C9 New Beginning

"Ding!" The elevator chimed softly as it reached the fifteenth floor, and the doors opened slowly.

Gu Ya and Shan Ruoshui stepped out, each lost in their own thoughts. Gu Ya walked slightly ahead, leading Shan Ruoshui briskly to a practice room. From the outside, the frosted glass made it impossible to see inside. Gu Ya pushed the door open and ushered Shan Ruoshui in.

Even though she had visited countless practice rooms before, both high-end and ordinary, this was her first time in Fang's studio, and she couldn't help but be impressed. The room was beautifully designed, with soundproofing, complete equipment, and large, bright mirrors reflecting the interior.

Fang was indeed the largest and most authoritative entertainment company, and it seemed her choice was wise. This place was perfect for honing her past talents. Shan Ruoshui had a solid foundation, and with more practice, she could definitely reach or even surpass her previous level as Jian Yan.

"You'll be taking the company's scheduled training classes here. The teacher will come to you on time. The restroom is out the door, turn right, and go straight. Try to avoid conflicts; you know how it is with newcomers—sometimes it's best to just let things go. The company cafeteria is on the 12th floor and is open 24 hours," Gu Ya advised Shan Ruoshui carefully, pulling an electronic card from her sleek blazer pocket and handing it to her.

"This is your company card. Don't lose it. You'll need it for identification and meals," Gu Ya reminded her once more.

"Got it," Shan Ruoshui nodded as she took the card.

"I'll get going now. The performance teacher will be here soon. Do your best," Gu Ya encouraged with a smile, flicking her bangs aside before turning to leave, leaving Shan Ruoshui alone.

She slowly approached the white grand piano in the room, her fingers lingering over the keys, producing a disordered yet pleasant melody that danced in the air. She decided to sit on the bench and, relying on her memory, began playing a familiar piece. The melodious and graceful piano notes invited listeners to pause and enjoy.

With her keen ears, Shan Ruoshui heard a noise at the door and assumed it was the teacher. She looked up, only to find it was none other than Fang Xiao, one of the most untouchable figures around. The renowned actor leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and wearing a faint, enigmatic smile that exuded charm. If his female fans saw him now, they'd probably scream their heads off.

Ruoshui paused her actions, stood up, and slightly furrowed her brow. Her face remained neutral, but she approached Fang Xiao with a polite smile. It was the first time she had been this close to him. Previously, her friend Jian Yan had never had the chance to work with him due to scheduling conflicts.

"Is there something I can help you with?" she asked confidently.

Given her status as a newcomer, it was best to address the esteemed actor with respect.

"Your piano playing is quite impressive, little sister. If I hadn't wandered into the wrong room, I wouldn't have had the pleasure of hearing it," Fang Xiao said, leaning in slightly.

Sensing his movement, she instinctively stepped back to maintain a respectful distance. "It's an honor to have caught your ear," she replied, her tone perfectly balanced, leaving no room for criticism.

Fang Xiao, noticing her cautious demeanor, lost interest but was surprised by her composure in his presence—a rare quality. With a light chuckle, he turned to leave, tossing a casual "See you next time" over his shoulder, sparking curiosity.

Ruoshui slightly parted her lips, wishing she could quickly establish herself in the entertainment industry. Although she had signed with Fang's company, relying on just one song wouldn't suffice. She needed to prove her worth to the company with something substantial.

No one invests in a losing venture, and her performance would directly impact the resources she could access. She believed the first lesson would likely serve as a test of sorts.

After a day of classes, Ruoshui had shown a glimpse of her potential, holding back just enough. The teachers were pleased, praising her high potential, and she hoped the company executives would recognize her talent as well.

What puzzled Shan Ruoshui the most was her uncanny knack for running into Fang Xiao unexpectedly!

She'd leave the restroom only to find him coming out of the men's room across the hall. At lunch, as she reached for a dish in the cafeteria, there he was, doing the same right beside her. Even in a crowded building, they somehow ended up on the same elevator.

It felt like Fang Xiao was a shadow, appearing and disappearing around her like some kind of bad luck charm.

Shan Ruoshui was bewildered. Why did she keep bumping into this superstar? She needed answers, and fast!

After a long day, she returned home, exhausted, and collapsed onto her bed. Whether these encounters with Fang Xiao were mere coincidences or intentional, she knew she had to steer clear of him. In the entertainment industry, rumors about a newcomer getting involved with a big star could spread like wildfire, and reputation was everything. Shan Ruoshui understood this all too well.

She resolved to spend more time in the practice room, convinced that Fang Xiao couldn't possibly have enough free time to keep running into her.

As night deepened, Shan Ruoshui fell into a deep sleep. She dreamed of Jian Yan's close friends, wondering how they were doing now and how they'd react to the news of her passing. Such an unbelievable rebirth was beyond comprehension for most—likely met with shock or outright disbelief.