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The Rebellious Top Star’s Sickly Older Sister

Chapter 21 / 50

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Chapter 21 of 50

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Chapter 21

The Rebellious Top Star’s Sickly Older Sister

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Due to Shen Yu’s reputation having plummeted to an all-time low, he was forced to terminate his contract with the production team.

Wen Jing had originally joined *Walking Through the Door is You* only because she owed the Shen family a favor. Now that her partner was gone, there was naturally no reason for her to stay on the show.

Huang Zhihe’s fans were the most active group, keeping a close watch on the live stream.Full novel: The Rebellious Top Star’s Sickly Older Sister — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠

After all, the Jiang siblings had been stealing the spotlight lately, and the fans felt wronged. They desperately needed to prove that their idol was just as outstanding.

The camera followed the crew to a rather elegant townhouse.

As the cameraman rang the doorbell, the comments section was already flooded with anticipation:

Protect the best Zhihe in the world! Let’s go, everyone!

Zhihe has such a warm and loving family, totally different from those who just pose for the camera.

Footsteps were heard from inside, and soon the door opened slightly.

Appearing in the frame was a well-preserved middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor—it was Huang Zhihe’s mother, Huang Shulan. She clearly hadn’t expected a film crew to be at her doorstep, and a look of surprise flashed across her made-up face. Who are you…?

Hello, Auntie! The staff quickly put on bright smiles and showed their official badges. We are from the show *Walking Through the Door is You*. We’re doing surprise visits today and didn’t call ahead. Sorry for the intrusion!

No intrusion at all. Please come in, it just stopped raining and the ground is still slippery. Huang Zhihe’s mother welcomed them in, inviting everyone to sit, then called upstairs, Zhihe, come down quickly! The show crew is here.

A few seconds later, hurried footsteps descended the stairs.

Huang Zhihe was clearly unprepared. She was wearing comfortable loungewear with her hair casually tied up. Seeing the room full of people and cameras, genuine surprise flashed across her face.

But she quickly forced a sweet smile and walked briskly to her mother’s side. Oh wow, this really is a surprise attack! I was just upstairs memorizing lines. She giggled playfully at the camera and naturally linked arms with Huang Shulan, looking like an affectionate daughter.

Wow! They really look alike, both so beautiful!

Zhihe looks amazing even without makeup!

Her mom has such elegant grace, so gentle!

Their interaction is so natural and sweet.

We wanted to capture the most real moments, that’s what makes it fun, the cameraman said with a smile, getting straight to the point. Where is your brother? Doesn’t he live with you?

At the word brother, Huang Zhihe’s smile froze for a split second. Her eyes subconsciously drifted toward her mother, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. Oh… h-he’s staying at the school dorm right now. He said it’s closer and more convenient so he doesn’t have to travel back and forth for classes. I was actually just planning to go visit him later and bring him some clean clothes.

Sitting nearby, her mother smoothly took over the conversation, saying softly to Huang Zhihe, Right, when you go, remember to remind him it’s gotten colder with the rain. Tell him to take out his thick coat and wear it so he doesn’t catch a cold. Also, ask him to come home for dinner this weekend. I’ll make his favorite sweet and sour ribs.

Got it, Mom. Huang Zhihe nodded quickly, putting on a docile smile again.

Oh my god! Auntie is so sweet! My heart is melting!

Even though he doesn’t live at home, Mom still cares about him so much!

She may be a stepmother, but she’s way more caring than many biological mothers!

My brother is so lucky! To have such a great mom and such an amazing sister!

See? Only a good family environment can raise someone as outstanding as Zhihe.

As for Li Bo and Li Lele’s side, the crew arrived to find an empty house.

The cameraman smiled helplessly at the lens. Looks like our surprise attack failed. We checked Mr. Li Bo’s schedule and found out he’s still traveling out of town and hasn’t come back yet.

Fortunately, the team was prepared. They quickly switched to a remote connection, and the siblings’ live feed appeared on screen.

The view switched instantly to a tropical beach with blue skies and white clouds. Li Lele was wearing a floral shirt, spinning around with her phone. Hello everyone in the live stream! Look at this! Sunlight! Sand! The sea! She panned the camera to show the coconut trees and beach umbrellas behind her.

Li Bo smiled beside her, raising a glass of juice. Cheers, everyone. Netizens were infected by their energy, and the comments were filled with jokes about being jealous and reminding them to wear sunscreen.

Finally, it was the most anticipated segment with Jiang Zhiwu and Jiang Yanzhou. The staff rang the doorbell and waited for a full two minutes.

With nothing else to film, the camera panned across the sprawling garden—and viewers noticed details they hadn’t seen in the previous episode.

On the lawn near the wall, there was a faded but clear graffiti drawing: four colorful stick figures holding hands, with a sun and clouds drawn above them, clearly done by a child.

The colors were still vibrant, meaning it had been well-preserved. Next to the figures, written in wobbly letters, were the words Dad, Mom, Sister, and Zhouzhou.

What are you looking at? A clear voice suddenly came from behind. Jiang Yanzhou was standing there in a grey hoodie, holding an insulated lunch box.

Following the camera’s gaze, he saw the graffiti and explained casually, Oh that? I drew that in elementary school. I just learned to paint and insisted on leaving my mark on the wall. My sister even praised it like it was a masterpiece. He looked slightly proud.

Viewers: …

Staring at the abstract artwork, everyone wondered how Sister Jiang managed to say that with a straight face.

The camera then shifted to a swing set not far away. The wooden frame had turned a warm, deep brown from years of weather, and the ropes were worn smooth and shiny from constant use.

The director asked curiously, Has that swing been there since you were kids? It looks quite old.

Jiang Yanzhou’s expression softened slightly. Yeah, my parents built it together.

He walked over and gave it a gentle push. The swing swayed back and forth, bringing a breeze that smelled of fresh grass.

Back then, my sister and I wanted a swing. They found a carpenter to build the frame, then painted it themselves layer by layer. My mom insisted on using the strongest ropes because she was afraid we’d fall. My dad sat right here and tied the knots for an entire afternoon.

Sensing the mood getting heavy, the cameraman quickly changed the subject. Right, where is Sister Jiang? Isn’t she home?

She went to work, Jiang Yanzhou replied flatly.

Haters immediately seized the opportunity, and sarcastic comments started popping up:

Oh wow, aren’t they marketing themselves as rich heirs? Why is she still going to work? So mysterious~

Probably just a figurehead in the family business with no real power, just there to collect dividends. Basically living under someone else’s roof.

Isn’t that still just working for someone else? No wonder she called herself an office worker.

I bet she’s just an assistant to the real boss, running errands, making coffee and printing papers.

Some viewers couldn’t stand it and argued back:

??? What is wrong with you people? What’s wrong with working? Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you can’t have your own career?

Since when is working considered living under someone’s thumb? Does nobody in your family have a job?

Even if she was just an assistant, her dividends are probably way more than you’ll ever make.

Jiang Yanzhou didn’t seem inclined to explain his sister’s position. He picked up the lunch box, ready to leave.

The cameraman’s eyes fell on the box in his hand. It was a minimalist off-white design with light grey stripes, looking quite high-end.

He asked curiously, What are you holding…?

Jiang Yanzhou glanced down at it, his tone laced with obvious impatience. Lunch box.

Cameraman: … Of course he could see it was a lunch box!

He quickly pressed on, I know it’s a lunch box, I mean what are you doing with it?

Bringing food to my sister, Jiang Yanzhou answered concisely. He frowned slightly and added, Otherwise she always forgets to eat when she’s busy.

The cameraman’s eyes lit up. Did you make this yourself?

Jiang Yanzhou glanced at him, his expression clearly saying *What else?* My sister has a sensitive stomach. Restaurant food is too oily and salty, she can’t eat it.

Comments section filled with question marks:

Bro… are you actually this domestic?

NO!! This is not the bad-tempered top star I know!

So you’re planning to deliver it personally? the cameraman asked.

We have a driver, Jiang Yanzhou said matter-of-factly.

Cameraman: …

Right, almost forgot the Jiang family was loaded.

However, just after saying that, Jiang Yanzhou seemed to have an idea. He looked at the film crew and changed his mind. Ahem, since you guys are here anyway, I might as well go check it out myself. I’ll drive.

He unlocked his phone. But she’s attending an industry summit today, there are a lot of people there. Not sure if it’s allowed. I need to call first.

Haters started jumping in again:

Industry summit? What’s an assistant doing there? Probably just going to deliver documents to the boss.

Here they go acting again. Rich kid persona wasn’t enough, now they want to add business elite?

emmm feels like they’re just stacking titles lol, waiting for them to embarrass themselves.

Jiang Yanzhou had already dialed Jiang Zhiwu’s number. It rang a few times before being picked up. Jiang Zhiwu’s cool, clear voice came through: Hello? What’s up?

The show crew came to the house. Since I made lunch, I thought I’d bring it over, Jiang Yanzhou got straight to the point. Is it okay over there?

Jiang Zhiwu on the other end was clearly surprised. She was silent for a few seconds before saying, Wait a moment, let me check.

Without even needing to gesture, her assistant immediately understood and ran off to ask the organizers for permission to allow the film crew inside.

Haters who didn’t know the situation sneered:

Hahaha see! If Jiang Zhiwu really had status, why would she need to ask for permission?

She doesn’t even have the authority to make a decision, yet she dares to act like a business elite.

People who go to summits are all big shots. Trying too hard to fit in, afraid of being exposed right?

While the mocking comments were still scrolling, Jiang Zhiwu’s voice came through the phone: Okay. Come in through the East Gate. I’ll have someone wait for you at the entrance.

Jiang Yanzhou put away his phone and turned toward the garage. Let’s go.

The crew quickly followed. Amidst the dazzling array of luxury cars in the garage, they piled into Jiang Yanzhou’s eye-catching, shiny blue Porsche.

The driver smoothly reversed and exited the villa. The cameraman stared at the lunch box on Jiang Yanzhou’s lap, curiosity getting the better of him again. Mr. Jiang, could you open the box so everyone can see? Half of it was to liven up the atmosphere, and half because he really wanted to see what a top star would prepare.

Jiang Yanzhou looked at the box, frowning slightly as if hesitating.

After a few seconds, he reluctantly passed it over, warning sternly, You can look, but don’t touch anything.

The cameraman nodded eagerly and carefully lifted the lid—

The next second, the live stream comments were flooded with question marks again.

The box was divided into three sections: On the left were pink and white cherry blossom onigiri, each decorated with a silly smiley face made of seaweed; in the middle were carrots cut into bunny shapes and broccoli cut into stars, arranged neatly; on the right was a small bowl of steamed egg custard, sprinkled with diced ham and stuck with a tiny flag that said Fighting!

The entire meal was pastel-colored and incredibly cute, overflowing with a girly aesthetic.

??????????

Wait… did I open this wrong??

OMG!! It’s all pink??

Help!! Why does Jiang Yanzhou’s bento look like this??

The cameraman was so shocked he forgot to keep his composure, the camera shaking slightly. Wow… Mr. Jiang, this… your skills are amazing!

He really couldn’t connect with the guy in the grey hoodie who looked like he was saying I’m cool don’t mess with me with such delicate, cute food.

Amidst the barrage of hahaha and so cute comments, Jiang Yanzhou quickly, almost in embarrassment, snapped the lid shut with a loud click and gave a stiff Mm.

Meanwhile, another production van had arrived at the grand, modern gates of University A.

Huang Zhihe sat in the backseat, scanning the people coming and going through the window, her expression tense and anxious.

Only when Jiang Ting’s figure appeared at the gate did she finally relax.

Xiaoting! She walked quickly towards him, deliberately making her voice sound extra affectionate, reaching out to hold his arm.

Jiang Ting slightly turned his body to avoid her touch. His eyes fell on the items she was holding, his voice distant. Just finished class, I was heading to the cafeteria. Why are you here?

Mom asked me to bring you clothes. She said it’s gotten colder with the rain, so you need to wear your thick coat. Huang Zhihe handed the canvas bag to him. Look at you, never taking care of yourself properly.

Jiang Ting’s gaze swept past the camera following behind Huang Zhihe, and his furrowed his imperceptibly. Got it, thanks…

The way he addressed her was muffled and unclear.

Why be so polite with me? Huang Zhihe smiled even sweeter. It’s almost lunchtime anyway. Let me treat you to a meal, okay?

Without waiting for Jiang Ting to agree, she linked arms with him and walked towards the mall.

The Porsche drove smoothly through the traffic. Jiang Yanzhou’s long fingers tapped quickly on his phone screen.

He didn’t try to hide it, and the camera clearly captured his chat interface with Sister—

Zhou: Leaving

(A few seconds later)

Jie: Wait

Zhou: Mm

Jie: East

Zhou: Got it

Jie: Ok

Zhou: !

Jie: Thx

This short exchange within seconds looked exactly like sending coded messages.

?????? Am I blind? Is that seriously all they said?

Hahaha OMG! What is this encrypted communication? Spitting out one word at a time!

Zhou: ?

Jie: Asked

Zhou: !

Jie: Ok

After sending the final “Ok”, Jiang Yanzhou swiped away the chat box and tossed his phone onto his lap, maintaining his usual lazy posture.

His movements were casual and natural throughout, making no attempt to hide from the camera, instead exuding an attitude of “Watch if you want, I don’t care.”

Haters immediately seized the opportunity to attack:

These two siblings are such drama queens, texting like secret agents meeting up! Is it that shameful?

One acts like a cool young master, the other an icy goddess, even texting is so pretentious!

Viewers in the live stream were utterly speechless:

Yes yes yes! The whole world is putting on an act just for you! Wake up, they understand each other with one word, why waste time typing more?

Of course siblings communicate casually! Do you need to write a formal essay like Huang Zhihe next door just to talk to your family? Stop being so jealous!

Tch, after seeing the other side acting so overly dramatic and obsequious, I much prefer this natural dynamic here.

The haters didn’t expect so many people to defend the Jiang siblings, so they shut up embarrassedly.

As the Porsche left the main road and turned onto the highway, the change in the surroundings became obvious.

Traces of the recent heavy rains were still everywhere. Murky puddles remained in the low areas. Large sewage trucks were rumbling by, shoveling and hauling away mud and debris. The air smelled of wet earth and decay.

“This rain was really something,” the cameraman sighed, looking at the cleanup outside. “Heard the eastern part of the city was flooded up to the first floor a few days ago. The rescue teams worked through the night pumping water and saving people. Tough job.”

Jiang Yanzhou looked out the window, tapping his knee absently, his gaze falling on the murky water outside, but didn’t reply.

The comments section picked up the topic though—

News said the south side was badly flooded, many people had to evacuate overnight

Yeah, the reservoirs near my hometown were almost full, luckily the rain has slowed down these past two days

Natural disasters are merciless. Seeing firefighters and volunteers working in the rain is really moving

Somehow the conversation turned to the flood relief efforts. The cameraman looked at his phone and suddenly said to Jiang Yanzhou, “Speaking of which, the CEO of Jiang Group donated a huge amount of supplies for this disaster! News said it was an eight-figure donation just in cash, plus hundreds of trucks of tents, water, and medicine. A lot of the supplies in the disaster zones right now are from them.”

He sighed admiringly, “Now that’s what real corporate responsibility is. They really open their wallets when it matters.”

Jiang Yanzhou had been leaning lazily against the seat. Upon hearing this, he didn’t even open his eyes, just gave a faint “Mm,” as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

After two seconds, he added casually, in a tone that suggested “What’s the big deal,” “Had some extra money, so donated it. Not a big deal.”

He said it so naturally, like commenting on the weather.

No boasting, no false modesty, just a simple statement of fact.

However, to some people, these words sounded completely different.

Hilarious. The CEO donated the money, what does that have to do with you Jiang Yanzhou?

Exactly! It’s not like you two paid for it out of your own pockets. Acting like it’s nothing just to look cool?

Probably because the real power is with the Chairman, and these two as heirs are just unhappy about it.

Sigh, anyway, it’s not good for him to try to take credit for such a great deed.

The cameraman had only wanted to liven up the atmosphere. He didn’t expect Jiang Yanzhou to say something that sounded like taking credit in front of the camera, so he awkwardly fell silent.

Huang Zhihe had chosen the restaurant. As she linked arms with Jiang Ting and walked into the Japanese restaurant on the third floor of the mall, she deliberately slowed down so the camera could capture the sign above the entrance.

The golden characters “Songetsu” on the wooden lintel glowed warmly under the light. Anyone in the know would recognize this as a high-end establishment costing thousands per person.

“How about this one? You said you wanted to try their Sukiyaki before.” Huang Zhihe turned to ask Jiang Ting, her tone natural as if she frequented such places.

Before Jiang Ting could respond, she smoothly gave her name to the waiter and handed over her belongings to be stored away.

After sitting down, Huang Zhihe opened the menu directly to the Sukiyaki section. “Two plates of A5 Wagyu, and your favorite Uni sushi, plus a Matsutake soup?” She ordered while pushing the menu towards Jiang Ting, “See if you want anything else, don’t be shy.”

Jiang Ting raised an eyebrow, just about to ask if they could finish so much food, when Huang Zhihe pressed his wrist.

She smiled at the camera and waved the black card in her hand. “This is the supplementary card Dad gave me, specifically to treat you to good food. He always says you’re too thrifty at school and makes me watch over you to make sure you eat well.”

The cameraman timely pointed the lens at that low-key luxurious black card, and the comments section instantly exploded—

!!! Is that a Black Card? The legendary one with no limit!

Huang Zhihe’s family is really rich too, giving them cards like this just for allowance

Of course! Our Zhihe is just low-key, unlike those two siblings next door building up personas and stacking buffs on themselves.

When the food arrived, Huang Zhihe personally cooked the meat and peeled the shrimp for Jiang Ting, even carefully removing the shiso leaves from the uni sushi. “I know you don’t like this.” She placed the prepared food in front of him, smiling gently and considerately.

Jiang Ting ate with his head down, saying very little throughout, but Huang Zhihe always managed to find topics to keep the conversation going.

On camera, their interaction looked affectionate. Paired with the backdrop of the high-end restaurant, it perfectly portrayed the warm scene of “Wealthy Siblings Deep Affection.”

Zhihe’s side is so peaceful and beautiful. I bet Jiang Yanzhou’s group is making a fool of themselves at the summit right now?

Let’s go! I want to see how their “Business Elite” persona crashes and burns.

Following the comments, a large number of viewers flooded into Jiang Zhiwu and Jiang Yanzhou’s live stream.

By this time, the Porsche had just stopped at the East Gate of the summit venue. An assistant in a black suit was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing Jiang Yanzhou get out of the car, he immediately stepped forward. “Mr. Jiang, this way please. Everything is ready inside.”

As the assistant led the group through the security checkpoint, the staff didn’t even check their IDs and just let them pass directly.

“Where’s my sister?” Jiang Yanzhou asked.

“Waiting for you in the lounge.” The assistant gestured with his hand.

The camera followed his direction — Jiang Zhiwu was sitting on a sofa talking to someone. She wore a simple grey suit that accentuated her tall figure, her hair neatly tied back, revealing her slender neck.

Hearing the movement, Jiang Zhiwu turned around. Her gaze paused briefly on the lunch box in Jiang Yanzhou’s hand, then she nodded politely to the person she was speaking with. “Let’s continue this later.”

The other person smiled, nodded, and left. When passing by Jiang Yanzhou, he even greeted him politely. It was none other than President Zhang, a bank chairman frequently seen on financial news channels.

!!! Was that President Zhang just now? The one we see every day on the finance channel! Why is he being so polite to Jiang Zhiwu?

OMG, being able to chat with President Zhang means Jiang Zhiwu actually has real skills!

Full novel: The Rebellious Top Star’s Sickly Older Sister — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠
📱NovelCodex for AndroidYour library, progress and tokens, in an app made for reading on your phone.Get the app
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