Atlas Studios

  Atlas Studios

  She let out an agonized scream, then turned to face her bestie. Guilt and fury were written all over her face.

  “He can’t do this!” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “It’s enough that he hurt my feelings; why must he implicate the innocent? How could he be so shameless?”


  The actress was also trembling from anger, but at times like this, the angrier she became, the calmer she felt. Perhaps it might be her strong belief that she had a reliable man to hold the sky up for her even when it was collapsing. Thus, though the public’s opinion about her was bound to turn negative because of this broadcasted interview, she was unafraid, believing that her man would always be there to protect her well.

  ‘Don’t worry; I’ll take care of everything,’ was her man’s promise. Because of those words, she firmly believed that he could turn things around no matter how badly the situation had deteriorated.

  The press conference was over, and the next show started to be aired. Nevertheless, her friend was still sitting dumbly before the TV with vacuous eyes. It was unknown what was on her mind at this moment.

  It was already dark outside by the time she sent her friend home. The latter was strangely silent throughout the entire journey. Her expression was one of remorse, helplessness, and restlessness. Time and again, she would look at her side-profile and open her mouth to say something, but no words would come out in the end.

  Upon reaching their destination, Yun Shishi unlocked the door and turned to face her friend. “I’ll go off now. Go inside and turn in early for the night. Don’t let your mind run wild, okay?”


  “Shishi……”


  “Xue……” She covered her friend’s hand with hers and smiled warmly at the latter. “I’m not alone. Even if the whole world stands against me, I’m definitely not alone. Don’t worry about me, okay?”


  “I’m so sorry…… It’s all my fault……”


  “Must you be so courteous with me?” She flashed her friend a reassuring smile. “Everything’s gonna be alright; trust me.”


  Only then did her best friend bob her head and open the door to alight.

  The car then drove off into the distance, with Xiao Xue watching it from behind. She remained where she was until her mother came out upon hearing the sound of a car’s engine. When the older woman saw her standing outside alone, she immediately went up to her out of worry. “Why are you back so late? Where did you go? I was so worried because you didn’t pick up my call……”


  “Mom……” was all the young lady could manage to say before tears came pouring hard……

  On the way home, Yun Shishi received a call from an unfamiliar number. She answered the call, only to hear Gao Nan’s smug and arrogant voice floating from the speaker.

  “How is it? Did you see the presscon?”


  “.……It’s you, Gao Nan.”


  The man chuckled before asking in a meaningful tone, “How do you find it? Isn’t it interesting?”


  She inhaled sharply at that and replied with a sneer, “Yes, I didn’t know that you’re such a skilled actor. I would’ve bought your nonsense if not for me being one of the parties involved.”


  “Hah! You flatter me.”


  “Don’t you know that you’re spreading misinformation? It’s slander!” The woman got all worked up suddenly. Her face flushed with anger as she asked, “Aren’t you afraid of facing retribution for dirtying my reputation?”


  “Retribution? What sort of retribution?” He laughed, then told her, “There’s room to turn things around as long as you make the right decision.”