticipation, “I am very honored to see Teacher Tang Zhi here alongside everyone else today. Great God Tang Zhi truly is stunningly beautiful, yes?”

“Yes——!”

Jian Yan laughed and thanked everyone. The host then asked, “In Teacher Tang Zhi’s manhua, the protagonist dresses very fashionably, and Teacher Tang Zhi herself is also just as numerous people have imagined—a very fashionable person. I believe that it’s not just me who wants to ask this; in terms of styling outfits, just exactly what do we have to do to be both stylish and beautiful?”

Jian Yan explained, “Every season has their popular seasonal elements. This can change at any time, though. I feel that you cannot blindly pursue a trend; instead, you should create an outfit that best suits you. Of course, this requires skill as well. For example, yellow and green represent spring. If you wear these colors even simply as accessories to add a finishing touch, the outfit will be brimming with a spring flair.”

“I just took note of your high heels. They really are especially nice, and it even has embellishments. The golden little bird is very cute!”

Jian Yan smiled and commented, “Yes, I also love this pair of high heels. The light color matched with the cute embellishments create an exquisite yet slightly innocent style. Many others might not like wearing accessories much, but in my opinion, I will definitely suggest everyone to wear accessories because even one small accessory can make you look entirely different. For example, I am very fond of silk scarves.”

“Ah, your silk scarf promotion with Starlight General Merchandise, I’m extremely looking forward to it!”

“Me too.”

“Then, is Eldest Master He accompanying you today?”

The fans on site went wild as soon as the host asked this question. Some of them even shouted out the name Nan Si. Jian Yan chuckled and stated, “I think we seemed to have gone off topic. My manager looks a bit green in the face down there; we better talk about my manhua instead.”

Yun Yan stood there with a dumbstruck face. She didn’t! She also wanted to know about Eldest Master He!

The anime festival’s on-the-spot interview had yet to conclude, but someone had already searched for Jian Yan’s entire outfit and tidily arranged her findings in a long Weibo post.

She first released a photo of Jian Yan at the festival and then began breaking down her outfit, starting with her coat. 「Light yellow coat, Maggie’s latest spring collection, selling price of ￥28,600; lace double-layered blouse, Bunny’s latest spring collection, ￥10,800; beige midi skirt, Bunny’s latest spring collection, ￥15,080; pale yellow high heels, biubiu’s latest spring collection, country-specific price not yet released; white bow, Lily&Sa’s latest spring collection, ￥2,300. I only want to say one thing: Instructor, I want to draw manhua!」

The fans who didn’t attend the event all commented on the post.

「At first I wanted to wear the exact same outfit as Teacher Tang Zhi’s; now, it seems that I thought too much ┑(￣Д ￣)┍」

「Wait a bit more; very soon, there’ll be imitations『doge』」

「Holy shit, Tang Zhi really is gorgeous. Eldest Master He lucked out with her!」

「Love rival is such a strong competitor; I feel that in this lifetime, I will not be able to win back my hubby Nan Si’s heart『smile』」

「I didn’t manage to grab a ticket to the festival QAQ I also want to be there to see Teacher Tang Zhi QAQ Those high heels really are fucking beautiful QAQ」

「Can Teacher Tang Zhi release a small tutorial on planning outfits on Weibo?! I want to study!」

「Actually, anything beautiful people wear is beautiful, but if you wear the same thing, it might not have the same result…」

「Everybody, you better first make money. Otherwise, you might not be able to afford buying what Teacher Tang Zhi recommends 『smile-cry』

「Wait a minute! Isn’t this the beautiful sales lady who previously worked at Fantasy Wardrobe?! She gave me clothing recommendations and left an extremely profound impression on me!」

……

The discussion on Weibo was enthusiastic. Meanwhile, the autograph signing at the festival also proceeded like wildfire. Although the collection edition price was relatively high, the amount of people lining up wasn’t small. For that half hour autograph signing session, Jian Yan had nearly no breaks until it was impossible for her to sign her name quickly afterwards.

He Xiu, anxious about fans attacking, didn’t show up either. After the anime festival, Jian Yan directly entered He Xiu’s car rather than Lin Zhen’s.

“I’m dead tired; I don’t want to have another autograph signing even after half a year.” Jian Yan leaned against the passenger seat, twisting her wrist.

He Xiu chuckled and seized her right hand, massaging it for her. “Shall I massage it for you?”

“Mn.” Jian Yan ended up relaxing, having no qualms about enjoying Eldest Master He’s service.

“The organizers didn’t invite you to a meal?” He Xiu inquired.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“They did, but I turned them down gracefully.”

“Then what do you want to eat for lunch?”

“Mn…” Jian Yan thought for a moment before glancing at him and saying, “How about we return home to eat, something homemade.”

“Alright.” He Xiu released her hand, smiling as he started the car.

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Author’s Note:

Expressing thanks to sponsors

Notes:

1. Before I get backlash for calling it anime festival and not anime expo…the conventions are called festivals in China >.> ?

2. 盯人还盯得真严啊 has no English equivalent. The closest literal translation is something like “watches you closely and strictly manages who you’re in contact with” so… “wants to keep you to himself” is the liberal translation I’m sticking with because it conveys the meaning of the phrase the best, in my opinion ?

3. Moonclipse’s comment: This is like a common phrase where it means one is full and has nothing to do, and now is sticking their nose into other’s business ?