Chapter 6: Light Beyond the Darkness

After the case that shook the public, Su Wanzhi’s reputation in the industry grew even stronger. She was named “Most Influential Young Businesswoman of the Year” in the entertainment industry, and was officially appointed Vice President of Huarong Entertainment.

Gu Shiyan was the first to congratulate her, bringing a bouquet of white peonies, the flower he had overheard her mention loving in a passing conversation years before.

“Do you remember three years ago, when you said all you needed was complete autonomy?” He handed her the flowers, his gaze unusually gentle. “Now you have it, in your career and in your life. Are you happy?”

Wanzhi held the bouquet, and her eyes stung before she could stop them. Across eight long years and two lifetimes, this was the first time anyone had asked her that sincerely, without any hidden agenda.

“I think,” she answered slowly, “I’m starting to feel it.”

“Then,” Gu Shiyan took a deep breath, as if gathering all the courage he had kept hidden for three years, “would you be willing to let me become part of that happiness? Not as a business partner, but as…”

He didn’t finish the sentence. He only looked at her meaningfully, waiting for her answer.