The Entertainment Industry’s Dark Side

Author's Note: Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.

Zi Yan had won the role, but she knew that wasn't the end.

In the entertainment industry, success didn't come without enemies.

She had humiliated Wang Yin, and she knew her rival wouldn't sit still.

But she was prepared.

For too long, she had been too trusting, too soft.

Not anymore.

The news of her casting spread quickly.

"Zi Yan lands female lead in The Phoenix Rises! A true comeback!"

"Wang Yin loses the role—was her acting not good enough?"

Fans were celebrating, but behind the scenes, danger was brewing.

The next morning, Zi Yan met with her agent, Lin Qian, in a quiet café.

Lin Qian was smiling, but her expression was tense.

"Zi Yan, there's something you need to know," she said, lowering her voice.

Zi Yan took a sip of her coffee. "Go on."

"The investors backing The Phoenix Rises are solid, but there's another group that wanted Wang Yin for the role. They're angry that you got it instead."

Zi Yan raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Lin Qian hesitated. "And they're powerful. They might try to make things difficult for you."

Zi Yan leaned back in her chair, her gaze sharp.

She had expected this.

"Who's behind them?"

Lin Qian looked around before whispering, "An investor named Xu Ming. He owns multiple entertainment companies and has connections in both business and politics. He's been backing Wang Yin for years."

Zi Yan's fingers tapped against the table.

"So Wang Yin had a sugar daddy protecting her all along?" she said coldly.

Lin Qian nodded. "Exactly. And now that you took the role from her, Xu Ming won't be happy."

Zi Yan's eyes darkened.

She wasn't afraid.

If Xu Ming wanted a fight, she'd give him one.

That afternoon, as she left the café, a black car pulled up beside her.

The tinted window rolled down, revealing a middle-aged man in an expensive suit.

"Miss Zi," he greeted smoothly. "Do you have a moment?"

Zi Yan knew who he was instantly.

Xu Ming.

She crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

Xu Ming smiled, but his eyes were sharp. "A friendly conversation."

Zi Yan didn't trust him, but she wasn't one to run away.

She nodded. "Speak."

Xu Ming's smile widened. "You're a smart woman, Miss Zi. So let's not waste time. That role you just won—it wasn't meant for you."

Zi Yan's lips curled. "Oh? Then why did I get it?"

Xu Ming's expression darkened slightly. "You were lucky. But luck doesn't last forever. If you're wise, you'll step down. Quietly."

Zi Yan let out a short laugh. "And if I don't?"

Xu Ming's smile didn't falter. "Then I'd hate to see your career take another hit."

Zi Yan's gaze turned icy. "Let me make something clear, Mr. Xu. I don't bow to threats. If you come at me, be ready for me to hit back."

Xu Ming's smile disappeared. His expression turned cold.

"Brave words," he said. "Let's see how long you can keep that confidence."

The window rolled up, and the car drove away.

Zi Yan watched it go, her fists tightening.

She had just declared war.

And she wouldn't lose.

That night, chaos erupted on social media.

Someone had leaked "evidence" that Zi Yan had seduced the director to get the role.

Fake screenshots, edited photos, and anonymous posts flooded the internet.

"Zi Yan slept her way to the top?"

"She stole the role from Wang Yin! Disgusting!"

"Cancel Zi Yan! She doesn't deserve this!"

Zi Yan stared at the screen, anger boiling in her veins.

Xu Ming had made his move.

And he wasn't playing fair.

The next morning, Zi Yan arrived at the studio, only to feel all eyes on her.

The staff whispered as she walked past.

Some gave her pitying looks.

Others looked at her with disgust.

Even some of the cast members were avoiding her.

But she kept her head high.

She would not let them break her.

As she reached her dressing room, the director, Mr. Zhou, was waiting for her.

He looked troubled. "Zi Yan, we need to talk."

She stepped inside, closing the door. "Is it about the rumors?"

Mr. Zhou sighed. "You already know. Good. Then you also know that the investors are pressuring me to replace you."

Zi Yan's heart clenched, but she forced herself to stay calm.

"Are you thinking of replacing me?" she asked, meeting his gaze directly.

Mr. Zhou hesitated. Then, he shook his head. "No. Your audition was the best. You deserve the role."

Relief filled her, but it was short-lived.

"But I can't ignore the pressure from above," he continued. "If this situation gets worse, I won't be able to protect you."

Zi Yan nodded slowly.

"I understand," she said. "Then I'll handle it."

Mr. Zhou looked surprised. "You think you can fight this?"

Zi Yan's lips curled into a smirk. "Watch me."

She had one person in mind who could turn this around.

Lu Yichen.

That evening, she dialed his number.

He picked up on the first ring. "You finally called," he said lazily. "I was wondering how long you'd hold out."

Zi Yan didn't waste time. "Xu Ming is trying to ruin me. I need your help."

Lu Yichen chuckled. "You're learning fast."

Zi Yan clenched her fists. "Are you going to help me or not?"

Lu Yichen's voice turned serious. "Meet me in thirty minutes. We'll discuss our next move."

Thirty minutes later, Zi Yan walked into Lu Yichen's office.

The air was cold, and the atmosphere was heavy.

Lu Yichen sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes scanning her.

"You're finally ready to use my power," he mused.

Zi Yan didn't deny it. "I won't let Xu Ming destroy me."

Lu Yichen smirked. "Good. Because neither will I."

He leaned forward, his voice deep and dangerous.

"I'll handle Xu Ming. But you owe me."

Zi Yan met his gaze without fear. "Fine. Name your price."

Lu Yichen's lips curled.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Zi Yan's heart pounded, but she refused to back down.

She had made her choice.

Now, it was time to fight back