Something as major as this—surely someone relevant would've contacted Ye Ruihuan directly by now. Assistant Li stood rooted in place, torn with hesitation. She wasn't sure if she should bring up the matter at this moment—Ye Ruihuan's expression was just... too dark. Darker than she had ever seen before.
Just as Assistant Li found herself caught between a rock and a hard place, Ye Ruihuan's gaze shifted toward her. Light as a feather yet laced with chill, her eyes swept over Li, making her instinctively shiver.
Ye Ruihuan knew this look all too well. "Xiao Li, is there something you want to say?" she asked softly. Her voice was flat, void of emotion, like still water without a ripple.
"Sister Ye, um… Haochen Entertainment has invited you to audition… it's for Director Wen Xian's new project..." Assistant Li stammered. The sudden spotlight had caught her off guard, and she hadn't even rehearsed what to say.
"Director Wen Xian's new film? Auditions already?" Ye Ruihuan raised a brow, clearly surprised. She'd heard whispers months ago about the director working on a new script, but the rumors had died down. She'd assumed it was just smoke with no fire.
A thoughtful glint flickered in her eyes. If this was real, it couldn't have come at a better time. Talk about perfect timing. Director Wen Xian's project might just be the lifeline she needed.
As her mind spun with possibilities, her expression visibly lightened, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. The gloom hanging over her seemed to lift, chased away by a rare moment of clarity and warmth.
Meanwhile, Lin Ruijiao had just finished filming the final episode of her current show. At the wrap-up gathering, she was the only one left without a partner—everyone else had either ended up together or at least had someone to pair with. But online, fans joked that her real CP was Ye Ruihuan.
Her goal in joining the show had been to ride the publicity wave, and in that, she had succeeded. Though now she wasn't so sure—had the show piggybacked off her fame instead? Either way, she was drained. The production had been far more grueling than she'd anticipated. Instead of light-hearted fun, it had felt like wading through thorns. Compared to acting, this had taken a far bigger toll on her physically and emotionally. She'd even found herself having to play the mood moderator on set.
She was done. At least for the foreseeable future, variety shows were off the table. And as for romance-themed ones? Never again. Lesson learned.
Now, Lin Ruijiao was on her way back to the Yuwan Villa with her assistant Jing Jing, luggage in tow.
In the car, she pinched the bridge of her nose and asked wearily, "Jing Jing, what's next on the schedule?"
Her assistant blinked, then replied, "Uhh… according to the updates from Sister Wang, there are a bunch of variety show offers. Sister Lin are you… still interested in doing variety?"
"Are there any options that aren't variety shows?" Just hearing the word made her headache worse. She had always thought variety gigs were supposed to be lighthearted fun—but this last one had nearly buried her alive.
"Well, two fashion magazines reached out, and there's a couple of web dramas too," Jing Jing replied while handing over the tablet. "But Sister Wang didn't really recommend the web dramas. Still, take a look."
"...Yeah. Let's just take a break for now." Lin Ruijiao sighed at the wall of invitations for variety shows. She felt completely burned out—mentally, emotionally, even physically. What she needed was a proper rest. A solid drama role would be better for her next step.
She leaned back against her seat, preparing to catch a quick nap when suddenly—
The car screeched to a sharp halt.
Thrown forward by the force, Lin Ruijiao slammed into the seat in front of her with a startled gasp.
"Lin-jie?! Are you alright?" Jing Jing reached out in alarm as the vehicle shuddered to stillness.
"...I'm fine. What just happened?" Her voice was sharp now, face turning grim as she glared out the windshield.
"Some car suddenly cut in front," the driver said tightly, his brows furrowed in frustration.
"...Was there any damage?" Lin Ruijiao narrowed her eyes, locking onto the vehicle ahead. This wasn't just some random incident, was it? If the same underhanded tricks from her past life couldn't be used again, had they simply switched tactics?
"No damage, thank god. We braked in time," the driver said, clearly holding back his irritation. "But that car... it was fine in the left lane, then just swerved into ours. Like it was deliberate."
"...Pull over somewhere safe nearby. I want the car checked." Lin Ruijiao didn't sound panicked, just unnervingly calm. A creeping unease settled in her chest. Something wasn't right.
Jing Jing's face had grown more serious—no, downright grim. If this wasn't an accident, then it was something far worse. In the entertainment industry, she had prepared herself to deal with all sorts of unpredictable situations, but this was the first time she'd faced something that threatened her life. No matter how hardened she thought she was, the experience left a chill settling deep in her bones.
"…Sister Lin, should we tell Sister Ye about this?" Jing Jing asked nervously. With Ye Ruihuan's influence, their safety would likely be much better secured.
"…We'll talk about it later," Lin Ruijiao replied, her voice low and hesitant. She didn't want to be entangled with Ye Ruihuan any further. After all, she had already made her intention to switch companies clear. In a situation like this, she doubted Ye Ruihuan would offer help unconditionally.
Yet—wasn't there still a chance?
Suddenly, an image flashed in her mind: Ye Ruihuan's face when she'd confessed to her, that rare seriousness in her expression. Lin Ruijiao blinked, startled. Why would she remember that now?
Her round eyes dimmed with uncertainty, lost in her own thoughts.
Once the vehicle had been thoroughly inspected and cleared, the group returned to Yuwan Villa. But Lin Ruijiao remained visibly unsettled. No one else seemed to notice, but for someone who had lived a whole other life, she knew—the incident wasn't random. Someone was watching her. The realization pressed on her chest like a heavy stone, suffocating.
"Sister Lin, you must be shaken," Jing Jing said gently, patting her back in comfort.
"…Mm." Lin Ruijiao replied absentmindedly, her thoughts elsewhere.
As soon as they stepped inside, they spotted Ye Ruihuan. But unlike usual—when she'd be sprawled lazily on the sofa—today she stood in the center of the living room under a warm halo of light. She wore a sleek black dress that clung to her figure. The upper half was glossy satin, the lower part a sheer mix of lace and tulle, the hem falling just below her knees. Her makeup was flawless, complementing the gentle waves in her long hair. She was breathtaking—cool and untouchable, like a vision that didn't quite belong to this world.
But Lin Ruijiao was used to her by now. She felt no particular way about it—only a slight surprise at the change in appearance. Likely, Ye Ruihuan had just returned from some event.
Lin Ruijiao raised her hand in greeting. "Ruihuan."
"You're back," Ye Ruihuan replied with a dazzling smile, radiant as a diamond.
Her breath hitched slightly. That smile—so vivid and refined—stirred something in her. She quickly masked it with a polite nod and made her way upstairs, refusing to look back.
Unbeknownst to her, Ye Ruihuan watched her retreating figure, lips curling into a triumphant smile. Dressing up had worked—Jiaojiao clearly liked pretty things.
Ye Ruihuan picked up her wine glass, swirling the crimson liquid inside. The bouquet was rich and intoxicating. She leaned in for a whiff, but didn't drink—poised like a lady of privilege from some romantic drama.
Eventually, Lin Ruijiao came back down for dinner. As expected, Ye Ruihuan had already poured her a glass of wine. She was certain Lin Ruijiao would drink it—after all, the "little rabbit" was quite the glutton.
"…Ruihuan." Lin Ruijiao emerged from the hallway, freshly showered. The moment Ye Ruihuan caught a whiff of her signature body wash—warm and floral—her heart thudded violently. Her gaze clung to the figure in front of her. The girl was wearing soft pajamas, all innocence and sweetness, her cheeks still rosy from the hot water. A few damp strands clung to her face. She looked almost otherworldly.
Ye Ruihuan's fingers trembled faintly on the table, twitching in sync with her heartbeat. If one could see her inner world, it would be painted in soft pinks, overflowing with blooming roses. Gone was her usual aloof charm—now, she was just a girl, shy and helpless, overwhelmed by love.
Even Xiao Li, Ruihuan's long-time assistant, had to avert her eyes. To think the aloof, powerful Ye Ruihuan could act like such a hopeless simp—love really did transform people.
Meanwhile, Lin Ruijiao seemed calm and indifferent, too preoccupied with avoiding Ruihuan's gaze. After all, how was she supposed to act normal around someone she'd turned down—someone who was still technically her boss?
Especially when she looked this stunning.
She was afraid—afraid of recalling things she shouldn't, things best left in the past. She lowered her gaze, resolving once again to leave Huarui Entertainment and Ye Ruihuan behind for good. It was time to bring her contract termination to the table.
The wine glimmered under the lights. Her thoughts grew heavier.
Ye Ruihuan, meanwhile, couldn't take her eyes off Lin Ruijiao. Just watching her come closer had her blushing furiously, heart racing. She clutched her chest, trying to calm herself.
"Jiaojiao… do you want a drink?" she asked softly, her voice deep and magnetic.
"…Maybe not," Lin Ruijiao said, hesitating as she glanced at the glass.
"…Alright. Let's eat," Ye Ruihuan replied with an unusually gentle smile. "Filming must've worn you out, huh?" She reached out and placed a slice of braised beef into her bowl.
"…Thank you. I can get it myself." Startled by the gesture, Lin Ruijiao shifted her bowl slightly away, trying to keep her distance.
For a while, the table was silent. Everyone focused on their food, the atmosphere so tense it made Jing Jing and Li exchange nervous glances. Ye Ruihuan stole glances at herfrom time to time. Lin Ruijiao, meanwhile, tried her best to shrink into invisibility.
"Jiaojiao, have you thought more about what we talked about before?" Ye Ruihuan finally asked, her voice tight with hope.
Lin Ruijiao's chopsticks paused. This was exactly the kind of question she wanted to avoid.
"…Not yet." She kept her head low, hair like a soft curtain, and didn't dare meet her eyes.
"…Let's talk a bit after dinner, alright?" Ye Ruihuan asked, her voice lower now, her smile losing its strength.
"…Is something the matter?" Lin Ruijiao finally looked up. But her smile looked hollow, laced with quiet disappointment. She quickly looked away again.
"I heard Director Wenxian is preparing a new script," Ye Ruihuan said, gazing into her bowl as if it could hide her emotions.
"Director Wenxian? Really?" Lin Ruijiao's head snapped up, eyes sparkling with surprise and curiosity.
"Yes." Ye Ruihuan looked up to meet her gaze, the tension in her features softening into something brighter—almost hopeful.
"Then let's talk properly after dinner," Lin Ruijiao said quickly, practically inhaling her food. Scripts from Director Wenxian were rare gems—but she'd also just brought up a contract termination. It wouldn't be easy. Ye Ruihuan might demand something outrageous in return. Lin Ruijiao mentally prepared herself for battle.
After dinner, they settled in the living room, each on opposite ends of the couch. Their assistants stood nearby. Xiao Li held a tablet, ready to start drafting a new contract. She wasn't sure what had gone down during the reality show filming, but judging by the tension, this was clearly about a contract dispute. Was Lin Ruijiao unhappy with something?
Xiao Li had drafted thousands of contracts before, but something about this one felt… personal.
Ye Ruihuan didn't know when the wine glass ended up back in her hand, but she was now holding it out toward the woman beside her. Clad in a seductive black dress, Ye Ruihuan exuded glamour. The curve of her crimson lips around the wine glass, the alluring ease in her posture—everything about her radiated beauty. A dazzling woman seated on the sofa, graceful in every movement, her entire being glimmered with magnetism.
"Ruijiao, Director Wen Xian's production team is in pre-production now," she said, her voice light, wine swirling lazily in her glass. "They sent me an audition invite a couple of days ago…"
Ye Ruihuan took a delicate sip, her eyes glimmering with amusement and something deeper—something that rested solely on Lin Ruijiao. Her gaze lingered, lips parting just slightly as she absently licked the remnants of wine from them. She tried to stay composed, but her heart thudded uncontrollably beneath her ribs. Still, from the outside, all that showed was a soft flush on her cheeks—nothing too telling, nothing out of place.
"Mm. Is there still any role open in Director Wen Xian's project? Big or small, I don't mind," Lin Ruijiao said bluntly, wasting no time in laying her cards on the table. "If possible, could you help me secure an audition?"
Her voice was calm, collected. Opportunities like this didn't come often. Director Wen Xian's productions were the stuff of dreams—highly coveted, hard to get into. Lin Ruijiao couldn't afford to let it slip away.
Director Wen Xian was infamous for his exacting standards. Yet actors from all walks of the industry scrambled for a chance to join his crew. Veteran actors were known to willingly accept smaller roles in his projects, and even A-list celebrities had played glorified extras, just to be part of his vision.
Everyone in the industry knew he had close ties with both Haochen Entertainment and Huarui Entertainment, partnerships that had lasted for years. And now, Lin Ruijiao was right here in Huarui. She had the connections, the access—there was no reason to sit idle.
Still, she braced herself. It all depended on what Ye Ruihuan wanted in return.
Would she accept the terms? Lin Ruijiao mentally ran through every scenario, setting her boundaries with surgical precision.
She kept her expression serene, eyes trained on Ye Ruihuan. But those round, almond-shaped eyes sparkled with anticipation—brimming with ambition, with fierce determination.
"...Sure," Ye Ruihuan began, hesitating slightly. She hadn't even managed to phrase her proposal before Lin Ruijiao cut straight to the chase, throwing her slightly off balance. She glanced down into her wine glass, watching the crimson swirl within. It mirrored the hesitation in her eyes—murky, conflicted. Even the smile on her face was tinged with bitterness.
She probably thinks I'm the villain in her story, Ye Ruihuan mused. That guarded, thorned-up look of hers—like a hedgehog ready to strike.
Regaining her composure, she met Lin Ruijiao's gaze again. "It shouldn't be a problem. I'll arrange something for you. When the time comes, let's go to the audition together."
Her voice was smooth, gentle as a stream flowing through a quiet forest—cool, clear, and soothing.
"Alright." Lin Ruijiao's lips curved into a subtle smile. The stoicism on her face melted a little, joy and excitement quietly bubbling beneath the surface, along with a faint, nervous unease.
After a long pause, she looked at Ye Ruihuan again, waiting for what else she might say.
Ye Ruihuan faltered at the sight of her expression.
She had entertained thoughts—fantasies, really—of keeping her close, by any means necessary. But she had never truly intended to act on them. What she wanted wasn't forced affection. She wanted her sincere heart, her genuine acknowledgment... She wanted love—real love.
The kind that couldn't be faked. And if she had to pretend, she'd do it flawlessly. But Ye Ruihuan didn't want performance. She wanted to see the unfiltered joy in that smile—bright and carefree, bursting from the soul.
Just like her own used to be.
Seeing her fall silent, Lin Ruijiao finally asked, "Ruihuan… aren't there any conditions?"
The question was posed gently, almost hesitant.
"…No, nothing," Ye Ruihuan replied softly. "Just prepare well. Director Wen is famously strict."
Of course, she knew what Lin Ruijiao meant. But she wasn't going to exploit this.
"That's it?" Lin Ruijiao stared, stunned by the simplicity. No hidden clause, no power play—just... permission. It caught her completely off guard.
"…Though, I hope you'll reconsider ending your contract," Ye Ruihuan added, looking down again. "Huarui Entertainment is willing to meet whatever terms you ask for."
Her voice was low and full of quiet resignation. She'd already set aside her pride, reduced herself to this—bargaining with vulnerability. Beneath the elegance of her black dress, she looked heartbreakingly lost. Like a stray puppy, soaked in rain.
The two assistants nearby were floored. They had never—ever—heard such words come out of Ye Ruihuan's mouth. Assistant Li finally understood the strange mood she'd been in lately. But what shocked her even more was this side of Ye Ruihuan—this helpless, fragile side.
Apparently, when Ye Ruihuan falls, she falls hard. She's completely love-struck. Li could barely hold on to her tablet, feeling like she was witnessing something both sacred and dangerous.
From now on, she'd have to keep a close eye on her boss—just in case she did something irrational in the name of love.
"…Alright," Lin Ruijiao murmured, momentarily dazed. She hadn't expected Ye Ruihuan to ask for nothing. Then she remembered that confession. Could it be… Ye Ruihuan genuinely liked her?
"I'll give it serious thought," she added quietly.
The flicker of disappointment in Ye Ruihuan's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a soft, glowing joy. So she did care—if only a little. Why else would she offer those parting words of comfort?
Hope bloomed in Ye Ruihuan's chest, radiant and uncontainable. Living together now, seeing each other every day—they had so much time ahead. They'd be going to set together. Feelings could still grow.
One day, they would be together. She believed that.
Her mind had already raced ahead—fantasizing about the future, even down to whether they'd have kids or where they'd retire.
And in that instant, Ye Ruihuan's whole aura changed. She glowed, confidence radiating off her in waves—brighter, bolder, irresistible.
Lin Ruijiao, of course, noticed none of it. Her entire focus was now on Director Wen Xian's project—elated, jittery with excitement. She wanted to shout the news from the rooftops.
Being part of his production had been one of her lifelong dreams.
But as memories from her previous life resurfaced, something didn't sit right. In that timeline, Wen Xian's team hadn't started work so early. It had taken at least another year. Why was everything different in this life?
She remembered clearly—she had never even met Wen Xian before. So why was this happening?
Wen Xian's next work was supposed to be a film—one that broke away from his usual style. A modern-day story chronicling the life of ordinary people. Profound, resonant—it won countless awards. But it was also his final masterpiece.
In her memory, he had announced his retirement while accepting those awards. The entire industry mourned his departure. The news trended globally for three straight days.
A director like Wen Xian—who could capture emotion with such artistry, who had such a distinct voice—was a rare treasure. His absence would be a loss to world cinema.
As Lin Ruijiao pondered all this, her body moved on instinct. She picked up the wine glass on the coffee table and took a deep swig. The rich aroma exploded on her palate, blooming with complexity, and only then did she snap back to herself, frowning slightly.
Ye Ruihuan watched her, unable to hide her grin. This side of Lin Ruijiao was adorable. So she really was a bit of a wine lover.
"Well, there's nothing urgent right now," Ye Ruihuan said, her voice husky with warmth. "A little wine won't hurt."
The soft rasp in her tone, wrapped in that gentle rhythm, was almost intoxicating in itself.