Click. Flash. Click.
The sound of camera shutters echoed across the carpeted entrance of the grand event hall as Wu Mei stepped into the spotlight. Wearing the same dazzling, deep crimson gown from her past life, she walked gracefully, her every step confident and composed. Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back, her lips curved into a soft, unreadable smile.
"Goddess!" someone whispered.
"She's even more stunning in person!"
Applause erupted as she passed, people parting to make way, reporters eager to snap every angle. Wu Mei kept walking, her heart calm but her mind alert.
Just like before, she thought. But this time, I'm not walking into their trap.
As she approached the stage, a pair of delicate arms suddenly wrapped around her in a seemingly affectionate hug.
"Sister," Wu Yue whispered sweetly into her ear, her lips curled in a scheming smile. "Tomorrow, Mom, Dad, and Sheng will hold a party for me. To celebrate my debut as a movie star."
Wu Mei froze slightly. The same words. The same venomous tone from her past life.
Wu Yue continued in a low, biting voice, "From now on, you're nothing but a kicked-out dog. You'll be trampled under my feet forever."
Smack!
A sharp, loud slap echoed across the hall as Wu Mei's palm connected with Wu Yue's face.
Gasps exploded from the crowd.
"Did she just hit her?"
"What's going on?"
"Wasn't that her sister?"
Wu Yue stumbled back, wide-eyed, her hand flying to her stinging cheek. "You…" she began, raising her hand as if to slap Wu Mei in return—but then she froze. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the cameras flashing, red recording lights blinking, people filming from every angle.
Instantly, she switched expressions, tears welling in her eyes as she bit her lip. "Sister… what did I do wrong?" she said sweetly, voice trembling. "Why are you doing this to me?"
Wu Mei smiled.
It was starting. Her revenge had begun.
Just then, the roar of a powerful engine cut through the tension.
A sleek, black luxury car pulled up to the red carpet. The crowd turned, drawn by the presence of wealth and power. The assistant stepped forward swiftly and opened the door.
Out stepped Qin Yanzhou.
Dressed in a custom-tailored black suit, with his jet-black hair slicked back and his sharp eyes radiating cool indifference, he exuded dominance with every movement. He looked like he had walked out of a dream—or a nightmare, depending on who was watching.
The crowd lost it.
"Oh my God, it's Qin Yanzhou!"
"He's even more handsome in real life!"
"He never appears at these events—why now?"
Wu Mei's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes locked onto him, and time seemed to pause.
It's him… A Yan… it's my A Yan.
Even after everything—his obsession, his darkness—her heart still beat for him. This time, she would not run. This time, she would stay.
As he walked toward the stage with slow, deliberate steps, his eyes scanned the crowd until they met hers.
Even if you hate me, A Wei… I won't let you go, he thought.
The murmurs around them grew louder.
"Wait… isn't that the CEO of the Qin Group?"
"Isn't he the prince of the Qi family?"
"They've never gotten along since childhood… is she really going to fight with him here?"
But instead of confrontation, Wu Mei did something no one expected.
She ran.
Straight into Qin Yanzhou's arms.
The cameras flashed. People gasped. Some even dropped their drinks.
Qin Yanzhou didn't flinch. He caught her effortlessly, one arm wrapped around her waist as if it belonged there. For a moment, he didn't say a word—just looked at her, those cold eyes of his softening ever so slightly.
Everyone stared. The air itself felt electric.
And Wu Mei? She buried her face in his chest and smiled.
Let them watch.
Let them wonder.
This was just the beginning.