Meanwhile, the plane carrying the guests smoothly landed on the island’s private runway.
The doors opened, and the salty sea breeze hit them. The sparkling blue waters were stunning.
Meng Xian squinted, enjoying the moist sea air on her face, regretting that Gu Mingyan and Yun Qingqing had taken leave today, missing the chance to see Ye Jinyan’s private island firsthand.
She secretly speculated that perhaps Gu Mingyan had sensed something and deliberately asked for leave to avoid being overshadowed.
As she pondered, a middle-aged man in an island staff uniform arrived with two assistants.
Polite but distant, he said formally: “Are you the crew arranged by Young Master Ye? Please follow me. Watch your step and follow the signs. Comply with the island regulations.”
Mr. Chen’s tone was neutral—he didn’t show extra warmth just because they were Ye Jinyan’s guests.
On the way to the accommodations, they passed through an area naturally separated by dense greenery. A simple sign read: “Ecological Garden, Enter With Caution.”
Ding Manni peeked curiously, seeing what looked like a more exquisite view inside, and eagerly pulled Meng Xian to take a closer look.
“Ladies, please stop.” Mr. Chen immediately intervened. “Many areas of the island are off-limits to ordinary guests. Do not enter without permission to avoid accidents or damage.”
Ding Manni and Meng Xian stopped awkwardly.
Ding Manni couldn’t help but say: “Mr. Chen, Meng Xian has a pass personally from Young Master Ye! Can’t she use it to go in?”
Meng Xian held up the pass with a composed smile.
Mr. Chen’s gaze lingered on the card, and his attitude visibly shifted to respect: “Guests with high-level access may move freely throughout the island.”
“Hmph.” Ding Manni felt triumphant, arms crossed, glaring at him.
Mr. Chen apologized: “I previously stopped you for safety and regulations, please understand. Since you are Young Master Ye’s distinguished guests, you naturally cannot stay in ordinary rooms. Please follow me; I will take you to the island’s finest ‘Ocean View Pavilion.’”
He then led them down a more elegant path.
Ding Manni whispered to Meng Xian: “Looks like your pass really has high-level privileges! Look at how the staff completely flipped their attitude!”
Meng Xian smiled politely, saying nothing, but her slightly raised chin showed she appreciated it.
The Ocean View Pavilion sat atop the island’s highest point, boasting unbeatable views. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked an infinity pool and pristine white sand beach, showcasing the owner’s wealth and taste.
The live stream panned over the villa’s details, leaving viewers astonished:
【Look at this private island vacation setup. I’m honestly jealous.】
【Wealthy people’s happiness is unimaginable. Could I even buy one restroom on this island after a lifetime of work?】
【With this level of treatment, there’s no way Ye Jinyan doesn’t truly love Meng Xian.】
Even the experienced crew and guests couldn’t help but admire.
Meng Xian basked in the envious gazes, her mood, stifled for days, finally eased.
Ding Manni exclaimed: “The view here is incredible! Xianxian, look over there! The entire bay is visible at once!”
Meng Xian lightly nodded, casually remarking: “Yes, the view is great. Conveniently, we can also see the fireworks Ye Jinyan prepared for tonight.”
“That’s so romantic!” Ding Manni gasped.
Meng Xian explained with a smile: “He heard our crew would shoot on the island, so he wanted to prepare a fireworks show for everyone to enjoy.”
“That’s not for everyone,” Ding Manni teased. “It’s to make Xianxian happy, isn’t it?”
Meng Xian shot her a mock-scolding glance but said nothing.
The fireworks were actually something she subtly requested from Ye Jinyan over the phone last night.
She thought, if she was on Ye Jinyan’s private island, there had to be some grand display to show how much he cared.
Meng Xian had been with Ye Jinyan since high school, enjoying his care and obedient attention, eventually finding it a bit dull.
Later, she suggested breaking up and went abroad for studies, gradually losing contact.
During those years abroad, she occasionally saw updates about Ye Jinyan on social media—he had been quiet for a while, then a new girlfriend appeared.
That girlfriend was Gu Mingyan.
The first time Meng Xian saw Gu Mingyan’s photo, she froze.
Not because of Gu Mingyan’s prestigious Gu family background, but because the facial features looked six or seven-tenths similar to her own.
But Gu Mingyan’s eyes were brighter and bolder, radiating a carefree, pampered charm.
In that instant, Meng Xian admitted she felt uncomfortable.
It was as if something that originally belonged to her was now touched by a woman who was even more outstanding.
This subtle psychological imbalance made her almost instinctively reconnect with Ye Jinyan upon returning home, sending vague signals of reconciliation.
Through this teasing, Ye Jinyan became entangled with her again. Though they were cautious because of Gu Mingyan, occasional eye contact and private meals created a tacit, secretive intimacy.
Yet Meng Xian never considered herself the “other woman.”
She hadn’t officially gotten back together with Ye Jinyan—just occasionally chatting or meeting up, with no clear promises—so how could it be considered interfering in someone else’s relationship?
Besides, she and Ye Jinyan had dated back in high school. If anyone could be considered the “other woman,” it should be Gu Mingyan.
Meanwhile, the live-stream audience continued gushing over Ye Jinyan preparing fireworks for Meng Xian:
【Ahhh, setting off fireworks for your beloved on a private island? Young Master Ye really knows how to do it.】
【What kind of fairy-tale love is this? Confirmed, my ship is real!】
【Seriously jealous of Meng Xian. To be held in the palm of a man like this… what kind of idol drama plot is this!?】
【At this point, that Miss Gu should have some self-awareness, right? Stop showing up to be annoying.】
【Probably just unwilling to let go, but feelings can’t be forced. Young Master Ye only has eyes for our Xianxian.】
【Hope Gu Mingyan sees the private island pass and the fireworks specially prepared for Xianxian, and knows to back off. Stop pestering Young Master Ye.】
Ding Manni, still excited for the evening’s fireworks, shook Meng Xian’s arm: “Young Master Ye really cares! Preparing fireworks just for you on a private South Pacific island—it’s breathtaking just to think about.”
Beside them, Nan Xu voiced his concern: “The island’s ecology seems very unique and well-protected. Would large-scale fireworks in such an environmentally sensitive area affect the local flora and fauna?”
Meng Xian, in a good mood, felt slightly deflated hearing that.
But she didn’t show it on her face, instead putting on a serious listening expression.
In her heart, she was still somewhat envious of Nan Xu, the former top talent manager.
No matter the past contract disputes he had with his artists, he had genuinely produced two top-tier stars.
Although Meng Xian was signed under Ye Jinyan’s company and directly managed by him without a dedicated manager, she knew the value of a capable agent. She had long considered poaching Nan Xu to manage her career.
So, even though she felt a little disappointed by his words, she answered politely: “Don’t worry, Teacher Nan. For Jinyan, this small loss is nothing. What matters is that everyone enjoys themselves.”
“Exactly, Teacher Nan. This island belongs to Young Master Ye. He’s happy to spend money to make Xianxian smile, so we should just enjoy it. If the host doesn’t mind, why should the guests feel concerned?”
Nan Xu, hearing this, realized he might have been overthinking and laughed wryly: “You’re right. I was worrying too much.”
【kswlkswl! Ding Manni’s line ‘spending money to make Xianxian smile’ just melted this old shipper’s heart.】
【I can totally imagine Ye Jinyan waving his hand, saying ‘Money’s no problem, making Xianxian happy is what matters.’】
【Gu Mingyan seeing this must be so mad! The main couple’s status is unshakable.】
The live-stream frenzy quickly spread to Weibo and other social platforms.
Meng Xian’s fans, along with the CP fans, celebrated like it was New Year. Screenshots, GIFs, and edited videos flooded social feeds.
Marketing accounts naturally jumped on the trend:
“Breaking! Ye Jinyan spares no expense for love, exclusive private island fireworks show just for Meng Xian!”
“Revealing Ye Jinyan’s private island, rumored worth billions, now setting off private fireworks to win his beloved’s smile!”
Soon, hashtags like #YeJinyanMengXianPrivateIslandFireworks#, #YeJinyanFinancialLimits#, #MengXianPass# topped trending lists.
Under these hashtags, discussions raged:
【My god! I passed by this island while traveling in Australia! Everyone on the boat was amazed, guessing it must be a Middle Eastern prince’s or a business tycoon’s private property. Who knew it belonged to Ye Jinyan!?】
【+1, this island in the South Pacific is famous, known for excellent ecology and top privacy. Seeing it like this internally is amazing.】
【Ye Jinyan’s wealth is truly bottomless…】
【But more than wealth, it’s the thoughtfulness! Spending for her, thinking for her! Lock this Ye-Meng CP for me, okay?】
【So Meng Xian even has the highest-level access pass! How is this different from being the owner?】
【Too bad Miss Gu took a day off today, otherwise it would be soul-crushing hhh】
…
In the huge castle, Yun Qingqing sighed for the 108th time in Gu Mingyan’s ear: “So boring, so boring, so boring—Mingyan, do we really have to wait here for the delivery?”
Gu Mingyan, focused on a romance movie, didn’t lift her head: “Bored? Play a game, or I can have the kitchen make you something to eat.”
“I’m tired of games, and I can’t eat anymore.” Yun Qingqing continued her dramatics, dragging out her words, “I thought we could go to the island, feel the sea breeze, see some guys in bikinis… but instead we’re stuck in this castle all day, waiting for some package we don’t even know what shape it is… sigh, life is lonely as snow…”
She mumbled while secretly watching Gu Mingyan’s reaction.
Finally, Gu Mingyan lifted her eyes from the screen, amused at Yun Qingqing’s sulky look.
She picked up her phone, fingers flying over the screen.
Ding dong!
Yun Qingqing’s phone chimed with a crisp message alert.
Looking down, she saw a bank app notification: +50,000.00 yuan.
Transfer note: 【Compensation for waiting.】
Yun Qingqing stared at the string of zeros, dumbfounded.
Although 50,000 yuan was a heart-racing sum, it wasn’t the result she wanted!
She wanted Gu Mingyan to give up waiting for that stupid delivery and rush to the show location to make a scene!
Yun Qingqing was slowly getting to know Gu Mingyan’s personality. The heiress was straightforward, had rumors online about interfering with Meng Xian, and had faced plenty of criticism. So she blocked most internet info—out of sight, out of mind.
As long as something didn’t directly happen in front of her, she basically wouldn’t know. Ye Jinyan took advantage of this, using the excuse that Gu Mingyan had to sign for the delivery in person, keeping her in the castle.
Even if Gu Mingyan learned about the island later, it would be too late. With a more expensive gift and a few soft words, Gu Mingyan, trusting him almost unconditionally, would be easily appeased.
Having been showered with money so many times, Yun Qingqing’s loyalty had long shifted to her little treasure Gu Mingyan, finding the original book’s male lead irritating in every way.
You can show your love, but using Miss Gu’s private property to do it—could you have any shame?
Glancing at the heart-stopping 50,000 yuan transfer, Yun Qingqing’s resolve to protect Gu Mingyan strengthened.
“Mingyan, look how boring it is waiting here!” Yun Qingqing used her workplace-honed tongue to coax her: “Anyway, you have a private plane. Why not fly to the show and check out the scene? Round trip would be quick. Maybe when we return, your precious delivery still won’t be here.”
Gu Mingyan tilted her head, slightly tempted.
Honestly, after a whole day in the castle, watching movies and eating, she was a bit bored.
“True,” Gu Mingyan nodded. “Let’s go have a look, anyway it’s boring here.”
She was efficient; once decided, she immediately got up to make arrangements.
So, while Meng Xian was quietly showing off the fireworks Ye Jinyan would prepare, Gu Mingyan and Yun Qingqing had already set off for the airport.
With a private plane, the convenience was obvious—they barely had to wait and flew straight to the destination.
On the plane, Yun Qingqing played some games and took a comfortable nap. When Gu Mingyan gently woke her, the plane was already preparing to land.
“Mm… arrived?” Yun Qingqing rubbed her eyes, still groggy, looking out the window.
Due to the time difference, they arrived in the South Pacific island just as evening fell. Gorgeous sunset painted the sky, turning the sea a warm orange-pink.
As they stepped down the stairs, Gu Mingyan’s brow furrowed.
Yun Qingqing pretended to look around: “Huh? This place looks a bit familiar?”
Gu Mingyan expressionless: “It should. This is the private island my mom gave me that I told you about.”
“What?!” Yun Qingqing gasped in shock. “Isn’t this closed to the public? How did the crew shoot here?”
Gu Mingyan pressed her lips tightly: “I want to know that too.”
The commotion evidently alerted the island staff. Soon, Mr. Chen arrived with his assistants to check who had landed without permission.
But seeing Gu Mingyan on the tarmac, his expression instantly turned respectful: “Miss! Why have you come without prior notice? We weren’t prepared to receive you…”
“Mr. Chen, I need an explanation.” Gu Mingyan pressed, suppressing her anger. “Why did the crew film on the island without my consent?”
Mr. Chen’s temple glistened slightly with sweat: “Miss, the crew was personally arranged by Young Master Ye. You previously said that Young Master Ye’s requests are equivalent to yours, so we…”
Hearing the explanation, Gu Mingyan’s anger subsided a little.
She realized that, as an important investor, Ye Jinyan used her private island for filming to ensure the show’s quality. After all, the island’s environment and privacy were top-notch, so borrowing it as a filming location was reasonable.
Perhaps he was just too busy and forgot to give her a heads-up.
Gu Mingyan thought this to herself, convincing herself.
Beside her, Yun Qingqing suddenly pointed toward a passage leading to the beach, enclosed in transparent glass, and asked with innocent curiosity: “Huh? Mingyan, look! The entrance to the underwater tunnel seems to be open! I remember you said the coral reef inside is gorgeous. Can we go in and explore too?”
Gu Mingyan followed Yun Qingqing’s finger and indeed saw that the special passage connecting the main island to the underwater viewing tunnel was accessible.
Her brow furrowed again: “This underwater tunnel requires authorization to enter, right? Did the crew just go in?”
“Yes. That Miss Meng had a pass, so she just swiped in directly,” Manager Chen said.
“Meng Xian has a pass to my private island?” Gu Mingyan asked incredulously.
Seeing her expression, Manager Chen quickly explained: “Y-Yes. Miss Meng has the highest-level access card, and judging from her tone, she seems quite familiar with the island owner. I thought she was a friend of yours and Young Master Ye…”
“Friend?” Gu Mingyan said bluntly. “I hate her the most. There’s no way I’d give her a pass.”
Manager Chen immediately went silent, realizing the situation was serious.
If Miss Meng wasn’t Gu Mingyan’s friend, where did she get that pass?
At that moment, Gu Mingyan’s phone rang—a video call request from the crew.
They had notified the crew of their approximate arrival time, and the director arranged the call to generate more buzz.
When the video connected, Meng Xian’s gentle, smiling face appeared on the screen.
“Mingyan, Qingqing, have you arrived?” she said softly. “We just finished touring the underwater tunnel and are heading to the beach near the ecological reserve. What perfect timing—want to join us?”
She turned slightly to show the transparent curved glass dome and colorful fish, her tone unconsciously carrying a bit of hostess pride.
The bullet comments praised her:
【Meng Xian is so gracious, openly inviting her rival to her boyfriend’s private island.】
【Just watched the underwater tunnel through the crew’s camera—so dreamy!】
【If it weren’t for Xian, I’d never have a chance to see this kind of underwater scenery. Following her expands my horizons!】
【Gu Mingyan must be so bitter inside. Too bad—the island’s mistress now is our Xian.】
【If I were Gu Dog, I’d hang up now. Took a day off just to embarrass myself by coming halfway—utterly self-inflicted humiliation!】
Gu Mingyan looked at Meng Xian’s smiling face on the screen, a surge of anger rising to her head.
Meng Xian was waving her authorized pass around, strutting on her island—how could this be?
Just as she struggled to restrain herself from cursing in front of the live-stream audience, Yun Qingqing opportunely pushed her innocent face close to the camera, almost filling the screen.
Blinking, she asked: “Wow! The underwater tunnel is so pretty! Teacher Meng, are you going to the beach next?”
Startled by the sudden enlarged face, Meng Xian paused, then cheerfully said: “Yes, I heard the beach looks especially beautiful at sunset. I want to take everyone there for a closer look.”
“Wow,” Yun Qingqing tilted her head, “that sounds so fun!”
Meng Xian smiled modestly: “If you want to join us, we can wait a little while.”
“Yup!” Yun Qingqing nodded vigorously, waving with a smile. “We’ll settle in first, see you soon!”
As the call ended, Yun Qingqing seemed to suddenly remember something and asked: “Mingyan, didn’t you say that beach is a traditional nesting site for leatherback turtles? If Teacher Meng leads people there so openly, wouldn’t that disturb them?”
After a brief pause, Gu Mingyan’s irritation had calmed, even to the point of amusement.
She whispered with a small smile: “Don’t worry, she can’t get in.”
Through Yun Qingqing’s innocent, puzzled gaze, she turned to Manager Chen and instructed: “Revoke all permissions on the card Miss Meng holds.”
“Now?” Chen asked solemnly.
“Now.”
“Yes, I’ll handle it immediately.”