Early the next morning, Bai Chenxi's phone buzzed with a call from Hong Jie.
"Two pieces of news—one good, one bad." Hong Jie's voice carried both fatigue and a barely contained excitement. "The bad news first: Zhao Qian and Lu Ziming pulled strings. They pressured the crew, so your role in Splendid Years is most likely gone."
Chenxi's grip on the phone tightened. Though she had expected as much, her heart still sank a little at the confirmation.
"And the good news?" she asked steadily.
"The good news," Hong Jie's voice sharpened with energy, "is that someone else saw your performance yesterday. Xingyao Media is producing a massive S+ historical drama, Phoenix Crying Above the Nine Heavens. The director just happens to be Zhang Dao—the same one who watched your audition. He strongly recommended you for the second female lead: a pivotal role, a princess of the fallen dynasty, righteous and ruthless in equal measure."
An S+ production. A female second lead.
The difference between this and a minor supporting role in a low-budget web drama was the difference between heaven and earth.
"Xingyao Media… you mean the Xingyao under Li Sijue's group?" Chenxi asked, sharp as a blade.
"Exactly," Hong Jie confirmed. "I don't know why Zhang Dao was so impressed, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I've already sent over your portfolio and audition reel. Their reply came fast—they want you to audition next week at Xingyao Tower!"
The rush of joy was followed swiftly by a deeper unease.
Too smooth. All of this was unfolding far too smoothly.
A forgotten, scandal-ridden actress auditioning for a minor role—suddenly being catapulted straight into the orbit of an S+ production's second lead?
What role was Li Sijue playing in this?
Was he… helping her?
Or maneuvering her into something she couldn't yet see?
Chenxi steadied her voice. "Hong Jie, about Xingyao digging into my background—any updates?"
Hong Jie hesitated, her tone cautious. "I asked around carefully. From what I heard, they weren't really digging for dirt. It was more like… confirming your basic information. Especially…" Her voice dropped. "…especially your schedule and whereabouts three years ago."
Three years ago.
The very time she had been pregnant with Nian Nian.
Chenxi's breath hitched, her pulse stopping for a terrifying beat.
A thought slammed into her chest—wild, outrageous, yet unbearably plausible.
Could Li Sijue be… the man she had forgotten? The father of her child?
"No… impossible." Her lips whispered the denial, but doubt gnawed at her heart.
Whether coincidence or truth, she could not let herself spiral.
Whatever the answer, she had no choice but to seize this chance. Only if she rose high enough would she have the power to protect Nian Nian—and the courage to confront the truth.
Her fingers curled into a fist.
"Hong Jie, prepare everything about Phoenix Crying Above the Nine Heavens. This role—I have to win it."
Days later, after meticulous preparation, Bai Chenxi found herself standing at the foot of Xingyao Tower, its gleaming glass exterior rising like a monument to power and wealth.
Her nerves coiled tight, but her resolve was unshakable.
This time, her goal was clear. This time, she would not settle for scraps.
Guided by staff, she followed the corridor to the audition floor. Her heels clicked against the polished marble, each step echoing like a drumbeat of war.
She pushed open the door to the waiting lounge.
And froze.
Inside, elegantly seated with her legs crossed, was the last person she wanted to see.
Zhao Qian.
Dressed head-to-toe in Chanel, exuding the smug glamour of someone who had no doubt clawed her way here by foul means. She turned her head at the sound of the door, and when her eyes landed on Chenxi, her lips curved into a smile.
A smile full of malice.
"Well, Chenxi. Long time no see." Her tone dripped with venomous delight. "What's this? You're here to audition for Princess Huayang too?"