The Villainess Awakens After Marrying the Male Lead’s Brother - Chapter 17

When Jiang Yunyan’s call came, Wen Yu was in the middle of discussing this type of play with her teacher, trying to figure out what to do exactly.

The teacher advised her to make an effort, try to ‘love’ the male lead a bit, so when emotions explode, it won’t deviate from the main theme, as Xie Rou’s every motive stems from love.

Wen Yu, with a troubled face, was contemplating this.

Jiang Yunyan’s call arrived.

She was still somewhat puzzled; although they got along well when they met, there was very little private contact. Why would he suddenly call her?

Did he see her moments on social media?

But someone like Jiang Yunyan, a workaholic, would he take time from work to check social media?

Wen Yu picked up, softly calling out, “Big Brother~”

The pitch of her voice slightly increased, revealing a hint of confusion.

“Yeah, it’s me,” came the man’s deep voice through the phone, seemingly gentler than usual, hinting at a touch of tenderness.

Wen Yu felt handsome guys had a healing effect; as soon as he spoke, she could imagine him holding the phone, undoubtedly wearing a crisp white shirt, neatly buttoned, revealing a low-key luxurious watch due to the movement of lifting his hand, with deep eyebrows and a handsome and steady demeanor.

Her voice became a bit brighter, “Big Brother, is there something?”

Jiang Yunyan: “Nothing, just got the investment plan for the next two years from Jiang Shang Entertainment. Thought you liked investing before, so I’ll send it to you, see which drama you like?”

Wen Yu immediately sat up, “Sure, sure!”

When it came to investment, she was wide awake.

On the other end of the phone, a hint of amusement flashed in the man’s eyes. He swiftly took a screenshot with the mouse and sent it to Wen Yu on WeChat.

Wen Yu opened it and was shocked by the densely packed drama titles.

Indeed, a wealthy person could invest so much.

She only had over twenty million, unable to invest in all of them, just one or two.

But there were so many good dramas!

“Big Brother, can I really choose any?” Wen Yu asked.

On the phone, the man’s tone was calm, “Yes, you can.”

As if saying, pick any cabbage you like!

Happiness came suddenly; Wen Yu was dazzled, suddenly seeing a movie—’Heavenly Palace.’ Her eyes narrowed, sinking into contemplation.

It’s a science fiction film, and currently, science fiction movies are declining, with almost no one investing, making them prone to losses.

But in the novel, this movie would be next year’s Spring Festival box office champion!

The female lead in the book, Su Lengyue, felt indebted and thought the story was good. She ended up being pushed into the female lead role of this movie because the crew was too poor to afford her salary. She took no payment but directly took a share of the earnings and made a fortune!

With ‘Heavenly Palace’ leading, what else to consider?!

Wen Yu immediately said, “Big Brother, I want to invest in Heavenly Palace!”

“Just this one?” Jiang Yunyan raised an eyebrow.

Wen Yu bit her finger, regretfully saying, “Just this one.”

She’s broke.

With just over twenty million, investing in a science fiction movie, she can’t even hear a sound!

Where is the ability to invest in others?

Jiang Yunyan didn’t say much; seeing this, he said, “Alright, tomorrow contact my assistant for the specifics; he’ll handle it.”

“Okay!” Wen Yu obediently agreed, excitedly wiggling her feet, “Big Brother, I’ve heard about this project; it seems really good. Can I invest a bit more?”

Certainly! Here’s the English translation of the provided Chinese paragraphs with space between them:

Wen Yu immediately said, “Big brother, I want to invest in Tiangong!”

“Only this one?” Jiang Yunyan raised an eyebrow.

Wen Yu bit her finger, regretfully saying, “Just this one.”

She’s broke.

Just over 20 million, investing in a sci-fi movie where you can’t even hear a pin drop!

No capability to invest in anything else.

Jiang Yunyan didn’t say much, and in response, he said, “Okay, tomorrow, contact my assistant. He’ll handle the details.”

“Alright!” Wen Yu obediently agreed, excitedly wobbling on her feet, “Big brother, I heard about this project; it seems promising. Can we invest a bit more?”

She remembered hearing that the movie had flaws in the plot, but flaws don’t overshadow its merits.

The main issue is not with the plot or the actors’ skills; it’s just that there isn’t enough money, resulting in subpar special effects and the inability to shoot grand scenes.

With a bit more money, the effects should be better, and perhaps the box office would improve.

Even if the box office remains the same, a little extra investment won’t hurt.

Jiang Yunyan agreed, promising to look into it.

After hanging up, Wen Yu forgot her previous unhappiness and rolled around on the bed.

Made it! The movie “Tiangong” has incredibly high returns!

With just over 20 million, by next year after the New Year, it should reach 60-70 million?

She’s not greedy, but she can’t control herself with this amount!

Wen Yu reveled in joy for a long time before reluctantly putting down her phone. It was late, and she had to shoot tomorrow. She fell asleep in no time.

In her dreams, she was still delighted.

Doubled the balance—it’s not a dream!

—

When she woke up, Wen Yu couldn’t wait to transfer the money. Afraid of being too late, she didn’t want to miss out on the movie.

Jiang Yunyan had already given Wen Yu his assistant’s contact the previous night. She got in touch, and the assistant efficiently agreed, asking her to transfer the money, and he would handle the rest.

Trusting Jiang Yunyan, Wen Yu generously transferred the funds, arriving on set still in a joyful mood.

Yao Xi stared at her in confusion, “What’s going on? Why so happy? Found your emotions?”

Wen Yu’s face drooped, looking at her plaintively, “Xi Xi, if you don’t ask, we’re still good friends~”

Yao Xi burst into laughter, pinching her small cheek, “Good, I like seeing others in pain, haha.”

Wen Yu, annoyed, tried to tickle her.

But after a brief fuss, it was time for Yao Xi and the others to shoot.

This morning, they shot scenes for several main actors, and it was Wen Yu’s turn in the afternoon. She had been preparing her emotions for a long time, but probably on the verge of sudden wealth, she couldn’t cry anymore.

Wen Yu: “…”

Fall!

Can’t money and career coexist peacefully?!

Wen Yu was somewhat annoyed, not in the mood for lunch, thinking hard about the saddest thing in her two lifetimes – being too poor.

The boss drives a BMW; she rides a small moped.

The boss buys a mansion; she buys a bathroom.

But she’s rich now!

Wen Yu almost laughed again.

Until a phone call interrupted, it was Zhou Han’s assistant. She quickly answered, hearing on the other end, “Madam, there’s a problem…”

Wen Yu’s heart skipped a beat, “W-what happened?”

Zhou Han’s tone was heavy, “I just had Jiang Shang Entertainment contact the director of ‘Heavenly Palace,’ discussed the investment, and we were about to sign the contract this afternoon. Perhaps making too big of a move, we got intercepted by the rival company, Towards Entertainment.”

“What???”

Towards Entertainment, she knew, was indeed the rival of Jiang Shang Entertainment. Both companies handled similar projects, especially lately, several movies and TV shows were overlapping in genres, leading to tensions. At the worst times, artists from both sides were prohibited from appearing in each other’s funded productions.

They actually targeted us?!

Wen Yu couldn’t believe it, “Is this… is this true? How did they intercept it?”

Zhou Han sighed, sounding resentful, “They offered more investment, you know ‘Heavenly Palace’ is a sci-fi film, more investment is naturally better. Our side could only approve the most.”

An additional three billion, plus miscellaneous investments, estimated to be just over four billion. Tian Entertainment proposed five billion, and the director naturally chose them.

Wen Yu: “…”

Trembling voice: “No chance of salvaging it?”

That’s several times the profit!

Zhou Han, feeling guilty: “Their contract is already signed. The director probably feels awkward, asked me to apologize to the lady, expressing gratitude for her favor and hoping for future cooperation.”

Next time? Tian Gong doesn’t have a sequel!

Wen Yu, frustrated, had advocated for Tian Gong last night, urging Jiang Yunyan to invest more, even if it’s three billion, better than the plot.

The plot depicts Tian Gong’s grim start, gradually gaining three billion through connections, causing a downturn in promotion.

Not until later, with good word of mouth, did it rise.

But contracts are signed.

For projects of this magnitude, breach fees are high. Without proven performance, even Jiang Entertainment wouldn’t willingly pay a penalty.

Considering other shareholders, companies aren’t run like a dictatorship.

Adding fuel to the fire, Zhou Han said: “Madam, if you want, I can return the money. The boss said you can explore other investment opportunities—TV shows, movies, or variety shows. Let’s finalize this now.”

Wen Yu: “Oh.”

The money’s returned.

She has to believe it.

After hanging up, she appeared heartbroken, wondering if she’s not destined to be a wealthy woman. Watching this lucrative opportunity slip away is truly heartbreaking.

If only she had acted sooner!!!

Director Qin was about to call Wen Yu for a shoot. Seeing her expression, he walked away, saying to the assistant director: “Film the scene from last night again, bring both leads…”

Assistant director: “Didn’t we already do that last night?”

Qin gestured to Wen Yu, who looked on the verge of tears. He whispered, “Actors are putting in effort. We can’t lag behind. Her emotions are well-prepared this time. She played Xie Rou too rigidly before, now it’s just right. Let’s shoot again, aiming for the best, no compromises.”

When Wen Yu was called to reshoot the scene from last night, she was still a bit dazed.

But as an actress, she went with the director’s instructions. Quickly adjusting her emotions, standing in front of the camera, she watched the leads affectionately. Thoughts of Tian Gong, who was supposed to sign a contract with her, now embracing someone else, crossed her mind. All her efforts to persuade Jiang Yunyan for Tian Gong flashed before her eyes.

Tears welled up instantly, her money!

With these thoughts, she completed the scene—sad, melancholic, and resentful. After the director’s “click,” he said, “Well done, maintain this!”

Wen Yu: “?”

Certainly!

Wen Yu: “?”
——

Wen Yu filmed several scenes, and Director Qin praised them. Yao Xi and others rushed over, exclaiming, “My god, how did you suddenly improve?”
“Did you experience a breakup on set?”
“Or a failed confession?”
They teased, but Wen Yu, with tears in her eyes, couldn’t find joy.

She understood now.
This feeling.
Xie Rou, I understand you!
For several days, everything went smoothly until the last day of shooting.

In the final scene, Wen Yu, portraying Xie Rou, was discovered betraying the antagonist. In a fit of rage, the antagonist took her away. Unskilled in martial arts, her frail body couldn’t bear it. She collapsed, vomiting blood in the arms of the male lead, not even able to say a word before ‘dying,’ clutching his chest tightly.

Director Tiangong, why didn’t you choose Jiang Entertainment as the investor!
“Click!” Director Qin gave the order.
The immersed actors finally snapped back to reality, relaxing.
Wen Yu also got up, took the wet towel Xiao Yu handed her, and wiped the blood from her face. Director Qin said, “Wen Yu, you indeed have talent! I have high hopes for you!”
Wen Yu: “??”
Director Qin still wore a smile, satisfied with the performance. “That last moment, grabbing Xiao Yuan’s clothes, was really good. I guarantee you’ll attract a lot of fans in this drama!”

Wen Yu awkwardly coughed, “Thank you, Director Qin.”
She nervously wiped her sweat.
It was like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse.
If not for Tiangong turning the tables, how could she be so angry, so sad, so miserable?!
Director Qin didn’t notice her unease, generously handing her a red envelope. “Keep up the good work, strive for even better cooperation next time!”
Wen Yu thanked him with a smiling nod.
After saying goodbye to Director Qin and several main actors, Wen Yu went to remove her makeup and change clothes. Her scenes were done, and she had a two-day break before joining the cast of “Mou Zhi.”
Makeup off, changed clothes, Wen Yu felt thoroughly exhausted.
Her emotions had been too intense. Now, she couldn’t muster interest in anything, just eager to go home, rest well, and enjoy a few more meals of her husband’s inexpensive cooking.

She pushed the door open, ready to leave.
But there, a tall figure appeared in front of her.
Now in autumn, the man wore a long black coat, still not hiding his long legs. His shiny shoes looked freshly polished. In black suit pants, the familiar strong waist and abdomen were unchanged from summer, but the shirt had been replaced with a black sweater.

Now it’s autumn, the man wears a long black coat, showcasing his tall legs, shiny shoes, and the familiar firm waist. In contrast to summer, he swaps the shirt for a black sweater.

The collar is slightly high, reaching just to his Adam’s apple, outlining a cold yet handsome face. In short—extremely good-looking!

Witnessing this scene, Wen Yu is surprised, eyes wide open: “Big brother, why are you here?”

People around the film crew perk up at the mention of ‘big brother.’ Some lose interest, realizing it’s not about lovers, while others light up, realizing it’s not about lovers!

The man in front nods slightly, “Yeah, came over for something.”

The handsome sight, both suitable for a home and charming, lifts Wen Yu’s spirits. She runs over quickly, “What’s up?”

“Let’s talk in the car,” Jiang Yun Yan murmurs.

“Okay,” Wen Yu nods, searching for the car.

Suddenly, a warmth on her lower back guides her into position. “Here,” Jiang Yun Yan whispers.

Wen Yu smiles dazedly, finally finding the familiar car. Once inside, Jiang Yun Yan hands her a few contracts.

Surprised, Wen Yu asks, “Are these the three dramas I wanted to invest in?” ◇Read◇Online◇ with◇Rabbit◇Thoughts◇

The man remains noncommittal, saying, “Take a look.”

Wen Yu pouts, with pearls and jade in front of her, other choices become secondary. Though not particularly interested, she flips through them.

Wait, why is there an extra one? She doesn’t have enough money!

As she contemplates, she reaches the fourth one. Opening it, she discovers it’s an investment contract with Tian Gong?

She’s stunned. “Big brother, what’s this?”

Exactly as she hoped? Right?

In anticipation, Jiang Yun Yan’s lips move slightly, uttering the most melodious words: “The investment failure I mentioned a few days ago was just a joke. It went through, here’s the contract.”

Wen Yu: “!!!”

She inhales, struggling to contain her excitement. Still, she whispers, “But I don’t have money to invest…”

Almost in tears.

She invested in the other three dramas, using all her previous funds and the one million from the endorsement. However, the man casually says, “Consider this my apology. I’ll cover the expenses, and the profits will be yours.”

Wen Yu: “…”

Apology???

She’s about to faint!

Why does this world have someone like Jiang Yun Yan, so wealthy and generous!

Completely losing control, she throws herself onto Jiang Yun Yan, hugging his arm, and coquettishly exclaims, “Thank you, big brother! You’re amazing! I thought I really couldn’t invest!!”

Jiang Yun Yan’s body stiffens, slightly tilting his head. His Adam’s apple moves unnaturally.

But Wen Yu doesn’t notice, overwhelmed with joy: “You don’t know how sad I was; the director even thought I was acting!”

She couldn’t restrain herself and pounced onto Jiang Yunyan, hugging his arm, and coquettishly exclaimed, “Thank you, big brother! You’re amazing! I almost thought I couldn’t invest!!”

Jiang Yunyan’s body tensed, slightly tilting his head, his Adam’s apple moving unnaturally, but Wen Yu was too excited to notice, overwhelmed with joy about her sudden wealth.

“You don’t know how sad I was; the director thought I was getting into the role!”
“He even praised my talent, and I dared not speak.”
“I dreamt all night…”

The young girl chattered incessantly, expressing her excitement. Jiang Yunyan gradually got used to it, relaxing his initially tense muscles, calmly listening. Occasionally, at some quirky remarks, his eyebrows would twitch slightly, showing subtle emotions.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Zhou Han, stealing a glance through the rearview mirror, caught sight of the man’s markedly gentle expression, silently rubbing his arms.

So cold, even getting goosebumps.
Should have worn more clothes.

—

Wen Yu talked for a while, her mouth sore. Feeling thirsty, she was about to ask for water when Jiang Yunyan handed her a box of pure milk from the front seat.

Wen Yu: “…”
Thank you, suddenly feeling calm~
She took the milk, and while drinking, she naturally released her grip on Jiang Yunyan’s arm.

She didn’t notice the man unconsciously moving his arm.
Seeming somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden loss of warmth.

As Wen Yu drank milk, her eyes kept turning around.
Ying~
She was too excited just now, getting so close, the first time since… well, not counting the drunken incident.

Feeling a bit embarrassed.
Wen Yu sneakily glanced at the man beside her, seeing his usual expression, she figured he probably didn’t mind, which was good.

By the way, her cheap husband indeed had a good physique.
Just holding that arm, even through the coat, she could feel the muscles.
Truly a man who exercises at 6 a.m. every morning.

How about setting a small goal, touching those abs next time?
Unfortunately, winter is approaching; touching abs will be challenging.

She took another sip, quenching her thirst, closed the lid, put it back, then picked up the contract thrown aside and read it seriously.

As she read, Wen Yu was slightly surprised, “Thirty million?”
The person next to her replied softly, “Yes, rounded it up.”
Wen Yu: …Who rounds up like this?

Envious to tears.

She also wishes for this.

Just imagine.

After marveling at the envy, Wen Yu took the four contracts and calculated her potential return on investment. In the end, she realized that perhaps, after this move, she could become a billionaire?

Life is truly beautiful!

Those who were poor in the previous life can finally take it easy in this one.

Thanks to the wealthy dad by her side.

Wen Yu sighed, finally noticing that the car wasn’t heading to her hotel.

“Have your assistant take care of the luggage; everything is in order. I’ve bought your plane ticket, let’s head back directly,” said Jiang Yunyan.

Wen Yu couldn’t say anything, obediently playing the role, following him.

However, at this point, Wen Yu probably understood why Jiang Yunyan played this stunt.

He wasn’t the type to tease people, let alone play such jokes, leaving her disoriented for several days.

It must be that he knew why she was troubled, coincidentally coming up with this move to help her.

And he could only know these things through her assistant.

Wen Yu didn’t mind, benefiting herself from this thoughtful help. She was quite pragmatic, and her past experiences made her understand many things.

Moreover, being helped so sincerely not only didn’t trouble her but also brought her investment returns. This was a substantial amount of money, even for the Jiang family, and Wen Yu believed it wasn’t a small sum.

She calculated, thinking she should repay Jiang Yunyan properly.

The guy lacks nothing, but she’s full of ideas and doesn’t know how to execute them. Why not just ask him directly what he wants?

——

Wen Yu stared at the contract without blinking, for more than ten seconds, her eyes were already misted with a layer of tears.

Then she sobbed softly.

The man, who had closed his eyes to rest, immediately opened them, “What’s wrong?”

In the co-pilot seat, the usually expressionless Zhou Han also perked up his ears, what’s wrong? Why is the boss’s wife crying?

Wen Yu raised her tearful face, looked at Jiang Yunyan, and covered her heart, “I’m so touched~ In this world, besides Dad and Mom Jiang, big brother, you’ve been the best to me. You not only helped me find a way to overcome my lack of business skills but also gave me such a large investment. Such great kindness, I don’t know how to repay.”

The first time witnessing this scene, Zhou Han asked, “?”

Jiang Yunyan flashed a hint of a smile in his eyes, “So?”

Wen Yu approached with uncertainty, deliberately twisting her body in a charming way. With hands clasped on his shoulders and her chin resting on them, she sweetly asked, “So, big brother, how do you want me to repay you?”

Suddenly, a voice from the front said, “Offer yourself?”

Wen Yu: “…”

Jiang Yunyan glanced at Zhou Han in the co-pilot seat.

Zhou Han, who had been secretly watching through the rearview mirror, quickly sat up straight, looking out the window. Yeah, that greenery outside is really green.

Wen Yu almost lost her composure, thinking that she… wasn’t unwilling, after all, Jiang Yunyan had a great figure. Unfortunately, before getting married, the big boss had already made it clear that he had no time for romantic affairs. He was focused on making money and didn’t need her to offer herself.

She blinked and continued to persistently look at Jiang Yunyan.

Come on, tell me, man. Whatever you want, just say it. This lady is about to be a billionaire, and she can afford to spoil you a little.

However, Jiang Yunyan hesitated for a moment. The shoulder she was clinging to seemed to freeze, a bit stiff. There was a faint, warm breath near his ears, causing his eyes to darken. His gaze involuntarily shifted to the lower half of the face resting on his shoulder.

There were still some chubby cheeks, and the freshly removed makeup revealed a youthful innocence despite graduating from college. Some areas were exceptionally well-developed, even through the thick coat, he could feel it.

His throat tightened slightly. He quickly raised his hand, covering her entire face with his palm, pushed her away a bit, and said, “Why ask a benefactor how to repay? Repayment should be your own business.”

Wen Yu: “?”

She looked at him in shock and grievance, “Why are you so ruthless? Can’t you give me a hint? Oh, my heart hurts so much, it’s all because of your heartless behavior…”

Zhou Han stared out the window, covering his mouth, shoulders shrugging.

So, this is the boss’s wife’s personality.

No wonder the boss went out of his way to pick her up.

Unfortunately, their boss is a cold and heartless person. He coldly chuckled, “Do you want me to call an ambulance for you?”

“No need!” Wen Yu pouted, then turned to look out the window, her tone melancholic, “Hanxin, true heartache isn’t about making a fuss…”

Zhou Han: “…”

“No need!” Wen Yu pouted, then turned to look out the window with a melancholic 45-degree gaze, whispering, “Hanxin, true coldness isn’t about making a scene…”

Zhou Han: “…”
He tightly covered his mouth.

The driver grinned, revealing a set of teeth.

Only a certain man could maintain composure. “Have you quit smoking? How can you endure this?!”

Wen Yu gave up; Jiang Yunyan wouldn’t express his desires. She had to figure it out herself.

Just as she was angry, Jiang Yunyan’s phone rang. Thinking it was work, he answered, but his expression changed, “I’ll be back soon, three hours away.”

“Send me the hospital address.”

“Sure, Xiaoyu will come with me.”

The call ended, and Jiang Yunyan explained, “Mom had a hypertensive episode. She’s at the hospital; don’t worry, the doctor said it’s not serious, just got upset, fainted briefly. Blood pressure is down; two days of observation will be enough.”

Wen Yu was shocked, “How did she get upset? Who angered Jiang Mom? Was it Jiang Dad?”

Jiang Yunyan shook his head, “Didn’t say.”

Wen Yu decided to call herself. Jiang Mom was happy on the phone, sounding fine, but when asked why she got upset, she remained silent.

Too much couldn’t be explained over the phone, so Wen Yu hung up.

—

In the hospital room, watching his wife hang up before speaking, Jiang Dad chuckled, “Why won’t you say it aloud?”

Jiang Mom glared at him, “You’re the one upsetting me, aren’t you?!”

Jiang Dad sighed, “No, you upset me. I never thought you, at your age, would get hospitalized due to online comments.”

Jiang Mom felt embarrassed. She had a comfortable life, good family conditions, and even better after marriage. She hadn’t faced much hardship, and her favorite pastime was thinking about various foods.

She developed hypertension early on, managed with medication, controlled her diet, and did some exercise. Everything was fine until the last couple of days.

She wanted to learn more about her children’s lives, searched online about Wen Yu and Jiang Yunjin, and happened to see someone criticizing Wen Yu for riding on Jiang Yunjin’s popularity, being just a decorative vase, full of flaws, and so on.

Jiang Mom argued with the person, defending her children’s good relationship. However, Wen Yu’s haters seized the opportunity to attack her. Jiang Mom, unaccustomed to such online arguments, was overwhelmed, and at the worst moment, fainted. The housekeeper rushed her to the hospital, leading to the current situation.

As an elder, Jiang Mom didn’t want to tell Wen Yu the real reason for her hospitalization, leaving her husband to tease her instead.