After Spectating Gossip, the Entertainment Industry Thinks I’m a Big Shot – CH73

Chapter 73

As Gu Xingshi’s words hung in the air, everyone’s gaze on Ruan Wenrou instantly shifted.

Even her so-called “friends” standing beside her instinctively stepped back, covering their mouths as they stared at her in shock and suspicion.

For the first time, Ruan Wenrou experienced the humiliation of being scrutinized and judged by countless eyes in a public setting.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she swayed unsteadily.

Seeing her cherished daughter treated this way, Xiang Li couldn’t hold back any longer. She rushed forward, shielding Ruan Wenrou with a fierce look. “You’re lying!”

“Mama…” Ruan Wenrou whimpered, hiding in her mother’s embrace as she sobbed.

Xiang Li’s heart ached even more, and she held her tightly, soothing her endlessly.

Watching the two of them in their touching display of mother-daughter affection, the crowd was momentarily taken aback.

Could it be that Gu’s claims were false? Was Ruan Wenrou really Xiang Li’s biological daughter? After all, who would disregard their own child to protect an adopted one?

But Gu Xingshi glanced at Ruan Xiyin, who stood quietly off to the side.

The smile she’d shown earlier during her praise was gone, replaced by a blank expression as she looked down at the floor. It was as if she had long since become accustomed to such treatment.

Gu Xingshi felt a pang in his heart, quickly followed by anger.

Turning back to Xiang Li, his expression grew cold, and he began to clap slowly, his voice tinged with sarcasm. “How moving.”

“Tell me—have you heard of the cuckoo bird?” he asked, voice carrying across the room. “Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, and once the young cuckoo hatches, it pushes the other eggs out of the nest to die. The clueless parent birds then raise the young cuckoo as their own, never realizing they’re feeding the murderer of their own offspring.”

He paused, his gaze chilling. “I used to think this only happened in nature. But seeing it among people for the first time…it’s quite novel.”

Xiang Li shivered under his words. “N-no…that’s impossible…”

But Gu Xingshi cut her off. “When Ruan Wenrou led her classmates in isolating and bullying Ruan Xiyin at school, you looked the other way. When Ruan Wenrou planted her jewelry in Ruan Xiyin’s room to accuse her of theft, you dismissed her protests and declared her guilty without a second thought. Now, I’m only revealing the truth, and what Wenrou is facing is hardly a fraction of what Ruan Xiyin went through. And yet, you can’t handle it?”

Xiang Li froze.

She turned toward Ruan Wenrou reflexively.

Wenrou was a child she’d raised with her own hands, always obedient and well-behaved. She couldn’t believe that Wenrou would do such things.

But Gu Xingshi’s confidence made it hard for her to dismiss his words entirely.

Ruan Wenrou, horrified that Gu Xingshi knew all this, seethed inwardly, certain that Ruan Xiyin must have told him.

She despised Ruan Xiyin even more.

But on the surface, she put on a pitiful expression and whimpered, “Mama, I didn’t…”

The murmurs from the onlookers only grew louder.

“Who knew such a young girl could be so vicious? Just goes to show, appearances can be deceiving.”

“And to think a mother would actually favor an adopted daughter over her own—eye-opening!”

“I’d heard of people abusing adopted kids while doting on their biological ones, but this is the first time I’ve seen the reverse. Amazing!”

“The poor girl, stuck with a family like that…”

Although Xiang Li still adored Ruan Wenrou, the comments began to erode her conviction.

Especially when she glanced over at Ruan Xiyin and saw her standing there, expressionless. She looked nothing like the hopeful, eager child she had been when she first returned home.

Xiang Li’s heart ached. She made a move to approach Ruan Xiyin.

But as she took a step, Ruan Wenrou’s eyes flashed with malice, and she suddenly went limp, fainting on the spot.

Seeing her daughter collapse, Xiang Li forgot everything else and frantically gathered her in her arms to call for a doctor.

Ruan Yi’s face was dark, but in the end, he followed Xiang Li out in a rush.

As they disappeared, Gu Xingshi sighed in disappointment.

He still had more dirt to spill!

Only Ruan Xiyin remained in place.

Gu Xingshi sighed, then turned to Lan Yongyu and excused himself before walking over to Ruan Xiyin. “Let me take you home.”

Ruan Xiyin stared at him, dazed.

It was the first time she had felt such kindness, and she didn’t quite know how to respond.

Gu Xingshi guided her to his car and drove her back to the Ruan residence, following the directions on the GPS.

Ruan Xiyin pressed her lips together and whispered, “Thank you.”

Just as she was about to get out of the car, Gu Xingshi suddenly called her back.

Startled, she turned around to face him.

After a moment’s hesitation, Gu handed her a business card.

“I’m a talent manager,” he said carefully. “You have a wonderful voice, and we’re always looking for talent like yours. If you’re interested in becoming a professional singer, you could consider signing with my agency…”

Ruan Xiyin looked at him, her eyes wide, and asked timidly, “If I become a singer…will a lot of people like me?”

Gu paused, feeling a pang of something bittersweet in his heart. He nodded firmly. “Yes. Believe me—your singing is truly beautiful. You’ll have so many people who’ll love you for it.”

A small smile played on Ruan Xiyin’s lips.

Still, after a moment’s hesitation, she quietly replied, “Thank you, but…could I think about it a bit more?”

Realizing her response might seem ungrateful, she tensed up. “I just…”

Gu understood her immediately.

He knew from the system that Ruan Xiyin had grown up in an orphanage and worked her way through college. She was actually a strong, determined young woman. If she hadn’t been subjected to the Ruan family’s constant suppression and emotional abuse, she could have blossomed into an incredibly bright person.

Gu Xingshi gave her an understanding nod. “Of course, take your time.” He paused. “And even if you decide not to sign, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help.”

Ruan Xiyin was stunned.

She had expected him to be upset, but instead, he was comforting her.

It felt as though the wounds on her heart, inflicted over the years by her family, were slowly beginning to heal under his warmth.

Clutching the business card tightly, she headed home feeling a sense of excitement.

But as she reached the top of the stairs, she ran into Xiang Li, who was coming out of Ruan Wenrou’s room.

A gentle smile lingered on Xiang Li’s face, and it felt like a bucket of cold water had just been poured over Ruan Xiyin.

Xiang Li seemed a bit awkward herself.

When Ruan Wenrou had fainted, they’d been so focused on caring for her that they’d completely forgotten about the other daughter.

Now, with a pang of guilt, she gently inquired after Ruan Xiyin’s well-being and offered to make her a late-night snack.

Though it was simply some wontons that Xiang Li reheated in water, it was the first time Ruan Xiyin had been treated this way, and she was genuinely touched.

Mother and daughter sat together at the dining table in a rare, peaceful moment.

The wonton soup lacked salt, but Ruan Xiyin savored each bite. Her heart, which had grown so hard over the years, began to soften. She even opened her mouth, about to share the news that Gu Xingshi had offered to sign her as a singer.

Just as Ruan Xiyin was about to share her news, Xiang Li spoke in a soft, gentle tone. “Xiyin, your sister is young and not very healthy. After learning the truth about her background, she’s been feeling insecure, so she’s made some mistakes. But seeing how pitiful she is, can you forgive her?”

The smile on Ruan Xiyin’s face froze.

The wontons in her stomach suddenly felt like poison, twisting her insides painfully.

She almost laughed at the absurdity of it.

Ruan Wenrou… pitiful?

Wasn’t she the real pitiful one?

Ruan Xiyin had grown up in an orphanage. While Ruan Wenrou was wrapped in fine clothes and gourmet meals, she was left cold and hungry. While Ruan Wenrou had access to the best resources, learning piano and painting, Ruan Xiyin was working herself to exhaustion to pay her tuition. When Ruan Wenrou had the family’s attention over the smallest cold, Ruan Xiyin had been out on the streets, handing out flyers with a high fever of 104°F.

Finally, at eighteen, she’d been overjoyed to learn her parents were still alive.

Wearing her best outfit, she’d arrived at the Ruan family mansion, nervous and hopeful. The place was lavish, with even the bathroom larger than the rooms she was used to.

But her parents’ gaze held criticism and disappointment. They found her rough and unrefined, lacking the grace of piano or painting.

Her brother had eyed her with hostility, warning her not to think she could take anything that belonged to Ruan Wenrou.

In her insecurity and longing for acceptance, she had bent over backward to try to please them.

But every effort had only led to more disappointment.

Suddenly, the wontons tasted like nothing.

Of course, they were tasteless.

There was no salt in the soup—how could it be delicious?

She had been blinded by a motherly filter, just like she had been blinded by this hollow kinship. Even though she was their biological daughter, she would never be the daughter they truly wanted.

She had given everything she had, only to receive the bare minimum of their interest in return.

Her heart turned cold and still.

For the first time, Ruan Xiyin didn’t argue back or disagree.

Xiang Li, thinking she’d relented, smiled in relief. “I knew you were a good girl. Now, finish eating and get some good rest.”

With that, Xiang Li left the table.

Ruan Xiyin sat alone.

She pushed the bowl of wontons away and pulled out the business card she had been holding in her palm.

The simple card bore only Gu Xingshi’s name and phone number.

This name flickered in her eyes like a spark, igniting something fierce and unwavering within her.

*

Gu Xingshi received Ruan Xiyin’s call the next morning.

Her voice was a bit tired, but she sounded determined. “Mr. Gu, can I sign with you now?”

Gu was slightly taken aback.

He’d thought she might take a while to decide, but here she was, having made up her mind overnight.

“Of course.” Knowing a bit about her situation, he offered, “Would you like me to send someone to pick you up?”

“Oh, no need,” she replied quickly. “Just text me the address, and I’ll come over myself.”

About an hour and a half later, Gu received a message from her saying she was almost there. Since he was free, he went down to meet her.

When he reached the entrance, he was surprised to see her parking a shared bike.

She wore a backpack slung over her shoulders. It looked a little worn but was neat and stuffed full, though he couldn’t tell what it held.

Gu Xingshi stared at her in astonishment. “Did… did you ride a shared bike all the way here?”

He knew that the Ruan family’s house was far from the company.

Even if she couldn’t get a driver, surely taking a cab was an option?

The Ruan family was still a wealthy household—even if they treated Ruan Xiyin poorly, they wouldn’t be so stingy as to leave her without enough pocket money for a cab ride!

But Ruan Xiyin shook her head, explaining earnestly, “I took the bus first and only used the shared bike for the last stretch. I could’ve transferred to the subway, but the bike saved me a yuan, so I decided to cycle instead.”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

Somehow, that sounded even sadder.

“It’s really not that bad,” Ruan Xiyin reassured him with a shy smile. “I just like to save money.”

As she spoke, she opened her backpack to show him—a packed lunch, a water bottle, tissues, and even an umbrella.

Gu Xingshi: “…”

He led Ruan Xiyin into the company.

LeShi Entertainment had grown significantly since the early days, expanding its departments and staff as its operations flourished. But the centerpiece of the company was still its Artist Department.

Originally, Gu had planned to introduce Ruan Xiyin to some of the team, but he quickly noticed that she seemed well-informed about the company already.

A quick question revealed that she had stayed up all night researching everything she could find about LeShi.

Blushing slightly, she admitted, “I like to prepare in advance, so I don’t get too nervous.”

Gu Xingshi: “…”

He thought his artists were already pretty intense about their work ethic, but compared to Ruan Xiyin, they seemed positively laid-back. She hadn’t even signed yet and was already putting in the effort!

Just then, the door to a nearby recording studio opened, and Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin walked out, chatting and laughing.

Both paused when they saw Gu Xingshi and Ruan Xiyin.

Ruan Xiyin recognized them instantly—they were the first two artists Gu had signed.

A wave of anxiety washed over her, taking her back to the day the Ruan family first took her in. She remembered her biological brother, Ruan Chengze, and Ruan Wenrou talking and laughing together, creating a little world she didn’t belong in, speaking of things she couldn’t understand. Their behavior had made it clear that they never intended to accept her.

After Gu introduced Meng Yuansheng and Cheng Xin to Ruan Xiyin, he was suddenly called away by a phone call for an urgent document that needed his signature. He left Ruan Xiyin in their care and hurried off.

Ruan Xiyin instinctively curled her fingers, bracing herself for potential rejection.

But then, Cheng Xin suddenly burst out excitedly, “What!! We finally have a junior sister?! Our Gu Family Squad is finally not a bachelor’s temple anymore! Waaaaah!”

He was promptly nudged aside by Meng Yuansheng, who smiled warmly. “Mind your manners, don’t scare her.”

After scolding Cheng Xin, Meng Yuansheng extended his hand to Ruan Xiyin. “Hi, I’m Meng Yuansheng. I hear you’re a talented singer—let’s share tips with each other from now on.”

Ruan Xiyin stood there, stunned.

Meng Yuansheng’s gentle manner made her feel like she was dreaming.

He continued, “That noisy one over there is Cheng Xin. We also have two other artists, Qin Wen and Sheng Yueqing. Qin Wen’s busy with a commercial shoot, and Yueqing’s preparing to join a new production, so they’re not here. We’ll introduce you when they get back…”

Before he could finish, Cheng Xin pulled out his phone and set up a group video call. “Hahaha, look! Look, look, look! Our new junior sister! Fresh off the press! Serves you right for missing out by not being here!”

Meng Yuansheng silently covered his forehead. “…”

Ruan Xiyin looked at Qin Wen and Sheng Yueqing on the screen, a bit overwhelmed.

On the screen, Qin Wen, who usually had a sharp tongue when dealing with the press, smiled warmly and said, “Junior Sister Xiyin, I’ll bring you a gift once I’m back from my shoot.”

Sheng Yueqing, who was struggling through body conditioning for his new film, had his normally beautiful, manga-like face twisted in agony. Between grimaces and groans, he managed to say, “Junior Sister… I’m stuck on set… I’ll send the gift… Ow, ow, ow!!”

Ruan Xiyin: “…”

She could clearly feel the kindness radiating from them.

The four of them seemed very close, sometimes discussing work, but they never left her out. Meng Yuansheng took care to explain things to her in detail, and Cheng Xin kept calling her “Junior Sister,” answering all her questions with enthusiasm, and even spilling a few funny secrets about the others.

Even though Qin Wen and Sheng Yueqing were only there virtually, they showed genuine concern for her and even shared little tips on how to navigate the entertainment industry.

In just a short time, Ruan Xiyin felt she had blended in.

She felt a sense of belonging—a feeling she had long forgotten. It was surreal.

Suddenly, Cheng Xin stopped, his face turning serious. “I almost forgot, there’s one more important thing!”

Ruan Xiyin, taken in by his tone, grew nervous. “Wh-what is it?”

Cheng Xin opened his WeChat and showed her a group chat screen, presenting it to her with utmost solemnity.

Ruan Xiyin: “…The Gu Xingshi Fan Support Group?”

Cheng Xin nodded. “As long as you’re a fan of Mr. Gu, you’re one of us.”

Ruan Xiyin: “…”

How could she put this?

All of a sudden, she felt a very real sense of belonging.

*

After signing Ruan Xiyin, Gu Xingshi planned her career path as a singer. She had a naturally gifted voice, though it was still untrained.

While he arranged for professional coaches to help her refine her skills, Gu was also collecting songs for her, aiming to release a single as her debut.

This was a common strategy for music companies launching new singers. Since new artists often struggled to gain an audience right away, releasing a single allowed them to build momentum gradually.

But Gu Xingshi wasn’t too worried about building a fanbase.

The day after Ruan Xiyin signed, he had her create a Weibo account and post an announcement about her debut as LeShi’s new artist.

Meng Yuansheng and the others immediately shared her post, each one warmly welcoming their new “junior sister.”

As soon as the tweets went live, Ruan Xiyin’s name trended on Weibo.

After all, everyone knew that artists signed by Gu Xingshi weren’t just of good character—they were bound to become stars.

Ever since Gu had signed Sheng Yueqing, he hadn’t taken on any other new artists. Naturally, everyone was dying to know who the next “rising star” would be.

[OMG!! Gu’s new artist!!!]

[The name sounds like it’s a girl! Go, Junior Sister!!]

[Ten minutes—I want all the details on this new little sister!!!]

But no matter how hard netizens scoured the internet, they found nothing on Ruan Xiyin.

[Our new junior sister is so mysterious! Did she just come back from overseas?]

[Even if she was abroad, there’d still be ‘some’ info online, right? Could she have been training in some secluded place until Gu found her?!]

[Ruan’s keeping a low profile! With all this attention, she’s only posted a simple greeting on Weibo!]

*

Ruan Xiyin was completely overwhelmed.

She hadn’t expected that, in less than half a day, her Weibo followers would surpass a hundred thousand and keep climbing. Her greeting post alone had gathered tens of thousands of comments.

Feeling like she was holding a hot potato, she took her phone and went to find Gu Xingshi.

Gu was calm about it. “Not a big deal. Post something if you feel like it, or just don’t.”

Ruan hesitated. “If I do post, what kind of content should I share?”

Gu thought for a moment. “Hmm… Since the single isn’t ready yet, you could share some daily life updates.”

Daily life…

Ruan Xiyin nodded thoughtfully. “Got it.”

Meanwhile, the news of Ruan Xiyin’s trending debut quickly reached Ruan Yi.

Ever since the banquet, nothing had been going well for him. Forget about making connections with Mr. Wen—other prominent families barely acknowledged him now, while Gu Xingshi was growing closer to them all.

Ruan Yi was filled with regret.

If he had known this would happen, he would’ve held tightly to Gu Xingshi from the beginning.

Who could have predicted that Gu, who had no family connections to any wealthy circle, would now be a regular guest among the elite, practically a group favorite?

But now it was too late. At the banquet, Gu’s disdain for Ruan Wenrou and Xiang Li had been plain for all to see, and the Ruan family’s reputation had taken a hit because of it.

Then, just as Ruan Yi was fretting over the situation, he discovered that his own biological daughter, Ruan Xiyin, had signed with Gu Xingshi—and her debut was already trending.

As a self-styled member of high society, Ruan Yi didn’t want his daughter to become an entertainer. But if she managed to reach the top, well, that was different.

And more importantly, Ruan Xiyin was Gu Xingshi’s artist. In the industry, everyone knew how many resources Gu controlled—if he wanted to make someone a star, it was as simple as a snap of his fingers.

With Gu’s help, they could even use Ruan Xiyin to approach Wen Yue—two birds with one stone.

Filled with enthusiasm, Ruan Yi immediately ordered his company’s PR team to post a tweet.

Ruan Corporation: [@Ruan Xiyin Congratulations to our eldest young miss on her debut! #Gu’sNewArtistRuanXiyin #TheMysteriousRuanXiyin#]

This tweet quickly caught the attention of netizens and shot to the top of the trending comments.

Thousands of people flooded the comments section.

For the Ruan Corporation’s social media account, which had rarely seen this much activity, the surge was a surprise. The PR team scrambled to respond to questions, confirming that Ruan Xiyin was indeed the Ruan family’s eldest daughter.

[OMG! Ruan Xiyin is actually a wealthy heiress! Incredible!!]

[She’s a rich young miss and Gu’s signed artist? Just having one of these identities would make me ecstatic, and she has both! I’m so jealous!!]

[Ruan Xiyin posted something! Time to check out the life of a real heiress, hehe!]

Eager to glimpse the glamorous lifestyle of a high-society heiress, countless fans rushed to Ruan Xiyin’s Weibo page.

Ruan Xiyin: [Hello everyone, I’m Ruan Xiyin! Today we’re doing a “$20 challenge in Beijing”—today’s top money-saving tips, check ?

Fan: [???]