After I died, they cried in the live studio

The production crew's back garden was ablaze with lights, resembling a dreamlike fairyland. A huge crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, reflecting off the carefully arranged colored lights around it. The neatly trimmed bushes exuded a fresh fragrance, and the delicate flowers swayed gently in the breeze, as if cheering for the celebration banquet.

Sang Shuwan wore a black, fitted evening gown, its skirt like inky waves, studded with dazzling rhinestones that shimmered mesmerizingly under the lights. Her hair was styled in a high updo, revealing her slender neck, and paired with exquisite makeup, she exuded a cool and noble aura. Sang Jiyue, on the other hand, wore a red off-the-shoulder evening gown, resembling a blooming red rose. The skirt was embroidered with delicate gold threads, swaying gently with her steps and radiating a captivating charm.

With a smile on her face, Sang Jiyue confidently moved through the crowd, occasionally stopping to give interviews to the media. She spoke eloquently, sharing her gains and insights from the program, exuding star power in every gesture. Just then, Nancy, dressed in a white evening gown like a pure lily, slowly walked into the back garden accompanied by her assistant.

Although Nancy and Cecilia are half-sisters, they have always had a close relationship. However, when she learns of the show's shady dealings—that the production team manipulated the results to ensure Sang Jiyue's victory—her sense of justice compels her to expose the truth. She takes a deep breath and walks resolutely towards Sang Jiyue and the media.

"Hello everyone, I have something to say." Nancy's clear and loud voice instantly attracted everyone's attention. The scene fell silent, and all eyes were on her. Sang Jiyue frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart.

Nancy glanced at Sang Jiyue, then turned to the media and said seriously, "There was a serious shady deal involved in the selection of this show's champion. The production team deliberately adjusted the odds during the card drawing process to ensure Sang Jiyue's victory. I have solid evidence." She then gestured to her assistant to show the collected evidence to the media.

A commotion erupted as reporters raised their cameras to photograph the evidence. Sang Jiyue's face turned deathly pale, her lips trembling slightly; she was momentarily at a loss for words. Sang Shuwan stood to the side, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes—shock mixed with a hint of relief.

"This...this is impossible, someone must be framing me." Sang Jiyue tried to explain, but her voice sounded so weak. Nancy looked at her coldly and said, "The evidence is conclusive, stop trying to deny it. This kind of victory obtained through unfair means is nothing to be proud of."

At that moment, Cecilia rushed to the scene. Seeing the sight before her, her face darkened. "Nancy, what are you doing? Why did you tell everyone about this?" Cecilia demanded.

Nancy looked at Cecilia without flinching and said, "Sister, this is wrong. We can't condone this kind of unfairness just because of our relationship. The entertainment industry needs fairness and justice."

Cecilia was speechless; she knew Nancy was right. Sang Jiyue looked at Cecilia, her eyes filled with pleading. But Cecilia herself was also caught in a dilemma, unsure how to salvage the situation.

The media turned their cameras towards Sang Jiyue, bombarding her with a barrage of pointed questions. Sang Jiyue felt her head buzzing, and everything around her seemed to blur. She never imagined that what was supposed to be a glamorous victory celebration would turn into her "judgment session."

Sweeping through this media storm, Sang Jiyue was completely panicked. Faced with overwhelming accusations and insults, she chose to lock herself in her home, drawing the heavy curtains, trying to shut out the noise and chaos from the outside world. Her phone rang incessantly, one call after another from her agent, Mr. Qi, but Sang Jiyue remained curled up on the sofa, her eyes vacant, ignoring the ringing.

Seeing Sang Jiyue's miserable state online, Sang Shuwan felt a mix of emotions. Although she harbored resentment towards Sang Jiyue's past actions, she couldn't help but feel sorry for her once-glorious rival in such a predicament. Her assistant leaned close to Sang Shuwan and cautiously asked, "Sister Wan, with things getting so heated online, shouldn't we take this opportunity to expand our advantage?" Sang Shuwan glared at her assistant, her tone serious: "No! Jiyue is already in enough trouble; we can't kick her while she's down."

Downstairs at the program's office, the protesters did not disperse over time. Under the blazing sun, their anger grew even stronger, and their shouts of condemnation rose higher and higher. Some shouted, "The shady production team must be severely punished to restore a clean entertainment industry!" Others held signs demanding that the production team disclose all details of the behind-the-scenes manipulation and that those responsible be severely punished.

Meanwhile, the online feud between Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan's fans continued unabated. Sang Jiyue's fans, while expressing sympathy for their idol, attempted to defend her, while Sang Shuwan's fans relentlessly demanded that Sang Jiyue pay the price for her actions. The two sides exchanged barbs in the comments section and on social media, neither willing to back down, with some even digging up past controversies, escalating the conflict further.

When his agent, Mr. Qi, saw that Sang Jiyue refused to answer the phone, he became extremely anxious and went directly to her residence. He knocked loudly on the door and shouted, "Jiyue, open the door! If you keep running away like this, your career will be completely ruined!" After a long while, the door slowly opened, revealing Sang Jiyue with a haggard face, disheveled hair, and eyes full of confusion and helplessness. Mr. Qi looked at Sang Jiyue and said with exasperation, "How can you hide at home? You must stand up now and take the initiative to deal with this crisis!" Sang Jiyue shook her head, her voice hoarse, "I'm afraid to face it. Maybe everything will be alright once the storm passes."

President Qi sighed helplessly, sat down, and patiently advised, "Jiyue, this media storm is different from the past. If you continue to run away, the public will think you've admitted to all your mistakes. Then it will be difficult to turn things around. We need to take the initiative and try to gain the public's understanding." Sang Jiyue fell into deep thought, her heart filled with conflicting emotions.

Just as Sang Jiyue was hesitating, a new piece of news exploded online. Some netizens revealed that the show's behind-the-scenes manipulation was not accidental, but rather involved a massive network of vested interests affecting multiple high-ranking figures in the entertainment industry. This news instantly shifted public attention from Sang Jiyue to the dark side of the entire entertainment industry.

Taking advantage of the shift in public opinion, President Qi once again persuaded Sang Jiyue: "Jiyue, now is an opportunity. We can take this opportunity to issue a sincere apology statement and cooperate with relevant departments to investigate the program's shady dealings. Perhaps we can salvage some of our reputation." Sang Jiyue thought for a long time and finally nodded: "President Qi, I'll listen to you. I can't run away anymore."

With Mr. Qi's help, Sang Jiyue meticulously drafted an apology statement, deeply reflecting on her mistakes and expressing her willingness to actively cooperate with the investigation and contribute to creating a fair and just entertainment industry environment. After the statement was released, although some netizens were still unconvinced, many others saw Sang Jiyue's sincerity, and public opinion began to subtly shift.

As the investigation into the program's alleged misconduct deepened, more and more of the truth came to light. The director involved was punished according to law, and the program underwent a comprehensive overhaul. Following this incident, Sang Jiyue also re-examined her life and career, determined to return to the entertainment industry with a fresh perspective and win back the audience's trust through her actions.

As public opinion gradually shifted in Sang Jiyue's favor, Li Ming, the program director, unwilling to accept defeat, hid in his dimly lit office, his face clouded with rage. He stared intently at Sang Jiyue's apology statement on the computer screen, his eyes flashing with venomous resentment, plotting a desperate counterattack. Suddenly, a cold smile crept onto his lips, and a vicious plan took shape in his mind—to expose Sang Shuwan's past reliance on Nancy to obtain resources, resulting in a mutually destructive outcome.

Soon, an exposé article spread rapidly online, detailing how Sang Shuwan, with Nancy's help, obtained valuable resources that didn't originally belong to her, subtly implying that Sang Shuwan wasn't as innocent as she appeared. This article, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirred up a storm. Sang Shuwan's fans, upon seeing the article, angrily denounced it, accusing the director of malicious slander; while Sang Jiyue's fans seized the opportunity to kick her while she was down, demanding that Sang Shuwan come out and clarify the situation.

Upon learning of this, Sang Shuwan trembled with rage. She never imagined the director would resort to such underhanded tactics. Her assistant anxiously said, "Sister Wan, we can't just sit here and wait to be killed; we must fight back immediately!" Sang Shuwan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and said, "Don't panic. We need to gather evidence to prove that these are all rumors."

Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue was also closely monitoring the situation. Her agent, General Manager Qi, suggested, "Jiyue, this is a good opportunity to turn the tide. We can take this chance to expose Sang Shuwan's true colors." Sang Jiyue fell into deep thought, feeling somewhat hesitant. She recalled her previous clashes with Sang Shuwan on the show, and then thought about how both of them were now caught in a media storm, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Just as the two sides were deadlocked, the online war of words intensified. Some marketing accounts, eager to capitalize on the situation, deliberately released misleading information to confuse the public. Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue's private lives were exposed, and various rumors spread like wildfire. Some netizens claimed that Sang Shuwan acted arrogantly during the filming of a certain project, while others spread rumors that Sang Jiyue was suppressing newcomers behind the scenes. The entire internet seemed to have descended into a chaotic frenzy, and the truth became increasingly obscured.

To clarify the facts, Sang Shuwan decided to hold a press conference. At the conference, she looked firmly at the media and said, "I admit that Nancy did help me with my work back then, but these resources were based on my abilities and hard work. I have never obtained any opportunities through improper means. Director Li Ming is maliciously smearing me to evade responsibility, and I will never tolerate it." She then presented a series of evidence to prove that the allegations in the article were completely fabricated.

However, Sang Shuwan's explanation did not completely quell the public outcry. Sang Jiyue's fans remained relentless, and the two sides continued to attack each other online. Just then, Nancy stepped forward and issued a statement supporting Sang Shuwan: "Shuwan and I have been friends for many years, and I admire her talent and hard work. I helped her back then because she deserved it. I hope everyone will not be misled by false information."

Despite this, the chaos online has not been effectively curbed. Some netizens have begun to feel disappointed with the entertainment industry as a whole, calling on relevant departments to strengthen supervision and rectify its unhealthy trends. Just as the debate raged on, relevant departments finally took action, launching a severe crackdown on online rumors and malicious hype. A series of accounts that violated regulations were banned, and those responsible were punished.

As the crackdown deepened, the internet gradually returned to calm. Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue also learned a lesson from this incident. They realized that in the complex world of entertainment, only by staying true to their original aspirations and maintaining their integrity can they go further.

Late at night, in the director's office, the desk lamp cast a dim, oppressive light, elongating the director's shadow. He slumped in his chair, his eyes bloodshot, staring intently at the computer screen at the news of Sang Jiyue's apology statement and Sang Shuwan's planned press conference to prove her innocence. His teeth gritted, and resentment grew wildly within him: "Trying to get away unscathed like this? No way!"

The director abruptly stood up and rummaged through a jumble of files, finally finding a long-forgotten folder. Inside were detailed documents detailing how Sang Shuwan had obtained resources with Nancy's help when he first entered the entertainment industry. These documents, which he had originally considered his "secret weapon," now became tools for his revenge. Without hesitation, he dialed the number of a gossip reporter.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, a sensational article—"Shocking! Sang Shuwan Climbed the Ladder Through Connections: A Deep Dive into the Entertainment Industry's Dark Secrets"—spread like wildfire online. The article not only listed the important roles Sang Shuwan obtained through Nancy, but also included photos of the two meeting privately, its words full of innuendo, portraying Sang Shuwan as a ruthless person who would stop at nothing.

The news sent the internet into chaos. Sang Shuwan's social media account comment section was flooded with negative comments, and her fans split into two camps. One group of fans remained steadfast in their support for their idol, engaging in fierce online battles with trolls in the comments section; the other group began to waver, demanding that Sang Shuwan come forward and explain. At the same time, Sang Jiyue's fans seized the opportunity to launch a frenzied online attack on Sang Shuwan, attempting to divert public attention from Sang Jiyue.

When Sang Shuwan learned of this, she was in the dressing room preparing for the filming of her new drama. Her makeup brush fell to the ground with a "clatter," and her face instantly turned deathly pale. Seeing this, her assistant quickly handed her her phone; the screen was filled with a deluge of negative reports. "Sister Wan, we have to respond quickly; we can't let them smear us!" the assistant said anxiously.

Sang Shuwan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down: "Contact a lawyer and prepare evidence to prove innocence. I'll contact Nancy now." After communicating with Nancy, the two decided to hold a joint press conference to address the crisis directly.

However, just as Sang Shuwan was busily preparing for the press conference, negative public opinion online surged like wildfire. Some marketing accounts, eager to grab attention and ride the wave of popularity, began maliciously digging into Sang Shuwan's past, fabricating all sorts of absurd rumors. Some claimed she bullied newcomers on set, others alleged she had been involved in illegal transactions… One rumor after another made it difficult for the public to distinguish truth from falsehood.

Sang Shuwan's agent urgently contacted major platforms, demanding the removal of false information, but to little avail. Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue was also caught in a dilemma. Her agent suggested she seize this opportunity to completely suppress Sang Shuwan and consolidate her own position. Sang Jiyue was deeply conflicted; on one hand, she longed to escape the public relations crisis, but on the other hand, she despised such opportunistic behavior.

As the online flame war escalates, numerous celebrities and internet personalities have been drawn into the fray. Some have stood up to support Sang Shuwan, accusing behind-the-scenes manipulators of public opinion; others have chosen to remain silent and avoid discussing the matter. The entire entertainment industry seems to be engulfed in a war without gunfire, the truth buried in the chaos. No one can predict where this media storm will ultimately lead.

Early morning sunlight streamed through the glass of the agent's office, illuminating the desk. Sang Jiyue hurried in, pushing open the door. Her hair was still damp with morning dew, and she exuded a unique vitality. Yet, her eyes held an unprecedented determination: "President Qi, arrange for me to go to the frontier, during the Water Splashing Festival."

President Qi was drinking tea when he heard this and almost choked on it. He put down his teacup and looked at Sang Jiyue with a look of astonishment: "Jiyue, are you crazy? The conditions in the border areas are harsh and the journey is long. What's more, the media loves to make things up, and they might take things out of context and distort the story. This is too risky!"

Sang Jiyue gently shook her head, walked to the window, looked at the bustling streets outside, and slowly said, "It is precisely because of the overwhelming doubts online that I must go. During this period, after the collapse of my false persona, everyone is full of suspicion towards me. Only by stepping into people's lives and getting close to them can I let them see the real me, instead of the false image shaped by public opinion."

After a moment of silence, Mr. Qi tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table before finally nodding: "Alright, but you must be careful and prepare for all sorts of situations in advance."

A few days later, dressed in simple ethnic clothing and a sun hat, carrying only a few bags, Sang Jiyue embarked on her journey to the frontier. After landing, she transferred to a car and endured a bumpy ride before finally arriving at the site of the Water Splashing Festival. Her appearance at the bustling festival immediately caused a stir. Some in the crowd called out her name with delight, their eyes filled with excitement; others cast skeptical glances and whispered amongst themselves.

Sang Jiyue paid no heed to the crowd's reactions. She enthusiastically joined them, splashing water and playing. At first, people were a little reserved, only symbolically splashing her a little water. But Sang Jiyue's genuine smile and unpretentious attitude gradually dispelled their concerns. A little girl with a ponytail timidly approached and handed her a basin of water. Sang Jiyue immediately took it, bent down, and gently splashed water on the little girl. The two looked at each other and laughed, their clear laughter echoing through the crowd. Just then, a discordant voice suddenly rang out from the crowd: "Don't be fooled by her! This might just be another publicity stunt! Who knows how much she's plotting behind it!" The atmosphere became awkward, and the lively water-splashing activity briefly came to a halt as everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Sang Jiyue and the speaker.

Sang Jiyue paused slightly, a hint of hurt flashing across her face, but she quickly turned and looked firmly at the speaker. She took a deep breath, raised her voice, and said, word by word, "I understand everyone's doubts. The past has disappointed many people, and I don't blame you. But this time, I'm here with a sincere heart, not for publicity. I want to share the joy of the Water Splashing Festival with everyone, understand your lives, and get closer to you."

Her candor stunned everyone present. After a brief silence, an elderly woman with gray hair stepped forward, smiled, and said, "Child, as long as you are sincere, we welcome you." Led by the old woman, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal, and everyone began to splash water joyfully again.

After the Water Splashing Festival ended, Sang Jiyue didn't leave. Instead, she went into the local villages, working and chatting with the villagers. She helped them pick fruit, learned to weave traditional handicrafts from the women, and ran and played with the children in the fields. While talking to a young mother, the woman asked curiously, "You're so successful in the big city, why did you think of coming here?"

Sang Jiyue sat in the courtyard, looking at the distant rolling mountains, and said earnestly, "I used to lose myself, caring too much about fame, fortune, and image. After experiencing those things, I realized that what's truly important is the sincerity and kindness between people. Coming here, I felt your simple and pure life, which made me rediscover the meaning of life."

Over the past few days, the villagers have gradually noticed a change in Sang Jiyue. One young man remarked, "At first, I also suspected that she was putting on a show, but after these few days, I can see that she is genuinely communicating with us and has no airs of a celebrity at all."

As local tourists captured Sang Jiyue's moments in the border region and uploaded them online, public opinion began to shift. Netizens saw her working in the fields and the heartwarming scenes of her interacting with children, leaving comments such as, "Perhaps she really has changed; you can feel her sincerity," and "This time, I'm willing to give her another chance."

During her time on the frontier, Sang Jiyue deeply realized that regaining everyone's trust wasn't about putting on a show, but about maintaining a sincere heart and demonstrating her change through concrete actions. This trip to the frontier not only changed people's perception of her but also helped her find a new direction in life. She knew that she would carry this sincerity with her and walk firmly forward on the road ahead.

Sang Jiyue stood before the media cameras, smiling at the snow-capped mountains over 4,000 meters above sea level. Wearing a brand-new down jacket, she handed donated supplies to Tibetan children, the camera flashes reflecting blinding light onto the snow. That very night, her Weibo account gained 500,000 followers, the comments section overflowing with praise for her "beauty inside and out." But only she knew that at the bottom of her suitcase lay an unopened oxygen tank and a meticulously planned charity itinerary.

Three months later, her assistant called: "Sister Sang, they've sent out another invitation. Do you want to go again? The promotional plan is all ready this time..." Sang Jiyue looked at herself in the mirror, removing her makeup, the mascara smudged into dark circles under her eyes. Almost inexplicably, she refused.

Six months later, she set foot on the snowy land again. There were no accompanying reporters, no pre-arranged interviews; she carried only an old hiking backpack and joined a volunteer team. The scenery outside the car window gradually changed from bustling cities to rolling mountains, the thin air making her chest feel heavy. When the convoy stopped in front of a remote village school, she saw the boy who had taken her backpack before, standing on tiptoe and peering into the car.

"Teacher Zhuoma!" A boy suddenly rushed over, his dark face flushed with the red of the high altitude. Sang Jiyue was taken aback for a moment before realizing that the children had mistaken her for a volunteer teacher. Before she could explain, a small hand was slipped into her palm—a crumpled piece of candy, the edges of the wrapper stained with dirt.

That night, Sang Jiyue slept in the drafty classroom, covered with a blanket that smelled of yak butter. The sound of yak bells drifted in from outside the window. She pulled out her phone and saw a charity photo taken three months earlier. In the photo, she had impeccable makeup, but now the woman in the mirror had tanned skin and hair streaked with straw.

Sang Jiyue huddled in the leather seat of the van, her pale face reflected on her phone screen. Three of the top ten trending topics were related to her: #SangJiyueCharityScam##SangJiyuePersonalImageCollapse##SangJiyueGetOutOfTheEntertainmentIndustry#. Outside the car, her assistant, Xiao Li, was bowing and scraping while talking on the phone, while in the rearview mirror above the driver's seat, her manager, CEO Qi, had her meticulously drawn willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed tightly.

"Don't panic." President Qi suddenly spoke, his fingertips making a crisp sound as he swiped across the tablet. "We're flying to the Maldives tomorrow. I've already contacted the media; just say you're doing marine conservation work." Sang Jiyue gazed at the neon lights rushing past the window, but her mind drifted to the little house surrounded by prayer flags in the snowy region, and her mother-in-law's all-knowing gaze.

“Mr. Qi, I want to go to the snowy area.” Sang Jiyue’s voice was soft, yet it instantly silenced the car. Mr. Qi put down his tablet, his gaze behind his sunglasses sharp as a scalpel: “Are you crazy? Going to the snowy area now is like walking into a trap!” Sang Jiyue gripped the hem of her clothes and repeated her mother-in-law’s words verbatim. After listening, Mr. Qi sneered: “Superstition! Just some mystical talk, what problems can it solve?”

But Sang Jiyue's mind was made up. Three days later, she boarded a flight to the snowy region alone. When the plane landed at the high-altitude airport, the severe altitude sickness made her dizzy. As she dragged her suitcase out of the airport, she saw the distant snow-capped mountains shimmering in the sunlight, and a strange sense of peace welled up in her heart.

When Sang Jiyue saw her mother-in-law again, it was early morning. Her mother-in-law was drying barley in the courtyard, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Sang Jiyue poured out her story, tears welling in her eyes. Her mother-in-law listened quietly, then handed her a steaming cup of butter tea: "Child, if your heart is not kind, blessings will be hard to retain. Only by truly turning to good can you dispel the gloom."

During her time in the snowy region, Sang Jiyue began a completely new life. She got up early with the herders to herd cattle, chasing after herds of yaks on the grassland; she learned to make traditional Tibetan carpets, even though her fingers were red from being pulled by the wool; she also became a temporary teacher at the village primary school, teaching the children to read and sing.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, President Qi was extremely anxious. The company's stock price plummeted due to Sang Jiyue's negative news, and sponsors were demanding to terminate their contracts. She tried issuing public relations statements and arranging online trolls to control public opinion, but all to no avail. Left with no other option, President Qi decided to personally travel to the snowy region and bring Sang Jiyue back.

When President Qi appeared at the courtyard gate wearing high heels and carrying a designer bag, Sang Jiyue was feeding lambs with the children. President Qi looked at the dark-skinned, simply dressed woman in front of him and almost didn't recognize her: "Sang Jiyue, look at yourself! Come back to Beijing with me, and we still have a chance to salvage this."

Sang Jiyue put down the baby bottle and smiled, saying, "President Qi, I don't want to go back. Here, I truly feel alive." President Qi looked at her incredulously: "Don't forget, I'm the one who made you famous! Without me, you're nothing!" Sang Jiyue didn't refute, but quietly looked at the distant snow-capped mountains: "President Qi, I used to lose myself for fame and fortune. But now, I want to do something practical for the people of this land."

Ms. Qi was furious, her face flushed, and she was about to explode when she suddenly saw a group of children approaching. The children held Sang Jiyue's hand, their faces beaming with innocent smiles. One of the little boys ran over and handed Ms. Qi a wildflower: "Auntie, this is for you." Ms. Qi's hand froze in mid-air. Looking into the child's clear eyes, a sudden surge of inexplicable emotion welled up in her heart.

That evening, President Qi and Sang Jiyue sat in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky. Sang Jiyue recounted her experiences in the snowy region, from helping herders repair their houses to raising school supplies for children. President Qi listened quietly, his anger gradually subsiding.

“Perhaps you are right,” President Qi finally spoke. “We have always focused too much on fame and fortune, but have neglected what is truly important.” Sang Jiyue turned her head and looked at President Qi: “President Qi, why don’t we stay together and do something practical for the children here?” President Qi was silent for a moment, then nodded: “Okay.”

Since then, Ms. Qi put aside her work and, together with Sang Jiyue, devoted herself to public welfare in the snowy area. They established a charity foundation, built a new school for the village, and introduced advanced medical equipment. More and more people were moved by their actions and joined the ranks of public welfare.

As time went by, Sang Jiyue's reputation gradually recovered. But this time, she was no longer living for fame and fortune, but for the kindness and responsibility in her heart. Under the fluttering prayer flags, she and President Qi found a new direction in life, and also brought new vitality to this plateau land.

The next day, she went with the children to fetch water. The mountain path was rugged, the buckets swayed on her shoulders, and she was out of breath after only a few steps. An older volunteer who was with her told her that the children here had to travel five kilometers round trip every day to get drinking water. Sang Jiyue looked at the dry riverbed in the distance and suddenly remembered how she had swiped her credit card without hesitation when she swiped it at a luxury store.

In the days that followed, Sang Jiyue learned to start a fire with cow dung, help the herders repair their sheepfolds, and even understand a few words of Tibetan. When she learned that children in the village dropped out of school every year because of the dangerous mountain roads, she began contacting companies to donate school buses. At a fundraising event, someone recognized her: "Aren't you that celebrity who put on a show?" Sang Jiyue gripped the microphone tightly, facing her past vanity for the first time.

Before the snow season arrived, the school bus finally drove into the village. The children cheered and rushed towards the new bus. When Teacher Zhuoma tied a hada (a ceremonial scarf) around Sang Jiyue's neck, her tears fell onto the hada, leaving dark stains. The distant snow-capped mountains shimmered in the sunlight. This time, Sang Jiyue didn't take out her phone to take pictures. She knew that true charity wasn't captured on camera, but in the lives protected by the snow line.

On the return flight, Sang Jiyue deleted all the staged charity photos. Gazing at the snow-capped mountains receding outside the window, she suddenly understood that some redemptions require a lifetime to complete. As the plane broke through the clouds, she opened her notebook and wrote down a new charity plan—this time, no media, no hype, only the genuine heartbeats below the snow line.

The morning sunlight pierced through the thin mist, illuminating Sang Jiyue's apartment in Beijing. Having endured the harsh conditions of the snowy region, she gazed at her tanned yet increasingly bright eyes in the mirror, her fingers gently tracing the remaining dirt on her suitcase. She silently thought to herself, it's time to mend the tattered relationship between her and Sang Shuwan.

Sang Shuwan had just finished an intense photoshoot and returned to the dressing room exhausted. Her assistant handed her her phone; the screen displayed a friend request from Sang Jiyue, along with a message: "Shuwan, I want to talk to you in person and give me a chance to make amends." Upon seeing this message, a cold smile crept onto Sang Shuwan's lips as memories of being deceived flooded back.

On one occasion, when Sang Shuwan was auditioning for an important role, Sang Jiyue confidently promised her full support, even claiming to know a director who could put in a good word for her. However, Sang Jiyue then secretly sabotaged her, stealing the role from her. Another time, when Sang Shuwan was attacked by online trolls, Sang Jiyue outwardly offered comfort but secretly exaggerated the situation in the media for publicity, worsening her already difficult situation. Sang Shuwan never forgot these incidents and found it hard to let them go.

In an attempt to secure a meeting, Sang Jiyue first asked a mutual friend to pass on a message, but Sang Shuwan flatly refused. She then went to Sang Shuwan's studio in person and waited from dawn till dusk, only to be driven away by security guards. But Sang Jiyue didn't give up. She began to pay attention to the charity projects Sang Shuwan was involved in, actively donating money and helping to connect her with resources, hoping to prove her own change through concrete actions.

One day, Sang Shuwan received a phone call informing her that the remote mountain primary school she had been sponsoring was facing closure due to a lack of funds. Just as she was at her wits' end, Sang Jiyue arrived with her team, bringing not only sufficient funds but also a series of long-term support plans. Watching Sang Jiyue's busy figure, Sang Shuwan felt a slight ripple in her heart, but her years of accumulated vigilance still kept her on guard.

Not long after, Sang Shuwan suffered an accidental injury, fracturing her leg and becoming unable to move easily. Upon learning this, Sang Jiyue rushed to the hospital every morning with bone broth she had personally prepared, helping her with her daily affairs and accompanying her during rehabilitation exercises. Initially, Sang Shuwan was cold and even deliberately difficult, but Sang Jiyue always wore a smile and silently endured it.

Once, during rehabilitation training, Sang Shuwan had an emotional breakdown and threw her crutches to the ground. Sang Jiyue silently picked up the crutches, sat down beside her, and slowly recounted her experiences in the snowy region: from initially putting on a show, to gradually understanding the true meaning of kindness under her mother-in-law's guidance, and the various struggles and transformations within her heart. Sang Shuwan listened quietly, her eyes gradually welling up with tears, those past scenes surfacing one by one in her mind.

As time went by, Sang Shuwan's attitude towards Sang Jiyue began to soften. One sunny afternoon, the two sat in the hospital garden, and Sang Shuwan finally broke the silence: "Jiyue, I admit I've seen the change in you, but I'm still afraid of being hurt again." Sang Jiyue held her hand tightly and said sincerely, "Shuwan, I was wrong in the past. This time, I want to spend my whole life making amends. I hope you can give me another chance."

A gentle breeze rustled through the branches, scattering petals. Looking into Sang Jiyue's sincere eyes, Sang Shuwan's defenses crumbled completely. She nodded softly, a long-lost smile appearing on her face. At this moment, the two put aside their past grievances, and a new relationship quietly blossomed under the warm sun.

In the early morning, sunlight, like a golden veil, streamed through the hospital room window and fell on Sang Shuwan's leg, which was in a cast. Sang Jiyue entered the room carrying a thermos, a gentle smile on her face: "Shuwan, today's bone broth has cordyceps added specially; it's good for recovery." Sang Shuwan responded politely, but her gaze turned deep and wary the moment Sang Jiyue turned away—she decided to subtly test whether Sang Jiyue's change was genuine or just another carefully planned performance.

The day after Sang Shuwan was discharged from the hospital, her assistant, Xiao Zhou, anxiously approached Sang Jiyue as planned. "Sister Sang, something terrible has happened! Sister Shuwan accepted a cover shoot for Vogue, and the team worked on the proposal for a week, but yesterday the editor-in-chief criticized it as utterly worthless, saying that if she can't come up with a new proposal within three days, the collaboration will be canceled!" Xiao Zhou said, while secretly observing Sang Jiyue's expression.

Sang Jiyue frowned, but without hesitation, said, "Xiao Zhou, send me the original plan, and I'll contact friends for help immediately." Back home, Sang Jiyue quickly turned on her computer, browsing materials and making phone calls simultaneously. She contacted three well-known fashion planners in the industry and dug out her notes from past fashion events. For two whole days and nights, she barely slept, repeatedly revising the plan, and even hiring models at her own expense for mock photoshoots. (End of Chapter)