The Path Ahead

Zi Yan woke up to the soft warmth of sunlight streaming through the windows. The events of the past weeks felt like a dream—escaping Guo Bao's grasp, reclaiming her dignity, and stepping back into the industry stronger than ever. But the most unexpected change was the presence of Lu Yichen in her life.

She turned her head slightly and saw him standing by the balcony, dressed in his usual crisp suit, speaking softly into his phone. His sharp profile, the way he carried himself with effortless confidence—this was a man who could control the world with a single command.

Zi Yan sat up, her fingers brushing over her lips. The memory of last night's kiss made her heart race.

She never expected to fall for someone again.

Lu Yichen turned around, his eyes meeting hers. A smirk played on his lips. "You're awake."

Zi Yan cleared her throat. "You're already working?"

"Some matters needed handling." He put his phone down and walked toward her, his gaze never leaving hers. "But they can wait. How do you feel?"

She stretched slightly. "Better than I've felt in a long time."

Lu Yichen sat beside her on the edge of the bed. "Good. Because the real challenges start now."

Zi Yan arched a brow. "Oh? And what challenge is that?"

His expression grew serious. "Your return to the entertainment industry won't just be smooth sailing. Guo Bao may be gone, but his connections still exist. Some people won't accept your rise so easily."

Zi Yan smirked. "Then they'll have to deal with disappointment."

Later that afternoon, Zi Yan arrived at the headquarters of Celestial Entertainment, her agency. Li Qing greeted her at the entrance, his eyes filled with pride. "I must say, you made quite the impact with your interview. Every brand, every director is waiting to work with you."

Zi Yan smiled. "That's good to hear."

Li Qing hesitated for a moment before speaking. "However, there's one issue. A new actress has been rising quickly in your absence. Her name is Wang Qian. She's backed by the Wang family and…" He paused. "She doesn't exactly like you."

Zi Yan raised a brow. "I don't even know her."

"Well, she knows you. She's been making remarks about how you're outdated, and how the industry needs fresh blood."

Zi Yan chuckled. "So she wants to compete?"

Li Qing sighed. "Not just compete. She wants to replace you."

As Zi Yan stepped into the meeting room, she immediately noticed the woman sitting at the far end of the table. Wang Qian.

Dressed in an expensive designer outfit, Wang Qian exuded arrogance. She leaned back in her chair, swirling her coffee cup lazily. "Well, well. Look who finally decided to come back."

Zi Yan took her seat, completely unfazed. "I didn't know I needed your permission."

Wang Qian's lips curled into a smirk. "You don't. But things have changed since you left. People moved on. The industry doesn't need an actress with a scandalous past."

Zi Yan met her gaze head-on. "And yet, every major director and brand is reaching out to me. If the industry had moved on, why are they still interested?"

Wang Qian's smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "That's only because of the drama surrounding you. It won't last. Soon, they'll see that I'm the better choice."

Zi Yan leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but firm. "Then let's see who lasts longer."

Li Qing cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Alright, enough of that. There's an upcoming major film project that both of you are being considered for. The auditions are next week."

Wang Qian smirked. "Then I guess we'll find out soon enough who deserves to be on top."

Zi Yan didn't blink. "We will."

The next morning, Zi Yan arrived at a private training facility. If she was going to win the role, she had to prepare.

The film was an action thriller, and the role required combat skills, stunts, and deep emotional acting. She had no room for mistakes.

Lu Yichen had arranged for the best trainers. As soon as she stepped into the facility, she was greeted by a tall man with a scar running across his cheek.

"I'm Zhang Wei. Your combat trainer." His voice was deep and commanding. "I don't care if you're a celebrity. If you want to win, you need to fight like your life depends on it."

Zi Yan smirked. "Good. That's exactly what I plan to do."

Training was brutal.

Zhang Wei wasted no time in throwing her into real combat practice. No fake punches. No staged moves. He attacked, and she had to defend herself.

Zi Yan dodged the first strike but was too slow on the second. Zhang Wei's fist stopped inches from her face.

"Too slow," he said. "Your opponent won't wait for you to react. Try again."

Sweat dripped down her forehead, but she didn't complain. She adjusted her stance.

This time, when Zhang Wei moved, she dodged and countered. Her fist landed against his side.

He nodded in approval. "Better. Again."

For hours, they fought. Zi Yan refused to give up.

By the end of the session, she was covered in bruises, her muscles screaming in pain. But she smiled.

Zhang Wei crossed his arms. "You've got potential. But potential isn't enough. Do you have the will to win?"

Zi Yan wiped the sweat from her brow. "Watch me."

As the week went on, Zi Yan trained harder than ever. She learned how to handle weapons, perform stunts, and even took extra acting lessons to perfect her emotional delivery.

She wasn't just preparing for a role. She was proving that she belonged at the top.

On the final night before the audition, she sat in the penthouse, her body aching from exhaustion. Lu Yichen walked in, carrying a glass of water.

"You've pushed yourself hard," he said, handing it to her.

Zi Yan smiled. "I have to. This isn't just about acting. It's about proving that no one can take my place."

Lu Yichen studied her for a moment before speaking. "You don't need to prove anything to anyone, Zi Yan. You're already irreplaceable."

Zi Yan's heart warmed at his words.

But she wasn't doing this for others. She was doing this for herself.

She clenched her fists.

Tomorrow, she would step into that audition room.

And she would win.