The scandal swept across the city like a raging storm.
Every major magazine cover, television entertainment channel, even the ticker tape of financial news—all carried the same headline: top star Su Rui was about to marry Shen Yichen, the CEO of a leading tech conglomerate.
Inside the brightly lit dressing room, Su Rui sat quietly before the mirror as the stylist worked on her hair. Her manager, Sister Li, stood by watching, calm and composed, as though the flood of rumors outside had nothing to do with them.
"Ruirui, there's a program you need to attend."
Sister Li's tone was casual, but the weight behind it couldn't be ignored.
Su Rui arched a brow, the corners of her lips curving with a trace of impatience. "Now? You know they'll hound me endlessly about the marriage. It's pointless. Just cancel it."
But Sister Li didn't agree. Instead, she snapped the powder case shut and looked straight at her. "Are you planning to keep running away? The gossip outside is spreading like wildfire. Some say you're marrying up for fame, some say you forced him into it… If these stories linger, they'll damage your image. Why not go on the country's most well-known talk show and tell your love story yourself? That way it's an official announcement, and your fans get their answer. Wouldn't that be better?"
Su Rui froze for a moment.
She had to admit, Sister Li had a point. After a beat of silence, she nodded lightly. "Fine, I'll do it."
A glint of satisfaction flickered in Sister Li's eyes as she pressed further. "Then… why not invite your fiancé, Shen Yichen, to join you? A couple's appearance would be even better."
The words "your fiancé" had barely fallen when the usually bold and carefree Su Rui felt her ears flush red.
Feigning nonchalance, she picked up her phone and tapped out a quick message. Within ten seconds, the screen lit up with a crisp, decisive reply.
Staring at the words, Su Rui couldn't help the smile that spread across her lips. Her eyes softened, brimming with warmth.
Sister Li shook her head at the sight, chuckling. "Careful with that image—you're supposed to be a goddess to your fans."
——
On the day of recording.
Su Rui arrived with Shen Yichen at her side.
Their coordinated black-and-white outfits were simple yet stylish. Walking into the studio together, they instantly became the focus of the entire room.
The show began with lighthearted questions from the host—stories about their romance, details of their wedding plans. The atmosphere was warm, filled with laughter. From the audience, someone even joked under their breath, "They're like a real-life drama couple."
But as the program neared its end, the host suddenly shifted tone, his smile edged with curiosity.
"One last question—will Su Daixiang be attending your wedding?"
The air froze.
The studio fell silent in an instant. Every gaze swung toward Su Rui.
She kept her perfect smile, her eyes clear, but behind that smile was a blade's edge of coldness.
Her voice, still polite yet unmistakably sharp, cut through the tension:
"—What business is that of yours?"
The words dropped, and the room went dead still.
Someone nearly fumbled their water cup. Even the flashes of the cameras seemed to pause in midair.
The cheerful warmth of moments ago collapsed into an icy, brittle stillness.
Everyone waited for her to go on.
But Su Rui only kept smiling—and said nothing more.