The door to Lin Shu's studio was gently knocked.
"Come in," Lin Shu's voice came from inside, devoid of any discernible emotion.
The door opened, and a figure stepped in, carrying a fresh, fragrant breeze.
It was Qiao Xi.
Today, she wore a loose, off-white knit sweater paired with light blue distressed jeans and pristine white sneakers.
Her chestnut-colored long curls cascaded softly over her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal—just enough to accentuate her large, bright eyes and full, rosy lips.
In her hands, she held a freshly bought milk tea, looking every bit like a carefree college student—innocent, sweet, and utterly unthreatening.
"Shushu-jie!"
Qiao Xi's face broke into a radiant smile, her voice clear and melodious. "I'm here!"
"I brought you taro boba milk tea—three parts sugar, no ice, just how you like it!"
Like a cheerful little bird, she flitted over to Lin Shu and placed the drink on the coffee table, her movements natural and intimate.
Lin Shu lifted her gaze, studying the girl before her.
She had to admit, Qiao Xi's face was undeniably captivating.
Unlike Lin Shu's own bold, striking beauty, Qiao Xi's charm lay in her sweet yet dazzling allure.
Her features were delicate, her skin luminous, and those eyes—always glistening with a doe-like innocence—were impossibly infectious when she smiled.
Paired with her wholesome, girl-next-door outfit and that effortlessly sunny grin, anyone would assume she was a simple, cheerful soul.
But Lin Shu knew better.
Beneath that polished exterior lurked something far uglier.
Over the years, the unspeakable things they'd done—they both knew.
Otherwise, in an industry teeming with pretty, sweet-faced girls, how had Qiao Xi alone risen to the top?
Lin Shu's lips curled into a cold smirk as she met Qiao Xi's wide, guileless eyes.
"Have a seat, Xixi."
Lin Shu gestured to the sofa across from her, her own smile weary but warm.
She didn’t touch the milk tea.
Qiao Xi obediently sat, legs neatly pressed together, long lashes fluttering like an attentive schoolgirl.
"Shushu-jie, is it true? What you mentioned on the phone?"
She hesitated, then ventured cautiously, "About Cheng Yu…?"
Lin Shu leaned back into the sofa, her gaze distant, tinged with resignation.
"Yes, it's true. We broke up."
"There's someone new—Su Qianqian, a fresh face just signed by Shen Entertainment."
She paused, as if recalling something painful. "She's young. Looks pure, docile—the type who knows exactly how to lean on a man."
"Cheng Yu treats her like she’s made of glass."
Unlocking her phone, Lin Shu pulled up Su Qianqian’s training photos from Weibo and slid it toward Qiao Xi.
Qiao Xi leaned in, her eyes flickering with scrutiny and ice as she took in the stunning girl in the picture.
But when she looked up, her expression was all wide-eyed sympathy.
"Oh, so that’s her?"
"She does seem... refreshingly naive."
Choosing her words carefully, she then furrowed her brows, adopting a girlish indignation. "But Shushu-jie, you and Cheng Yu have been together for years! How dare she swoop in like this?"
"He’s clearly falling for her act!"
"Maybe."
Lin Shu’s smile turned bitter, laced with self-mockery. "Men always chase novelty."
Then, her tone sharpened, eyes locking onto Qiao Xi. "Besides, this girl’s ambitions run deep."
"She doesn’t just want Cheng Yu’s protection—she’s aiming to carve her own place in the industry."
"Look at her training intensity. Rumor has it Shen Entertainment is prepping a major push for her."
"Talent, drive, and Cheng Yu’s backing?"
"Her path forward might as well be paved in gold."
Qiao Xi’s sip of milk tea froze mid-air.
She blinked, as if genuinely pondering Lin Shu’s words.
After a beat, she leaned forward, her face the picture of earnest concern:
"Oh... I see."
"If she really takes off, she’ll grow even bolder, won’t she?"
"With Cheng Yu’s influence, she might even turn around and bully you, Shushu-jie!"
Suddenly, her eyes lit up with a mischievous glint.
"Hey, Shushu-jie, I just signed onto this new variety show—huge ratings, nationwide buzz."
Lin Shu’s interest piqued, though her expression remained neutral. "Oh? Congratulations, Xixi."
"Thanks, Shushu-jie!" Qiao Xi beamed, then lowered her voice conspiratorially.
"You know how these big shows love to spice things up? They often invite rising stars or controversial newbies as guest appearances!"
"So what if..."
She drew out the pause, her gaze loaded with implication, "...Su Qianqian just happened to get an invite? To share the stage with me?"
"Wouldn’t that make for... fascinating TV?"
Lin Shu’s fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Oh? How so?"
She played along.
Qiao Xi tilted her head, feigning playful innocence. "Well, newcomers lack experience. Eager to impress, they often slip up—say the wrong thing, fumble under pressure..."
"By then, even if Cheng Yu wants to prop her up, the audience won’t buy it."
"Once labeled a 'nepo baby,' that stain never fades."
"An acting career? She can forget it."
Her voice remained sweet, laced with a girlish lilt, but the venom in her words was razor-sharp.
Lin Shu studied that sugar-coated smile, listening to the most malicious scheme wrapped in honeyed tones, and felt a rush of dark satisfaction.
She’d chosen right.
This white lotus—Qiao Xi—was leagues above Su Qianqian’s amateurish damsel act.
The two exchanged smiles, the air thick with faux warmth.
Only they knew the monsters lurking beneath those flawless facades.
