The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

After the hustle and bustle of the Hundred Flowers Awards subsided, Shen Mo returned home late at night.

The smart door lock emits a soft "beep" sound, and the motion-sensor light in the entryway turns on in response.

This duplex apartment on the top floor was the new home he and Li Yitong chose after careful consideration.

Located in a high-end community with tight security, the private entrance elevator is enough to keep out the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

While he was busy dealing with Huayi's relentless pressure, Li Yitong had quietly transformed the place, making it feel like a home away from home.

On the custom-made entryway cabinet sits a celadon vase she found, with a few fresh white tulips casually arranged inside.

As soon as he entered the room and took off his suit jacket, he smelled the cedarwood scent she usually used in the air, mixed with a faint aroma of porridge.

Looking up, the floor lamp in the corner of the living room was on, and Li Yitong was curled up on the sofa, covered with a thin cashmere blanket.

He was holding a book in his hands, but his head was nodding off, clearly he had fallen asleep while waiting for him.

There was a thermos on the coffee table, next to his usual glass.

Seemingly hearing a noise, she rubbed her eyes and woke up, her voice hoarse and soft from just waking up.

"You're back?"

"Um."

Shen Mo responded and casually placed the heavy Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor on the cabinet in the entryway, making a soft "knock" sound.

He changed into slippers and walked over, naturally picking up the thermos, opening it to reveal a perfectly warm and soothing congee for relieving hangovers.

He poured the porridge while glancing at her from the side.

"Didn't I tell you to go to sleep first and not wait for me?"

Li Yitong lifted the blanket, stepped barefoot onto the carpet, and walked to his side.

She didn't answer his question, but instead reached out and gently brushed the cold trophy, then looked up at him, her crescent-shaped eyes brimming with a clear smile and pride.

"Congratulations, Actor Shen!"

Her gaze swept over his face, her tone carrying a knowing, teasing tone.

"Why does your face look even more somber than the trophy? Were you unhappy at the victory celebration?"

Shen Mo held the porridge cup, leaned back on the sofa, and took a sip of the warm porridge, which immediately made his stomach feel much better.

He twitched the corners of his mouth, a weary mockery in his expression.

"What's there to be unhappy about? I got what I was supposed to get, and none of the 'performances' I was supposed to see were missed."

Li Yitong nodded knowingly, walked to his side, took the empty cup from his hand, and placed it in the sink.

She sat back on the sofa, leaned against him, and looked at him sideways.

"I heard Feng Xiaogang's remarks during the live broadcast. His veiled attacks are as sharp as ever."

Shen Mo chuckled and raised his hand to rub his temples.

"He's just unwilling to accept it."

Under the lamplight, the weariness between his brows was even more pronounced.

Continuous high-intensity work, the nerve-wracking atmosphere of award ceremonies, and the clinking of glasses at celebration banquets.

Only now, in front of someone I trust, do I completely relax and reveal a tiredness that I rarely show to others.

Li Yitong looked at the faint dark circles under his eyes and felt a lump in her throat.

She didn't continue the topic, but asked softly.

"Is the porridge alright? I cooked it a little longer because I was worried you didn't eat much tonight and just drank alcohol."

"Yes, that's perfect."

Shen Mo looked at her, his gaze softening slightly.

"And you? What are you doing at home alone?"

"Xiao Tian came over and watched the awards ceremony live with me for a while," Li Yitong said casually. "She went back to the film set after it was over."

"She was so excited that she said you won Best Actor, and she was even happier than if she had won the award herself."

"That little girl probably won't be able to sleep tonight."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo's lips curled into a slightly indulgent smile.

"She just loves to join in the fun."

After they finished speaking, the two remained silent for a moment.

after awhile,

Li Yitong leaned forward slightly, reached out, and gently straightened his slightly loose collar.

"From now on," she said, raising her eyes to look into his deep gaze, her voice soft yet exceptionally clear.

"You don't have to work so hard anymore, you've already done enough."

"You know, this award you received is something I could only dream of in my past life."

Shen Mo paused for a moment, then looked down at her, who was so close to him.

Without saying a word, he simply reached out and gently grasped her wrist, which she hadn't had time to retract.

He seemed to have let down his guard and said something in a low voice.

"Yeah, I'm a little tired."

Li Yitong reached out and lifted his head, pulling it to rest on her shoulder. She gently patted his arm, offering a silent comfort and support.

As she looked at his slightly furrowed brows as he closed his eyes to rest, a scene from the awards ceremony involuntarily flashed into her mind.

A bittersweet feeling mixed with heartache ultimately transformed into a sly, teasing smile on his lips.

She gently tickled his palm with her fingertips, causing him to open his eyes and look at her.

"Speaking of which..."

Li Yitong tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her crescent-shaped eyes.

"Li Lin certainly had some courage tonight, walking up to you and starting a conversation in front of everyone?"

She deliberately slowed down her speaking pace.

"When I looked at the camera, you guys seemed quite engrossed in your conversation?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo was taken aback at first, but then, meeting the barely concealed curiosity and teasing in her eyes, he immediately understood what the girl was asking indirectly.

A knowing glint flashed in his eyes, and he even felt a slight urge to laugh, which somewhat dispelled his fatigue.

Instead of letting go, he gently gripped her fingers as she tickled his palm, his grip light but firm, leaving no room for escape.

He looked at her calmly, his tone carrying a hint of helpless honesty, yet also a deliberate attempt to tease her.

"What's going on, Mr. Li? Are you checking up on me?"

"Who's checking up on you?"

Li Yitong's ears burned slightly. She glared at him reproachfully, trying to pull her hand away, but failed.

"Is it wrong for me to gossip about what President Shen and the pretty woman talked about?"

Shen Mo chuckled softly as he looked at her slightly flushed cheeks and her forced composure, then put his arm around her shoulder.

"She came to discuss signing a contract."

He succinctly relayed Li Lin's words and intentions regarding "providing timely help."

After listening, Li Yitong blinked, and the slight resentment in her heart was instantly replaced by surprise and a hint of admiration.

"To proactively approach her at such a critical juncture? She certainly has guts and is quite clever."

She paused, her eyes regaining their teasing tone, leaned closer to him, and lowered her voice.

"I remember she used to have a very gentle personality."

"Actor Shen, isn't your charm a bit too much?"

"Is Li Lin interested in you?"

Shen Mo was both amused and exasperated by her blatant teasing. He reached out and gently pinched her cheek, the force very light, carrying an affectionate warning.

"Yukiko, what are you thinking about all day?"

He looked at her, his tone becoming low and serious.

"What she values ​​is the future prospects of Inkmark, and the resources and opportunities it can bring her."

He paused, his gaze falling on her smiling eyes, and spoke slowly.

"Besides you, who else would follow me so blindly without considering the rewards?"

These words were like a warm breeze, instantly dispelling the last wisp of cloud in Li Yitong's heart.

She knew she shouldn't be jealous, but hearing him say it himself still felt different.

She felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but on the surface, she still feigned arrogance and gave a "humph," then withdrew her hand and turned to walk towards the bedroom.

"Go take a shower, you reek of alcohol, it's awful!"

But the slight upturn of her lips and her much lighter steps betrayed her true feelings.

Chapter update reminder: Chapter 123, "Has Li Lin taken a fancy to you?", available here.