Shiman Entertainment & Media Co., Ltd.—Xijiang City’s largest media conglomerate—dominated nearly every film and television sector, from talent management to animation, movie, and TV production.
Qian Wang strode into Shiman’s headquarters. After verifying her identity at reception, she headed straight for the general manager’s office.
Thud. Thud. Thud. She tapped lightly on the door.
“Enter!” A woman’s voice called from within.
Qian Wang pushed the door open. A poised lady sat in an armchair, smoking a cigar.
“Auntie, I’m here.” Qian Wang locked the door behind her and approached.
“Good work, Xiao Qian. How’s school?” The woman exhaled smoke, eyes closed.
“Fine. I’m here to report on Ouyang Qianxue.”
“Mhm.” The lady listened, cigar glowing.
“He’s incredible!” Qian Wang’s voice trembled with excitement. “On his first day, his stunning talent swept through Cherry Blossom Academy’s clubs. He became the campus sensation overnight—even catching the School Beauty Committee’s eye. Then he clinched the School Beauty title with jaw-dropping grades. He’s officially Cherry Blossom’s most popular girl now.”
The lady gave a faint nod, unsurprised.
“Auntie, aren’t you shocked? A boy conquering Cherry Blossom’s notoriously picky students so fast?”
“I know Qianxue’s strength. He’s my finest creation in years.”
“Oh…” Qian Wang’s shoulders slumped.
“Don’t look like that.” The lady stubbed out her cigar and stroked Qian Wang’s hair. “I didn’t train you because your talent wasn’t exceptional. Becoming an idol demands unimaginable sacrifice.”
“But—”
“You’d say you’re willing to pay that price. Passion fuels early effort, but when geniuses like Qianxue achieve more in half your time? Your spirit erodes. The gap widens.” She leaned closer. “Qianxue fights for his mother and sister. You treat it as a hobby. That conviction lets him pour twice your effort daily. Remember: the scariest rivals are those more gifted than you—and hungrier.”
The lady turned back, weary. “I’ve seen too many fail in this industry. I refused to train you to spare you that fate. Your White Clan heritage offers better paths.” She patted Qian Wang’s shoulder.
“Mhm.” Qian Wang’s reply was barely audible.
“Two messages for Qianxue: First, he doubts himself. Tell him to act boldly—I’ll handle any fallout.”
“Understood. And the second?”
“Warn him about the White Clan’s young master. Avoid Bai Yuxuan. In Xijiang City, the White Clan is one of the few powers even I can’t touch.”
***
The school bell rang. Students packed their bags. Ouyang Qianxue did the same—until Bai Yuxuan flashed him a sly grin.
“Ouyang, meet me in the Student Council office after packing up. I’ve held these words too long… I must speak to you alone.” Bai Yuxuan vanished before Qianxue could react.
Chaos erupted.
“What did Bai Yuxuan want?” Classmates swarmed Qianxue.
“Is he… confessing?!” A girl shrieked. Gasps rippled through the room.
“He finally noticed you?! I thought he was ice-cold!” Boys groaned in despair.
“Even Bai Yuxuan fell for you!” Girls clutched their chests dramatically. “But… you two *are* perfect. Like a fairy-tale prince and princess!”
“We surrender gracefully!” Tearful girls grabbed Qianxue’s hands. “We bless you!”
“I never said I like him! And he might not even be confessing!” Qianxue’s face burned crimson.
Thirty minutes later, Qianxue stormed into the Student Council office, slamming the door.
Bai Yuxuan sat alone, reviewing documents.
“Took you long enough.” He looked up, smiling.
“What was that stunt?! Do you know how long they trapped me?!” Qianxue snapped.
“I just wanted to see you flustered.” Bai Yuxuan stood, grin widening.
“What?!” Qianxue glared.
“You infuriate me.” Bai Yuxuan’s voice turned icy. “You weakened my grip on Cherry Blossom. Do you know the humiliation you’ve caused?”
“So what do you want?”
“A duel. To decide Cherry Blossom’s true ruler.”
“Not interested.” Qianxue turned to leave.
Bai Yuxuan lunged, pinning him against the wall—trapping him in a classic *bì dōng*.
“W-What are you doing?! This is school!” Qianxue’s pulse raced under Bai Yuxuan’s towering frame.
“Relax. I just need to show you something.” Bai Yuxuan pulled out his phone. The screen displayed a photo: Ouyang Qianxue embracing his sister in a café.
