CHAPTER 1

"The 32nd Golden Laurel Awards concluded last night after intense competition. Tang Ruoyao won the Best Actress award for her performance in 'Returning South with Geese'!"

"The Battle for the Golden Laurel Best Actress: 'Little Qin Yinong' Tang Ruoyao claims the Crown! Well-deserved recognition!"

"The Youngest Golden Laurel Best Actresses: Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao Share Several Similarities!"

"Nostalgic Moments: Recounting Qin Yinong's Winning Moments at the Golden Laurel Awards, Can Tang Ruoyao, the 'little Qin Yinong,' Recreate the Predecessor's Brilliance?"

...

Tang Ruoyao sat in the backseat of the van, holding a tablet in one hand and lightly tapping her knee with the index finger of her other hand. Her eyelids drooped slightly as she scrolled through the news one by one. When she came across headlines that mentioned both her and Qin Yinong, she subtly paused for an extra second, her expression revealing indiscernible.

The 32nd Golden Laurel Awards ceremony concluded smoothly last night, with Tang Ruoyao newly taking on the mantle of Best Actress, boosting her market value and popularity.

Strangely, many provocative comparative headlines started appearing online, even though previously, no one had ever linked Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong together. Their appearances, experiences and achievements were completely unrelated.

Qin Yinong came from a humble background without any professional acting training. She was discovered by a talent agent at 18 and immediately entered the entertainment industry, starring in a few TV shows that spread her popularity nationwide. However, she was jokingly called as a "flower vase" - beautiful but lacking in talent. During an interview with the media once, when asked about her aspirations, the still naive Qin Yinong at the time said she wanted to become the Best Actress, causing an uproar of laughter.

But this "flower vase", at 21, met her mentor who opened her eyes to an acting path, transforming her from a mere decorative vase to a versatile actress. Since then, she has swept numerous domestic and international awards ceremonies. At just 29 years old this year, she had become the most awarded film actress in the Chinese film industry, creating an irreplaceable legend in contemporary film history.

There is no actress who does not want to become Qin Yinong, but there is also no actress who wants to have as tarnished reputation as hers - a messy private life, promiscuity with no restrictions on gender, and countless lovers.

As a result, people tend to overlook her achievements and only remember her scandals. Oh, and that infamous face that brings disaster and calamity.

Lazy loose curls, bright yet mysterious gaze, slightly parted red lips - a figure that is alluring yet ephemeral.

One look and you know she's no chaste woman! A fickle floozy! All her resources come from sleeping around!

Tang Ruoyao, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. In the entertainment circle, she is "too clean" - she graduated from film academy and collaborated with a renowned director on her first film while still a student, receiving award nominations. Afterwards, she continued to enjoy smooth sailing and fulfilled her wish of taking home the Best Actress award before graduation. Not only are there no scandals about her, there isn't even a shred of negative news - a spotless untainted snow-white flower admired by many.

It is said that Tang Ruoyao comes from a wealthy family background, but there is no evidence to support this claim.

As comparisons were made, Tang Ruoyao's fans felt deeply humiliated and rushed to defend her under the marketing posts:

"You're the one who is Qin Yinong! Your whole family is Qin Yinong! You mindless haters who only follow the trend! Leave our Tang Tang alone, let her focus on acting, no more comparisons!"

"Tang Ruoyao has a professional background. Her debut was in a film by a renowned director, and she has always worked with top directors. She has been nominated and won 'Three Golden' awards. She has steadily worked her way up to achieve this award. She is a newcomer in the film industry and still needs to work hard to improve. Let's not compare her to the predecessors."

Qin Yinong's fans also joined the fray:

"What audacity for anyone and everyone to try to compare themselves to be like Qin Yinong! Is Tang Ruoyao even worth mentioning? Qin Yinong is the most mediocre Best Actress in history, do you even understand?"

"This year, Qin Yinong presented the award for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, some people are getting full of themselves over a little domestic Best Actress, let's not give them any attention, my fellow queens!!"

The fans of both actresses were clearly engaged in a heated online debate.

"Ahhh! Everyone, stop arguing! Qin Yinong's new airport photo has been released! Queens, come and fawn over her beauty, I'm dying!!!"

A faint ripple of excitement flickers in Tang Ruoyao's calm eyes. She clicks on the profile of the user and indeed finds Qin Yinong's latest airport photo on their homepage.

In a stunning red deep V-neck off-shoulder dress with a cinched waist design, it accentuates her perfectly toned figure. The fair skin revealed on her neck and chest is as beautiful as jade. With one hand holding a pair of oversized sunglasses, a subtle and enchanting smile graces her lips.

In the grid of photos, piece by piece, every gesture and movement exudes the charm of an otherworldly being who has cultivated for thousands of years.

A genuine touch of admiration flashes through Tang Ruoyao's eyes, and she calmly long-presses to save the photos.

"Tang Tang, we have arrived." her assistant reminded her.

Tang Ruoyao discreetly liked the post with an alternate account, calmly putting away her tablet with an icy yet gentle demeanor. She said softly, "Understood."

She glanced sideways out of the car window, where reporters stood on both sides of the red carpet, eagerly awaiting her arrival.

The van stopped at the start of the red carpet. The driver went around and opened the back door with a bow. When her figure appeared, the reporters couldn't help but light up, immediately triggering a flurry of camera flashes.

As Tang Ruoyao stepped onto the red carpet with grace, her clean yet world-weary aura has surpassed the impact of her appearance alone. The reporters unconsciously held their breath for a split second.

Tang Ruoyao's attire today had a vintage style - a light and sensually flowing white blouse, modest yet stylish. The cleverly designed button detail added a charming playfulness befitting her age beneath her aloof demeanor.

Her pointed high heels accentuated her straight and slender legs, which were wrapped in black high-waisted wide-leg pants.

Her jet-black hair casually swept behind her ears, revealing her pristine and sparkling earlobes adorned with leaf-shaped earrings that showcased the new "Autumn Shears" collection to be released at the R&D jewelry launch event.

At a young age, Tang Ruoyao had already become the image ambassador for the luxury jewelry brand in China region - no doubt many envied this position, further validating previous rumors about her illustrious family background.

With one hand casually tucked into her pocket, the other hand held a delicate black leather clutch. With fair skin, bright eyes, a slightly tilted chin, and an air of confidence, she effortlessly adjusted her direction and pose facing the cameras. She gracefully accepted the media's attention, creating ample material for their coverage.

Although there were other celebrities attending the new product launch event, none could overshadow the rising star of the young actress. Wherever she stood, she radiated a dazzling brilliance.

After the red carpet event, Tang Ruoyao entered the venue of the new product launch, followed closely by her assistant. Her assistant caught a barely perceptible tiredness between her eyebrows and approached her with concern. "Tang Tang, the event hasn't started yet. Would you like to take a rest? I can arrange a lounge for you."

Since the awards ceremony ended last night, she hadn't slept for more than two hours.

"No need." Tang Ruoyao replied coldly. She reached out and took a glass of champagne from a waiter's tray. Due to fatigue, her voice carried a hint of hoarseness, making her typically unapproachable face appear somewhat approachable.

She turned to look at her assistant, and suddenly, a slight smile curved her lips, revealing a shallow smile. "You haven't slept either, have you? You don't have to stay with me for now. Why don't you go rest?"

Her smile was like the blooming of spring and the lengthening of summer, with flowers blossoming all around.

Her assistant was momentarily captivated by her smile and whispered, "If Sister Qin finds out, she'll skin me alive."

Ruan Qin, Tang Ruoyao's manager.

Tang Ruoyao blinked, her height of 170 centimeters combined with high heels forced her to slightly lower her head to speak in a hushed voice to her assistant. "Don't worry, I won't tell her."

However, her assistant completely missed the point. She looked Tang Ruoyao up and down several times, curious as she asked, "Are you in a good mood today?"

During last night's live broadcast, Tang Ruoyao maintained a serious demeanor throughout and seemed even more downcast after coming offstage. But today, not only did she smile, but she even joked with her. Did the sun rise from the west today?

Tang Ruoyao's eyes flickered, revealing a mix of annoyance and shyness. She lowered her thick lashes, pressed her red lips against the rim of the glass, took a sip of champagne, and resumed her usual coldness. "No."

Her assistant tactfully stopped saying anything further.

Tang Ruoyao, a rising star, hadn't even stepped into the middle of the venue when many people around started casting their eager and restless gazes her way. It was partly because of her glory from last night and partly due to the mysterious background rumors that had always surrounded her. They wanted to curry favor with her.

What background did she really have? Just...

A faint trace of disgust and self-mockery flashed in Tang Ruoyao's eyes as she seamlessly blended into the crowd, gracefully dealing with the approaching individuals.

Once the launch began, as the brand ambassador, Tang Ruoyao took the stage to express her understanding of the R&D brand's spirit of "originality, authenticity, and uniqueness." She then proceeded to answer the reporters' questions. After going through the pre-arranged questions by the brand, a reporter in the audience smirked mischievously, raised their hand, and asked:

"Tang Ruoyao, you're very young, only 22 years old this year, the same age as Qin when she won the Golden Laurel award. There are people online saying that you are Qin's successor and that your future achievements won't be any less than hers. What do you think about this?"

Tang Ruoyao's expression remained composed as she calmly replied, "Age is just a number, and comparisons are inevitable in this industry. Qin is an outstanding actress, and I have great respect for her. As for the future, I believe that every individual has their own path and destiny. I am focused on my own journey, striving to develop my skills and create my own unique path in the entertainment industry."

Tang Ruoyao cast a cold glance at the reporter, and a bone-chilling aura suddenly emanated from her calm and serene eyes.

The reporter shivered, feeling a chill crawl up the back of his neck. Upon carefully looking around, it seemed like it was just his imagination. He cleared his throat, dissatisfied with Tang Ruoyao's silence, and persistently asked in a loud voice, "What is your impression of Qin, the award-winning actress?"

Every word landed, clearly audible throughout the venue.

A brief moment of silence ensued.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her gaze and then raised it with a formulaic tone as she calmly replied, "Miss Qin is a senior I respect greatly in the industry, and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with her in the future."

The reporter wanted to ask further, but was suppressed by the brand's representatives.

This was their event, not a place for them to indulge in gossip.

The product launch concluded successfully, and after exchanging pleasantries with the vice president of R&D Jewelry, Tang Ruoyao boarded into the van to head back home.

Buzz — Buzz —

Her fingers, tightly gripping the black handbag, finally sensed a slight movement. It was her phone vibrating twice, indicating a new message.

Tang Ruoyao wiped her sweaty fingers and retrieved her phone from the bag. Before unlocking it, her heart uncontrollably raced, and she couldn't help but hold her breath.

"I am back."

These three simple words stirred up a storm in Tang Ruoyao's heart.

She opened the bottle of mineral water on the table and took a few sips, trying to calm her turbulent emotions.

The van dropped Tang Ruoyao off to the entrance of her building. As the driver opened the door, in a flash, Tang Ruoyao sitting inside the car had vanished without a trace.

Tang Ruoyao dashed frantically, her high heels tapping on the ceramic tiles, creating a rhythmic heartbeat. The elevator ascended floor by floor, "ding—"

She stood at her door, restraining the slight trembling of her fingers, and opened the door.

The living room was dark, illuminated only by the moonlight casting a pale glow across the floor. Standing in front of the French windows was a woman dressed in a fiery red dress.

Tang Ruoyao instinctively tensed her back, her thin lips quivering, "Sister..."

Qin Yinong held a glass of red wine and, upon hearing the voice, turned around.

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