After I died, they cried in the live studio

Sang Jiyue looked at Sang Shuwan with some surprise, a hint of astonishment flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure, her wariness still hidden in them. She chuckled lightly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes: "The past isn't so easily forgotten. Over the years, you and I both know that there has never been little competition."

Upon hearing this, Sang Shuwan's smile faded slightly, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes. However, she quickly regained her seemingly friendly demeanor, gently swirling the champagne in her hand, her tone slightly sarcastic: "What, still remembering those trivial matters? Isn't competition normal in this industry? You're so successful now, and you still can't let go?"

Sang Jiyue's eyes sharpened, and she met Sang Shuwan's gaze directly without flinching. Her voice was cold: "A trivial matter? You think those days of fighting for resources were trivial matters? But don't worry, I, Sang Jiyue, have never been one to be bound by the past. Just don't expect me to forget them so easily."

Sang Shuwan snorted coldly, a smirk playing on her lips: "Fine, since you put it that way, let's be frank. We were competitors before, and we might be in the future. But I'm here today to tell you that I don't play those underhanded tricks. If you're really capable, let your work and talent speak for themselves."

"Based on your work and ability?" Sang Jiyue raised an eyebrow. "It's quite a novel thing to hear you say that. However, I hope you can keep your word."

At this moment, the banquet host walked onto the stage and announced the next important segment. The two paused their conversation and looked at the stage. Though outwardly calm, the atmosphere remained tense. After the performance, the people around them resumed their conversation.

Sang Shuwan took a deep breath and spoke again: "I have a good project that I originally wanted to take on myself, but since we've run into each other today, I can give you a fair chance to compete. Do you dare?"

Sang Jiyue narrowed her eyes slightly, pondered for a moment, then smiled confidently: "Why wouldn't I dare? You'll regret it. Send me the project information, and I'll see who's more qualified to take it."

"Good, that's straightforward." A hint of excitement flashed in Sang Shuwan's eyes, as if she had rediscovered the passion she had when competing in the past. "But let me make this clear from the start: no matter what the result is, the loser is not allowed to cheat."

"Don't worry, I, Sang Jiyue, can afford to lose. But I will definitely win." Sang Jiyue's tone was firm, and her eyes revealed a determination to win.

As the banquet drew to a close, guests began to leave. Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan stood at the hotel entrance waiting for their car, the air between them thick with tension.

"Just wait and see who has the last laugh," Sang Shuwan said coldly, looking at Sang Jiyue.

Sang Jiyue returned the smile with equal coldness: "That's exactly what I was thinking. I hope you'll be prepared next time we meet."

The car slowly pulled up, and the two women exchanged a sharp, unyielding glance before turning and walking to their respective cars. Sitting in her car, Sang Jiyue gazed at the night view outside the window, silently resolving that this time, she would not only win, but win decisively, leaving Sang Shuwan utterly convinced of her superiority. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan, sitting in the back seat, lightly tapped her fingers on the car window, her mind also calculating how to emerge victorious in this competition. The new round of competition between the two had only just begun.

Sang Jiyue sat in the car, leaning back in the soft seat, her gaze fixed on the night view outside the window. The city's neon lights flickered, and the endless stream of vehicles and pedestrians created a bustling and vibrant scene. She had traveled through this night countless times before, but never before had she found the scenery so captivating.

A smile unconsciously crept onto her lips, her heart filled with exhilaration. Recalling her clash with Sang Shuwan at the banquet just moments before—the sharp words, the unyielding glances—now transformed into a sense of accomplishment. Sang Shuwan had once been like an insurmountable mountain, her connections and resources allowing her to navigate the entertainment industry with ease, while she herself had to struggle and falter. Those days when Sang Shuwan had taken away her opportunities, those moments watching her shine on the awards stage while she remained unknown, all became the driving force behind her efforts.

Now, she has finally caught up with Sang Shuwan, and even surpassed her in some aspects. All of this is not due to luck, but to genuine ability. Take, for example, the coffee culture documentary that brought her fame. From the in-depth research into coffee culture in the early stages, to the strict control over every detail during filming, and the meticulous polishing with her team in post-production, every step was infused with her hard work. To authentically present the process of coffee beans from planting to roasting, she personally visited coffee plantations, communicating with growers under the scorching sun to understand every stage of coffee bean growth; when filming coffee brewing scenes, she repeatedly practiced brewing techniques, just to showcase the most perfect and aesthetically pleasing movements.

She knew all too well that in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, only talent could secure a foothold. Sang Shuwan, on the other hand, had always relied on external connections, which, while granting her numerous opportunities, perhaps didn't provide the same solid foundation for honing her acting skills as she had. Tonight, when Sang Shuwan proposed a fair competition for that project, she agreed without hesitation, because she had enough confidence. She believed that with her acting skills and understanding of the character, she would definitely stand out in this competition.

The car drove slowly down the street, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair, bringing a touch of coolness. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and savored the joy of her success. At this moment, she was no longer the small-time actress who could only look up to Sang Shuwan, but a competitor standing on the same starting line, or even surpassing her, based on her own abilities. The road ahead was long, and she knew that more challenges and competition awaited her, but she was fearless. She firmly believed that as long as she maintained her passion and dedication to acting, she would go even further and create more of her own brilliance.

As usual, the morning sun gently bathed the bustling recording site of the variety show. This highly anticipated outdoor competitive variety show was having a crucial recording day. The staff bustled about, moving props and adjusting equipment; everyone was focused on their work, making final preparations for the upcoming recording.

Sang Jiyue, wearing a black baseball cap pulled low, dressed in a low-key yet stylish tracksuit, and carrying a lightweight backpack, walked into the venue with light yet steady steps. Despite her efforts to remain discreet, she couldn't escape the sharp eyes of the staff. In an instant, a slight commotion arose in the crowd, and whispers spread like ripples. After all, this once-shining star of the entertainment industry, who had abruptly retired at the peak of her career, choosing to make a comeback in this variety show after so many years, was truly something to be curious and excited about.

"Sister Jiyue, over here!" Assistant Xiaoxuan spotted Sang Jiyue immediately and quickly stepped forward to greet her, leading her towards the dressing room. Along the way, people kept casting glances at her, some with curious and inquisitive looks, others with enthusiastic greetings. Sang Jiyue simply nodded slightly, responding politely with a perfectly appropriate smile on her lips.

Just as she stepped into the dressing room and sat down, the door was flung open with a bang. Sang Shuwan, dressed in a brightly colored, extravagantly designed tracksuit and high heels, strode in, followed by a group of assistants bustling around. The moment she saw Sang Jiyue, a flash of undisguised annoyance crossed her eyes. A slight, mocking smile curled her lips as she shrieked, "Oh, isn't this the big star Sang? What, finally decided to come out of your 'secluded little nest'?"

Sang Jiyue slowly raised her head, her face still bearing that impeccable, gentle smile. She said softly, "Long time no see, Shu Wan. I never expected to meet you again on this program. I look forward to our future collaboration." Her voice was steady and gentle, but if you listened carefully, you could hear a hidden strength within it, like an undercurrent surging beneath a calm lake.

Sang Shuwan snorted softly, swayed her hips, and sat down at the nearby makeup table. While the makeup artist meticulously touched up her makeup, she said sarcastically, "Cooperation? I think it's more like a contest. But whatever, I want to see if you can keep up with this fast pace after being away from the entertainment industry for so many years." Her tone was like a sharp knife, full of gunpowder, instantly freezing the air in the dressing room.

Sang Jiyue seemed oblivious to her provocation, calmly allowing the makeup artist to work on her. Her eyes narrowed slightly, a barely perceptible glint of light flashing within them. She thought to herself: These three years of hard work haven't been wasted. This variety show is the perfect springboard for my return to the top. Sang Shuwan, we'll see.

A short while later, the director walked into the dressing room with a big smile on his face. As soon as he saw the two of them, he said enthusiastically, "Teachers, today's recording mainly consists of warm-up games and team divisions, so please relax and be casual. A lot of viewers are eagerly anticipating this show, and I hope you two can bring a wonderful performance to everyone."

Sang Shuwan immediately put on a sickeningly sweet smile and said crisply, "Don't worry, Director, I'll definitely do my best. I just don't know if some people can adapt to this high-intensity recording pace." As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Sang Jiyue.

Sang Jiyue's smile remained unchanged as she calmly replied, "I'm also really looking forward to today's recording; I believe it will be very interesting." As she finished speaking, she casually tapped the makeup table with her fingers, a seemingly random gesture that actually hinted at something more.

The recording officially began, and the first game was a relay race. Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan were assigned to different teams. Sang Shuwan's team took the lead right away. She ran very fast, and while running, she would take the time to look back at Sang Jiyue, her eyes full of pride and provocation, as if to say, "Look, I'm better than you."

When it was Sang Jiyue's turn, she took a deep breath. Her starting motion seemed effortless, but it was actually full of technique. Unlike the others who exerted themselves forcefully, she maintained her own pace, chasing after them at a leisurely pace. Years of self-discipline and training had given her excellent endurance and explosive power. Soon, she easily caught up with the runners in front of her, and seizing the opportunity, she made a beautiful sprint and successfully overtook them. The moment she crossed the finish line, the audience erupted in applause, but Sang Jiyue was only slightly out of breath, with a humble smile on her face, while her eyes were secretly observing Sang Shuwan's reaction.

Sang Shuwan's face instantly turned ugly, and she muttered under her breath, "It's just a relay race, what's there to be so smug about?" Sang Jiyue, who happened to be passing by, overheard this. She smiled slightly, revealing a meaningful expression, but said nothing.

The next game was a team tug-of-war. The two teams took their positions, gripping the rope tightly with both hands, the atmosphere tense like a taut string. Sang Jiyue and her teammates encouraged each other, their eyes filled with determination, but she secretly kept an eye on Sang Shuwan's team, observing their positioning and exertion habits.

With the referee's whistle, the competition officially began. Both teams gave it their all, pulling the rope taut. Sang Shuwan's team initially had the upper hand, but Sang Jiyue remained calm, lowering her voice to her teammates, "Don't rush, stay calm, listen to my instructions." As she spoke, she subtly adjusted the team's positioning, cleverly utilizing the principles of mechanics to maximize everyone's strength.

Just as the competition reached its climax and the outcome was near, Sang Shuwan suddenly slipped and nearly fell. Upon seeing this, Sang Jiyue's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible glint, but it instantly returned to a concerned expression as she shouted, "Watch out!" The shout seemed both instinctive and deliberate. Due to the excessive force, she herself also fell to the ground, scraping her knee and drawing blood.

The match had to be stopped immediately, and staff rushed over to check on Sang Jiyue's injuries. Sang Shuwan looked at Sang Jiyue sitting on the ground and felt a pang of guilt, but she quickly suppressed it.

"Are you alright?" Sang Shuwan stepped forward, her voice less sharp than before, but filled with complex emotions.

Sang Jiyue gritted her teeth, enduring the pain, but still maintained a smile on her face, saying, "It's nothing, just a minor injury. The competition isn't over yet, let's continue." Her eyes revealed determination, but from an angle unseen by others, she frowned slightly, as if deep in thought.

The staff gave Sang Jiyue a quick treatment and applied a bandage. Under everyone's watchful eyes, she stood up again and limped back to the tug-of-war team. Her teammates looked at her with admiration, moved by her resilience, but they didn't notice her secretly giving her teammates a wink, a look that held a tactic only they understood.

The match resumed, and Sang Jiyue and her teammates, as if they had planned it together, unleashed even greater power, winning the match in one fell swoop. Everyone cheered and hugged each other to celebrate their victory. Sang Jiyue also smiled and high-fived her teammates, but her eyes intentionally or unintentionally swept towards Sang Shuwan, as if to announce her own victory.

Over the next few days of filming, a variety of challenging games and tasks followed one after another. On one occasion, the production team arranged a wilderness survival challenge, requiring the celebrities to form groups to set up tents and find food in the wild. Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan were once again assigned to the same group.

At first, the atmosphere between the two was tense, and they both scoffed at each other's suggestions. While looking for materials to set up the tent, Sang Shuwan accidentally scratched her arm with a tree branch, causing her to gasp in pain.

Upon seeing this, Sang Jiyue was secretly delighted, but feigned concern on her face: "Are you alright? I have iodine and bandages here." As she spoke, she took out first-aid supplies from her backpack, but a hint of cunning flashed in her eyes.

Sang Shuwan endured the pain and said warily, "I don't need your fake kindness."

Sang Jiyue shrugged, withdrew her hand, and a faint, cold smile appeared on her lips as she continued searching for materials. However, while setting up the tent, the two argued again because of their different methods.

“Just do as I say. I’ve been camping many times before, I have experience,” Sang Shuwan said impatiently, her tone firm and unyielding.

“But your method doesn’t look very stable; it’ll collapse in the wind,” Sang Jiyue retorted, her voice low but every word reasonable. On the surface, she was discussing the setup method, but in reality, she had subtly tampered with key parts of the tent—a seemingly unintentional but carefully planned scheme.

Neither of them would give in, and neither was willing to compromise, so the tent was eventually erected crookedly but barely usable. Sang Shuwan looked at the tent and felt vaguely that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

When it was time to find food, they searched for edible wild vegetables and fruits in the mountains and forests. Sang Shuwan accidentally stepped into a mud puddle and almost slipped, but Sang Jiyue reacted quickly and caught her.

"Don't touch me!" Sang Shuwan flung Sang Jiyue's hand away, her eyes filled with wariness.

Sang Jiyue feigned innocence and said, "You've taken my kindness for granted. Do whatever you want." But as she turned away, a triumphant smile flashed in her eyes.

In the following tasks, the two maintained this adversarial yet subtly cooperative relationship. In a knowledge quiz, their team advanced to the finals. The questions were very difficult, and the score remained close.

The final, decisive question was about a little-known fact from the early days of the film industry. Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan both immediately recognized the answer. They exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with determination, each wanting to secure victory for their team. Sang Jiyue seemed to hesitate for a moment, but in reality, she was quickly calculating in her mind. Just as Sang Shuwan was about to speak, Sang Jiyue blurted out the answer first, and her team won. Sang Shuwan, her face flushed with anger, turned and walked away. Sang Jiyue watched her retreating figure, a confident smile playing on her lips.

As filming for the show neared its end, the final challenge was a large-scale water sports competition. On the day of the competition, the atmosphere was incredibly lively, with spectators cheering on their favorite teams.

Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan's team performed exceptionally well in the competition, advancing all the way to the finals. The finals were extremely competitive, with the score fluctuating back and forth, making it a very close contest.

In the final crucial segment, Sang Jiyue feigned an accidental slip in the water, being swept a short distance by the current. Sang Shuwan, seeing this, felt conflicted. On one hand, her years of competitive spirit made her want to seize the opportunity to win the competition; on the other hand, she worried that something serious might happen to Sang Jiyue and affect the show. While she hesitated, Sang Jiyue secretly observed her reaction, secretly pleased with herself.

In the end, Sang Shuwan swam back and grabbed Sang Jiyue. "Don't misunderstand, I just don't want anything to happen to you and affect the show," Sang Shuwan said stubbornly.

Sang Jiyue looked at her, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes—a mixture of triumphant joy and disdain for Sang Shuwan—but she said nothing. The two returned to the competition together, but ultimately lost.

After the show aired, the rivalry between Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan became a hot topic among viewers, and the show's ratings soared. Sang Jiyue also understood that this fiery variety show journey was only the first step in her return to the top of the entertainment industry. In the future, she had even grander plans, and Sang Shuwan was merely a stepping stone on her path forward.

After the show aired, the friction between Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan became a popular topic of conversation among netizens. Sang Jiyue watched the ever-increasing popularity and number of followers on social media, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She knew that this variety show was just the beginning of her return to the top; every step from here on out would require careful planning.

Not long after, an invitation to a popular film and television resource matchmaking event arrived in Sang Jiyue's hands. Upon learning that Sang Shuwan was also among the invitees, a sharp glint flashed in her eyes, and she immediately began preparing for this invisible competition. She meticulously studied the background and potential needs of each project and hired a top-tier image team in the industry at a high price, all to outshine everyone at the matchmaking event.

On the day of the matchmaking event, Sang Jiyue wore a well-tailored, fitted long dress that perfectly showcased her figure. With a confident smile, she gracefully moved through the crowd, chatting and laughing with the producers and directors. Sang Shuwan, dressed in a glamorous but slightly flamboyant gown, appeared, her eyes filled with a hint of resentment, and walked directly towards Sang Jiyue.

"Sang Jiyue, long time no see. It seems you've really taken the spotlight on variety shows and started to think highly of yourself." Sang Shuwan's tone was sarcastic, but a fake smile was on her face.

Sang Jiyue took a sip of champagne and replied unhurriedly, "Shuwan, we all know that ability is the foundation for success in this industry; words alone are useless." Her voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of those around her, drawing their attention.

As they were talking, renowned director Li Ming approached. Known in the industry for his discerning eye and sharp style, Li Ming's new film project was attracting considerable attention. Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan instantly dropped their hostility and replaced it with warm smiles.

"Director Li, I've long admired your name. I especially love your previous works and have always hoped for the opportunity to collaborate with you." Sang Jiyue spoke first, her eyes sincere and her tone full of respect.

Sang Shuwan was not to be outdone: "Director Li, my acting style is versatile, and I believe I can perfectly portray the character in your film."

Li Ming looked the two of them over and said with a smile, "Perfect timing. I have two important roles in my new movie that I haven't decided on yet. You both have a lot of potential, so why don't you go back and prepare for the audition?"

Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan exchanged a glance, their eyes igniting a renewed battle of wits. Back home, Sang Jiyue buried herself in the script, analyzing the character word by word, and even hired a performance coach for guidance. She knew Sang Shuwan wouldn't give up easily; she had to give it her all.

On the day of the audition, Sang Shuwan arrived at the venue early. Her meticulously prepared makeup and performance impressed the staff present. After her performance, she gave Sang Jiyue a provocative look.

Sang Jiyue remained calm and composed. When it was her turn, she was completely immersed in the role, delivering a nuanced and layered performance that vividly portrayed the character's emotions and inner world. Director Li Ming nodded slightly, his eyes showing appreciation.

A few days later, the casting results were announced, and Sang Jiyue won the lead role, while Sang Shuwan only got a supporting role. Upon learning the news, Sang Shuwan angrily confronted Sang Jiyue: "Did you use some underhanded tactics? Why did you get the lead role?"

Sang Jiyue sneered, "It's all about ability and hard work. If you're not convinced, then improve yourself instead of making excuses." With that, she turned and left without looking back, leaving Sang Shuwan trembling with anger.

During filming, Sang Shuwan constantly made things difficult for Sang Jiyue, either deliberately arriving late to the set and disrupting the schedule, or implying to the media that Sang Jiyue was acting like a diva on set. Sang Jiyue remained outwardly calm, but secretly gathered evidence, preparing to deliver a fatal blow to Sang Shuwan.

During a media visit to the set, Sang Shuwan again began to speak sarcastically about Sang Jiyue. Upon seeing this, Sang Jiyue calmly produced prepared materials, presenting evidence of Sang Shuwan's repeated lateness and disruption of the crew's harmony, causing an immediate uproar among the media.

"I have always respected every actor I've worked with, but some people just don't follow the rules and disrupt the entire production. I'm making these things public today in the hope that future collaborations will be smoother," Sang Jiyue said calmly, her tone carrying an undeniable authority.

Sang Shuwan's face turned pale, and she was speechless in the face of the media's persistent questioning. From then on, she became much more restrained on set, while Sang Jiyue, with her outstanding acting skills and good reputation on set, won more recognition and respect from industry professionals. The film was a huge success upon its release, and Sang Jiyue once again became the focus of the entertainment industry. But her rivalry with Sang Shuwan was far from over.

"I have always respected every partner and strived to create a good filming environment. However, some people have repeatedly broken the rules, seriously affecting the normal work of the entire crew. I am making these public today in the hope that filming will proceed smoothly in the future," Sang Jiyue said calmly, her eyes firm and sharp, with a hint of warning in her gaze as she looked at Sang Shuwan.

Sang Shuwan's face turned deathly pale instantly. Faced with a barrage of questions from the media, she opened her mouth but couldn't utter a single word, and could only flee amidst the pointing fingers of the crowd. From then on, Sang Shuwan became much more restrained on set, but her gaze towards Sang Jiyue held a hint of resentment.

Filming continued, and Sang Jiyue devoted herself wholeheartedly to portraying the second female lead. She paid attention to every detail, repeatedly communicating with the director about the character's inner changes. For a crying scene, she would spend a long time alone in a corner before filming to prepare her emotions. Even for a scene where she only appeared from behind, she would meticulously design the character's physical movements, striving to present the most perfect performance.

As filming progressed, Sang Jiyue's acting skills became increasingly refined, and her portrayal of the second female lead gradually came to the fore. One scene involved a clash between the second female lead and the female lead, depicting a fierce conflict arising from a major crisis. Sang Jiyue began studying this scene several days in advance, constantly imagining the character's reactions in different situations. During filming, she was completely immersed in the role, every expression and every line imbued with intense emotion, portraying the character's contradictions and struggles with remarkable depth. Even Sang Shuwan, who was filming alongside her, was moved by her performance.

After the scene was filmed, the director excitedly shouted "Cut!" and couldn't help but praise, "Jiyue, this scene was brilliant! Your understanding and interpretation of the character have transcended the script itself, giving the character new life." Other staff members also cast admiring glances at her. Sang Shuwan looked at Sang Jiyue, who was surrounded and praised by everyone, and the fire of jealousy in her heart burned fiercely again.

Unwilling to be overshadowed by Sang Jiyue, Sang Shuwan secretly bribed some marketing accounts to publish various articles online, deliberately belittling Sang Jiyue's performance in the film and boasting that her own acting was the key to carrying the entire movie. These negative articles quickly caused a public opinion storm online, with Sang Jiyue's fans ralliing to their idol's defense, leading to a fierce online war of words between the two fan groups.

Upon learning of this, Sang Jiyue remained unaffected by the negative public opinion. She calmly instructed her team to gather evidence that Sang Shuwan had bribed marketing accounts. Simultaneously, she increased investment in film promotion, actively participating in various talk shows where she sincerely shared her acting experiences and passion for film. Through her charm and professionalism, she won over more viewers.

After filming wrapped, the film entered the intense post-production stage. Sang Jiyue maintained a low profile, quietly monitoring the film's progress. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan frequently attended various events, attempting to increase her visibility in the film through increased exposure, but the results were less than satisfactory.

Finally, the film's release date arrived. At the premiere, Sang Jiyue made a stunning appearance in a simple yet elegant gown, attracting the attention of numerous media outlets. During the film, the audience was deeply captivated by the compelling plot and the outstanding performances of the actors, especially Sang Jiyue's portrayal of the second female lead. Her complex character and nuanced emotional expression left a profound impression on the audience. When the film ended, thunderous applause resounded throughout the theater.

After its release, the film's box office soared, and it received excellent reviews. Sang Jiyue, who played the role, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at several film awards, while Sang Shuwan, despite being the lead actress, had a lackluster performance in the awards competition. Faced with this result, Sang Shuwan finally realized that all her clever tricks were utterly ineffective in the face of true talent.

On the night of the awards ceremony, Sang Jiyue walked onto the stage in a gorgeous evening gown. Holding the trophy, she was filled with emotion: "This award means a lot to me. Thank you to my fans who have always supported me, and thank you to everyone who has helped me. I will continue to work hard in my acting career and bring you more and better works." Sang Shuwan, watching the radiant Sang Jiyue on stage, felt a mix of emotions. She knew that her competition with Sang Jiyue had ultimately ended in defeat, and she finally understood that the only way to establish a long-term foothold in the entertainment industry was to improve her own abilities.

After the awards ceremony, Sang Jiyue's acting career experienced a boom, with numerous film offers and top fashion resources vying for her attention. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan's popularity and resources declined significantly after this setback, plunging her into a slump. However, Sang Shuwan's indomitable spirit was fully ignited, and she resolved to compete with Sang Jiyue once again.

Sang Shuwan turned down some low-quality job offers and devoted herself to intensive training. She hired a well-known acting coach to give her special training, meticulously refining every detail from lines and physical expression to emotional delivery. At the same time, she also began to focus on reshaping her image, no longer being as flamboyant as before, but trying to show a low-key and hardworking side.

Sang Jiyue, however, did not become complacent with her current success. She knew that the entertainment industry was ever-changing, and the slightest slackening would lead to elimination. During the preparation for her new film, she spent several months immersing herself in the life environment of the character. To portray a career woman convincingly, she spent every day in office buildings, observing the work status and communication styles of office workers, collecting various real-life examples to enrich the details of the character.

At a fashion event, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan met again. This time, Sang Shuwan's eyes no longer held the arrogance and hostility of the past, replaced by a firmness and composure. "Jiyue, congratulations on your resounding victory at the awards ceremony, but this is only temporary," Sang Shuwan said calmly as she stepped forward.

Sang Jiyue smiled slightly and replied, "I look forward to your resurgence. Having you as my rival makes my acting career more interesting." Their conversation seemed casual, but it subtly revealed that a new round of competition was about to begin.

Soon after, a brand-new acting competition variety show began preparations, and the producer extended invitations to both Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan. Sang Jiyue accepted without hesitation, believing it was a great opportunity to test her acting skills and allow the audience to see more of her potential. Sang Shuwan also readily accepted, seeing the show as a springboard to her return to the top and determined to participate.

Before the show's recording, Sang Shuwan slept only a few hours each day to prepare for a classic drama excerpt, repeatedly studying every line and movement of the character. She also sought advice from a senior actor who had previously played the role, striving for perfection. Sang Jiyue's experience was equally demanding. She chose a highly challenging, niche script excerpt, and to better interpret the character, she not only consulted a large amount of relevant material but also engaged in in-depth discussions with the screenwriter, uncovering the story behind the character.

The atmosphere at the recording of the show was tense yet enthusiastic. Sang Shuwan was the first to take the stage. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her performance, vividly portraying the emotional ups and downs of her character. After her performance, the audience erupted in applause, and the judges gave her extremely high praise.

When it was Sang Jiyue's turn, she exuded confidence from the moment she stepped on stage, bringing the niche character to life with a nuanced and layered performance. Her acting was incredibly captivating, immersing the audience and judges as if they were part of the story. After the performance, the entire venue erupted in cheers and applause that lasted for a long time.

As the show aired, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan's outstanding performances once again became the focus of heated discussions among viewers. Their fans also engaged in heated debates online, cheering on their idols. While Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan remained rivals in this competition, they also developed a greater respect for each other's abilities. They both understood that in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, only through continuous effort could they shine brightly on stage.

After the awards ceremony, Sang Jiyue was surrounded by a surging crowd, flashing camera lights and a deluge of congratulations and praise. Her manager struggled to push through the throng, escorting her to the waiting black Bentley. Its sleek lines gleamed with understated luxury in the night, like a black panther poised to pounce.

Just as Sang Jiyue was about to get into the car, she glanced up and caught sight of Sang Shuwan's figure not far away. She was wearing a gorgeous yet slightly lonely evening gown, standing there all alone, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding hustle and bustle. The moment their eyes met, the air seemed to freeze, and time seemed to stand still.

A complex emotion flashed in Sang Shuwan's eyes—a mixture of resentment, desolation, and an inexplicable stubbornness. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent. Sang Jiyue frowned slightly, her face expressionless. She took a deep breath, turned, and got into the Bentley.

Just as the car slowly started moving, Sang Shuwan subconsciously took a few steps forward, wanting to get closer. Sang Jiyue saw this through the car window, her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly turned her head away, her face cold, her eyes revealing a hint of determination. She knew all too well that their long-standing rivalry couldn't be changed overnight; every encounter was like a war without gunpowder.

The Bentley slowly drove away, leaving two clear tire tracks on the ground. Sang Shuwan stared at the departing car, standing frozen in place until its taillights disappeared into the night. Her hands clenched unconsciously, her nails digging into her palms, yet she felt no pain. (End of Chapter)