After I died, they cried in the live studio

Chapter 167 Pretending to be a Best Friend
In the days that followed, Sang Jiyue, as planned, took the initiative to contact Sang Shuwan. The two met at a quiet teahouse. In the antique setting, Sang Jiyue tearfully apologized to Sang Shuwan, expressing her regret over the years. Sang Shuwan was moved by her sincerity, and the two reconciled and became friends again.

As time went on, the two grew closer. Sang Shuwan shared her work and life with Sang Jiyue without reservation, while Sang Jiyue played the role of a close friend while secretly gathering information about Sang Shuwan.

Until the jewelry endorsement scandal occurred, everything proceeded smoothly according to President Qi's plan. On the day of the press conference, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan stood side by side on the stage, exposing the brand's conspiracy. The media reporters below raised their cameras, flashes going off one after another, capturing the two figures at that moment. On the surface, Sang Jiyue was indignant, but in her heart, she was calculating her next move.

After the press conference, Sang Jiyue went to the "Left Bank of the Seine" café to meet with President Qi. As dusk settled, the city's hustle and bustle was gradually enveloped by the neon lights of the night. Sang Jiyue pushed open the café's carved glass door, and the warm yellow light and rich aroma of coffee instantly enveloped her. In a corner, President Qi, dressed in a Chanel Fall/Winter suit, the tailored cut highlighting her capable figure, her short, neat hair gleaming coldly, held a bone china coffee cup, her gaze coldly surveying the entrance through the rim.

Seeing Sang Jiyue enter, President Qi slightly raised his chin, gesturing for her to sit down. A waiter approached at the opportune moment, and Sang Jiyue ordered a cup of Blue Mountain coffee. After the waiter left, President Qi put down his coffee cup and let out a low chuckle: "Jiyue, you did a good job this time. The press conference was a great success, proceeding exactly as planned."

Sang Jiyue unconsciously stroked the coaster with her fingertips, lowered her eyes and asked softly, "President Qi, is what we're doing really okay? Shu Wan... genuinely wants to reconcile with me."

Upon hearing this, President Qi's brows furrowed instantly, and his voice rose: "Don't forget, in this industry, being soft-hearted is digging your own grave! Sang Shuwan is currently riding high, with resources galore. Only by getting close to her and gaining her trust can we seize the opportunity to take back the resources that rightfully belong to you. This jewelry endorsement is just an appetizer."

Sang Jiyue remained silent, the image of Sang Shuwan standing beside her on the day of the press conference flashing through her mind, her expression firm and sincere. She recalled their private moments, when Sang Shuwan shared her acting experiences without reservation; those warm moments made her want to abandon this calculated plan.

President Qi seemed to see through her thoughts, took out a document from his Hermès bag, and slammed it on the table: "Take a look at this. This is the invitation to next month's 'Fashion Awards.' Originally, the organizers only invited Sang Shuwan. But as long as we continue to move forward as planned, not only will this opportunity be yours, but there will be even more top-tier resources waiting for you."

Sang Jiyue opened the document, the gold lettering on the invitation stinging her eyes. She recalled the hardships she had endured to establish herself in the entertainment industry, the countless nights she had spent licking her wounds alone. Just as she hesitated, President Qi's phone suddenly rang. President Qi answered the phone, his expression changing drastically. After hanging up, he said coldly, "Sang Shuwan's team just received information and is investigating us. It seems we need to speed things up."

Sang Jiyue's heart sank. She knew that if the plan were exposed, she would not only lose Sang Shuwan's trust but also face public backlash. But if she gave up now, everything she had done would be in vain. "President Qi, could you give me some time? I want to..."

"There's no time!" President Qi interrupted her, his eyes blazing. "Either continue according to plan and become a top star in the entertainment industry; or quit now and go back to being an unknown actor. The choice is yours!"

Sang Jiyue clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. In the warm, yellow light of the café, she felt as if she were in an icebox. Just then, a waiter brought in coffee; the clinking of the porcelain cup against the tray sounded like the tolling of a countdown clock, and she, standing at a crossroads in her life, had to make a choice. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead, dripping onto the invitation and spreading into a dark puddle.

As Sang Jiyue stepped out of the coffee shop, the cool night breeze, carrying the unique scent of the city, swept over her, instantly dispelling the warm aroma of coffee she wore. The streets were bustling with traffic and flashing neon lights, but her thoughts remained in turmoil, still disturbed by President Qi's words.

She instinctively pulled her coat tighter, and after taking a few steps, her gaze inadvertently swept ahead. Nancy was sitting at an outdoor tea house across the street. With her neat short hair and well-tailored bespoke suit, Nancy exuded a powerful, capable aura, even across the bustling street.

Sang Jiyue's heart tightened, and she involuntarily stopped in her tracks. Nancy, as Sang Shuwan's close friend, had always been incredibly caring towards her, like a loyal guardian, always protecting her. Sang Jiyue knew that Nancy not only had a wide network of connections but was also incredibly shrewd, wielding considerable influence in both the business and entertainment circles. If Nancy discovered her and President Qi's plan, everything she had done would be in vain, and it might even bring her even greater trouble.

Just as Sang Jiyue was hesitating whether to turn away or casually greet her, Nancy had already noticed her. Nancy raised an eyebrow slightly, a scrutinizing glint in her eyes, then put down her coffee cup, stood up, and walked across the street towards her.

"Jiyue, what a coincidence?" Nancy walked up to Sang Jiyue with a seemingly friendly smile on her lips, but her gaze was like a sharp scalpel, as if she wanted to see right through Sang Jiyue.

Sang Jiyue forced a calm demeanor and returned a smile: "Yes, President Nan. I didn't expect to run into you here."

Nancy's gaze lingered on Sang Jiyue's face for a moment before she asked in a seemingly casual tone, "I just finished talking to Shu Wan on the phone, and she said you two have been getting quite close lately."

Sang Jiyue felt a chill run down her spine, but remained outwardly calm: "That's right, we've known each other since we were kids. We had some misunderstandings before, but we've put them behind us now."

Nancy nodded slightly, crossed her arms, and her eyes revealed a subtle warning: "Shuwan is a loyal and affectionate person. She has suffered a lot in the entertainment industry over the years, and I don't want her to be hurt in any more way."

Meeting Nancy's gaze, Sang Jiyue tried her best to make her voice sound sincere: "President Nan, please rest assured. This time I genuinely want to repair my relationship with Shu Wan and will not hurt her again."

Nancy gave Sang Jiyue a deep look, then said nothing more, only patting her shoulder: "I hope so. If I find out you have ulterior motives, you should know the consequences." After saying that, Nancy turned and went back to the tea table.

Sang Jiyue watched Nancy's departing figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Nancy's sudden appearance was like a wake-up call, making her realize that her plans could be exposed at any moment. Just then, her phone vibrated; it was a message from President Qi: "Speed ​​up the plan, get Sang Shuwan's latest schedule as soon as possible."

Sang Jiyue gripped her phone so tightly her nails almost dug into her palms. Standing on this bustling street, she felt like a bird trapped in a net; the more she struggled, the tighter the restraints became. On one hand, there was her desire for success and President Qi's relentless pressure; on the other hand, there was Nancy's warning and Sang Shuwan's growing trust in her. She was caught in an unprecedented dilemma.

A gust of cold wind blew past, and Sang Jiyue couldn't help but shiver. She looked up at the night sky; countless stars twinkled, but none could illuminate her path. Should she continue down this road filled with calculation and lies, or turn back in time to protect the friendship she had regained? For the first time, Sang Jiyue felt so lost…

After a moment's thought, Sang Jiyue took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and replied to President Qi, "I understand." Then, she glanced again in Nancy's direction, turned, and disappeared into the vast night. At that moment, every step felt incredibly heavy, as if she were walking on a bottomless swamp, not on solid ground…

Nancy returned to her penthouse apartment in the city center, pressed the smart switch, and soft light instantly flooded the spacious living room. She went straight to the bar, took a bottle of her treasured red wine from the wine cabinet, poured herself a glass, and the deep red liquid swirled gently in the crystal glass, releasing an enticing aroma.

Nancy casually hung her coat on the hanger, wearing a silk nightgown, and entered the bedroom with a wine glass in hand. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights shone brightly, the bustling streets and glittering neon lights painting a vibrant picture, but Nancy had no heart to appreciate it. She walked to the bedside, sat down, and stared blankly out the window, her thoughts involuntarily returning to the scene of her encounter with Sang Jiyue that evening.

Recalling Sang Jiyue's feigned composure, Nancy's lips curled into a cold smile. As a seasoned businesswoman who had navigated the business world for many years, she had seen all sorts of people and had long since developed a keen eye for discerning people's true intentions. The fleeting pretense in Sang Jiyue's eyes did not escape Nancy's notice. From Sang Jiyue's slightly trembling fingertips to the deliberately slow pace of her speech when answering questions, Nancy astutely detected the flaws.

"Hmph, this Sang Jiyue, she really has no good intentions." Nancy muttered to herself, taking a sip of red wine. The spicy liquid slid down her throat, bringing a burning sensation.

Nancy got up, walked to her desk, turned on her computer, and skillfully typed. Soon, Sang Jiyue's detailed information appeared on the screen. Over the years, thanks to her extensive network of contacts and powerful intelligence, Nancy was intimately familiar with all aspects of the entertainment industry. Whenever Sang Shuwan encountered difficulties, she was always there to lend a helping hand and help Sang Shuwan resolve crises.

"It seems we need to investigate further and see what Sang Jiyue is up to." Nancy frowned, reviewing the information while jotting down key details on a sticky note. She knew that Sang Shuwan had made many enemies in the entertainment industry, and Sang Jiyue's sudden approach was likely a carefully planned conspiracy.

Recalling Sang Shuwan's experiences in the entertainment industry over the years, Nancy felt a pang of heartache. Sang Shuwan had carved out a niche for herself in this competitive and ruthless industry through her own hard work and talent, but had also suffered numerous setbacks and hurts in the process. Nancy secretly vowed that she would never let Sang Shuwan suffer any more harm.

Nancy leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she pondered her next move. She decided to start by investigating Sang Jiyue's agent, President Qi, to uncover their recent actions and plans. At the same time, she would have someone closely monitor Sang Jiyue's every move and gather as much evidence as possible.

Just then, her phone rang; it was a video call from Sang Shuwan. Nancy composed herself and pressed the answer button. On the screen, Sang Shuwan's smile was exceptionally bright. "Nancy, did anything interesting happen today?"

Looking at Sang Shuwan's innocent smile, Nancy felt a warmth in her heart. Forcing a smile, she replied, "Nothing special, just some work-related stuff. How have things been going with you and Sang Jiyue lately?"

Sang Shuwan excitedly shared her moments with Sang Jiyue, and Nancy listened patiently, occasionally offering a few words of agreement. After hanging up the phone, Nancy's eyes became even more determined.

"Shuwan, I will protect you and won't let anyone hurt you," Nancy murmured softly, her gaze once again fixed on the night outside the window. On this seemingly peaceful night, a war without gunpowder was quietly unfolding…

As the skyline of Binhai City was tinged with pale gold by the morning light, Nancy's Bentley was already parked downstairs at the Sang Group building. The moment her assistant opened the car door for her, the wind swirled sycamore leaves across the gleaming car body. Nancy, in her ten-centimeter heels, walked towards the revolving door, her gaze behind her sunglasses precisely locked onto the receptionist who was frantically tidying up documents at the front desk.

When Sang Shuwan received the report from her secretary, she was reviewing the quarterly financial report. Her fingertips paused on the keyboard as she gazed at the rolling clouds outside the French windows, suddenly recalling Sang Jiyue's deliberately ingratiating smile at the charity gala the previous night. That woman, always dressed in chiffon dresses, had an emerald necklace around her neck that reflected an eerie light under the crystal chandelier.

“President Nan.” Sang Shuwan stood up, the chair scraping against the marble floor with a harsh sound. The moment Nancy removed her sunglasses, sparks flew between their eyes. This female CEO, known for her iron-fisted approach in the business world, now wore an unusually serious expression on her meticulously made-up face.

“Miss Sang,” Nancy slammed the leather folder onto the desk, “you should take a look at this.” The yellowed paper contained the equity transfer agreement of the Sang Group from three years ago, and in an inconspicuous corner, Sang Jiyue’s signature was circled in red. Sang Shuwan’s pupils constricted sharply, her nails digging deeply into her palms.

The stormy night three years ago flashed before her eyes—she was locked inside the lab, watching Sang Jiyue, wearing a raincoat, throw important data files into the incinerator. The thunder outside the glass mingled with the lab alarm; she desperately pounded on the door, but could only watch helplessly as Sang Jiyue waded away through the puddles. Later, Sang Jiyue took over the project under the pretext of an "accident," while she spent three whole months in the hospital.

"These are all pretenses that Sang Jiyue put on to deceive you." Nancy's voice cut through the air like ice shards. "Her cooperation with the Sheng Group is likely a carefully orchestrated scheme." Sang Shuwan suddenly recalled the aggressive expansion plan that Sang Jiyue had proposed at the board meeting last week. All the directors were swayed by the rosy prospects she painted, except for herself, who voted against it.

The clouds outside the window grew thicker. Sang Shuwan got up and went to the liquor cabinet, pouring two glasses of whiskey. The amber liquid swirled in the crystal glasses, reflecting the turbulent emotions in her eyes. "I just realized," she said, handing the glass to Nancy, "that accident back then was far more complicated than it seemed."

Nancy took the glass but didn't drink. She scrutinized Sang Shuwan's composed expression and suddenly realized that this seemingly fragile woman was far more complex than outsiders imagined. Both of their phones rang simultaneously. Sang Shuwan looked at the flashing name "Sang Jiyue" on the screen, gave a cold laugh, and hung up.

As dusk settled like thick ink, it quietly soaked into the Bund in Shanghai. The historic buildings, adorned with neon lights, shimmered with a captivating glow, while cruise ships glided along the Huangpu River, scattering sparks across the water. Inside the "Gilded Bund" restaurant, crystal chandeliers cast dappled light as elegantly dressed guests raised their glasses in conversation.

Sang Shuwan, dressed in a royal blue off-the-shoulder evening gown, her "galaxy" necklace gleaming, was conversing with several industry veterans. Just then, her phone screen lit up with a message from Nancy: "Shuwan, I saw Sang Jiyue and President Qi at the secret studio at the old dock. They both looked flustered, as if they were plotting something." Sang Shuwan paused slightly, then replied, "I know, Nancy, thank you."

Sang Shuwan left the scene early without making a sound. Sitting in her car, she gazed at the receding street scene outside the window, her thoughts drifting away. Since her younger sister, Sang Jiyue, entered the entertainment industry, they had gradually drifted apart. President Qi was a notorious iron-fisted agent in the industry, ruthless in his methods and decisive in his actions, having made several artists famous in just a few years.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, gently illuminating Sang Shuwan's studio. A crisp knock sounded at the door, and Nancy burst in, her Chanel suit billowing in with each step. "Shuwan, I was observing nearby yesterday. President Qi and Sang Jiyue had a private conversation that lasted two whole hours. When they came out, President Qi's face was terribly grim," Nancy said rapidly, her voice filled with worry.

Sang Shuwan put down her design draft and calmly said, "Nancy, I noticed this a while ago. These past few days, Mr. Qi's company has been frequently contacting my business partners, trying to buy my design copyrights at a low price." Nancy's eyebrows furrowed, and she put her hands on her hips: "That's outrageous! Should I use my connections to teach Mr. Qi a lesson?"

Sang Shuwan shook her head and smiled, saying, "Don't be impulsive. I want to talk to President Qi in person first and find out what she's up to. Nancy, thanks to your help this time, once things are resolved, I'll treat you to a Michelin three-star restaurant to reward you properly." Nancy raised an eyebrow and smiled, "That's more like it! But you must be careful, President Qi is no pushover."

A few days later, Sang Shuwan met with President Qi at the "Cloud Club". President Qi was dressed in a black fitted suit, with bright red lips and long, wavy hair casually draped over his shoulders, exuding a powerful aura. "Miss Sang, what brings you to see me?" President Qi asked bluntly, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.

Sang Shuwan calmly sipped her coffee and said, "Mr. Qi, let's be frank. What exactly is your purpose in colluding with Sang Jiyue to smear my reputation and lower the price of my work?" Mr. Qi's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and sneered, "Ms. Sang, you can't just say whatever you want. What evidence do you have?"

Sang Shuwan took out her phone and pulled up a recording: "This is your conversation with Sang Jiyue in the studio, as well as your chat history with your business partners. President Qi, I advise you to stop now." President Qi's face turned ashen, his hands clenched into fists. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke: "Ms. Sang, I admit I was momentarily confused. But I was doing it for Jiyue; she needs publicity and resources." Sang Shuwan said firmly: "There are many legitimate ways to get publicity and resources; there's no need to resort to such underhanded methods. President Qi, I'm giving you a chance to cooperate with me and build Jiyue's career together. But if you dare to play any more tricks, I won't hold back." President Qi pondered for a moment, then finally extended his hand: "Ms. Sang, it's a pleasure to cooperate."

Stepping out of the club, sunlight shone on Sang Shuwan's face, and she took a deep breath. This undercurrent of tension had finally come to a temporary end. Not far away, Nancy was waiting for her; the two exchanged a smile and walked towards the sunlight.

As dusk settles, the Bund in Shanghai resembles a dazzling galaxy. The historic buildings, a blend of international styles, exude a retro yet captivating charm under the neon lights. Cruise ships cleave the surface of the Huangpu River, scattering the shimmering lights across the water. Inside the "Gilded Bund" restaurant, crystal chandeliers cast dappled light, and guests in haute couture gowns hold champagne, chatting softly amidst the rich aroma of champagne and perfume.

Sang Shuwan, dressed in a royal blue off-the-shoulder evening gown, resembled a sea sprite. The "Galaxy" necklace around her neck was meticulously crafted from top-quality diamonds and sapphires, each gemstone refracting a dreamlike light that sparkled with every movement, attracting numerous gazes. She was conversing with several industry veterans, exuding elegance and confidence in every gesture.

Just then, her phone screen lit up, displaying a message from Nancy: "Shuwan, I saw Sang Jiyue and President Qi at the secret studio at the old dock. They both looked flustered, as if they were plotting something." Sang Shuwan paused slightly, then replied, "I know, Nancy, thank you." On the surface, she remained smiling, but her heart was filled with ripples. Since her younger sister, Sang Jiyue, entered the entertainment industry, her communication with her had decreased day by day. She never expected that she and President Qi would be engaging in such underhanded dealings.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, gently illuminating Sang Shuwan's studio in Lujiazui. The spacious and bright studio displayed her most prized creations from over the years, each piece embodying a unique design philosophy and exquisite craftsmanship. A crisp knock sounded at the door, and Nancy burst in, dressed in the latest Chanel suit, her sleek short hair further enhancing her commanding presence.

“Shuwan, I made a point of observing nearby yesterday. President Qi and Sang Jiyue had a private conversation that lasted for two whole hours. When they came out, President Qi’s face was terribly gloomy, like a storm was about to break.” Nancy spoke quickly, her tone full of worry.

Sang Shuwan put down the design draft in her hand and said calmly, "Nancy, I noticed it a long time ago. In the past few days, Mr. Qi's company has been frequently contacting my partners, trying to buy my design copyright at a low price. It seems that they have been planning this for a long time."

Nancy's eyebrows furrowed, her hands on her hips, and she said angrily, "This is too much! Should I use my connections to teach President Qi a lesson? Let her know we're not to be trifled with!"

Sang Shuwan shook her head, a faint smile on her face: "Don't be impulsive. I want to talk to President Qi in person first and find out what she's up to. Nancy, thanks to your help this time, once things are resolved, I'll treat you to a Michelin three-star restaurant to reward you properly."

Nancy raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips, and said, "That's more like it! But you have to be careful. President Qi is no pushover. He's been in the entertainment industry for so many years, and he's ruthless."

A few days later, Sang Shuwan met with President Qi at the "Cloud Club." The club was located on the top floor of the tallest office building in the city center, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city's prosperity. President Qi was dressed in a black fitted suit, with bright red lipstick and long, wavy hair casually draped over his shoulders, exuding a powerful aura.

"Miss Sang, what brings you here?" President Qi asked bluntly, his tone tinged with a hint of provocation.

Sang Shuwan took a slow sip of coffee, the bitterness spreading on her tongue: "President Qi, let's be frank. What exactly is your purpose in colluding with Sang Jiyue to smear my reputation and lower the price of my work?"

Mr. Qi's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, a fake smile on his face, and sneered, "Miss Sang, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. What evidence do you have? You can't just make baseless accusations."

Sang Shuwan took out her phone and pulled up a recording: "This is your conversation with Sang Jiyue in the studio, as well as your chat history with your business partners. President Qi, I advise you to stop now and not make things too tense."

Ms. Qi's face turned ashen, her hands clenched into fists involuntarily, her knuckles turning white. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke: "Ms. Sang, I admit that I was confused for a moment. But I did it for Ji Yue. It's not easy for her to make it in the entertainment industry. She needs popularity and resources."

Sang Shuwan looked firmly into President Qi's eyes: "There are many legitimate ways to gain popularity and resources. There's no need to resort to such underhanded methods. President Qi, I'm giving you a chance to cooperate with me and build Jiyue's business together. But if you dare to play any tricks again, I won't hold back."

After a moment of contemplation, weighing the pros and cons, President Qi finally extended his hand: "Ms. Sang, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

Stepping out of the club, sunlight streamed onto Sang Shuwan's face. She took a deep breath, feeling a heavy weight lifted from her heart. This undercurrent of conflict had finally come to a temporary close. Not far away, Nancy was waiting for her. The two exchanged a smile and walked towards the sunlight.

However, Sang Shuwan underestimated President Qi's ambition and greed. Back home, President Qi sat in her spacious, luxurious office, looking at the financial statements and cooperation agreements of Sang Shuwan's company on the computer screen, her eyes gleaming with greed and calculation. She lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and the smoke swirled around her, blurring her face.

"Hmph, Sang Shuwan, do you think you can make me give up so easily?" President Qi muttered to himself, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Over the next few days, President Qi frequently contacted Sang Shuwan, and the two discussed plans to create a new image for Sang Jiyue. Sang Shuwan was immersed in her dreams for her sister's career and focused on helping her sister gain a foothold in the entertainment industry, unaware of the trap that President Qi had planted in the details of the collaboration.

While arranging for Sang Jiyue to participate in various activities to increase her exposure, President Qi secretly instructed the media to release ambiguous news, deliberately linking Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue together to create the illusion of discord between them. Articles with headlines such as "Jewelry designer Sang Shuwan's relationship with her sister Sang Jiyue has broken down, and the truth behind it is shocking" and "Sang Shuwan is busy with her career and neglects her sister Sang Jiyue's development" quickly spread online, sparking heated discussions among netizens.

As public opinion intensified, Sang Shuwan's work began to be affected. Partners called one after another to inquire about the situation, their tone filled with worry and doubt. Some brands that had originally intended to cooperate began to hesitate and observe, or even canceled their cooperation plans.

Sang Shuwan then realized something was wrong. She found President Qi and questioned him, "What exactly happened? Why are these negative news stories appearing? Didn't you say you would handle it?"

President Qi feigned innocence, spreading his hands and saying, "I don't know either. Maybe someone is deliberately targeting us. But don't worry, I'll handle it as soon as possible and give you an explanation."

Sang Shuwan was skeptical but decided to investigate herself. Through a friend, she contacted a veteran media professional, and after some effort, finally discovered that the source of all the negative news pointed to President Qi. It turned out that President Qi, in order to achieve his goals, had spent a large sum of money bribing the media to fabricate false news in an attempt to bring down Sang Shuwan.

Just as Sang Shuwan was about to expose President Qi's conspiracy, President Qi preemptively struck, demanding the termination of the cooperation on the grounds of Sang Shuwan's mismanagement, and instigating Sang Jiyue to break with her. President Qi said to Sang Jiyue, "Jiyue, your sister doesn't care about your career at all; she only wants to protect her own reputation. If you follow her, you'll never have a chance to succeed. Only by cooperating with me can you become a real star."

Sang Jiyue was caught in a dilemma. On one side was her blood-bound older sister, and on the other was her "benefactor" in her career. She was at a loss, her heart filled with contradictions and struggles. Just as she was hesitating, Nancy found her and told her everything that President Qi had done.

“Jiyue, President Qi is just using you. She doesn’t care about your feelings at all. Your sister has sacrificed a lot for you. You can’t be fooled by her,” Nancy said earnestly.

Sang Jiyue seemed to awaken from a dream, recalling the happy times she spent with her sister when she was little, and remembering her sister's care and protection. Tears welled up in her eyes. She decided to stand with her sister and fight against President Qi together.

The three confronted each other in Sang Shuwan's studio. Seeing that his scheme had been exposed, President Qi dropped his pretense, revealing his狰狞 (zhengning, meaning ferocious or hideous) face: "That's right, I arranged all of this. As long as I bring you down, I can control Sang Jiyue and make a fortune! What can you do to me?"

Sang Shuwan sneered, "President Qi, you're too naive. You think you can succeed like this? I've already gathered enough evidence. You'll pay the price for everything you've done." As she spoke, Sang Shuwan took out a file folder.

President Qi smiled dismissively.

Breakthrough
In late autumn in Shanghai, the leaves of the plane trees danced in the wind, carpeting the city in gold. Inside the "Golden Bund" restaurant, warm yellow lights illuminated the smiling faces of the guests as they raised their glasses to the strains of soothing jazz music. Sang Shuwan, dressed in an elegant dusty rose evening gown, wore a "Autumn Charm" necklace around her neck, a delicate blend of amber and pearls that shimmered softly with every movement.

At that moment, Sang Shuwan's phone screen lit up, and a message from Nancy appeared on her screen: "Shuwan, something terrible has happened! I saw Sang Jiyue and President Qi in the secret studio at the old dock. They were acting suspiciously, and it seems they were plotting something against you." Sang Shuwan frowned slightly and quickly replied, "I understand, Nancy, thank you, I'll keep an eye on it." Although she maintained a calm demeanor on the surface, she was already on high alert.

The next day, sunlight streamed through the blinds into Sang Shuwan's studio near Jing'an Temple. Nancy rushed over, looking anxious: "Shuwan, I observed for a long time yesterday. President Qi and Sang Jiyue had a secret talk in the studio for nearly three hours. When they came out, President Qi's expression was very strange. He definitely didn't have good intentions."

Sang Shuwan put down the design draft in her hand, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Nancy, I have also noticed something unusual these past few days. Mr. Qi's companies have been frequently contacting some of my business partners, as if they are testing something."

Nancy put her hands on her hips and said angrily, "This President Qi has gone too far! How about I use my connections to teach her a lesson so she won't dare to mess with you again?"

Sang Shuwan shook her head and said calmly, "Don't act rashly yet. I plan to find an opportunity to talk to President Qi in person and sound her out. Nancy, thanks to you this time. Once things are resolved, let's find some time to get together."

A few days later, Sang Shuwan met with President Qi at the "Cloud Club". The club's floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city's prosperity. President Qi wore a burgundy bespoke suit, with bright red lipstick and a head of large, wavy hair that exuded a flamboyant air.

"Miss Sang, what brings you here?" President Qi asked, raising an eyebrow with a hint of provocation in his tone.

Sang Shuwan looked directly into President Qi's eyes and said bluntly, "President Qi, let's be frank. I've been watching your and Sang Jiyue's recent actions closely. What exactly are you trying to do?"

President Qi smiled dismissively, crossing his arms: "Miss Sang, don't make baseless accusations. What ulterior motives could I possibly have? On the contrary, some of your recent decisions seem to have affected Jiyue's development."

Sang Shuwan took out her phone and pulled up a recording: "President Qi, this is a conversation between you and Sang Jiyue in the studio. You encouraged her to cooperate with you in suppressing me in order to gain more benefits. What do you think of this evidence?"

Ms. Qi's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. She sneered, "Ms. Sang, what can you prove with just a recording? Maybe you forged it. Besides, the entertainment industry is a dog-eat-dog world. I'm doing this for Ji Yue's future."

Sang Shuwan's gaze was firm: "President Qi, I'm giving you a chance. Stop your schemes, and we can cooperate to build Jiyue's business together. Otherwise, I will make you pay for your actions."

After a moment of contemplation, President Qi gave a meaningful smile: "Ms. Sang, your suggestion sounds good, but I need to think about it."

However, Ms. Qi did not give up. Upon returning to the company, she immediately convened her subordinates and devised a more meticulous plan. Through connections, she found a hacker skilled in fabricating evidence, intending to tamper with Sang Shuwan's company's financial data and frame her for some illegal transactions. At the same time, she also arranged for the media to continue publishing unfavorable news about Sang Shuwan, attempting to further tarnish her image.

Under President Qi's manipulation, Sang Shuwan quickly found herself in a media storm. Business partners began questioning her, demanding the termination of their cooperation agreements. Sang Shuwan felt unprecedented pressure, but she didn't panic. She began gathering more evidence of President Qi's crimes while simultaneously seeking legal assistance.

Just as Sang Shuwan was struggling to deal with the crisis, President Qi found Sang Jiyue and brainwashed her: "Jiyue, your sister is already in dire straits. If you follow her, you will only be implicated. Only by cooperating with me can you gain a foothold in the entertainment industry."

The winter night in Shanghai was chilling; the wind cut like a knife across the silent streets. Sang Jiyue wrapped her coat tightly around herself as she walked home alone. The streetlights cast a dim, yellowish glow, stretching her shadow long. These past few days, her heart had been heavy with despair. Details of her interactions with President Qi kept replaying in her mind, and a question echoed repeatedly: Had she been used by President Qi?

Back home, Sang Jiyue turned on the light and slumped onto the sofa. The wind howled outside, as if mocking her naiveté. She recalled her first meeting with President Qi. He was dressed in a Chanel suit, his makeup impeccable, and his words were full of admiration and praise, promising to make her the most dazzling new star in the entertainment industry. Under President Qi's arrangements, Sang Jiyue attended various high-end gatherings, met many industry professionals, and her exposure increased. However, as time went on, some strange things began to happen.

Late at night, Sang Jiyue lay in bed, tossing and turning. She recalled her last argument with her sister, Sang Shuwan, in which President Qi added fuel to the fire, causing a rift in their once close sisterly relationship. And then there were the sudden negative news stories that thrust her and her sister into the eye of the storm, while President Qi always managed to find seemingly reasonable explanations, leading her to believe him time and time again.