Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 58

Liang Xun was still sitting on the ground in a daze, reflecting on himself… Coco giggled and quickly ran away, trying to catch up with her sister Ning, who moved like the wind.

But Han Ning, with her long legs, walked briskly with anger written all over her face. The background actors and staff who passed by her all instinctively moved aside when they saw her scowl. Some curious onlookers whispered among themselves, guessing why she was upset.

Han Ning overheard them, stopped, and flashed them a deadly smile that sent chills down their spines. She spoke softly, “Do you want me to tell you? Hm?”

The gossiping extra looked as if they were about to cry. They shrank behind their companion and weakly waved their hand, “No, no…”

Han Ning sneered and was about to say more when Coco ran over and quickly pulled her away.

“Ning, don’t scare people like that… Your reputation is already in danger…” Coco earnestly advised while fixing her bangs that had been blown out of place by the wind.

Han Ning reached out and ruffled Coco’s hair, making her neatly arranged bangs messy again. Coco pouted unhappily.

“Well, they shouldn’t be so nosy, acting like they have nothing better to do…” Han Ning leaned on the railing, gazing at the distant Milky Way, thinking about Shen Xi, her brows filled with worry.

Coco silently stood beside her and said, “Ning, I know you’re heartbroken, but in this industry, you can’t always do as you please. So many eyes are watching you, you have to be careful. Otherwise, the negative press will explode again, and it could affect your career.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about…” Han Ning looked at Coco, hesitated, then fell silent.

Her audition in the afternoon had gone smoothly, and she was almost instantly confirmed as the female lead. But she didn’t feel any excitement because her mind wasn’t on acting at all. She followed Coco to the dressing room, lost in thought, preparing to get her hair and makeup done before heading to the Ruidian jewelry gala at the hotel.

The makeup artist gently brushed foundation onto her face while Coco helped with her hair.

Behind them, the evening gown she would wear for the event was ready.

Black velvet with gold trim, shimmering elegantly and exuding grandeur.

They were all busy preparing Han Ning, but her mind was focused on what she would do after the gala.

At the hotel, Ah Tian’s injuries had mostly healed. The bruises on his face had faded, and the scabs on his knees were drying up. Since they were just surface wounds, proper rest would be enough for recovery.

The trip to Jiuhua Mountain had to be arranged soon.

Han Ning closed her eyes, her brows furrowing slightly. Unlike her usual carefree and bold self, she had been constantly worrying about Shen Xi’s safety these days.

She never told Shen Xi that she had dreamed multiple times of Nie Lan seeing through their fake breakup and taking brutal revenge on her…

Each time she woke up from those nightmares, Han Ning was drenched in sweat, her heart pounding.

She just wanted to end this quickly, to rush across the river and bring Shen Xi back herself…

“Ning, don’t frown, or your makeup will crease,” the makeup artist reminded. Han Ning opened her eyes and looked at her finished look in the mirror.

Han Ning had many fans who adored her appearance—even some former haters had become fans because of her beauty. Every time she attended an event, she managed to win over people who once called her arrogant and fierce online. Eventually, they would fall for her personality and her work, sinking deeper and deeper.

The person in the mirror was extraordinarily beautiful. Even though she hadn’t changed into her dress yet, just her hair and makeup alone gave her a completely different aura.

Unlike her usual bold and fiery presence, this time, her eyes carried a sense of depth and melancholy, like someone with a story to tell.

Just like Liang Xun had once said—someone with a past.

“Ning, this event will bring at least another hundred thousand fans!” Coco’s eyes sparkled as she admired Han Ning’s reflection, clearly enchanted by her beauty.

Han Ning chuckled, picked up the black velvet gown, changed into it, and waited in the hotel’s lounge.

At exactly six o’clock in the evening, Shen Xi stood by the window, checked the time, and walked to Nie Lan’s room, calling softly, “Ah Lan, are you awake?”

Nie Lan opened her eyes in the darkness, yawned, then pulled Shen Xi into her arms. “Still a little sleepy…”

“You can’t sleep too much, or you won’t be able to sleep at night. We agreed—no more staying up late, remember?” Shen Xi folded her arms and pretended to be angry.

In her mind, she thought, “You’re not even really sleeping… Hurry up and take me to see Ning!”

Nie Lan chuckled, sat up, and checked the time. “Oh, it’s already past six. Guess it’s time to get up.” She looked at Shen Xi. “Baby, are you hungry?”

“I’m fine. I’ll go change. You should get up too.” Shen Xi realized she sounded a little too eager, so she tried to cover it up. “After all, you’re a public figure, always so polished. It takes you at least an hour to get ready. Hurry up.”

Nie Lan nodded, got up, and started getting dressed and doing her makeup.

By the time they were in the car, it was already 6:50 PM. Nie Lan was still taking her time, while Shen Xi wished she could knock her out and drive herself.

“Baby, wait a second, I forgot something,” Nie Lan said while rummaging through her bag.

“Fine, hurry up,” Shen Xi replied, holding back her frustration.

They finally set off at 6:55 PM.

Shen Xi calculated in her head—the drive would take about 25 minutes, and the Ruidian brand gala would last around two hours. There was still time.

She sighed in relief.

The car sped down the straight highway, arriving at the hotel before 7:30 PM. Nie Lan and Shen Xi got out, and the staff led them to their VIP seats in the second row.

At first, Shen Xi was confused about why they were at a hotel instead of a boutique. Her only wish was to see Han Ning, even from across the street. That would be enough.

But Nie Lan had told her on the way that her family was a major client of Ruidian. The brand had sent her an invitation early on, and their best jewelry pieces would be showcased and sold at the gala.

“All the top celebrities and elites are here tonight,” Nie Lan said, handing Shen Xi a delicate dessert.

Shen Xi smiled as she took it, thinking, “I don’t care about any of them. I just want to see Ning!”

As the gala continued, the host looked at the cue card and announced, “Next, let’s welcome our dear friend of the Ruidian brand—Miss Han Ning!”

Hearing Han Ning’s name, Shen Xi’s head shot up, while Nie Lan’s face darkened. This was unexpected. If she had known Han Ning would be here, she wouldn’t have brought Shen Xi.

She turned to Shen Xi, whose eyes were locked on Han Ning, looking as if she had forgotten how to blink. Nie Lan’s jealousy flared instantly…

(Continued…)