Listening to Zong Chun's lengthy declaration, Yu Rouyin’s expression turned sour. Still, she hesitated to outright refute him harshly.

“Teacher Zong, to me, you are a senior, a mentor whom I greatly respect, I...”

The smile on Zong Chun’s face slowly faded, replaced by a dark, brooding look. He could clearly see Yu Rouyin’s furrowed brow and her unwilling attitude. To him, she was playing hard to get, embarrassing him.

“Rouyin, do you know why, even though your contract is about to expire, your company only approached you a few times before leaving you alone?” Zong Chun suddenly asked.

Yu Rouyin froze. “With the contract ending, they wouldn’t have any leverage over me even if they wanted to.”

In truth, she knew she had offended her previous company. The recent surge of black PR against her on trending searches should have been managed by the agency, since she was still technically under contract. Yet, they did next to nothing. Yu Rouyin even suspected that her former company was one of the forces behind the smear campaign, aiming to pressure her into returning. Still, their tactics were much milder than she had expected.

Given how her previous company exploited her and manipulated young, naive talent, they weren’t the type to suddenly develop a conscience.

This period of relative calm made Yu Rouyin think she was no longer valuable to them as she grew older, so they didn’t bother using their usual heavy-handed methods.

But hearing Zong Chun’s words now, Yu Rouyin felt a twinge of unease.

“They weren’t willing to let go of a cash cow like you—someone who could earn money and… serve their interests,” Zong Chun said pointedly.

Yu Rouyin’s face darkened.

“But they let you go because of me. I told them that you were mine,” Zong Chun continued. “Your company even agreed to let you join this show because of me. I wanted to make it a special proposal gift for you.”

Yu Rouyin’s face was full of disbelief. “Why would they listen to you...?”

“I told your boss that if they granted you your freedom, I’d bring in investment and contacts for their company,” Zong Chun explained.

Yu Rouyin’s mind raced, and she felt a wave of disgust.

Even though Zong Chun had built his career off his wife’s connections, he’d been in the industry long enough to have his own network. But it still wouldn’t have been enough to force the company’s hand.

The company’s real fear was the power behind Mrs. Zong.

They knew Mrs. Zong wouldn’t be happy about a rival, but they feared even more what would happen if they denied Zong Chun. If he whispered into his wife’s ear and sparked her wrath against them, it could easily lead to their downfall. Even if they explained themselves, it might not help.

The fact that Mrs. Zong allowed her husband to share the stage with a rival showed her lack of insight. When the couple fought, others paid the price.

So, they couldn’t afford to offend Zong Chun and had to comply this time.

After piecing it all together, Yu Rouyin realized that this man was both foolish and insidious, leveraging his wife’s power to win over another woman while seeing himself as something impressive.

Yu Rouyin maintained her composure and responded, “Even if the company pulled some tricks, it wouldn’t matter. I’m determined to leave, even if it means hardship, as long as I survive. As for this show... I do appreciate it, Teacher Zong, and I’ll repay the kindness. But as for your feelings, I cannot accept them.”

Yu Rouyin’s promise of repayment was genuine, as this show was the best opportunity she’d encountered.

Zong Chun hadn’t expected her to reject him even after such an explanation. He thought she was ungrateful, a heartless woman. He didn’t want to admit Mrs. Zong was right, so he gave Yu Rouyin one last chance.

“You’ve disappointed me. I suddenly feel unwell…” Zong Chun said, clutching at his heart dramatically. “Could you call the director? I don’t think… I’ll be able to perform.”

Yu Rouyin froze as cold dread coursed through her veins. She couldn’t believe he would resort to such shameless blackmail.

“Teacher Zong... you... this is your show too. If you don’t go on stage, it’s a major performance mishap.”

“I’m old, with heart problems. I’m sure the audience will understand. If it’s serious, I might need extended observation in the hospital and withdraw from the show. Anyway, so many groups have dropped out already; the director will find a way to manage. Whether or not it’s perfect doesn’t matter to me,” Zong Chun said nonchalantly.

Yu Rouyin began to tremble.

“The entire internet is against you. I doubt many viewers are eager to see you perform,” Zong Chun added.

Tears welled up in Yu Rouyin’s eyes, and her voice was hoarse. “Teacher Zong, do you really have to take things this far?”

Pei Mingxuan’s team was still assessing her situation, and Yu Rouyin knew she was a complicated case. The company prided itself on being a judge of integrity in the entertainment world and didn’t shelter scandalous figures, so she couldn’t pin all her hopes on them.

Her strategy had always been to use this premiere performance to show her skills and gain positive attention. She had already received some signing offers after the last episode, though they were hesitant because of her scandals. But she believed that if she kept up her performance, more offers would come.

Today, despite the waves of negative attention, she knew the show had reached peak interest. If she could perform well, she could turn the tide and improve her reputation. She was determined to use this as her comeback moment!

She thought that even if there were misunderstandings and rejections, professionals would respect the stage. Otherwise, it would be a breach of contract. Even if Zong Chun underperformed, she would bear the pressure and shine on stage.

But now…

If she lost this chance, it would be the end for her…

Seeing how devastated Yu Rouyin looked, Zong Chun smirked, resuming his soft, tender expression as he raised the ring box in front of her.

“Marry me, be obedient, and let me save you.”

Backstage, Ji Fei’s internal monologue froze. She suddenly stood up, startling Pei Mingxuan, who turned just in time to see the Qin family preparing to leave.

Ji Fei and Qin Zhao spoke at the same time, “We’ll see you out…”

Pei Mingxuan looked confused, about to ask them to stay since they were about to head to the waiting area for the premiere, but she watched them speed out like they were in a race.

Left with no choice, Pei Mingxuan followed. She hated when things went awry with the schedule.

Just as she rounded the corner, she heard the director’s frustrated shout from down the hallway.

“What?! Teacher Zong isn’t going on stage due to illness? You need to find a replacement actor last minute? This isn’t about whether it can be done; it’s a matter of time! You’re about to go live! Are you trying to leave me hanging? Give me some time—this… What on earth are you all doing? If you don’t want to perform, then don’t! I won’t serve anyone!”

“I’m… I’m sorry…”

The weak voice, barely holding back tears, echoed down the hallway.

Then Pei Mingxuan heard Ji Fei’s voice.

“Hey? Is that…”

Pei Mingxuan: Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

The premiere broadcast began.

“It’s about to start! I’m so excited!”

“Get ready for a public takedown!”

“Yu Rouyin, get out of the entertainment industry!”

“The industry is already bad enough without blatant homewreckers using their bodies to climb up. If this isn’t dealt with, it’s a disgrace.”

“Yu Rouyin, come out and apologize! Apologize to the poor women you’ve harmed and the innocent men you’ve ensnared!”

“Someone should check Yu Rouyin’s financial records. There might be evidence of illegal dealings.”

“I bet her ‘sleep’ and ‘tax’ records aren’t clean either. She should be sent straight to prison.”

“Rouyin is the best, the most beautiful, stay true to yourself!”

“Wow, there are actually fans supporting her? Shows how messed up people’s values are.”

“Honestly... her acting skills are quite professional.”

“Professional? She only plays seductive roles! Isn’t that just typecasting?”

“It’s starting, it’s starting! Watch closely and then see the top group’s comeback later. The laughs will be endless!”

“I’ve already dug a pit for the next act!”

“Am I the only one who feels bad for Teacher Zong? Just because he’s a kind old man, he’s being used like this. It’s tragic!”

“Remember, guys, criticize the seductress, not the honest man. Our Teacher Zong is like the monk Tang Sanzang—immune to the demon’s charms!”

“A soulmate? Ha! What a ridiculous theme. ‘Soulmate’ is just code for ‘mistress.’”

“Guys, check out the fan-made drama skit posted online. It’s supposedly even better when paired with the imperial consort’s performance.”

Although no one had stepped onto the stage yet, strange, self-made content had already started trending.

In the hospital, Mrs. Zong’s expression was venomous as she spoke into her phone, “Did

 you post it? Good. Start buying the trending tags! I want her mocked and jeered at in every comment!”

But just then, the premiere stage curtains suddenly fell.

A series of question marks flooded the live chat.

The host stepped on stage, looking awkward. “Apologies, everyone. Due to Teacher Zong’s sudden illness, the performance order has been changed. Up next, we have Qin Zhao and Ji Fei presenting their themed performance: *The Calamity of a Beauty*!”