After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 166 The Illusion of Reconciliation

When Sang Jiyue arrived at Sang Shuwan's studio with her new proposal, her hair was disheveled and her eyes were bloodshot. Sang Shuwan took the proposal, outwardly calm but inwardly slightly moved—the proposal was not only incredibly creative but also fully considered her personal style and current fashion trends. However, years of trauma had left her wary, and she simply said, "Thank you for your hard work. I'll have the team take another look."

Two weeks later, Sang Shuwan was invited to a charity gala. The gala was a gathering of celebrities, and Sang Shuwan, wearing a million-dollar diamond necklace, attracted countless eyes. However, just as she went on stage to give her speech, the necklace suddenly "disappeared." An uproar erupted, and staff frantically searched for it.

Sang Shuwan secretly observed Sang Jiyue, noticing that she showed no sign of panic. She quickly walked to the vicinity of the stage, crouched down, and began a meticulous search. The lighting was dim, and the floor was cluttered with debris, but Sang Jiyue didn't give up, examining every inch. Half an hour later, she found the necklace in a crevice in the stage. When she handed the necklace to Sang Shuwan, her clothes were soaked with sweat, and her hands were covered in dust.

"Thank you, Jiyue." Sang Shuwan accepted the necklace, her tone still calm. But she knew in her heart that in the past, Sang Jiyue would never have gone to such lengths for a necklace, especially since this was just a "man-made" accident.

Three Tests: A Character Crisis

Another month passed, and Sang Jiyue was in talks for the female lead in a new drama. Upon learning this, Sang Shuwan contacted the producer, asking him to cooperate in one final test. The next day, the producer approached Sang Jiyue, looking troubled, and said, "Ms. Sang, I'm so sorry, but the investors have suddenly decided to cast another actress as the female lead. What do you think…?"

Upon hearing this news, Sang Jiyue's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. Instead of her usual outburst, she said sincerely, "Producer, I understand your difficulties. However, could you give me a chance to explain my understanding of the character to the investors? I believe I can bring a unique interpretation to this role."

The producer was impressed by Sang Jiyue's attitude and arranged a video conference with the investors. Sang Jiyue had prepared thoroughly beforehand, offering unique insights into everything from character development to plot progression. The investors were moved by her professionalism and sincerity, and ultimately decided to cast her as the female lead.

Upon learning that Sang Jiyue had passed the final test, Sang Shuwan's doubts completely vanished. One weekend afternoon, the two agreed to take a walk by the lake in the park. Sunlight shimmered on the lake's surface. Sang Shuwan stopped, looking at Sang Jiyue with deep emotion in her eyes: "Jiyue, you hurt me so deeply in the past, so I tested you time and time again. But now I'm certain, you've truly changed."

Sang Jiyue's eyes reddened as she tightly grasped Sang Shuwan's hand: "Shuwan, I was wrong in the past. My experience in the snow region has taught me that fame and fortune are fleeting, and what is truly precious are the people around us. From now on, I will prove with my actions how important this friendship is to me."

A gentle breeze rustled through the willows by the lake, as if applauding this rekindled friendship. Since then, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan have not only become a celebrated couple in the entertainment industry, but have also joined hands in several public welfare projects, spreading positive energy through their actions.

The cicadas chirped incessantly outside her window on this summer night. Sang Shuwan abruptly sat up in bed, her pajamas soaked with cold sweat. In her dream, Sang Jiyue had once again stolen her role, and a deluge of negative media reports overwhelmed her, with sharp accusations echoing incessantly. Trembling, she turned on the bedside lamp; the light dispelled the darkness, but it couldn't soothe the fear within her.

This is the third time this nightmare has struck this month. Sang Shuwan hugged her knees, her gaze fixed on the latest photo of the two of them on the bedside table. In the photo, they smiled brightly, like inseparable sisters. But every time she woke up from the nightmare, the memories of betrayal flooded back like a tidal wave, reminding her of the hurt she had suffered.

At three in the morning, Sang Shuwan couldn't fall asleep anymore. On a whim, she dialed Sang Jiyue's number. On the other end of the line, Sang Jiyue's voice was heavy with sleep: "Shuwan? What happened?" Hearing Sang Shuwan's tearful account, Sang Jiyue immediately woke up: "Wait for me, I'm coming right away."

Twenty minutes later, Sang Jiyue knocked on Sang Shuwan's door with a warm glass of milk. Seeing Sang Shuwan's haggard appearance, she tenderly embraced her, saying, "It's alright, I'm here." The two sat on the sofa, and Sang Shuwan poured out her fears and anxieties: "Jiyue, I really tried so hard to believe you, but those nightmares keep haunting me. I'm afraid it's all just an illusion..."

Sang Jiyue gently stroked Sang Shuwan's hair and said remorsefully, "Shuwan, it's all my fault. I was too selfish in the past and caused you indelible harm. From now on, I will call you every night before bed and chat with you until you fall asleep."

From that day on, Sang Jiyue kept her word. Every night at ten o'clock, her phone would ring on time. Sometimes, she would share funny stories from the filming, making Sang Shuwan laugh out loud; sometimes, she would read warm bedtime stories in a soft and soothing voice; more often, she would patiently listen to Sang Shuwan's worries, offering comfort and encouragement.

One rainy night, Sang Shuwan was home alone, with lightning flashing and thunder roaring outside. She curled up on the sofa, her fear growing stronger. Just then, the doorbell rang. Sang Jiyue stood at the door, soaked to the bone, and said with a smile, "I was afraid you'd be scared, so I rushed over." That night, the two lay in the same bed, holding hands as they had when they were children, and fell asleep.

As time went on, Sang Shuwan had fewer and fewer nightmares. But Sang Jiyue knew that true healing would require more time and effort. She began to record the little things they did together, creating a beautiful photo album with words and pictures, which she named "Our New Journey".

On Sang Shuwan's birthday, Sang Jiyue gave her a photo album as a gift. When Sang Shuwan opened the album and saw those warm and joyful moments, tears welled up in her eyes. Sang Jiyue hugged her tightly and whispered, "Shuwan, I can't undo the mistakes of the past, but every day in the future, I will prove with my actions that I deserve your trust."

Outside the window, the gentle moonlight bathed the earth, illuminating the path the two walked. Sang Shuwan knew that although the pain wouldn't disappear immediately, with Sang Jiyue's companionship and efforts, she would eventually emerge completely from the shadows of the past and embrace true friendship.

In May in the capital, roses bloomed freely in the gentle breeze, their rich fragrance filling the air. Sang Shuwan, dressed in a simple white dress, leisurely pruned the rose branches in the villa's courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves, casting golden patches on her. On the stone table beside her, a celadon teapot steamed, its aroma filling the air.

Not far away, Sang Jiyue stood quietly outside the wrought-iron fence, gazing at the scene. Her eyes were filled with complex emotions: reluctance, guilt, and above all, helplessness. During this time, despite her efforts to make amends for her past mistakes, Sang Shuwan's seemingly calm demeanor concealed a subtle distance. Sang Jiyue knew that her past hurt was like a wound that would never heal, standing between them. To truly win back Sang Shuwan's heart might require more time, or perhaps it would never be possible. Therefore, she decided to leave for a while, allowing Sang Shuwan complete peace and quiet.

Sang Jiyue took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the courtyard gate. Hearing the noise, Sang Shuwan looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Jiyue, what brings you here?" Sang Jiyue forced a smile and said, "Shuwan, I've come to say goodbye. I plan to go abroad for a while to reflect." The scissors in Sang Shuwan's hand trembled slightly. After a moment, she asked softly, "When are you leaving?" "Tomorrow," Sang Jiyue answered decisively.

The courtyard fell silent instantly, save for the rustling of the flowers in the breeze. Sang Shuwan put down her scissors, walked to the stone table, and poured Sang Jiyue a cup of tea: "Sit down, have some tea before you go." The two sat facing each other, but remained silent for a moment. Sang Jiyue gazed at the teacup in her hand, her thoughts drifting back to many years ago.

Back then, they had just entered the entertainment industry, living in a cramped rented room, full of dreams for the future. They worked as extras together, ate instant noodles together, encouraged each other, and imagined making it big one day. However, as time went by, the allure of fame and fortune gradually caused Sang Jiyue to lose herself. In order to become famous, she did not hesitate to use and hurt Sang Shuwan, and their relationship became irreconcilable.

“Shuwan, all these years, I’ve wanted to say sorry to you.” Sang Jiyue broke the silence, her voice slightly choked. “I destroyed our friendship with my own hands. Even though I’ve tried my best to make amends, I know I may never be able to win back your heart. My leaving might be better for both of us.”

Sang Shuwan gazed at Sang Jiyue for a long time before slowly saying, "Jiyue, actually, I saw the changes in you after you went to the snow area. I saw every effort you made, every bit of sincerity you showed. It's just that the hurt from the past is too deep, and I need time to let go." Sang Shuwan stood up, walked to the flower bushes, and gently picked a blooming rose. "Consider this a parting gift for you."

Sang Jiyue accepted the flowers, inhaling their delicate fragrance, her eyes glistening with tears: "Shuwan, I hope that when I return, we can start over." Sang Shuwan smiled and nodded: "I'll wait for you."

The next day, Sang Jiyue boarded a flight to an overseas destination. Sang Shuwan continued her peaceful life, basking in the sun, planting flowers, and brewing tea in her courtyard. Every leisurely afternoon, she would sit by the stone table, gazing at the spot where Sang Jiyue had once stood, reminiscing about their past.

One rainy night, Sang Shuwan sat in the living room, watching an old movie on TV, and suddenly remembered the times she and Sang Jiyue stayed up all night watching dramas together. Outside the window, the rain tapped on the glass, as if it too was telling her about her longing. At that moment, Sang Shuwan realized that she had actually already forgiven Sang Jiyue, but she had never had the courage to face this feeling.

Time flies, and six months later, Sang Shuwan received a message from Sang Jiyue, informing her that she was about to return to China. On the day she received the news, Sang Shuwan arrived at the courtyard early, carefully pruning the flowers to prepare for Sang Jiyue's return. Sunlight shone on the flowers, as if they too were anticipating the moment of reunion.

The moment Sang Jiyue stepped through the courtyard gate and saw the newly renovated courtyard and the sincere smile on Sang Shuwan's face, her anxiety instantly vanished. "Shuwan, I'm back," Sang Jiyue said softly. Sang Shuwan quickly stepped forward and tightly grasped Sang Jiyue's hand: "Welcome back. This time, we'll never be apart again."

Under the warm sunshine, the two looked at each other and smiled. The past conflicts and estrangement vanished in that moment. The friendship that had been lost and regained was like the flowers blooming in the courtyard, becoming more and more splendid and fragrant.

As Sang Shuwan watched Sang Jiyue's receding figure, tears welled up in her eyes. She slowly squatted down, burying her head in her knees, and the emotions she had suppressed for so long surged forth like a flood bursting its banks. Her shoulders trembled uncontrollably, and her sobs echoed in the empty garden, startling the birds resting on the branches.

On a warm April afternoon, the sun shone gently into Sang Shuwan's villa courtyard. Ivy climbing the exterior walls rustled in the breeze, casting delicate patterns of light and shadow on the flagstones. Sang Shuwan, dressed in a simple white nightgown whose hem resembled a blooming lily, reclined languidly on a chaise lounge. Her long, black hair was casually draped over her shoulders, and large sunglasses obscured most of her face. In her hand, she held an iced coffee cup, condensation trickling down the sides and leaving a faint ring of water on the small table.

Suddenly, a series of urgent electronic rings broke the tranquility of the villa's iron gate. Sang Shuwan frowned slightly but did not rise, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. It wasn't until the ringing reached its third time that the butler's voice came from inside: "Miss Shuwan, Ms. Alice has arrived."

Alice, the powerful "female CEO" who wields considerable influence in the entertainment industry, has short, sleek hair that gleams coldly in the sunlight, every strand exuding competence. Dressed in a Chanel haute couture suit, the crisp fabric and exquisite tailoring perfectly showcase her strength and confidence. Her high heels click crisply with each step, like the drums of war. Now, she hurryes across the courtyard, her heels clattering sharply against the cobblestones. Seeing Sang Shuwan's leisurely demeanor, her previously sharp brows furrow instantly into a deep frown.

"Sang Shuwan, you really know how to keep your composure!" Alice slammed her Hermès Birkin bag heavily onto the stone table, the dull thud startling the sparrows perched in the corner of the yard. "I heard that Sang Jiyue came to see you recently, what's going on?"

Sang Shuwan slowly removed her sunglasses, revealing a pair of bright and deep eyes, like twinkling stars in the night sky, radiating intelligence and wit. A faint smile appeared on her lips as she said unhurriedly, "You're quite well-informed. That's right, Jiyue came to see me, and we had a pleasant chat."

Alice stared incredulously, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes almost popping out of their sockets. Her voice rose an octave involuntarily: "Happy? Have you forgotten how she treated you back then? She deliberately tripped you at the awards ceremony, making you fall and get bruised and battered, and even stole the Best Newcomer Award that you should have won!" As she spoke, Alice clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, as if she had returned to that night that made her so angry.

Sang Shuwan sighed softly, sat up straight, and a complex emotion appeared in her eyes: "So much time has passed, people always change. Jiyue came to see me this time with a very sincere attitude. She apologized to me and said that she was forced by the company back then and had no choice but to do so."

Alice paced back and forth in anger, her high heels clattering against the cobblestones with an increasingly sharp sound, as if she wanted to wear them down. "You believe her so easily? I know Sang Jiyue better than you do. She's cunning and ruthless; she might be plotting against you again this time!" Alice's voice echoed in the courtyard, startling the leaves in the trees into rustling.

Seeing Alice's excited expression, Sang Shuwan felt a surge of warmth in her heart. In this cutthroat entertainment industry, Alice was one of the few people who genuinely cared about her. But she still decided to give Sang Jiyue a chance. After all, the past grievances were like a heavy stone weighing on her heart for too long, causing her countless sleepless nights to toss and turn in her memories.

“Alice, I know you mean well. But some things can only be started anew when you let them go.” Sang Shuwan’s tone was firm and calm, like ripples on a calm lake, yet with an undeniable power. “Besides, we are all different now. Maybe we can cooperate and create more opportunities.”

Alice stopped in her tracks, crossed her arms, and her delicate face was full of coldness: "Cooperation? Don't forget, you two used to be sworn enemies. Once the media finds out you're going to cooperate, they'll definitely hype it up. Have you thought about how much pressure you'll face from public opinion?"

Sang Shuwan frowned slightly; this was indeed a problem she hadn't considered. Public opinion in the entertainment industry is a double-edged sword; it can make someone famous, but it can also easily destroy them. Countless celebrities have been ruined in the vortex of public opinion. But she didn't want to give up so easily; she believed that as long as it was handled properly, everything would develop in a positive direction.

“We can meet privately first and develop a detailed plan, then announce it when the time is right,” Sang Shuwan said earnestly, her eyes revealing determination and persistence. “Moreover, I believe Jiyue doesn’t want to repeat the same mistakes, and she should cherish this opportunity.”

Alice looked into Sang Shuwan's resolute eyes and knew that no amount of persuasion would change her mind. She sighed helplessly and sat down in the chair opposite Sang Shuwan, her elegant suit wrinkling slightly. "Since you've made up your mind," she said, "I won't stop you anymore. But you must be careful, and absolutely cannot let her hurt you again. If she dares to try anything funny, I will definitely not let her get away with it!"

Sang Shuwan smiled and nodded, reaching out to hold Alice's hand, the touch warm and strong: "Don't worry, I'll be careful. With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."

After that, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue began meeting frequently in private. They would sit in secluded cafes for afternoons, soft lighting bathing them in its glow. Sometimes they would frown in deep thought, sometimes they would engage in lively discussions, exploring scripts and studying characters together. As their interactions deepened, Sang Shuwan increasingly felt that Sang Jiyue had changed. The once arrogant and ruthless girl had become humble and gentle, filled with remorse for her past actions. However, nothing stays hidden forever. Soon, the media photographed Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue entering and leaving a restaurant together. Once the news broke, it immediately caused a huge uproar online. Netizens were divided into two camps. One camp supported the reconciliation between the two, believing it to be a beautiful story in the entertainment industry, with comments like "Sisters united can move mountains" and "Let bygones be bygones." The other camp questioned Sang Jiyue's motives, believing she was using Sang Shuwan for publicity, with all sorts of harsh comments flooding in, such as "What kind of tricks is Sang Jiyue up to now?" and "She's definitely trying to ride on Shuwan's popularity."

Faced with overwhelming public pressure, Sang Shuwan was caught off guard, and her mood grew increasingly heavy. She often locked herself in her villa, staring at online comments with a furrowed brow. Sang Jiyue, upon learning of the immense distress the public opinion had caused Sang Shuwan, was filled with self-reproach. She knew that Sang Shuwan had suffered too much in the past, and this overwhelming public opinion had undoubtedly reopened her unhealed wounds, plunging her into an abyss of pain.

After several agonizing days and nights, Sang Jiyue made a difficult decision—to leave temporarily, giving Sang Shuwan enough time and space to calm down and sort out the complicated relationship between them. She didn't tell Sang Shuwan about her plans, but left a sincere letter and quietly departed.

When Sang Shuwan found the letter, tears instantly blurred her vision. In the letter, Sang Jiyue expressed her guilt and apology, hoping that Sang Shuwan would not be hurt again because of her. "Shuwan, I know that the pain I caused you in the past cannot be erased in a short time. This matter of public opinion was due to my lack of consideration, which has put you in a difficult situation again. My choice to leave is not to escape, but to hope that you can calm down and re-examine our relationship. Once you have thought it through, I will respect your decision, no matter what the outcome."

After Sang Jiyue left, Sang Shuwan often sat alone in the villa's courtyard, staring blankly at the empty stone table. A gentle breeze rustled the ivy, but the cheerful laughter of Sang Jiyue was no longer heard. Alice, seeing Sang Shuwan's increasingly haggard appearance, felt heartbroken. "That Sang Jiyue, she just left like that, maybe she was just running away!" Alice said angrily, waving her hands in the air as if to grab Sang Jiyue and confront her.

Sang Shuwan shook her head, a hint of melancholy in her eyes: "No, Jiyue did this because she didn't want to cause me any more trouble. I can understand her good intentions. These past few days, I've thought a lot about it, remembering the days when we studied acting together as children. Back then, we were so innocent, our hearts and minds filled with a love for acting. Later, fame and competition changed us, driving us further and further apart, turning us into sworn enemies. This time, Jiyue's appearance, her apology, and her change have given me hope that we can repair our relationship."

As the days went by, Sang Shuwan began to re-examine her relationship with Sang Jiyue. She recalled the time they had spent working hard together offstage, those days of sweating for their dreams—they were so beautiful. Despite the many twists and turns and hurts they had experienced, deep down, she still longed to reconcile with Sang Jiyue and rekindle their precious friendship.

Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue wasn't idle. She contacted various media outlets and gave a series of interviews. In front of the camera, she candidly recounted her past with Sang Shuwan, from their initial acquaintance to their falling out, and now her genuine desire for reconciliation. Her voice choked with emotion, her eyes filled with regret: "In the past, I was blinded by fame and fortune and did things that hurt Shuwan. Over the years, I've lived in guilt. This time, I truly want to reconcile with Shuwan and make amends for the mistakes I made."

In addition to giving interviews, Sang Jiyue also actively prepared a large-scale charity event. She personally traveled to remote mountainous areas to deliver school supplies and daily necessities to the children, and spent time with them in class and playing. She hoped that through these practical actions, she could prove her change to Sang Shuwan, alleviate the pressure of public opinion on Sang Shuwan, and let everyone see her sincerity.

A month later, Sang Jiyue reappeared in front of Sang Shuwan's villa. She held a meticulously prepared script in her hands—a work themed around friendship and redemption. During the preparation process, Sang Jiyue felt this script was particularly suitable for her and Sang Shuwan, hoping to use this opportunity to begin a new collaboration with them.

The moment Sang Shuwan saw Sang Jiyue, her eyes reddened slightly, and the resentment and turmoil in her heart vanished instantly. Sunlight shone on Sang Jiyue, outlining her slightly weary yet resolute features. "Shuwan, I know the hurt from the past can't be erased overnight. But I truly hope we can start over, like when we were children, chasing our dreams together." Sang Jiyue's voice trembled slightly, her eyes filled with sincerity.

Sang Shuwan took the script, a smile playing on her lips: "Okay, let's start over."

Alice, watching the two from the side, smiled with relief. Sunlight bathed the three of them, bringing a perfect end to this long-standing feud. In the days to come, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue, with their superb acting skills and seamless teamwork, created one brilliant achievement after another in the entertainment industry. They proved with their actions that true friendship and dreams will not be eroded by time and setbacks, and that past pain will ultimately transform into the strength to move forward.

On an April afternoon, sunlight streamed through the villa's glass curtain wall, illuminating bright geometric shapes in Sang Shuwan's living room, which was carpeted in off-white. Sang Shuwan, wrapped in a silk robe, sank barefoot into the soft sofa, her fingers idly scrolling through a tablet, browsing the schedule her agent had just sent. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the meticulously manicured lawn rippled in the breeze, occasionally graced by a few white doves that added a touch of liveliness to the tranquil scene.

Suddenly, the doorbell shattered the tranquility. Sang Shuwan frowned slightly, placed her tablet aside, and got up to walk to the entryway. Opening the door, she saw Alice dressed in a sharply tailored black suit, her short, shoulder-length hair exuding competence, her Hermès briefcase gleaming coldly. Alice walked briskly into the living room, slamming her briefcase heavily onto the marble coffee table with a dull thud.

"Sang Shuwan, do you know what happened today?" Alice's voice was sharp, her eyes filled with anger. "Sang Jiyue's team just released a statement saying that you snatched the jewelry endorsement deal that was originally agreed upon for her!"

Sang Shuwan was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "How could that be? My agent told me that the brand contacted me on its own initiative for this endorsement, and all the procedures were compliant and legal." As she spoke, she picked up her tablet, pulled up her chat history with her agent, and handed it to Alice.

Alice scanned the screen rapidly, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper: "No matter what, Sang Jiyue's side is in an uproar. Her team has declared that they will absolutely not let this go this time. Have you forgotten? You two used to be sworn enemies. Even if you've made peace on the surface, once there's a conflict of interest, public opinion will definitely be overwhelmingly against you!"

Sang Shuwan slowly sat down on the sofa, her fingers unconsciously tracing the lace edge of her robe as she fell into deep thought. She recalled her time with Sang Jiyue recently, discussing performing arts and sharing the joys and sorrows of life. That long-lost tacit understanding made her truly believe that they could let go of the past and start anew.

Meanwhile, in a luxury apartment on the other side of the city, Sang Jiyue was removing her makeup in front of the mirror. Her assistant stood behind her, cautiously reporting, "Sister Jiyue, we just received news that Sang Shuwan claims the brand contacted her on her own initiative."

Sang Jiyue stopped what she was doing, staring at her slightly tired face in the mirror, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She knew that similar endorsement disputes were commonplace in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry, but the nature of the dispute between her and Sang Shuwan was completely different. "I thought we had crossed the chasm of the past..." she murmured to herself, a hint of loneliness in her voice.

The assistant hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "How about we issue a statement exposing Sang Shuwan's 'endorsement-stealing' behavior and guiding public opinion to attack her?"

Sang Jiyue turned around abruptly, her eyes sharp: "No! I've already hurt Shu Wan once, I can't repeat the same mistake. This time, it might be a misunderstanding, let's investigate first."

Over the next few days, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue each launched their own investigations. Sang Shuwan had her agent contact the brand to inquire about the details; Sang Jiyue, on the other hand, mobilized her connections to try and uncover the truth behind the endorsement. As the investigation deepened, a shocking fact gradually surfaced.

It turns out that all of this was a marketing tactic by the brand. They originally planned to invite Sang Shuwan to be their spokesperson, but in order to create buzz, they deliberately contacted Sang Jiyue's team first, causing conflict between the two, thereby achieving their goal of hype.

Upon learning the truth, Sang Jiyue contacted Sang Shuwan immediately. There was a moment of silence when the call connected. "Shuwan, I misunderstood you this time," Sang Jiyue broke the silence, her voice full of apology. "It was all the brand's doing behind the scenes."

Sang Shuwan sighed softly: "Jiyue, I've been investigating as well. Now that the truth is out, we can't just let it go. The brand's actions have not only hurt us but also deceived consumers."

After discussing it, the two decided to hold a joint press conference to expose the brand's conspiracy. On the day of the press conference, the venue was packed with media reporters, and flashbulbs were going off everywhere. Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue stood side by side on the stage, presenting the evidence they had collected to the public and condemning the brand's improper behavior.

“In this competitive entertainment industry, we do have disagreements at work, but that is absolutely no reason for some people to exploit us or create controversy.” Sang Shuwan’s voice was firm and powerful. “We hope that through this incident, we can call on the entire industry to respect the rights of artists and create a fair and healthy competitive environment.”

Sang Jiyue continued, "Shu Wan and I had conflicts in the past, but we were both trying to let go of the past and start anew. This incident not only did not cause us to turn against each other, but it also strengthened our determination to move forward hand in hand."

After the press conference, public opinion reversed. Netizens condemned the brand's actions and expressed support for Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue's reconciliation and collaboration. This incident strengthened their relationship; they understood that in the complex entertainment industry, only by supporting each other can they go further.

However, the competition in the entertainment industry never stops. Soon after, another important opportunity to shoot a fashion magazine cover presented itself to the two. This time, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue didn't secretly compete as before, but instead communicated honestly. They decided to fight for this opportunity together, and if only one could be selected, the other would sincerely wish them well.

During the competition for the cover shoot, the two shared their shooting experiences and offered each other advice. Ultimately, Sang Shuwan won the opportunity with her outstanding performance. Upon hearing the news, Sang Jiyue immediately sent her her congratulations: "Shuwan, congratulations! You deserve it."

Sang Shuwan was deeply moved: "Jiyue, without your help, I couldn't have succeeded so smoothly. Next time, let's go together!"

In the entertainment industry, a place brimming with challenges and opportunities, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue exemplify true competition and friendship through their actions. They grow through competition and blossom through collaboration, becoming a unique sight in the entertainment world.

In the heart of the bustling city stands a towering commercial building. The luxurious conference room on the top floor resembles a palace in the sky, offering panoramic views of the city's vibrant traffic through its enormous floor-to-ceiling windows. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light onto the conference table, as if clad in a cold, armored armor, illuminating the strategic planning. Ms. Qi, dressed in a crisp, royal blue Armani suit, her sharp lines and clean lines perfectly showcasing her competence and strength, stands by the window, overlooking the city below, like a chess player commanding the board.

"Jiyue, come here." President Qi's deep and powerful voice broke the silence in the room.

Sang Jiyue wore a simple black dress, her long, flowing hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes revealing a hint of hesitation and unease. She slowly walked to President Qi's side, following his gaze to the window. The rows of high-rise buildings shimmered with golden light in the afterglow of the setting sun, yet inexplicably gave off a sense of oppression.

"See all that bustling traffic down there?" President Qi said. "This city is never short of dreams, but very few people can realize them. You and I both know that in the entertainment industry, a place of fame and fortune, it's either advance or fall behind. Sang Shuwan is like a mountain standing in front of us. Only by knocking her down can you stand at the top."

Sang Jiyue bit her lip and said softly, "President Qi, Sang Shuwan is actually... a good person. We studied acting together when we were young, and she took good care of me back then."

President Qi turned around, his sharp gaze meeting Sang Jiyue's eyes: "Childhood friendships are worthless in this industry. Don't forget how she stole the Best Newcomer Award that should have been yours at the awards ceremony back then. She climbed up by stepping on your shoulders and is now enjoying immense success, while you? You can only linger in the second or third tier, taking on some low-class roles."

A flicker of pain crossed Sang Jiyue's eyes as those unbearable memories flooded back. On the night of the awards ceremony, she wore her carefully chosen gown, eagerly anticipating the moment she would lift the trophy. But when the host announced Sang Shuwan's name, she felt as if struck by lightning, frozen in place. Sang Shuwan walked past her, a hint of smugness in her eyes. In that instant, her heart shattered into countless pieces.

“I know you harbor hatred,” President Qi continued, “This is our chance for revenge, and your only hope for a comeback. We’ll first pretend to reconcile with her to gain her trust, and then gradually dismantle her defenses.”

Sang Jiyue remained silent for a long time, her heart churning with inner turmoil. On one hand, she felt resentment towards Sang Shuwan's past betrayal; on the other, she was reluctant to let go of this rekindled friendship. Ultimately, her desire for success and her resentment towards past humiliations prevailed.

"President Qi, what should we do?" Sang Jiyue raised her head, a hint of determination in her eyes.

President Qi smiled with satisfaction, walked to the conference table, and opened a document containing detailed information about Sang Shuwan's schedule, preferences, and interpersonal relationships. "First, you need to take the initiative to find her and express your sincerity in wanting to reconcile. Use your past friendship as a starting point to lower her guard. Remember, your attitude must be sincere; you need to make her believe that you are genuinely remorseful."

Sang Jiyue nodded, and President Qi continued, "Next, we need to create some seemingly accidental opportunities to deepen your connection. For example, attending events together or collaborating on advertisements. During this process, we'll gather dirt on her, and once the time is right, we can launch a media attack to ruin her reputation."

Looking at Sang Shuwan's photo on the document, Sang Jiyue felt a mix of emotions. Her former best friend was now her enemy, a fact that filled her with immense sorrow. But for her own future, she had no choice but to harden her heart. (End of Chapter)

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