SY - 20

This woman deserves an Oscar for her acting. It’s a shame she didn’t get one.

Song Zhi almost wanted to pull He Hanyang beside her to clap and cheer for her performance.

She could switch expressions even better than a stage actor.

Xun Yue looked up at Jiang Yanzhou with teary eyes, cooing sweetly, “Yanzhou Gege.”

She even tried to reach out and tug at his sleeve, but he slightly raised his brow and gave her a cold glance. Startled, she quickly withdrew her hand.

Song Zhi sighed and thought of kindly reminding her:

The woman standing before you has the ability to turn even mud into pure white—a true “White Lotus” of grand proportions.

Having stayed by Jiang Yanzhou’s side for so many years, Song Zhi had already used every trick in the book on him.

Xun Yue’s little schemes? Song Zhi had long since mastered and discarded them.

The hospital’s disinfectant smell was too strong. Song Zhi hated it—it was pungent and nauseating.

Recently, she’d been dieting for her new drama and hadn’t eaten much for a long time. Her stomach was already weak, and now it was acting up even more.

On top of that, the disinfectant smell made her feel queasy.

And with Jiang Yanzhou here, she wanted to leave even more.

A few people gradually entered the elevator.

Jiang Yanzhou’s gaze fell on Song Zhi’s face. As he was about to step into the elevator, Song Zhi politely and kindly said, “It’s overloaded. Please wait for the next one.”

Jiang Yanzhou looked at the empty elevator and knew what was going through her mind.

After a moment, he took a step back.

Until the elevator doors closed.

Xun Yue, looking wronged, stepped forward to complain: “She…”

Before she could say anything, Jiang Yanzhou’s icy gaze shifted toward her.

Like the surface of a calm sea, but you never know when the raging waves beneath will surge up.

He truly was someone skilled at controlling his emotions, yet he also maintained an unapproachable distance.

Occasionally, even Xun Yue was afraid of him.

She instinctively lowered her head, trying to avoid his gaze.

His voice rang above her head. Even though it was still the scorching summer, Xun Yue felt as if winter had arrived early.

Everything around her was cold, just like his voice.

“Don’t provoke her.”

Xun Yue froze. “Wh… what?”

His voice was clear and smooth, and even his steady tone carried a certain allure.

It was like holding your breath in your chest, letting it slide down your throat, creating a ticklish sensation.

But this same voice now delivered the coldest warning: “And don’t bother me.”

________________________________________

Inside the elevator, the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

Apart from the occasional excited discussion between the two strangers who came in later about where to eat after leaving.

He Hanyang wasn’t a talkative person to begin with.

Jiang Yanzhou spoke little because of his naturally aloof personality—he treated everyone the same way.

As for He Hanyang, it was purely because he was lazy.

Song Zhi clearly didn’t feel like talking either, staring blankly at the changing floor numbers.

She and He Hanyang weren’t close—they had only met three times, and already he had witnessed such a scene.

Song Zhi didn’t know how to describe her current feelings.

Absurd, and a bit speechless.

People kept coming in and going out on every floor. Time seemed to drag on forever.

Finally, after the elevator doors closed again, He Hanyang broke the silence: “Aren’t you going to explain to him?”

Though he always looked half-asleep, he wasn’t stupid.

That awkward scene earlier—no need to think too hard about it. That man was undoubtedly Song Zhi’s legendary ex-boyfriend.

Song Zhi raised her eyes. “Explain what?”

“Explain that you didn’t bully the ‘knockoff.’”

She was a bit confused. “Knockoff?”

He Hanyang replied, “Her personality is similar to yours, but her eyes lack confidence. She’s kind of like a knockoff version of you.”

Whatever Song Zhi did, she did with confidence.

The light in her eyes was always unique.

Her slender back was always straight, like a proud swan.

Even when she acted spoiled, she did it in the cutest way possible, never making others feel annoyed or uncomfortable.

Song Zhi slightly raised an eyebrow, looking at He Hanyang with newfound appreciation.

Turns out, despite being quiet, he had good judgment.

Song Zhi shrugged, indicating there was no need for explanation.

She wasn’t worried about Jiang Yanzhou misunderstanding her.

Not to mention his upbringing—where younger ones flattered the older ones, and the older ones flattered the elders, all fighting over family assets and scheming against each other. What dirty tricks hadn’t he seen?

Moreover, she, the “White Lotus,” had stayed by his side for so long.

With those eyes of his, what kind of demons and monsters couldn’t he see through?

But then again, maybe he liked that type.

Jiang Yanzhou, in certain aspects, was indeed a textbook straight man.

He liked slim waists and long legs—the more coquettish and delicate you were, the harder it was for him to resist.

In this regard, he had been consistent for years.

Truth be told, even without Xun Yue, Song Zhi would have left.

Her appearance was merely a catalyst, accelerating her departure.

She was tired of this lifestyle.

A life without self.

Like a soulless doll, reduced to nothing more than a decorative shell.

________________________________________

As the start date for filming drew closer, the official Weibo account had already applied for a verified blue V.

Once marketing accounts posted screenshots of the blue V, it immediately sparked heated discussions among netizens.

[Let me see who the chosen one is this year.]

[I’ll preface this by saying I don’t know if it’s true—I heard it from somewhere else. If I’m wrong, don’t flame me!! Apparently, the lead actress has been finalized as Xia Chulan, personally chosen by Director Luo.]

[To be honest, while Xia Chulan’s acting skills are decent, her appearance has absolutely nothing to do with Sheng Yan. Seriously, her physique, which could probably punch a tiger to death barehanded, is not suitable for portraying the alluring Sheng Yan. In my opinion, Song Zhi would be a better fit—at least her temperament matches perfectly.]

[Speaking of Song Zhi, I actually… umm, she’s just so beautiful that I can overlook her acting. Ever since I saw that video of her with He Yi Yang, I’ve been completely obsessed. The glamorous superstar turns out to be such a cool and fierce big sister in private—I’m totally into this contrast!!]

[Please, everyone mentioning Song Zhi, be realistic. Do you really think Director Luo would choose her? Ha! If the lead role goes to her, I’ll split bricks with my bare hands.]

The hashtag #CastingTheLeadActress quickly shot to the top of the trending list.

The first part of the script had just arrived today, and Director Luo hoped she could prepare in advance.

Song Zhi’s acting skills were far from impressive in the entertainment industry. At least from her previous performance, there wasn’t much to praise.

But it wasn’t like she had zero talent.

That was her first project after transitioning—a low-budget commercial film. The producers just wanted to make a quick buck and didn’t put much effort into it.

Twenty-eight episodes wrapped up in just two months.

The reason she got so much backlash was that she won an award that didn’t match her acting abilities at all.

She even overshadowed some veterans who had been in the industry for years.

This time, Xia Wanyue was planning to make a comeback with this movie, so she hired several teachers to coach her acting.

Song Zhi sat on the couch, holding the script and diligently taking notes.

Xia Wanyue pushed open the door, holding an iPad. “Here’s your class schedule. Starting tomorrow, three teachers will teach you body movement, acting, and dialogue.”

Mentioning classes reminded Song Zhi that she needed to report to school in a couple of days.

She set down the script. “I might need to go to school the day after tomorrow.”

Xia Wanyue frowned skeptically. “You’re still studying?”

Song Zhi: “?”

She chuckled and explained, “Don’t overthink it. I meant, I thought you hadn’t even graduated high school.”

No girl responded: “I wasn’t overthinking it until you said that. Now it seems like I have no choice but to overthink.”

She was in her senior year of college, nearing graduation.

Previously busy with her debut, she had put her studies on hold for a while.

Xia Wanyue hadn’t been managing her for long. She had only left the group a few months ago, and after the company went bankrupt, she signed with Yihe Media.

That was when Xia Wanyue became her manager.

Back then, she had heard rumors about her.

SGIRL was supposed to be a legitimate idol group debut, but the members weren’t exactly virtuous.

As a singing and dancing group, they couldn’t sing or dance.

They loved starting feuds within the group. You’d write essays exposing each other on Weibo, and I’d do the same.

Instead of focusing on improving their craft, they were obsessed with tearing each other down.

Other groups at least maintained a facade of harmony, but this group openly fought with each other.

At the time, they caused quite a stir in the entertainment world.

After all, it was rare for the main members themselves to engage in public disputes.

Song Zhi was perhaps the only one without any scandals.

When members fought, she didn’t participate. When they dragged each other down, she stayed out of it—like a lone blooming flower.

Xia Wanyue remembered something Director Luo mentioned this morning: “By the way, remember to bring the painting today. Director Luo is already asking for it.”

What was bound to happen eventually came.

Song Zhi’s vision went black. She knew there was no escaping it and could only nod in agreement.

She waited until Jiang Yanzhou wasn’t home before calling the landline.

At this hour, he should still be at the office.

After a few rings, the call connected. A somewhat shrill female voice came through the receiver: “Is that Sister Song Zhi?”

Song Zhi smiled and confirmed, then asked, “Xia Xia, is Jiang Yanzhou home?”

The young girl replied, “No.” She glanced at the wall clock—it was 4:30. “Young Master should be back in half an hour. Do you have a message for me to pass along?”

Song Zhi quickly said, “No, no. I just have a favor to ask you.”

Xia Xia was a maid in Jiang Yanzhou’s house. She was two months younger than Song Zhi, so she always called her “Sister” left and right.

Adorable beyond words.

“Okay, okay, what’s the favor?” Xia Xia asked.

Song Zhi explained, “There’s a room in the basement. The key is in the bottom drawer of Jiang Yanzhou’s desk. Help me take two paintings from inside. Any two will do.”

After Xia Xia confirmed, she asked again, “Two paintings, right?”

“Yes,” Song Zhi replied. Then, as if remembering something, she added, “There’s a small box inside. Whatever you do, don’t open it. Understand?”

Xia Xia nodded obediently. “Yes, understood.”

After hanging up, Xia Xia went to Jiang Yanzhou’s study to retrieve the key. Just as she was about to head to the basement, she heard movement from the living room—Jiang Yanzhou was back.

After changing his shoes, he slightly lowered his lashes and noticed the key in her hand.

Fearing he might misunderstand, Xia Xia hurriedly explained, “Sister Song Zhi asked me for a favor.”

Jiang Yanzhou loosened his Windsor knot with one hand, casually asking, “What kind of favor?”

“She asked me to go to the basement and fetch two paintings for her.”

The basement was filled with Song Zhi’s belongings. After Jiang Yanzhou locked it, he hadn’t opened it since. The key had remained in his study all this time.

Song Zhi had too many things, and Xia Xia couldn’t find where the paintings were.

So she had to come upstairs to ask Jiang Yanzhou for help.

Though Song Zhi had many items, most were organized in order.

Next to a delicate box, the lock was loosely fastened.

Jiang Yanzhou went over, opened the box, and found various types and sizes of paper neatly arranged inside.

It was meticulously categorized.

In the corner of the box was another smaller box, its exterior dazzling with rhinestones. This was definitely her style.

Ever since she was young, she loved things that sparkled and blinded the eyes—the flashier, the better.

Jiang Yanzhou didn’t quite understand her taste.

He opened the box.

Inside was a custom-made sketchbook with two anime characters on the cover.

Jiang Yanzhou didn’t watch anime, but he was somewhat familiar with them.

Back in high school, Song Zhi’s walls were plastered with posters of them. She affectionately called them “son” and “baby.”

He flipped open the cover and skimmed through it briefly. His elegant brow slightly raised, followed by a deep frown.

The drawings depicted the two men from the cover embracing, both naked.

Song Zhi’s artistry was exceptional, capturing even the smallest details vividly.

His long, pale fingers gripped the corner of the page as he forced himself to endure the discomfort and continued flipping.

Upon seeing the artwork, he froze for a moment.

Just then, Xia Xia walked in and saw Jiang Yanzhou standing stiffly, holding a sketchbook.

Curious, she leaned over to peek. “What did Sister Song Zhi draw?”

Rarely flustered, Jiang Yanzhou hastily closed the book. “Nothing.”

Clearly startled by his reaction, Xia Xia blinked. “Eh?”

Jiang Yanzhou coughed lightly and quickly regained his usual composure.

He handed her the key. “Remember to lock the door when you leave.”

Then he walked away.

Xia Xia watched his retreating figure, still puzzled by his strange behavior.

After pondering for a long time and coming up with nothing, she shrugged and let it go.

Just as she was about to fetch the paintings for Song Zhi, she noticed the box had already been opened. Remembering Song Zhi’s instructions, she muttered, “Oh no.”

She had forgotten to tell Jiang Yanzhou.