Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1849307

This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

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Warning: This is fixed MTL, accuracy not guaranteed

On how to pronounce the names, screenshot or copy then run it in your translator app then tap the read aloud function:

顾熙之，曲熙之 

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The scene of the Golden Tripod Awards Ceremony.

The host held the microphone and said in a tone full of enthusiasm and suspense, "So, this year's Best Actress is..."

The big screen switched to a close-up shot of the four nominated female stars. Gu Xizhi, who was nominated for the third time, smiled sweetly at the camera. Although her nails under the seat were tightly clasping the corners of her clothes, the expression on her face was calm. Not a trace of tension.

Last year and the year before last, she was nominated for the Golden Tripod Award for Best Actress, but she lost in a complete mess. If she still fails this time, there's an 80% chance that she will stop moving forward and continue to be a familiar second or third tier member of the entertainment industry to the audience. Of course, the remaining 20% is not a chance to achieve better development, but to be directly kicked out by her agency Huayu International*.

*means China Entertainment International, using Huayu since it's shorter 

In fact, it's not that Gu Xizhi was so nervous that she almost wrinkled out her black dress at this moment. It's just because among the candidates who were also selected for Best Actress, there was a woman who made all female celebrities in the entertainment industry shy away when they heard her name, and also made her hate a woman to the point she wanted to strangle her immediately.

This woman's name is Qu Xizhi, yes, it is exactly the same as her name, but the surname is different, but just because of this name, she has heard people comparing the two of them countless times. Although Gu Xizhi and Qu Xizhi have the same name and about the same age, their experiences in the entertainment industry are completely different.

In the entertainment circle full of beauties and handsome men, most stars do not have the luck to become famous overnight. Some rely on little struggles and effort to stand on a relatively high level. While most people can only sing half-popular songs or become familiar on small screens throughout their lives.

Qu Xizhi is undoubtedly an exception.

Gu Xizhi, like Qu Xizhi debuted five years ago, but Qu Xizhi, a lucky woman, was chosen by the famous director Scarlett Li as the heroine when she was still in school and because of her vixen-like appearance and being in Scarlett Li's movie as the female lead, she became an instant hit.

And although Gu Xizhi majored in acting, she had to work hard to become a familiar name with the audience from a young age, it took a lot of effort to get a movie role two years later.

Two girls with similar names, about the same age and debut time, but Qu Xizhi's road to stardom is smooth sailing like God's help, while Gu Xizhi's bumpy journey is embarrassing.

Of course, if it was just because of these, Gu Xizhi would not hate Qu Xizhi so much that she almost wanted to strangle her to death. As for why Gu Xizhi hated Qu Xizhi to the bone, Gu Xizhi never said, and everyone just thought she was jealous of her good fortune.

The awards ceremony was still going on, Gu Xizhi looked up at Qu Xizhi who appeared on the stage with her at the top of the screen, the smile on her face was still there, but her heart was crawling like a poisonous snake.

This woman is wearing a beautiful and elegant Givenchy tube top dress today. The skirt is cut to fit her figure very well, and the waist has been treated with lines. The black satin pattern matches her own temperament very well. It can be said that she vividly portrays the elegance of the dress.

Fortunately, this woman was born with a seductive and vicious look. The exquisite smoky makeup and dark red lips only made her look sexy and seductive, but far from being dignified.

Qu Xizhi's appearance label does not include the term 'dignified', because when a person is extremely beautiful, the word 'dignified' is unexpected.

In addition to the standard oval face and almond eyes and other beautiful and delicate features, her skin is naturally fair, and her waist-length black hair has never been dyed or permed. Even in the star-studded awards ceremony, she is the most eye-catching one.

The host on the award stage still dragged the suspense and the atmosphere on the stage gradually became tensed, but the four heroines in front of the camera were extraordinarily calm, as if winning the award was really just an unimportant matter.

Finally, the female host announced the name of the best actress, and in an instant all the lights gathered on Qu Xizhi.

"Xizhi, Qu Xizhi, please come to the stage to accept the award." The female host announced Qu Xizhi's name with a smile on her face. Many people present turned their attention to Qu Xizhi, but a large number of people immediately turned their attention to Gu Xizhi.

The host just said the word "Xizhi" just now, intentionally or unintentionally, so that the people present couldn't tell whether it was Gu Xizhi or Qu Xizhi. Although she quickly added Qu Xizhi's name, such a small interlude could easily cause embarrassment.

For Gu Xizhi, when the female host mentioned Xizhi just now, she already had an ominous premonition, so she calmly and lightly did not respond. Sure enough, the winner was Qu Xizhi, and Gu Xizhi was very grateful she didn't stand up happily like a fool, saving herself from being talked about.

Nominated for Best Actress three times and lost three times, she can't find any words to describe her sadness, but she can already be sure that tomorrow's gossip weekly headlines will definitely describe herself as a defeated dog, while Qu Xizhi will still be praised as the queen above all.

Feeling very depressed, she actually can't stay any longer, but she still has a calm smile on her face.

Watching Qu Xizhi gracefully step onto the stage to receive the award, Gu Xizhi became more and more uncomfortable as she thought about it, and finally blamed everything on her.

If it weren't for her stealing her movie, perhaps the best female lead two years ago would have been her. If it weren't for her stealing her boyfriend, a year ago she wouldn't have missed the opportunity to play in a major production because she was devastated by the man who now doesn't deserve it.

It's all because of her that they are where they are now, and it's all because of her that she once again missed out on the Best Actress…

In fact, she is not as good as her! Damn it!

Gu Xizhi quietly clenched the hem of her dress, and secretly vowed in her heart never to be at odds with her.

On stage.

All the lights and lenses were given to Qu Xizhi, who was already very bright. On the big screen, she gracefully picked up the microphone and calmly expressed her formal acceptance speech, and quickly left the stage with the trophy. From beginning to end, her indifferent attitude and performance made people feel that this trophy was not important to her at all.

The awards ceremony was still going on, and Gu Xizhi had a song to sing, so she was urged to go backstage by her manager after the Best Actress award was over. But when she bumped into Qu Xizhi backstage and was surrounded by everyone congratulating her, Gu Xizhi once again became envious and hated her.

The room was completely air-conditioned, and after receiving the award, Qu Xizhi wore a green ankle length silk thin shirt over her dress, highlighting her elegant demeanor due to her always straight back. This woman is naturally fair skinned and undergoes regular photon rejuvenation and whole body care. In front of a group of women who rely on makeup to face people, her skin in certain parts of her body is so fair that people envy her. Although Gu Xizhi felt that she was already very white, she didn't dare to lean forward when she saw her.

Seeing Gu Xizhi standing in the corner, Lili, the manager, broke down and ran back to Xizhi and said, "Auntie, what are you doing? What time is it? Why don't you hurry up and get ready?"

Probably because Lili was more excited and her voice was a little high, some staff members in the background, including a few reporters and celebrities, cast their eyes on Gu Xizhi.

Others were fine, but when she saw Qu Xizhi cast her eyes on her, she immediately straightened up and said to Lili with a very upright posture, "Let's go."

It was the first time that Lili saw Gu Xizhi with such aura, she stared blankly at her haughty back for a few seconds, and finally chased after her belatedly.

Although she didn't win the Best Actress award, the film starring Gu Xizhi won the Best Picture Award. At first, the director thought that the theme song of the film would be more resonant if the heroine sang it, so she eventually sang the theme song of the film.

The best actress was not won, but this song gave Gu Xizhi some popularity, so even though she lost in the competition for best actress, Gu Xizhi still sang her song seriously and focused on the stage, she did not make people see the slightest disappointment and frustration, and gave a perfect interpretation of the movie theme song.

After stepping back from the stage, Gu Xizhi said to Lili, the manager  who came up to her, "It's rare to end so early, let's go, we're going back."

Surprised, she slowly handed her the car keys, "Miss Qu won the Best Actress award, Director Ji means to let you attend the celebration banquet together, after all, you and Miss Qu are in the same agency, and there was a rumor of disagreement before, if..."

Gu Xizhi glanced at her slowly and said, "I heard you want to resign, is that so?

Lili's half-opened mouth immediately tightened.

Gu Xizhi picked up the key and was about to leave, but Lili turned around and saw Qu Xizhi walking over, immediately patted Gu Xizhi on the shoulder and whispered, "Okay, don't be angry, Miss Qu is here, there are reporters here, take it easy."

Gu Xizhi raised her head, and sure enough, she saw Qu Xizhi walking towards her with all kinds of coquettish manners, stepping on ten-centimeter red high-heeled shoes, twisting her coquettish slender waist.

Gu Xizhi lazily glanced at Qu Xizhi, disdainful of the woman's heinous coquettishness and detestability

She, Gu Xizhi, is not a man, why does she act like a vixen every time she sees her?! Isn't this showing off? Disgusting!

Qu Xizhi didn't seem to feel Gu Xizhi's hostility towards her, but walked up to Gu Xizhi very kindly and smiled and said, "You sang that song very well earlier. Director Zhao told me that she would invite the famous Japanese composer Anda to make an album for you, congratulations."

Gu Xizhi was taken aback.

As a gold medal composer, Anda's personal talent is recognized in the music industry, but he is rather arrogant. So far, she has only cooperated with Liang Huan, the queen of the music scene, and she treats her partners harshly. Although she has received professional vocal music training for a few days, so far she has only sung one ending song, besides, she has just lost the best actress, and she is ready to be hung up by the agency for the first half of the year. What are they planning?

Wait…

Gu Xizhi looked at Qu Xizhi, who was dressed seductively in front of her, and suddenly became vigilant.

This news was told by her, and the authenticity remains to be discussed. Moreover, Zhao Ling is clearly a cold hearted person towards artists. How could she suddenly tell her about this matter? Is it because Qu Xizhi and Zhao Ling have a good relationship, or is she just talking nonsense?

After thinking about both possibilities, Gu Xizhi's face gradually darkened.

If she's talking nonsense, then she came here to provoke and mock her. If it's true, then she's deliberately showing off her close relationship with Zhao Ling. After all, as a senior executive of Huayu International, Zhao Ling controls a quarter of the fate of the entire company, and having a good relationship with her is equivalent to making friends with royalty.

Gu Xizhi, who had never had a good impression of Qu Xizhi, once again thought of her in the worst direction based on her habitual thinking, and the more she thought about it, the more angry she became, she just snorted coldly, and raised her voice with a smile that was brighter than hers, and said, "Thank you elder sister* for notifying me, elder sister just won Best Actress. Congratulations to you too. I still have something to do, so I won’t be attending tonight’s celebration banquet.”

*term used is jiejie (姐姐) - elder sister (not exclusive to blood related sisters), used to address females who are older than the speaker to show respect and/or closeness.

After finishing speaking, she straightened her clothes, ignored Qu Xizhi's reaction, stepped on the 12cm red high heels, turned around and walked towards the backstage exit.

The people present were stunned.

In the entertainment industry, the age of female stars has always been a more enigmatic matter than the top ten mysteries of the Qing Palace*. Although the true ages of Qu Xizhi and Gu Xizhi are probably unknown, their archives show the same age.

*Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace used during the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Access to the area was barred to most subjects of the realm.

And Gu Xizhi actually called Qu Xizhi elder sister just now. This is...too scary for two actresses who had conflicts in the first place.

Qu Xizhi did not disappoint the expectations of everyone present, but was slightly startled, and soon followed Gu Xizhi towards the backstage exit with a half-smile.

The people behind the scenes immediately began to discuss:

"I bet a cucumber* that Xiao**Qu would argue with Xiao Gu later."

*betting on cucumber is a widely used phrase but I can't find a specific explanation on why cucumber was used, so I'm guessing it's because cucumber is a staple in China plus the setting is in showbiz, maybe they eat cucumber as a diet or use it as skin care.

**Xiao means little, when attached to a surname, it serves as a nickname or term of endearment, used by someone older than the subject.

"This situation is possible for a fight."

 "Hey, reporters, don't go over..."

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=1849307

This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

….

After Gu Xizhi walked out of the backstage, she directly turned off her phone and went to the underground parking lot. Behind her, there was a steady sound of high heels. Gu Xizhi only thought that it was Lili following her out, but she didn't stop her, nor did she speak to the other party.

When she was three meters away from her sports car, Gu Xizhi unlocked the car, but when she was about to open it, the person behind stopped her and walked ahead of her.

Gu Xizhi raised her head and looked at Qu Xizhi, who slowly took off her sunglasses, revealing her almond eyes and willow eyebrows. Suddenly, a feeling of wanting to vomit appeared on her face, but she didn't show any signs of surprise. She pretended to be surprised and said, "Is it elder sister?"

Qu Xizhi put away her sunglasses, and her smile made her look calm, "I want to talk to you."

Gu Xizhi heightened her vigilance, "You and me?"

Qu Xizhi nodded, "Xiao Jing, I think you misunderstood me."

Gu Xizhi frowned, and said warily, "How did you know my nickname?"

"It's not important." Qu Xizhi didn't seem to care about calling her "elder sister", and just smiled lightly, "Why don't you like me?"

"How can I not like you?" Gu Xizhi smiled brighter than her, "Elder sister is so powerful, she became a movie queen at a young age, and you are like Su Daji* who fascinated my good-for-nothing ex-boyfriend. Like a real-life fox spirit, how can I not like a fox spirit?”

*the favorite consort of King Di Xin (King Zhou, posthumous name which means destroy righteousness and harm good), the last king of Shang Dynasty, according to a mythical novel "Feng Shen Yan Yi" she was possessed by a thousand-year old fox spirit who was tasked by the Goddess Nuwa to disrupt Yin and Shang Dynasties, that's why King Di Xin became a cruel king. She is considered a classic example of how a beautiful femme fatale can cause the downfall of a dynasty in Chinese culture.

If not for the fact that Gu Xizhi's words are somewhat inappropriate, she appears smiling as if treating a good friend from afar, and Qu Xizhi's light smile has not changed from the beginning to the end. They look like they are having a very happy conversation. Gu Xizhi is not a big-hearted person, and the words were meant to scold Qu Xizhi for being a vixen. Strangely, Qu Xizhi is not angry at all, but still smiles calmly when faced with such words.

Gu Xizhi saw that Qu Xizhi was not angry, but instead smiled more gracefully, looking more beautiful. Her heart became even more agitated, so she didn't bother to play Tai Chi* with her and said directly, "If you're done, I'll go first. I still have a date tonight."

*waste time

Qu Xizhi's smile that had been hanging on the corner of her lips faded slightly at this time, and her willow brows slightly raised with a heroic look, "A date?"

Gu Xizhi didn't have the patience to continue dealing with her. She opened and slammed her car door and started the car. She smiled and waved to her, "Yes, see you tomorrow, elder sister."

The sports car had already driven far away, and Qu Xizhi stood there quietly watching with her smug look for a while, then slowly took out her mobile phone.

This girl really likes to call her "Elder sister, elder sister". She likes having the last say, but does she really doesn't know that she is older than her?

Qu Xizhi looked at the direction of the leaving sports car, leaned against the wall and lazily smiled to answer the phone, "Director Zhao."

"I want to suspend all my films this year."

"There is no particular reason, but I want to act in a TV series."

"Yes, it's "Wangchuan River*" the one Xiao Jing signed up for just now. She plays the female lead, and I'll play the male counterpart."

*Wangchuan River/ River of Forgetfulness (Lethe in Greek Mythology): the boundary river of the under world in Chinese Myth, souls that are trapped there cannot be reincarnated. Souls that are ready to get reincarnated have to drink the soup served by Meng Po (Old Lady Meng) the soup will wipe the memories of their previous life

"I'll go to Director Jiang and talk to him. It's a new challenge for me to crossdress. I want to try it, and I'll be fully prepared."

"I know there will be some intimate scenes, all of which between women, of course I won't exclude them."

"Let's settle this for now. I'll drop by the company tomorrow and discuss it in detail."

"By the way, do you know which man Xiao Jing has been with, recently?"

"It's fine if you don't know, hang up first, have a good rest, bye."

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T/N: Manhua readers where you at? 🎉🥰 I decided to fix the mtl of this one. This isn't my priority so updates will probably be once a week at most, though, I don't really have a fixed updating schedule.

Heads up, if you think the manhua is cute, the novel is a lot darker, some chapters are even iffy for me.

Oh, and I won't put trigger/content warnings, just know that there are some here and there, so read at your own risk, tread lightly.

Take note that this is written in 2013. 

There are some locked chapters, probably because it wasn't par to jjwxc censorship standards or Author locked it for editing. Author is slowly editing them to make it more young reader-friendly, so some chapters will be 2013 (original) version and some 2023 version, for the locked chapters, I'll use the 2013 ver. and change it once the author edits them.

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Check out Glossary for terms/idioms/slangs I collected thus far, that you might also encounter here. Feel free to suggest addition and corrections (respectfully). 🖖🙇‍♀️