Si Tian stepped onto the red carpet, beaming brightly as she waved at everyone. The photographers were eating it up, calling out to her with enthusiasm:
"Over here, Si Tian!"
"Si Tian, this way! Smile for us!"
Although Zoe had also been greeted warmly by the press earlier, the difference was clear: they were far more excited about Si Tian. For these photographers, Si Tian and Zoe weren't on the same level. Si Tian was a rising actress with actual roles, while Zoe was a celebrity who'd gained attention mostly through tabloid rumors.
In the end, even though both buzz and views are what reporters rely on, they'd still rather promote someone like Si Tian, a young actress with a "real" career, than Zoe.
Zoe straightened up, determined to hold herself with perfect poise. Whatever was on her mind, she had her expression totally on lock, looking polished and professional. She kept her smile steady as she waited for Si Tian to sit beside her. Under the gaze of onlookers, they exchanged a cordial smile.
"You're such a shameless fake," Si Tian said, her lips curled in a sweet smile, but her words biting hard.
Zoe raised an eyebrow in surprise, whispering back, "Did I do something to offend you?"
"Don't act all innocent. I know exactly what kind of woman you are," Si Tian sneered. "After finding out where Song was staying, you showed up, tipped off the paparazzi, and got those scandalous shots to boost your popularity. Then you had the nerve to play the victim online. You're disgusting."
Zoe was taken aback, realizing Si Tian was holding onto that random tabloid story from the other day, and genuinely believed it was all Zoe's PR scheme. Still, Zoe didn't argue, instead flashing a calm smile. "Do you like Song?"
Si Tian's face turned crimson, eyes flitting nervously as she stammered, "What are you talking about? I'm just annoyed he has to deal with schemers like you dragging his name down!"
"Miss Si, maybe you should stick to facts when you speak."
Si Tian snorted, looking contemptuous.
"Go ahead, keep smirking. If anyone ends up releasing a statement, it'll probably be you," Zoe warned gently.
Si Tian's expression faltered. After a second of hesitation, she forced her face back into a practiced smile.
"You seem to have a lot to say about me and Song, yet we barely know each other. The only way you'd think this was all some calculated ploy is if you were biased—or maybe even jealous," Zoe continued softly. "Even if you are interested in Song, that's no excuse to make baseless accusations. If this rumor really was my doing, don't you think Song would have confronted me about it?"
"He's just too kind to waste his energy on someone like you!" Si Tian retorted.
Zoe chuckled. Kind? If only Si Tian could have seen the way Tiger had stormed off earlier. Kind was the last word she'd use. But it was clear Si Tian was caught in her crush, too far gone to see any flaws.
At that moment, a wave of excitement spread through the crowd—it was obvious Song had arrived.
Dressed in a sleek black suit, he looked more like he was heading to an awards show than a store opening. But he looked good, no doubt, moving with that easy confidence.
Si Tian's gaze instantly locked onto him, unable to look away. Zoe, watching her, could only smile in amusement. Si Tian's adoration was so genuine, almost like a student with a big crush. Only someone that naive could be so open about it. Zoe saw her own younger self in Si Tian, and her irritation melted into understanding.
Finally, Song took his seat three spots down from Zoe. She knew better than to let her gaze wander over to him; after all, the last thing she needed was some "gazing-at-each-other-lovingly" snapshot going viral.
That resolve held strong until the brand's team insisted on placing her next to Song for the ribbon-cutting. Zoe understood exactly what they were doing, but when she glanced at Song, he looked as indifferent as if he was somewhere else entirely.
Unable to refuse, Zoe found herself beside him as flashes went off like rapid fire. She kept a polite smile, subtly maintaining half an arm's distance from him.
Once the event wrapped up, Zoe and Lan changed out of their outfits and prepared to head to their next gig. As they passed Song's dressing room, Zoe caught sight of Si Tian inside, talking to Song with a starry-eyed, shy expression. Song seemed friendly, even smiling warmly at her.
Before Zoe could look away, Tiger spotted her and shot a death glare in her direction. He walked over to pull the door shut, muttering, "Annoying."
Zoe just gave a light, indifferent smile. Whether or not she really wasn't bothered was something only she knew.
Once in the car, Lan suddenly looked back. "You're trending."
"With Song again?" Zoe asked.
"Yep, right up there. Seems like the brand bought a top slot."
Zoe opened her phone to check, spotting the straightforward trending topic: "Song and Zoe's First Appearance Together Since the Scandal." Not fake news exactly, but definitely stirring up interest.
Clicking on it, the first post she saw was from the brand's official account, loaded with event photos. There were over ten pictures, with three of Song alone, and four of him and Zoe together.
Zoe swiped through the images. They started with Song's solo shots, followed by two of her alone—one with her hand lifted to show off the bracelet, and one in profile, the earrings catching the light just right.
From there, everyone else got only one solo photo.
Zoe thought it over. Normally, she wouldn't get this much photo time, considering her status. But perhaps this was the brand's way of thanking her for helping with the lineup swap.
"What are you staring at?" Lan asked. "You're not reading the comments, are you?"
"Comments? What comments?" Zoe looked up, momentarily puzzled.