After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 164 The Dark Side
Sang Jiyue frowned slightly as she looked at the items in their hands, her heart filled with mixed emotions. After a long silence, she finally spoke, "That's all? Far from enough!"

Zhang Yue's lips trembled. After hesitating for a moment, she took out a small box from her bag, inside which was a diamond ring: "This...this is what I was preparing for my wedding. I can't worry about it now. Sister Jiyue, please accept it."

Not to be outdone, Li Xuan took off a necklace from her neck: "This is a keepsake left by my mother. Although it's not worth much money, it's still a token of her affection. Sister Jiyue, please have pity on us and let us make up for our mistake this time."

Looking at the pile of valuables before her, Sang Jiyue's anger gradually subsided. She scrutinized the two women again, seeing the sincerity and remorse in their eyes, and finally sighed, "Fine, considering your sincere attempt to make amends, I'll accept this as collateral this time. But if there's a next time, I won't let you off so easily!"

Zhang Yue and Li Xuan were overjoyed, tears welling up in their eyes. They thanked her repeatedly, saying, "Sister Jiyue, thank you so much! We will definitely be more careful in the future and never make the same mistake again!"

After the two left, Ceci walked out from the side, looked at Sang Jiyue, and asked softly, "Are you really going to just let it go like this? These valuables are not worth the dress."

Sang Jiyue watched the two figures disappear into the distance, let out a long sigh of relief, and her tense body relaxed. Cecily walked over and comforted her, "Don't get angry over people like that; they're just clowns. Your shop will only get better."

Sang Jiyue looked at Cecily gratefully and nodded. This ordeal had made her understand even more clearly that in this complex world, protecting everything she cherished required constant vigilance and courage. At the same time, she secretly resolved that no matter how many challenges she faced in the future, she would not easily back down and would strive to make her career even more brilliant. This confrontation at the dress shop was merely a small episode in her long journey through life. In the days to come, Sang Jiyue would face more storms with even more determined steps, writing her own legend. The shop assistants also gathered around, expressing their admiration for Sang Jiyue and Cecily. The shop returned to its usual tranquility, with only the soft lighting still illuminating each exquisite evening gown.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the hotel's heavy blackout curtains, casting dappled shadows on Sang Jiyue's face. She was facing her vanity mirror, completely absorbed in preparing for the upcoming film festival premiere. Her slender fingers held an eyebrow pencil, precisely outlining her brows, her expression radiating composure and calm. Suddenly, her phone vibrated beside her, its shrill ring shattering the room's tranquility.

Sang Jiyue frowned slightly, put down her eyebrow pencil, and reached for her phone. The screen displayed an anxious call from her agent. She pressed the answer button, and her agent's trembling voice came through the receiver like a machine gun: "Jiyue, something terrible has happened! Someone leaked the story about the dress shop, and it's already at the top of the trending topics. Public opinion is overwhelmingly against us for being too harsh. Netizens are stirring up trouble, and this is terrible for our image!"

Sang Jiyue paused, her eyebrow pencil in hand. She calmly looked at herself in the mirror, her tone steady and unwavering: "Ignore these baseless rumors. The truth will come out eventually; the innocent will be proven innocent. Our priority now is to successfully complete today's film festival schedule." With that, she hung up the phone and continued working on her makeup.

A few hours later, Sang Jiyue's black van slowly drove into the film festival venue. Outside the window, the red carpet was already packed with media reporters and enthusiastic fans, countless flashes of light twinkling like stars, the atmosphere as intense as a summer's blaze. The car door opened, and Sang Jiyue, dressed in a champagne-colored haute couture gown, gracefully stepped out. The gown's flowing lines perfectly accentuated her elegant figure, and the skirt, adorned with sparkling diamonds, swayed gently with her steps, like a cascading galaxy, shimmering brilliantly.

Sang Jiyue walked slowly down the red carpet with a smile, pausing occasionally to wave to fans, exuding elegance with every gesture. Just as she was smiling and signing autographs for fans, a sharp voice suddenly rang out from the crowd, piercing the noise like a blade: "Sang Jiyue, how come you're so ugly in real life? Did you rely entirely on special effects and beauty filters to create a beautiful illusion on set?"

The scene erupted in an uproar. All eyes turned to Sang Jiyue like spotlights, and countless cameras quickly captured the sudden turn of events, trying to record her every expression and reaction. The air seemed to freeze instantly. Some fans looked astonished, while others glared angrily at the speaker. Meanwhile, reporters excitedly pressed their shutters, anticipating a sensational story.

Sang Jiyue paused slightly, but her face remained impeccably smiling, showing no sign of panic. She slowly turned to face the questioner, her gaze firm and composed, her voice clear and powerful as she replied, “Everyone’s demeanor in front of the camera differs from their behavior in real life. As an actor, my responsibility is to create characters and move the audience with my acting, not to attract attention with my appearance. On set, special effects and beauty filters are used to better present the characters and serve the work itself. To question my appearance or even ignore my acting simply because of the difference between on and off camera is unfair to all actors who dedicate themselves to their craft.”

A brief silence fell over the room, everyone seemingly stunned by Sang Jiyue's calm and rational response. Just then, a veteran film critic stepped forward, scrutinizing Sang Jiyue, and asked, "Ms. Sang, it's undeniable that your acting skills are widely recognized in the industry, but in today's appearance-obsessed entertainment circle, looks are often the focus of the audience's attention. How do you view the excessive focus on an actor's appearance?"

Sang Jiyue nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the surrounding crowd, and said earnestly, "I understand the audience's pursuit of beauty; everyone has a love for beauty. But beauty shouldn't be limited to outward appearance. An excellent work is the culmination of the efforts of actors, directors, screenwriters, and countless behind-the-scenes staff. The thoughts, emotions, and values ​​it contains are what truly deserve the audience's attention. I hope everyone can focus more on the work itself, rather than the actors' appearances. I will also continue to work hard to improve my acting skills and repay the audience's love and support with better works."

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted in the room, and many people cast approving glances at Sang Jiyue's answer. However, at that moment, a young reporter raised a pointed question: "Ms. Sang, some people question whether the success of your work largely depends on your team's packaging and marketing. What do you have to say about this?"

Sang Jiyue responded calmly and sincerely: "I do not deny that the team has played an important role in my acting career, but the creation of each character is inseparable from my own efforts and dedication. From studying the script and understanding the character to rehearsing repeatedly and immersing myself in filming, I have given my all in every step. I believe that the audience's eyes are discerning, and truly excellent works and acting skills will not be buried."

As the situation escalated, organizers, fearing things would get out of control, rushed over and politely helped Sang Jiyue out of the predicament, guiding her into the theater. The lights dimmed, and the premiere officially began. Sang Jiyue's brilliant performance on the big screen completely captivated the audience. After the film ended, thunderous applause erupted, with audience members and media alike praising her acting skills highly.

Back at the hotel, the agent excitedly waved her phone and rushed to Sang Jiyue: "Jiyue, great news! Public opinion has turned around! Everyone is praising your response and raving about your acting in the film. Not only did you successfully defuse the crisis, but you've also further enhanced your image!"

Sang Jiyue smiled slightly, her eyes revealing a weary yet determined light. Having experienced the dress shop scandal and the various doubts at the film festival, she understood even more clearly that in this complex and ever-changing entertainment industry, only by staying true to one's original aspirations and focusing on one's work can one stand firm amidst the storms and shine with one's own light.

Outside the window, the city lights flickered, and traffic flowed busily. New challenges might be quietly brewing in the shadows, but Sang Jiyue was already prepared to embrace each unknown tomorrow. She knew that although the road to pursuing her dreams was full of thorns, as long as she held onto her passion and forged ahead bravely, she would eventually reach the other side of success and write her own legend.

Sang Jiyue smiled radiantly, exuding confidence, a moment captured by everyone present with their phones and cameras. That very evening, these videos spread like wildfire across various social media platforms. Countless netizens were captivated by her high emotional intelligence and powerful presence, showering her with likes and shares, causing related topics to surge in popularity and quickly becoming a hot topic of online discussion.

The next day, Sang Jiyue was still asleep when her agent's excited phone call woke her up. "Jiyue, you're famous! All the major platforms are praising you, and your popularity is even higher than a movie premiere!" Her agent's voice was filled with barely concealed excitement. "Many brands have contacted us wanting to collaborate with you, and several variety shows have invited you to be a guest—these are all hot opportunities!"

Sang Jiyue rubbed her sleepy eyes, a sense of relief welling up inside her upon hearing the news. She knew that not only had this crisis been successfully resolved, but it had also opened up new opportunities for her.

In the days that followed, Sang Jiyue noticed a significant shift in the attitudes of her colleagues at industry events. Those who had previously been indifferent to her now proactively greeted her, their eyes filled with recognition and admiration. On one occasion, at a fashion gala, a veteran actress grasped Sang Jiyue's hand and exclaimed sincerely, "Jiyue, your response at the last film festival was brilliant! You not only upheld your own image but also reaffirmed the reputation of our acting community. Truly, the younger generation is formidable!"

Many newcomers in the entertainment industry regard Sang Jiyue as their idol, learning from her words and actions and studying her crisis management methods. One of the young actors who had just debuted said in an interview: "Sister Jiyue is my role model. She showed us through her actions that in this complex industry, you not only need to have excellent professional skills, but also high emotional intelligence and a strong heart in order to go further."

As her popularity continued to grow, Sang Jiyue was invited to participate in a popular interview program. During the program, the host posed a series of sharp questions, attempting to explore the story behind her rise to fame. "Jiyue, given the overwhelmingly negative public opinion, how were you able to quickly and fluently respond with high emotional intelligence? Was it a pre-planned strategy, or was it improvised?" the host asked curiously.

Sang Jiyue smiled and answered calmly, "Actually, I didn't have time to think about too many strategies at the time. It was just out of love and respect for the profession of acting that I spoke from the heart. In the entertainment industry, we often face various doubts and challenges. Rather than running away or responding angrily, it is better to face them honestly and move the audience with sincerity and rationality."

The host then followed up, "Many newcomers now see you as a role model. What advice do you have for them?" Sang Jiyue pondered for a moment and said earnestly, "I would like to tell the newcomers that on the road to pursuing their dreams, they should stay true to their original aspirations, continuously improve their professional skills, and at the same time remain humble and sincere. When facing public opinion, they should learn to deal with it in the right way and turn crises into opportunities."

After the show aired, it sparked widespread discussion once again, and Sang Jiyue's popularity soared to new heights. Brand collaboration offers poured in, and she not only became the spokesperson for several top-tier brands but also landed a role in an international blockbuster.

However, Sang Jiyue was not blinded by fame and fortune. Despite her busy work schedule, she continued to study, constantly improve her acting skills, participate in charity events, and give back to society. She deeply understands that the entertainment industry is ever-changing, and only by remaining clear-headed and working tirelessly can one establish a lasting presence on this stage, write more brilliant chapters, and set a true example for the younger generation.

In the ever-changing and ever-changing world of entertainment, brimming with opportunities and challenges, Sang Jiyue's popularity has soared thanks to her high emotional intelligence and solid acting skills, making her a currently sought-after and dazzling star. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan has also secured a firm place in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry with her unique artistic style and outstanding talent showcased in numerous works.

A highly anticipated talent show has set its sights on these two influential artists. Recognizing their unique charm and professional abilities, the show's producers have invited them to serve as mentors, aiming to leverage their influence and expert guidance to help aspiring artists shine on their artistic journeys.

At the recording site, the enormous studio was beautifully decorated, with dazzling lights illuminating the entire stage like stars, creating a warm yet solemn atmosphere. Below the stage, a group of vibrant, dream-filled trainees stood neatly arranged, their eyes revealing both nervousness and unease, yet also boundless anticipation for the future. On either side of the stage, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan sat at their respective mentor seats, awaiting the trainees' turn to appear; a silent "battle" was about to begin.

The first contestant confidently stepped onto the stage; he was a handsome young man. As soon as the music started, he instantly got into character, delivering a passionate street dance performance. The energetic music seemed to possess a powerful magic, perfectly complementing the boy's movements. Every jump, spin, and pause was full of power and beauty, igniting the audience's passion, with screams and cheers rising and falling.

After the performance, Sang Jiyue reacted quickly, pressing her button first. She stood up, her voice enthusiastic and infectious: "Fantastic! I saw boundless passion and creativity in your dance, and your sense of rhythm was perfect. Join my team, and I'll use my extensive network to secure more high-quality performance opportunities for you. Let's create even more amazing moments together!" Seeing this, Sang Shuwan also immediately pressed her button, a warm smile on her face, and sincerely said, "Young man, your potential is immeasurable. In my team, I'll tailor a development path specifically for you, and with my years of experience, I'll help you quickly make a name for yourself in the entertainment industry." The boy seemed hesitant, his gaze shifting between the two mentors, unable to decide. Ultimately, under Sang Jiyue's attractive promises and enthusiastic approach, he chose her. Sang Shuwan frowned slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes, but she quickly smiled again and generously congratulated the boy.

In the following rounds, Sang Jiyue, leveraging her extensive connections in the entertainment industry and her highly persuasive rhetoric, won over several outstanding trainees in succession, making her team increasingly powerful and unstoppable. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan's progress was quite slow. Although she expressed her approval of some trainees, she couldn't find anyone she particularly liked, leaving her team with very few members, which made Sang Shuwan extremely anxious.

Just then, a girl with long, flowing hair, carrying a guitar, gracefully stepped onto the stage. She wore a simple white dress, like a blooming lily, exuding a fresh and natural charm. The girl gently plucked the strings, and a melodious, ethereal tune flowed out. Her voice was clear and moving, like a babbling brook in the mountains, or the sweet chirping of birds at dawn, instantly transporting the audience to a dreamlike world. Everyone was immersed in the beautiful music; the venue was silent, with only the girl's voice echoing in the air.

Sang Shuwan's eyes lit up, and she instantly perked up. She was deeply attracted by the girl's talent, convinced that this was the student she had been searching for. As soon as the performance ended, she eagerly pressed the button, excitedly standing up and praising loudly, "Your voice is heavenly! Your interpretation of the song is delicate and heartfelt, full of unique charm. Join my team, and I will do my utmost to create the most suitable musical works for you, allowing your talent to be seen by more people!"

However, Sang Jiyue also greatly appreciated the girl's performance. She quickly pressed the button and said with a smile, "Little girl, your singing is outstanding! In my team, you will not only receive professional vocal guidance, but also have the opportunity to collaborate with top music producers in the industry, release your own single, and quickly gain recognition." The girl did not expect that two mentors would extend olive branches to her at the same time, and she was a little at a loss, with a conflicted expression on her face.

Seeing this, Sang Shuwan was very anxious, worried that she would miss out on her favorite contestant again. So, she quickly walked onto the stage, looked sincerely into the girl's eyes, and said, "Believe me, I have a unique understanding and pursuit of music, and I also have rich experience in music composition. Join my team, and I will tailor a series of musical works for you to help you realize your musical dreams." Sang Jiyue, not to be outdone, followed closely behind on stage, confidently stating, "I have worked in the entertainment industry for many years and have accumulated extensive connections, which can provide you with more exposure opportunities. Under my guidance, you will achieve success much faster."

The girl was caught in a dilemma, looking at the two mentors with a confused expression. The atmosphere became extremely tense; everyone held their breath, waiting for the girl's decision. Finally, after careful consideration, the girl slowly spoke: "I feel that Sister Jiyue's resources and platform are more helpful to my development, so I choose Sister Jiyue's team." Hearing the girl's answer, Sang Shuwan's smile instantly froze, her eyes revealing deep disappointment and resentment, but she still forced a smile and congratulated the girl.

Sang Jiyue happily stepped forward, hugged the girl, and welcomed her to her team. During the subsequent recording, Sang Shuwan, though somewhat frustrated, didn't lose heart. She knew the competition had only just begun, and many more opportunities lay ahead. So, she adjusted her mindset and continued to meet each student's challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism… As the recording progressed, another student took to the stage. It was a lithe boy who delivered a thrilling martial arts performance. He moved with incredible agility and skill, his punches and kicks powerful and dynamic, each movement showcasing the allure of martial arts. Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue were both captivated by the boy's performance, and at the very end, they pressed the button simultaneously once again.

Sang Shuwan spoke first: "Your martial arts performance was amazing! I've always wanted to build a team that integrates various art forms, and your joining will inject new vitality into our team. I'll help you design a unique stage performance to make you stand out among all the trainees." Sang Jiyue wasn't to be outdone, saying, "Martial arts has broad prospects in the entertainment industry. I can help you contact action film directors and secure opportunities for you to play important roles. Joining my team will allow you to realize your acting dreams much faster."

After thinking for a moment, the boy looked at Sang Shuwan with a firm gaze and said, "I think Sister Shuwan's philosophy is more in line with my own ideas, and I want to join her team." Hearing the boy's choice, Sang Shuwan smiled with satisfaction, and Sang Jiyue also generously congratulated them.

The recording of the show continues, and the competition between Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue is becoming increasingly fierce. Each contestant's appearance prompts them to give their all, launching a new round of competition. In this process, they not only demonstrate their desire for outstanding students but also showcase their love and dedication to art. This war without gunpowder tests not only their intelligence and eloquence but also allows them to grow and improve through competition. For those aspiring students, regardless of which mentor they ultimately choose, they will embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey on this stage.

Sang Jiyue's lips curled into a smug smile, her gaze piercing Sang Shuwan like a knife: "Shuwan, it's not that I don't want to give you a chance. After all these years of struggling in the entertainment industry, in terms of connections and resources, how am I not better than you? Just wait and see." With that, she tossed her long hair, her high heels clicking as she turned and left.

Sang Shuwan stood rooted to the spot, her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. She looked up at Sang Jiyue's departing figure, her eyes filled with resentment and stubbornness. "Hmph, the outcome is still uncertain," she muttered to herself, her tone resolute.

In the ensuing competitions, Sang Jiyue was like a tireless winning machine. She brought in top vocal and dance coaches for her team members, arranged for a renowned styling team to create their unique looks, and even leveraged her connections to invite a leading music producer to compose songs tailor-made for them. In every duel, Sang Jiyue's team members shone brightly on stage, achieving perfection in everything from stage choreography to performance details, effortlessly defeating Sang Shuwan's team members time and again.

Before another round of competition, Sang Shuwan finally discovered a student with exceptional talent in traditional opera. Overjoyed, she meticulously designed a performance plan that incorporated modern dance and tirelessly sought guidance from renowned opera masters. However, upon learning this, Sang Jiyue used her privileged advantage gained during the game to eliminate the student at the last minute.

"Sang Jiyue, you've gone too far!" Sang Shuwan strode up to Sang Jiyue, her eyes blazing with anger, her voice trembling slightly with rage. "This student clearly appreciates my teaching philosophy and is willing to learn from me, yet you used your privileges to forcibly take him away. Is that fair to me and to the student?"

Sang Jiyue shrugged, showing no remorse: "That's how the game is. If you're so capable, go and win those privileges yourself. Besides, the entertainment industry is a dog-eat-dog world. If you can't keep your trainees, don't complain here."

Sang Shuwan trembled with rage, staring intently at Sang Jiyue as if she wanted to see right through her. After a brief moment of anger, Sang Shuwan quickly calmed down, thinking to herself, "I can't let her defeat me like this. I have to find a way to fight back."

On the day of the competition, the contestants who had been randomly selected were given a makeover by Sang Jiyue's team and took to the stage. Sang Shuwan stood backstage, watching the contestants on stage, her fists clenched so tightly they cracked. After the performance, unsurprisingly, Sang Jiyue's team won again.

After the competition, staff informed Sang Shuwan that there was a new charity performance project and they wanted to invite her to lead her team to participate. Hanging up the phone, Sang Shuwan's eyes lit up, and a fighting spirit ignited within her: "This might be a good opportunity to fight back."

She quickly adjusted her mindset, carefully selected compassionate and promising trainees for her team, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the preparation of the charity performance. To create the most perfect program for the trainees, Sang Shuwan worked day and night, contacting professionals to create songs and choreograph dances for the trainees in line with the charity theme, and personally guiding the trainees on the details of their performances.

Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue's team, leveraging their privileges and resources, continued to lead the competition. However, as the competition progressed, viewers gradually grew tired of this one-sided situation and began to miss the simple and sincere performance style of Sang Shuwan's team.

On the day of the charity performance, Sang Shuwan led her students onto the stage. With heartfelt emotion and a brilliant performance, the students conveyed warmth and hope, winning thunderous applause from the audience. After the performance, the media reported on it extensively, and netizens liked and shared it on social media platforms. Sang Shuwan and her students received high praise, and their popularity and influence increased significantly.

Upon hearing this news, Sang Jiyue felt somewhat uneasy. In the following competitions, Sang Shuwan's team, fueled by the popularity and confidence gained from their charity performances, fought their way through the rounds, gradually narrowing the gap with Sang Jiyue's team. Sang Shuwan's gaze was resolute; she knew that the real competition had only just begun.

Backstage at the show, the backstage dressing room was filled with the sounds of arguing. Sang Shuwan clenched her fists tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force, her almond-shaped eyes wide open, and she was the first to attack Sang Jiyue: "Sang Jiyue, you have repeatedly used your privileges to snatch away the contestants I have my eye on. Do you even care about fairness? Have you ever considered the contestants' wishes?"

Sang Jiyue crossed her arms, a cold smile playing on her lips beneath her exquisite makeup, her eyes filled with disdain: "Fairness? In this program, the rules are set by the strong. I earned my privileges through my own abilities, and how I use them is my prerogative. Besides, I can provide the trainees with better resources to help them succeed sooner, so what's wrong with that?"

Sang Shuwan trembled with rage, taking a step forward, her voice shaking slightly with anger: "Better resources? You're just using your students to satisfy your own vanity! That opera student really wanted to learn from me, but you snatched her away!"

The argument between the two grew louder and louder, like sharp whistles, drawing the attention of the surrounding staff. They whispered amongst themselves, but no one dared to intervene. Sang Jiyue's face instantly flushed red, like a ripe tomato. She raised her voice and retorted, "Stop pretending to be innocent! If you were truly capable, would I have snatched your student away? Ultimately, it's because you're less skilled!"

The commotion quickly reached the recording studio, drawing whispers and surprised glances from the audience, creating an uproar. That evening, the video of the argument was uploaded online, spreading like wildfire and instantly causing a huge uproar, firmly occupying the top spot on the trending topics lists of major platforms.

Netizens quickly split into two camps, engaging in heated debates in the comments section. One group of netizens was indignant, accusing Sang Jiyue of using any means necessary to win and completely disregarding the wishes of her students. They left messages on social media saying, "Sang Jiyue has gone too far! As a mentor, she should be guiding her students to pursue their dreams, but she has turned the show into a stage for fame and fortune. It's heartbreaking!" Many people started a campaign to boycott Sang Jiyue and called on the production team to punish her.

However, some netizens defended Sang Jiyue, saying, "This is clearly a loophole in the program's rules. Sang Jiyue was just making reasonable use of the rules. Besides, she can indeed provide better development opportunities for the trainees. What's wrong with that? Maybe Sang Shuwan can't stand losing and is deliberately creating hype!" Both sides stuck to their own arguments, and the public's attention continued to rise.

Upon learning of this, Sang Jiyue's agent, General Manager Qi, rushed to Sang Jiyue's residence. Dressed in a sharp suit, General Manager Qi looked grave, his brows furrowed deeply: "Jiyue, this matter has blown up too much! If it's not handled properly, your image and career will suffer a severe blow."

Sang Jiyue sat on the sofa, her brows furrowed, her fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest as she fell into deep thought. She realized that she had indeed acted too impulsively this time, failing to consider the enormous influence of public opinion. After a long while, she looked up at President Qi: "President Qi, you're right, it was my oversight this time. Do you have any suggestions?"

President Qi paced back and forth in the living room, and after a moment of thought, said, "The most urgent task is to hold a press conference to publicly apologize to Sang Shuwan, the students, and the audience. The attitude must be sincere to win everyone's understanding."

Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan was also reflecting on her own behavior. She understood that simply blaming Sang Jiyue wouldn't solve the problem; only by demonstrating strength could she win the audience's approval. Therefore, she devoted herself even more diligently to guiding her team members in preparing for the upcoming competition.

A few days later, accompanied by President Qi, Sang Jiyue held a press conference. At the press conference, Sang Jiyue, dressed in a simple black suit, looked sincere: "I was wrong this time. I placed too much emphasis on winning and losing the competition, neglecting the wishes of the students and everyone's feelings. Here, I sincerely apologize to Sang Shuwan, the students, and all the audience. In the future, I will definitely respect the choices of every student and treat the competition with a fair and just attitude."

Sang Shuwan also expressed her stance through the media: "I hope we can focus our energy on training students and present more wonderful programs to the audience." With the statements from both of them, the public opinion storm gradually subsided, and the program resumed normal recording.

But after this incident, both Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan realized that in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, to gain a foothold, one needs not only outstanding talent but also the ability to respect and be tolerant. Meanwhile, President Qi was closely monitoring their activities, secretly pondering how to plan for Sang Jiyue's long-term development. A new competition seemed to be quietly brewing.
The awards ceremony was ablaze with lights, as bright as day. Sang Jiyue, dressed in a magnificent champagne-colored evening gown, its skirt flowing like a galaxy, adorned with sparkling diamonds, gracefully walked onto the stage with a confident smile to receive the championship trophy from the presenter. Thunderous applause and a flurry of flashing lights illuminated her figure, making her exceptionally dazzling.

Sang Shuwan stood below the stage, her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. She stared at the radiant Sang Jiyue on stage, her teeth grinding, her anger simmering like a volcano about to erupt. When Sang Jiyue gave her acceptance speech, Sang Shuwan finally lost her temper and shouted, "This competition is rigged! Why does Sang Jiyue always get such good cards and win so easily? I demand a reasonable explanation from the production team!"

Sang Shuwan's shout was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a stir among the audience. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, plunging the once lively awards ceremony into chaos. Sang Jiyue's hand holding the trophy trembled slightly, her smile freezing instantly. She looked at Sang Shuwan, a flicker of panic in her eyes.

Just as everyone was wondering what was going on, a staff member rushed out from backstage, trying to calm Sang Shuwan down. But Sang Shuwan wouldn't listen. She shoved the staff member aside, stormed onto the stage, and demanded of the show's director, "Did you rig this behind the scenes? Why is Sang Jiyue's chance of winning so high?"

The director's face turned deathly pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His eyes darted around, and he stammered, "This... how could this be? The competition was fair and just; there was no behind-the-scenes manipulation." However, his answer clearly failed to convince Sang Shuwan.

It turns out that the show's director did indeed rig the game behind the scenes. Ceci comes from a wealthy and influential family with considerable power in the entertainment industry. To curry favor with the Ceci family, the director secretly adjusted the odds of the cards drawn by Sang Jiyue during the card-drawing segment, significantly increasing Sang Jiyue's chances of winning.

Seeing that the director refused to admit it, Sang Shuwan grew increasingly angry. She took out her phone and showed him some evidence she had collected: "I investigated and found that the staff had specially treated the cards before Sang Jiyue drew them. Moreover, you have close ties with the Cexi family. Is it because you deliberately favored Sang Jiyue to curry favor with them?"

The director stared at the evidence on Sang Shuwan's phone, his legs buckling, nearly collapsing to the ground. He knew the deception was out and could no longer be concealed. Just then, Ceci walked out from backstage. She wore a well-tailored white suit, her face cold, her eyes revealing a hint of displeasure.

“Enough!” Ceci said coldly. “So what if I asked the director to do this? In this industry, connections and resources are part of one’s power. Sang Jiyue is capable and has a good relationship with me, so naturally I have to help her.”

Sang Shuwan stared at Cexi in disbelief, trembling with anger: "How could you do this? This is so unfair to the other students and mentors!"

Cecily smiled dismissively: "Fairness? There's never been absolute fairness in the entertainment industry. To succeed, you have to learn to adapt to the rules, or make your own."

Sang Shuwan knew that further arguing was pointless. She turned to look at Sang Jiyue, her eyes filled with disappointment: "I always thought you won the competition based on your own ability, but I never expected..."