After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 162 At Any Cost
Just then, Sang Jiyue's phone rang. It was a video call from her model friend, Saixi. Sang Jiyue didn't want to answer at first, but when she saw Saixi's familiar profile picture, the grievances in her heart surged up like a flood, and she finally pressed the answer button.

"Jiyue, what's wrong? You look so pale, what happened?" Saixi's concerned voice came through the phone. She had just finished a fashion show today, still wearing her gorgeous runway outfit and with her makeup perfect, but at this moment her eyes were full of worry for Sang Jiyue.

Sang Jiyue's eyes reddened as she recounted her experiences during the recording of the show. From Lin Yuxuan's flattery of Sang Shuwan to his indifference and neglect towards her, to his deliberate exclusion of her during the group games, and his selfish behavior during the games, Sang Jiyue became more and more agitated as she spoke, tears welling up in her eyes.

As Sai Xi listened, her originally beautiful eyebrows furrowed tightly into a "川" shape, and a hint of anger flashed in her eyes: "That's too much! How could Lin Yuxuan treat you like this? Just because Sister Shu Wan is popular, he completely ignores your existence. He's too snobbish!" Her tone was full of dissatisfaction with Lin Yuxuan.

After calming herself down, Sai Xi continued, "Ji Yue, don't be sad. My family still has some connections and influence in the entertainment industry. We absolutely can't let this go. We have to teach Lin Yuxuan a lesson!" After saying that, Sai Xi hung up the phone and immediately contacted the person in her family responsible for entertainment industry liaison.

Saisi comes from a family with considerable influence in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her family members have extensive connections and control many important resources within the industry. She explained in detail to her family elders Lin Yuxuan's egregious behavior towards Sang Jiyue. The elders were furious upon hearing this and immediately decided to take action to punish Lin Yuxuan.

Soon, several advertising endorsements that Lin Yuxuan was negotiating were suddenly canceled, and the production company of a popular TV series that he had already been confirmed to star in also changed its mind at the last minute, replacing him. Not only that, but some fashion events and award ceremonies that had originally invited him also sent him notices of cancellation. Lin Yuxuan was initially confused and didn't know what was going on, until his agent called and explained the whole situation to him.

"Yu Xuan, we're in big trouble this time! The Saisi family has intervened, and major brands and production companies are no longer willing to cooperate with you." The agent's voice was full of anxiety and helplessness.

Upon hearing the news, Lin Yuxuan was struck dumb, collapsing onto the sofa, his face turning deathly pale. He never imagined that his slight towards Sang Jiyue would lead to such serious consequences. Recalling his actions during the recording of the program, Lin Yuxuan was filled with remorse. He realized that he had not only missed an opportunity to make a friend, but also brought a huge crisis to his career because of his snobbishness.

In an attempt to salvage the situation, Lin Yuxuan tried contacting Saixi and Sang Jiyue to apologize, but the calls went unanswered. Looking at the missed calls on his phone screen, Lin Yuxuan felt a deep sense of despair. He knew he had truly messed with the wrong people this time… In the days that followed, Lin Yuxuan's career plummeted, while Sang Jiyue, with Saixi's encouragement and help, gradually emerged from the shadows and ushered in a new turning point in her career.

For a period of time after Lin Yuxuan's resources were cut off, the entertainment industry seemed to be shrouded in an invisible shadow. Industry insiders keenly sensed that this was no ordinary business change, and that someone must be manipulating things behind the scenes. Soon, news that Sang Jiyue had used her family connections to punish Lin Yuxuan spread like wildfire in various social settings and among agents.

At a lavish banquet hosted by a well-known fashion magazine, numerous celebrities, producers, and investors from the entertainment industry gathered. Male star Zhou Ming, holding a wine glass, was chatting and laughing with several directors beside him. At this moment, another male artist, Li Ze, hurriedly approached, pulled him aside, and said nervously, "Zhou Ming, have you heard? Sang Jiyue's backing is not to be underestimated. Lin Yuxuan is in this predicament because he offended her."

Zhou Ming frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Is that so? I always thought Sang Jiyue was just a small-time actress with no background."

Li Ze nodded hurriedly, his expression serious: "It's absolutely true! I heard that Sang Jiyue's model friend, the Saixi family, made a move, and in just a few days, Lin Yuxuan's resources were all gone. We have to be careful in the future and never offend her."

Meanwhile, in another corner of the banquet, a group of male celebrities were gathered together, discussing the matter animatedly. "It seems that we can't treat people differently based solely on their status anymore. Who knows, some seemingly insignificant artist might have a powerful backer behind them," one of the male celebrities who had recently debuted remarked.

Everyone nodded in agreement, their eyes now showing a hint of caution. Those male celebrities who had previously looked down on Sang Jiyue now abandoned their arrogant attitudes and privately instructed their agents not to clash with her in any situation, and even less to underestimate her.

In the period that followed, Sang Jiyue clearly felt a change in the atmosphere of the entertainment industry. When attending various events, male celebrities became exceptionally respectful towards her, greeting her proactively and speaking with great respect. Backstage at an awards ceremony, a veteran male artist saw Sang Jiyue and immediately greeted her with a broad smile: "Jiyue, you've been doing quite well lately! Let's work together sometime."

Sang Jiyue knew in her heart that all these changes stemmed from the Saixi family's intervention. She responded politely on the surface, but her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She understood that in this complex entertainment industry, without strong backing, it was easy to be looked down upon and ostracized. But she hoped even more that people would recognize her acting skills and hard work, rather than the power behind her.

Although male celebrities no longer dare to underestimate Sang Jiyue, she did not become arrogant or complacent. On the contrary, she worked even harder to hone her acting skills and constantly challenged herself with various different types of roles. At a press conference for a new drama, when a reporter asked her how she viewed the change in the entertainment industry's attitude towards her, Sang Jiyue smiled and replied, "I firmly believe that only by relying on one's own strength can one gain a foothold in this industry. I will continue to work hard to bring more excellent works to the audience."

Sang Jiyue's words won a round of applause from the audience. In the competitive and challenging world of entertainment, she has gradually stepped out of her sister Sang Shuwan's shadow, carving out her own niche, through her wisdom and courage. Her story has become a widely circulated tale in the entertainment industry, constantly reminding people that in this seemingly glamorous circle, one should never judge a book by its cover, and never underestimate anyone.

As night deepened, the city's hustle and bustle was gradually swallowed by the darkness. In the living room of Sang Jiyue's apartment, warm yellow light created a cozy atmosphere. On the coffee table sat two exquisite wine glasses, each half-filled with champagne, the bubbles dancing merrily under the light.

Sang Jiyue and Saixi nestled lazily on the soft sofa, having just finished a scathing rant. Thinking about the male celebrities' drastically different attitudes before and afterward, they couldn't help but burst into laughter. Sang Jiyue laughed so hard she almost cried: "Saisi, you really should have seen the expressions on those people's faces backstage at today's awards ceremony! They looked like mice seeing a cat, it was hilarious!"

Saixi clutched her stomach, laughing so hard she was shaking: "That's right! They used to ignore our Jiyue, but now they know how powerful they are. This time, we've taught them a lesson, showing them that you can't be too snobbish in the entertainment industry."

After laughing for a while, Sang Jiyue gradually calmed down. She picked up her wine glass, took a sip of champagne, and her eyes revealed a hint of emotion: "Actually, when I first entered the entertainment industry, I was like a lost lamb, hitting walls everywhere. Every time I saw those male celebrities being so respectful to you, but looking down on me, I felt so bad."

Saixi reached out and gently patted Sang Jiyue's shoulder, comforting her, "It's all in the past, Jiyue. You have to believe that gold will always shine. This time, we not only let those people know how capable you are, but we also contributed to cleaning up the entertainment industry."

Sang Jiyue nodded in agreement, a determined glint in her eyes: "That's right! The entertainment industry shouldn't be a place that only values ​​status and background. Every hardworking artist deserves respect. I hope that through our actions, we can make this industry more fair and harmonious."

The two chatted for a while longer, gradually shifting the topic from entertainment gossip to future plans. Saisi said enthusiastically, "Jiyue, I recently met some big directors in the fashion industry. They're preparing a new fashion film, and I think your image and temperament are perfect for the lead role. Want me to help you get in touch?"

Sang Jiyue's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Really? That's great! I've always wanted to try my hand at fashion films. Thank you, Cecily!"

“Why are you being so polite with me? We’re best friends!” Saisi said with a smile, her face beaming with genuine joy.

Outside the window, moonlight, like water, spilled across the city streets and alleys. Inside the living room, Sang Jiyue and Sai Xi's laughter continued. Their friendship deepened in the challenging yet opportunistic entertainment industry, painting a beautiful picture of their future together. In the days to come, they will join hands and continue writing their own legendary stories in the entertainment world.

In the ever-changing and treacherous world of fame and fortune, Sang Shuwan shines like a bright star. With her impeccable acting skills and extraordinary charisma, she rose from obscurity to become a national goddess. Over the years, every work she has starred in has been considered a classic, and every move she makes stirs up a storm of public opinion, garnering her a fervent following of countless fans and earning the sincere respect of her peers.

Night fell like a giant black ribbon, tightly enveloping the city. Sang Shuwan was alone in her spacious, luxurious apartment. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city's neon lights flickered incessantly, outlining a scene of bustling prosperity, yet they could not dispel the complex emotions in her heart.

Sang Shuwan gripped the tablet tightly, the screen displaying a piece of entertainment gossip—Lin Yuxuan had offended Sang Jiyue and was being suppressed by her backers, causing his career to plummet. Her brows furrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes before a complex smile curved her lips.

"I didn't expect Sang Jiyue to be so cunning," Sang Shuwan murmured to herself, her tone tinged with surprise and resentment. Having struggled in the entertainment industry for many years, Sang Shuwan had overcome numerous obstacles to become a highly acclaimed national goddess, thanks to her outstanding looks and superb acting skills. Sang Jiyue, from the moment she entered the industry, had always considered Sang Shuwan her goal to surpass. The two were quite similar in both their acting styles and personalities, leading to fierce competition, and naturally, they became arch-rivals.

Sang Shuwan put down her tablet, walked to the window, and gazed at the night outside, her thoughts drifting back to the past. At an awards ceremony, Sang Shuwan won a major award for her outstanding acting skills. As she gave her acceptance speech, Sang Jiyue in the audience watched with eyes full of resentment and jealousy. On another occasion, the two were vying for the lead role in a popular TV series. To secure the role, their teams engaged in fierce competition, neither willing to yield. In the end, Sang Shuwan won by a narrow margin, which deepened Sang Jiyue's animosity towards her.

Recalling the past, Sang Shuwan's eyes grew increasingly cold. However, she had to admit that Sang Jiyue's counterattack this time was indeed brilliant. Lin Yuxuan was known for his snobbishness in the entertainment industry, and this time he paid the price for his actions. Thinking of this, Sang Shuwan felt a strange sense of satisfaction welling up inside her.

In the dead of winter, Sang Shuwan slowly pulled her car over to the curb in front of her villa in Beverly Hills. Outside the window, the sea breeze from Los Angeles carried a salty, damp scent, rustling the palm leaves. She took off her sunglasses; the temples still smelled of disinfectant from the hospital. Three months earlier, backstage at a celebration party, she had suddenly collapsed, and the diagnosis was a devastating blow—a serious heart problem caused by overwork.

Jiang Cimu was already waiting at the door, the warm yellow light outlining his tall figure. Seeing Sang Shuwan get out of the car, he quickly approached, the hem of his linen shirt fluttering with his movement, releasing a faint scent of pine. "Wanwan, it's good to be back." His simple words instantly relaxed Sang Shuwan's tense nerves. He took the suitcase from her hands, his fingertips touching her cold fingers, his brow furrowing slightly.

In the entryway, as Sang Shuwan bent down to change her shoes, she noticed the mud on Jiang Cimu's trouser legs. He was always meticulous about his appearance, so this was quite unusual. "What have you been up to today?" she asked casually. Jiang Cimu paused, his ears turning slightly red. "I planted some new roses in the backyard, thinking you'd like them." Sang Shuwan felt a warmth in her heart, remembering how she had casually mentioned liking roses at the Cannes Film Festival three years ago, and how he had remembered it so well.

The villa's living room was decorated warmly and elegantly, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a neatly manicured lawn and a meticulously tended rose garden. Sang Shuwan nestled in a soft cashmere blanket, watching Jiang Cimu busily working in the kitchen. He skillfully cut the steak, the silver cutlery clinking crisply against the porcelain plate. Soon, the rich aroma of steak filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of cinnamon rolls from the oven, making Sang Shuwan feel, for a fleeting moment, that this was the taste of home.

During dinner, Jiang Cimu suddenly knelt on one knee and pulled a delicate little box from his pocket. Sang Shuwan gasped in surprise, covering her mouth. Inside was a sparkling wedding ring, engraved with "W&W, forever" on the inside of the band. "Wanwan, I already decided in the hospital room that once you recover, we'll have our wedding ceremony," Jiang Cimu said, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes filled with deep affection. Sang Shuwan's eyes reddened, and she reached out her hand for him to put the ring on his finger. In that moment, all her weariness and pain vanished.

Late at night, Sang Shuwan was awakened by noises on the terrace. In the moonlight, Jiang Cimu frowned at his laptop, the densely packed English emails on the screen making her heart tighten. Approaching the screen, she saw it was a transformation plan devised by the company's senior management while she was recovering from illness; the content was appalling—to fabricate scandals and turn her into a queen of controversy for the sake of traffic. "I will absolutely not let them hurt you," Jiang Cimu said, shutting down the laptop and pulling her tightly into his arms, his voice low and firm.

In the days that followed, Jiang Cimu devised a detailed rehabilitation plan for Sang Shuwan. Their personal trainer was a retired ballet dancer, and after each training session, Jiang Cimu would bring her a fish soup he had personally prepared. Once, Sang Shuwan slipped and fell in the bathroom. Jiang Cimu broke down the door, shattering the glass and cutting his palm, drawing blood. He disregarded his own injury and immediately checked on her. Seeing his anxious expression, Sang Shuwan's eyes welled up with tears. This man, who could manipulate events with such power in the business world, was always so cautious in front of her.

On Thanksgiving Day, Jiang Cimu took Sang Shuwan to the Santa Monica Pier. A street performer played guitar and sang "Hotel California," the cheerful melody filling the air. Sang Shuwan walked on the sand, bathed in the golden-red hues of the setting sun, her thoughts drifting back to her childhood. Abandoned by her family at a young age, she grew up in an orphanage, never experiencing the warmth of family. Until three years ago, when she met Jiang Cimu at the Cannes Film Festival, this man, with his boundless gentleness, gradually healed the wounds in her heart.

"Are you cold?" Jiang Cimu gently wrapped the scarf around her neck, his fingertips accidentally brushing against the pale pink birthmark behind her ear. Sang Shuwan shook her head. In the distance, the Ferris wheel lit up with colorful lights, like a dreamlike galaxy. Just then, Jiang Cimu's phone suddenly vibrated, the screen displaying an urgent call from the company's public relations director. "Let's go back first." Sang Shuwan gripped his hand tightly, her nails digging deeply into her palm. She knew the storm was coming. Back at the villa, Jiang Cimu held a video conference with his team in the study until the early hours of the morning. Sang Shuwan curled up on the sofa with a blanket, watching a replay of the Thanksgiving parade on TV, but she had no heart to watch it.

On Christmas Eve, Sang Shuwan received a message from her agent in China. In an effort to recoup losses, the company planned to arrange her comeback during the New Year's Eve gala livestream and demanded that she publicly respond to the recent "retirement rumors." Upon learning this, Jiang Cimu flew to New York overnight to discuss countermeasures with his legal team, leaving Sang Shuwan alone at the villa.

On Christmas Eve, Los Angeles was blanketed in a rare snowfall. Sang Shuwan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the snowflakes dance in the lamplight, a profound loneliness welling up within her. She recalled her childhood in the orphanage, where on holidays other children received family visits, while she could only gaze out the window and silently make a wish.

The doorbell rang suddenly. Sang Shuwan opened the door and saw Jiang Cimu standing in the snow, his hair and eyelashes covered in snowflakes. He was holding a cardboard box containing photos and letters of Sang Shuwan from the orphanage. "I contacted the orphanage director and had someone find all of these," Jiang Cimu said, his voice tinged with weariness. "Wanwan, I know you've always longed for a home. From now on, I am your family."

Sang Shuwan threw herself into his arms, old photos from the cardboard box scattered all over the floor. One of them was of her at ten years old, in front of the Christmas tree at the orphanage, wearing a tattered cotton-padded coat, her eyes filled with loneliness. And now, in Jiang Cimu's warm embrace, she finally felt the warmth of home.

On New Year's Eve, Sang Shuwan boarded a private jet back to China accompanied by Jiang Cimu. The cabin was decorated with champagne roses, and Jiang Cimu had personally designed her comeback look. As the plane broke through the clouds, overlooking the city's dazzling fireworks, Sang Shuwan tightly grasped Jiang Cimu's hand. She knew that no matter how many hardships and obstacles lay ahead, this man would always be by her side, walking alongside her.

During the live broadcast, Sang Shuwan walked onto the stage in a dress personally chosen by Jiang Cimu. The moment the spotlight shone on her, she saw Jiang Cimu in the audience holding up his phone, the screen displaying a photo of them together in Los Angeles. At that moment, all the rumors and gossip, all the painful past hurts, vanished like smoke. Sang Shuwan smiled at the camera; she knew that her new life had just begun.

The dazzling lights of the New Year's Eve gala were still flashing on my retina as Sang Shuwan, arm in arm with Jiang Cimu, stepped out of the studio. The winter night wind, carrying the festive atmosphere of the New Year, rushed towards them. Jiang Cimu subconsciously pulled her closer to him, the hem of his coat brushing against her rhinestone-studded skirt.

"Want to go shopping?" Jiang Cimu's voice was made even gentler by the scarf, and he gently stroked the bruise on her side with his fingertips—an old injury left from rehearsals. Sang Shuwan looked up at the brightly lit shopping mall, the glass curtain wall reflecting their intertwined figures, and suddenly remembered that afternoon three years ago in Paris when they took shelter from the rain in Galeries Lafayette.

Warm air wafted from the mall's revolving doors, and the new Chanel handbags in the window shimmered like pearls under the spotlights. Just as Sang Shuwan was about to stop, Jiang Cimu led her to the rest area and went to buy her hot cocoa himself. Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, she saw him standing in front of the dessert shop, earnestly gesturing to the clerk about the sweetness level, his eyelashes casting dappled shadows in the warm winter sun.

"I added double the amount of cotton candy." When Jiang Cimu returned, his hair was covered in glitter from the artificial snow in the mall. He carefully wiped the foam off the rim of the cup with a tissue before handing it to Sang Shuwan. "Be careful, it's hot." Just then, the sound of camera shutters could be heard in the distance. Several paparazzi-like people were frantically taking pictures with telephoto lenses.

Jiang Cimu immediately shielded Sang Shuwan behind him, the buttons of his suit jacket brushing against the stray hairs by her ear. Mall security quickly surrounded them, and in the chaos, Sang Shuwan's high heel got stuck in a gap in the carpet, causing her to stumble forward. In the nick of time, Jiang Cimu turned and caught her, their backs slamming heavily against a display shelf, the sound of shattering porcelain mingling with the gasps of the crowd.

"Are you hurt?" Jiang Cimu's voice trembled noticeably. Ignoring the bloodstains on his arm from the shards, he repeatedly checked Sang Shuwan's hands and feet. Sang Shuwan looked at his reddened eyes and suddenly remembered when she was recuperating in Los Angeles, she had a stomachache in the middle of the night, and he looked just as flustered and distressed.

While Jiang Cimu was having his wound treated at the mall's medical room, he held Sang Shuwan's hand tightly the entire time. As the doctor disinfected the wound, he unconsciously tightened his fingers, but Sang Shuwan reassured him instead: "I'm fine, but you..." Jiang Cimu looked at her serious expression, his Adam's apple bobbing, but in the end he simply tucked the strands of hair that had fallen across her forehead behind her ear.

After leaving the infirmary, Jiang Cimu led Sang Shuwan to the observation deck on the top floor of the mall. The New Year's bells had just rung, and colorful fireworks burst forth on the electronic screens of distant skyscrapers. Sang Shuwan leaned against Jiang Cimu's shoulder, feeling his rhythmic heartbeat, and suddenly said, "Don't you think it would be so much better if we were ordinary people?"

Jiang Cimu paused for a moment, his fingertips gently smoothing her hair, which was ruffled by the evening breeze. "If we were ordinary people, it would probably take me a long time to save up enough money to take you out for a candlelight dinner. But now, I can give you the best roses in the world and watch every spectacular fireworks display with you." He turned to face Sang Shuwan, his eyes reflecting the light and shadow of the fireworks. "More importantly, whether you are a big star or an ordinary girl, the one I love will always be you."

Sang Shuwan's eyes welled up with tears, and she tiptoed to kiss away the gold foil flakes from his eyelashes. Below the observation deck, the mall's New Year's concert played "Canon in D," the melodious violin tune intertwining with the sound of fireworks, like a grand dream. Jiang Cimu wrapped her in his coat, and in the glow of the fireworks, their shadows drew closer and closer, eventually overlapping into a warm silhouette.

As the last wisp of fireworks faded into the night sky, Jiang Cimu led Sang Shuwan towards the elevator. Passing a jewelry store, a pair of couple's rings in the window caught Sang Shuwan's eye. Jiang Cimu immediately stopped and gestured for the salesperson to bring out the rings. "These rings can be engraved on the inside," he said, placing the rings on Sang Shuwan's ring finger. "What should we engrave?"

Sang Shuwan gazed at the sparkling diamonds on the ring, her mind filled with memories of their time together: their first meeting at the Cannes Film Festival, their time together at the Los Angeles villa, their embrace under the fireworks... "Let's engrave 'W&W, Fireworks Everywhere'," she said softly. Jiang Cimu paused for a moment, then smiled gently: "Okay, our lives will be filled with fireworks."

As they stepped out of the mall, the streets were bathed in the first rays of the new year's sunlight. Jiang Cimu opened the car door and helped Sang Shuwan into the passenger seat. As the engine started, Sang Shuwan gazed at the city gradually awakening outside the window and suddenly understood that true happiness did not come from the dazzling spotlight on stage, but from the gentle, enduring companionship given by the man beside her.

"Where to next?" Jiang Cimu turned to look at her, sunlight streaming through the car window and illuminating his handsome features. Sang Shuwan fastened her seatbelt, a smile playing on her lips: "Home." Jiang Cimu started the car, a melodious tune playing from the car stereo. Their hands clasped on the center console, the rings on their ring fingers reflecting a warm light, illuminating their new journey into the new year.

At two in the morning, the streets of Los Angeles resembled a sleeping giant, occasionally broken by the roar of car engines. Sang Shuwan and Jiang Cimu walked hand in hand along the winding cobblestone path towards their car. Moonlight bathed them, casting long, long shadows that intertwined on the ground, creating a romantic scene.

“I love today’s ring.” Sang Shuwan wiggled her ring finger; the diamond on the ring sparkled in the moonlight, like stars in the night sky. Jiang Cimu’s lips curled into a doting smile as he gently tucked her hand into his coat pocket. “When spring comes, we’ll get a pair of wedding rings custom-made, and have ‘Fireworks Along the Way’ engraved even deeper, so it can witness every beautiful moment of our lives.”

Lost in their sweet romance, the two were completely unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Ahead, a narrow alleyway gaped open in the darkness, like a lurking beast. As they passed the alleyway, three dark figures suddenly sprang out from the shadows, like ghosts.

The leader was a tall, burly man with a face full of menacing features. The cigarette dangling from his mouth flickered in the darkness, and the tattoos on his neck and hands gleamed eerily under the dim streetlights, resembling writhing venomous snakes. "Hey, rich guys!" he said in broken English, his tone filled with greed and provocation. He spread his arms to block the two men's path. "Hand over your wallets and jewelry, or you'll be in for a world of trouble!"

Jiang Cimu reacted instantly, shielding Sang Shuwan behind him like a wall. He gestured for her to be quiet while secretly slipping his hand into his coat pocket and quickly swiping his phone to dial the number of his local friend, Roy. The moment the call connected, the tattooed man at the head of the group seemed to sense something was amiss. His eyes suddenly turned fierce, and he lunged forward, nimbly snatching Jiang Cimu's phone and smashing it to the ground with a loud "crack," shattering the screen instantly.

"Want to call the police?" The tattooed man sneered, his laughter echoing through the alley with a sinister air. Two thugs behind him surrounded him, forming a circle, their eyes gleaming with malice. "Hand over your money today, and none of you are leaving!" Jiang Cimu tensed, his muscles bulging. He slightly turned to the side, using his entire body to completely shield Sang Shuwan. "I'll give you the money," he took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm, and said each word clearly, "but don't hurt her."

The tattooed man, as if he'd heard a joke, let out a piercing, maniacal laugh. Before the laughter subsided, he suddenly swung his right fist, sending a whistling sound as it hurtled towards Jiang Cimu's face. Jiang Cimu couldn't dodge in time, and the blow landed heavily on his lip. Blood instantly seeped from his torn lip, starkly visible in the moonlight. Sang Shuwan couldn't help but cry out in alarm, her body instinctively trying to rush forward, but Jiang Cimu held her back firmly with his strong arm. "Listen to me, stay behind me!" he gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse from the pain, but the unwavering determination in his eyes was irresistible.

Seeing this, the three thugs became even more arrogant and began punching and kicking Jiang Cimu. Their blows rained down on him, accompanied by heavy breathing and curses. Sang Shuwan was frantic with worry, her hands gripping Jiang Cimu's clothes tightly, her nails almost digging into the fabric. Her eyes were red, tears welling up, but she dared not make a sound, fearing she might endanger Jiang Cimu further.

Just as Jiang Cimu was about to collapse, a deafening roar of an engine suddenly came from afar. A red Ferrari, like a red lightning bolt, sped towards the alley. The roar of the engine shattered the chaos in the alley. The thugs were startled by this sudden change, and they all stopped what they were doing, their faces showing fear.

The Ferrari slammed on its brakes less than five meters away, the tires screeching violently against the pavement, filling the air with a burnt smell. The door slammed open, and Roy jumped out. Tall and burly with sharp eyes, he gripped a golf club, exuding menacing aura. "Dare to touch my friend?" he roared, his voice echoing through the alley, full of menacing force, before charging towards the thugs.

Seeing the situation was turning against them, the thugs panicked, exchanged glances, and then turned and ran like three stray dogs, quickly disappearing at the end of the alley. Sang Shuwan's heart finally settled. She immediately rushed to Jiang Cimu's side, and seeing the wounds on his face and body, tears welled up in her eyes. "How are you? Are you hurt anywhere?" Her voice trembled with sobs as she tried to check Jiang Cimu's injuries.

Jiang Cimu forced a smile, trying to comfort Sang Shuwan: "I'm fine, don't be afraid..." Before he could finish speaking, a sharp pain struck, and he couldn't help but frown. Luo Yi quickly walked over, and seeing Jiang Cimu's injuries, his brows furrowed tightly: "That's too bad, I'll take you to the hospital!" With that, he stepped forward to support Jiang Cimu's other side, and together with Sang Shuwan, helped him into the car.

On the way to the hospital, Sang Shuwan held Jiang Cimu's hand tightly, as if he would disappear if she let go. Jiang Cimu gently wiped away her tears with his other hand, his voice weak but full of tenderness: "Silly girl, I'm fine, don't cry, your eyes will be swollen and you won't look pretty." Sang Shuwan rolled her eyes at him, but her tears flowed even more fiercely: "What kind of time is this to be joking!"

In the hospital's emergency room, the bright lights were blinding. Doctors and nurses bustled about, the air thick with the smell of disinfectant. Jiang Cimu lay on the bed, a doctor carefully treating his wounds. Sang Shuwan sat on a chair beside him, her eyes glued to Jiang Cimu, afraid to miss a single subtle expression. Watching the doctor clean the wounds with cotton swabs dipped in medicine, each stroke felt like a needle pricking her heart.

"It's just a superficial injury, no bones are broken. A few days of rest will do the trick." The doctor's words finally put Sang Shuwan's mind at ease. She let out a long sigh of relief, a tired yet relieved smile on her face. When she left the hospital, dawn was breaking. A pale pink sunrise painted half the sky, giving the city a soft, serene glow. Roy drove them back to the villa.

Sang Shuwan leaned on Jiang Cimu's shoulder, still shaken by the harrowing experience of the previous night. "Don't be so foolish next time you're in danger," she whispered, a hint of reproach in her voice. "You should protect yourself first." Jiang Cimu pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. "How could I let you get hurt? As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone touch a hair on your head. Even if it costs me my life, I'll protect you."

Hearing his resolute words and feeling his warm embrace, Sang Shuwan felt a surge of warmth in her heart. Back at the villa, Jiang Cimu rested on the sofa. Sang Shuwan went into the kitchen and cooked him a bowl of porridge. Sunlight streamed through the windows into the living room, dispelling the gloom of the previous night and bringing a touch of warmth to the space.

Sang Shuwan carried the porridge to the sofa and looked at Jiang Cimu's sleeping face, a smile unconsciously spreading across her lips. After this ordeal, she understood even more clearly that this man had become the most important person in her life, her support, her haven. No matter what storms the future held, they would walk through them hand in hand, welcoming each beautiful tomorrow together.

Sang Shuwan's high heels gradually faded into the corridor outside the ward. Jiang Cimu maintained the reassuring smile on his lips until the footsteps were completely inaudible. In an instant, he felt as if his spine had been ripped out, collapsing heavily onto the hospital bed, his previously feigned ease instantly twisted with pain.

It felt as if several sharp daggers were stabbing into the broken ribs, one after another. Every breath was accompanied by excruciating, burning pain, almost suffocating him. He instinctively reached out to cover the injured area, and the moment his fingers touched the bandaged wound, the piercing pain spread rapidly through his body, causing him to tremble uncontrollably.

Beads of cold sweat instantly poured from his forehead, large drops rolling down his cheeks and soaking the pillow. Jiang Cimu clenched his teeth, his cheeks puffed out, trying to resist the waves of excruciating pain with his strong willpower. His lips turned white from being bitten so hard that they even bled slightly.