The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 19: Pretty Baby

Maya Monroe’s performances these past few days have been stunning, almost like she’s got a cheat code. Unfortunately, she hasn’t noticed it herself and thinks the people who aren’t criticizing her acting on set are just afraid of her.

She’s able to do it in one take most of the time because she doesn’t want to waste time on something as dull as acting. What she loves most is meal time.

When the crew has lunch, Maya Monroe’s meals are the most sumptuous. Unlike other actresses who eat things like vegetable salads and chicken breast to maintain their figure, Maya’s meals are different, filled with all sorts of delicacies from sky to land.

The meat portion takes up the majority, with a pathetic amount of vegetables.

Maya sees Scott looking longingly at her from the side and remembers that he went through a lot of trouble to buy these meals for her.

She pats the spot next to her: "Sit down and have some."

Scott’s eyes widen in surprise: "Maya, m-Miss Monroe, if you need me to do something, just say it directly, but you... you..." Scott doesn’t finish his sentence, but there’s a look of fear in his eyes.

Maya is not someone who’s easy to deal with; if she’s acting like this, it’s surely because she’s going to make some trouble for him.

As the old saying goes, ’a weasel giving New Year greetings to a chicken’...

Though it doesn’t sound nice, Scott thinks it’s quite fitting.

Maya sees his nervous expression and chuckles: "I didn’t think you’d catch on so fast. Go get me... a fruit tea, the milk tea is too greasy."

Scott breathes a sigh of relief; it was just a fruit tea after all.

Before long, Scott comes back with a fruit tea: "Orange flavor, to cut the grease."

Maya nods and takes it with one hand, sipping it before frowning: "Didn’t you buy this from inside the film city? It’s expensive and not authentic. Next time, go to..."

Scott makes sure to remember this detail.

Looking at the lavish spread of food in front of Maya, Scott originally wanted to advise her not to order so much to avoid waste, but then he remembers that Maya always manages to finish it all and changes his approach: "Miss Monroe, I know people tend to binge eat when they’re anxious, but you can’t just indulge and let yourself go like this! Think about what happens if you gain weight. Many pretty faces have lost their charm because of weight gain! And if you stay slim, your husband will like you more."

He says the last sentence very quietly, considering Maya’s hidden marital status.

Scott glances at Maya and sees her pause, looking thoughtful.

Could it be she’s finally seeing the light?

However, Maya mutters, "What you said reminds me, I haven’t contacted my dear one in a while."

There’s a hint of amusement in her voice: "I can’t let him forget me..."

For some reason, Scott feels a chill down his spine.

Maya finds Ian Rowe in her contacts and sends him several messages.

Maya doesn’t actually expect a reply from Ian with his cold personality.

As long as she doesn’t get blocked, the messages will go through fine, and annoying Ian isn’t a problem!

Maya stands up and stretches, giving Scott a good-natured look: "Let’s stroll around a bit to digest."

Scott’s eyes travel from her slender jaw down to her hardly graspable waist accentuated by her belted dress.

Alright, he takes it back; all this eating hasn’t made Maya gain a pound.

It’s just not fair!

*

The Rowe Family’s Old Home:

Since the year before last, Granny Rowe’s legs haven’t been nimble. With age comes various ailments, so the family doctor is always present.

However, Granny Rowe, Yolanda Sawyer, maintains a good mindset and looks spirited.

"You’re right..."

Ian Rowe is talking to Yolanda Sawyer when he suddenly feels his phone in his pocket vibrate continuously, apparently with many messages for him.

Ian pauses but doesn’t check it: "Dr. Jiang will come over soon to check on you..."

He hesitates for a second as another message comes in.

Yolanda waves for Mrs. Chen to remove the cushion behind her, sitting up straight.

Ian quickly moves to support her.

Yolanda smiles: "Since there are messages, you might as well have a look. It won’t take long."

Ian nods, picks up his phone, and checks the messages.

[Pretty Baby: Honey, how have you been lately? Do you miss me～]

[Pretty Baby: I’m about to miss you to death～ (puppy eyes jpg)]

...

[Pretty Baby: Honey, why aren’t you responding? Are you so excited to see my message that you fainted?!]

Ian hasn’t set a nickname for Maya, so her messages show up with her internet name.

Ian can’t even remember what Maya’s previous names were anymore, but seeing this cheesy, clingy name makes his fingers stiffen.

Yolanda, knowing Ian’s usual calm and reserved nature, becomes instantly curious when she sees his fluctuating expression.

Yolanda casually glances at it and is utterly shocked.

"Who is this pretty little baby?"

Unknowingly, Yolanda adds a layer of meaning.

Yolanda frowns, knowing Maya and Ian’s marital relationship is not good; Ian surely wouldn’t give her such an affectionate nickname.

"It can’t be you’re..." Yolanda’s voice turns colder.

The Rowe family values their reputation, and things like affairs and keeping mistresses are strictly forbidden.

Ian has already put his phone away and, seeing her misunderstanding, explains: "Grandma... it’s Maya."

Erin Hayes, who has been with Yolanda, practically seeing Ian grow up, always thought Ian was aloof, not realizing he was quite the hidden character.

Yolanda is even happier: "Ah... didn’t think you had it in you, kid."

"No, it’s not..."

With an experienced tone: "Grandma gets it, it’s just a nickname you two have as a couple."

Seeing that explanation doesn’t work, Ian falls silent.

Yolanda isn’t satisfied: "Hey, why are you frozen? Your pretty little baby sent you a message, you better reply!"

"A peaceful and harmonious marriage is most important. Remember what I told you, while Maya may be a bit headstrong, she has no bad intentions and is beautiful. You were dismissive at first, but see, now you like her after all?"

As Yolanda speaks, Ian casually types: Mm.

He’s merely brushing it off; it completely misses Maya’s points.

Yolanda instantly reproaches him: "What, is your word gold? So cold to your wife?"

Yolanda snatches his phone, showing no sign of frailty.

"Let grandma teach you a trick!"