Chapter 1: Opportunity

"Tang Su," Song Wan looked down from her elevated position at the woman seated in the chair, her face brimming with scorn. "Just how much does Han Sen dislike you, to push you into targeting a discarded ex-girlfriend?"

Tang Su was stung, her face contorting in a moment of rage. "So what if that's the case? At least Han Sen is mine now! As long as I remain in this industry, you will never climb back up. Han Sen will always be mine, always!"

She shouted, flailing her arms, red veins creeping through her eyes. Her exaggerated expression exposed every fine line on her face, revealing them utterly. It was hard to believe this woman was the queen of refined elegance, worshipped by countless fans, famed for her calm composure even in the face of calamity.

"Tang Su, look at yourself now—you're nothing but a madwoman!" Song Wan stared at her coldly, speechless for a moment. "And what, is this supposed to be some kind of warning? Star Tang, have you been wrong about one thing from the very beginning?"

The words "Star Tang" slipped from Song Wan's lips with a biting irony.

Tang Su's face bulged with veins, looking terrifying as if she might lash out at any moment, but she restrained herself.

She couldn't strike, couldn't leave marks on Song Wan for her opponent to seize upon.

Song Wan was long accustomed to Tang Su's fury, not flinching even once, only coolly pointing out the truth. "You loving Han Sen doesn't mean others do. A scumbag like him—I wouldn't take him even if he were handed to me!"

Tang Su sprang to her feet, jabbing her finger at Song Wan's nose. "You think saying that will make me believe you, let you off? Song Wan, let me tell you: dream on!"

Remembering the kiss mark she’d seen behind Han Sen’s ear that morning, Tang Su’s face twisted in cruelty, her expression savage.

Han Sen was her lifeblood; she could not tolerate anyone else's covetous gaze.

Song Wan brushed Tang Su’s hand aside, her eyes icy. "Believe it or not!" She turned and walked away.

This was not their first altercation, nor the first time Song Wan had said these words. She even had a boyfriend she'd been with for three years, but Tang Su never listened or believed her, persistently biting at her like a mad dog.

Song Wan used to be infuriated, repeatedly trying to convince Tang Su that she had nothing to do with Han Sen, the man who had abandoned her for his career and Tang Su. But somewhere along the line, something went awry. Tang Su seemed obsessed, refusing to believe anything Song Wan said, and bizarrely accusing her of secretly continuing ties with Han Sen, even sleeping with him behind Tang Su's back.

Ha!

Never mind that Han Sen had dumped her; even if he hadn't, she would never touch a man who belonged to someone else. It's not as if Han Sen was the only man in the world.

Sleep with him? She'd rather roll in the mud with a pig.

Every time Song Wan presented evidence to explain, Tang Su would claim it was forged, cursing furiously and insisting she had proof Song Wan had slept with Han Sen, multiple times even.

But she never produced any proof. When pressed, she would only become evasive and more enraged.

Each explanation only made Tang Su more furious, worsening Song Wan’s situation. In the end, Song Wan gave up and simply ignored her, sparing herself the agony.

This time, the two happened to end up in the same production crew, leading to this confrontation.

By now, both knew clearly: their relationship was irreparably broken. Though it wasn’t a matter of life and death, there would never be reconciliation.

Just as Song Wan reached the doorway, Tang Su’s assistant barreled in, arms loaded with things, and crashed into her, knocking her to the floor.

"Bang—"

Clutching her arm, Song Wan stood up, her brows knitted in anger. "Apologize!"

The assistant couldn't be bothered to spare her a glance, heading straight to Tang Su and fawning, "Sister Su, here are the things you asked for."

Tang Su didn't even look, sneering, "Well done!" Whether she was referring to the delivery or to the collision with Song Wan, it was unclear.

The assistant grinned at Song Wan provocatively, contempt in his eyes stinging like needles.

Song Wan wanted to teach him a lesson, but her next scene was imminent. Though she only had a few lines, it was a rare significant role, especially under Tang Su’s suppression. She couldn't afford to offend the director.

Weighing her options, Song Wan chose not to waste more time here and left the lounge.

Tang Su watched her departing figure and snorted derisively.

Arriving at the set, Song Wan overheard the actors discussing the newly appointed president of Capital Entertainment, Jin Youqian.

"How did President Jin and Director Zhao end up working together?"

"I heard Jin sought out Director Zhao for help with a film, aiming for an award."

"Isn't the lead actress still undecided?"

"That's no trouble. If President Jin wants a top actress, he only needs to call out in the industry—the very best would flock to him."

"Then why..."

"Because this is the first film independently invested by Capital Entertainment since its establishment. It needs to make a splash, preferably win an award. But Jin isn’t foolish, he wouldn’t let artists from other companies benefit. So he wants to find a newcomer—sign her, cast her, and if she wins, she becomes the company’s star pillar."

"But if someone has that kind of talent, how could she still be a newcomer?"

"Doesn't have to be a real newcomer," the person nodded toward Song Wan, "Look at her—she's been in showbiz for over a decade. Directors have praised her acting as potential for a top award, but she’s made no waves, no one wants to sign her, all skill and no status—hardly different from a newcomer."

Song Wan’s body stiffened, and she pressed on, teeth clenched.

Another scoffed, "Her? Capital Entertainment is a new company, but why would they go against Sister Su for her?"

"Not necessarily..."

Further words faded as Song Wan moved out of earshot.

But that last phrase sparked a flicker of hope in her heart: Jin Youqian’s background wasn’t only as president of Capital Entertainment—he was also the richest man in Kyushu, chairman and president of Pinnacle Empire International Group.

To Tang Su, whom she’d always seen as a giant, he could probably crush her like an ant without a second thought. If she truly caught his eye, she’d never again have to settle for minor roles despite her talent.

With hope swelling in her heart, Song Wan threw herself into filming for the day.

In a nearby corner,

Jin Youqian watched Song Wan as she acted, his tone calm, "What do you think?"

Zhao Qing’s eyes glowed, nodding excitedly, "Best Actress, eighty percent."

Jin Youqian pondered. An eighty percent chance of winning Best Actress? If their company backed her, wouldn’t that be a hundred percent?

He looked up just as Song Wan turned, her face full of sorrow.

Jin Youqian’s heart stirred, recognizing her skill. But he hesitated, "But her appearance..." Too ordinary.

Ordinary looks, ordinary build, age... nearly thirty-five.

The only notable feature was her lively almond eyes—enough to keep her from blending in completely.

Even if she won Best Actress, it would be impossible to elevate her quickly with premium resources; and if she were promoted as an idol star, her age was simply too high.

Zhao Qing noticed his hesitation and smiled at Song Wan, "I’m talking about the three major film festivals."

Jin Youqian narrowed his eyes, "International Best Actress?"

"If luck holds, she could even get a Golden Globe nomination."

But Best Actress? Out of the question. Everyone knows the Golden Globe is a prelude to the Oscars, but the Oscar for Best Actress would never go to someone of Asian descent.

The prestige between international and domestic Best Actress is worlds apart—no need to hesitate.

So, as soon as Song Wan finished filming, the two approached her.

Jin Youqian extended his right hand, "Miss Song Wan, would you be interested in the leading role for the film 'Tomorrow'?"

Song Wan stared at his hand in disbelief, unable to move for a long moment.

Fortunately, the two had investigated her background and didn’t blame her hesitation.

Zhao Qing, worried she might miss the opportunity, reminded her, "Miss Song, this may be your only chance in a lifetime."

Song Wan snapped back to herself, joy rising within, and solemnly shook his hand. "Thank you, President Jin, for this opportunity. I won’t let you down." She was confident in her acting.

Jin Youqian’s lips curled, his impression of her improving.

All three were deeply satisfied, signing the contract on the spot. Only after leaving the crew together did they part ways.

Tang Su trailed behind, watching them exit together, her expression darkening. She grabbed a crew member. "Why is Song Wan with President Jin and Director Zhao?"

The crew member, startled by Tang Su's demeanor, stammered, "I think... I think Director Zhao chose Song Wan to play the lead in 'Tomorrow.'"

Thanks to Jin Youqian’s status, many watched Capital Entertainment’s first major move closely. The script for 'Tomorrow,' penned by a renowned screenwriter and shelved for years, had naturally come under industry scrutiny.

Tang Su knew even more—she had had her eyes on the leading role, hoping to secure a Best Actress award to cement her position.

But now...

"Song Wan, you again!" Stealing her man wasn’t enough—now she was taking her role too!

Tang Su’s gaze was cold and venomous as she watched Song Wan's back. She slipped into a corner and dialed a number, "Want money to save your father’s life? Kill Song Wan, and I’ll give you five million!"

Song Wan and Qi Lang rented an apartment near the film city. To ensure the plan went smoothly, Tang Su needed to delay her, giving the other party time.

Suppressing her hatred, Tang Su called out loudly, "Song Wan!"

Song Wan turned, frowning, "Tang Su, what is it?" What trick was she up to now?

Forcing a smile, Tang Su approached her, "Nothing, I just heard you’ll be playing the lead in 'Tomorrow,' so I came to congratulate you."

Song Wan narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Tang Su, a vague sense of unease rising within. Tang Su was always hot-tempered and hated her fiercely—she never bothered with pleasantries. Why was she smiling now?

Growing suspicious, Song Wan instinctively stepped back half a pace.

It was subtle, but Tang Su's expression immediately darkened: So this wretch refuses to play along!

But she stuck to her purpose, pressing on, "Though we’ve had our misunderstandings, we know each other well. Surely, Wan Wan, you won't refuse my congratulations?"

Song Wan became even more wary, but couldn’t fathom Tang Su’s motive.

For Han Sen? After all these years, Tang Su had only ever suppressed her, not plotted anything drastic.

For her career? Even if 'Tomorrow' won awards, Song Wan could never rival Tang Su’s established status, at most making it harder for Tang Su to target her in the future...

Tang Su wouldn’t risk everything for a mere possibility.

Considering Tang Su’s nature, Song Wan resolved to stay alert, though she kept her composure.

Tang Su was furious that Song Wan dared not respond. Such insolence before even rising to fame—what would happen after?

Suppressing her anger, Tang Su forced a smile, "Wan Wan, you and Han Sen haven’t met for some time, right? Since we're all free today, why not the three of us get together?"