I want to venture into the entertainment industry with you.
Page 1/3
Shu Nian skillfully drove the Maybach to Qiao Jiaoyun’s house, a route he had traveled countless times. In his past life, whenever he wanted to cause trouble with Qiao Jiaoyun, this was the road he took. She had always known that her close friend harbored a dream of becoming a star. Yet, he had disgraced the entertainment industry, and his dear friend had given up that youthful dream for his sake. In the end... this time, he intended to venture into the entertainment world alongside Qiao Jiaoyun, so that they could both shine brightly in their respective fields, pursuing their dreams. Now, standing at the beginning of their story, she was determined to change the fate of those she cared about—to let them live healthy, happy, safe, and smooth lives.
At the entrance of Qiao Jiaoyun’s small villa, he pressed the doorbell. Unexpectedly, it was Qiao Jiaoyun’s mother who opened the door. Upon seeing Shu Nian, Mrs. Qiao smiled genuinely and said, “Ah Nian, what brings you here today? Come in quickly.” Shu Nian accepted the invitation without hesitation and followed her into the villa.
With a smile, Shu Nian followed Mrs. Qiao into the spacious hall, plainly stating her purpose: “Auntie, I came to see Jiaoyun.” Mrs. Qiao’s joy was unmistakable upon hearing that her daughter was the reason for the visit. Jiaoyun had always loved playing with this younger sister figure, never acting like an older sibling but always trailing behind her. Yet little Ah Nian had always been distant toward her daughter. Mrs. Qiao had thought maybe Ah Nian’s attitude would change with more interaction, but she never expected her to be so reserved. Today, however, Ah Nian had taken the initiative to seek out her daughter. Mrs. Qiao’s smile was as warm as spring sunlight as she led Shu Nian through the elegantly decorated corridor.
The Qiao family home belonged to a typical scholarly household. The décor featured predominantly wooden furniture, exuding classical elegance. The study’s walls were lined with books of all kinds, creating an atmosphere thick with knowledge. Her voice carried a trace of excitement as she said, “Jiaoyun is upstairs; I’ll take you there.” Shu Nian followed Mrs. Qiao’s steps, feeling a bit nervous. Her gaze swept over the exquisite furniture and framed paintings on the walls, sensing the warm and refined ambiance of the household. Jiaoyun had been proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood—a quintessential young lady’s upbringing. Perhaps her classical talents would help her stand out in the entertainment world.
They reached the staircase, and Mrs. Qiao spoke softly, “You can go up now; she’s in the study.” Shu Nian nodded in thanks and ascended the stairs. When she gently knocked on the study door on the second floor, her heart involuntarily quickened. The door opened slowly, and Jiaoyun appeared in the doorway. Her eyes showed a flicker of surprise, quickly replaced by a warm smile.
---
Page 2/3
Jiaoyun had just finished practicing her calligraphy and was planning to go out to practice the piano. “Shu Nian, what brings you here?” Her voice was soft and melodious. Shu Nian looked at her and said, “Jiaoyun, there are some things I want to tell you.” Jiaoyun thought Shu Nian still had feelings for Yun Yang and wanted her to expose that scheming Lin Rui. She felt a pang of pain as she gently pulled Shu Nian to sit on the nearby sofa.
The study’s furniture was made of expensive rosewood, including the sofa set. Having grown accustomed to soft Western-style sofas, Shu Nian suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable on this traditional Chinese set. Except for that one time at the Fu family’s place. Sitting across from Jiaoyun, Shu Nian began, “Jiaoyun, do you still remember the dreams we had in college?” She spoke with hopeful nostalgia. “Those nights, we talked about shining brilliantly on stage.” Her voice was gentle, filled with memories.
“Ah Nian, I remember your dream. You wanted to be an independent female lead,” Jiaoyun replied. Hearing this, Shu Nian felt a twinge of pain, recalling how she had once treated this learned, graceful, and refined young woman before her. She truly regretted it. “Yes, I want to pursue our dreams together. You wanted to be a fresh breeze in the entertainment industry, standing alongside the top stars, the one with throngs of fans greeting you at the airport.” Jiaoyun didn’t quite understand, but her heart stirred with excitement and admiration. Shu Nian still remembered her dream.
She had wanted to be a star because Yun Yang—her cousin—was a shining star in the entertainment world. Shu Nian had also dreamed of becoming a star, and she had inadvertently revealed this. “Ah Nian, what do you mean? Didn’t you say you want to be an independent female lead? Do you still like that man?” Jiaoyun asked. “I want to work in performing arts, not because of any man, but because I want to shine in the field I love,” Shu Nian said lazily, reclining on the sofa, yet her words were sharp. “Let me be clear: I desire nothing from that scoundrel anymore.”
Jiaoyun hesitated, then lowered her head like a pitiful kitten. “I have no talents… I’m afraid…” Shu Nian’s eyes widened at the words “no talents.” “You have no talents? Don’t make me laugh!” she exclaimed, almost swearing in frustration. “You’re skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and your dancing, ballet, Latin, singing, and acting could rival any rising star in the industry.”
---
Page 3/3
“The one without talents is me, alright?!” Shu Nian pouted like a little pufferfish when angry. Jiaoyun’s worries were not unfounded—the entertainment world was treacherous, especially with the influence of capital. But if Jiaoyun truly did not want to enter it, Shu Nian would never force her. “Your talent, your voice, your performance skills—these are rare gems in the entertainment industry. You have the ability to shine and thrive there.” The feigned anger vanished instantly as she spoke each word tenderly. “I understand that entering the entertainment world is not easy. Whatever your concerns, we can face them together.”
Shu Nian looked at Jiaoyun earnestly, awaiting her reply. Jiaoyun’s heart seemed ready to leap out, but she still hesitated. “Shu Nian, are you really going to become a star with me?” “Yes. No matter what difficulties we face, I’ll be by your side. We’ll prepare together and face the challenges together.” Shu Nian encouraged her further, “We don’t need to succeed overnight. We can start with small auditions and gradually build experience.” “I know this path won’t be smooth, but I believe that as long as we persevere, nothing is impossible.” “Whatever your decision, I will support you. But I truly hope we can realize this dream together.”
Her passionate, fiery speech almost moved herself. Jiaoyun nodded vigorously. “Alright, Ah Nian, I want to explore the entertainment world with you.” Her heart felt warm. Shu Nian remembered her dreams and encouraged herself to chase them too. She reflected: Shu Nian no longer anguished over a scoundrel, no longer lived under the weight of others’ expectations. She had never truly lived for herself—only for an obsession she held at seventeen or eighteen. Because of that obsession, she had wasted so many years of youth. With such a friend, the journey of life was no longer lonely, and the road to dreams shone even brighter.
“Knock, knock, knock.” The rosewood door was knocked rhythmically. “Little Ah Nian, Jiaoyun, may I come in? I cut some fruit.” “Come in, Mom.” “Jiaoyun, I’ll leave now. I guess you have lots to talk about with Auntie, so I won’t disturb you.” Jiaoyun had planned to keep Shu Nian longer, but upon hearing this, she lowered her hand that had just been raised. Indeed, these matters should be discussed with her mother. “Auntie, I’ll take my leave now. I still have some unfinished business. I’ll visit again when I’m free.”
…