After I died, they cried in the live studio

Back home, Sang Jiyue collapsed wearily onto the sofa. The glory and honor of the awards ceremony seemed still vivid in her mind, but Sang Shuwan's lonely yet stubborn gaze lingered in her thoughts. She couldn't help but recall the fierce competition between the two of them over the years, from vying for the same role at their debut to their rivalry at various events and awards later on; every scene played out before her eyes like a movie.

"Are we destined to remain this antagonistic forever?" Sang Jiyue murmured softly, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her heart for the first time regarding their relationship. She recalled a time during a variety show recording when they were unexpectedly paired together to complete a task. Amidst the challenging tasks, they had briefly shared a tacit understanding and cooperated. At that moment, she seemed to glimpse a side of Sang Shuwan that was previously unknown—a hardworking, resilient Sang Shuwan, who, like herself, was passionate about acting.

Meanwhile, back in her apartment, Sang Shuwan threw herself onto the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. Sang Jiyue's dazzling success at the awards ceremony contrasted sharply with her own lackluster performance, filling her with a sense of defeat. But at the same time, Sang Jiyue's icy gaze completely ignited her fighting spirit.

"I won't give up so easily," Sang Shuwan said through gritted teeth, a determined glint in her eyes. She resolved that from this moment on, she would work even harder to improve herself, and next time, she would prove herself to Sang Jiyue.

A few days later, Sang Jiyue received a call from an internationally renowned director, inviting her to star in a major international co-production. The film had a huge budget and a stellar production team; her participation was sure to create a sensation on the international film scene. Sang Jiyue accepted without hesitation, knowing this was a golden opportunity to reach even greater heights.

Sang Shuwan also learned of this news by chance, feeling both envious and jealous. She began to inquire about the casting of the film, hoping to find a chance to participate. After much effort, she finally secured an audition for a small supporting role. Although it was a small role, Sang Shuwan cherished it immensely. She prepared meticulously, practicing day and night, determined to stand out in the audition.

On the day of the audition, Sang Shuwan arrived at the venue early. She wore a simple and neat outfit, with delicate light makeup, and looked radiant. The moment she entered the audition room, she saw Sang Jiyue sitting on the judges' panel. Sang Jiyue was as dazzling as ever, her eyes radiating confidence and composure.

Their eyes met again, and a tense atmosphere filled the air. Sang Shuwan took a deep breath and silently encouraged herself: "This time, I won't lose to you."

On the day of the audition, Sang Shuwan arrived at the venue early. She wore a simple and neat outfit, with delicate light makeup, and looked radiant. The moment she entered the audition room, she saw Sang Jiyue sitting on the judges' panel. Sang Jiyue was as dazzling as ever, her eyes radiating confidence and composure.

Their eyes met again, and a tense atmosphere filled the air. Sang Shuwan took a deep breath and silently encouraged herself: "This time, I won't lose to you."

Sang Shuwan stood still and began her performance. She immersed herself completely, vividly portraying the character's emotions and personality traits. Her delivery of lines was melodious and rhythmic; every glance and every movement was perfectly timed and captivating. The judges were drawn in by her performance, nodding frequently. Sang Jiyue, who had initially been scrutinizing her, gradually became moved by Sang Shuwan's brilliant acting and unconsciously focused intently on her performance.

The performance ended, and the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause. The judges exchanged pleasantries, praising Sang Shuwan's performance highly, noting her profound understanding of the character, nuanced acting, and unforgettable impression. Although Sang Jiyue still harbored a slight resentment at the competition, she had to admit that Sang Shuwan's performance was impeccable.

After the audition, Sang Shuwan politely bowed to the judges to express her gratitude and turned to leave the audition room. As she passed by Sang Jiyue, she paused slightly and said softly, "I hope to have the opportunity to work with you." Sang Jiyue was slightly taken aback, then smiled sincerely and replied, "You did a great job today. I look forward to seeing you on set."

A few days later, Sang Shuwan successfully landed the supporting role. Upon hearing the news, her eyes welled up with tears. She knew this was just the beginning, the first step in her resurgence. To better portray the character, she once again went into "workaholic" mode, not only repeatedly studying the script but also actively communicating with the director and other actors to understand the character's role and significance in the overall story.

As filming progressed, Sang Shuwan's performance became increasingly outstanding. She performed each scene exceptionally well, often nailing it in one take, and even offered unique insights based on the situation on set, helping the director refine the plot. Her professionalism and superb acting skills earned the recognition and respect of the entire crew. What was initially an insignificant supporting role gradually became a highlight of the film thanks to her performance.

Sang Jiyue, who plays the lead role in the film, dared not slack off in the slightest. After each day's filming, she would review the day's footage with the director, summarize the lessons learned, and prepare for the next day's filming. On set, although she and Sang Shuwan didn't interact much, every time they made eye contact, she could see their love and focus on acting in each other's eyes.

After filming wrapped, the movie entered post-production. At a preparatory meeting for a film promotion event, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan met again. This time, the atmosphere was no longer tense, but rather more peaceful and respectful. They discussed the film's promotional strategy, shared their understanding of their characters and interesting anecdotes from the filming process, and laughter echoed in the meeting room.

When discussing how to promote the film on social media, Sang Jiyue suggested, "Sang Shuwan's performance in the film is truly outstanding. We can highlight her character's strengths to attract more viewers." Sang Shuwan looked at Sang Jiyue with some surprise, her eyes full of politeness, and said, "Thank you for your recognition. I've learned a lot from working with you on this film."

As the film's release date approached, the two participated in numerous promotional events together. At these events, they displayed remarkable chemistry, coordinating their responses to media questions and creating a positive promotional atmosphere for the film. Audiences, noticing the changes in their relationship, were full of praise.

Sang Shuwan is a household name in the entertainment industry, a true top-tier star. Her acting skills are superb; she portrays complex and multifaceted characters as well as delicate and subtle emotions with unparalleled depth and flawlessness. Her unique charisma shines through effortlessly, captivating all who behold her. Over the years, awards have poured in like they're being sold wholesale, and endorsements have poured in like snowflakes, countless in number. Every time she attends an event, the crowds are deafening, the screams of fans are deafening, and brands line up eagerly, stretching out their hands to offer contracts.

But Sang Jiyue, also struggling in the entertainment industry, faced a completely different situation. She was Sang Shuwan's half-sister, and an adopted daughter. Over the years, she had mostly played minor supporting roles, flashing across the screen with few lines and minimal screen time; nobody really took her seriously. Every time she saw Sang Shuwan shining brightly on stage, basking in the adulation and praise of the crowd, Sang Jiyue felt as if countless ants were gnawing at her heart. The flames of jealousy burned fiercely, impossible to extinguish, filling her heart and eyes with resentment.

The moment the news broke that the internationally renowned fashion brand "Eclat" was planning to select a spokesperson for its China region, the entire entertainment industry erupted in excitement. In everyone's eyes, this endorsement was practically tailor-made for Sang Shuwan; her image, popularity, and reputation perfectly aligned with the brand, making securing the endorsement a foregone conclusion. However, upon hearing the news, Sang Jiyue felt a deep resentment. Jealousy grew like wildfire, and one sentence echoed repeatedly in her mind: "Why is it always her? Why does she always get all the good things? This time, I absolutely cannot let her take it so easily again; I must snatch this endorsement!"

To find out the brand's preferences, Sang Jiyue gritted her teeth, took out her meager savings, and pulled strings everywhere, eventually bribing an employee within Eclat with a large sum of money. Finally, she obtained crucial information: the brand highly valued the spokesperson's understanding and ability to present the fusion of diverse cultures, ideally with unique and innovative fashion insights that could bring fresh vitality and perspective to the brand.

Sang Jiyue didn't dare delay for a moment. She immediately took out all her savings and inquired everywhere, asking around and asking for introductions. Finally, she managed to contact Alex, a renowned figure in the fashion industry. This Alex was a legend in the industry, having created stunning looks for countless A-list celebrities. He had a unique eye and exquisite techniques. Upon meeting Alex, Sang Jiyue's eyes reddened, and she tearfully recounted her difficult situation in the entertainment industry, pouring out all the grievances and disdain she had suffered over the years. She earnestly pleaded with him to design a look that could showcase the fusion of diverse cultures. Alex hesitated at first, after all, he usually worked with big-name celebrities and wasn't familiar with an unknown actress like Sang Jiyue. But Sang Jiyue pleaded earnestly, expressing her determination and promising a high fee. Alex was finally moved by her "sincerity," sighed, and agreed to help.

Next, Sang Jiyue immediately signed up for various fashion seminars. These seminars often lasted all day, with dry and technical content, and many people started to doze off. But Sang Jiyue was different. Her eyes were wide open, afraid of missing any key information. Her pen kept moving as she took notes in her notebook, and even when her eyelids were drooping with sleep, she forced herself to stay awake and persevered. She knew that this knowledge was a stepping stone to her success, and every bit of accumulation could become an advantage in her competition for endorsements.

To create a high-quality short video that reflected her fashion philosophy, Sang Jiyue faced a dilemma. She had very little money, but the filming team, equipment rental, and post-production all required funds. However, thinking of the endorsement deal and the expression on Sang Shuwan's face after she defeated her, she gritted her teeth and borrowed money from friends, even taking out several online loans. Once she had enough, she meticulously assembled a professional filming team, personally participating in the planning and preparation of every aspect. During the filming days, Sang Jiyue was like a wound-up machine, never stopping. She personally controlled every shot, demanding extremely high standards for lighting, angles, and composition, demanding reshoots for even the slightest dissatisfaction. She also meticulously guided the actors' expressions and movements, taking takes again and again until she achieved the desired effect. Back home at night, while everyone else rested, she was still sitting in front of the computer, eyes glued to the screen, editing frame by frame, her eyes bloodshot and her whole body thinner, finally producing a satisfactory video. She anonymously sent the video to the brand and then entered a long wait, spending each day in anxiety, constantly checking her phone and refreshing her email, afraid of missing any messages.

Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue knew that her own efforts alone weren't enough; she also needed to find a way to suppress Sang Shuwan. After much thought, she contacted Wang Ge, a paparazzi who followed celebrities. Wang Ge was known in the industry for his extensive connections and had a lot of dirt on celebrities. Sang Jiyue arranged to meet Wang Ge at a secluded coffee shop. As soon as she saw him, she greeted him with a beaming smile, took out a thick red envelope from her bag, and quietly slipped it into his hand, saying in a low voice, "Brother Wang, you've been in the industry for so many years, you have a wide network and excellent information. This time, you have to do me a big favor. Spread some false rumors about Sang Shuwan being arrogant and picky about brands. I've prepared all the materials for you. There will be a generous reward after it's done." Wang Ge took the red envelope, weighed it in his hand, and hesitated for a moment. Seeing this, Sang Jiyue quickly added, "Brother Wang, don't worry, this matter will definitely not involve you. I've arranged everything. As long as we can ruin Sang Shuwan's reputation and prevent her from getting this endorsement, we can discuss any conditions you want." Brother Wang was silent for a while, but finally nodded and stuffed the red envelope into his pocket.

Soon, these false rumors spread rapidly online like a virus. Brother Wang embellished the materials provided by Sang Jiyue and sold them to several well-known marketing accounts. These accounts, driven by the desire for traffic, disregarded the veracity of the information and immediately began spreading it widely, accompanied by sensational headlines such as "Sang Shuwan's True Colors Exposed: Arrogant and Disrespectful to Brands" and "Top Star Sang Shuwan Acts Like a Diva, Endorsement May Fall Through." Most netizens, unaware of the truth, flooded the comments section with accusations, and public opinion quickly turned against Sang Shuwan.

Finally, after a long and agonizing wait, the Eclat brand announced that Sang Jiyue was their brand ambassador for China. At that moment, Sang Jiyue was eating cheap takeout in her cramped, dimly lit rented room when her phone suddenly received a notification. She casually picked up her phone, glanced at the screen, and froze instantly, her eyes widening in disbelief. A few seconds later, she burst into hysterical laughter, a shrill and maniacal laugh echoing in the small room. She carelessly tossed the takeout container aside, scattering food everywhere without noticing, and began spinning wildly around the room like a madwoman, waving her arms wildly and shouting, "I did it! I really did it! Sang Shuwan, you've lost completely this time! Let's see how you'll ever be so arrogant in front of me again!"

Her hands trembled uncontrollably with excitement. It took her a lot of effort to dial her agent's number; her voice was hoarse and trembling with overwhelming emotion: "Did you see that? I'm the 'Eclat' spokesperson! We did it!" Hanging up, she skipped and jumped to her wardrobe, pulling out the most expensive dress she'd impulsively bought with her credit card. Standing before the mirror, she frantically changed into the dress, carefully accessorizing with her few pieces of jewelry. Then, she sat down at her vanity and began applying makeup. Her hands still trembled, her eyeliner crooked again and again, but she wasn't discouraged and started over. Looking at her exquisitely made-up self in the mirror, dressed in her glamorous gown, Sang Jiyue's eyes gleamed with a wild, triumphant light, as if she were already standing on top of the world.

After everything was settled, Sang Jiyue took a deep breath, left her rented apartment, and hailed a luxury car. Sitting in the car, watching the street scenes rushing past the window, her mind was filled with the shock, anger, and disbelief that Sang Shuwan might have upon learning the endorsement had been snatched away, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud again. She took out her phone, opened social media, and saw the overwhelming congratulations and praise, her vanity greatly satisfied. She replied to each comment, her words full of boasting and smugness.

The car slowly pulled up in front of the Sang family's old house. Sang Jiyue pushed open the car door, her high heels clicking as she strode confidently toward the gate. The rapid, cheerful tapping of her heels mirrored her exuberant spirits. Reaching the gate, she flung it open and shouted, "Dad, Mom, I'm back! Come out quickly, I have amazing news to tell you!"

Sang's parents were startled by her sudden loud voice and hurriedly came out of the house. Seeing Sang Jiyue's excited and radiant appearance, her mother asked in confusion, "Jiyue, what's wrong? What's making you so happy?"

Sang Jiyue deliberately kept everyone in suspense. She first paced around the living room before stopping, raising her chin and saying with great excitement, "Do you know what? I landed the endorsement deal with 'Eclat'! It's the brand that's been negotiating with Sang Shuwan for so long, and now I'm the spokesperson! I've made that big star Sang Shuwan just watch enviously. This time she has to bow down to me. From now on, let's see who dares to look down on me!" As she spoke, she crossed her arms, her smugness almost overflowing, and her eyes sparkling with pride.

As night fell, the city's hustle and bustle was bathed in the glow of neon lights. Sang Jiyue drove her brand-new sports car at breakneck speed toward Saixi's apartment. All the way there, she was in high spirits, her mind replaying the moment she landed the "Eclat" endorsement. A smile unconsciously crept onto her lips, and her eyes gleamed with pride.

Upon arriving at Saixi's apartment building, Sang Jiyue turned off the engine and eagerly jumped out of the car, not forgetting to tidy her hair in front of the rearview mirror. She was wearing an exquisitely tailored Chanel-style suit and high heels, exuding an air of victory with every move.

"Ding-dong—" Sang Jiyue rang the doorbell of Saixi's house, and the door was opened shortly afterward.

"Jiyue, you've finally arrived!" Saixi greeted her warmly and gave her a big hug.

Sang Jiyue walked into the house with a smile, looking around as she went, and said, "It's been a long time since I've been here. It's still the same as always." There was a hint of unintentional superiority in her tone.

The two sat down on the sofa, and Sai Xi poured Sang Jiyue a glass of red wine, asking curiously, "You seem so excited today, is something good happening?"

Sang Jiyue picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and deliberately kept everyone in suspense: "Take a guess first."

Cecilia thought for a moment, then shook her head: "I can't guess, so stop keeping me in suspense and just tell me."

Sang Jiyue then put down her wine glass, sat up straight, and her face was filled with barely suppressed pride: "I've landed the endorsement deal with 'Eclat'! That's the internationally renowned brand that's been trying to collaborate with Sang Shuwan for a while!"

"Wow, really? That's amazing!" Cecilia exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise, and quickly offered her congratulations.

“Of course!” Sang Jiyue raised her chin and continued, “That’s not all. I put in a lot of effort to land this endorsement. During this time, I studied fashion knowledge like crazy, found a top-notch styling team to help me create my image, and even produced super high-quality short videos to showcase my fashion philosophy. You have no idea how much effort I put in.” As she spoke, she gestured with her hands, as if recreating those scenes of hard work.

“And then,” Sang Jiyue leaned closer to Saixi, lowered her voice, and revealed a sly smile, “I also used a little trick to make Sang Shuwan make a mistake in this matter. Now she can only watch me shine.”

Cecilia frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Jiyue, isn't doing this a bit inappropriate...?"

"What's wrong with that!" Sang Jiyue waved her hand dismissively. "How can you survive in this industry without being ruthless? Sang Shuwan has always been suppressing me. This time, I finally have a chance to turn things around, and I absolutely can't let it go." A hint of ruthlessness flashed in her eyes.

After a pause, Sang Jiyue straightened her back and said confidently, "You know what? I feel that after this, my strength has completely surpassed Sang Shuwan's. Before, everyone only saw her, but now, I'm the one standing in the spotlight. From now on, I will become more and more popular, and let everyone know that I, Sang Jiyue, am the most powerful!"

Seeing Sang Jiyue's smug expression, Saixi opened her mouth, but ultimately swallowed back what she wanted to say, only managing a weak smile: "Yes, I believe you."

Sang Jiyue, however, did not notice Saixi's unusual behavior. She was immersed in her own joy and fantasies, talking incessantly about her future plans, as if she had already stood at the top of the world.

Night fell, and the city transformed into a sea of ​​lights. Sang Jiyue and Saixi stepped out of the apartment, jumped into their sports car, and with a roar of the engine, sped off towards the city's most bustling bar.

"I can't believe you landed the 'Eclat' endorsement, that's amazing!" Cecily exclaimed excitedly from the passenger seat, her voice carried away by the whistling wind.

Sang Jiyue gripped the steering wheel with one hand, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Of course, I knew I could do it. We've got to celebrate tonight!" Upon arriving at the bar, the moment they pushed open the door, deafening music blasted out, and the crowd on the dance floor swayed to the rhythm. The flashing neon lights reflected on people's faces, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

"Over here!" Sang Jiyue shouted, pulling Saixi through the crowd and finding an empty seat at the bar.

"Two Margaritas!" Sang Jiyue called out to the bartender, then winked at Cecilia. "We have to drink our fill today."

The drinks were served, and the two clinked glasses, tilting their heads back to drink them down in one gulp. The cool liquor slid down their throats, mixed with excitement, causing Sang Jiyue's cheeks to flush quickly.

"Cheers to me defeating Sang Shuwan!" Sang Jiyue ordered another glass, raised it high, and her voice drowned out the music. Some people around her cast curious glances, but she didn't care. At this moment, she was the center of the world.

Cecily hesitated for a moment, then smiled and clinked glasses with her: "Cheers, I hope you get better and better."

After a few drinks, Sang Jiyue's steps became a little unsteady. She pulled Saixi towards the dance floor. She swayed her hips, fully releasing her inner joy, sweat sliding down her forehead and wetting a few strands of her hair.

“Sai Xi, look!” Sang Jiyue suddenly stopped and pointed to the huge screen on the wall, which was playing a promotional video of her endorsing “Eclat.” “This is my strength. Sang Shuwan can never compare!”

Saixi looked in the direction she was pointing, and saw Sang Jiyue looking radiant in the video. She nodded, and was about to say something when Sang Jiyue pulled her back to dance.

The bar became increasingly crowded, and the atmosphere grew more and more frenzied. Sang Jiyue weaved through the crowd, clinking glasses with strangers and accepting their congratulations; every compliment greatly satisfied her vanity.

"I want everyone to know that I am the one most qualified to stand on this stage!" Sang Jiyue shouted at Saixi, her voice filled with drunkenness and madness.

Looking at Sang Jiyue in front of her, Saixi felt a little worried, but in this lively atmosphere, she swallowed her words and could only continue to celebrate with Sang Jiyue, hoping that this happiness could last a little longer.

In the bar late at night, noise and intoxication intertwine. Dynamic electronic music surges like a tidal wave, crashing against the crowd dancing wildly on the dance floor. Colorful lights sway in the swirling smoke, decorating the entire space like a dream, and people immerse themselves in this indulgent atmosphere, releasing the pressure accumulated throughout the day.

Sang Jiyue wore a tight-fitting sequined mini-dress, so short it seemed as if she might accidentally reveal too much skin. With each step, the sequins reflected dazzling light, as if trying to outshine everything around her. She wore sky-high heels, her figure swaying yet her steps unsteady. Her bright red lips were particularly striking in the dim light, but her meticulously sculpted face was filled with intoxication and confusion. She held a half-empty cocktail glass in one hand, the liquid swirling gently with her steps, and with the other hand supporting herself against the wall, she stumbled toward the restroom.

"Honestly, this wine is so strong today," she muttered, her breath reeking of alcohol. Having just celebrated with Cecily about securing the "Eclat" endorsement, a few drinks had left her feeling like she was on top of the world, floating on air and oblivious to everything else.

Just as she reached the restroom door, a figure suddenly rushed out, and the two collided heavily. The wine glass in Sang Jiyue's hand flew out and crashed to the ground with a "clatter," splashing wine everywhere.

"What are you doing!" Sang Jiyue raised her head angrily, about to burst into a tirade, but she froze the moment she saw the man in front of her.

The man was tall and imposing, wearing a black fitted shirt with the collar slightly open, revealing his delicate collarbone. The sleeves were casually rolled up to his forearms, showcasing his strong and muscular arms. His face had sharp features, and his deep eyes were now looking at Sang Jiyue with a hint of surprise. Beneath his high, straight nose, his thin lips were slightly parted, as if he too was startled by the sudden collision.

"Chu Ling?" Sang Jiyue's voice trembled involuntarily. Her cheeks, which were flushed from drunkenness, turned deathly pale in an instant, and the drunkenness in her eyes was replaced by anger and shock.

Chu Ling merely glanced at her indifferently, her face showing no sign of panic. She quickly regained her cold and aloof demeanor, straightened her collar which had been slightly wrinkled from the impact, and seemed to have no intention of paying any attention to her. She then lifted her foot to walk around her and leave.

"You really have the nerve to pretend you don't know me?" Sang Jiyue sneered, her eyes instantly reddening as she loudly questioned, "You swore you would help me back then, but what happened? You disappeared without a word, leaving me to struggle alone!" Her voice became sharp and shrill due to her agitation, standing out starkly in the noisy bar environment.

People around noticed the unusual activity and began to cast curious glances. Several girls dancing nearby stopped and began whispering among themselves; a few men at the bar also turned around, watching the scene with interest; and some others took out their phones and started secretly taking pictures.

"Chu Ling, you have to give me an explanation today!" Seeing that he ignored her, Sang Jiyue became even more agitated and grabbed Chu Ling's arm, her nails almost digging into his skin.

Chu Ling frowned, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes. He forcefully shook off Sang Jiyue's hand and said coldly, "Let go, don't throw a tantrum here." His voice was deep and icy, as if it came from an ice cellar.

"Throwing a tantrum?" Sang Jiyue seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world. "You've ruined me so badly, and now you're saying I'm throwing a tantrum? Do you know how much I sacrificed for that opportunity? I turned down all other jobs and pinned all my hopes on you. And what did I get? You just packed your bags and left, and I lost everything! During those days, I waited for your news every day. You wouldn't answer my calls or reply to my messages. I was like a fool!" She became more and more agitated as she spoke, her voice growing louder and louder, tears welling up in her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

Chu Ling simply put his hands in his pockets, looked at her coldly, and remained silent, as if the emotionally distraught woman in front of him had nothing to do with him.

"Are you really that heartless?" Seeing that he remained unmoved, Sang Jiyue laughed angrily. "Fine, you're something else! Chu Ling, this isn't over until you explain yourself clearly today!" With that, she rushed forward and shoved Chu Ling hard with both hands.

Chu Ling took a step back to steady himself, a flash of anger crossing his face, but he quickly regained his composure. He looked at the growing crowd around him and said coldly, "Have you made enough of a scene? If you keep this up, I'll call security."

"Scream!" Sang Jiyue completely lost her temper, waving her hands wildly. "I'll let everyone know what kind of person you are! You liar!"

At this moment, the security guards heard the commotion and rushed over, grabbing Sang Jiyue's arms on either side and trying to pull her away. "Let go of me!" Sang Jiyue struggled desperately, her hair becoming disheveled and her sequined miniskirt being torn and deformed.

"Miss, please calm down, or we'll have to ask you to leave." The security guard's voice was deep and firm.

"Fine, I'll leave!" Sang Jiyue glared fiercely at Chu Ling. "Chu Ling, you wait, I won't let you get away with this!" She was dragged out of the bar by the security guards.

A cool breeze blew through the night streets, clearing Sang Jiyue's head slightly. She stared at the flashing neon lights outside the bar, a mix of emotions swirling within her. The scene from just moments ago replayed in her mind like a movie, and she suddenly felt ridiculous for losing her composure in public for someone who didn't care about her at all.

"Jiyue?" A familiar voice came from behind. Sang Jiyue turned around and saw Saixi rushing out of the bar.

"Are you alright?" Ceci ran to her side and asked with concern.

Sang Jiyue shook her head and said with a wry smile, "I'm fine, just a little embarrassed."

"Don't say that, it was that man who went too far," Cecily comforted her. "Come on, I'll take you home."

Sitting in Saixi's car, Sang Jiyue gazed at the fleeting street scenes outside the window. Her anger gradually subsided, replaced by a deep weariness. She knew that today's events were just a small episode in the complex entertainment industry, but they only strengthened her resolve. No matter how many difficulties she encountered in the future, she would rely on her own efforts to gain a foothold in this industry and let everyone see her strength. As for Chu Ling, the man who had hurt her, she vowed that one day she would make him pay for his actions.

Back at Sang Jiyue's home, Sai Xi carefully helped her into the bedroom, gently changing her tattered sequined miniskirt. She then brought a basin of hot water, soaked a towel in it, wrung it out, and carefully wiped away the remaining makeup and tears from Sang Jiyue's face. Sang Jiyue lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her mind replaying every moment since she met Chu Ling, without uttering a word.

"Jiyue, don't think so much, go to sleep first," Saixi comforted softly, her voice so gentle it could melt your heart. "We can talk about it tomorrow. Don't worry, no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side." As she spoke, Saixi gently patted Sang Jiyue's shoulder.

Sang Jiyue nodded slightly, closed her eyes, but tears uncontrollably streamed down her cheeks. Sai Xi sighed softly, got up and pulled the blanket up, carefully tucking the corners of the blanket around her, then sat on the edge of the bed, quietly keeping her company.

After an unknown amount of time, Sang Jiyue began to breathe evenly. Saixi thought she had fallen asleep and was about to get up to go to the living room to pour a glass of water when she heard Sang Jiyue murmur with a sob in her voice, "Saixi, was I really that stupid... I trusted him so much back then, treating every word he said as a lifeline."

Saisi sat back down on the edge of the bed, took Sang Jiyue's hand, and said firmly, "You're not stupid, you're just too kind and too trusting. Chu Ling is a bastard who betrayed your trust."

Sang Jiyue opened her swollen eyes and looked at Saixi: "I worked hard and seized every opportunity to gain a foothold in the entertainment industry. When I met Chu Ling, I thought my chance had come, but I didn't expect it to be an even bigger abyss."

Cecilia patted her head tenderly: "It's all in the past. Now you've landed the 'Eclat' endorsement, haven't you? This is what you deserve for your hard work. Things will only get better from here on out."

Sang Jiyue said with a bitter smile, "But I still can't get over this. How could he just leave like that, mess up my life, and then act like nothing happened?"

Cecily gritted her teeth and said, "This kind of person won't have a good ending. Don't worry about him anymore. Just focus on conserving your energy and once you become a big star in the entertainment industry, he'll know he'll regret it."

Sang Jiyue sniffed: "I know, but sometimes I still can't help but wonder what I would be like now if I hadn't met him."

Saisi looked at her earnestly: "Whether you met him or not, you are capable. Without him, you would have gotten to where you are today on your own, and even gone further. You have to believe in yourself."

Sang Jiyue was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Thank you, Saixi. I really don't know what I would have done without you."

Cecilia smiled. "Why are you being so polite with me? We're best friends. By the way, I'll contact a lawyer for you tomorrow to see if we can make Chu Ling pay the price through legal means." (End of Chapter)