Chapter 9
The next morning arrived bright and cold, the kind of day that made the entire city feel sharper, clearer—ready for battles and revelations. Shi Yunxi stepped out of the car arranged by her friend, wearing simple clothing, yet she radiated an effortless, breathtaking aura that made people instinctively turn to look at her.
She left Shi Yichen and Shi Qing'er, at home with her trusted friend. Today, she needed no distractions. Today was her first step into reclaiming everything stolen from her.
The grand audition hall buzzed with excitement and anxiety. Dozens of actresses lined the lobby, adjusting their makeup, practicing their scenes, whispering spiteful remarks, or flaunting their connections. This was the entertainment industry—bright, glamorous, and rotten at the core.
The moment Shi Yunxi entered, the entire hall shifted.
Conversations paused. Heads turned. Envious female gazes swept over her like blades, and some actresses openly frowned in jealousy. But it didn't matter—her presence swallowed the room effortlessly.
Her features were pure and cold, like a lotus blooming under moonlight. Her long dark hair framed a face so delicate yet striking that it was impossible to look away. No heavy makeup. No expensive jewelry. Just her natural beauty and an aura so composed it felt noble.
Even the casting assistants stopped for a heartbeat.
"Who… who is she?" one whispered.
"Is she already signed with a big agency?"
"She looks like she walked out of a painting…"
Their whispers followed her all the way inside.
And then—
A sharp inhale sliced through the air.
Shi Roulan.
She stood near the judges' table, wearing a perfectly curated smile—until she saw the woman approaching. Her face drained of color instantly.
Shi Yunxi.
Alive. Beautiful. Radiant. Confident.
Shi Roulan's fingers clenched around her script. Her heart hammered in panic.
This wasn't the same Shi Yunxi she destroyed three years ago. This woman was dangerous. Too beautiful. Too composed. Too unpredictable.
"Impossible…" Shi Roulan whispered, though no one heard her. "How… how is she alive?"
Shi Yunxi glanced at her once—only once—and that single calm, indifferent look made Roulan feel completely stripped bare.
It was enough to make Roulan tremble.
The judges soon called the next name.
"Shi Yunxi."
A murmur spread through the hall. Even the directors lifted their heads, interested.
Shi Yunxi stepped onto the stage with elegance that needed no rehearsal. The audition today was for the major historical drama "Blossoms of the Crimson Moon." The role she was auditioning for—the second female lead—was a tragic, noble warrior-princess who died protecting her kingdom.
"Please begin whenever you are ready," one judge said.
Shi Yunxi nodded lightly.
Then she transformed.
Her posture shifted—proud, wounded, brave. Her eyes filled with grief so real the judges leaned forward unconsciously. She recited the lines with perfect emotion, but it was more than acting—it was like she became the character.
When she lifted the wooden practice sword in the final scene, tears shimmered in her eyes, and her voice trembled with controlled sorrow:
"Even if the world betrays me, I will remain loyal to my heart."
Silence.
Shocking, breathless silence.
The judges exchanged looks. Even the strictest director's eyes softened, impressed beyond words.
"That was… remarkable."
"Her emotional depth… incredible."
"Is she new? How have we never seen her before?"
Even Shi Roulan felt her stomach twist in fear. Compared to this performance—hers was bland, lifeless, insignificant.
Shi Yunxi bowed politely, thanked the judges, and stepped off the stage.
The moment she left the audition hall, whispers exploded behind her.
"She's getting the role."
"She has to!"
"She completely overshadowed Shi Roulan…"
Shi Yunxi ignored them all. She headed to the restroom to wash her hands and calm her racing heart.
But as she approached the women's washroom, she heard something—soft crying.
A child.
Her brows drew together. She followed the sound to a closed stall door.
Tiny fists knocked weakly against it.
"Mama… I'm scared… Papa isn't here…"
Shi Yunxi's heart tightened.
She knelt down and spoke gently, "Little one? Are you hurt?"
A sniff. "The door… won't open… and I— I'm lost…"
"Don't worry," she said softly. "I'll help you."
Within seconds, she lifted the latch from outside. The door creaked open, and a small boy stumbled into her arms.
Mu Rui.
The child she didn't know was her son. The child who didn't know she was his mother.
He clutched her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder, trembling.
But when he inhaled her scent, something happened.
He froze.
Then hugged her even tighter.
"You… feel like home."
Shi Yunxi stiffened.
Home?
She stroked his back instinctively, comforting him.
"It's alright. You're safe."
Mu Rui looked up at her, his large eyes filled with tears and wonder.
"You're so pretty… and warm… Don't leave… please?"
Her heart softened in a way she didn't expect.
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed outside.
"Rui! Rui!"
The voice was deep, cold, distant. Shi Yunxi instinctively stepped back and placed the boy down gently.
Mu Rui turned toward the voice.
"Daddy!"
Shi Yunxi's breath caught—but she didn't look back. She quietly slipped out through the staff corridor before Mu Linchen reached the washroom door.
Mu Linchen rushed inside, scooping Mu Rui into his arms.
"Are you hurt?"
Mu Rui shook his head quickly.
"Daddy… I met someone… someone who felt like—like home…"
Mu Linchen narrowed his eyes.
"Who?"
Mu Rui's little brows scrunched.
"I don't know… She left…"
And outside the building, walking away with the sunlight outlining her slim figure—
Shi Yunxi didn't look back once.
But fate had already entwined them again.