An Ning woke up feeling a surge of determination, a fire ignited within her as she formulated her plan. The first step was a visit to the hair salon, where she intended to transform her appearance. As the stylist worked, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope with each snip of the scissors. The stylist looked up at her and remarked, "You're so beautiful; why hide your face?"

An Ning didn't respond; instead, her heart raced with anger as memories flooded her mind. She recalled how her so-called mother always made her feel small, how she was given the worst and forced into the shadows while everything good was handed to Feng Yue. The injustice simmered within her, and she fought to mask the hatred that threatened to escape her gaze.

After a few minutes, the stylist stepped back, a satisfied smile gracing her lips. "There you go! Now you're truly stunning."

An Ning leaned closer to the mirror and gasped at the reflection staring back at her. She saw a beautiful young woman with flowing black hair, striking blue eyes, fair skin, and rosy lips. A smile of satisfaction spread across her face as she thought, Now this is more like it. The transformation felt like shedding a layer of her past, allowing her true self to emerge.

With newfound confidence, she headed out to shop for clothes, but her heart sank when she saw the balance on her card—it was her last bit of money. Undeterred, she found a gorgeous dress that accentuated her figure perfectly. As she made the purchase, thoughts of how to make quick money raced through her mind. Then it struck her: the audition for a film that was set to become a sensation in just a few months, titled "The Flowers of the Garden." She remembered all too well how desperately Feng Yue had wanted that role. A smirk crossed her lips as she whispered to herself, "Now it's going to be mine."

Later that evening, An Ning entered her tiny dorm room, a stark contrast to the vibrant woman she had become. She had no roommate—her antisocial nature had made her a pariah among her peers, leaving her alone with her thoughts. But tonight, she embraced that solitude, thinking of her future plans and feeling a sense of empowerment wash over her.

As night fell, An Ning transformed into someone unrecognizable. She slipped into a black dress with an alluring open back, the fabric clinging to her curves and exuding confidence. Presenting her invitation at the entrance of the grand mansion, she stepped inside, and the atmosphere shifted. All eyes turned to her as she entered the party, but An Ning remained unfazed; her focus was solely on finding Feng Yue.

Navigating through the crowd, she made her way backstage, where she spotted Feng Yue preparing for her moment. An Ning glanced around, ensuring no one was in sight, before locking the door behind her. The sound of the lock clicking into place sent a thrill through her.

Moving stealthily behind Feng Yue, An Ning's heart raced as she listened to her rival's frustrated mutterings. "Who are you? Get out of here!" Feng Yue snapped, turning around to face her.

An Ning's lips curled into a malicious smile as she stepped closer, her heart pounding with exhilaration. Without hesitation, she struck Feng Yue hard, watching with satisfaction as her rival crumpled to the floor. Leaning down, An Ning gazed into Feng Yue's unconscious eyes and whispered softly, "Now it's my turn to take the stage."

As she straightened up, a dark thought crossed her mind. She recalled how Feng Yue had risen to fame after attending events like this, always basking in the spotlight, effortlessly charming everyone around her. An Ning felt a surge of bitterness at the memory. Feng Yue always knew how to play the game, didn't she?

In that moment, An Ning envisioned her own future, one where she, too, could capture the attention and admiration that had always eluded her. The thought of snatching the limelight away from Feng Yue filled her with a rush of anticipation. This party could be my launchpad. With Feng Yue out of the picture, no one would stand in my way.

An Ning straightened her dress, smoothing the fabric as she felt the weight of opportunity pressing upon her. Tonight, she was determined to seize her moment. The idea of stepping into the role Feng Yue had so effortlessly played brought a wicked thrill. She would turn the tables, transforming her pain into power. As she prepared to leave the room, the echoes of laughter and music from the party resonated in her ears, beckoning her forward.

Let the world see who I truly am, An Ning thought, a fierce resolve hardening within her. 

In another room, a servant knocked on the door, his voice slightly hesitant as he called out, "Sir, the party has started. Your grandfather is looking for you."

The man inside the room was Zhi Hao, who looked up from his desk, confirming, "I'll be down shortly."

The servant shifted nervously, his face flushing slightly as he relayed a message from Zhi Hao's grandfather. "He asked me to mention that it would be nice if you found someone special at this party. After all, you're 24 years old and have never brought anyone home or dated."

At the mention of his grandfather's words, Zhi Hao finally lifted his gaze, a playful laugh escaping his lips. "Tell my grandfather that it's all up to fate." He sighed, noticing the concerned expression on the servant's face. It was clear that the servant felt awkward delivering such a message, and Zhi Hao couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and sympathy for him.

"Don't worry," Zhi Hao added with a reassuring smile, rising from his seat. "Let me handle it. I'll talk to him myself."

As he stepped out of the room, Zhi Hao felt a flutter of excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension. He couldn't deny the pressure of his grandfather's words weighed on him, yet part of him relished the thought of potentially meeting someone special that night. He was determined to navigate the party on his terms, letting fate take the lead.

With a confident stride, he made his way towards the grand hall, where laughter and music spilled out, welcoming him into a world filled with possibilities.