Delusion [Entertainment Industry]

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[This is not a groveling redemption story, not a groveling redemption story! It's a story of finding your way back to each other, a broken relationship made whole again.]

-------Blurb for Delusion-------

#A young award-winning actress who can't get acting jobs runs into her ex on a dating reality show?

Jiang Nian thought being with the person she'd loved since she was young would be the happiest thing in the world.

But the man she loved, Gu Shenze, was always distant and indifferent.

Jiang Nian felt like she'd given him her whole heart, only to end up in a relationship that felt like nothing at all.

She broke up with him on their third anniversary.

He didn't try to stop her. He only smiled and said, "Don't regret it."

Three years later, she runs into Gu Shenze again, this time as his partner on a dating reality show. Jiang Nian refuses outright.

"Even if I have to pay the penalty and get blacklisted, I won't do this show."

The producer replies, "All right, then, Actress Jiang, please pay the ten-million-yuan cancellation fee."

Jiang Nian: ...

"If you find me a different partner, I might be willing to do it..."

Before she can reach an agreement with the production team, Gu Shenze blocks her way at the door.

With an amused smile, he twirls a strand of her hair. "Can't take the heat? Aren't you a professional actress, Teacher Jiang?"

Jiang Nian doesn't flinch. She smiles. "I can take it. I just don't see the point of playing with you."

*

Later, while the reality show is airing, the news that Jiang Nian is dating rising star Lu Zijin trends on Weibo.

In the pouring rain, Gu Shenze stands outside Jiang Nian's home, radiating menace.

She comes downstairs at an unhurried pace, holding an umbrella, and smiles. "Well, Mr. Gu, isn't it a bad idea for you to show up here? I'm not planning to trend lately."

The man's eyes are bloodshot, his voice hoarse. "Nian Nian."

He should never have let her go in search of the stars and the sea, only to then foolishly wish he could drag her down into the abyss with him.

"Come back to me, okay?"

If you come back, I'll give you anything.

Jiang Nian never imagined that during the three years they were apart, Gu Shenze had survived each day by living on memories, quenching his thirst with longing.

She is his delusion, and the one thing he has sought all his life.

*Reader's guide:

1. Set in the entertainment industry. No characters are based on real people.

2. A reunion romance, not a groveling redemption story! They find their way back to each other.

3. Please go easy on the logic gaps.

Theme: Don't wait until you've lost something to cherish it.