The comeback of top-tier actress Zhou Zizhi caused a significant stir both inside and outside the entertainment circle. She successfully ousted a so-called "model husband" actor involved in a cheating scandal, securing the most prominent headline spot.

For the entertainment industry, a medical miracle isn't as captivating as her return—especially the manner in which she makes her grand reappearance.

In H City's film studio, amidst ancient-style buildings, bustling markets, vendors' shouts, tavern chatter, and the rhythmic storytelling of a narrator in a teahouse, extras in traditional attire roamed the set. Yet the sight of crew members in sleeveless shirts, drenched in sweat, quickly grounded the scene in reality.

This was the first shot of the day for the movie Narrow Paths. The crew had been setting up since early morning, ensuring that props, costumes, and lighting were all in place. By late afternoon, all they had managed was a brief lunch break before resuming the grind.

A young woman in white, toying with her sword tassel, pouted in character. "Sister, why didn't you tell me you knew Young Master Li before and even trained under Master Zhang together?"

The woman in green opposite her replied indifferently, "Ying'er, what's past is past. Why bring it up again?"

Caught off guard, the young woman faltered, her face reddening as she struggled to retort.

"Cut!" barked the middle-aged director sitting by the monitor. He yanked off his hat and ruffled his greasy hair irritably. "Three-minute break!"

The actress playing Bai Ying, the film's lead, Chen Jia, stomped over, seething. "Zhou Zizhi, you're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" She accused Zhou of intentionally giving her mocking looks during the scene, causing her to forget her lines.

But Zhou Zizhi was already walking away, her green hem swaying with a grace that set her apart from the surrounding bustle.

After some discussion with the cameraman, the assistant director, Lao Liu, approached the director and murmured, "Director Wang, Chen Jia keeps flubbing her lines. This scene is going nowhere."

"The one who pays the bills is king. What can we do?" Wang snorted. "Even if they sent us someone clueless, we'd still have to use them."

Lao Liu's lips twitched. Clearly, Wang's patience had worn thin after the endless takes. "But if we switched the roles and let Zhou Zizhi play Bai Ying..." Lao Liu trailed off, scanning the set for Zhou's slender figure.

No one had expected Zhou Zizhi to return stripped of her former pride and glamour, yet she exuded a serene elegance. Once brash and strikingly beautiful, she now carried a subtle allure that hinted at maturity and depth.

Director Wang interrupted Lao Liu's thought. "She's better suited to play Bai Ying's sister, Bai Hui."

Reserved, calm, and wise—a woman with a past who knows what she wants and pursues it—that was Zhou Zizhi's impression on Wang after their long time apart.

Bai Hui was a nuanced character. At first glance, audiences might suspect her of scheming against the protagonists, but in reality, she belonged to the rare group of steadfast allies who supported them.

She was the male lead Li Hao's first love. Misunderstandings had separated them, and by the time they met again years later, Li Hao was with Bai Ying. Bai Hui never interfered but chose a different path instead.

To Director Wang, Zhou Zizhi seemed born for this role. Knowing her history with He Yueming and An Yiru, Wang found the parallels uncanny, though he had no intention of sharing this insight. He wondered, though, if life might imitate art—would He Yueming react as Li Hao did?

Zhou Zizhi remained unaware of the gazes evaluating her. She finished her snack, drank some water, and visibly relaxed.

Two years had passed since she woke from her coma. In the early days of her recovery, He Yueming had visited her often, his gaze full of affection. But when she mentioned An Yiru, the drama that followed rivaled any soap opera.

An Yiru had appeared, pretending guilt while flaunting her triumphs. The scene culminated in He Yueming's bloodied face and An Yiru's horrified screams, shocking the hospital staff.

Since then, Zhou Zizhi had kept to herself. After leaving the hospital, she spent time with her elderly parents, planning to stay away from the industry. But fate had other plans—the Narrow Paths script found her. In Bai Hui's story, she saw echoes of her own, which convinced her to take the role.

Back on set, Zhou Zizhi endured countless NGs from Chen Jia. By the time patience wore thin, she spoke coldly, "Miss Chen, as you know, I'm already a has-been. Other than Narrow Paths, I've got no other jobs, which means I have plenty of time. The investors, however, might not appreciate delays."

Chen Jia flushed, glaring daggers at Zhou Zizhi before turning to the director. "I've found my rhythm now."

Director Wang rubbed his temples and waved for the crew to resume.

Hours later, Zhou Zizhi returned to her hotel past midnight, ignoring missed calls from He Yueming. She stood before the mirror, tracing the scar on her temple. It was a reminder of the accident that changed her life—and the love she had sacrificed everything for.

Now, He Yueming's world thrived, with no place left for her. Yet as Zhou Zizhi stared at her reflection, she smiled faintly. No matter. The road ahead was long. Who would stand at the top in the end? Time would tell.