Princess is Glamorous in Modern Day Chapter 4

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Shortly after they had settled in for rest, the night descended into serene tranquility. Moonlight bathed the mother and son nestled together in sleep, enveloping them in a shimmering glow.

The following morning, before Xia Wanyuan fully awoke, a soft warmth filled her arms. Opening her eyes, she found Xiao Bao gazing at her with his wide eyes mirroring her reflection, his long lashes gently fluttering.

Struck by his adorable charm first thing in the morning, a broad smile lit up Xia Wanyuan’s face. “What’s up? Why are you up so early?”

“So yesterday wasn’t a dream after all. Mommy, will you always be like you were yesterday from now on?” Xiao Bao clutched Xia Wanyuan’s shoulders tightly, as if needing to verify it was all real.

Witnessing the mix of anxiety and longing on Xiao Bao’s face, Xia Wanyuan’s heart melted. How deeply insecure must this little one feel to keep seeking reassurance of her affection?

“Of course. From now on, I’ll be just like yesterday. Mommy will pick you up today too, alright?”

“Okay, you promised. Pinky swear!”

With those words, Xiao Bao extended his small hand, and Xia Wanyuan hooked her little finger with his, sealing their pact.

Following breakfast, she had the driver take Xiao Bao to school. He parted from Xia Wanyuan with evident reluctance.

“Mommy will wait for you at home. Be good in school.” Xia Wanyuan smiled and planted a kiss on Xiao Bao’s cheek. Only then did he climb into the car, his face blushing shyly.

The nearby servants observed the tender exchange between Xia Wanyuan and the young master. Though their expressions remained neutral, inwardly they were stunned.

She had called Chen Yun earlier to discuss certain issues, but it wasn’t time yet, so Xia Wanyuan headed back inside, sent the servants away, and went out shopping alone. After all, modern life still fascinated her greatly.

The original owner hadn’t been much of a reader, yet the villa boasted a study. To avoid the bare shelves looking too stark, she had purchased numerous books to fill them.

Xia Wanyuan randomly selected a book and settled on the first-floor sofa. Propping her head on a cushion, she began to read.

The servants noticed that Xia Wanyuan hadn’t left the house; instead, she picked up a book to read. What was she planning? A sudden image change?

They figured she’d drop the act after a few pages. Yet, she remained on the sofa for two or three hours without stirring, having devoured over half the book.

Chen Yun had faced a scolding from Star Creations Entertainment’s top brass that morning, arriving at Xia Wanyuan’s with pent-up frustration. Upon entering, he spotted her reclining on the sofa by the French window, immersed in a book.

Clad in a simple plain dress, her hair loosely cascading, her flawless features bare of makeup yet radiating captivating allure. The scene exuded such peaceful elegance that no one would dare interrupt, leaving him unable to unleash his prepared tirade.

“Brother Chen.” Hearing footsteps at the entrance, Xia Wanyuan looked up. Her clear, limpid eyes met his, appraising Chen Yun, who instinctively averted his gaze and held his breath.

“Wanyuan.” One doesn’t hit a smiling face. He hadn’t anticipated her greeting him as Brother Chen right away, and his resolve to berate her softened instantly. “You’re aware of what happened, then?”

Gazing into those crystal-clear eyes, Chen Yun felt a twinge of guilt.

“I did try to fight for it on your behalf, but as you know, your female lead role came from the production team only because the company pressured them with your investment funds. Now that your family can’t provide any more, I’m powerless if they decide to recast you.”

In truth, the lead role had been secured precisely because Xia Wanyuan brought investment to the production. With the Xia family now bankrupt, the team wasn’t pleased with her as the female lead and seized the chance to renege. Still, a signed contract meant breaching it would cost them.

The company could leverage the contract to push back, but beyond her striking looks, the current Xia Wanyuan offered no leverage worth clashing with the production team over.

“If I remember correctly,” a chill edged Xia Wanyuan’s voice, “I signed a contract with the production team. They cannot just break it on a whim, right?”

Having pieced together her current predicament, Xia Wanyuan realized she’d likely get booted from the agency soon. To thrive, she needed to hustle. With the body’s owner being an actress, she’d handle those duties for the time being.

Chen Yun’s heart lurched.

“The contract stays the same. You’ve simply swapped roles with the original second female lead. Ruan Yingyu gets the female lead, and you take her part.” Chen Yun shied away from meeting Xia Wanyuan’s eyes, though reconsidering, why fear her anyway?

“Okay, I’m fine with that. When do I start?”

“That’s not…” Chen Yun, poised to clash with Xia Wanyuan, froze in shock. “You agreed?”

“Yes, I agree. Send me the script.”

After saying that, she settled back into her reading spot and glanced at Chen Yun. “Anything else?”

“I-It’s nothing. I’ll send it once I’m back.” The explosive showdown he’d braced for never materialized. Actually, the subtle pressure Xia Wanyuan unwittingly emitted left him gasping slightly. He rubbed his eyes without thinking. All clear! She was definitely Xia Wanyuan! Was he trapped in some illusionary realm?’

Noticing Xia Wanyuan had returned to her book with no more words forthcoming, Chen Yun smartly took his leave. As he exited, he eyed the book in her grasp—’Whistling Manor’—then the utterly immersed Xia Wanyuan.

Ha, this world was truly fantastical.

Even beyond the villa gates, Chen Yun remained baffled. Why had he departed so tamely, skipping any scolding? Still, it worked out since Xia Wanyuan was cooperating nicely.

She’d hung on in entertainment circles at first by funding her way into casts. But her terrible acting and constant arrogance meant scant fans and heaps of haters.

Now that the Xia family had gone bust, this series was bound to be her swan song, even without hitches. Chen Yun thanked his lucky stars for ditching this finicky starlet at last!

Villa folks were stunned to see the typically vanishing Xia Wanyuan actually lounging at home obediently that day. Lunch done, she napped; afternoon brought another book—the little master’s English one.

They’d wondered countless times if it was all a dream.

Dusk falling, Xia Wanyuan rose after skimming the full English book and headed to the kitchen.

Nanny Li sneaked a peek at the tome’s girth. Heavens! Miss Xia sure knew how to fake it. Who’d swallow that a brick-thick book vanished in an afternoon?

“Miss.”

With Xia Wanyuan—who’d shunned the kitchen forever—suddenly appearing, the staff grew jittery, fearing another outburst.

“Prepare some light dishes, plus a bowl of egg soup for Little Master.”

“Yes, Miss.”

…

At the kindergarten entrance meanwhile, Lin Jing’s dispatched chauffeur deadlocked with Xiao Bao.

“Little Master, Young Master ordered us to take you home for dinner tonight. Please board with us.”

Xiao Bao clutched the guardhouse door tight, lips pursed stubbornly. He refused to return. He yearned to stay with Mommy!

Desperate, the drivers tugged him loose. Yet the guard proved fiercely protective, planting himself before Xiao Bao and glaring like they were abductors.

Just then, Xia Wanyuan’s chauffeur rolled up. Spotting yesterday’s driver, Xiao Bao’s eyes sparkled. He jabbed at the window. “Look! UFO!”

All heads turned instinctively outward. Xiao Bao bolted through the opening, backpack swinging. “Tell Father I’m staying with Mommy!”

Xia Wanyuan’s chauffeur hadn’t even stepped inside when the dashing little master grabbed his sleeve and zipped into the car.

“Quick, let’s go!”

Clueless to the drama, the chauffeur pictured horrors befalling the little master—kidnappers galore! Spooked, he slammed the accelerator hard.

When Lin Jing’s driver finally charged out, exhaust clouds smacked his face.

“Mommy!”

Car barely stopped, Xiao Bao spied Xia Wanyuan awaiting him in the yard. He raced over beaming. Mommy hadn’t fibbed!

“Good boy. Go and wash your hands, we’ll have dinner soon.”

Holding hands, the pair entered the room chatting and laughing merrily. Thanks to yesterday's events, the servants no longer gawked in surprise at the sight.

Hands freshly washed, Xiao Bao settled obediently at the table, eagerly awaiting Xia Wanyuan to dish out some food for him. His eyes scanned the spread on the table. Oh no, carrots! Those were his most detested veggie!

Yet Mommy herself had served him that carrot! Brow creased just a bit, Xiao Bao swallowed nervously and chomped down on it resolutely. Whatever Mommy offered, he would gobble it up!

Watching Xiao Bao's adorable obedience, a soft smile lit up the corners of Xia Wanyuan’s eyes.

The joyful mother and son savored their meal without spotting the figure lurking at the doorway.

Nanny Li, however, had caught sight of the silhouette and was ready to step forward to welcome him.

It was at that moment Xia Wanyuan sensed something amiss and glanced toward the door.

Superior genes defined the Xia Dynasty’s imperial lineage, yet even Xia Wanyuan—surrounded by endless handsome royals—found the man before her strikingly gorgeous.

Some folks boast fine exteriors but lack any redeeming inner traits worth noting. Their outer beauty fails to impress beyond the surface.

The man at the threshold, clad in a impeccably tailored suit that hugged his frame perfectly, boasted a chiseled visage: sharp brows, lofty nose, profound gaze, and an air of supreme authority.

Even Xia Wanyuan, once the mighty empress of the Xia Dynasty, couldn't help but admire this formidable presence.

Memory told her this was Jun Shiling, the Jun family's current patriarch—the man she'd boldly drugged at age 18, then coerced into marriage with threats after her pregnancy.