The next day, Shen Media.
It was midday, and the lobby bustled with people coming and going. Receptionists in uniform were busy answering calls and registering visitors.
The revolving glass door slid open, and a striking figure strode in, the crisp click of high heels echoing through the space.
Shen Nian'an.
She wore a champagne-colored Chanel-inspired short skirt suit from the latest season, the hem stopping mid-thigh, showcasing her long, perfectly proportioned legs.
On her feet were pointed stilettos in the same shade, their heels needle-thin.
Her voluminous curls were impeccably styled, cascading down her shoulders.
Her makeup was bold and glamorous, her eyes carrying an air of natural arrogance.
She walked straight to the reception desk without so much as a glance to the side, her posture as haughty as a peacock’s.
The slightly noisy lobby instantly quieted.
All eyes involuntarily gravitated toward her.
"Miss Shen!" The receptionist recognized her immediately, scrambling to her feet and bowing deeply.
Who didn’t know the weight this eldest daughter of the Shen Family carried?
The Shen Family was vast and influential, but she was the full-blooded younger sister of Shen Que, the current heir.
Truly, a case of "a sister elevated by her brother’s status."
After all, ever since Shen Que had crushed the former eldest young master and secured his position as heir, Shen Nian'an’s standing in the family had soared. Even her mother had risen in status, basking in the glory of her son’s success.
As for the former first wife and her disabled son?
They had long become shadows in the Shen Family, rarely spoken of and nearly erased from existence.
"Where’s Lin Shu?"
Shen Nian'an’s voice was crisp, laced with casual disdain as she spoke without even looking at the receptionist.
"She’s here, Miss Shen."
"Teacher Lin should be in her private lounge or maybe rehearsing… as for exactly where…"
The receptionist stammered nervously, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
An older supervisor quickly stepped in, her tone cautious. "Miss Shen, are you looking for Teacher Lin?"
"Should we contact her manager for you?"
"No need."
Shen Nian'an’s red lips parted, delivering the two words coolly.
Her fingers, painted in nude polish, idly toyed with the diamond bracelet on her wrist as she added carelessly, "I’ll go up myself."
With that, she ignored the flustered receptionists and strode toward the VIP elevator reserved for the CEO, her stilettos clicking sharply against the polished marble floor.
The sound was crisp, commanding, and oppressive.
The lobby was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Only when the elevator doors closed with a soft chime, carrying away the champagne-clad figure, did people dare to whisper.
"My god, it really is the Shen Family’s young lady," someone murmured in hushed awe.
"Why is she here in person? And asking for Lin Shu? That look on her face didn’t seem friendly."
"Shh! Keep your voice down! Do you want to lose your job? You dare gossip about the Shen Family’s affairs?"
"Haven’t you heard? This young lady has her sights set on the Gu Family’s heir. Wasn’t Lin Shu once Young Master Gu’s woman?"
"This is going to be messy."
"Tsk, when gods fight, let’s hope us little ghosts don’t get caught in the crossfire."
Everyone knew—when a pampered princess like Shen Nian'an personally stepped in to stir trouble, it was no joke.
Inside the elevator, Shen Nian'an studied her reflection in the mirrored walls, her gaze icy.
Song Qingwan was a daughter of the Song Family. Though she was a pretentious woman, Shen Nian'an couldn’t openly clash with her—not yet.
But Lin Shu? A mere actress who climbed her way up using men—how dare she stand between Shen Nian'an and Gu Chengyu?
Gu Chengyu...
Just the thought of that man’s handsome, arrogant face made her heartbeat quicken.
She had liked him from the first moment she saw him.
More importantly, he was the Gu Family’s heir—a man standing at the pinnacle of power, wielding true influence.
She understood the rules of their world all too well.
A family might have many children, but they believed in consolidating power to maintain stability and avoid infighting.
So, the victorious heir would inherit all the wealth and authority.
As for the others?
Hah.
Just like her useless uncles, or the Shen Family’s discarded first branch.
They lived off monthly trust funds worth mere millions, existing on the fringes of the family, commanding no real respect.
Her brother Shen Que might dote on her, but all he could give her was a comfortable life and protection.
The true power and glory of the Shen Family’s young madam belonged to her future sister-in-law.
But Shen Nian'an wanted more—far more.
She wanted to stand at the summit herself, to become the revered Madam Gu, envied and admired by all.
As for Gu Chengyu’s playboy ways?
It bothered her.
But compared to wealth and power, she could overlook it.
Men’s loyalty was never reliable.
How many socialites had married fallen heirs, only to watch their husbands squander their trust funds on frivolous pleasures?
They ended up with neither money nor status, left with nothing but the paltry allowances from their own families.
That was why she had to secure Gu Chengyu—a man who had both power and wealth, and who made her heart race.
Only by marrying him could she truly claim everything she desired.
The elevator doors slid open silently, arriving at the floor reserved for artists’ lounges.
Shen Nian'an took a deep breath, suppressing the emotions swirling inside her.
Her face settled back into its usual haughty expression as she stepped out, her stilettos clicking decisively.
She stopped before a door bearing Lin Shu’s nameplate.
Without knocking, she turned the handle and pushed it open.
