C34 Long Time No See

Although Ye Tian had anticipated Gu Qinian's intervention, Ye Ziyan's blunt admission still managed to pierce the most hidden part of her heart with a sudden sting of pain.

But the sensation was fleeting, and in an instant, Ye Tian was laughing, her expression one of nonchalance. "Really? It's just someone cleaning up your mess. You seem pretty proud of it, which just shows how often you cause trouble for Gu Qinian."

Ye Ziyan's brow furrowed slightly, her indignation palpable, but then she caught sight of the corner of a document peeking out from Ye Tian's bag. Her lips twisted into a scornful smirk as she taunted, "You think you can compete at that level? Don't overestimate yourself; you might just end up making a fool of yourself!"

"You—" Shang Yuvyuv began, her temper flaring, ready to lash out in response.

But Ye Tian let out a derisive laugh, cutting her off. "Ye Ziyan, don't you find your own words amusing? No matter how inadequate I may be, I'm certainly not the one who's constantly in need of someone to clean up after me."

Her expression was laced with contempt as she continued, her words sharp as thorns. "Gu Qinian has poured so much money into your career, and yet you're still not a star. Ever wonder why? Just think about the level of criticism your shows have received—it's quite pitiful, really."

Ye Ziyan was fuming, unable to come up with a retort, her frustration evident as she clenched her teeth.

Ye Tian, unfazed, exchanged a knowing smile with Shang Yuvyuv and carried on. "As for my abilities, I haven't had the chance to compete yet, so that remains to be seen. But your acting? There's no need to watch TV to know about that; public opinion has made it pretty clear. Instead of finding fault here, you might be better off practicing your craft in front of a mirror."

"Ye Tian!" Ye Ziyan spat out her name, teeth gritted in fury.

Yet Ye Tian simply pressed her finger to her lips and whispered, "Shh—keep it down, or you'll give people even more to laugh about."

As she spoke, she winked at Shang Yuvyuv, and they both got up to leave.

Grumbling as she grabbed her bag, Shang Yuvyuv said, "Talk about bad luck. Just trying to enjoy a meal and along comes a red-eyed fly to ruin it. Disgusting!"

Ye Ziyan's face flushed with anger at the comment, and she raised her hand to shove Shang Yuvyuv. "Who are you calling a fly?"

But before her hand could reach Shang Yuvyuv, Ye Tian grabbed her, eliciting a pained yelp.

Ye Tian squeezed harder, her smile broadening at the sight of Ye Ziyan's contorted face. "She didn't mention you by name. What's the rush? And another thing, I'd suggest you channel that acting talent you show off in front of Gu Qinian to the screen. You'd likely earn rave reviews. Clearly, your intentions aren't pure, and you're misplacing your efforts."

With that, she released Ye Ziyan's hand and strutted off with Shang Yuvyuv.

Fuming, Ye Ziyan felt like stomping her feet in frustration but, mindful of the onlookers, she simply bowed her head and hurried away.

Ye Tian, you'll see! I'll make sure you're disgraced and chased out of A City in shame!

...

The preliminary results came in quickly, and within a couple of days, Ye Tian got the call that she had advanced to the semi-finals.

She was so thrilled she couldn't stop smiling and immediately phoned Shang Yuvyuv.

Shang Yuvyuv's knack for flattery kicked in, "I told you, you'd make it. If my Tian can't do it, who can?"

Ye Tian, still buzzing with excitement, cheerfully responded, "When I win that prize, I'm treating you to the best meal ever!"

"No, no, save your money," Shang Yuvyuv hastily declined, then added with a chuckle, "But some spicy beef noodles wouldn't be too bad!"

Knowing Shang Yuvyuv was thinking of her finances, Ye Tian felt even warmer inside. "By the way, I'm heading to Kawase Group tomorrow. Are you all set?"

"Yeah, don't worry. I've got it under control."

The next morning, it was Shang Yuvyuv's relentless wake-up calls that roused her from sleep.

She groggily finished her morning routine and, after selecting an appropriate outfit, she headed downstairs.

Gu Qinian wasn't in the apartment. Since their encounter a few nights ago, he hadn't shown up for days.

Ye Tian was actually quite pleased about this. Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. If he were around, who knows what kind of trouble he might stir up.

Pressed for time, she quickly poured herself a glass of cold milk from the fridge and grabbed a slice of bread. Then she hopped on the subway, making a beeline for the Whole Horn Building.

Upon arrival, she gazed up at the luminous Whole Horn Building, standing tall in the dazzling sunlight, and sighed.

The lives of the wealthy were indeed opulent—fine dining, luxurious living, and an array of extravagant pastimes that were simply astounding.

Shaking off her scattered thoughts, she took a deep breath, strode into the lobby, and headed straight for the reception desk.

After explaining her visit, the receptionist confirmed her appointment with a phone call and handed her an elevator card.

Ye Tian glanced at the shimmering card before stepping into the elevator and swiping it. The elevator swiftly ascended to the top floor.

As the doors opened, she was greeted by the brilliant sunlight streaming through a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the entire lobby in a warm glow.

No sooner had she stepped out than a man suddenly emerged from the side, giving her quite a start.

"Miss Ye, the gentleman is awaiting you in the lounge," he said with a respectful nod, gesturing to the left.

The lounge? Was this grand lobby merely an antechamber?

She surmised that the top floor was likely a duplex suite, yet she was taken aback by its splendor.

Following the man to a set of imposing double redwood doors, she watched as he knocked and, upon receiving an affirmative response, pushed them open. A wave of nervousness washed over her.

She had heard of the Kawase Group but had no idea what kind of influential figure Kawase Yuki was.

With a heart full of curiosity, she straightened her posture and, camera in hand, stepped lightly into the room.

"Sir, Miss Ye has arrived," announced the man.

Following the sound of his voice, Ye Tian's eyes brimmed with curiosity.

She saw a man with a tall, broad-shouldered silhouette standing before the panoramic windows. The sunlight cast a golden halo around him, highlighting his regal aura to full effect.

Ye Tian watched him, her eyes arching slightly in curiosity.

Ugh, why do all men seem to favor this entrance, backlit against the window? Are they trying to add an air of mystery?

Could it be that he's unattractive? Is this a tactic to make a better first impression, to play up his strengths?

As she pondered this, the man finally turned around. Clad in a white sweater and gray trousers, he exuded a certain softness.

Contrary to Ye Tian's suspicions, he was far from unattractive; in fact, he was strikingly handsome. His gentle face featured refined features, and his eyes, bright as peach blossoms, sparkled as they met hers.

After a brief silence, his voice, soft and slightly raspy, broke the quiet. "Tian, it's been a while."