A New Beginning

The night air was cool as Zi Yan stepped off the private jet. The lights of the city stretched endlessly before her, glowing like a sea of fireflies. It felt surreal. A few hours ago, she had ended Guo Bao's life. Now, she was back in the familiar world of wealth and power, but everything felt different.

She inhaled deeply. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't looking over her shoulder. The nightmare was over.

Lu Yichen walked beside her, his presence steady and reassuring. "How do you feel?"

Zi Yan looked at him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Strangely… calm."

Chen Wei, who had followed them off the plane, let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that's one problem solved. Now, what's next?"

Zi Yan's smile faded slightly. She had spent so much time fighting, surviving, and planning her revenge. Now that it was over, she felt almost… lost.

Lu Yichen must have noticed the shift in her expression because he said, "There's still plenty to do."

Zi Yan nodded slowly. Yes. She still had her career, her real family to find, and a new future to build.

A week passed. Zi Yan stayed out of the spotlight, resting and regaining her strength. She spent most of her time at Lu Yichen's penthouse, enjoying the peace she had never known before.

But the world didn't forget about her.

One morning, while she was sipping tea on the balcony, her phone buzzed.

It was from her agency.

"Zi Yan," the director of her agency, Li Qing, spoke urgently. "The industry is in an uproar. Everyone wants to know what happened to you. The media is still talking about the scandal with Guo Bao. You need to make a decision. Are you coming back?"

Zi Yan swirled her tea thoughtfully. "And if I do?"

"Every major brand is waiting for your statement. They're either going to drop you or fight to sign you. Your name is hotter than ever."

Zi Yan smiled slightly. Guo Bao had tried to ruin her, but in the end, his downfall made her more famous than ever.

"I'll come back," she said firmly. "But on my terms."

Li Qing sounded relieved. "That's what I wanted to hear. Let's set up an exclusive interview."

The Interview That Shocked the Nation

Two days later, Zi Yan sat in front of a camera, across from one of the most famous reporters in the country.

Millions of people tuned in as the interview began.

"Zi Yan," the reporter said with a gentle smile. "The world has been waiting to hear your side of the story. You disappeared after the scandal, and now, you're back. What happened?"

Zi Yan met the reporter's gaze calmly. "A lot."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "Guo Bao betrayed me. He tried to frame me, ruin my reputation, and even hurt me. But in the end, the truth won."

The reporter leaned forward. "There are rumors that Guo Bao was involved in illegal activities and that you had a hand in exposing him. Is that true?"

Zi Yan didn't blink. "I won't comment on that."

The silence was enough of an answer.

The reporter smiled slightly. "Many people admire you, Zi Yan. Despite everything, you didn't break. What kept you strong?"

Zi Yan thought for a moment before answering. "Two things. First, I knew I was innocent. And second…" Her voice softened. "I had someone who believed in me."

At that moment, Lu Yichen, watching from backstage, smirked. She's talking about me.

The interview went viral.

Brands that had once hesitated now rushed to sign Zi Yan. Major directors called, offering her the lead roles in their biggest films. She was no longer just an actress—she was a legend.

At her agency, Li Qing grinned as he looked at the endless contracts on his desk. "Zi Yan, you're officially the most sought-after celebrity in the country."

Zi Yan flipped through the offers, her eyes scanning the figures. Five million. Ten million. Even twenty million for a single endorsement.

But she wasn't in a rush.

"I want to choose carefully," she said. "No more taking whatever is offered. I want roles that matter. Projects that will make an impact."

Li Qing nodded. "Understood. And what about your personal life? Any plans there?"

Zi Yan hesitated. Her personal life…

She had fought for survival for so long that she never truly thought about what she wanted outside of work.

But now… now she had choices.

And one of them was waiting for her at home.

That evening, Zi Yan returned to the penthouse. Lu Yichen was standing on the rooftop, gazing at the city lights below.

Zi Yan stepped beside him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Lu Yichen turned to her. "Not as beautiful as you."

She chuckled. "Flirting again, Mr. Lu?"

His gaze softened. "I'm serious, Zi Yan. You've been through so much, and yet, you still shine brighter than anyone."

Zi Yan's heart pounded. She had always admired Lu Yichen, but now, she was beginning to realize something deeper.

She trusted him. She wanted him in her life.

She exhaled. "Lu Yichen… do you remember what you said before? That you'd protect me?"

His expression turned serious. "I remember."

She turned to face him fully. "Then will you… stay by my side?"

Lu Yichen's eyes darkened. He stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her cheek. "Zi Yan, I never planned to leave."

Zi Yan felt warmth spread in her chest. For the first time, she wasn't alone.

Then Lu Yichen leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her lips.