My Actress Ex's Rumored Ship Has Been Exposed

Ruan Jinghong, a wage-earning worker in the entertainment industry, was once described by netizens as "Someone with a face blessed by Nuwa herself, yet hopelessly addicted to rolling around in trashy dramas."

After appearing in the same frame as the aloof award-winning actress Wen Jin for three seconds at an entertainment gala, a new ship pairing the two took off online.

Photoshop edits, fanfiction collections, comic-style reaction images... They had it all.

Looking at the 5,000-plus followers of the "Wen Xiang Ruan Yu" fan community, Ruan Jinghong was baffled. They hadn't even exchanged a single word!

Ruan Jinghong received an invitation to the hit variety show Saturday Getaway, where award-winning actress Wen Jin would also appear.

The usually dim-witted Ruan Jinghong had a rare moment of insight. "They aren't planning to use the show to push our ship, are they? I'm only paid a basic salary. I'm not doing any ship-baiting!"

Her manager's expression darkened. "Turn down the offer, and you'll lose your basic salary too."

Ruan Jinghong bowed to the almighty five pecks of rice and thought, Fine. I'll just make sure to keep my distance on the show.

Ruan-style avoidance, part one: Keep your distance and avoid intimacy.

The shippers: "Like is unrestrained, love is restraint. She's blushing! She loves her so much!"

Ruan-style avoidance, part two: Use formal titles to show how distant you are.

The shippers: "Teacher Wen"? What kind of cute little thing is that for a couple to call each other? I've already imagined a whole ten thousand words of teacher-student roleplay!

Ruan-style avoidance, part three: Show no chemistry and act like you barely know each other.

The shippers: This is so me and my partner. We have no chemistry at all, but we're still totally in love. Wen Xiang Ruan Yu is real!

Onlookers: I thought their relationship was just a fake rumor, but they're so fun to ship on this show.

Ruan Jinghong: These rebellious netizens are breaking my heart. She pulled out her phone, tapped on a familiar profile picture, and typed away.

Ruanruan: People keep teasing me about being a couple with a senior of the same sex. No matter how I explain it, nobody believes me. Sobbing.jpg

Huaijin Woyu: Do you dislike that senior?

Ruanruan: Not at all. She's amazing. Being rumored to be with me would lower her status, and I'm afraid she'll hate me for it. Cat crying.jpg

Huaijin Woyu: Has she ever acted like she dislikes you?

Ruanruan: No, but she's very well-mannered. Even if she did dislike me, she wouldn't show it. Sulking.jpg

Huaijin Woyu: If she hasn't shown it, then she doesn't. You're so cute. If I were your senior, I'd definitely like you.

Ruanruan: But you're not her. Still, talking to you made me feel a little better. Thank you. Cat acting cute.jpg

Huaijin Woyu: Dog smiling.jpg

Wen Jin sent a reaction image, picked up her insulated cup, and took a sip of goji berry tea. Right on cue, a notification popped up on her phone: A creator you follow has posted an update! [Wen Xiang Ruan Yu: Five hundred glances in a past life, just to brush shoulders once in this one]

Wen Jin remained expressionless and quietly opened the video to give it a like.

Ruanruan: Bestie, I've got good news! That senior I told you about is my girlfriend now! I never even dared to dream this would happen. She's truly the ideal woman! %#$%&*%$#...

Huaijin Woyu, just about to reveal her identity: ...

Ruanruan: Am I being too annoying, showing off my relationship like this? Sorry, I just got too excited.

Huaijin Woyu: Not at all. I like hearing about it. Go on.

Sunny, sweet, and adorably clueless x Sly, seductive award-winning actress

Reader's guide:

1. Six-year age gap

2. Same-sex marriage is legal in this setting

3. Both are each other's first love, one-on-one romance, happy ending

4. Pure sweetness, no angst. Two hopeless romantics finding their way to each other

The cover is a commissioned hand-drawn illustration of Ruan the cat.

Another completed novel with a similar theme: Married Life with My White Moonlight Award-Winning Actress

Theme: Stay positive and work hard to live well