The International Cinema Arts Association's quinquennial awards ceremony was happening this very year, and unfortunately for Lan Biao, Huayu had already secured the bid to host it in Huaxia seven years prior, a request the Association had long since approved. Since the event was scheduled for July, Lan Biao swallowed his indignation, deciding not to stoop to the level of trifling with Huayu Company for the time being. Instead, he secretly arranged for a film to be produced, aiming to win an award and further cement Lan Ning's reputation.

After all, this major competition would draw not only Chinese movie stars but also numerous top-tier international celebrities. Power brokers from various luxury brands would also attend, scouting for potential celebrity endorsers for their products. It promised to be a grand affair, where even relatively unknown actors might catch the eye of a major brand, securing an exclusive endorsement deal and skyrocketing to fame overnight.

In light of this, Lan Biao suppressed his annoyance and ignored Huayu’s provocations. Lan Ning’s silence, however, only seemed to fuel Huayu’s agitation. Just as Lan Ning’s historical court drama concluded, Huayu immediately launched one of their own. If Lan Ning were to announce a wuxia production, Huayu would instantly declare a similar theme. What was more blatant was that Huayu consistently cast Gu Yingxi as the lead, making it perfectly clear they intended to directly challenge Lan Ning.

Under this secret rivalry, July soon arrived with the major assembly. As the pivotal figure behind Lan Ning’s company, Ning Yunhuan had already gained considerable renown, naturally earning an invitation for herself. As for Lan Lingyan, obtaining an invitation was far easier for him than for Ning Yunhuan. Ning Yunhuan was eager to immerse herself in such an exciting atmosphere. Thus, on that day, she began preparations for her attire early on. Lin Min and Father Lan were also attending. However, Lin Min found the manicurists at the Lin residence subpar, so she accompanied Father Lan over early in the morning. The two women spent half the morning getting ready, and by the time they were about to leave, not only had Ning Yunhuan nearly failed to recognize her own reflection, but even Lan Jiu almost mistook her for someone else.

Lin Min was as stunning as ever, but Ning Yunhuan exuded an aura of cool detachment. Even when she smiled, there was a sense of distant reserve about her. Her experiences across two lifetimes had endowed her with a subtly mysterious presence. Though neither she nor Lin Min were professional stars, as they each took their husband’s arm upon arrival, the two couples managed to astonish many onlookers.

Unfortunately, the Lan family entered through the VIP passage, where photography was strictly forbidden. Media personnel, both domestic and international, fidgeted with the cameras slung around their necks but ultimately refrained from snapping pictures. This was no longer the era of Ning Yunhuan’s first transmigration, where reporters had fewer restraints. Infringing upon the assembly’s rules could result in immediate expulsion and a lawsuit, potentially revoking their press credentials for life. Such severe penalties ensured that reporters were highly reluctant to act rashly.

The moment Ning Yunhuan stepped into the venue, a surge erupted from a distant entrance on the opposite side. After a frantic crush of reporters, a central pathway was cleared by several burly security men, through which several top international stars entered with serene smiles. A barrage of flashes erupted, causing the rows of armed security personnel standing nearby to tense up. Given the unique sensitivity of the event, the government under Chairman Lin Maoshan would tolerate no incidents. The venue itself had been purpose-built over three years prior, overseen by Father Su, resembling a complex formed by ten small football fields joined together. Lin Maoshan had deployed the vast majority of police resources here; due to insufficient manpower, Father Lan had lent several thousand elite personnel. This security detail was precisely why Father Lan dared to appear so openly amidst such a chaotic public setting. Lin Maoshan and Father Lan had rendered the entire venue impenetrable; anyone with malicious intent stood no chance of entry.

“Look, Li Panpan!” someone exclaimed. Ning Yunhuan turned her head and indeed saw Li Panpan and a group of young socialites entering through the main gate. Despite their varying statuses, their fame afforded them entry. Unlike the Lan family, they proceeded through the main entrance, walking the red carpet. After being besieged by flashes, they spotted the Lan family seated in the special spectator stands above. Li Panpan and her group offered a smile in their direction before heading straight to the section of seats reserved by Lan Ning Company.

For this event, Lan Jiu had spared no expense, reserving a large block of seats. The special chairs were already affixed with Lan Ning Company labels, a clear indicator of the financial clout behind the company. As soon as Li Panpan and the others settled down, another commotion erupted behind them. Following a fresh influx of celebrities and directors, about half an hour later, the contingent from Huayu Company also arrived.

Even though it was merely an entry procession, it was still governed by status and fame. Huayu Company was originally quite small. Although the event was already over an hour into its opening, Huayu, based on its prior standing, shouldn't have qualified to enter at this juncture. However, thanks to the recent publicity boost gained from their rivalry with Lan Ning, they managed to squeeze in at this late hour.

“There’s a spot over there.” By this time, most attendees had entered, and a significant portion of the seats were filled, with only a small number of actors and celebrities remaining outside. The Huayu group pointed toward the area Lan Jiu had specifically purchased for Lan Ning Company. With so many people present, the shout went unheard, but the intention was unmistakable: the Huayu members, seeing the situation, began to joyfully advance in that direction.

As Huayu had a sizeable contingent, and most of the venue was occupied, newcomers, unless specially invited by the organizers, were required to purchase seating. Given the heavy traffic, encountering ticket scalpers was inevitable. Upon seeing the actions of the Huayu group, Ning Yunhuan’s expression immediately darkened. Just as she was about to rise, Lan Jiu restrained her. Li Panpan and the others watching them approach frowned. “Excuse me, these seats are taken. Please find somewhere else to sit.” Perhaps due to the fierce competition between the two companies, Li Panpan and her friends were openly displeased with the other party. They especially resented Huayu for shamelessly imitating their own debut strategy, only to compete at every turn, clearly aiming to oppose Lan Ning. A persistent tension simmered between the two sides, so Li Panpan’s response was direct and unapologetic.

“Taken? Miss, have you never ridden a public bus? Do you think claiming a direction means you own the seats?” The man leading the Huayu group appeared to be in his twenties, wearing a gaudy silk shirt, slicked-back hair, and an air of cheap swagger. As soon as he spoke, several men behind him, looking like staff, erupted in laughter. Li Panpan and her circle came from different backgrounds; speaking to those who respected rules posed no difficulty, but facing a group of ruffians left them momentarily speechless under the mockery. These men hurled crude analogies, clearly intending to humiliate them using common vulgarities unfamiliar to the sheltered young women. Du He and the others, despite their outgoing nature, had been so pampered by their families that they had never encountered such people. Before Lan Biao and the main party had even entered, the Huayu group was already ushering their members toward the seats, drawing curious stares toward the Lan Ning Company section. To yield now would mean having their dignity utterly trampled.

Lan Jiu began to stand, and Ning Yunhuan immediately moved to his side. He frowned, but Ning Yunhuan deliberately took his hand, pulling him back slightly. Since Lan Lingyan made no move to stop her, it signaled his tacit approval for Ning Yunhuan to join the confrontation.

They proceeded unimpeded to the Lan Ning seats. Ning Yunhuan walked directly to the spot Gu Yingxi had just occupied, tugged her arm, and pulled her up. “Move aside.” Gu Yingxi had been quite popular recently, and some of her fans in the audience reacted instantly. Seeing her being physically pulled, several of her ticket-holding admirers erupted in anger, shouting threats and brandishing light sticks, essentially demanding that Ning Yunhuan leave their idol alone.

Gu Yingxi, however, hadn't noticed the person pulling her; her eyes were fixed on Lan Jiu, who stood nearby, hands casually in his pockets, radiating a cool demeanor. Dressed in a crisp white silk shirt identical to Father Lan’s, he appeared handsome, imposing, and distinguished. Gu Yingxi exclaimed happily, “Brother Jiu…”

“What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to assault someone publicly? Do you even know who this is?” the young man who had just embarrassed Li Panpan now looked at Ning Yunhuan with a cold smile, a malicious glint in his eyes suggesting he knew her and intended to target her deliberately.

Ning Yunhuan ignored the increasingly aggressive shouts from the fans and the smug man before her. She wore a floor-length white strapless evening gown, the hem styled like a mermaid’s tail, but with high slits on both sides of her legs. As she moved, glimpses of her long, fair legs were tantalizingly revealed. She simply requested a microphone from a staff member hurrying over, cleared her throat, and boomed, “Silence!” Her voice lacked the sweet charm of Gu Yingxi’s, yet it carried its own cool resonance. Microphones were pre-installed throughout the venue, so her single shout seemed to echo everywhere, stunning the crowd into immediate quiet. Everyone turned to look at her. They saw her slender figure, her dark hair elegantly coiled, her makeup subtle yet perfectly accentuating her refined features and cool temperament. Her chin was slightly raised, her expression a mixture of cold impatience and undeniable pride.