A terrifying fire…
Fierce flames blazed, painting the entire sky a fiery red, growing larger by the moment, almost completely engulfing the houses.
Desperate screams for help, the shrill cries of children, and adults shouting to each other to extinguish the fire.
It was chaos…
“Zideng, Zideng, don’t sleep.”
“I’m so scared.”
“Hic…”
“Don’t sleep, Zideng, we’ll get out of here together.”
“Wake up, please wake up.”
Cheng Zideng.
Inside the small house, fiercely engulfed by flames, a little girl cried desperately, clutching tightly to the injured, unconscious boy, Zideng.
Torrents of fearful tears streamed down her small face, soaking her shoulder, as choked sobs echoed.
It was a truly heartbreaking sight…
Smoke grew thicker and more suffocating, the flames having crept into every nook and cranny of the house.
Her panicked cries gradually faded, and the poor little girl also succumbed to unconsciousness.
………
On a beautiful balcony, facing a clear, windy blue sky, a graceful figure stood lost in thought, gazing at the distant sky.
The girl was absently recalling distant memories from the past, memories full of horror yet also full of sweetness.
Her captivating, elegant face held a hint of melancholy. Her large, sparkling beautiful eyes, framed by long, upturned lashes, seemed capable of stirring the heart of anyone with a single glance. A high, delicate nose complemented her full, vibrant red lips.
Every feature was breathtakingly beautiful…
A gentle breeze swept past, causing her pure white nightgown to billow gracefully, clinging to her figure and revealing a soft, alluring physique. Her long, flowing hair swayed, further enhancing her sweet beauty.
Ding-dong… ding-dong…
Suddenly, the urgent ring of the doorbell startled the young girl slightly. She quickly composed herself and hurried to open the door.
“Lun-ge, why is my great manager visiting my place so early this morning?”
A tall, handsome man stepped in from the doorway, frowning as he lightly tapped Zhao Ying’s forehead.
“It’s already past ten, and you call this early?”
She didn’t reply, only flashed a mischievous smile. After finishing his sentence, Si Lun walked to the living room sofa and sat down, opening his bag to take out a folder labeled ‘Script: Ye Qingcheng’.
“So? The old film wrapped almost half a month ago. Has our famous star rested enough?”
“Take a look at this new script. It’s the lead role in Director Lin Zhixing’s new film, and it’s excellent.”
“I’ve already accepted it for you.”
Before Zhao Ying could even reply, Si Lun continued.
The young girl immediately pouted petulantly.
“Oh my heavens, you’re working me to death! I’ve only just started resting.”
“Hmph…”
Although her words sounded like a complaint, Si Lun knew Zhao Ying had no intention of refusing.
They had grown up together in the orphanage since childhood and were very close. More than anyone, he understood her personality. Although she could be a bit stubborn and headstrong, she was also a sensible girl, very hardworking and responsible.
Especially with this job, the acting career she loved. Having gone through more than four tumultuous years in the industry, she had worked extremely hard, even risking her life for roles, to achieve the small success she had today. So unless there was a compelling reason, she would never pass up an opportunity.
After a few playful complaints, Zhao Ying curiously asked about the identity of her co-star, so she could research them and ensure good chemistry.
Si Lun calmly replied.
“It’s Wang Yingjun.”
Zhao Ying’s eyes widened as she looked at Si Lun, her voice filled with surprise.
“Who? Wang Yingjun?”
“He’s been Film Emperor for three consecutive years, praised by the media for his mesmerizing, soul-stealing beauty, isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
He’s arguably the most sought-after male celebrity at the moment.
Zhao Ying was silent for a few seconds, then curled her lips into a sneer, her expression full of disdain and disgust.
“Famous, but a philandering scoundrel.”
“Do you know, I once accidentally read an article about him… That guy got a model named Bai Jinxuan pregnant, then forced her to abort the child.”
“Talented but immoral.”
Having said that, she resolutely refused to work with Wang Yingjun, ignoring Si Lun’s reproaches, and his rambling about the benefits the film would bring, such as her elevated status and fame.
Si Lun angrily shouted at Zhao Ying.
“Don’t be so stubborn!”
He had always loved and cared for her like a younger sister, always worrying about her career, having stood by her side since the very beginning of her journey. This film was excellent, and with the country’s largest entertainment conglomerate investing in it, it was sure to be a success. This was a crucial launchpad for Zhao Ying’s career; how could he not be anxious when she acted like this?
But she still wouldn’t budge.
Although Zhao Ying loved acting immensely and knew that Si Lun only wanted what was best for her, normally she would always listen to him, always risking everything to seize an opportunity. But in this matter, she was furious about that person. She too was an orphan abandoned by her parents, so she was very sensitive about this issue. She hated it when someone did the same thing to other children; the child he abandoned didn’t even get a chance to live.
The mere thought filled her with indignation on their behalf.
Silence filled the air.
After a long moment of anger, Si Lun gradually calmed down. He pondered for a while, and finally seemed to understand why she had reacted so strongly. His mood softened, and he no longer felt like scolding her.
At this moment, Si Lun chose to gently persuade the young woman. He reminded her of the hardships they had endured over the years to reach this point, analyzed the pros and cons, the right and wrong, and softly coaxed her.
“You’ve been in this industry for a few years now. It’s not a long time, but it’s not short either, long enough for you to understand the gossip and controversies. How much of a rumor is ever true? You’ve been involved in many scandals yourself; how many of them were real?”
Zhao Ying didn’t answer. She silently pondered his words. Si Lun wasn’t wrong; she herself had been the subject of rumors and had faced considerable trouble because of news articles. In this showbiz world, people would do or say anything to grab headlines and chase fame and fortune.
She was gradually swayed by Si Lun’s persuasion. He seized the opportunity and immediately targeted her weakness, speaking with an awkward expression.
“More importantly, Director Lin is also your benefactor… So, whether you take this film or not, think it over carefully yourself.”
They truly were close siblings; their words always hit each other where it hurt. He knew full well that Zhao Ying was an emotional person who valued gratitude deeply. Director Lin was the one who had supported her, given her opportunities, and helped her get to where she was today. How could she possibly refuse him?
After a moment of deliberation, Zhao Ying spoke with a hint of petulance, turning her beautiful face away, not bothering to look at Si Lun.
“Fine, I’ll take it. You’re truly the great manager, aren’t you? I always end up listening to you anyway.”
Having finally convinced her, Si Lun smiled cheerfully, responding to his little sister’s petulant words.
“So, it’s settled then.”
In two days, the film crew and the two main actors will have a meeting to greet each other and plan everything out. I'll have Diệp Hân Viên pick you up.
Remember to be on time.
“Okay,” Triệu Anh replied sullenly.
After seeing Tư Luân off, she went back inside, still unhappy. Despite having agreed to take the role and Tư Luân's very convincing words that it might all just be rumors, her displeasure lingered.
But Triệu Anh still had a bad impression of Vương Ảnh Quân and felt a strong dislike for him. Ironically, she was about to meet him...