Chapter Seven: Hidden Strife

After disappearing for a month, the name of Rong Qing, a second-rate celebrity, not only faded into obscurity but instead drew even more attention. With the revelation of her relationship with the wealthy heir Wang Chenhao, the media frenzy was further fueled by rumors of a third party. Han Xiyun, once Rong Qing’s assistant, had boldly snatched away her boyfriend, and as more details emerged online, she shot to fame at an unpredictable speed.

What was once a private affair had now been exposed and dissected. As the victim, Rong Qing received sympathy from most fans, but she was also cast into a position of weakness—publicly and mercilessly slapped by her former assistant and close confidante. The sting was both vivid and painful.

A photo of Han Xiyun, her arm linked with Wang Chenhao as they attended various high-profile events, was splashed across the front page of Fashion Weekly. Many predicted that this former assistant would soon surpass Rong Qing’s past glory and rise to the top.

Rong Qing’s icy gaze fell upon the reporters and paparazzi crowding outside her window. Her proud little face bore a stubborn, resilient arrogance, as though this storm was but a fleeting wave, and she—the woman before them—would soon break through the tempest and shine brilliantly in her own right. Some people, given the slightest opportunity, soar; and this woman had both the strength and the talent to do so.

In previous years, Yan Lin had always believed without guilt that it was entirely Wang Chenhao, the spoiled rich kid, who dragged Rong Qing down. He lacked the strength to protect the exceptional beauty in his arms, yet also stifled her growth, keeping her in a passive position. In contrast, his own boss had the powerful background and resources to offer her shelter; all she needed to do was display her talents without restraint.

The understated luxury of the nanny van glided into the underground parking lot of Ding Sheng Entertainment. Rong Qing stepped out with the latest crossbody bag, her makeup light but her complexion healthy and glowing. Rumor had it that she was heartbroken and exhausted after her breakup, hiding at home to recover. But her appearance today—once a pure, lovely girl, now graced with a woman’s allure and charm—radiated an even more captivating presence, shattering the gossip with undeniable force.

The girl who appeared before the company’s upper management showed not a trace of fatigue, only an aura of unwavering confidence. More and more people began to doubt the truth of the rumors.

Rong Qing was already tall, standing at 1.65 meters, and with high heels, she exuded the poise of a true star. As she stepped out of the elevator on the fifteenth floor, a saccharine voice rang out, enough to make anyone’s stomach turn.

“Chenhao~, President Wang praised my outfit today. Oh, and yesterday I saw a gorgeous Chanel bag I just loved. Let’s go buy it this afternoon, okay?”

A girl in flashy clothes, her previously straight hair now styled in big, reddish waves, her face thick with makeup, chattered incessantly to the man beside her. The tall man’s expression was one of obvious impatience.

Rong Qing found herself face-to-face with Han Xiyun and Wang Chenhao as they exited the general manager’s office. The atmosphere instantly turned awkward. Seizing the moment, Wang Chenhao wrapped his arm around Han Xiyun’s slender waist, making her giggle coquettishly. He replied in an especially affectionate tone, “Alright, I’ll go with you.”

Han Xiyun shot Rong Qing a challenging glance, only to find her eyes cold and laced with a hint of mocking laughter. Hmph, she thought, you’re only holding on for now. With your support stolen, what do you have left to be proud of?

“Oh, and who is this? Turns out it’s Qing. I thought you were hiding at home, too ashamed to show your face.” The woman’s mocking voice was sharp and piercing, causing a flicker in Wang Chenhao’s expression.

Rong Qing’s lips curled in an even colder smile. Gone was the foolish pretense of innocence—how utterly unpresentable they were now. Only someone equally brainless would stoop to bickering with such people. In a place like this, surrounded by stars, one who can’t rein in their arrogance won’t last long. The last trace of anger in her eyes faded; she didn’t spare them even a glance as she walked straight into the general manager’s office.

Yan Lin’s glasses flashed in the light as he quickly followed behind Rong Qing.

Han Xiyun caught sight of the bag in Rong Qing’s hand and her expression changed dramatically. A limited-edition Chanel, a rare treasure that no amount of money could buy—how could she possibly have it? No, it couldn’t be. It must be a fake, meant to hide her defeat. And though her suit looked nice, it wasn’t a recognizable brand. See? That had to be it. Han Xiyun comforted herself with these thoughts, her narrow worldview unable to imagine that the most exclusive garments are never seen in stores, but are bespoke creations from renowned designers—singular pieces in the whole world.

Wang Chenhao gazed at the dazzling figure before him, and his once-cold heart twisted in pain.

“Chenhao, let’s go shopping,” Han Xiyun said, pulling him into the elevator.

—End of Chapter—

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