After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 159 Winning or losing doesn't matter

Sang Shuwan's face darkened instantly, his handsome features contorting into a grimace. His brows furrowed into a tight knot, and veins bulged on his forehead like angry snakes. His eyes widened, filled with disappointment and rage, as if they could spit fire. He let out a heavy snort, turning his head away, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath, seemingly struggling to suppress the rage about to erupt within him. Then, Sang Shuwan abruptly turned and strode towards the courtyard gate. His steps were rapid and heavy, each stomp kick kicking up dust, as if he wanted to vent his anger on the ground beneath his feet. With a bang, he roughly pushed open the wooden door of the guesthouse, the door creaking and groaning behind him. "Fine, keep doing this, see if you regret it later," he said, his voice resolute, carrying a sense of despair. His figure quickly disappeared on the winding path outside the guesthouse, leaving only a blurry silhouette, which was then swallowed up by the barley fields swaying in the wind on both sides of the road.

"Sang Shuwan, wait!" Sang Jiyue called out hastily upon seeing this, lifting her skirt as she chased after Sang Shuwan in the direction she had gone. Her hair danced wildly in the wind, a few strands clinging to her anxious face. Her eyes were fixed on the direction Sang Shuwan had gone, filled with regret and urgency. She ran desperately, the pebbles under her feet hurting her feet, but she didn't feel it. She only wanted to catch up with Sang Shuwan immediately, to say what was on her mind, and to salvage this opportunity that could change the course of their careers. However, Sang Shuwan seemed to be blinded by anger, showing no intention of stopping, walking faster and faster, her figure growing smaller and smaller.

Sang Jiyue chased after him to the door, staring at the empty path, frozen in place, her feet seemingly nailed to the ground, filled with regret. A gentle breeze blew, ruffling her hair, but couldn't dispel the sorrow in her heart. She realized that her earlier forcefulness and impulsiveness might have caused this rare opportunity to slip away completely. At this moment, the afterglow of the setting sun shone on her, casting a lonely and desolate shadow, a true reflection of her current state of mind.

Saixi gently stepped forward and placed her hand on Sang Jiyue's shoulder, trying to comfort her: "Don't blame yourself too much, maybe there's still a chance." Sang Jiyue shook her head with a bitter smile, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Lianzong also came over and handed Sang Jiyue a steaming cup of butter tea, saying gently, "Child, don't worry, when the time is right, things will always turn around." Sang Jiyue took the butter tea, gripping the cup tightly with both hands, feeling the warmth spreading from her fingertips, but unable to dispel the chill in her heart. She stared in the direction Sang Shuwan had left, standing there for a long time, her mind replaying everything that had just happened.

That night, Sang Jiyue lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. She resolved to go and reconcile with Sang Shuwan first thing the next morning. Just as dawn broke, she got up, washed, and hurried out. But when she arrived at the hotel where Sang Shuwan was staying, the staff told her that Sang Shuwan had checked out before dawn and gone straight to the airport.

Sang Jiyue rushed to the airport, encountering traffic jams along the way. By the time she burst into the departure hall, breathless, the announcement came over the loudspeaker that boarding for Sang Shuwan's flight had ended and they were about to take off. Watching the plane taxi towards the runway and soar into the sky, tears welled up in her eyes. This unpleasant departure meant she didn't know when they would have another chance to discuss cooperation and resolve their differences. Everything disappeared into the vast sea of ​​clouds with the plane.

Sang Jiyue returned to the guesthouse dejectedly, her steps heavy as if each one weighed a ton. Her eyes were vacant, and traces of tears still lingered on her face; she was enveloped in a deep sense of loss and despondency.

Saixi and the guesthouse owner, Lianzong, had been watching the door closely. Seeing Sang Jiyue return, they immediately went to greet her. Lianzong's eyes were full of tenderness as she gently took Sang Jiyue's hand and led her to the table. Saixi quickly brought out the food she had prepared earlier from the kitchen: steaming hot butter tea, golden and crispy barley cakes, and sweet yak milk curds.

"Child, eat something first, don't go hungry," Lian Zong said gently, handing a cup of butter tea to Sang Jiyue. The warm aroma of the tea rose gently, carrying a soothing power.

Sang Jiyue slowly raised her head, looking at the food in front of her and the two concerned people. A warm feeling welled up in her heart, and her eyes couldn't help but redden again. "Thank you, I..." Her voice choked, and she couldn't continue.

"Don't think about it too much. Eating something will make you feel better." Saisi sat down next to her, gently patted her shoulder, picked up a barley cake and handed it to her. "This cake is so fragrant, have a taste."

Sang Jiyue took the barley cake, but didn't eat it immediately; she just held it tightly in her hand. She remembered the scene at the airport just now, where Sang Shuwan's plane disappeared into the horizon, taking away with it the hope that she had finally mustered the courage to reconcile.

Lian Zong seemed to see through her thoughts. He sat down on her other side, took her hand, and said softly, "Child, some things can't be rushed. Fate in this world is like clouds in the sky, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing. The matter between you two may not be truly resolved yet. But as long as you have this thought in your heart, the opportunity will always come again."

Saixi chimed in, "That's right, Jiyue, don't be too sad. Look at all the wonderful things you've experienced in XZ these past few days, those are all gains. And this incident has also made you see your own feelings clearly, so you won't miss out on opportunities in the future."

Sang Jiyue listened to their words and nodded silently. She took a bite of the barley cake; the crispness and aroma of barley spread in her mouth, which improved her mood slightly. She took a sip of butter tea; the warm liquid flowed down her throat, seemingly warming her cold heart as well.

"I understand, thank you, I'll be alright," Sang Jiyue said gratefully, looking at Saixi and Lianzong. Although the disappointment in her heart hadn't completely dissipated, with their companionship and comfort, she felt she had the courage to face things again.

In the days that followed, Saixi and Lianzong always found ways to make Sang Jiyue happy. They went to nearby temples together to pray for blessings, feeling the power of faith as the prayer wheels turned; they strolled on the grasslands together, watching the blue sky and white clouds, and listening to the sound of the wind blowing through the grass; they tried making various Tibetan delicacies together in the guesthouse, their laughter echoing throughout the courtyard.

Sang Jiyue gradually emerged from the shadow of failure. She knew that life went on and the future held endless possibilities. This experience in XZ, these days spent with Saixi and Lianzong, would forever remain her most precious memories.

Night fell like a giant black silk ribbon, gently covering the entire guesthouse. Outside the window, a gentle breeze rustled the prayer flags, and occasionally the low bark of a Tibetan mastiff could be heard in the distance. Everything was enveloped in the tranquil and profound night of the plateau.

Sang Jiyue lay on the bed, exhausted, but her thoughts raced through her mind like wild horses. She tossed and turned, the sheets crumpled in her hands. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Sang Shuwan's resolute departure flashed before her, piercing her heart.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but her eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and finally, in a state between sleep and wakefulness, her consciousness gradually blurred.

In her dream, she was on a bright and spacious movie set, the spotlights illuminating the entire place like daytime. Sang Shuwan stood not far away, dressed in costume, a gentle smile on his face, extending his hand to her. Sang Jiyue was both surprised and delighted, quickly stepping forward to take his hand. The two smiled at each other, as if all past grievances had vanished.

Under the dazzling lights of the bustling city, Sang Jiyue is a shining superstar, her every move attracting attention. When she attends fashion events, she wears haute couture gowns, like the most dazzling star in the night sky, with spotlights focusing on her, and the screams and cheers of fans creating a vibrant symphony. Meanwhile, on another side of the city, Sai Xi shuttles between fashion shows and photography studios. As a top model, she is a darling of the runway with her unique temperament and stunning figure. Every show she walks is like a visual feast, captivating audiences and designers alike.

By chance, Sang Jiyue and Saixi were invited to participate in a travel variety show, their destination being a mysterious and romantic island. As the plane gently landed at the island's airport, the tropical sun generously bathed them, and the salty sea breeze gently caressed their hair. Sang Jiyue took a deep breath with excitement; the ocean scent and the fragrance of tropical plants in the air made her feel incredibly relaxed, and she couldn't wait to explore this unfamiliar and enchanting place. Saixi, on the other hand, elegantly dragged her suitcase, her eyes darting around, her gaze filled with anticipation for the trip.

Upon arriving at the island, Sang Jiyue was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery before her. Excitedly, she rushed to the beach, feeling the fine sand caressing her toes and the cool seawater gently lapping at her ankles. Sai Xi stood on the sand, her posture upright, the sea breeze blowing freely through her hair. She squinted her eyes slightly, enjoying the tranquility. Over the next few days, they participated in various fun activities together, exploring the island's pristine forest, playing in crystal-clear streams, and savoring the unique local cuisine. However, what truly opened their hearts was a bonfire party on the beach.

At the party, all the other guests had gone to bed early, leaving only Sang Jiyue and Saixi sitting around the campfire. The waves rhythmically lapped against the beach, making a pleasant sound, as if providing background music for their conversation. The flickering firelight illuminated their faces, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. Sang Jiyue broke the silence first, gazing at the leaping flames, and said softly, "I never expected this trip to be so interesting. I always thought there would be a distance between models and celebrities." Saixi smiled, added a piece of firewood to the fire, sparks flying, and remarked, "Me too, but now it seems we get along quite well."

The two smiled at each other, and their conversation deepened, moving from their work to anecdotes about their lives. Sang Jiyue recalled the hardships she faced when she first entered the entertainment industry; the days of practicing acting day and night and being rejected at auditions seemed like yesterday. She said with a touch of bitterness, "Back then, to get even a small role, I had to compete with countless people. Every day was filled with anxiety, afraid of missing any opportunity. Once, I auditioned for more than a dozen roles and was rejected every time. I still can't forget that feeling of defeat." As she spoke, she sighed softly, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

Cecily also shared her experiences in the modeling industry, from being overlooked as a newcomer to later standing out through hard work and unique charisma. Only she knows the joys and sorrows she experienced. "I still remember the first time I participated in a major fashion week. I was full of anticipation, but I could only stand in a corner, ignored by everyone." Cecily's voice was calm, but Sang Jiyue could hear the bitterness in it. "But I told myself that I must persevere. Later, finally a designer noticed me and gave me an opportunity, and that's how I got to where I am today."

For some reason, the topic suddenly shifted to Sang Shuwan. Sang Jiyue's expression faltered slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. Sai Xi keenly noticed this change and asked softly, "You and Sang Shuwan, is there some story between you? I always feel that your relationship is unusual."

Sang Jiyue was silent for a moment, gazing at the distant sea, before slowly speaking: "Shuwan and I have lived in a competitive environment since childhood. Our family always compared us, whether it was in studies, talents, or anything else, as if we were born rivals." Her voice was somewhat low, carrying a hint of undisguised guilt. "In this environment, I gradually became competitive. I told myself that I had to beat her, no matter what the cost."

Sang Jiyue paused, then continued, "Once, we participated in a talent competition together. To win, I even secretly used some less-than-honorable methods." Tears welled in her eyes. "I know what I did was wrong, but at the time, I was blinded by the desire to win and couldn't care less about anything else." Recalling the past, Sang Jiyue's heart was filled with regret. Her hands unconsciously clenched, as if she were grasping at those lost moments, trying to make up for her past mistakes.

Cecily listened quietly, without interrupting her. A gentle sea breeze blew, and the flames of the campfire flickered, as if they too were sighing for Sang Jiyue's story. After a long while, Cecily said softly, "The past is the past. What's important is that you can recognize your mistakes now." She looked at Sang Jiyue, her eyes full of understanding and forgiveness. "Actually, I also did some things I regret in order to gain a foothold in the modeling industry." Cecily smiled slightly with a wry smile. "In this competitive world, we've all lost ourselves at some point."

Sang Jiyue looked up at Saixi, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Saixi. I feel much better after talking to you. I've been wanting to apologize to Shuwan, but I didn't know how to face her." Saixi patted Sang Jiyue's shoulder and comforted her: "I believe that as long as you sincerely apologize, Shuwan will understand you. And from now on, you can make amends with your actions."

The two talked for a long time, sharing their dreams and anxieties, from past regrets to future hopes. The waves still whispered in their ears, the campfire gradually died down, but their friendship grew even stronger that night. That night, they not only poured out their hearts but also found the courage and strength to move forward through mutual understanding and acceptance.

After their trip, Sang Jiyue and Saixi were both reluctant to part ways. Back in the city, Sang Jiyue suddenly suggested, "Why don't we live together? We can share the little things in life together." Saixi's eyes lit up, and she agreed without hesitation.

They rented a spacious apartment in an upscale neighborhood in the city center. The apartment was exquisitely decorated, and the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room offered panoramic views of the city's vibrant cityscape. Saisi, with her impeccable fashion sense, meticulously arranged the room, selecting unique furniture and decorations; Sang Jiyue, on the other hand, used her connections to equip the apartment with numerous high-tech features, making life more convenient and comfortable.

In the early morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains. Sang Jiyue and Saixi worked out together in the apartment's gym, encouraging each other to do yoga and lift dumbbells. After their workout, they would go into the kitchen together to prepare a nutritious breakfast, sometimes Saixi's specialty of Western-style fried eggs and bacon, and sometimes Sang Jiyue's Chinese-style porridge and steamed buns.

In the evenings, if they have no work commitments, they'll snuggle up on the soft sofa, open a bottle of red wine, and binge-watch popular TV dramas or movies, enthusiastically discussing the plot at the most exciting parts. When they encounter work-related troubles, they'll confide in each other and offer advice. Sang Jiyue will complain to Saixi about the hardships and pressures of filming, while Saixi will rant about the various rules and unspoken rules of the fashion industry.

In this bustling and vibrant city, their home has become their warmest haven. From their initial meeting through work, to forging a deep friendship while traveling together, and now living together, Sang Jiyue and Sai Xi's bond has grown stronger. With companionship and understanding, they are writing their own wonderful story, becoming indispensable to each other's lives.

On this tranquil yet story-filled night, the waves continued their tireless lapping of the sand, making soft sounds as if whispering secrets. Sang Jiyue and Saixi sat by the campfire, their hearts drawing ever closer after their recent open and honest conversation, their words becoming even more unreserved.

Sang Jiyue gazed at the shimmering sea, her eyes sparkling. Suddenly, she turned to look at Saixi and said earnestly, "Saixi, after spending this time together, I truly cherish our friendship. I've always had an idea to create an evening gown brand for you. Your charisma on the runway is unmatched, and I believe your unique temperament and fashion sense will give evening gowns a distinctive soul."

Upon hearing this, Cecilia was taken aback at first, then a delighted smile bloomed on her face. Her eyes sparkled with emotion and excitement: "Really? Jiyue, this is simply incredible! This is something I've always dreamed of! And I want to get involved too. I want to invest, and we can open an evening gown shop together, incorporating our understanding and pursuit of beauty into every dress."

Looking at Saixi's excited and earnest expression, Sang Jiyue couldn't help but laugh. She gently tapped Saixi's forehead and said affectionately, "Silly girl, of course we can! With you joining us, this brand will definitely shine. Let's work together to make it a dazzling jewel in the fashion world."

A gentle sea breeze caressed their hair, and the embers of the campfire still offered a touch of warmth. At that moment, they seemed to see a future full of endless possibilities: a unique evening gown shop, displaying exquisite dresses created with their shared passion, each one embodying their love for fashion and their trust in each other.

They began a lively discussion about the brand's details, from its positioning and style to the store's decoration and operation, leaving no stone unturned. Sang Jiyue, leveraging her connections and resources in the entertainment industry, offered many unique insights, such as inviting renowned designers to join the company and collaborating with top fabric suppliers. Sai Xi, drawing on her experience in the modeling industry, provided valuable suggestions on the style, cut, and presentation of the gowns, hoping that the dresses would not only be beautiful but also empower the wearer with confidence and charm.

Before they knew it, the sky was beginning to lighten, and the sound of the waves was gradually replaced by the chirping of birds. But Sang Jiyue and Saixi felt no weariness whatsoever; they were immersed in their dreams for the future, as if the night would never end. It wasn't until the first rays of sunlight touched them that they realized a new day had quietly arrived, and their dreams would begin on this beautiful morning, embarking on a journey full of challenges and hope.

As dawn broke and the sound of the waves was gradually replaced by the chirping of birds, Sang Jiyue and Saixi, who hadn't slept all night, remained energetic, immersed in their dreams for the future. Sang Jiyue suddenly clapped her hands, her eyes filled with determination and anticipation, and said to Saixi, "Saixi, since we're so aligned and have a plan, let's not wait any longer, let's start now!" Saixi nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and grasped Sang Jiyue's hand in return, the warmth of their palms conveying their shared resolve.

Upon returning to the city, they immediately threw themselves into intensive preparations. Finding a shop became their top priority. The two wandered through the city's streets and alleys, carefully considering every location, from bustling commercial centers to old streets brimming with artistic atmosphere. After looking at countless places, they finally found a perfect shop on a pedestrian street filled with an artistic ambiance. The shop was spacious, with high ceilings and bright floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed sunlight to stream in without any obstruction.

"This is it!" Sang Jiyue and Saixi exchanged a glance and said in unison, their eyes brimming with joy.

Next came the interior design, which Cecilia personally oversaw, incorporating her understanding of fashion into every detail. She chose soft off-white and elegant gold as the main color scheme, creating a warm yet luxurious atmosphere. The display shelves inside the store were uniquely designed with smooth lines, resembling works of art. Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue leveraged her connections to find the most reliable renovation team, ensuring both the progress and quality of the renovation.

During the dress design phase, Sang Jiyue leveraged her connections in the entertainment industry to invite a renowned designer. Touched by their passion and determination, the designer decided to join this challenging project. Saisi also contributed, drawing on her experience in the modeling world to provide inspiration for the designer. She shared her runway experiences and understanding of the needs of women with different body types. The three often sat together late into the night, discussing design drafts, meticulously refining every pleat and the placement of every button.

In terms of funding, Saixi contributed her savings accumulated over many years, and Sang Jiyue also brought in some investors who were optimistic about the project. Despite numerous difficulties in the preparation process, including tight funds, repeated revisions to the design plan, and suppliers changing their minds at the last minute, they never considered giving up.

Months later, the evening gown shop was finally ready. On opening day, the shop was beautifully decorated with flowers and ribbons. Sang Jiyue invited many friends from the entertainment industry to attend, while Sai Xi invited her colleagues from the modeling world. As the first rays of sunlight shone on the shop's signboard, Sang Jiyue and Sai Xi stood in front of the shop, looking at the exquisite evening gowns inside, their hearts filled with emotion.

"We did it," Sang Jiyue said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

“No, this is just the beginning.” Saixi held Sang Jiyue’s hand tightly, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

As the first customers entered the store, the two women busied themselves, enthusiastically introducing the design concepts and unique features of each dress. Seeing the satisfied smiles on the customers' faces after trying on the gowns, Sang Jiyue and Sai Xi knew that their dreams were gradually becoming a reality. More challenges and opportunities awaited them in the future, but as long as they worked together, nothing could stop them from moving forward.

Standing behind the beautifully decorated runway, Cecilia's heart pounded. Her hands unconsciously gripped the hem of her dress, her knuckles turning white from the force. She and Sang Jiyue had poured countless efforts into this model competition, personally handling every step from selecting the venue and inviting judges to contacting participating models. At this moment, the magnificent crystal chandelier cast a dazzling light, illuminating the runway in a dreamlike glow. The chatter of the guests below filled the air with anticipation for the competition, but Cecilia felt inexplicably anxious.

"What's wrong?" Sang Jiyue walked up to her without her noticing, gently patted her shoulder, and said in a soft but firm voice, "Don't be nervous. We've been preparing for so long, we'll definitely succeed."

Cecily took a deep breath and forced a smile: "I know, I just can't help worrying."

"Believe in me, and believe in our efforts." Sang Jiyue squeezed her hand, giving her strength.

A burst of rousing, rhythmic music suddenly filled the air, and the stage lights instantly focused on the entrance to the runway. The first model, dressed in an evening gown as shimmering as the stars in the night sky, walked confidently down the aisle. Inspired by the vast cosmos, the gown's design incorporated numerous delicate rhinestones and black silk. The rhinestones formed a flowing, star-like pattern, meandering from the model's chest to the hem, shimmering with captivating light with every step, like stars moving across the night sky. The skirt featured multiple layers of tulle, soft and layered, swaying gently with the model's steps, like the Milky Way stretching and flowing across the night. The model stood tall and straight, head slightly raised, her eyes radiating confidence and composure. Every turn, every arm movement was perfectly executed, showcasing the gown's allure to its fullest.

Next, the second model appeared, wearing an evening gown reminiscent of spring blossoms. The gown, made of soft pink silk, was adorned with vibrant flowers outlined in colorful threads and exquisite embroidery. From the neckline to the cuffs and hem, the flowers took on various shapes, from budding blossoms to fully bloomed peonies, as if encapsulating the essence of spring in this garment. The gown featured an elegant square neckline, perfectly showcasing the model's beautiful collarbones. The puff sleeves added a touch of retro charm and playfulness. The model walked with a light, brisk pace, sometimes slightly turning to the side to allow the audience a clearer view of the gown's delicate embroidery; sometimes gently lifting the hem to reveal the petal-like folds, eliciting gasps of admiration from the audience.

The third model appeared in a simple yet elegant white evening gown. The gown lacked excessive embellishment; its flowing lines were its greatest highlight. The fitted cut perfectly hugged the model's curves, naturally outlining the graceful silhouette from the bust to the waist and hips. The fishtail skirt swayed gently with the model's steps, showcasing both elegance and a touch of dynamism. The deep V-neck at the back subtly revealed the model's smooth back, adding a hint of sensuality. The model walked with a steady, graceful gait, each step firm and powerful, a gentle smile always on her face, confidently showcasing the gown's simple yet luxurious beauty to the audience.

Over the next segment, models took to the runway in a variety of evening gowns. Some gowns boasted futuristic designs, utilizing metallic fabrics and unique cuts to create a sci-fi movie-like aesthetic; others incorporated ethnic elements, combining traditional embroidery and patterns with modern design concepts to showcase unique cultural charm. Each gown shone brilliantly under the models' captivating performance, completely immersing the audience in this visual feast. Their eyes were glued to the runway, eager not to miss a single moment. Flashbulbs constantly captured every brilliant instant, while guests murmured amongst themselves, praising the exquisite gowns and the models' outstanding performances.

During the intermission, Sang Jiyue was talking with several judges when she inadvertently caught sight of Alice. She paused slightly, then gave a polite smile and walked towards Alice.

"Alice, it's been a long time." Sang Jiyue tried her best to make her tone friendly.

Alice stared at her coldly, offering no response, her eyes filled with wariness.

"I sincerely hope that this competition can provide a platform for new models to showcase their talents, and I also want our brand to be seen by more people," Sang Jiyue said sincerely. "I am sorry for what happened in the past, and I have realized my mistakes."

Alice snorted coldly: "Don't you think it's too late to say all this now? I remember everything you did to Shu Wan before."

Sang Jiyue lowered her head, a hint of guilt flashing across her face: "I know that an apology can't immediately erase the hurt, but I'm really trying to change. I hope you can give me a chance to prove myself."

Alice looked at Sang Jiyue, remained silent for a moment, and finally turned her head away: "I'm looking at her performance in this competition, it has nothing to do with you as a person."

Sang Jiyue smiled helplessly, didn't press the matter further, and turned back to her work.

The competition continued, and as the last model stepped off the runway, enthusiastic applause erupted. After a tense discussion, the judges finally selected the winner of the competition. When Sai Xi announced the winner, the entire audience erupted in cheers. The winning model was moved to tears, holding the trophy and prize money, expressing her gratitude to Sai Xi and Sang Jiyue.

After the competition ended, the guests gradually left, and Sai Xi and Sang Jiyue, exhausted yet excited, began cleaning up the venue. Alice watched their busy figures, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Undeniably, the competition had been a great success, exceeding her expectations.

"Perhaps, she really has changed?" Alice thought to herself.

With mixed feelings, Alice returned to Sang Shuwan's studio.

In a penthouse office building in the city's most bustling area, Sang Shuwan's studio occupies an entire floor. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's hustle and bustle surges in like a tide, a ceaseless rhythm of prosperity amidst the traffic. At this moment, Sang Shuwan has just finished a long and tiring meeting and is leaning back on the soft leather sofa in the lounge. Her eyes are slightly closed, and her slender fingers gently press her temples, trying to relieve her tense nerves.

Alice burst through the door, her high heels clicking rapidly on the polished marble floor. Her face held a mixture of excitement and urgency, and she clutched a document tightly in her hand—details she had brought back from the model competition hosted by Sang Jiyue. Seeing Sang Shuwan's exhausted appearance, Alice paused slightly, but quickly walked to the sofa and said softly, "Shuwan, I'm back from the model competition. That competition was truly extraordinary."

Sang Shuwan slowly opened her eyes, a hint of weariness flashing in them. She then sat up straight, straightened her elegant suit, and said softly, "Sit down, tell me slowly." Her voice was low and calm, like a bottomless lake, making it impossible to fathom her emotions.

Sang Shuwan was preparing for her next event in the dressing room when she saw Alice return. She smiled and asked, "How was the model competition today?"

Alice sat down on the sofa, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "You did a very good job, far exceeding my expectations. Sang Jiyue... is also quite different from before."

Sang Shuwan raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised: "Oh? What do you mean?"

Alice recounted the details of the competition and her conversation with Sang Jiyue to Sang Shuwan, concluding, "I still can't immediately trust her, but she did perform quite well in this competition."

Sang Shuwan fell into deep thought, and after a moment said, "People change. Perhaps we can give her a chance. Maybe we should let go of the past grievances."

Alice looked at Sang Shuwan, somewhat puzzled: "You really think so? She used to..."

"Let bygones be bygones," Sang Shuwan sighed softly. "Holding onto hatred won't do us any good. If she has truly changed, why should we cling to the past?"

Alice was still somewhat hesitant, but seeing Sang Shuwan's determined eyes, she finally nodded: "Alright, since you put it that way, I'll observe for a while longer."

Alice sat opposite Sang Shuwan, placed the documents on the coffee table, and began to speak at length. From the magnificent decorations of the competition venue, the dazzling crystal chandeliers like a galaxy, to the stunning fashion show of models in exquisite evening gowns, Alice described every detail of each dress—some as soft as spring blossoms, others as mysterious as stars in the dark night—and even Sang Jiyue's busy figure at the event and the scene where she tried to communicate with Alice. Alice described everything in great detail. Sang Shuwan listened quietly, her eyes focused, nodding slightly from time to time, but her expression grew increasingly serious.

After Alice finished speaking, Sang Shuwan remained silent for a long while. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on a certain point on the ceiling, as if lost in deep memories. After a long while, she slowly spoke: "Actually, for a period of time before, I deliberately provoked Sang Jiyue."

Alice looked puzzled, her eyes widening instantly. She quickly asked, "Why? You're not usually like this."

Sang Shuwan sighed softly, "When I noticed she started to change, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was relieved to see that she was no longer targeting me like before, after all, no one wants to live in the shadow of being targeted. But on the other hand, I felt a little unbalanced. For so many years, she was full of hostility towards me, engaging in all sorts of open and covert struggles, from fighting for resources and slandering each other in the media to using connections to suppress each other. Those past battles seem to be right before my eyes. Now that she has suddenly changed, I feel a little uncomfortable, and even wary."

She paused, sat up straight, and a cold glint appeared in her eyes. "I couldn't help but wonder if she was plotting something new again. This uncertainty made me uneasy, so I wanted to provoke her to test whether she had truly changed. I wanted to see if she had really let go of the past grievances or was just pretending. Take the last awards ceremony, for example. I deliberately brought up her past mistakes on stage, thinking she would fly into a rage, but she just responded with a smile. The calmness in that smile made me even more suspicious; she was definitely brewing something. As it turns out, no matter how harmless she appears, deep down she's still the Sang Jiyue who opposes me."