Date

Jiang Yuxi's POV

I barely have time to breathe.

Between filming, promotional interviews, and the relentless media storm, my life has become a whirlwind of flashing lights, staged smiles, and carefully curated answers.

And the worst part? Han Li decided on a full-blown live interview.

I still don't know how she pulled it off.

One moment, I was dreading having to defend myself, thinking I'd have to slowly crawl my way back into the public's favor. The next?

The entire country was listening to my side of the story.

Everything Jiang Wei did to me?

Everything he manipulated?

Han Li countered all of it.

And she didn't just fight back—she obliterated them.

One by one, everyone involved in my fall has been wiped out of the industry.

Not just blacklisted.

Done. Finished.

This isn't the work of some average PR firm. This is something else entirely.

The publicist Han Li hired? Apparently, she's the kind of woman politicians and billionaires use when they want their secrets buried.

And she's good. Terrifyingly good.

Now? The narrative has shifted.

Instead of the disgraced "Villainess of the Film Industry," I'm a wronged woman who's making a comeback.

I exhale, shaking my head.

Han Li is amazing.

I check my phone, scanning the latest headlines.

And then I see it.

Breaking News: Han Corp. Acquires Qin Entertainment

My breath hitches.

I scroll through the article, reading in awe.

She did it. She actually did it.

Qin Zhen—the once untouchable titan of the industry—completely crushed, his company devoured like it was nothing.

Han Li didn't just take over his business.

She waited until it was at its weakest, then moved in for the kill.I don't even know why I'm surprised, she doesn't exactly give off nice and sweet. Well to me she does, but that's something else.

**

The premiere of the movie is a blur of flashing lights and deafening cheers.

I glide through the event, smiling at the cameras, shaking hands with investors, and answering the same repetitive interview questions about my "grand return."

"How does it feel to be back in the spotlight?"

"Are you nervous about the reception?"

"Any words for your fans who stood by you?"

It's exhausting, but I play my role.

The movie is bigger than anything I've ever been in before. A major blockbuster.

The director doesn't mind the extra publicity—if anything, he encourages it.

A disgraced star rising from the ashes?

That's just another selling point for the film.

By the time the after-party rolls around, I'm drained.

I stand at the far end of the lavish ballroom, cradling a glass of champagne, watching the glamorous chaos unfold.

---

"Jiang Yuxi, come with us! There's another after-party happening."

I glance up, recognizing the actresses from the movie. Minor roles, but still ambitious enough to want to be seen at the biggest parties.

I open my mouth to decline—

But then I feel it.

A hand snakes around my waist, firm but familiar.

Warmth spreads through me before I even see her face.

"Unfortunately, she's got prior plans," a smooth voice says.

My body relaxes instinctively.

I turn, and my breath catches.

Han Li.

How is she even more handsome?

She's dressed in an impeccable six-piece black suit, tailored to perfection. Every inch of her exudes power, control, and effortless charm.

My heart skips a beat.

The two actresses glance at me before making some comment—one I don't even hear because all I can focus on is the hand still resting on my waist.

I swallow. It's just been a long time since I've seen her, that's all.

"Don't go to those parties. Ever," Han Li says seriously.

The warning tone in her voice startles me.

I blink up at her, confused.

"I was going to decline anyway, but why?"

She exhales, fingers tightening slightly around my waist before she lets go.

"Everything you've heard? It's worse."

She doesn't elaborate.

I frown but decide not to press.

Instead, I raise an eyebrow.

"Then what do you suggest I do instead?"

Han Li smirks, tilting her head.

"Join me for dinner?"

She asks it so casually.

Like it's not a loaded invitation.

Like she's not making it impossible to say no.

"…Of course."

She guides me out of the venue, her presence an unspoken shield between me and the outside world.

And for some reason, it makes me feel safe.

--

The black luxury car waiting outside is sleek, expensive, and undeniably Han Li.

She opens the door for me, and I slide inside, feeling strangely nervous.I watch as she moves around to the other side, slipping into the seat beside me.

The moment we're alone in the enclosed space, I feel too warm.

I fidget slightly, tugging at the simple black dress I wore for comfort.

Now, under her gaze, it feels like I've underdressed.

I clear my throat, looking out the window.

She says nothing.

The driver pulls away, leaving the flashing cameras and noise behind.

---

The Weight of Silence

The silence between us is heavy.

Not uncomfortable.

But… charged.

I chance a glance at Han Li.

She's looking straight ahead, jaw tense, fingers tapping idly against the leather seat.

There's something different about her tonight.

Not just the suit. Not just the way she stepped in so naturally, so confidently.

It's the way she's looking at me now.

Not with amusement. Not with casual teasing.

But with something else.

Something I can't quite name.

The realization makes my breath hitch.

I turn my gaze back to the city lights rushing past.

"Where are we going?" I ask, just to break the silence.

Han Li finally looks at me, lips quirking up slightly.

"Somewhere private."

My stomach twists.