From Betrayal to Billboard Queen

Chapter 5: She Is Hypocritical

Chapter 5: She Is Hypocritical

Yu Qianfan leaned casually against a bamboo pole nearby, a strange smile curling on his lips.

“Are you sure about that?” he asked, half amused.

That little girl didn’t strike him as the type to chase after stars. The two slaps she had just delivered to Mona Ning were anything but fangirlish—they were laced with real fury.

As he spoke, Jinley Reed approached from a distance. Pei Tianhua spotted her and waved enthusiastically.

“Jin’er, come here!”

“Uncle?” Jinley took a few steps forward, but as soon as she saw the man standing beside Pei Tianhua, she froze.

Yu Qianfan.

He looked exactly the same as he had in her memories. That overly perfect face, that natural arrogance in his gaze—as if the whole world were beneath him.

And she would never forget their first scene together.

At that time, she was still the pampered daughter of the Li family, brimming with confidence and money. She thought she would conquer the entertainment world in a flash. Who would’ve guessed her very first scene would be opposite Yu Qianfan, already a decorated film king?

Under the scorching sun, in front of the entire crew, he’d said to her:

“You don’t look like you’re crying or laughing. How did you even get cast?”

From that moment on, they were sworn enemies.

She always felt he had it out for her—cold and distant to everyone else, but inexplicably sharp and snide toward her. Whether imagined or not, it annoyed her to no end.

And now, standing face to face with him again, her fingers twitched involuntarily.

Calm down. Calm down.

You almost slapped him. Again.

Yu Qianfan noticed the faint swelling in her cheeks. Her eyes were locked on him with the same wary alertness as a cornered cat.

“Didn’t you just say you like Yu Qianfan?” Pei Tianhua nudged her with a grin. “What did I tell you? Your uncle always delivers.”

Yu Qianfan glanced sideways at Pei Tianhua, deadpan.

Then Pei Tianhua pulled out a pen and a little notepad from his pocket. “Come on, Qianfan, give my niece your autograph.”

He handed the pen and paper to Yu Qianfan.

Jinley blinked. In her past life, she hadn’t even known her uncle had such a close connection to Yu Qianfan.

No wonder Qianfan had always stayed above the chaos of the industry—his background alone made him untouchable. Even ten families like the Li clan couldn’t shake his foundation. When her father, Li Liang, found out she didn’t get along with Yu Qianfan, he had even warned her not to provoke him.

But Qianfan had never once used his power against her.

Even when she’d offended him more than once.

There had even been a brief period when they got along. He had shown her kindness, and for a moment, she’d thought they could be friends.

Until her relationship with Adrian Yu was exposed.

Yu Qianfan had looked at her, face cold, voice sharp:

“Are you blind?”

At the time, she was blind—with infatuation. She had cut ties with Qianfan without a second thought.

Their relationship only deteriorated from there.

And now? Just the sight of him made her teeth ache.

“An autograph?” she repeated, incredulous.

“Yes!” Pei Tianhua looked delighted, wearing a don’t worry, I’ve got this expression. “Qianfan and I go way back. If you like his work, I can arrange a lot more than just a signature.”

Yu Qianfan took the pen, amused, eyes studying her carefully.

“But I don’t think Miss Reed seems all that eager,” he said smoothly.

The corners of his lips lifted. His eyes sparkled with teasing delight.

Ugh. That smug face. That smug tone.

Jinley took a deep breath, twice. She reminded herself: You said you liked him. Don’t ruin the act now or Uncle will be suspicious.

The alertness in her expression faded.

“Yes,” she said sweetly. “I like you the most. Would you please sign something for me?”

She smiled like an innocent princess.

Yu Qianfan twirled the pen between his fingers and signed his name in one fluid motion. He handed it over with an elegant gesture.

“Thank you,” Jinley replied, about to excuse herself—but Pei Tianhua was faster.

He pushed her toward Qianfan and said, “Come on, let’s get a photo!”

He winked at her wildly. “It’s not every day you meet your idol. You might not get another chance.”

Yu Qianfan looked down at her, amused.

It’s just acting, she told herself. Endure it. Smile. Pose.

She stood beside him and gave the camera her best sweet smile.

Click.

Their first photo—across two lifetimes.

Neither of them had ever wanted to share a frame before.

Now they had one.

And it felt… oddly complicated.

As the three of them headed back toward the banquet hall, Jinley suddenly slowed down. She turned to her uncle with a polite smile.

“Uncle, I’ll stay out here for a bit. Just need a moment.”

Pei Tianhua nodded warmly. “Come in later for the cake.”

She nodded obediently. Yu Qianfan glanced back at her.

She forced a smile in return.

Once they were gone, her smile vanished.

She wandered to a quiet corner with few people around.

The autograph was still in her hand.

Meanwhile, Yu Qianfan had just ended a call with his agent, only for the phone to ring again.

He frowned and stepped out of the hall, answering as he walked toward a shaded area.

“I already told you—I don’t mentor new talent,” he said coldly. The easygoing tone from earlier was completely gone. “Stop calling.”

“Teacher Qianfan, please…” his agent was near tears. “You know how good He Han’s numbers are. Can’t you give him a shot?”

Yu Qianfan was about to hang up—until his eyes landed on a certain girl near the trash can.

Jinley Reed.

She was holding the autograph he had just signed.

He watched as she stared at it for a moment… then rolled her eyes.

Her fingers curled, crumpling the paper into a tight ball.

With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it straight into the bin.

Yu Qianfan couldn’t help but laugh—quietly, but genuinely.

“Teacher Qianfan?” his agent panicked. “What’s going on?! Why are you laughing?!”

Yu Qianfan’s voice dropped low.

“Is this He Han obedient?”

…“What?”

“I might consider taking him on,” he said lazily.

“For real?!” The agent nearly cried from relief.

“Yes.” Yu Qianfan’s eyes stayed locked on Jinley, her back now facing him.

“But only if he tells me—exactly—what his relationship is with Jinley Reed.”

“Not a word left out.”

“Tell me everything about her.”