Deciding not to waste time, Shi Nian went directly to Cheng Youlin's company.
It was already a few hours before closing time. Since she had nothing else to do, she picked up her bag and gathered the documents she planned to take home.
Shi Nian also planned to have dinner with Cheng Youlin if she was fortunate enough to meet him at his company.
She didn't choose to call or inform him beforehand because he would drop whatever he was busy with just to accompany her. She wasn't the original Shi Nian, and she felt it would be unfair to them.
…
Cheng Youlin's company was just an hour's drive from BaiYue.
It was located in one of the busiest areas of the capital city. The building he chose was in a strategic location.
Originally, the city government had planned to build a museum and other government-owned facilities there, but through some connections, Cheng Youlin was able to secure a spot.
Cheng Youlin was an ambitious man. Even Shi Nian had come to admire his steadiness.
When Shi Nian arrived, it was still working hours. The company was bustling with people going in and out.
The company looked flourishing at first glance.
Before stepping out of the car, she instructed her chauffeur to wait for her and handed him her parking card for the building's private parking area.
Cheng Youlin had named his company after Shi Nian. It was called NianXing Entertainment.
A star held in the heart.
He treasured the original Shi Nian dearly.
Shi Nian found herself standing at the entrance of the building.
Since coming to this world, I seem to be in a daze often.
She shook her head lightly and walked into the company.
The security at the door didn't stop her. They immediately recognized her. Their CEO's sister was the most recognizable face in the building— even the interns knew her.
This was because Cheng Youlin kept a photo of the two of them displayed on his office desk. It wasn't news that their boss was a siscon.
"Welcome, Miss Shi," the young security guard greeted.
"Hello," Shi Nian replied. "Where do I sign in?"
The original Shi Nian had visited many times, so she knew about the company's rule that every guest must sign in at the security desk before heading to the reception.
In fact, she had been the one to suggest the idea.
Originally, the security desk had only been used to prevent fans from sneaking in to meet celebrities.
Because the original Shi Nian visited NianXing often after leaving BaiYue, she once made a random comment about keeping an official count of her visits.
And because her cousin was a shameless siscon, he immediately instructed the security desk to start recording all visitor entries. He initially wanted only Shi Nian's record, but decided it would be unfair to the guards, so he made it a general rule.
The guard pointed to the sign-in book. This was a minor concern for Shi Nian, who had already mastered the original Shi Nian's handwriting.
After signing, she headed to the receptionist's desk.
The receptionist was surprised to see her. Since her parents' passing, this was her first visit to NianXing.
She welcomed her cheerfully and informed her that Cheng Youlin wasn't in.
"Nian, Boss Cheng is not currently in the company."
Hearing the familiar way she was addressed, Shi Nian immediately remembered that this receptionist had been close with the original Shi Nian. From the memories, she had called her Sister Yu since she was a few years older.
Unable to call a stranger 'sister' so naturally, Shi Nian asked softly, "I'm not here to see Brother Youlin today. Is Fang Yan in the company?"
"Nian, why are you asking about Sister Yan? Are you feeling bad about her situation? You don't have to… the boss said he would—"
Shi Nian interrupted her. It was impolite, but she could guess what Xiao Yu meant — Cheng Youlin must have told the staff to reassure her.
"I only want to know if she's still in the company," Shi Nian said.
Seeing she couldn't dissuade her, Xiao Yu silently thought, Boss, I tried my best. Even you wouldn't be able to stop her.
"Sister Yan is still here. You'll find her in the practice rooms. Her situation is a bit…" Xiao Yu paused, exhaled softly, then added, "When you see her, you'll understand."
Getting the answer she wanted, Shi Nian immediately turned away.
"Thank you, Xiao Yu."
Xiao Yu looked at her in surprise. She wanted to say more but hesitated and turned away. Shi Nian's current cold demeanor startled her.
She could only assume this change was due to the loss of her parents.
Such a pity. She used to be such a bright girl… the Shi Nian who always smiled and called me Sister Yu.
Unbothered by Xiao Yu's thoughts, Shi Nian walked toward the practice rooms without needing directions.
Although the receptionist didn't specify which one, she knew exactly where Fang Yan would be.
Fang Yan was a musician blessed with what the industry called an "angel's blessing." Even her fans called her Little Angel. Her voice was melodious, and her slender, tall frame was the envy of many ballerinas. At about 5'9", she stood out in the music industry.
Shi Nian watched her dancing alone in the studio.
Her graceful figure moved with the rhythm, her soft humming blending with the music.
It would have been even more striking if Fang Yan hadn't been completely covered — her body and even her face concealed.
Fang Yan continued dancing, seemingly unaware of Shi Nian's presence.
Shi Nian didn't speak either. She leaned casually against the wall, making it clear she didn't care that Fang Yan was purposefully ignoring her.
Neither spoke. The music played on, growing more intense as the dance reached its climax.
Then silence.
The music ended. Shi Nian appreciated the performance and applauded.
Fang Yan paused, grabbed a towel from a nearby rack, and wiped her forehead.
"Miss Shi, you don't have to be here."
She picked up her bag and walked toward the door without giving Shi Nian another glance.