Chapter 169: The Meeting
The successful launch of her novel brought a rare smile to Yu Linna’s face.
“You’re finally smiling.”
“When did I stop smiling?”
“You haven’t smiled in days.”
“Have I?”
Yu Linna paused, trying to remember. She couldn’t recall… It seemed she hadn’t been smiling much lately…
Why?
“Don’t look so glum! A smile suits you better. Come on, I’ll treat you to dinner. There’s a great restaurant you haven’t tried yet.”
“I have money…”
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s go!”
Fang Jiangning had been worried about Yu Linna’s recent somber mood, especially seeing the strained relationship between her and Huo Ningning. Yu Linna’s smile on release day was a welcome sight.
Yu Linna seemed… different. The usually cheerful, shameless girl had become quiet and withdrawn. Fang Jiangning was concerned, determined to help her.
Ye Zhiyun, though busy, had also been supporting Yu Linna, buying copies of her novel and giving them to friends, even posting about it on her social media. She wanted to visit Yu Linna but hadn’t, her own thoughts troubled.
“Linna’s in a good mood today. Want to celebrate at karaoke tonight, Zhiyun?”
Fang Jiangning sent Ye Zhiyun a message, inviting her to join their celebration. It was a special occasion.
Ye Zhiyun hesitated, looking at her schedule, then sighed.
“Sorry, I can’t make it tonight. Maybe another time. Congratulate her for me.”
“Okay.”
Fang Jiangning was disappointed. Yu Linna would have been happy to see Ye Zhiyun; they were so close, sometimes even closer than Fang Jiangning and Yu Linna themselves, their bond almost… unusual.
Meanwhile, Nangong Ying, oblivious to the online buzz surrounding Shion, the author of Ballad of the Enchantress, still thought of Yu Linna as the girl rescued by Ye Zhiyun, unaware of her newfound success. Having temporarily withdrawn from the entertainment industry to focus on her studies, she was working hard to meet everyone’s expectations.
“Miss Nangong, an actress named Tang Yumeng wants to see you.”
“Who is she?”
Nangong Ying, studying in her studio, was annoyed by the interruption. She wasn’t taking on any acting work, wasn’t meeting anyone. She wanted to dismiss the visitor.
“She’s a second- or third-tier actress Chenghe tried to sign, but she refused. She’s currently filming with Director Wang.”
“What does she want? If it’s about work, I’m not interested.”
“She said she’s a friend of Yu Linna and wants to see you.”
“…Let her in.”
The mention of Yu Linna’s name always affected Nangong Ying. Yu Linna was a constant source of guilt, the person she had wronged the most.
She owed Yu Linna, a debt she could never repay.
So, she couldn’t refuse anyone connected to her.
Tang Yumeng entered. It was the first time Nangong Ying had seen her in person, outside of photos and films. She was a true star, her aura radiating confidence and charisma, the daughter of the renowned Nangong Zhuo, a celebrity in her own right.
“Excuse me, Miss Nangong. I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Have a seat. Tell me, what’s your relationship with Yu Linna?”
Just as I expected, Tang Yumeng thought, amused.
But looking at Nangong Ying, she didn’t seem like a bad person. Beautiful, talented, a role model for many… how could someone like her do such a thing?
“Before that, I’d like to ask, you and Yu Linna… you were friends, right?”
“…We went to the same school.”
“You were her friend, weren’t you?”
“…We used to be.”
Nangong Ying’s fists clenched, her head bowed, forcing herself to remain calm.
Yu Linna was the one person she regretted hurting the most. And she knew she would never be forgiven.
“Miss Nangong, let me tell you something. Chenghe is targeting me. I’m currently filming with Director Wang, an art house film, but because I refused to sign with them, they’re trying to sabotage the film’s release, to force me to sign their contract.”
Nangong Ying’s fists tightened. This story… it sounded familiar.
“If I give in, I can continue filming, and my career will flourish. But I don’t want to be a pawn in their game, so I refused.”
“And?”
“It’s an art house film, not a commercial one. Even if Chenghe sabotages it, it won’t benefit them much. And I’m not that valuable. I’m not a film school graduate, I haven’t won any awards… I’m just… someone who stumbled into the entertainment industry through a referral.”
“…”
“They can sabotage me all they want; it won’t affect them much. So, I’m quite lucky, not being a commercial actress.”
“…”
“Can you tell me… how did you make that choice? Was fame… that important?”
She had finally asked the question.
Nangong Ying remained silent, unsure how to respond. This secret, known only to her and Yu Linna, had somehow been revealed to Tang Yumeng.
Their situations were different. Tang Yumeng was an art house actress, while Nangong Ying was a commercial actress, their values and pressures different. And at the time, Nangong Ying had already gained some recognition, her value far exceeding Tang Yumeng’s, who had struggled for years without any success.
They were fundamentally different.
But if given the choice, who would make the right one?
“I wronged her.”
Yu Linna was the one person Nangong Ying felt most guilty about, the one person she regretted hurting the most. But she hadn’t apologized.
Would an apology even matter?
“You… you’re a genius, yet you’re also… clueless. You seized the opportunity, you achieved success, but you also failed. Perhaps, in your eyes, fame is more important than friendship.”
“…”
“Linna… she’s changed. I don’t know if it’s because of you, but… you weren’t a good friend. I don’t have the right to say this, but I just wanted to meet you. And how I found out… you don’t need to know.”
“How is she doing?”
“She’s fine. She’s a novelist now, didn’t you know? Her new book has sold tens of thousands of copies. She’s more talented than I imagined. She’s found her path.”
“I see…”
So, Linna had taken flight…
She was pursuing her dreams, just like Nangong Ying.
But they were on different paths.
She had once hoped they would journey together, towards greater heights, but their paths had diverged, one becoming a star, the other a novelist, their lives now completely different.
And it was all Nangong Ying’s fault.
“I should be going now, Miss Nangong. Excuse me.”
“Wait…”
She stopped Tang Yumeng from leaving.
“Is there something else?”
“Are you the only one who knows…?”
“…”
Tang Yumeng wanted to curse.
This girl, so concerned about her reputation, even after what she had done…
“I won’t tell anyone. Because… Linna wouldn’t want that. She’s too kind. And… I don’t have any reason to. I’m not a big star; no one would believe me anyway.”
Tang Yumeng left, the struggling actress showing no deference to the A-list celebrity, her visit not as an actress, but as Linna’s senior.
Learning about Yu Linna and Nangong Ying’s story, she couldn’t believe this girl, this seemingly innocent idol, could be so ruthless.
And Yu Linna’s past… so tragic, so heartbreaking, hidden beneath her cheerful facade.
Nangong Ying, watching her leave, felt a pang of guilt, her heart aching. She knew there would be consequences for her actions, that she would never be forgiven.
She had betrayed her best friend.
The person she had once loved most.
Once upon a time…
She had chosen her career over their friendship.
Nangong Ying, unable to focus on her studies, sat on the sofa, scrolling through old photos on her phone, photos of her and Yu Linna when they were still friends, selfies and group photos.
In the photos, Yu Linna smiled, her arm linked with Nangong Ying’s, a genuine, carefree smile, the most beautiful smile she had ever seen.
The next photo was of Yu Linna eating barbecue, her clothes frumpy, her usual black tracksuit. She rarely dressed well, except for her school uniform. Nangong Ying had often thought she should dress better, a wish now unfulfilled.
The next photo was of Yu Linna at her house, happily devouring snacks, a look of pure contentment on her face. Inviting her over again… it seemed impossible now.
“Linna…”
Nangong Ying clutched her phone, her heart aching. Why had she done that? Why had she been so cruel? She missed Yu Linna, missed her presence.
She was so lonely without her.
And it was all her fault.
She missed her so much.
But there was no going back.
It was all her fault.
