At night, a black nanny van drove through the darkness.

The streets were bustling, filled with people of all kinds, their inner desires obscured.

Having just finished a business event, assistant Meng Qiu uploaded a newly taken photo online, muttering, "Xinan looks stunning as usual; a casual picture of her overshadows half the female celebrities in the industry."

Hearing this, the driver glanced at the person in the backseat through the rearview mirror. She was half-closing her eyes, her head lazily resting against the car window. Her chestnut-colored, wavy hair was a disheveled mess resting on her shoulders; her fair skin glowed under the light of the lamps, as if iridescent.

Because she had just come from an event, Xinan was still in her evening gown, covered only slightly by a gray plush shawl, which did little to hide her curvaceous figure.

The moment the photo was uploaded, it garnered hundreds of comments within a minute.

[Mentally Normal Human]: Always relying on your body to attract attention, aren't you tired?

[Half a Lamb]: You're only fit to be a vase.

[Nannan's Little Jacket]: Female celebrities are so beautiful!!!

"..."

Meng Qiu exited Weibo, sneakily glancing at Xinan. She saw such comments everyday, but each time she felt aggrieved on behalf of Xinan; although the boss did nothing, she was always inexplicably scolded.

"Dudu dudu," a sudden ring from the phone pierced the silence.

Meng Qiu took out Xinan's phone from her bag and handed it over.

It was a call from the agent, Ding Lan. Xinan pressed 'answer,' waiting for the other side to speak.

"Xinan, Director Lu Jiang's 'Mist' is currently auditioning for the female lead. You should also go; this is an opportunity for you. I've sent you Lu Jiang's contact details and the audition address on your phone, and I've checked the script; the character design is excellent. If you land the role, it could definitely earn you a lot of fans."

Lu Jiang was a nationally renowned director who had launched several award-winning actors and actresses. Collaborating with him in a film could potentially lead to an award.

In recent years, Xinan had been acting in idol dramas, and Ding Lan had been looking for opportunities to transition her roles, so this was an excellent chance.

"Mm-hm," Xinan responded nonchalantly.

"I'll bring the script over for the interview another day."

"Okay."

After hanging up, the car had already entered the residential area where Xinan lived.

Upon arriving home, Xinan took off her high heels, walked barefoot into the living room, and leaned the back of her neck against the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling.

The night outside the window was steeped in a deep ink-black silence, making the spacious living room feel even more unsettlingly quiet.

Rising, Xinan walked into the bathroom and lay down in the bathtub; the moment she submerged herself, it seemed like her whole body was relieved.

She soaked for about half an hour before wrapping herself in a bath towel and heading straight to her bed.

The phone on the bedside table 'dinged' a notification. Xinan reached for it; it was the latest itinerary that Meng Qiu had sent.

Suddenly, another message came in—this time from her mother, Zhou Rong.

"Come home tomorrow, Cheng Yi has returned."

Xinan's hand trembled slightly. Wasn't he always abroad? How had he returned so suddenly?

Early the next day, the Xi Family sent someone to pick up Xinan. Sitting in the car, the landscape zipped past in the rearview mirror. After some time, the car began to slow down, finally entering the gated villa area of the Xi Family.

Xinan hesitated at the door for a moment before taking a deep breath and stepping in with strides.

"Madam, the young lady is back," a servant announced.

Hearing the voice, Zhou Rong didn't look up but continued chatting warmly with the person beside her.

Xinan waved her hand, signaling the servant to leave, and slowly walked toward the living room.

The man was lounging on the sofa, sitting casually yet his demeanor portrayed an undeniable aristocracy.

It had been three years since they last met, and he seemed even more stable, charming, and accomplished than before.

Not yet twenty-eight, he had become the head of the Cheng Family, hailed by the media as a young and talented business genius.

"Mom," Xinan called out.

Zhou Rong glanced at her and motioned for her to sit down.

"Ah Yi, it's been three or four years since you both met. Today you two should catch up."

He never took his eyes off once from Xinan, smiling slowly. "Alright, Aunt Zhou."

Zhou Rong nodded in approval, then continued to chat with Cheng Yi, commenting, "I remember when Xinan was little, she could never play well with others and just liked following you around."

"Yes, she was quite clingy when she was young," he replied dryly.

"Don't know if your parents mentioned, but originally our families had agreed: if we each had a child of the opposite sex, we would bond them in marriage."

"Mom!" Xinan interrupted Zhou Rong abruptly, "I think I heard someone calling you in the kitchen."

Zhou Rong clapped her hands. "Look at me, totally forgot! Ah Yi, I made chicken soup in the kitchen before you came; you must drink several bowls later."

Saying so, she left for the kitchen, leaving only Xinan and Cheng Yi alone in the living room.

"Don't mind what my mom says," Xinan hastily spoke. "Those are all old stories, they don't count anymore." Xinan knew all too well her mother's intentions. Over the years, the Xi Family had gradually declined; if they could climb the social ladder through the Cheng Family, it might just revitalize the Xi Family.

Cheng Yi finally looked up at Xinan. He couldn't deny that the four years apart had made her even more appealing; her peach blossom eyes slightly drooping, emanated a sense of world-weariness, charming yet not cheap.