After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 153 Movie Queen
As the head of the company, Nancy had always placed high hopes on Sang Shuwan, and the success of this gala further solidified her belief in her judgment. To support Sang Shuwan's career, Nancy tailored a development plan for her and gave her the greatest possible allocation of resources. When Sang Shuwan encountered setbacks in her career, Nancy was always the first to offer encouragement and support, helping her analyze problems and find solutions.

Everyone offered their congratulations and praise to Sang Shuwan. Deeply moved, Sang Shuwan's eyes reddened slightly as she sincerely said, "Thank you all so much! Without your support and help, this perfect gala wouldn't have been possible. Sister Alice has been helping me coordinate everything, running around tirelessly; Yi designed such a beautiful costume for me, allowing me to stand confidently on stage; Farah provided tremendous support in resource allocation; and President Nan has always trusted me and given me opportunities. Thank you all, I love you all!"

Just then, a black luxury car slowly entered everyone's view and came to a smooth stop at the entrance of the venue. The car door opened slowly, and Jiang Cimu, dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, stepped out with a tall and straight posture. A gentle smile graced his face as he walked a few steps to Sang Shuwan's side, naturally reaching out to gently embrace her waist, placing a soft kiss on her cheek, and whispering, "My big star, you've worked hard, you look beautiful tonight." Sang Shuwan looked up at him, her eyes filled with happiness and sweetness, and returned his hand, introducing him to everyone, "This is my husband, Jiang Cimu." Everyone greeted Jiang Cimu, and he politely responded.

Jiang Cimu smiled and said to everyone, "Thank you all for your continued care and support for Shuwan. Her achievements today are inseparable from each and every one of you. It's too late today, so everyone should go home and rest early. Shuwan and I will thank you all properly another day." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, everyone said their goodbyes and left.

Jiang Cimu helped Sang Shuwan into the car, fastened her seatbelt, and then got into the driver's seat himself. The car slowly started and drove away from the party venue.

On the way home, the atmosphere inside the car was quiet and warm. Sang Shuwan, feeling both excited and tired, leaned against Jiang Cimu, drifting off to sleep. Jiang Cimu saw this in the rearview mirror, and a gentle smile crept onto his lips. He gently stopped the car, took a soft blanket from the back seat, and carefully covered Sang Shuwan with it, his movements soft so as not to wake her. Then he turned up the car's air conditioning a little to make her more comfortable.

The car continued to drive smoothly. Jiang Cimu focused on driving while occasionally glancing at Sang Shuwan, who was fast asleep beside him, his heart filled with happiness and contentment. He knew that Sang Shuwan had put in a lot of effort in her career, and all he could do was silently support her, shelter her from the storms of life, and let her feel the warmth of home no matter how tired she was.

Upon arriving home, Jiang Cimu gently woke Sang Shuwan, saying, "Baby, we're home." Sang Shuwan groggily opened her eyes, looking at Jiang Cimu's gentle face, a warm feeling welling up inside her. Jiang Cimu carefully helped her out of the car again, then put his arm around her waist and slowly led her into the house.

As soon as they entered the house, Jiang Cimu asked Sang Shuwan to sit on the sofa and brought her a glass of warm milk: "Drink some milk, it helps you sleep." Sang Shuwan took the milk, drank a few sips, and felt enveloped in warmth. Jiang Cimu then brought slippers, helped Sang Shuwan change out of her high heels, and gently massaged her feet to relieve her fatigue. His technique was skillful and gentle, carefully kneading every part from the soles of her feet to her ankles, gradually dispelling the day's weariness.

Afterwards, Jiang Cimu helped Sang Shuwan into the bedroom. He carefully made the bed for her, helped her lie down, tucked her in, and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead: "Sleep well, baby, tomorrow will be another beautiful day." Sang Shuwan smiled and nodded, peacefully drifting off to sleep surrounded by Jiang Cimu's love. Jiang Cimu didn't rest immediately; he quietly tidied the room, hanging up Sang Shuwan's clothes and arranging her shoes neatly. Looking at the sleeping Sang Shuwan, his eyes were filled with love and protectiveness, and he silently vowed to always be with her, through every stage of her life.

Sang Jiyue was alone in the dimly lit room, the air around her seemingly frozen, oppressive and suffocating. She stared intently at the television screen, which was showing an interview with Sang Shuwan after the celebration party. Sang Shuwan's confident and radiant smile was like a sharp knife, piercing straight into her heart.

"Why! Why is she stealing the spotlight again!" Sang Jiyue suddenly roared, stood up abruptly, and with a swing of her arm, the cup on the table was swept to the ground with a "clatter" and shattered into countless pieces. The crisp sound of shattering was particularly jarring in the quiet room.

She gasped for breath, her chest heaving, her eyes burning with anger and resentment. Recalling the scene tonight of Sang Shuwan standing on stage, surrounded by crowds and showered with praise, she felt her blood run cold. "I worked so hard, why did she steal all the spotlight?" she murmured through gritted teeth, each word seemingly squeezed out from between them.

Anger surged like a tidal wave, assaulting her reason wave after wave. She paced back and forth in the room, tearing at her hair with her hands, occasionally letting out angry mutters. Suddenly, as if all her strength had been exhausted, she collapsed onto the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks and onto the sofa.

After an unknown amount of time, Sang Jiyue gradually calmed down. She took a deep breath, sat up, and wiped away her tears haphazardly with her hand. "I can't let her defeat me like this, I can't lose," she whispered to herself, a stubbornness and determination rekindling in her eyes.

However, the moment she closed her eyes, Sang Shuwan's smug smile would appear before her, and the anger she had just managed to suppress would begin to burn fiercely again in her heart. She clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks. "Sang Shuwan, you just wait, I will definitely get my revenge," she vowed silently in her heart, her tone so cold it seemed to freeze over.

She got up and walked to the window, forcefully pulling back the curtains. The cold moonlight shone on her face, illuminating her expression filled with resentment and bitterness. The outside world remained bustling and lively, with cars and people immersed in their own lives; no one cared about the pain and struggle in her heart. Sang Jiyue gazed out the window, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that the contest between her and Sang Shuwan was far from over.

President Qi picked up a tissue from the coffee table and handed it to Sang Jiyue. After she calmed down a bit, he slowly said, "Jiyue, you have to understand that the entertainment industry is a place where things can change rapidly. One moment of glory doesn't mean forever. Sang Shuwan's success this time is due to the combined effect of her team, opportunities, and many other factors. It's not that you're not good enough. You have unique talent and charm; you just haven't found a stage that's perfectly suited to showcase them yet."

Sang Jiyue shook her head with a wry smile: "President Qi, please don't try to comfort me. I feel like I'm stuck in a quagmire, and no matter how hard I struggle, it's no use. Every time I just start to make a little progress, Sang Shuwan makes another big move, overshadowing all my efforts."

President Qi looked at her with unwavering eyes: "This isn't a quagmire, it's a test of growth. Think about it, when you first entered the industry, resources were scarce and exposure was low, but you persevered step by step. Now you want to give up just because you've encountered a little setback? We can analyze the reasons for Sang Shuwan's success and use this as an opportunity to improve ourselves. For example, at this gala, her costume and stage performance received high praise, so we can start from this aspect, find a better styling team, and strengthen her stage performance training."

Sang Jiyue frowned, somewhat doubtful: "Is it really that simple? But I always feel like she has some kind of mysterious help, otherwise how could she always be so successful?"

Mr. Qi patiently explained, “Assistance may be helpful, but the most crucial factors are your own abilities and your ability to seize opportunities. Next, I will help you secure better resources and arrange professional training to improve your acting skills and image management. All you need to do is adjust your mindset and focus on honing your craft. As long as you have the ability, opportunities will always come. Don’t forget, the niche art film you starred in before showcased your profound acting skills. If you persevere, you will definitely shine.”

As Sang Jiyue listened, a glimmer of light gradually appeared in her eyes: "President Qi, you're right, I can't just give up like this. But I'm still worried, what if we fail again?"

President Qi patted her on the shoulder to encourage her: "Failure is not terrible, what is terrible is losing your fighting spirit. Every failure is an opportunity to accumulate experience. As long as you learn from your mistakes, you can do better next time. I believe you have the ability and I will always support you."

Sang Jiyue's eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion as she poured out her heart: "President Qi, I've really given it my all! To gain a foothold in the entertainment industry, I only sleep a few hours a day, constantly studying scripts, attending various training sessions, and seizing every opportunity to improve myself. But no matter how hard I try, I can never catch up with Sang Shuwan. I'm so unwilling to accept this!"

She paused, her hands clenching into fists, her knuckles turning white from the force: "In terms of ability, I'm sure I'm no worse than her. I prepare thoroughly for every audition, meticulously refining every detail of my performance. But what's the result? Good roles and quality resources always slip through my fingers, while she gets them so easily. Why am I always the one with bad luck?"

Mentioning Yi Shuqi, Sang Jiyue's eyes instantly filled with resentment: "And that Yi Shuqi, how could she design such stunning costumes for Sang Shuwan, making her shine on stage? I've approached quite a few designers, but none of them could produce anything like that. What did she give Yi Shuqi to make her so wholeheartedly help her? I really hate Yi Shuqi. If it weren't for her, Sang Shuwan wouldn't have been so outstanding at this gala!" As she spoke, tears uncontrollably rolled down her cheeks again, her face full of grievance and resentment.

In that dimly lit room, the air seemed to freeze, filled with an atmosphere of oppression and resentment. Sang Jiyue slumped on the sofa, her eyes blankly staring ahead, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks, soaking her skirt. On the floor lay shattered glasses, the shards gleaming coldly in the dim light, mirroring her broken and desperate heart.

President Qi sighed softly, slowly walked over and sat down next to Sang Jiyue, his eyes filled with concern and worry. "Jiyue, I understand how much pain you're in, but wallowing in pain and anger won't solve anything." President Qi's voice was low and gentle, echoing in the quiet room.

Sang Jiyue suddenly raised her head, her eyes bloodshot, her voice trembling with sobs, and she shouted emotionally, "President Qi, do you know how hard I've worked? I only sleep three or four hours a day, constantly reading scripts, practicing lines, and attending all kinds of acting training, but why am I still not as good as Sang Shuwan? Where did I go wrong?" Her shoulders trembled violently, and her hands gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, as if she could grasp that unattainable success.

President Qi listened quietly, and only after Sang Jiyue calmed down a bit did he slowly speak: "Jiyue, you work very hard, and everyone can see that. But in the complex environment of the entertainment industry, hard work is not the only deciding factor. Connections, opportunities, and image building are all crucial."

Upon hearing the word "connections," a hint of doubt and resentment flashed in Sang Jiyue's eyes. "Connections? I have my own network of connections, so why can't they help me when it matters?" Sang Jiyue frowned, her tone full of confusion.

President Qi patiently explained, “Networking isn’t just about having a lot of people you know; more importantly, it’s about what kind of help these people can provide. Sang Shuwan has the support of top fashion designers like Yi Shuqi, which is why her outfits at the gala were so stunning and attracted the attention of the media and the audience. As for you, although you know some designers, they haven’t been able to bring you such outstanding designs. That’s the difference in the quality of your network.”

Sang Jiyue bit her lip, lost in thought. She recalled the designers she had previously consulted; although she had paid them a considerable sum, the designs were always mediocre, failing to make her stand out among the many celebrities. She began to realize that her so-called network of connections was indeed rather weak when truly needed.

"Also, your grasp of your own image and style isn't precise enough," President Qi continued. "Have you ever thought about why the media is always so keen to report on Sang Shuwan? Besides her work, her image and style are also very much in line with the current media and public preferences. She knows how to showcase her charm and how to appear confident and poised in front of the camera. That's something you need to learn."

Images of Sang Shuwan in various situations flashed through Sang Jiyue's mind. She was always so confident, easily becoming the center of attention whether giving interviews or participating in events. As for herself, she always felt nervous in front of the media's cameras, unsure of how to express herself, and sometimes even giving the media ammunition for saying the wrong thing.

"But Mr. Qi, what can I do to change all this? I'm really lost." Sang Jiyue raised her head, her eyes filled with helplessness and confusion, looking at Mr. Qi as if searching for a glimmer of light in the darkness.

President Qi patted Sang Jiyue on the shoulder and encouraged her, "First, you need to re-evaluate your network and actively get to know people who can truly help your career. For example, you can attend some high-end fashion parties and industry seminars. In these occasions, you will have the opportunity to meet top designers, directors, producers, and so on. But remember, getting to know people is only the first step. More importantly, you need to build genuine cooperative relationships and make them recognize your talent and potential."

"Secondly, regarding image building and style positioning, we need to find a professional team to help you. They will create a unique image and style for you based on your characteristics and strengths, making you stand out in front of the media and audiences. At the same time, you also need to learn some media handling skills, how to answer questions, and how to showcase your charm. These all require constant practice." Sang Jiyue listened attentively to President Qi's words, and a glimmer of hope gradually ignited in her heart. She realized that she had previously attributed her failures to luck and Sang Shuwan's "mysterious help," but had ignored her own problems. It turned out that she still had so many areas that needed improvement and enhancement.

"President Qi, I understand. I will try my best to change myself, stop complaining, and stop running away." Sang Jiyue's eyes became firm, and she clenched her fists as if she were making a vow to herself.

President Qi smiled with satisfaction: "Very good, Jiyue. As long as you are determined, I believe you can succeed. Next, let's get started. I will help you connect with some industry contacts and arrange a professional image team to serve you. You also need to prepare yourself and continuously improve your acting skills and overall qualities."

From that day on, Sang Jiyue began her journey of transformation. She actively participated in various social activities and worked hard to expand her network. At a fashion party, she met a famous fashion designer. The designer was moved by Sang Jiyue's sincerity and hard work and agreed to design clothes for her.

In terms of image management, Sang Jiyue followed the advice of her professional team, changing her hairstyle and makeup, and choosing a clothing style that better suited her. She began learning media interaction skills, and through continuous practice, she became increasingly confident when facing the media, and her answers to questions became more and more appropriate.

At the same time, Sang Jiyue did not forget to improve her acting skills. She turned down some unnecessary activities and devoted herself to studying the script and practicing her performance. She spent a lot of time every day analyzing the characters in the script, pondering the characters' psychology and emotions, and constantly refining the details of her performance.

After a period of hard work, Sang Jiyue finally got an important opportunity. A big-budget film was casting for the female lead, and Sang Jiyue, with her outstanding acting skills and fresh image, successfully won the audition. At the audition, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her performance, perfectly showcasing the character's emotions and inner world.

After the audition, Sang Jiyue anxiously awaited the results. She knew this was a crucial opportunity for her to prove herself; if she succeeded, she would completely change her status in the entertainment industry; if she failed, she might be plunged into another long period of waiting and struggle.

Finally, the good news arrived: Sang Jiyue had successfully landed the lead role in the film. When she received the news, tears welled up in her eyes. She had waited so long for this moment; she had poured so much effort and sweat into it.

During filming, Sang Jiyue fully immersed herself in the role. She collaborated closely with the director and other actors, constantly refining her performance. After its release, the film achieved great success, and Sang Jiyue's acting skills received unanimous recognition from audiences and the media. She finally stood on her own stage, becoming a dazzling star in the entertainment industry.

Looking back on her journey, Sang Jiyue was filled with emotion. She thanked President Qi for his help and support, and even more so for the version of herself who persevered through the darkness and strived to change herself. She knows that there will be many challenges and difficulties on the road of life, but as long as she has determination and courage, she will surely be able to overcome everything and realize her dreams.

During the filming of that life-changing movie, Sang Jiyue was like a blazing flame, radiating intense light and unwavering conviction. Every day before dawn, she would rise, quickly wash up, and begin studying the day's script, writing dense annotations next to every detail, deeply analyzing the character's inner world. Upon arriving on set, she was always the first to arrive, seizing every opportunity to exchange ideas with the director and work with the other actors to build rapport.

During the filming of a chase scene in an old, abandoned factory, the environment was harsh, with dust and debris covering the ground and a pungent odor filling the air. Sang Jiyue, dressed in thin, tattered costume, ran, fell, and struggled repeatedly under dim lighting, striving for realism in every movement. To achieve the best effect, she volunteered to increase the difficulty of the filming, personally performing challenging stunts. Even with multiple scrapes and abrasions on her arms and knees, she simply treated them briefly before continuing filming. The unwavering determination in her eyes moved the entire crew, and the director exclaimed, "Sang Jiyue, you are the soul of this character!"

After filming wrapped, Sang Jiyue didn't slack off at all, throwing herself wholeheartedly into the promotional work. She traveled with the crew to various cities, meticulously preparing for each press conference, researching potential questions from the media and audience to ensure her answers were sincere and insightful. At a packed fan meet-and-greet, facing enthusiastic fans, she shared the bittersweet experiences of filming, from her initial confusion and struggle with the role to gradually finding its core and soul. Each story touched everyone present, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with applause and cheers.

Finally, the day of the awards ceremony arrived. On this day, Sang Jiyue wore a custom-made royal blue gown. The fitted cut perfectly accentuated her figure, and the countless tiny diamonds adorning the skirt sparkled brilliantly with every step she took, like stars in the night sky. Her hair was elegantly styled in an updo, with a few strands falling beside her fair neck, adding to her allure. Her makeup was exquisite; her fiery red lips complemented her deep eyes perfectly, radiating confidence and mature charm.

As she stepped onto the red carpet, a flurry of camera shutters erupted around her, flashes bursting like fireworks. Smiling, her steps were light and confident, pausing to wave to fans and chatting amiably with other celebrities beside her. At that moment, she was no longer the dim shadow overshadowed by Sang Shuwan's brilliance, but the center of attention.

Meanwhile, in the audience at the awards ceremony, Sang Shuwan sat quietly. During this time, she had been completely immersed in filming another film, working day and night, and had almost no time to pay attention to outside news. Now, watching Sang Jiyue walk down the red carpet, a hint of relief and emotion flickered in her eyes. Although the two had once been rivals, in the entertainment industry, a stage full of challenges and opportunities, they had both strived forward on their respective paths, achieving mutual success.

The awards ceremony officially began, and the atmosphere was tense yet enthusiastic. With each award announced, Sang Jiyue's heart pounded faster and faster. Her hands clasped tightly together, trembling slightly, her eyes revealing nervousness and anticipation. When the host announced the "Best Actress nominees," Sang Jiyue's name echoed throughout the hall. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

On the big screen, clips of the nominees' performances from the film were played one by one. As Sang Jiyue watched her own performance in the movie, all the sweat and tears, laughter and pain she had experienced flooded her mind. She remembered soaking in water for hours in the dead of winter during filming, just to make a scene more realistic; she remembered practicing hundreds of times for a subtle expression until late at night; she remembered secretly crying because of the pressure, only to pick herself up again the next morning.

Finally, the host slowly opened the envelope, and the entire hall fell silent, everyone holding their breath. "The winner of this year's Best Actress award is—Sang Jiyue!" The host's voice echoed through the hall. Sang Jiyue felt as if she were in a dream, momentarily dazed. It wasn't until those around her rose to congratulate her that she came to her senses, her eyes glistening with tears of emotion. She slowly rose and walked onto the stage amidst enthusiastic applause and cheers.

She accepted the trophy, her hand trembling slightly. Looking at the trophy symbolizing the highest honor, tears welled up in her eyes. "I've waited so long for this moment. I want to thank my director; it is your trust and guidance that gave me the opportunity to portray this character. Thank you to my team; for fighting alongside me day and night, giving me support and encouragement. Thank you to my family and friends; no matter what difficulties I encounter, you are always by my side." Sang Jiyue's voice was slightly choked, yet firm and strong. "I also want to thank my competitors; it is your existence that constantly motivates me to become better." Her gaze fell on Sang Shuwan in the audience. Their eyes met, and Sang Shuwan smiled and nodded in greeting. At this moment, all the past experiences transformed into mutual respect and blessings.

After stepping off the stage, Sang Jiyue was surrounded by media and staff. Reporters bombarded her with questions: "Sang Jiyue, what are your thoughts on winning Best Actress?" "What does this film mean to you?" She answered patiently one by one, her face beaming with happiness. She knew that this award was not only recognition of her acting skills, but also the best reward for her years of hard work and perseverance.

After the awards ceremony, Sang Jiyue went to the beach alone. The sea breeze gently caressed her hair, and the waves lapped against the sand with a pleasant sound. Gazing at the boundless sea, she was filled with emotion. She had once struggled and been lost in darkness, constantly haunted by jealousy and resentment. But now, through her own efforts, she had broken free of her cocoon and stood at the pinnacle of her dreams.

She recalled the countless nights she spent memorizing lines, the silent tears she shed after each failed audition, and the resilience she displayed despite setbacks. Those past pains and frustrations became the foundation of her current success. She understands that no one succeeds easily in life; behind every glory lies untold effort and perseverance.

In the distance, the city lights twinkled—the entertainment industry, a place brimming with opportunities and challenges, and where her dreams began. Sang Jiyue took a deep breath and turned to walk towards the city. She knew this was just a new beginning; a long road lay ahead, and many more dreams awaited her. And this time, she would carry confidence and courage, continuing to shine brightly on her acting journey.

Holding the heavy, gleaming Best Actress award, Sang Jiyue followed behind her agent, President Qi, her high heels clicking crisply on the floor as she slowly stepped into the company. The sight before her made her pause slightly. The company seemed to be completely ignited by joy and celebration. Colorful balloons hung from the ceiling, like a dreamlike ocean; vibrant ribbons draped freely around the walls and desks, transforming the space into a grand festive celebration. Employees gathered from all corners, their faces beaming with sincere and enthusiastic smiles. A wave of congratulations instantly overwhelmed her, creating a warm yet somewhat suffocating soundscape.

"Jiyue, congratulations! You truly deserve the Best Actress award!" "You're amazing! Please take good care of us in the future!" A tidal wave of praise swept over them. Sang Jiyue's lips curved into a perfectly measured smile, responding politely and gently to everyone. However, a fleeting hint of melancholy flashed in her eyes, a light as brief as a shooting star across the night sky, carrying an indescribable sadness. Only she knew the hardships and bitterness she had endured along the way, and the shadow that clung to her, deeply rooted in her heart, would not easily dissipate because of this trophy symbolizing unparalleled glory.

Recalling the celebration banquet after the awards ceremony, it was a night filled with flashing lights and cheers. In the banquet hall, crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, illuminating the excited faces of the attendees. Sang Jiyue, dressed in a magnificent gown, moved gracefully among the crowd, her every movement and expression perfectly controlled, exuding the aura of a film queen. However, out of the corner of her eye, she seemed to be drawn by an invisible thread, unconsciously observing Sang Shuwan's every move.

Sang Shuwan remained as elegant and composed as ever, her simple black dress accentuating her tall figure and unique气质 (qi zhi - a combination of temperament, bearing, and presence). Standing among the crowd, she spoke softly to those around her, a faint smile on her face, a smile imbued with the serene composure that comes with the passage of time. When their eyes met by chance, Sang Shuwan merely nodded slightly, her calm gaze devoid of jealousy or resentment, as if Sang Jiyue's success was nothing more than a commonplace occurrence to her. At that moment, a complex mix of emotions welled up within Sang Jiyue—anger, confusion, and disappointment all intertwined. She had thought that once she achieved fame and fortune, standing on the podium receiving the spotlight, she would be able to completely escape the oppressive feeling emanating from Sang Shuwan, but that was not the case. That nagging feeling still clung tightly to her, preventing her from truly relaxing even in this moment of celebration.

"Jiyue, what are you thinking about? Such a happy day, we should celebrate properly!" President Qi's voice pulled Sang Jiyue back from her reverie. She came to her senses and smiled, saying, "It's nothing, President Qi, I'm just a little emotional. I didn't expect to actually win this award." President Qi patted her shoulder and said with satisfaction, "You've put in so much effort, this award is well-deserved. This is just the beginning; there will be many more opportunities and bigger stages waiting for you in the future." Sang Jiyue nodded, but in her heart, she thought that even standing on the biggest stage, if she couldn't truly overcome her inner obsession with Sang Shuwan, then this glory would always carry a slight regret.

During the company's celebration, colleagues took photos with Sang Jiyue, asked her how she felt about winning the award, and shared her joy. Sang Jiyue cooperated with everyone, smiling broadly, but a voice kept echoing in her heart. She thought of her countless days and nights of hard work, the all-nighters spent memorizing lines, the repeated practice of expressions and movements to portray a character, and the wind, sun, and injuries she endured on set. Every effort was filled with her love and dedication to acting, and her desire for success. However, when success finally arrived, she found that the inner emptiness she once thought success could fill still remained.

She couldn't help but recall her early days in the entertainment industry, when she was full of hope and only wanted to make a name for herself through her own abilities. But Sang Shuwan's existence was like an insurmountable mountain, standing in her way. Every success Sang Shuwan achieved, every glamorous appearance in the public eye, was like a sharp knife, piercing Sang Jiyue's heart. She worked desperately hard, wanting to catch up with Sang Shuwan, even surpass her; this obsession sustained her through countless difficult days. But now, when she had truly reached the same level as Sang Shuwan, and even seemed to have surpassed her, her heart still wasn't truly satisfied.

After the company's celebration ended, Sang Jiyue returned to her lounge. She gently placed the trophy on the table, sat on the sofa, and stared blankly ahead. The room was eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the lively scene just moments before. Sang Shuwan's calm gaze and expressionless face kept replaying in her mind, as if telling her that all this competition had perhaps never existed for Sang Shuwan. Sang Jiyue suddenly felt a deep weariness. She realized that she had been living in comparison with Sang Shuwan all along, neglecting what she truly wanted.

She began to reflect on her acting career. How much of the roles she took to beat Sang Shuwan, how much of the effort she put in to attract attention, truly stemmed from a love of acting, and how much from jealousy and resentment? She recalled her performance on a niche stage, where she hadn't focused on box office numbers or whether she could surpass anyone; she had simply immersed herself in the role, enjoying the joy of performing. That pure passion seemed to have been gradually forgotten in the competition with Sang Shuwan.

Sang Jiyue sighed, stood up, and walked to the window. Outside, the city lights flickered, cars and people bustled, a scene of prosperity. She knew her acting career would continue, and countless challenges and opportunities awaited her in the future. But at this moment, she decided to let go of her obsession with Sang Shuwan and truly find her own path in acting. She no longer thought about whether she could completely defeat Sang Shuwan, but rather about overcoming the self blinded by jealousy and resentment.

She turned, picked up the trophy on the table, and gently stroked it, a relieved smile appearing on her lips. This trophy was no longer a trophy won in her competition with Sang Shuwan, but a milestone in her life, reminding her of her past efforts and inspiring her to move towards a purer future. When she stepped out of the dressing room again, venturing into the unknown world of entertainment, her steps became more determined, and her eyes clearer, because she finally understood that true glory lies in inner satisfaction and growth.

Night fell like a vast black silk ribbon, gently covering the entire city, except for the villa of Sang Shuwan and Jiang Cimu, where a warm light still shone. Sang Shuwan finished a long and tiring day of filming and dragged her slightly weary body home. She gently turned on the entryway light, the warm yellow light instantly dispelling the darkness. She opened the shoe cabinet, changed into soft slippers, and then went straight to the living room, sinking lazily into the sofa as if all her energy had been drained. With a flick of her finger, the television screen instantly lit up, and familiar lights and sounds filled the space.