The Xie family was having a joyous time, while Hu Nana and her crew were in dire straits. The nearest uninhabited island was over a hundred *li* by sea, reaching it by evening meant nothing but hunger and dry biscuits.
Xie Sui's island was chosen for its scenic beauty and calm waters, which was why he bought it. Their current island, however, was wind-swept. Their tents were blown away at night, leaving them shivering. By dawn, everyone was sneezing, down with colds.
Under these circumstances, filming seemed impossible. Hu Nana's face darkened. Xie Sui was being excessively cruel. It was just one night; what harm would it have done to let them stay? The richer you were, the less kind you became. This was far from over.
The director was also furious, his gaze falling on Hu Nana. "If it weren't for you, would Mr. Xie have kicked us out? It's not me being mean, but you women, always chasing after rich men. Didn't you see his wife was with him? Let's just go back. I won't take jobs from you anymore."
Hu Nana wasn't a top-tier celebrity; aspiring models practically begged directors for work. She had finally managed to book this director. "Director, since we're already here, shouldn't we finish filming? I'll treat you to dinner when we get back, please?"
Her eyes felt like they were about to cramp from prolonged winking. The director, seeing her desperate act, calmed down slightly. "This is the last time. We'll get it done in one take today. Once we're finished, we leave immediately. I don't want to spend another minute in this dump."
The photographer chimed in, "We haven't eaten yet, how can we shoot? Are we supposed to work on empty stomachs? Our phones have no signal. What if the boat comes and can't find us?"
"That won't happen. Mr. Xie and his family are still here; they'll inform them. Just eat some biscuits to tide you over. Where else are we going to find food right now!" The sea teemed with seafood, but who knew how to catch or cook it? They weren't like Xie Sui, with bodyguards and a nanny, enjoying a family vacation. Their meager provisions were lost or eaten, and their fresh water was running low.
Under the director's forceful insistence, they drank some water, ate the last of their food, and resumed filming. Hu Nana poured all her effort into being sexier and more charming. The shoot went smoothly.
The boat meant to pick them up arrived at noon. The bodyguards dismissed them, but it was a fishing boat picking up people along its route. They hadn't prepaid, and after searching without success, they turned back. Su Dan Novel Network.
Xie Sui was unaware of this misunderstanding. They enjoyed themselves for three days and then returned, completely forgetting about Hu Nana and her crew. It wasn't until two days later, when newspapers reported a missing party, that Xie Sui remembered. However, he didn't go to pick them up. Instead, he called the police, informed them of the location, and even stood to earn a tip-off reward.
They were eventually rescued, but everyone was dehydrated. Two days and two nights—it was a miracle they survived. The director deeply regretted the incident, lamenting that beauty could be so destructive.
Hu Nana, increasingly resentful, took her grievance to the media, accusing Xie Sui of being rich but unkind. She claimed that if he hadn't driven them away, they wouldn't have been in trouble. The reporters seized on the story and flocked to interview Xie Sui.
Xie Sui was surprised that this woman was so persistent and dared to slander him. He accepted the interview and clarified the situation. "That is my private island. They trespassed, damaged the environment, and left a mess. If it were you, would you allow strangers to destroy your property like that?"
The reporters, digging for more details, grew excited. "Even so, Mr. Xie, abandoning them on the island is wrong. Lives could have been lost." Xie Sui shrugged. "I already informed the boat that was supposed to pick them up of their exact location. I didn't abandon them. It was their boat that failed to find them. Their own arrangements were flawed, so why blame me? This Miss Hu is damaging my reputation and distorting the facts. Can I sue her for defamation?"
The back-and-forth arguments, with both sides presenting their cases, inadvertently boosted the profile of Xie Sui's island. Xie Sui saw this as an opportunity and decided to develop the island ahead of schedule, building villas for rent to wealthy young individuals, managed by a professional team. The income was surprisingly good. Hu Nana, realizing she had inadvertently helped Xie Sui, was furious and filled with indignation.
Just then, someone approached her. After a long conversation, Hu Nana contacted reporters again, revealing an even bigger secret: she and Xie Sui had known each other before, even having a brief fling. She claimed Xie Sui had wanted to silence her for fear of his wife finding out.
Hong Kong newspapers thrived on such gossip, especially concerning Xie Sui. His image as a devoted husband and father was widely known. This new twist, especially while his wife was pregnant, caused an even greater uproar.
Xie Sui woke up, completely oblivious to the storm brewing outside. Du Feiyang personally came to find him, holding a stack of newspapers filled with his scandalous affairs. Xie Sui glanced at them and instinctively looked upstairs. Lin Wanwan was still asleep, and he breathed a sigh of relief. "Is this woman crazy? She won't leave me alone. Tell me, who gave her the guts? I think she feels emboldened by something."
Du Feiyang agreed, "Indeed. I find it strange too. A small model, who gives her the nerve to antagonize you, Brother Xie?"
"Investigate."
"I've already sent people to investigate. But Brother Xie, the reporters are waiting to interview you. What's your plan?"
"It's a good thing! This is good publicity for me. It's the perfect way to promote the island resort. I'm also partnering with Smith to start an electronics business, which is also a good advertisement. Such rumors, if ignored, will blow over in a few days."
"What if Sister-in-law believes it?"
"She won't. Wanwan isn't that kind of person; she won't believe it."
"What wouldn't I believe?" Lin Wanwan came downstairs. Xie Sui instinctively wanted to hide, then realized it was unnecessary. He showed her the papers. "That woman is spreading lies. Don't get angry. It's all fabricated."
How could Lin Wanwan not be angry? "If it's fabricated, then make her pay. Get a lawyer and pursue legal action. If you ignore her, she'll think we're afraid. I'll handle this. Without any evidence, how dare she slander someone?"
"Wanwan, you're pregnant; you shouldn't get so upset."
"My pregnancy doesn't stop me from dealing with her."
"Then be careful."
After breakfast, Lin Wanwan, accompanied by all the bodyguards, left the villa. As they stepped outside, reporters swarmed them. "Mrs. Xie, what are your thoughts on Miss Hu's accusations?" "Mrs. Xie, where is Mr. Xie? Why isn't he responding? Is he guilty?"
The bodyguards formed a human wall, preventing anyone from getting close. Xie Sui almost rushed out to protect her, but Lin Wanwan stopped him with a look. "Mr. Xie isn't responding because she's not worth it. Without any evidence, she's slinging mud at my husband with just a few words. I truly admire Miss Hu's courage. Do you know what I'm about to do?"
"Mrs. Xie, what are you going to do?"