For any artist in the entertainment industry, their appearance is often the first thing the audience notices.
No matter how talented someone was, their face still played a huge role in attracting attention—one of the reasons so many celebrities turned to plastic surgery to refine their looks.
Fang Yan's face had been unparalleled in the industry. Even though she was a music artist, not an actress who relied heavily on visual appeal, appearance still mattered.
The incident with BaiYue's product had not only caused backlash from fans who developed allergic reactions—it had caused something far worse to Fang Yan herself.
Compared to her fans who used the product only briefly, Fang Yan had been using it for weeks before its official release.
She had always believed in personally using products she endorsed. And this time, he was the reason she accepted the ambassadorship—he had asked for her help when BaiYue reached out.
He hadn't thought much of it then. His aunt had just passed away, BaiYue's internal affairs were in chaos, and he had simply wanted to support them.
He trusted his aunt deeply, and by extension, he trusted BaiYue—without knowing that the product had been rushed out without proper testing.
Fang Yan was the one who suffered for that trust.
Not only had she lost her credibility, her face and body were damaged from long-term use of the product.
Even with her strong personality, this was a devastating blow.
Her confidence had crumbled; now she covered her entire body and grew emotionally unstable, refusing to speak even to her own manager.
The last time Cheng Youlin tried speaking with her, it had ended badly.
They had sought medical treatment, but even with surgery, her face would never fully recover.
That reality had crushed Fang Yan completely.
After standing at the top of the industry for a decade, she lost everything in an instant.
…
"Brother Youlin, I still insist on signing a contract with Fang Yan."
Shi Nian's tone was steady. "I know the risks, but I have a plan. At least hear me out."
She briefly explained her strategy.
"Nian Nian…" Cheng Youlin reached out to pat her head, but she subtly leaned back. He withdrew his hand and continued, "Your plan sounds feasible, but it all depends on Fang Yan. She may not want to work with you."
"I don't want you to get your hopes up. Fang Yan doesn't even give her own boss face anymore." Cheng Youlin gently patted her hand instead.
"Brother Youlin, I only need you to arrange a meeting. I'll convince her myself."
"Alright… it seems I can't persuade you otherwise."
He sighed helplessly. "If Fang Yan refuses, then you must listen to me and pick someone else—even if they aren't from NianXing."
Shi Nian nodded.
Just as she was about to excuse herself, she heard Cheng Yuemin calling.
"Sister Nian!!"
Turning, she saw him standing excitedly beside a water fountain.
"Sis, come here!" He waved enthusiastically.
Cheng Youlin looked over and muttered, "What is he up to now…"
Shi Nian remained still, but Cheng Yuemin shouted louder, attracting the attention of others in the park.
"Brother Youlin, I'll be right back," she said before walking over.
Cheng Yuemin rushed toward her and pulled her closer to the fountain. "Sis, this fountain is as old as the city. You know that already. But recently, they say anyone who tosses in a coin and makes a wish will have it granted!"
"Oh really?" Shi Nian examined the so-called wishing fountain.
She didn't see anything special. Wishing fountains usually had faint traces of faith energy—yet this one had none.
If people had only recently begun believing in it, that would make sense.
Even in a world without cultivators, natural faith energy could still form, just like natural domains in remote forests.
"Isn't it amazing, sis? I even got us some coins!" Cheng Yuemin placed several coins in her hand.
Shi Nian stared at them. "Where did you get change from?"
"There, sis!" He pointed to a small stall in the corner. "The old man exchanges coins."
Shi Nian didn't believe in wishes. If wishes came true, she wouldn't have suffered through six lifetimes.
But to keep Yuemin happy, she accepted the coins and prepared to toss one casually.
"Sis! Not like that!" He grabbed her hand. "You have to be sincere, or it won't come true."
Then he demonstrated: coin in hand, palms clasped, eyes closed, expression devout.
He cracked one eye open to peek at her. "Sis, hurry up," he whispered, winking before continuing his wish.
Shi Nian copied his actions—though sincerity was debatable.
But unexpectedly, she found herself making a small, quiet wish.
She tossed the coin into the fountain.
When she turned, she noticed Cheng Yuemin still wishing.
He wasn't using just one coin—he had twenty. Out of all of them, he gave Shi Nian only one. Now he was making individual wishes on the rest.
Shi Nian watched him with quiet amusement.
From a distance, Cheng Youlin observed the two of them. Moments like this made him grateful for Yuemin's bright personality.
Eventually Yuemin finished, and the siblings walked back to Cheng Youlin.
Shi Nian turned back briefly, gazing at the fountain.
The wish she made echoed in her mind:
I wish Si Yehan peace in this life.