She Died Once

Chapter 1：Lin Yiying

The Tianma Awards ceremony had concluded, and the newly crowned Best Actress, Lin Yiying, was the center of attention.

The day after the ceremony happened to be her twenty-sixth birthday, and the industry buzzed with congratulatory messages, eager to associate with the rising star.

[Congratulations to Ms. Lin for winning the Best Actress award! We look forward to future collaborations.]

[Ms. Lin, your talent is remarkable! We’d love to invite you as our brand ambassador.]

[Achieving your first Best Actress title at such a young age—amazing! Wishing you a bright future and a long-standing partnership with us.]

While brands extended their formal congratulations, Lin Yiying’s fans were far less restrained, celebrating with enthusiasm bordering on frenzy.

[Queen! To celebrate, I’m giving out 520 red packets to ten lucky commenters!]

[Lin Yiying is thriving now that she’s left that trashy agency, Sanyu! Let’s all say it together—Sanyu, BISS!]

[I’m obsessed with her! Giving away 20 sets of her endorsed skincare products!]

Meanwhile, across a cold computer screen, Wen Han, Sanyu’s current head, sat with an expressionless face. Employees around him watched the online festivities, their faces stiff, as celebratory posts praising Lin Yiying simultaneously trampled over their company’s reputation.

Time stretched on before a young woman from the PR department finally snapped. Eyes red with frustration, she grabbed a porcelain cup from the table and hurled it to the ground. It shattered into pieces.

“What right does Lin Yiying have? Why is she basking in glory while our Little Mr. Sang... Why is he being vilified?”

As her emotions spiraled, a few others teared up, their vision blurring as they stared at the glowing computer screen. Their anger and helplessness burned as Lin Yiying’s success contrasted sharply with their dismay.

Wen Han read through Lin Yiying’s comment section three times before closing the page with a cold expression.

“Crying is the most cowardly and useless reaction,” he said icily. “Is the video ready? Since Lin Yiying has been crowned Best Actress, it’s only fitting that we, her former agency, present her with a special gift.”

As Lin Yiying’s fans continued their fervent celebration, the scorned Sanyu Studio quietly released a video.

The footage opened to a chaotic nightclub setting, flashing neon lights and deafening music enveloping the screen.

“You want to make it big? Sleep with Young Master Mo, and all the resources will be yours.”

“If he’s pleased, you won’t just land a supporting role—you could be the lead in a major production! But if he’s displeased, do you think that little studio backing you can protect you?”

At a crowded banquet table, a young girl trembled in a corner, her chin forcibly lifted by a man. The frightened girl was none other than a youthful, pre-fame Lin Yiying.

Across from her sat Mo Snapdragon, heir to Mo Entertainment and a dominant force in the industry. He eyed Lin Yiying with predatory interest.

The man holding her smirked and roughly shoved her into Mo Snapdragon’s arms. Lin Yiying let out a pained gasp.

“Ah Rong, be gentle,” Mo Snapdragon murmured with feigned affection, though his grip around her waist tightened possessively. Her face drained of color in fear.

Satisfied with her terror, he leaned down to kiss her pale lips. “Stay with me, and I’ll pave the road to stardom beneath your feet.”

Lin Yiying, though terrified, resisted. She turned her head away, dodging his second advance. Her defiance enraged the young mogul.

“Ah—!” she cried as he slammed her onto the table, her dress lifted as she struggled in vain.

Mo Snapdragon’s eyes darkened. “If you won’t toast, then you’ll drink the penalty cup.” He tore at her clothing, reveling in the despair pooling in her teary eyes.

Then, the door burst open with a resounding bang.

Sang Shuonian stood in the doorway, his face stormy. His gaze swept over the scene, his expression darkening further as he took in Lin Yiying’s distress.

Ignoring Mo Snapdragon and his cronies, he shrugged off his jacket, approached Lin Yiying, and draped it gently over her trembling form.

At the sight of him, Lin Yiying finally broke down, sobbing as she flung herself into his arms.

Sang Shuonian stiffened momentarily but soon softened, patting her back in quiet comfort. Within moments, Lin Yiying collapsed into unconsciousness from sheer shock.

Still cradling her, Sang Shuonian turned his cold gaze to Mo Snapdragon.

“I’ve said before—none of my artists take shortcuts like this.”

Mo Snapdragon froze, then let out a sharp laugh. “Sang Shuonian, what gives you the right to speak that way? The Sang family abandoned you long ago. Your pathetic little studio? It means nothing to me. Crushing you would be no harder than squashing an ant.”

He smirked, stepping closer. “That face of yours… stunning. The so-called beauties in the industry pale in comparison. Why don’t you follow me instead? I’ll protect your people, too.”

Unmoved, Sang Shuonian met his gaze, then, without warning, slapped him across the face.

The slap echoed through the room. Mo Snapdragon stared at her in disbelief, too stunned to react.

“Mo Snapdragon,” Sang Shuonian said icily. “You think you’re worthy of touching me?”

She had never been one to yield—always a thorn-laced rose, beautiful yet capable of piercing anyone who dared reach for her.

Mo Snapdragon’s shock quickly twisted into a grin. “Impressive! Sang Shuonian, you really have guts.”

His gaze flickered toward Lin Yiying, still cradled in her arms. The smirk returned to his lips. “Let’s make a bet. The woman you’re protecting so desperately today… I’ll make sure she’s the one who stabs you in the back when the time comes.”

The video ended abruptly.

Fifteen minutes and forty-two seconds long.

Sixteen minutes and twenty-four seconds after its release, the first comment appeared on Sanyu Studio’s official page.