She Died Once

Chapter 6: Reversal

The Sang family, renowned as a powerful and influential clan in Magic City, had vast business interests spanning multiple industries, including the highly lucrative entertainment sector.

Located in the heart of Magic City, Changhe Building housed Sang's Entertainment Company.

Sang Shujin, as the second heir of the Sang family, single-handedly propelled the entertainment company to the pinnacle of the industry. Due to his influence, Sang Jiyue was groomed from the moment she entered the company, treated as a star-in-the-making.

[So, Sang Jiyue does this kind of thing, and Sang's Entertainment, her benefactor, is not stepping in to respond?]

[I'm curious, how does Sang Shujin feel right now? Helping an outsider to torment his own sister and letting her suffer in silence without lifting a finger to investigate the truth? I can't help but feel it's all so ironic!]

[Sang Shu evening almost died because of the persecution, and a big part of that came from the Sang family's distrust. After all, how can an outsider's cruelty compare to the betrayal of a blood relative?]

Sang Shujin sat frozen in front of the computer, each comment stabbing at his heart, filling it with excruciating pain. His vision blurred as tears welled up in his eyes.

He had been aware of the scandal involving Sang Shu evening's research institute selling counterfeit medicines and exploiting the public, but...

When Sang Jiyue had barged into his office in a panic, presenting the damning video of the man’s testimony and the incriminating letter about the institute, he hadn't doubted her for a second. After all, Sang Shu evening had already severed ties with the Sang family, and the provocations from Sang Jiyue only fueled his disdain for her.

Without any investigation or consideration, he had easily taken Jiyue’s side, shutting out Sang Shu evening’s attempt to clear her name. His own pride led him to believe that he was making the right choice, one that would restore her to the "right path."

But now, as the truth unfolded, he realized just how terribly he had erred. In the name of protecting an adopted daughter of questionable origins, he had driven his own blood sister to the brink of destruction. He had only thought he was saving her; in reality, he was condemning her to a tragic fate.

The door to his office knocked, and in walked the head of the PR department, holding a stack of documents.

"Mr. Sang, this is the current status of the situation. These are the documents for terminating contracts with Ms. Sang Jiyue. So far, she has lost seven endorsements. Four major brands are still deciding whether to sever ties, and the smaller ones have already sent out termination notices," the PR head reported, frowning. "Mr. Sang, this issue is getting serious. Do you still want to release a delayed public relations statement for Ms. Jiyue?"

The delayed PR tactic was common practice at Sang's Entertainment—drag out the issue and let it simmer, until the public calmed down. But this time, the situation had escalated beyond the department’s control.

"No need," Sang Shujin murmured, his voice barely audible. "With video evidence, the truth is out there. No amount of explanation can undo what's already been done. If the law is involved, no one can save her."

Even if there were a way to save her, he didn't want to. He couldn't afford another mistake.

Three hours after the video was released, Sang's Entertainment issued its first PR response:

[Regarding the recent criminal actions of Ms. Sang Jiyue, Sang's Entertainment will not harbor any wrongdoing. The case will be investigated thoroughly by the public security organs, and we assure fans and netizens that no bad actor will be protected. We also express regret over the unjust treatment of Ms. Sang Shu evening. Our company acknowledges the unclear judgment and improper use of personnel. We accept all criticism and are committed to making improvements.]

The statement was professionally worded, neutral, and applicable to any situation. However, the public reaction far exceeded the PR department’s expectations.

"I can't believe this... Is this really all you’ve got?" one comment read.

[The first mistake was Sang Jiyue falsely accusing Sang Shu evening. Now you’re convicting her without investigation, just three hours after the video went live?]

[How dare you talk about regret? What is your regret worth now? You’ve already destroyed someone's life!]

It was clear that the public was no longer willing to give Sang Shujin a free pass. He saw a comment that stung deeply:

"The real culprit in Sang Shu evening's death is not Sang Jiyue, but Sang Shujin. You betrayed your own sister!"

Sang Shujin nearly lost control. His emotions surged, and he couldn’t stop himself from reacting.

“It was me…” he muttered in despair. "I was the one who killed her. She had a chance... I denied it."

A flood of memories, long buried, rushed back. Sang Shu evening had suspected it was Sang Jiyue who had plotted against her, and she had even begun to suspect that her older brother was behind it all. But despite everything, she hadn't completely lost hope. She still clung to the belief that Sang Shujin might, for once, soften and help her.

But what did he do instead?

On a cold, snowy winter night, when Sang Shu evening was waiting outside the manor, he ordered the housekeeper to turn her away without even allowing her a chance to speak to him. Meanwhile, he was consoling the scheming Sang Jiyue inside, whispering encouragement through an earpiece.

Sang Shu evening’s hope died in the snow, crushed by the betrayal of those she once loved.

The phone rang, cutting through Sang Shujin’s spiraling thoughts. He pressed the call button, and his older brother, Sang Shuchen, spoke from the other end.

“Ah Jin, do you remember what you said when you left the Sang family? You told us that one day, we’d regret it.”

Sang Shujin’s tears welled up as the painful memory resurfaced.

“Yes, I remember…” he whispered, his voice quivering. "I remember those words... I remember..."

"I regret it," Sang Shuchen’s voice crackled, filled with sorrow. "I truly regret it, but... late night... She’ll never come back."