Zi Ning walked to the balcony, letting the cool night air calm her thoughts. Inside the ballroom, laughter and music filled the space, but out here, it was quiet. The stars above twinkled, unaffected by the schemes and betrayals happening below.
She knew tonight's conversation with Wang Hao had unsettled him. That was good. A man like him, who thrived in the shadows, was at his most vulnerable when forced into the light. But she couldn't rush. She needed to be patient.
A soft voice spoke behind her. "Lost in thought?"
Zi Ning turned to see Fang Min stepping onto the balcony.
"Just thinking," Zi Ning admitted.
Fang Min leaned against the railing. "About Wang Hao?"
Zi Ning nodded. "He's not like Guo Bao. He won't act impulsively. But I know I got to him tonight."
Fang Min smirked. "You definitely did. He was staring at you the whole night, pretending to be calm. That's a man who's nervous."
Zi Ning exhaled. "That's the plan. Push him until he makes a mistake."
Fang Min crossed her arms. "You don't think he'll just stay quiet and wait?"
Zi Ning shook her head. "No. His family's influence is slipping, and he knows it. He won't wait for me to make a move—he'll strike first."
Fang Min's expression turned serious. "Then we need to be ready."
Zi Ning nodded.
A waiter walked past, and Fang Min grabbed two glasses of champagne, handing one to Zi Ning.
"To his downfall," Fang Min said, raising her glass.
Zi Ning clinked her glass against Fang Min's, a small smile playing on her lips. "To his downfall."
The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at the studio for a scheduled photoshoot. It was a high-profile brand campaign, and the studio was buzzing with activity. Photographers adjusted their equipment, stylists rushed around, and assistants carried racks of designer clothing.
She had barely stepped inside when a nervous assistant approached.
"Miss Zi, there's an issue," the assistant said hesitantly.
Zi Ning raised an eyebrow. "What issue?"
The assistant swallowed. "The director… he suddenly replaced you with another model."
Zi Ning's expression remained calm, but inside, her anger simmered. "Who?"
The assistant hesitated before answering, "Wang Yingying."
Zi Ning let out a short laugh. How predictable.
She glanced at Fang Min, who had followed her in. Fang Min rolled her eyes. "These people don't get tired, do they?"
Zi Ning turned back to the assistant. "Where's the director?"
The assistant pointed to the far end of the studio.
Zi Ning walked over, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She found the director speaking to Wang Yingying, who looked overly pleased with herself.
Zi Ning didn't waste time. "Director Liu."
Director Liu stiffened before turning. "Miss Zi, I—"
Zi Ning cut him off. "What's the reason for my sudden replacement?"
Director Liu avoided her gaze. "The client made a last-minute change."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Really? Or was it pressure from the Wang family?"
Wang Yingying stepped forward, smirking. "Zi Ning, don't take it personally. This is business. The brand simply decided I fit their image better."
Zi Ning tilted her head. "The brand? Or you and your brother?"
Wang Yingying's expression flickered, but she quickly regained her composure. "I don't know what you mean."
Zi Ning glanced at Director Liu. "So this is your decision?"
Director Liu fidgeted. "Miss Zi, I—"
Zi Ning sighed and pulled out her phone.
"I assume the contract was signed?" Zi Ning asked.
Director Liu hesitated before nodding.
"Good," Zi Ning said. "Then you're aware that terminating it without cause means breaching the agreement."
Director Liu paled.
Wang Yingying scoffed. "Contracts can be broken."
Zi Ning smiled. "They can. But they come with consequences." She looked at Director Liu. "Would you like to deal with a lawsuit? The penalty fees alone would cost your studio millions."
Director Liu's forehead glistened with sweat.
Zi Ning pressed further. "And of course, I'd have to inform the media. I wonder how investors would react to hearing that a brand cancels contracts under pressure from personal connections."
Director Liu panicked. "Wait, Miss Zi—"
Zi Ning didn't wait for his excuses. She turned and walked away, already dialing her lawyer.
Wang Yingying's smug expression disappeared. "Zi Ning! Don't you dare!"
Zi Ning glanced over her shoulder. "You started this. Now deal with the consequences."
Wang Yingying gritted her teeth. "You think you've won? My brother won't let this go."
Zi Ning's smile widened. "Good. I was hoping he wouldn't."
She walked out, leaving Wang Yingying fuming.
An hour later, Zi Ning sat in a café with Fang Min.
"That was satisfying," Fang Min said, stirring her coffee.
Zi Ning smirked. "Wang Yingying thought she could walk all over me. She forgot who she was dealing with."
Fang Min chuckled. "And now Wang Hao will know too."
Zi Ning's phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number popped up.
Unknown: You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Zi.
Zi Ning stared at the message.
Fang Min leaned over. "Who's that?"
Zi Ning exhaled. "Probably Wang Hao."
Fang Min frowned. "He's warning you?"
Zi Ning smirked. "No. He's scared."
Fang Min sat back. "So what now?"
Zi Ning's eyes glinted. "Now? We push harder."
Zi Ning stared at the message on her phone, her fingers tapping lightly against the screen.
Unknown: You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Zi.
A smirk curled on her lips. Wang Hao was finally showing his hand. She had expected a response, but this? It was almost disappointing. A vague warning, nothing more.
She placed her phone down and picked up her coffee, taking a slow sip. Across from her, Fang Min raised an eyebrow.
"So? Are you going to reply?"
Zi Ning chuckled. "Why would I? He wants to scare me. If I respond, I'll be playing into his game."
Fang Min leaned back in her chair. "Smart. But what if he takes this further?"
Zi Ning set down her cup. "Then I'll be ready."
The café was quiet, a stark contrast to the storm brewing around her. She could feel it—things were escalating. The Wang family wouldn't sit back after what happened at the studio. But that was exactly what she wanted.
Fang Min sighed. "It's funny, you know? A year ago, Wang Yingying wouldn't have dared to pull this kind of stunt with you. But now, because of the scandal, they think they can trample over you."
Zi Ning's expression turned cold. "Then I'll remind them why they should fear me."
Fang Min smirked. "That's the spirit."
Zi Ning picked up her phone again and sent the message to Lu Yichen. He needed to know.
Zi Ning: Wang Hao sent me a warning. He's getting desperate.
The response was immediate.
Lu Yichen: I'll handle it.
She stared at the words for a moment before typing back.
Zi Ning: No. Let him make his move first.
There was a pause, then another message.
Lu Yichen: Be careful.
A small smile played on her lips. Even through a text, his concern was clear.