**Chapter 51 – Sapphire**

After the recording ended, The production team worked overtime editing and doing post-production, and finally, within a week, the first episode successfully aired.

The long-awaited CP (couple pairing) fans were already waiting eagerly in front of their TVs, magnifying glasses in hand, ready to catch even the slightest hint of interaction between the “Tanqing CP.”

But— To their surprise, there were barely any interactive scenes. Forget about the seductive demoness tempting the immortal lord with steamy scenes—even a simple hand-holding or sleeve-pulling scene was nonexistent! No lingering glances either. They barely even shared the screen. The previously enthusiastic CP fans were left cold and disappointed.

Casual viewers, on the other hand, enjoyed the show: “Who said Tan Guannan and Qin Mang were a couple again?”

“They really are professional actors. They’ve got amazing chemistry when acting, but once off-screen, there’s not even a hint of ambiguity.”

“Hot searches can’t be trusted, and neither can rumors—you’ve got to see for yourself.”

“I actually think Qin Mang and Ruan Qizhuo are more fun to watch together.”

Back when the live broadcast aired, netizens suspected Ruan Qizhuo might be interested in Qin Mang, playing a possessive and forceful love interest. But once the episode aired, they realized something was off. He clearly had the role of a loyal little sidekick!

Qin Mang didn’t like the sun, so he held an umbrella. She went into the water, he pushed the boat. She was thirsty, he handed her water. … He was practically a loyal little puppy. Even CP fans couldn’t argue he was trying to flirt or show affection. After all, the way he looked at Qin Mang was pure and innocent.

During the recording, even Qin Mang wondered if something was wrong with his brain.

Later, She finally heard the truth from Ruan Qizhuo: “Sis-in-law, it’s because Brother He gave me too much.”

Turns out, He Lingji had promised to invest in his esports club. It was all about the money.

He Lingji’s money was basically her money. And since she spent it, Qin Mang had every reason to boss Ruan Qizhuo around. With 80 million, she could’ve hired hundreds of top-tier assistants. And yet these two managed to be full of funny banter, with constant humor.

Very soon, viewers forgot the original reason they started watching the show.

Instead of rushing into a new film set during recording breaks, Qin Mang arranged for acting lessons. She hadn’t come from a formal acting background, and relying solely on talent might bring short-term success, but she wanted much more.

Her next role would be that of a psychologist who didn’t know she had depression. While healing others, she sank deeper into her own darkness. In the end, she couldn’t overcome it, leaping from a half-finished building, ending a brief yet dazzling life.

Unlike her previous roles in *Dreams of Old Beijing* or any others she’d played, this character required deep acting skills. Of course, if she pulled it off, it could become another classic. If not, it would be a terrible mess—no director could save it.

In the studio, A girl in a thin silk dress lounged lazily in a single sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, flipping through a book on acting techniques. She glanced absentmindedly at the variety show playing on the screen across from her.

At that moment, A-Tong chirped excitedly, “He gave her a yacht and even spent money to get people to protect her—wahhh, if this isn’t love, then what is?!”

Qin Mang’s slender fingers paused on the book page. Love? What kind of love was this?

A hazy memory surfaced in her mind—her parents together when she was a child, And when her mother died, her always-elegant, unshakeable father broke down repeatedly, even attempting suicide.

Qin Mang couldn’t imagine either herself or He Lingji becoming like that. Her eyes shimmered, hiding all emotion. A man like He Lingji was even less likely to fall in love with anyone. This was for the best. They would never talk about love, never mention it—for the rest of their lives.

After the episode aired, Fu Yuan finally spoke up: “At this rate, the CP buzz between you and Tan Guannan will die down soon.”

“Mm,” Qin Mang casually responded, her red lips lightly pressed together.

She had no interest in riding the rumor mill with a top-tier actor. Fu Yuan looked at her pale, cool profile. It was clear she had never taken Tan Guannan seriously. She hadn’t even mentioned that night. As if she had already forgotten.

Little did she know, Qin Mang *had* truly forgotten. Because her only memory of that period was spending seven straight days and nights with He Lingji on the yacht. Seven days and seven nights!! Terrifying. Whenever she accidentally recalled it, only indecent and “unspeakable”

images came to mind.

So, she made a conscious effort to forget.

Fu Yuan was satisfied with her current state— Focused on acting. Not distracted by men.

She arranged the rest of Qin Mang’s schedule with satisfaction, then stood up.

“Once this reality show ends, you’ll go straight to the set.”

“This shoot will be longer than usual.”

“Be prepared.”

“Got it.”

Qin Mang didn’t need to prepare much.

Just then, her personal phone buzzed with a WeChat message. Her lashes lowered. On screen— **[Miss Qin, the sapphire brooch you previously ordered has been completed. Would you like to pick it up in person?]** **[Photos x9]**

Qin Mang tapped to open the image. A gorgeously crafted sapphire brooch for men appeared on screen— Even more beautiful than she had imagined.

At first glance, She instantly pictured He Lingji wearing it. The main stone was a deep, tranquil blue—like the most mysterious and brilliant star in the sky. Designed to resemble a jagged glacier or a streak of blue lightning, the brooch was surrounded by hundreds of diamonds. Luxurious and elegant.

It had originally been meant as a return gift for that awards ceremony night. The entire lakeside manor had lit up just for her—she would never forget that.

The more she looked, the more she loved it. No surprise—it *was* her own design. She couldn’t help but mutter, “Such a beautiful sapphire…”

“…he’s getting it for free.”

She nearly wanted to keep it for herself.

But unfortunately, she’d been busy lately. Even when she went home, she often missed seeing He Lingji. Besides— Giving it to him in person felt a little *too* formal. People might think she was proposing!

After thinking about it, She decided to let the brand send it directly to He Group. Then she messaged He Lingji.

**Little Lion Roar Meow:** * “I’m not a stingy person, so I prepared a return gift for the yacht—you’ll receive it in a few days. Don’t forget to pick it up.”

* She emphasized again: * “I designed it myself, so treasure it well!”

*

She originally wanted to remind him not to overthink it. But in the end, she didn’t type that line. It felt too deliberate.

A long time passed before He Lingji finally replied—

**[Okay.]**

Over the years, He Group had been striving to expand into overseas markets. Ever since He Lingji took over, they’d seen excellent results. He was now negotiating a major international deal. If it succeeded, He Group would secure a spot in the global tech market.

That’s why he had been incredibly busy since the New Year. Those seven days? Who knew how he’d even freed up that time.

Anyway, after that week, He Lingji became practically invisible. So Qin Mang didn’t overthink it either.

With the CP buzz around Tan Guannan fading, filming for the show went very smoothly.

But in April, while filming a new episode— The NPC turned out to be someone familiar. A certain someone who had already quit the entertainment industry.

In the makeup room at the filming site, Qin Mang sat with her eyes closed, lashes gently fluttering. She had already changed into a sporty denim jacket and pleated skirt. Fresh and clean, she looked just like the vibrant school beauty from her student days.

Her long, slender legs peeked out—beautiful and elegant.

**Next to her, Meng Ting had already figured out what was going on. He lowered his voice and said, “Shen Wanyin was placed into the program by the main sponsor. She’s preparing for her comeback.”

**

“Comeback?”

Since the beginning of spring, the weather in Shen City had changed dramatically.

It was starting to get hot.

Wearing short sleeves and skirts no longer felt cold.

Qin Mang’s eyelashes lifted slightly. She hadn’t heard that name in a while and almost didn’t recognize it.

“Wasn’t she blacklisted?”

Meng Ting had the expression of someone eager for gossip, lowering his voice further.

“Rumor has it she’s hooked up with Director Zhou from Feiyun Entertainment. Tsk tsk, I don’t know how she managed to win him over, but her comeback is huge. She already has several big-budget drama female leads lined up.”

But then, recalling Shen Wanyin’s face he had seen earlier, he frowned in suspicion.

“Why does she look prettier… but also kind of off?”

“Plastic surgery, obviously.”

Before Qin Mang could respond, the makeup artist nearby sneered, “And it was an expensive one.”

“Plastic surgery?”

Meng Ting suddenly realized.

“No wonder she’s not doing movies.”

The big screen is different from the small screen.

A successful cosmetic job might make someone look more refined, but the big screen magnifies every detail. Even slightly stiff expressions would be obvious.

The small screen is a bit more forgiving. And if your status is high enough, post-production can edit your face frame by frame.

Meng Ting looked concerned.

“You don’t think she’s targeting you, do you?”

After all, Shen Wanyin’s abrupt retreat from the industry was somewhat related to Qin Mang.

She had exited the spotlight before her scandals fully erupted.

So now, with a powerful company pouring resources into her, her comeback might even surpass her former fame.

Qin Mang lazily took a sip of water, her lips becoming dewy and alluring. Her gaze remained cool, like moonlight suspended at midnight.

“If soldiers come, we block; if water comes, we cover it with earth.”

She wasn’t afraid of her before.

Even less now.

Meng Ting nodded.

Indeed, Shen Wanyin hadn’t made a move yet. It was useless to overthink.

They couldn’t possibly strike first before anything had happened.

That would make them no different from her.

Meng Ting already imagined a thousand shady schemes Shen Wanyin might be plotting.

But he never expected—

That after her cosmetic surgery, Shen Wanyin would act just like Qin Mang.

Simple and brutal.

Was that the confidence that came from having strong backing?

One hour later, recording officially began.

All the guests were present, dressed simply and casually.

Except for the special guest, Shen Wanyin, who held a Su embroidery fan to cover her face. Her ornate hair accessories and full makeup made her look strikingly glamorous.

She played the NPC in this castle-themed episode.

Shen Wanyin was the queen guiding the guests through the mystery. All participants had to follow her instructions while searching for the culprit.

Her role ran through the entire episode.

She had a lot of camera time and was dressed as a regal queen from start to finish.

Whether in photos or videos, the visuals would be stunning.

As her first appearance after returning, this was designed to ensure success.

Qin Mang had just taken her place.

The female guest next to her whispered, “No wonder they told us to dress down. We’re just here to be her backdrop.”

There are no secrets in the entertainment industry.

Whatever Meng Ting could dig up, the agents of other guests could too.

Qin Mang gave a cold laugh.

“Her?”

Who’s the backdrop now?

At first, Qin Mang didn’t know what Shen Wanyin was planning. Until it was time to get in the water to search for clues.

Shen Wanyin suddenly looked at Qin Mang and smiled sweetly.

“This sacred spring must remain pure. No cosmetics should pollute it. Everyone must remove their makeup before going in.”

“?”

The male guests didn’t care. They just used the makeup wipes provided to clean their faces.

But Tan Guannan, who had been restraining himself from interacting with Qin Mang, couldn’t help but glance at her.

Having spent years in the industry, he could tell right away that Shen Wanyin was targeting Qin Mang.

Standing beside the director, Meng Ting almost spat blood.

Now he understood what Shen Wanyin was up to.

No wonder she joined a variety show to announce her comeback.

So that’s it!

She had originally been exposed for stepping on the then-newcomer Qin Mang to build her image as a glamorous goddess. That’s why she crashed and burned.

Now, for her comeback, her first move was to step back on that same stage.

To prove with facts that she was more beautiful than Qin Mang, that all the talk about copying or outshining her was nonsense—that she was truly and clearly more attractive.

Besides the fans, the general public wouldn’t bother digging up old news.

They’d just compare new photos.

At that point, with both of them appearing on the same show—plain-faced Qin Mang and dazzling Shen Wanyin?

It would be obvious to everyone who stood out more.

Maybe even gain sympathy for Shen Wanyin’s previous forced retreat, drawing in more fans.

This was a bold counterattack.

Sure enough.

Before the show even finished recording, someone already leaked behind-the-scenes photos to Weibo.

It was a high-resolution close-up, filtered and adjusted for lighting—Shen Wanyin’s side profile looked even more refined than before she left the industry. Her slightly upturned eyes exuded allure.

Top comment:

**Aaaaah Shen Wanyin is back?! She’s so perfect for this luxurious palace theme. So, so, so gorgeous! This is really a reality show and not a movie set? Shen Wanyin alone raised the production value. She looks this good even in candids? Can’t wait to watch!!**

Just like Meng Ting predicted, it seemed like everyone had forgotten why she left in the first place.

—

**During a break in filming.**

Meng Ting scrolled through trending topics, confused.

“Why isn’t she stepping on you?”

It was all self-praise.

Qin Mang had already removed her makeup.

But it only revealed her striking features—her bold, intense beauty, now completely exposed.

She touched her own cheek and chuckled.

“Step on me?”

“Just to humiliate herself again?”

Meng Ting pondered that.

It made sense.

So what was Shen Wanyin doing then, with all this fuss, even paying to be the NPC in a variety show? If she wanted exposure, she could’ve walked a red carpet or gone to an awards show for more attention.

Qin Mang’s watery eyes held no emotion.

Until her phone lit up.

Her red lips curved slightly.

It had arrived.

She wondered how He Lingji would look wearing it.

Just then—

There was a knock on the door.

Other guests had come to get her for the next scene.

Qin Mang casually tossed her phone to Meng Ting.

“Alright. You’re not that bright anyway. Just tell Sister Fu and let her handle it.”

Meng Ting reflexively responded.

But after Qin Mang left, he realized something was off.

What did she mean?

That he’s not that bright?

“Qin Mang!”

“Explain that!”

What do you mean, not that bright?!

—

**Meanwhile, at the CEO office of He Corporation.**

Cong Zhen personally brought a jewelry box and handed it over with great care.

Thanks to Mrs. He lately, he now had some knowledge of fine jewelry. He recognized the packaging—it was from a world-renowned haute couture brand.

He asked instinctively, “President He, is this another gift for your wife?”

After all, lately, He Lingji had spent the most money on gems.

The man’s voice was as calm and cold as ever.

“No.”

His wife had been busy with work lately.

No time to ask him for gems.

He Lingji finished reviewing the last document.

Then finally put down his pen and casually opened the jewelry box with his long, elegant fingers.

Under the white light—

A sapphire brooch, deep blue like a starry night, lay atop a pale silver silk lining.

Exquisite and luxurious.

The key point—

Cong Zhen gasped.

“This is a men’s brooch.”

Could the brand have made a mistake?

Thinking of Qin Mang’s possessiveness toward her gems, Cong Zhen felt doomed. If she found out her treasured gem had been turned into a men’s brooch, there’d be hell to pay.

He Lingji slowly ran his finger across the sapphire. It felt cold to the touch and reminded him of their video call a few days ago, when she mentioned a return gift for the yacht.

He hadn’t expected it to be this.

This sapphire was the one she had spent all her pocket money on.

Later, someone helped her top it up so she could buy it.

She loved it dearly.

He had even seen her use a photo of it as her phone wallpaper.

Not to mention it had always held the prime spot in her display case.

His handsome face, usually cold and aloof, now softened slightly with a faint smile.

Like a glacier slowly thawing.

He glanced at the worried Cong Zhen beside him.

His voice was low and steady: “Can’t you tell?”

Cong Zhen: “Huh?”

He Lingji elegantly removed his usual brooch and replaced it with this vibrant, lavish one—very different from his typical restrained and serious style.

Only then did he say slowly, “My wife gave it to me.”

Cong Zhen: “?”

Staring in disbelief at He Lingji.

Where did he get the nerve?

Would Mrs. He really gift him her prized gem?

He Lingji handed over his phone, already opened to the camera.

“Take a photo.”

Cong Zhen: “……”

Was he going to send this to his wife to apologize?

But he was shocked again—

He Lingji didn’t send it to Qin Mang.

He sent it to—

Rong Huaiyan.

**He Lingji:** [Didn’t you say bros should share life updates?]

**Rong Huaiyan:** [So?]

**He Lingji:** [Your wife made you a handmade scarf, right?]

**Rong Huaiyan:** [What about it?]

**He Lingji:** [Oh, nothing.]

[My wife designed this sapphire brooch for me. *photo attached*]

Cong Zhen had taken a good shot.

In the photo, the icy and handsome man wore a custom suit, the sapphire brooch perfectly matching his grey-blue eyes. With a faint curve of his lips, he looked both elegant and untouchably refined.

**Rong Huaiyan** went silent for a few seconds: [Am I supposed to say congratulations?]

**He Lingji:** [It’s more valuable than your scarf.]

**Rong Huaiyan:** [???]