Chapter 18: The Substitute for a First Love

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Muttering to herself, assistant Chen Yutong quietly approached Zhang Jingyan’s side. “Jingyan, Rachel’s side is almost ready. We can start in five minutes.”

Zhang Jingyan put down the interview script, replying listlessly, “Got it. I’m still not very familiar with the script, so I’ll need you all to remind me a lot later.”

Chen Yutong wore a face full of apologies. “Really sorry, Jingyan. Our boss got into a car accident, and there’s no one else in the team to cover. We have to trouble you at the last minute. You know how that diva is—she’s not easy to handle.”

Thinking back to her time at the Lu residence, where Rachel acted so high and mighty, Zhang Jingyan muttered to herself, “I’m not sure I can handle her either.”

Chen Yutong gave her a cheering gesture and quickly left the scene.

Zhang Jingyan put on her headset, tested the sound, and began the final checks.

Five minutes later, Rachel’s manager specifically inspected the guest seat, requesting the crew to prepare cushions and backrests.

Ten minutes later, everything was ready, and Rachel finally arrived fashionably late.

When she saw Zhang Jingyan, a flicker of surprise crossed Rachel’s face, but she quickly replaced it with a polite and bright smile.

Zhang Jingyan stood to greet her. “Hello, I’m your host today, Zhang Jingyan.”

Rachel smiled slightly. “Hello, I’m Rachel Zhang Jingyan.”

Zhang Jingyan suppressed her smile. “There’s no need to be so formal.”

Rachel laughed graciously. “Since you’re so formal, I naturally can’t be any less.”

Zhang Jingyan said nothing and sat down directly.

A staff member came forward to fit Rachel with her headset and equipment.

A minute later, the recording officially began.

Upon receiving the signal, Zhang Jingyan immediately put on her professional smile and warmly greeted, “Today, we are honored to have the opera diva Rachel for an exclusive interview. As your first appearance since returning home, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans watching at home?”

Seeing Zhang Jingyan’s clear distinction between work and personal feelings, and her serious, professional demeanor, Rachel also rose to the occasion, charmingly expressing her gratitude to her fans.

Relying on her memory, Zhang Jingyan managed to cover almost everything on the interview script.

Unexpectedly, during a break, the director found Zhang Jingyan. “Xiao Zhang, you have the best sense of pacing.”

Zhang Jingyan modestly replied, “Director, you flatter me.”

But after some excessive praise, the director made a new request. “Later, you should briefly ask about her love life. Didn’t she just marry the president of the Lu Group last month? That’s a hot topic, and the audience loves it.”

Zhang Jingyan snorted silently. She really couldn’t escape such an awkward topic.

Helplessly, she looked up at the chandelier above and sighed. How she wished that unstable chandelier would suddenly fall and knock her unconscious.

That way, she wouldn’t have to continue with the rest of the interview.

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Unfortunately, the chandelier was very sturdy.

And the interview continued in an orderly fashion.

When asked about her love life, Rachel’s face was filled with happiness.

Zhang Jingyan forced a stiff smile, thinking she just had to hold on a little longer and then she’d be free.

But things didn’t go as she hoped. Near the end, Rachel suddenly asked, “May I ask, does the host have a boyfriend?”

That question left Zhang Jingyan at a loss for an answer.

Her marriage to Lu Tianyu had not been made public.

To her colleagues, she was still considered single.

A bad premonition flashed through her mind, but outwardly Zhang Jingyan smiled and countered, “I wonder why Rachel is asking that?”

Rachel gave a sly smile. “I just suddenly wanted to discuss a relationship question with you.”

Rachel’s rare cooperation prompted the director to signal Zhang Jingyan to continue.

So the deadly question struck like a sharp sword, mercilessly piercing Zhang Jingyan.

“A man marries a woman whose name sounds the same as his first love. Do you think this woman is his true love, or just a substitute for his first love?”

Zhang Jingyan knew Rachel would never meekly follow the script.

As long as Zhang Jingyan was around, Rachel would do everything possible to reveal that Zhang Jingyan was merely a stand-in.

But she had never been so blunt before; this time, it was a direct hit that hurt deeply.

Enduring the pain, Zhang Jingyan calmly replied, “Every individual is an independent existence; there is no such thing as a substitute. I believe that since he chose to marry her, he must love her.”

Rachel gave a meaningful smile. “Let’s hope so.”

After the interview, Rachel immediately got up and walked back to the dressing room.

Zhang Jingyan wearily took off her headset and began packing her things.

After exchanging a few words with the director, Zhang Jingyan grabbed her bag and headed back to the office.

Unexpectedly, just as she entered the inner elevator hall, she saw Rachel again—this time with Lu Tianyu beside her.

“Meeting again, little sister Jingyan,” Rachel greeted warmly. Zhang Jingyan barely bothered to respond.

Swiping her card and pressing the up button, Zhang Jingyan started a voice message on her phone, pretending to be busy.

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Lu Tianyu tactfully walked over to Zhang Jingyan and gently tugged her sleeve, trying to get her attention.

Looking at her phone, Zhang Jingyan said faintly, “What is it?”

He leaned in closer. “Hmm, what time do you get off work? I’m waiting for you.”

The elevator doors opened, and Rachel raised her voice. “Tianyu, let’s go. Didn’t you say you’d take me home?”

Zhang Jingyan put away her phone and coldly looked at Lu Tianyu. “Let’s go. Your princess is calling for you.”

Lu Tianyu hesitated for a moment but still chose to stand by Zhang Jingyan. “You two go ahead; Old Li is waiting.”

A fleeting displeasure crossed Rachel’s face, but she quickly masked it with a sweet smile. “I’ll leave first, little sister Jingyan. Until next time.”

With that, Rachel tossed her long hair and strode into the elevator with ease.

Outside the elevator, Zhang Jingyan stared unblinkingly at the wall, as if she were alone in the elevator hall.

Lu Tianyu rubbed his nose, preparing to start the conversation.

He was sure there had been a misunderstanding just now.

Rachel was like a minefield; whenever Zhang Jingyan encountered her, something would explode.

Following Zhang Jingyan into the elevator, Lu Tianyu took her hand. “Let’s talk.”

Zhang Jingyan tried to shake off his hand but couldn’t muster any strength.

Originally planning to stubbornly head straight to the office, she now had no choice but to press the button for the reception area.

Lu Tianyu didn’t mind where they talked, as long as he could smoothly wait for her to finish work and take her home.

Arriving at the reception area, Zhang Jingyan led Lu Tianyu into a private room.

As soon as the door closed, Lu Tianyu wrapped his arms around Zhang Jingyan’s slender waist and pinned her against the wall.

Anticipating her resistance, he pressed his body tightly against her and grabbed her wrist, rendering her immobile. “Sorry, but if I don’t do this, you won’t talk to me properly.”

Zhang Jingyan turned her head away. “Go ahead, I’m listening. But…”

She pursed her lips toward the ceiling. “There are cameras above. If you don’t want to be arrested as a scoundrel, you’d better let me go first.”