Name: The Swan and the Thorn
Author: Zhao Xi

Synopsis

[Upcoming novel: He Gazes at the Starlight] [Entertainment Industry] Please add it to your reading list~

#Marriage First, Love Later# #The Ex Chases His Wife to the Crematorium#

After four years of grueling practice, Xu Jia's ballet was finally about to premiere, but just before she went onstage, she was told her role had been given to someone else.

After the performance, she went to confront the person responsible, only to stumble upon a breakup in progress.

The actress ran past Xu Jia with her makeup streaked by tears.

Xu Jia gave her a cold glance, then looked at the man standing on the platform.

Shao Yanqing, heir to a wealthy family, controlled most of the entertainment industry's resources and was the most powerful backer in the business.

They were like clouds and mud, he the moon in the sky, she the dust on the ground.

If she let this opportunity slip by, she might never get another chance to turn her life around.

"Mr. Shao."

Xu Jia walked up to him and took the lit cigarette from his hand. She pressed its damp filter between her lips. "Would you like to give me a chance?"

Shao Yanqing looked at her indifferently, said nothing, and walked away.

Xu Jia thought her plan had failed, but three days later, an invitation arrived.

It read: You are invited to attend the wedding of Xu Jia and Shao Yanqing.

-

Xu Jia knew perfectly well that this marriage was only a transaction.

Even when their relationship was at its warmest, she left without a moment's hesitation.

Before long, rumors spread that Shao Yanqing had become obsessed with a woman. He had founded a company and invested in a dance troupe, sparing no effort to win back her heart.

Xu Jia paid the rumors no mind. But when she returned home, she froze.

A tall figure stood waiting outside her door, head bowed, frost settling on his shoulders.

Shao Yanqing's eyes were bloodshot. He clutched her hand and asked through clenched teeth, trembling, "Xu Jia, do you have no heart at all?"

Before Xu Jia could answer, he had her pinned against the wall.

Shao Yanqing wrapped an arm around her waist. His cold lips brushed her ear, his voice both warning and pleading. "Xu Jia, tell me you love me."

-

#A Self-Interested Woman Falls in Love# #Ambitious Schemer x Ice-Cold Man#

"Shao Yanqing, can I trust you?"

"Even if I have to become a bed of thorns, I'll clear a path for you."

Reading Guide:

1. New chapters every night at 10:00 p.m.

2. Upcoming novel: He Gazes at the Starlight [Entertainment Industry]. Please add it to your reading list~

He Gazes at the Starlight [Entertainment Industry]

[Blurb]

Sang Yaning is a beloved national idol: beautiful, with a sweet voice and a great figure. She's also widely known as a drama queen, a pretty face with no acting skills.

The media reports that Sang Yaning is mired in scandal and about to be blacklisted!

At the opening ceremony of a film festival, a reporter deliberately asks, "Yaning, what projects do you have coming up?"

Sang Yaning smiles sweetly. "The film I made with Mr. Yan Hao will be announced soon. Please look forward to it."

Yan Hao is the actor audiences love most, a reclusive and accomplished award-winning actor, and the unattainable dream guy of countless young women.

After retiring from acting two years ago, is he really returning to the screen for drama queen Sang Yaning?

The news breaks, and the topic immediately explodes across trending searches.

At the backstage area of Sang Yaning's concert, someone spots Yan Hao coming out of the dressing room.

"Mr. Yan, are you here for the event today?"

The tips of Yan Hao's ears turn red. He raises a hand to block the camera. "Sorry, I can't discuss my private schedule."

Not long afterward, Sang Yaning comes out with her head lowered and tears in the corners of her eyes, as if she has just been crying.

Rumors spread everywhere.

[Yan Hao and Sang Yaning Fight Backstage. On-Screen Lovers Become Enemies!]

[An Award-Winning Actor and a Pretty Face: The New Film's Box Office Is in Trouble!]

Yan Hao clarifies, "We weren't fighting. We were just rehearsing a scene."

A reporter asks, "What was the scene about, exactly?"

Yan Hao answers without changing expression, "The male lead confesses his love in the rain at night."

The reporters: "!!!!!!"

The film becomes a huge hit. Sang Yaning sheds her pretty-face reputation and becomes the most anticipated actress of the year, with offers pouring in.

At the awards ceremony, she thanks the director and her fans, but doesn't mention Yan Hao at all.

One day, a fan spots the male lead traveling alone in Australia.

[Award-winning actor Yan looks haggard, seemingly lovesick. On-screen couple about to break up. Their so-called love was all publicity.]

The post is reposted 200,000 times, setting off a frenzy of discussion among fans.

A reporter asks, "Are the breakup rumors about you two true?"

Sang Yaning raises an eyebrow in surprise. "What? I don't know anything about that."

The microphone is passed to Yan Hao.

He hurries off. "Wait a moment. I have to go grab my wife's new album."

Everyone is stunned. Wife? What wife?

Also known as: The Otaku Award-Winning Actor Is My Number One Fan; The Couple I Secretly Shipped Is Actually Real

Reading Guide:

#Drama Queen x Ice-Cold Man# #Sexy Bombshell x True-Love Warrior# #The Powerful One Wins Themself Over#