Chapter 64: Did the Curse Go Wrong?

“Why did she take her own life? Was there any explanation?”

“Yeah, did she suffer from depression?”

Everyone chimed in.

Taking one’s own life is not uncommon in the entertainment industry. While the profession appears glamorous, the pressure is immense. As public figures, every move is scrutinized, leaving no room for privacy. A single misstep can be blown out of proportion.

Those at the top walk on thin ice, while those at the bottom struggle to rise. The pressure drives many to such tragic ends.

And among those who take such drastic steps, most suffer from depression.

“We don’t know yet. The news just broke today. It’ll probably take a few days to investigate the cause.”

“Once they find out, it’ll definitely be made public. Let’s wait for updates.”

“Xiaobai, let’s head back?”

Ming Zhu whispered.

Today, Dong Ran had to return to Tangming Entertainment to handle some matters, so only Ming Zhu was with Jiang Xiaobai.

Ming Zhu noticed Jiang Xiaobai seemed distracted and worried, so she spoke softly to avoid startling her.

“Oh, sure.”

Jiang Xiaobai nodded.

At the hotel, Jiang Xiaobai closed the door and took out her phone to look up related information.

The bombshell news left many reeling. It might not have garnered as much attention if it had just been about Ling Zi’s tragic passing. But with the prefix “Jiang Bingqian’s studio artist,” it was bound to attract widespread interest.

Jiang Bingqian’s status was two or three times that of Li Biying. After winning Best Actress for The Seven Star Fan last year, her popularity remained high. She felt confident enough to leave her agency and establish her own studio.

She didn’t post on Weibo often, but the content would trend in the top three whenever she did, reflecting her immense popularity.

Now, with an artist from her studio involved in such a tragedy, public attention skyrocketed.

The news about Ling Zi’s tragic passing was released an hour ago, and in that short time, it had drawn widespread attention. People in the entertainment industry who had interacted with her expressed their grief.

Jiang Bingqian had yet to respond, but a model named Wu Yue posted a lengthy article that quickly went viral.

In the article, Wu Yue revealed that she and Ling Zi were college classmates and close friends. While Ling Zi aspired to be an actress, Wu Yue was more interested in modeling. After being scouted by Jiang Bingqian, Ling Zi signed with her studio, while Wu Yue joined a fashion magazine as a model.

Wu Yue described Ling Zi’s personality as gentle and well-mannered, with a good temper that made her popular. She was also diligent in her studies and work, and her simple social circle showed no signs of trouble.

She briefly mentioned Ling Zi’ family, respecting their privacy by simply stating, “She came from a modest family of four, with a younger brother.”

Though still students, both had been busy with work and hadn’t seen each other in a month. During their last meeting, Wu Yue noticed Ling Zi looked tired and asked if she was okay. Ling Zi brushed it off, saying she was overworked and hadn’t rested well.

Wu Yue sensed Ling Zi was troubled but didn’t press further. Little did she know that meeting would be their last.

In addition to Wu Yue, other actors and directors who had worked with Ling Zi also expressed their condolences. They all described her as “quiet, well-behaved, and gentle.”

Everyone who knew her was shocked and puzzled by her tragic passing, unable to comprehend it.

“Jiang Xiaobai, do you know what happened with Ling Zi?”

While Jiang Xiaobai was searching for information online, her phone rang. It was Li Biying.

When Li Biying saw the news, she was startled and immediately thought of Jiang Xiaobai’s curse.

She couldn’t help but wonder: This doesn’t make sense. Why did an artist from Jiang Bingqian’s studio take such a step? Shouldn’t it have been Jiang Bingqian herself?

She quickly dismissed the thought. Despite her dislike for Jiang Bingqian, Li Biying only wanted her to leave the industry and live a difficult life, not to face such a tragic end.

What worried Li Biying was whether Jiang Xiaobai’s curse had gone wrong and targeted the wrong person.

This was a grave mistake, and Li Biying felt uneasy. After a moment of shock, she immediately contacted Jiang Xiaobai.

“I don’t know what happened. I said, ‘I hope Jiang Bingqian’s studio will be exposed to a scandal and become overwhelmed.’ But now, I’m not sure what’s going on.”

Jiang Xiaobai answered honestly.

“A scandal? Now, her studio has been exposed. If your curse worked, does that mean this incident is a scandal for Jiang Bingqian? In other words, is she connected to Ling Zi’s tragic passing?”

Li Biying suddenly asked.

Jiang Xiaobai thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, but I’m worried my curse might have harmed an innocent person…”

Her heart was unsettled, and she regretted not being more precise in her wording. She should have directed the curse solely at Jiang Bingqian, not involving others.

Li Biying dismissed her concerns. “You’re overthinking it. Why are you blaming yourself? If Ling Zi’s passing is connected to Jiang Bingqian, she would have taken such a step regardless of your curse. At most, the timing might have been accelerated.”

What Li Biying was really thinking was—

Holy cow, is this curse too precise? It worked so quickly!

She decided to wait and see how the investigation unfolded. If Jiang Bingqian had been involved, then Jiang Xiaobai’s curse would have been undoubtedly real.

If that were the case, she’d have to adjust her attitude toward Jiang Xiaobai…

Otherwise, if she accidentally offended her and got cursed, wouldn’t she be doomed?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

“Alright, don’t overthink it. People don’t just suddenly take such drastic steps for no reason. She must have been pushed to the brink. There’s definitely more to this! Let’s see how things develop. But if Jiang Bingqian is really involved, her sins are grave.”

Li Biying sighed and hung up.

When life was involved, it didn’t matter if you were a celebrity or an ordinary person. The more famous you are, the more scrutiny you’d face. The public’s outrage alone could drown you!

This incident wouldn’t be swept under the rug. The fallout would only grow.

 

 

 

Chapter 65: Targeting Her

Jiang Bingqian didn’t post on Weibo until late at night.

[Jiang Bingqianv: I am deeply saddened by the news. Such a lovely and vibrant young life has been lost in her prime. It is a tragedy and a sorrow. But she did not leave in silence; everyone will remember her presence. May Ling Zi find peace in heaven and remain as beautiful as ever.]

The post gained over 2,000 reposts and comments in less than five minutes, showing how closely netizens were watching Jiang Bingqian’s response.

Most comments expressed condolences for Ling Zi, with a few urging, “We hope the investigation into her tragic passing is completed quickly, so she can leave without regrets.” However, these were quickly buried under the flood of other messages.

Li Biying was still awake, too excited to sleep. The thought that this incident might be connected to Jiang Bingqian made her feel like claws were tickling her heart, keeping her wide-eyed and alert past midnight as she scrolled through her phone.

As soon as Jiang Bingqian posted, Li Biying clicked on it immediately.

After reading the seemingly sorrowful but ultimately hollow message and the harmonious comments below, Li Biying scoffed—

“Jiang Bingqian’s hired commenters are quite skilled. I refuse to believe people aren’t curious about the cause of her passing!”

Several hours had passed since the incident, and Jiang Bingqian had only now posted this vague message, avoiding any mention of the cause. To Li Biying, this was a clear sign of guilt!

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she called her manager.

Her manager, Brother Xu, was still working and picked up the phone quickly.

“Brother Xu, hire some commenters to stir things up under Jiang Bingqian’s post. She’s not getting away with this!”

Li Biying admitted she was petty and held grudges. She couldn’t tolerate anyone who stood in her way, let alone Jiang Bingqian, who had caused her more than a few setbacks in the industry.

Now that Jiang Bingqian seemed to have a potential scandal on her hands, Li Biying wasn’t about to let it slide.

Target her? Absolutely!

“Do you think Ling Zi’s passing is connected to Jiang Bingqian? That can’t be, right?”

Her implication took aback Brother Xu.

Hiring commenters wasn’t unfamiliar territory for Li Biying. She had done it before, though she had been more restrained recently after some online backlash. But when it came to Jiang Bingqian, all bets were off.

Brother Xu had connections with studios that employed “keyboard warriors” with multiple accounts. When hired, these individuals could easily steer online discussions.

Their clients often included influencers, advertisers, and celebrities—a common practice in the industry.

However, there was an unspoken rule of confidentiality. Leaking client information would harm others and ruin their reputation, making securing future business harder.

“I have a woman’s intuition, Brother Xu. Trust me!” Li Biying was inexplicably confident.

“Alright, got it.”

Brother Xu’s efficiency was unquestionable. After agreeing, he immediately arranged for the task to be carried out.

Within an hour, the comments under Jiang Bingqian’s post began to take a different tone—

“What’s the point of these empty words? Why aren’t you addressing the cause of Ling Zi’s passing? Is this a sign of guilt?”

“We demand the truth.”

“Give justice to the deceased!”

“Is Ling Zi’s passing connected to you?”

At first, these comments went unnoticed, as most were focused on mourning the young actress. But as they multiplied, netizens began to wonder.

Yes, Ling Zi had taken such a tragic step. Shouldn’t her studio’s owner push for an investigation to ensure she left without regrets? Yet Jiang Bingqian’s post was so official and insincere, offering no real substance!

Li Biying acted quickly. She had considered hiring commenters when Jiang Bingqian posted, as the comments were still sparse and easy to manipulate.  By the time Jiang Bingqian’s team noticed, it was too late. Even with their commenters trying to steer the narrative back, the negative messages had already taken root.

“Damn it! Someone’s targeting me! Sister Meng, find out who’s behind this!”

If fans saw Jiang Bingqian now, they might not recognize her.

Her face was haggard, filled with exhaustion and unease. Her eyes betrayed panic and anger. She was the same person but radiated a dark, oppressive aura.

Her manager, Meng Lin, was a capable woman in her thirties. She had been the agency’s top manager before following Jiang Bingqian when her contract ended.

A typical career-driven woman, Meng Lin had dedicated over a decade to the industry, working tirelessly. To stay focused, she avoided marriage and relationships and remained single.

“Bingqian now isn’t the time to investigate this. We need to worry about whether that incident will be exposed,” Sister Meng reminded her.

She could tell someone was deliberately stirring the pot, which wasn’t surprising. Jiang Bingqian’s strong personality had earned her many enemies in the industry. Those who lacked her fame and influence had been suppressed, but now they saw an opportunity to strike.

Tracing the source wasn’t impossible, but it would take time and effort. Under normal circumstances, Sister Meng would have pursued it and retaliated. But now, she had more significant concerns.

This was a matter of life and death!

Hearing this, Jiang Bingqian’s rage subsided slightly, and her rationality returned.

“Mr. Qian won’t say anything. If this gets out, he’ll be in trouble too. As for Qi Jun… have you dealt with him?” she asked coldly.

“Don’t worry. He’s terrified and has been compensated. He shouldn’t say anything.”

“Good. Warn the studio staff to stay quiet. No one is to give interviews without permission, or they’ll be fired immediately,” Jiang Bingqian exhaled. “As for her family, give them extra money to appease them. Bring a reporter when you visit and guide them to say positive things about us. We can’t let anyone use this against us later.”

“I understand. I’ll handle it.”

Sister Meng’s expression was grim, especially as she watched Jiang Bingqian calmly manage the aftermath. It sent a chill down her spine.

 

 

Chapter 66: Clues

Jiang Bingqian didn’t notice her manager’s unusual expression. She was too preoccupied with her frustration, and the comments demanding answers under her Weibo post were giving her a headache.

“Netizens are like weeds, swaying wherever the wind blows!” she exclaimed, her anger mounting as she spoke. “That Pan Yong is such a fool. Not everyone is willing to go along with this kind of thing. If he’d noticed the situation turning sour earlier, he should have just backed off and found someone else. Why was he so stubborn? It’s come to this now!”

Sister Meng lowered her gaze and said, “Maybe he didn’t notice because too many people were involved.”

“Fine. You handle this personally. I don’t trust anyone else. Reporters are everywhere, so be extra careful.”

“Understood.”

Li Biying had been refreshing Weibo, watching the comments under Jiang Bingqian’s post. When she saw Jiang Bingqian’s team trying to control the narrative again, she smirked.

“This is getting interesting,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery and anticipation.

It’s often said that your rival knows you best. For Li Biying, Jiang Bingqian had been her biggest rival since entering the industry. Seeing Jiang Bingqian so desperate to manage the comments only confirmed her suspicions—Jiang Bingqian was definitely not innocent in this matter.

If Ling Zi’s passing had been purely personal and unrelated to work, Jiang Bingqian might have even used it to boost her popularity. That woman had no scruples and wouldn’t miss such an opportunity. But now, Jiang Bingqian was panicking, as if she had something to hide. Combined with her avoidance of the topic in her Weibo post, Li Biying was convinced.

She let out a cold laugh, tossed her phone aside, and turned off the lights to sleep.

Over the next few days, the “Ling Zi’s Passing” incident remained a hot topic, dominating headlines. It drew attention from all sectors—entertainment insiders, Ling Zi’s family and friends, psychology experts analyzing the reasons behind such tragedies, and even netizens compiling past cases of similar incidents in the industry.

During this time, more news about Ling Zi surfaced. Reporters and police were busy investigating the cause, conducting interviews with her colleagues, classmates, and family members.

Her classmates said they hadn’t seen her much lately, as everyone was busy with their careers, so they didn’t know why she passed away. Her family described her as a dutiful and obedient child who regularly sent money home and called often. They said she seemed fine and hadn’t mentioned any troubles, so her passing came as a shock.

Then there were Ling Zi’s colleagues—staff and artists from Jiang Bingqian’s studio. The artists echoed her classmates, saying they were too busy with work to have deep conversations, so they didn’t know the details.

So far, the interviews had yielded no useful clues. However, when Ling Zi’s manager, Qi Jun, was interviewed, things changed.

“…Ling Zi was very career-driven. Though she didn’t talk about it much, she worked extremely hard and was desperate to make it big. This industry isn’t easy to break into. Not everyone can become an overnight sensation, though there are a few lucky exceptions,” Qi Jun said.

He was a young man in his mid-twenties, fair-skinned, tall, and slender, with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that gave him a refined appearance. However, Ling Zi’s passing seemed to have hit him hard. He looked pale, with dark circles under his eyes. In the interview, he appeared deeply sorrowful, his face etched with pain whenever he mentioned Ling Zi.

“She’d been in the industry for almost a year. Maybe she was too eager to succeed, so the time felt unbearably long. I tried to advise her, but she couldn’t calm down.” Here, Qi Jun forced a bitter smile. “Her passing came as a shock to me. The night I found her… I couldn’t sleep. I kept thinking about what had happened the days before, and I suspect it might have been related to a role.”

The reporter quickly asked, “What role? Can you elaborate?”

Qi Jun nodded. “It’s no secret. Ling Zi was very interested in a supporting role in a script. I thought the character didn’t suit her, but she insisted on auditioning. I arranged it for her, but the result…”

The reporter pressed, “Did she not get the part?”

“Yes. After the audition, the director just sent her home without any feedback. After that, she was in a bad mood. Later, she wanted a brand endorsement, but the brand hesitated and didn’t commit. Then she…”

He let out a long sigh, his expression filled with grief.

The video ended there and quickly rose to the top of trending topics. In the days since Ling Zi’s passing, anything related to her had been trending, and Qi Jun’s interview was the first to provide any real clues. Netizens, who had been anxiously awaiting answers, were naturally excited and pushed it to the top.

Comments soon flooded in.

“Not every actor can make it big. She’d only been in the industry for a year. Her ambition was too strong, and a little setback… Well, I won’t say more. I hope she finds peace.”

“I thought there was more to it, but it was just her dream of fame falling apart. I don’t know what to say.”

“Her ambition outweighed her talent. She shouldn’t have entered this industry. What a waste of a young life.”

“She looked so gentle, but her dreams were so big. You really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“Are those people demanding answers from Bingqian satisfied now? See, this has nothing to do with our sister! She’s a victim in this too! Ling Zi was so selfish to leave like this and dump all the responsibility on Bingqian. Poor Bingqian, having to endure online harassment.”

“Bingqian is so kind. In their interview, Ling Zi’s parents said that Bingqian gave them a large sum of money. She didn’t have to do that.”

“So, the truth is out. Those online trolls who claimed this had something to do with Jiang Bingqian should shut up now.”

Many had thought there might be more to the story—perhaps overwhelming work pressure or personal issues had driven her to such a tragic step. Netizens had followed the developments closely, hoping to seek justice for her. However, after seeing her manager’s interview, they felt deeply disappointed.

Chapter 67: Something’s Off

Qi Jun’s words were quite clear. Ling Zi had always wanted to become famous, to the point where she even tried to secure a supporting role in a drama and later attempted to land an endorsement deal. However, both attempts failed.

Wasn’t that normal? Even if netizens weren’t deeply involved in the entertainment industry, they knew competition was fierce everywhere. Ling Zi was still relatively new, with only a few works under her belt. It was naturally difficult for her to outshine others in such a situation. If she had taken the time to build herself up patiently, she might have had a chance to rise to fame.

After all, she was young, had a good appearance, graduated from a prestigious school, and had recently signed with Jiang Bingqian’s studio. Her future seemed bright. Jiang Bingqian had been a household name for years, a veteran actress with numerous awards and a wealth of resources at her disposal.

If Ling Zi worked diligently, Jiang Bingqian would surely treat her well.

But what did Ling Zi do? After a few failures, she became completely disheartened and even took her own life. Didn’t she consider her family, friends, and the company she was signed to? This incident nearly dragged Jiang Bingqian’s reputation down with it!

Moreover, Qi Jun mentioned that the supporting role she wanted didn’t suit her. Yet she insisted on pursuing it. Did she lack self-awareness?

Weak resilience, fragile psyche, and selfishness—that was the impression everyone had of her after watching the video.

Ling Zi wasn’t particularly famous, having only appeared in a few dramas, mostly in minor roles. However, her image of a pure and obedient girl next door was quite endearing. Those who had seen her dramas might not have become fans, but they certainly had a favorable impression of her. That impression, however, completely vanished after this incident.

People were only holding back out of respect for the dead. Otherwise, the internet trolls would have been relentless.

Li Biying, who had been waiting for Jiang Bingqian to stumble, was furious after watching the video.

“How is this possible? How could this have nothing to do with her!” Li Biying refused to believe it.

“Maybe you’re biased against her. Such a big matter probably has nothing to do with her. But Ling Zi… alas, her family must be devastated,” Li Biying’s manager, Brother Xu, sighed and shook his head.

Ling Zi’s family had given an interview, and their cries were heart-wrenching. Now, thinking about it, Ling Zi seemed even more selfish and immature.

Li Biying, however, felt something was off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

After some thought, she decided to call Jiang Xiaobai via video chat once Brother Xu left.

“Jiang Xiaobai, have you seen Qi Jun’s interview video? What do you think?” she asked anxiously.

Jiang Xiaobai had just finished showering. Her hair remained damp, casually falling over her shoulders, creating a small wet spot on her nightgown. Her face was bare, her features clean and clear, her eyes like a mountain spring—cool and refreshing. Her lips were a soft pink, slightly moist.

Li Biying couldn’t help but swallow, then quickly snapped out of it, her face darkening—Jiang Xiaobai, this enchantress, almost made her question her s*xuality!

“I just watched it,” Jiang Xiaobai said, placing her phone on the table and slowly drying her hair. “That Qi Jun… there’s something off about him.”

“Huh?” Li Biying was taken aback. “Qi Jun? What’s wrong with him?”

“When he mentioned Ling Zi, he seemed unnatural. His eyes… guilty? Remorseful? Something wasn’t right,” Jiang Xiaobai said calmly. “Also, Ling Zi’s family’s behavior was strange.”

“Are you saying Qi Jun was lying? But what about Ling Zi’s family? Her parents were devastated, crying so hard they could barely breathe,” Li Biying tilted her head, thinking.

“I don’t know if Qi Jun was lying, but he was definitely hiding something. As for Ling Zi’s family… her parents were indeed heartbroken, but what about her younger brother?” Jiang Xiaobai hinted.

Li Biying started to recall.

In the interview video, Ling Zi’s parents constantly wiped away tears, their voices choked with sobs. It was truly heartbreaking. But beside them, Ling Zi’s younger brother also appeared in the footage. He was still young, probably around ten years old. Perhaps because of his age, the reporter didn’t specifically interview him, but he appeared several times in the video.

And his reaction was…

Li Biying thought of something, hurriedly said, “Wait a minute,” and then opened the video again, focusing solely on Ling Zi’s younger brother.

A chubby little boy, holding a small toy in his hands, stayed quiet throughout the interview, occasionally glancing at his weeping parents. His expression…

Impatience, disdain, disgust—as if their crying was too noisy and disturbing him. There was no trace of sadness or grief in his expression.

Seeing this, Li Biying felt a chill run down her spine.

From the interviews over the past few days, everyone knew that Ling Zi came from a traditional family with both parents and a younger brother. But after his sister’s passing, this younger brother showed nothing but impatience, even continuing to play with his toy!

Some might say he was too young to understand, but at his age, he was either in sixth grade or just starting middle school. He should have understood what it meant.

“How could this be…” Li Biying murmured, her eyes unfocused, after closing the video.

“Their family wasn’t close. Ling Zi was known as the obedient daughter, but her brother seemed like a little tyrant. It’s possible they were a family that favored sons over daughters, so her parents’ words might not be trustworthy,” Jiang Xiaobai analyzed calmly.

These details weren’t hard to spot, but the public had already formed preconceived notions, assuming that those interviewed were Ling Zi’s closest family members. Naturally, they believed everything they said. So, when Qi Jun’s video came out, it immediately swayed public opinion.

But what if these people were lying?

“What should we do? If they’re lying, then Ling Zi’s death is suspicious! Let’s uncover the truth!” Li Biying was energized, even eager to take action.

“Wake up,” Jiang Xiaobai said coldly, pouring water on her enthusiasm. “We’re just speculating. We have no evidence.”

They weren’t close to Jiang Bingqian and knew nothing about her studio’s inner workings. They also didn’t know Ling Zi or her family and friends. How could they possibly intervene in such a situation?

“But if we don’t do anything, the real culprit will get away with it!” Li Biying couldn’t bear to let Jiang Bingqian off the hook.

In her mind, Jiang Bingqian was already the mastermind behind this. Even if Ling Zi had acted recklessly, someone must have pushed her to it. Who would willingly take their own life when things were going well? Did she think cutting her wrists wouldn’t hurt?

“No, she won’t get away,” Jiang Xiaobai said, pausing while drying her hair, her gaze steady as she looked at Li Biying through the screen. “Just wait. There will be a resolution.”

Seeing her calm expression, Li Biying inexplicably felt reassured.

“Alright.”

Chapter 68: The Inside Story

After Qi Jun’s video went viral, online discussions about Ling Zi gradually decreased. Most of the remaining comments expressed pity and regret. Many netizens were curious about her missing supporting role and the advertising campaign she had lost.

The power of the internet proved formidable, and they eventually uncovered the details:

The drama: Night Dance, a high-budget period film

The brand: HeartSweet, a second-tier confectionery company

While Ling Zi’s untimely passing was linked to losing these opportunities, netizens did not blame the producers or the brand. For Night Dance, even the supporting role was beyond her qualifications, and they naturally rejected her. As for the candy brand, they had already chosen their preferred spokesperson.

This revelation only deepened the public’s sympathy for Ling Zi.

Soon, many influencers began posting articles with titles like “Know Yourself, Find the Right Path” and “Reorient Your Life.” These seemingly profound pieces were actually just attempts to ride the wave of the trending topic. They subtly criticized Ling Zi’s decision, framing it as irresponsible toward her family and emphasizing that one should not focus solely on oneself.

Another day passed, and four days had gone by since the incident. Just as everyone thought the matter was fading, the police released an investigative report that stunned the public.

“Ling Zi was one month pregnant at the time of her passing, shedding light on the circumstances.”

The report outlined the investigation process. While tracing Ling Zi’s recent activities, the police discovered through her call records that she had contacted a hospital. Upon further inquiry, they learned she had undergone a medical examination and was one month pregnant. The day she received the test results was three days before her passing.

The police had initially questioned her social circle, and everyone confirmed she was single and focused on her career, with no romantic partner. So, how could she have been pregnant?

Without a partner, her passing might have been attributed to overwhelming work stress. However, the presence of a partner introduced another possible factor—emotional conflict. The police instinctively suspected this man was connected to her passing.

By reviewing the hospital’s surveillance footage, they saw that Ling Zi was not alone. Accompanying her was a tall, slender young man, and their interactions appeared intimate.

Ling Zi had been heavily disguised—wearing a hat, sunglasses, a mask, and a long coat, completely concealing herself. However, the man beside her was less cautious, wearing only a wide-brimmed hat, which made it easy to identify him: Qi Jun, her manager.

This raised further questions. The police had previously questioned Qi Jun, as the relationship between a manager and their artist is typically close, and he should have known the most about her. At the time, Qi Jun had insisted they were only professional colleagues and that Ling Zi was single.

How could this be explained?

With suspicions now directed at Qi Jun, the police began searching for evidence of a closer relationship between the two. They interviewed her studio colleagues, who revealed that Ling Zi and Qi Jun often worked together and that she trusted and relied on him deeply.

Next, they thoroughly searched Ling Zi’s residence and examined her phone. This led to discoveries.

Her home clearly showed signs of a man’s presence, though attempts had been made to conceal them—such as a razor tucked away in a drawer and men’s socks hidden in the corner of her wardrobe. Simply testing the razor would easily confirm the man’s identity.

However, this step seemed unnecessary.

The police had already checked Ling Zi’s phone once, finding nothing unusual in her chat history, messages, or shopping records. Her call log was extensive, including Qi Jun’s number, but this alone proved nothing, given their professional relationship.

Upon a second, more meticulous examination of her phone, the police discovered an encrypted note. They tried Ling Zi’s birthday as the password, and it worked.

What they found was a chilling, lengthy account.

This note, written in the first person, resembled a diary. Ling Zi began by discussing her family. She described growing up in a household that favored boys over girls. Her parents were harsh toward her from the moment she was born, and as soon as she was old enough, she was tasked with household chores. When her brother was born during her elementary school years, she became even more marginalized.

Delicious food went to her brother, money was spent on his toys and clothes, and she was expected to care for him. When her brother hit her, she would argue, but she was always the one scolded.

She described feeling suffocated at home, as if dark clouds loomed overhead, blocking out the sunlight. She knew the only way to find freedom and self-worth was to leave, so she doubled down on her studies. Even while doing chores, she would use cooking time to read and memorize vocabulary, all to secure a place at a good university.

She wanted to earn money and support herself. In her eyes, acting was the most glamorous profession—she believed actors could earn six figures just by making an appearance, and filming a drama or landing an ad campaign meant substantial income. Determined, she worked hard and eventually gained admission to a prestigious school.

In university, she excelled academically and maintained good relationships with her classmates. She eventually landed her first role, albeit a minor one, which caught the attention of Jiang Bingqian, leading to her signing with Jiang’s studio. Later, she even appeared in a drama alongside Jiang Bingqian, though her role was small.

During this period, she fell in love with Qi Jun, captivated by his attentiveness and professionalism.

After starting university, Ling Zi stopped relying on her family financially. Busy with work, she rarely returned home, only sending money monthly as requested. This distance from her family felt liberating, as she no longer had to face the three people who had caused her so much distress.

She felt her life was complete—she had gained admission to a top university, secured a promising career, and found a love others envied.

But soon, she realized it was all an illusion, a fleeting dream.

At a social event, she met an investor, Mr. Qian, whose gaze made her uncomfortable. She excused herself and left, but he later contacted her, subtly expressing his interest.

Chapter 69: The Vortex

Ling Zi was no naive newcomer. She had heard about such things in the industry since university, but this was her first time experiencing it firsthand. She knew very well that Mr. Qian’s so-called “interest” in her was not about pursuing her romantically but about keeping her as a mistress. After all, he was already fifty, married with children, and his son was likely older than she was.

Even if she didn’t have a boyfriend, she would never agree to such an arrangement. Ever since her difficult childhood, she had vowed to make a life for herself on her terms.

Without hesitation, she refused. But the look Mr. Qian gave her at that moment was… deeply unsettling.

At the time, Ling Zi thought that her refusal would be the end of it. After all, someone of his status would surely value his reputation. If she wasn’t willing, there were plenty of others who would be. He could simply find someone else.

What she didn’t realize was that her innocence and naivety only made her more desirable—or rather, more tempting to corrupt.

A few days later, Manager Pan from the studio approached her. He laid out the stakes clearly, “Mr. Qian is a powerful man. If you agree to his terms, the supporting role in Night Dance is yours. There will be other benefits, too. But if you refuse, your career will hit a wall. Think it over, but don’t take too long.”

Ling Zi was stunned. As a manager, he was actually encouraging her to sleep her way to success!

She confided in Qi Jun, who was furious. He asked her what she wanted to do, and Ling Zi firmly stated she would never agree. Qi Jun was moved by her resolve and assured her he would stand by her side.

That very night, however, her family called. Her father confessed he had lost a gambling debt of five million yuan. His legs would be broken if he didn’t repay it within three days. He begged her to find a way to transfer the money to him.

Five million yuan!

Ling Zi had only been in the industry for less than a year and was still a nobody. Where could she possibly get that kind of money?

When she explained this, her father said, “Aren’t there plenty of wealthy people in the entertainment industry? You can borrow from someone and pay it back when you’ve earned more!”

Ling Zi’s mind was in turmoil. She wanted to ignore her father’s plea, but the guilt of filial obligation weighed heavily on her. She had to repay her parents for raising her.

She turned to Qi Jun for help, but he claimed he didn’t have much savings and was burdened by monthly mortgage payments. He couldn’t come up with such a large sum.

Ling Zi believed him and tried borrowing from others. But her friends were either fellow students or small-time celebrities like herself, equally strapped for cash. After two days, she had only managed to scrape together one million yuan—far short of the five million she needed.

With only one day left before the deadline, she was desperate. That’s when Mr. Qian reached out again, asking if she had reconsidered. Even in this dire situation, she still refused.

Finally, she approached Jiang Bingqian.

Jiang Bingqian listened to her story and generously transferred the money, though she did make Ling Zi sign an IOU. Ling Zi was overwhelmed with gratitude and thanked her profusely.

Jiang Bingqian then mentioned that since Ling Zi now had such a large debt, her workload would need to increase. Ling Zi, eager to repay the debt as quickly as possible, agreed without hesitation.

After that, Ling Zi found herself attending more and more social events and banquets, where she witnessed the industry’s darker side. Many of the small-time celebrities at her level had wealthy patrons, and they were thriving—driving luxury cars, wearing designer clothes, and landing better roles than she was. Some of them were even from her studio.

It wasn’t just women; male celebrities were involved, too.

Mr. Qian never gave up on her. He would appear at these events, openly expressing his interest in her. Others noticed, and some of her peers encouraged her to give in.

Ling Zi’s worldview was shaken, but she held firm to her principles, refusing to compromise. She began to despise these events and even expressed her feelings to Jiang Bingqian. However, Jiang Bingqian simply reminded her of the “four million yuan” debt, and Ling Zi had no choice but to swallow her words.

Fortunately, Qi Jun often accompanied her to these events, which gave her a sense of security.

But one day, she found herself inexplicably drunk at a banquet. When she woke up, she was horrified to find Mr. Qian’s aging, flabby body lying beside her, his arm draped over her waist. Qi Jun was nowhere to be seen.

When Mr. Qian woke up, he casually handed her a check and promised her the supporting role in Night Dance, though she would still need to go through the formalities of an audition to sign the contract.

From that moment on, Ling Zi was trapped in a dark, endless spiral. She wanted to refuse, to report him, but the explicit photos he had taken and her massive debt left her with no way out.

Qi Jun knew what had happened but stayed by her side, insisting it wasn’t her fault. Ling Zi felt something was off, but her body and mind were so battered that she couldn’t think clearly.

She wanted to escape this vortex, but first, she needed to improve her career to repay Jiang Bingqian. So, she attended the audition and even negotiated a few advertising deals.

It was then that she noticed something was wrong with her body. She went to the doctor and discovered she was pregnant.

Ling Zi nearly fainted. Since her encounter with Mr. Qian, Qi Jun had never touched her. Based on the timing, the child could only be Mr. Qian’s.

There was no way she could have a child now—not in her profession, nor with the child’s origins being such a stain on her life.

Ling Zi returned home in despair. Qi Jun, ever considerate, helped her take a break from work, suggesting she rest and recover before dealing with the pregnancy. Ling Zi agreed and stayed home to recuperate.

Two days later, she went to the studio, only to overhear a conversation between Qi Jun and Manager Pan outside the office.

What she heard shattered her world. That night, she had gotten drunk because Qi Jun had drugged her drink. Manager Pan had promised Qi Jun that if he could keep her compliant with Mr. Qian’s demands, he would be promoted to a top-tier manager, and Jiang Bingqian would give him more high-profile artists to manage.

In that moment, Ling Zi realized that Qi Jun, Manager Pan, and even Jiang Bingqian were all in cahoots. They were trading artists like commodities for their gain, destroying her life.

She wanted to cry, to scream, but her weakened body couldn’t take it. She collapsed at the door and fainted.

Chapter 70: A Ray of Light

When Ling Zi woke up, Qi Jun stood by the bed, his face cold and devoid of the usual concern and tenderness.

“You’ve heard everything. Since that’s the case, let’s be direct. Mr. Qian values you. If you continue to be with him, neither he nor the studio will treat you poorly. But you must keep your mouth shut. Don’t say anything you shouldn’t, or else those explicit photos and videos… you know what will happen.”

“Qi Jun! Are you even human? I’m your girlfriend, and you sent me to another man’s bed! You’re a monster!” Ling Zi screamed.

That day, she had gone to the banquet with Qi Jun, and he had handed her the drink. She hadn’t suspected a thing—who would have thought it had been spiked? He had left her with Mr. Qian and later claimed he had to return to the studio for urgent matters.

She was his girlfriend!

“Girlfriends can be replaced, but opportunities like this don’t come often,” Qi Jun said softly.

“Qi Jun, you’ll all get what’s coming to you! You’ll pay for this!” Ling Zi was so enraged she could barely think straight. “Jiang Bingqian knew about this too, didn’t she? You, Manager Pan, and her are all in on it! I’ll expose everything and make sure you all suffer!”

“Are you insane? Expose it? Do you want everyone to see those videos of you in bed? Stop struggling. What’s so bad about being with Mr. Qian? He genuinely cares for you—you remind him of his first love from his youth. Serve him well, have his child, and your future will be bright. Maybe one day, I’ll even be bowing to you!”

With that, Qi Jun left.

Ling Zi was alone in the room, drowning in pain and despair. The quicksand of her situation offered no glimpse of light, and Qi Jun’s betrayal made her feel like life was hopeless. She began to consider ending her life.

She had too many secrets she couldn’t share with anyone. When she first started dating Qi Jun, she had to keep it hidden because publicizing a relationship would have hindered her career as a newcomer. And after Mr. Qian entered the picture, her burdens became even heavier.

She had friends, but she could only discuss trivial matters with them. Her family was distant, only reaching out for money or superficial concern.

She was utterly alone.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Ling Zi opened her memo app and wrote a diary entry, pouring out her sorrow and despair. She expressed her inner turmoil, her desire to end her life, and the guilt over the five million yuan debt that made such a choice feel like an irresponsible escape. Yet continuing to live felt unbearable.

She wrote that she didn’t intend to make the diary public, as it involved too many scandals. She also acknowledged that Jiang Bingqian had helped her in her darkest hour, and for that, she was grateful.

The diary ended with these words:

“I wish a ray of light could appear in my life, illuminating my path and giving me the courage to keep going. I don’t know where my road leads—all I see are thorns.”

The long entry ended there.

The piece was lengthy, filled with repetitive and emotional outpourings, totaling nearly ten thousand words. Under normal circumstances, readers might not have the patience to finish it. But the raw emotion in her words drew them in, and before they knew it, they had read every word.

Her pain resonated deeply, leaving readers feeling heavy-hearted, on the verge of tears, and filled with anger.

“The truth is so heartbreaking. A pure, hardworking girl just wanted to do her job honestly. Is that wrong? Are people without connections or backgrounds doomed to suffer like this?”

“I cried after reading this. I knew the industry was like this, but hearing it from someone who lived it is gut-wrenching. This world isn’t for those without backing. My heart aches for her.”

“Qi Jun is a scumbag! He deserves to go! And Manager Pan is no better. Jiang Bingqian is complicit too—this was definitely her doing!”

“Her family is toxic. They treat her like a cash cow while looking down on her. If it weren’t for that five million yuan debt, she wouldn’t have ended up like this!”

“Her parents, boyfriend, colleagues, and boss—she’s been through so much.”

“The diary makes it clear Jiang Bingqian knew about this. Mr. Qian must have been in contact with her, probably trading resources. I even suspect the timing of her family’s sudden debt was too convenient. If her family hadn’t called for money, she wouldn’t have turned to Jiang Bingqian or attended those banquets.”

“I agree. It was at those banquets that she kept running into Mr. Qian! Let’s find out who this Mr. Qian is!”

“I have some info! I don’t know who Mr. Qian is, but Manager Pan, Pan Yong, is related to Jiang Bingqian.”

“We need to seek justice for Ling Zi! If this diary hadn’t come out, would the truth have been buried? Qi Jun and the studio lied, and her family never mentioned the debt. I refuse to believe they had no idea about her death!”

“Am I the only one wondering why she chose to end her life so soon after writing this? She seemed undecided at the end of the diary. What pushed her to make that choice?”

The readers’ sorrow quickly turned to anger.

Though Ling Zi was gone, this couldn’t be the end. The more they thought about it, the more suspicious things seemed. What was the deal with the five million yuan debt? And why did she choose to end her life after staying in her room for a day? She hadn’t decided to do so when she wrote the diary—what changed?

The police report stated that they had brought in those involved for questioning, but who knew what the outcome would be? After all, her passing was confirmed, and the others could only be seen as enablers. Even if they were charged, the punishment would likely be minimal. But the readers weren’t satisfied.

These people were guilty—they didn’t deserve to walk free!