After I died, they cried in the live studio

"Was I really wrong?" Sang Jiyue murmured softly, tears welling up in her eyes. She got out of bed, walked to the window, and looked at the flashing neon lights outside, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan was working overtime in her studio. She stared at the design draft in her hands, unable to concentrate. The trouble her sister and President Qi had caused was overwhelming her, but she still believed that her sister was only temporarily blinded.

The next day, Sang Jiyue decided to take the initiative to find President Qi and get to the bottom of things. She arrived at President Qi's company, but the secretary told her that President Qi was in a meeting. Sang Jiyue sat in the lounge and overheard a conversation between two employees.

"Have you heard? President Qi has recently been working with a mysterious person, seemingly to bring down Sang Shuwan and make huge profits from it."

"Yes, I heard that even Sang Jiyue was kept in the dark and became President Qi's pawn."

Sang Jiyue was struck dumb, her hands trembling uncontrollably. It turned out it was all President Qi's conspiracy. She couldn't sit still any longer and rushed into the conference room.

"President Qi, why did you do this?" Sang Jiyue asked angrily.

President Qi was taken aback at first, but then regained his composure and sneered, "Sang Jiyue, you're too naive. In this entertainment industry, only profit is eternal. You and your sister are nothing more than tools for me to make money."

Sang Jiyue felt nauseous. She never expected that the person she had always trusted would be so hypocritical.

After this ordeal, Sang Shuwan understood even more how important it is to remain clear-headed and vigilant in the world of fame and fortune. Gazing at the blue sky and white clouds outside her studio window, she was filled with emotion. Life is like a challenging adventure; only by staying true to one's original aspirations can one find their own glimmer of starlight in the darkness.

In Shanghai's winter, the biting wind sliced ​​through every corner of the city like icy blades. Sang Jiyue wrapped herself tightly in a beige cashmere coat, her long brown hair flying wildly in the wind. Standing beneath the towering Qi's Media Group building, she took a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil in her heart, before resolutely stepping through the revolving door.

"I need to see President Qi." Sang Jiyue tried her best to make her voice sound firm and strong, but the slight tremor at the end betrayed her nervousness. The receptionist looked up, her gaze sweeping over Sang Jiyue, then picked up the phone for a brief conversation before gesturing for her to take the private elevator.

The elevator doors slowly opened, releasing a warm breeze and a faint scent of perfume. President Qi stood with her back to the door, before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the brightly lit Bund at night. She wore a burgundy haute couture suit, her long, wavy hair casually draped over her shoulders, and gently swirled a glass of red wine in her hand, the liquid gleaming alluringly under the lights.

"President Qi, I have something to ask you!" Sang Jiyue strode forward, her voice tinged with anger and resentment. President Qi turned around, his brows furrowing slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Sang Jiyue, what brings you here? And with such rudeness."

"Were those negative news stories about my sister orchestrated by you? Have you been using me all along?" Sang Jiyue stared intently at President Qi, her eyes reddening.

President Qi sneered, placed the wine glass on the coffee table beside him, crossed his arms, and approached Sang Jiyue step by step: "Use you? Sang Jiyue, you're too naive. In this entertainment industry, everyone is calculating for their own interests. You're just a pawn in my hands that I can discard at any time. Now, you're of no use to me anymore, and I don't need someone as simple-minded as you."

Sang Jiyue swayed, as if struck by a heavy blow, and looked at President Qi in disbelief: "President Qi, for the past three years, I have always obeyed your every word. In order to cooperate with your plan, I did not hesitate to have a major falling out with my sister..."

"Enough!" President Qi interrupted her impatiently. "Your loyalty is worthless in the face of interests. If you know what's good for you, leave now and stop bothering me, or you'll regret it."

A wave of humiliation washed over her, and Sang Jiyue dug her nails deep into her palms: "President Qi, you will pay the price for what you did today!" With that, she turned and rushed toward the elevator.

"Hmph, you think you can do this?" President Qi's mocking voice came from behind. "I'd like to see what kind of trouble you can stir up."

Stepping out of the building, the cold wind cut like a knife across her face, instantly freezing Sang Jiyue's tears. She wandered aimlessly through the streets, Mr. Qi's words echoing in her mind. After walking for an unknown amount of time, her phone suddenly rang; it was Sang Shuwan calling.

"Jiyue, where are you? I'm worried about you." Sang Shuwan's gentle yet anxious voice came through, like a ray of light piercing through the darkness in Sang Jiyue's heart. Sang Jiyue could no longer hold back and burst into tears: "Sister, I was wrong, I was so badly deceived by President Qi..."

"Jiyue, don't be afraid. Don't move, I'm coming right away," Sang Shuwan comforted her softly.

With Sang Shuwan's company, Sang Jiyue gradually calmed down. The two sisters decided to collect evidence together to expose President Qi's true colors. In the days that followed, they traveled around, interviewing insiders, and with the help of friends, finally obtained irrefutable evidence of President Qi's manipulation of public opinion and commercial fraud.

President Qi leaned back in his leather chair, his scarlet fingernails tapping lightly on the desk, his eyes icy. "Sang Jiyue, you really have the guts to confront me. Let me tell you the truth, from the very beginning, you've been a pawn in my game. Now that I'm getting rid of these troubles, you're no longer of any use to me. Don't bother me anymore!"

Sang Jiyue trembled with rage, her nails digging deep into her palms. She never imagined that President Qi, whom she had always trusted, could be so cold-blooded. Stepping out of the Qi Media building, a biting wind swept over her, tears welled in her eyes, and a wave of humiliation overwhelmed her. Just as she was filled with despair, her phone suddenly rang; it was her sister, Sang Shuwan, calling.

"Jiyue, where are you? I'm so worried about you." Sang Shuwan's gentle voice came, causing Sang Jiyue to lose control of her emotions and break down in tears: "Sister, President Qi... she's been using me all along, and now she's kicked me aside."

"Jiyue, don't be afraid. Go home first, I'll be right there," Sang Shuwan comforted her softly.

Back home, Sang Jiyue told Sang Shuwan everything that had happened. After listening, Sang Shuwan frowned: "Jiyue, President Qi is so guilty, there must be a bigger conspiracy behind her. We can't just let this go, we have to find evidence and expose her true colors."

The sisters began gathering evidence. They interviewed former employees of Qi's Media, learning from them that President Qi had secretly manipulated public opinion, fabricated data, and suppressed competitors. However, these employees were afraid of retaliation and dared not come forward to testify.

By chance, Sang Jiyue came across an anonymous post online alleging that President Qi was involved in commercial fraud. Following the clues, she discovered that the poster was actually a former business partner of President Qi. Accompanied by Sang Shuwan, the two sisters found the whistleblower. Initially, the whistleblower was hesitant and unwilling to cooperate. After Sang Shuwan's patient persuasion, he finally lowered his guard and provided the sisters with crucial evidence—an illegal transaction contract signed by President Qi with another party.

With this evidence, the sisters' confidence soared. They contacted a well-known media outlet and provided the reporter with a detailed account of the evidence and the events. The reporter was very interested in this news lead, and after an in-depth investigation, a report exposing General Manager Qi's shady dealings was quickly published.

The report immediately caused a huge uproar in society. Netizens condemned General Manager Qi and demanded that relevant departments thoroughly investigate the matter. Qi's Media's stock price plummeted, and partners demanded to terminate their contracts. Faced with public pressure, General Manager Qi attempted public relations, but to no avail.

Just then, the market supervision department intervened and launched an investigation. Faced with irrefutable evidence, General Manager Qi could not deny the allegations and ultimately received the punishment he deserved. Qi's Media also underwent internal reforms, and Sang Jiyue's reputation was restored.

Following this incident, encouraged by her sister, Sang Jiyue decided to return to the entertainment industry. With her outstanding acting skills and resilient character, she gradually won the hearts of audiences. Meanwhile, Sang Shuwan's jewelry business also flourished. The two sisters walked hand in hand, embarking on a new journey in life. Whenever she recalls this experience, Sang Jiyue is filled with emotion. It was her sister's companionship and support that allowed her to find her way in the darkness and usher in the dawn.

"Sister, we owe you so much this time." Sang Jiyue held Sang Shuwan's hand tightly, her eyes glistening with tears.

Sang Shuwan smiled and patted her head: "It's all in the past. From now on, we sisters will never be apart again."

The warm spring sun shone on the two sisters, dispelling the gloom of winter. Having weathered this storm, they not only successfully overcame the crisis but also gained precious family bonds, striding confidently towards a new life.

On a weekend afternoon, the sunlight bathed Wukang Road in Shanghai in a warm glow, the shadows of the plane trees intertwining on the ground like a natural ink painting. Sang Shuwan wore a beige knitted dress with a light khaki trench coat, and a moonstone necklace of her own design around her neck, simple yet elegant; Sang Jiyue wore a black leather jacket with ripped jeans, her dyed blonde hair particularly eye-catching in the sunlight. The two sisters walked side by side on the street, occasionally stopping to admire the shop windows, their intimate demeanor resembling that of a pair of fashionable best friends.

"Sister, look at this shop's decor! It's so retro, perfect for taking photos!" Sang Jiyue's eyes lit up as she excitedly pointed to a shop filled with vintage ornaments. Sang Shuwan smiled and nodded, "Indeed, the ornaments inside have a real vintage feel. Maybe they can give me some new inspiration for my jewelry designs." With that, the two sisters walked into the shop hand in hand.

The shop was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, old Shanghai posters hung on the walls, and a gramophone played melodious jazz. Sang Shuwan stopped in front of a display case filled with vintage jewelry, carefully examining a carved brooch with admiration in her eyes. Sang Jiyue, meanwhile, picked up a beret and playfully put it on her head: "Sister, look, don't I look good in this?" Sang Shuwan turned around, smiling and teasing: "Our Jiyue looks good in anything, no wonder she's a big star!"

After leaving the shop, they went into a popular coffee shop. The place was bustling with people, the aroma of coffee mingling with the sweet scent of cakes. The sisters ordered two lattes and a tiramisu, and found a seat by the window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a golden glow on the coffee cups.

"Sis, how's work going lately? How's the new design coming along?" Sang Jiyue asked with concern as she stirred her coffee. Sang Shuwan took a sip of her coffee and said, "It's going fairly smoothly. I've had a lot of inspiration, but sometimes I get bogged down in the details. How about you? Are you getting used to filming the new movie?"

"It was great! This role was very challenging, and I learned a lot from it." Sang Jiyue enthusiastically shared anecdotes from filming, while Sang Shuwan listened attentively, occasionally letting out a hearty laugh. Customers around them cast envious glances, some whispering, "These two best friends have such a great relationship, and they're so good-looking too!"

After finishing their coffee, the two sisters continued their stroll through the streets. Passing a flower shop, Sang Shuwan was drawn in by the blooming tulips and went inside. Seeing this, Sang Jiyue secretly selected a bunch of pink tulips and, when her sister wasn't looking, presented them to her: "Sister, this is for you! May every day of yours be as beautiful as these flowers."

Sang Shuwan was both surprised and delighted. She accepted the bouquet and gently hugged her sister, "Jiyue, with you here, every day is wonderful." The sunlight shone on the two sisters, outlining their warm silhouettes. At this moment, they were not only sisters bound by blood, but also each other's closest friends, accompanying each other on life's journey and shining brightly together.

In the sweltering heat of Los Angeles, luxury cars in Beverly Hills, like brightly colored Volkswagen Beetles, sped along the winding mountain roads toward the hilltop estate. Sang Jiyue sat in the back seat of her van, repeatedly adjusting the straps of her Chanel haute couture gown. Suddenly, her phone screen lit up—a party invitation from Sang Shuwan's studio, the gold lettering gleaming coldly in the darkness.

Three years ago, their argument backstage at the Golden Globe Awards was still fresh in everyone's mind. Sang Jiyue was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Dark Night Rose," but Sang Shuwan snatched a sponsor's dinner invitation that should have been hers, causing her to miss the opportunity to meet Hollywood moguls. Since then, the two have acted like strangers on the red carpet, and the online feud between their fans has spilled over into real life.

"Jiyue, we've arrived." Agent Lin Xia's voice interrupted her thoughts. Sang Jiyue stepped out of the car in ten-centimeter heels, her diamond earrings reflecting a dazzling light under the lamplight. At the manor entrance, Sang Shuwan, dressed in a Dior haute couture red dress, was surrounded by a group of reporters. Her signature dimpled smile held a familiar sarcasm that Sang Jiyue knew all too well.

"Jiyue! Over here!" Sang Shuwan waved as if she had spotted her prey, and the surrounding reporters instantly pointed their cameras at Sang Jiyue. The two met by the fountain, the flashbulbs going off wildly, and Sang Jiyue could smell the gunpowder mixed in with the other's perfume. "What new movie are you filming lately?" Sang Shuwan asked casually, her fingertips unconsciously stroking her Cartier diamond ring.

"A low-budget art film, filming starts next month." Sang Jiyue took a sip of champagne, recalling the endorsement deal that Sang Shuwan's team had snatched from her last week. The brand had changed their mind at the last minute, citing that her image didn't fit, but three days later Sang Shuwan appeared in the brand's advertisement. At this moment, the host announced the start of the charity auction, with the first item being a reproduction of an original Van Gogh painting.

Sang Shuwan made the first bid: "One hundred thousand US dollars." She looked at Sang Jiyue defiantly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes. Sang Jiyue sneered and immediately raised the price to two hundred thousand. The two went back and forth, and the price quickly soared to five hundred thousand. The atmosphere was so tense it could ignite the air, and the surrounding guests cast surprised glances. Just as Sang Shuwan was about to raise the price again, the manor suddenly lost power, and screams erupted. Sang Jiyue staggered a few steps in the darkness, a sharp pain shooting through her ankle. In her panic, a hand grabbed her arm, and the familiar scent of perfume made her instantly recognize Sang Shuwan. "Are you alright?" Sang Shuwan's voice was tinged with anxiety.

The backup generator started up quickly, and Sang Jiyue noticed the beads of sweat on Sang Shuwan's forehead and the wrinkles on her dress caused by being stepped on. At that moment, the hostility between the two seemed to be swallowed by darkness. "Let's go to the lounge to treat your wounds," Sang Shuwan said without further ado, helping Sang Jiyue out of the hall.

In the dressing room, Sang Shuwan personally cleaned Sang Jiyue's wounds, her movements unusually gentle. After a long silence, Sang Shuwan spoke: "The Golden Globe Awards incident three years ago was actually something the sponsors asked me to do." She took an envelope from her bag, inside which were screenshots of emails from that year. Sang Jiyue froze, staring at the sponsors' threatening words on the screen, her resentment instantly vanishing.

“All these years, I’ve lived with guilt.” Sang Shuwan’s voice choked with sobs. “Every time I see you on the red carpet, I can’t look you in the eye.” Sang Jiyue held her hand, feeling her slightly trembling fingertips: “I was wrong too. I shouldn’t have been blinded by jealousy.”

Fireworks suddenly burst outside the window, illuminating their tear-streaked faces. They looked at each other and smiled, as if transported back to that night ten years ago, when they encouraged each other on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From sworn enemies to best friends, perhaps all it took was a power outage and a frank conversation.

As the party ended, Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan walked out of the manor hand in hand. Reporters were surprised to find that these former bitter rivals now wore genuine smiles. The next day, entertainment headlines were flooded with news of their reconciliation, and fans showered them with blessings on social media.

Three months later, the art film "Twin Flowers," co-starring Sang Jiyue and Sang Shuwan, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. When the two walked hand-in-hand down the red carpet, the entire audience erupted in applause. Looking at Sang Shuwan beside her, Sang Jiyue suddenly understood that in the entertainment industry, full of temptations and traps, true brilliance lies not in defeating rivals, but in walking hand-in-hand with a close friend.

At the Cannes Film Festival premiere of "Twin Flowers," reporters and fans surged along the red carpet, their flashes creating a dazzling galaxy. Sang Shuwan wore an elegant off-white Valentino gown, simple yet sophisticated, the pearls adorning it swaying gently with her steps, radiating a soft glow. Sang Jiyue, on the other hand, wore a fiery red Givenchy haute couture gown; its daring backless design and exaggerated skirt made her resemble a burning flame, exceptionally dazzling.

At first, the two maintained polite smiles, walking side by side and waving to the fans on both sides. But as the camera gradually focused, Sang Jiyue's desire not to be ignored began to take hold. She intentionally or unintentionally took a half step forward, slightly pushing Sang Shuwan behind her, and struck various carefully designed poses, sometimes gently touching her hair, sometimes putting her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest, trying to attract more attention from the camera.

Sang Shuwan sensed something amiss and subtly moved aside, giving Sang Jiyue space and maintaining a semblance of harmony. But Sang Jiyue wasn't satisfied. Seeing the media cameras shifting towards Sang Shuwan, she suddenly sidestepped, feigning an accidental bump into her. Caught off guard, Sang Shuwan lost her balance, stumbled, and nearly fell. A gasp rippled through the surrounding fans, and the reporters' cameras quickly captured the moment.

Sang Jiyue immediately turned around, covered her mouth with both hands, and showed a look of fear and self-blame on her face. She said in a tearful voice, "Shuwan, I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention just now, I didn't mean to." As she spoke, she reached out to help Sang Shuwan up, squeezing out a few tears as if she had suffered a great injustice.

Sang Shuwan steadied herself, feeling somewhat annoyed, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, she chose to suppress her anger. She forced a smile and said softly, "It's nothing, just an accident." However, the slight displeasure that flashed in her eyes was still caught by the perceptive Sang Jiyue.

Upon entering the venue, the organizers arranged for the two to participate in a group interview with the media. As soon as Sang Jiyue sat down, she eagerly took the microphone and began to speak at length about her experiences and insights during the filming of the movie, giving Sang Shuwan almost no chance to speak. Whenever Sang Shuwan tried to speak, Sang Jiyue would either raise her voice and continue speaking, or find an excuse to interrupt and steer the conversation back to herself.

A reporter asked, "Shuwan, did anything interesting happen while working with Jiyue?" Before Sang Shuwan could answer, Sang Jiyue interrupted, "Yes! There was a scene that was particularly difficult to film. I went over it many times to achieve the best effect, and Shuwan helped me a lot." As she spoke, she gently placed her hand on Sang Shuwan's shoulder, seemingly intimate, but actually exerting a subtle pressure.

Sang Shuwan's pent-up dissatisfaction grew, but she maintained her professional demeanor and didn't lash out on the spot. However, these subtle frictions and conflicts were like ticking time bombs, ready to explode at any moment and plunge their newly repaired relationship back into crisis.

In late autumn in Venice, sunlight pierced through the Adriatic mist, spilling onto the terrace of the St. Regis Hotel. Sang Shuwan stood before the dressing mirror as a dressmaker adjusted the hem of her Chanel haute couture gown. The off-white gown, made of silk, was hand-embroidered with lifelike white doves, and the Swarovski crystals adorning the skirt shimmered delicately in the light.

“Shuwan, this film festival is crucial for us. The team has made all the arrangements, and you must make sure you get the center position.” Agent Lin Yu stood to the side, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination.

Sang Shuwan nodded gently, but her gaze drifted to the window. Since her "reconciliation" with Sang Jiyue at the Cannes Film Festival, the two had maintained a harmonious relationship on the surface, but she always felt that there was an elusive undercurrent hidden within Sang Jiyue.

Meanwhile, in another suite at the hotel, Sang Jiyue was carefully applying lipstick in front of the mirror. She wore a blood-red Armani evening gown with a deep V-neck and high slit that perfectly accentuated her figure. "Hmph, Sang Shuwan, this time on the red carpet, I'm the star," she muttered to herself, her fingers unconsciously clenching.

At 6 PM, the red carpet ceremony officially began. As planned, Sang Shuwan gracefully stepped out of her van, her appearance instantly causing a sensation. Fans screamed incessantly, and media reporters raised their cameras, flashing lights everywhere. Sang Shuwan smiled and steadily walked to the center of the red carpet.

Just then, Sang Jiyue got out of another car. Seeing Sang Shuwan already standing in the center, a flicker of jealousy flashed in her eyes. Ignoring the staff's attempts to stop her, she pushed through the crowd like a whirlwind and went straight to Sang Shuwan's side. "Oh, Shuwan, you're here early today," Sang Jiyue said with a forced smile, deliberately bumping Sang Shuwan hard with her shoulder.

Sang Shuwan was wearing a pair of ten-centimeter-high silver stilettos, the rhinestones on the shoes sparkling under the lights. Due to Sang Jiyue's impact, she instantly lost her balance, and in her panic, stepped on the hem of Sang Jiyue's evening gown. It was an expensive custom-made Dior evening gown, the hem embroidered with delicate lace and pearls. With Sang Shuwan's step, the hem was violently torn open.

Sang Shuwan, unaware of what had happened, regained her balance and continued to smile, waving to the camera. Sang Jiyue looked down at her torn skirt, her face flushing red and then paling, anger instantly overwhelming her reason. But in this public setting, she couldn't lash out, so she could only suppress her anger and glare at Sang Shuwan through gritted teeth.

After entering the theater, Sang Jiyue made an excuse and hurried towards the dressing room. Sang Shuwan sensed that Sang Jiyue was in a bad mood and felt uneasy. After a moment's thought, she followed her. Just as she reached the dressing room door, she heard Sang Jiyue's angry roar from inside: "Sang Shuwan has gone too far! She deliberately stepped on my dress and then pretended to be innocent! I will not let this go!"

Sang Shuwan pushed open the door and entered, looking surprised. "Jiyue, I really didn't mean to. You suddenly bumped into me, and I lost my balance and stepped on your dress." Sang Jiyue snorted coldly and said disdainfully, "You lost your balance? Don't pretend! You've been targeting me ever since the red carpet!" Sang Shuwan sighed helplessly and explained, "I really didn't. After the Cannes Film Festival, I've always hoped that we could truly reconcile and move forward together."

Sang Jiyue ignored Sang Shuwan's explanation, crossed her arms, and said coldly, "Make up? Do you think I'll still believe you? From now on, we'll go our separate ways!" With that, she turned and left angrily, leaving Sang Shuwan standing there, feeling helpless and disappointed.

Back home, Sang Shuwan lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. She recalled every moment she'd shared with Sang Jiyue, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Once, they were inseparable best friends, chasing their dreams together on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But now, the allure of fame and fortune had driven them further apart.

Meanwhile, Sang Jiyue sat by the window, gazing blankly at the night view outside. Her phone suddenly rang; it was her agent calling. "Jiyue, this red carpet incident has already gone viral online. Netizens are divided and arguing endlessly. We can use this opportunity to guide public opinion in our favor," her agent's voice came from the other end of the line.

Sang Jiyue was silent for a moment, then said, "Let me think about it." After hanging up the phone, she fell into deep thought. On one hand, she was resentful of Sang Shuwan's behavior and wanted revenge; on the other hand, she understood that continuing like this would only lead to mutual destruction.

The next day, Sang Shuwan arrived at the film set to shoot her new scene. As soon as she entered the dressing room, she saw Sang Jiyue there as well. The two exchanged a glance, and a tense atmosphere instantly filled the air. "Shuwan, about yesterday..." Sang Jiyue began, but Sang Shuwan interrupted her, "I don't want to hear any explanations. Let's keep our distance from now on."

Just then, the director walked in and announced that they would be filming a scene between the two of them today. This scene was crucial to the entire film, requiring the two actors to work together seamlessly to portray the complex emotions between their characters. Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue arrived at the filming location and were ready. However, when the director yelled "Action," the two couldn't seem to get into character.

Sang Shuwan's eyes were filled with indifference and aloofness, while Sang Jiyue seemed distracted. The scene was filmed again and again, but it still couldn't be done right. The director was furious, yelling, "What's wrong with you two? You were radiant on the red carpet yesterday, and now you're like this! If you can't do this well, you can forget about continuing to act!"

Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue were stunned by the director's words. They exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of panic in each other's eyes. During a break, Sang Shuwan took the initiative to walk over to Sang Jiyue and said, "Jiyue, we can't go on like this. This film is very important to both of us. If we ruin it because of our personal grudges, it will not only affect our careers but also disappoint our fans who have always supported us."

Sang Jiyue lowered her head, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "Shuwan, I didn't want this either. Yesterday on the red carpet, when I saw you standing in the center, I couldn't help but feel jealous. I know it was wrong of me, but I just couldn't control myself." Sang Shuwan sighed and said, "Jiyue, I understand how you feel. In this industry, we all face enormous pressure and temptations. But we can't forget that our initial dream was to become excellent actors and bring good works to the audience."

After an open and honest conversation, the barriers between them gradually dissipated. During the subsequent filming, they set aside their prejudices, cooperated seamlessly, and successfully completed the scene. Upon its release, the film achieved great success, and Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue won unanimous praise from audiences and industry professionals for their outstanding acting skills.

Having weathered this storm, Sang Shuwan and Sang Jiyue both understood a crucial lesson: in the world of fame and fortune, maintaining one's original aspirations and cherishing one's friendship are far more important than fleeting vanity and personal gain. They decided to put aside past grievances, join hands, and continue pursuing their dreams on their acting journeys.

After a long day of filming, Sang Jiyue returned wearily to her Beverly Hills apartment. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Los Angeles cityscape shone brightly, but she had no heart to appreciate it. Her mind kept replaying the distance Sang Shuwan had deliberately maintained on set. She bit her lower lip, took out her phone, opened her chat window with Sang Shuwan, and after much deliberation, sent a message: "Shuwan, what happened today was my fault. I feel terrible about it. I'd like to invite you to dinner tomorrow to apologize in person." After sending the message, she stared intently at the screen, her fingers unconsciously tapping the desktop, each second feeling incredibly long.

Less than five minutes later, Sang Shuwan replied, "Okay, International Villa it is." Upon seeing the message, Sang Jiyue breathed a sigh of relief, and her tense shoulders relaxed. She knew that International Villa held extraordinary significance for them. When they first entered the entertainment industry, the two of them passed by this place and, gazing at the magnificent estate, had dreamed of one day being able to frequent it as celebrities.

The following evening, Sang Jiyue carefully selected a beige dress, paired with a pearl necklace, simple yet elegant. As she arrived at the International Villa in her Bentley, the sunset was ablaze with fiery brilliance. Sang Shuwan was already standing at the villa's entrance, dressed in a black fitted evening gown, her hair styled in an updo, revealing her long neck, and diamond earrings sparkling in the afterglow.

"Shuwan, thank you for coming." Sang Jiyue stepped forward quickly, apologetic smile on her face. Sang Shuwan smiled and replied, "Since you've said so, I'll naturally give you a chance." The two walked side by side towards the restaurant, the air filled with a faint scent of perfume and a subtle atmosphere.

Pushing open the restaurant doors, a crystal chandelier cast a soft glow, illuminating the space with a warm and luxurious feel. Each table was set with exquisite silver cutlery and vibrant fresh flowers, while soothing classical music filled the air. After being seated, the waiter presented them with a leather-bound menu. Sang Shuwan took the menu and expertly ordered foie gras, steak Wellington, and a bottle of 1982 Lafite—all delicacies they had long dreamed of.

"I remember the first time we passed by here, we were eating hot dogs on the street, gazing longingly at the manor, and saying we definitely had to eat here someday." Sang Shuwan leaned back in her chair, a hint of reminiscence in her eyes. Sang Jiyue smiled, her thoughts drifting back ten years. Back then, they lived in a small, damp apartment, often eating instant noodles to save money, yet they still dreamed of the future, firmly believing that one day they could make a name for themselves in Hollywood.

"Later, we got busier and busier, and we contacted each other less. Before we knew it, we had drifted apart." Sang Jiyue frowned slightly, her tone filled with regret. Sang Shuwan picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and said, "Yes, when we get busy, we don't even have time to meet. We slowly became strangers."

As dinner progressed, Sang Jiyue put down her knife and fork, her expression turning serious. "Shuwan, I was wrong this time. On the red carpet, I was blinded by jealousy and did those ridiculous things. I've reflected on it for a long time now, and I truly regret it." Sang Shuwan listened quietly, the aloofness in her eyes gradually fading. "Actually, I was wrong too," Sang Shuwan put down her wine glass and said honestly, "I shouldn't have argued with you out of spite. We could have supported each other and become better together."

The two opened their hearts, pouring out all the conflicts and misunderstandings they had accumulated over the years. Outside the window, moonlight spilled onto the shimmering lake, creating a tranquil scene. Sang Jiyue raised her glass and said sincerely, "Shuwan, let's start over. No matter what we encounter in the future, let's support each other as before." Sang Shuwan also raised her glass and gently clinked it against hers; the crisp sound echoed in the restaurant. "Okay, let's start over."

Just then, the band began playing a soothing waltz. Sang Shuwan stood up, extended her hand to Sang Jiyue, and asked with a smile, "Would you do me the honor of dancing?" Sang Jiyue smiled and nodded, placing her hand in Sang Shuwan's. The two danced gracefully on the dance floor, their movements light and airy, as if they had returned to that innocent and youthful time.

On a summer evening, the afterglow streamed through the stained-glass windows of the banquet hall, draping the European-style palace in a dreamlike veil. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, mirroring the sunset outside and creating an ethereal atmosphere. The air was filled with the refreshing bubbles of champagne and the alluring fragrance of perfume, a prelude to luxury. Guests, dressed in elegant attire and holding sparkling glasses, chatted and laughed, their voices filling the air with refined elegance.

Sang Shuwan wore a black, one-shoulder evening gown that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure. Her hair was styled in a high updo, with a few wisps falling beside her fair neck, adding a touch of softness. Beneath her exquisite makeup, her bright eyes sparkled with curiosity. As a staff member of the banquet organizer, she was originally responsible for backstage coordination, but the senior sommelier's captivating explanations on stage drew her in like a magnet.

The sommelier raised a glass of red wine, holding it up to the light to display its color. His voice was deep and captivating: "Look, everyone, this red wine is a deep, rich ruby ​​red, intensely clear, with a subtle purple hue at the rim. This not only symbolizes its exceptional quality but also hints at its youthful vitality and potential." He then gently swirled the glass, brought his nose close to the rim, and took a deep breath. "Now smell it," he continued, "this wine exudes aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, and other dark fruits, accompanied by a hint of violet, and notes of vanilla and smokiness from the oak barrels. The aroma is rich, complex, and captivating."

The guests below the stage followed suit, swirling their glasses and inhaling the aromas with practiced ease. Sang Shuwan's gaze was drawn to the dazzling array of wines on the table. The uniquely shaped bottles, labeled with the names of wineries from renowned regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, and Tuscany in Italy, each seemed to tell a legendary story transcending time, exuding a mysterious charm. (End of Chapter)