CEO's Sweetheart is a Super Idol
Chapter 48 - 46: Gradually Drifting Apart

Chapter 48: Chapter 46: Gradually Drifting Apart

When they arrived at the car Yu Manting called for.

Ye Yuwei was even more surprised—it was a high-end business Tesla.

This car was only used by the company for the most significant events.

A chauffeur in a black suit gracefully opened the car door for them.

It was like welcoming a prince and his princess.

Ye Yuwei suddenly had a feeling: if she were truly positioned as the consort of the king, then her fans might end up supporting Manting alongside her, while Manting’s fans could only casually support her when voting.

After all, no matter how beautiful the queen is, she’s merely the woman by the king’s side. And the king is not necessarily faithful.

"Manting, is this orchestrated by the company?"

"Yuwei, you’re so clever, nothing gets past you. I’m sorry."

Ye Yuwei went silent for a moment. She couldn’t blame Manting; it was all for the sake of profit.

"Manting, is the company planning to promote you now?"

"Yuwei, how can you say that? Couldn’t it be you and Jiaqi instead?"

"If the company wanted to promote me and Jiaqi, they wouldn’t have separated us. But to elevate you quickly, the easiest way is to create a ship with a high-profile person—and I’m the only one in the whole district who fits the criteria."

Yu Manting gave Ye Yuwei a deep look. "Yuwei, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. Both emotionally and intellectually, you’re among the best in the district."

"The company is already aware that there are influential people in the film industry supporting you externally, which led them to divert the original resources meant for you to me."

Ye Yuwei didn’t expect Manting to be this straightforward.

"Manting, can I know why the company chose to promote you?"

"...Because my family holds a certain influence in the business circles of Xijing."

Ye Yuwei nodded slowly; the truth was, she had long noticed Manting’s exceptional background.

Although Mr. Shen always kept a stern face, he showed subtle courtesy whenever interacting with Manting.

"Initially, I wanted to succeed purely through my own efforts, but after entering this industry, I realized how laughable my thoughts were." Yu Manting’s smile carried so much helplessness.

Ye Yuwei nodded empathetically, feeling the same. Her meteoric rise in recent times was due to having Wu Jingxiang as a large-scale patron.

"Yuwei, do you think it’s disgraceful for me to leverage my family’s power to secure resources?"

"Why would I? We live in reality. If your family has influence, it’s natural to use it. Searching for resources solely through your own efforts is too difficult, far too difficult."

"Indeed! And without resources, we constantly bear pressure and anxiety."

Manting’s voice was heavy, oppressed, carrying a weariness unbefitting her age.

Ye Yuwei’s eyes mirrored the same sense of fatigue and weariness. "On stage, we project boundless energy; they only see our laughter, but how much pressure have we endured behind the scenes—a burden others our age never have to carry!"

As she spoke, Ye Yuwei’s voice grew increasingly bitter. "The hunger for fame, the survival-of-the-fittest style competition, the intricate interpersonal relationships we haven’t encountered before, and the fans..."

Ye Yuwei couldn’t help but envy Manting slightly—if shortcuts existed, why bother struggling for so long?

Yu Manting nodded in silent agreement. "True, behind our laughter, how many know that many among us rely on pills just to fall asleep?"

"Manting, why didn’t you choose the Xijing branch? After all, your family is there; it would help balance the pressures within the group."

"I did consider that initially, but I worried that if I couldn’t hold up within the group, I’d retreat home and destroy my idol career. So I came to another city—it’s a way to burn the bridges behind me."

Manting’s words struck a nerve in Ye Yuwei’s heart; this vast world felt so isolating. Ye Yuwei hadn’t even a home, joining the group purely for survival, while Manting pursued it out of passion.

"Yuwei, I know things are very hard for you in this group."

"Here, there’s plenty of harshness—what’s missing is care and mutual support."

"Without a strong heart, you couldn’t possibly endure it."

Manting reached out and held Ye Yuwei’s soft hand, her eyes filled with compassion.

Ye Yuwei trembled slightly, thinking to pull her hand away, but ultimately didn’t move.

"Manting, this life isn’t one I chose. If given the opportunity, I’d rather go to school and later have an ordinary job."

"Yuwei, if you truly don’t like this, you can quit—I’ll help you."

Ye Yuwei broke into laughter. "Thank you, Manting. I know your intentions, but since I’ve made it this far, I won’t retreat."

Deep down, Ye Yuwei understood an immutable reality: beauty fades and affection wanes. How many people can withstand the shifts in appearance? Even in the prime of life, seeing someone daily may lead to weariness over time.

Yu Manting misunderstood, thinking Ye Yuwei’s refusal stemmed from having a patron. "Yuwei, the world is treacherous, human nature unpredictable—even those helping you may not necessarily be benevolent."

Ye Yuwei froze for a moment—was Manting referring to Teacher Wu?

Was this a well-intentioned warning or venomous jealousy?

Ye Yuwei didn’t pursue the question further. Some answers needed to be found on her own.

After hours of flying and several more hours of driving, the two arrived at the Jiangnan ancient town.

Ye Yuwei followed her assistant to the production team.

She thought she’d be offered a chance to rest, but once she joined the team, work began immediately.

She was brought in as a special guest, scheduled for three days of filming.

During the show, she finally met several stars she’d only seen on TV before.

On camera, everyone seemed friendly and warm, but as soon as the director called cut, they reverted to being like strangers.

Ye Yuwei, being practically invisible, was ignored by everyone except for one overzealous older man who paid her unwelcome attention.

Ye Yuwei had no choice but to endure his "enthusiasm."

That evening, Ye Yuwei logged onto her alternate account to check the fan forum.

It was just as she’d expected—everything was exploding.

Li Jiaqi’s already scarce fans had been flooded by the fans of Ye Yuwei and Yu Manting.

Every post was pushing the idea of Ye Yuwei "divorcing" Li Jiaqi and "marrying" Manting.

Most alarming were the romantic videos fans created pairing her with Manting.

The footage of them holding arms and getting into the car today had been twisted into endless interpretations.

About all of this, Ye Yuwei was completely helpless. She couldn’t possibly go after these "supportive" fans, could she?

"Jiaqi, are you asleep?"

"What do you think?"

"Jiaqi, I’m sorry. All of that was just fans joking around and making things up."

Ye Yuwei could sense resentment and jealousy in Jiaqi’s text response.

When the familiar video call ringtone sounded, Ye Yuwei quickly answered.

Li Jiaqi’s pitiful little face appeared on the screen.

"Yuwei, from now on, you’re not allowed to let that woman hold your arm again."

"Okay, I promise."

"And you’re not allowed to even look at that woman."

"Mm-hmm, I’ll close my eyes when I see her."

"Also, there’s 100 more rules—wait till you return, I’ll recite them all to you."

Li Jiaqi stared at her friend with a look full of grievance.

"Alright, alright. I’ll follow all your rules." Ye Yuwei could only try to comfort her.

"Yuwei, do you think I’m annoying?"

"Not at all, how could I?"

"But I feel like I’m annoying—I’m too clingy, aren’t I?"

"No, Jiaqi, I just like how clingy you are."

"Haha, if you ever find me annoying, I’ll turn into a little fish or a kitten—clingy by nature, as is only right."

"The dried fish here is delicious. I’ll bring some back for you and the little fish."

"Great! Then I’ll make some lotus seed porridge to go with it."

The two friends chatted and laughed deep into the night before finally ending the call.

Whimper... Whimper...

As Ye Yuwei disappeared from the screen.

Li Jiaqi, who had been smiling blissfully, suddenly burst into tears.

She felt that, despite their outward closeness, their hearts were growing farther and farther apart.

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