In the days that followed, the capital's upper circles became unusually lively.
Wherever there was a high-profile gathering—charity banquets, art exhibitions, private brand launches, or exclusive cocktail parties—Second Madam Gong and Ming Mimi would inevitably appear together. The two women moved through these events with ease and familiarity, smiling for cameras, exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries, and presenting a picture so harmonious that it was impossible to ignore.
Photographs quickly spread across social media.
In every image, Second Madam Gong looked composed and satisfied, while Ming Mimi stood by her side, elegant and radiant, already carrying the air of a future mistress of the Gong household. Their closeness was unmistakable.
Speculation exploded almost overnight.
"So this is the Gong family's future daughter-in-law?"
"Ming Mimi really has fate on her side."
"Look at Second Madam Gong's expression—she clearly adores her."
"In my next life, I want a mother-in-law like this."
The comments multiplied endlessly.
Soon, rumors evolved into near-certainties.
People whispered that the long-lost Gong family heir, Gong Rui, was already engaged to Ming Mimi. Others pointed out how frequently Second Madam Gong had been escorting her personally, interpreting it as tacit confirmation.
At the same time, another topic quietly gained traction.
"Didn't Ming Mimi take a hiatus from the entertainment industry?"
"I heard she's planning a comeback."
"If she returns, it'll definitely be big."
"Director Zhu Wenhai's new project hasn't announced a female lead yet…"
"Do you think she's eyeing that role?"
The discussions grew louder, more confident, more assured—until many people began to treat it as a foregone conclusion.
After all, who else could it be?
That evening, the annual Eastern Film Centennial Gala was held in the heart of the city.
It was an event of exceptional scale—commemorating a century of Eastern cinema, gathering veteran directors, internationally acclaimed actors, rising stars, investors, critics, and industry elites under one glittering roof.
When Second Madam Gong and Ming Mimi arrived, the attention shifted almost immediately.
Cameras flashed.
Whispers rippled through the hall.
Ming Mimi wore a refined gown in soft tones, understated yet impossibly eye-catching. Her smile was flawless, her posture elegant. Standing beside Second Madam Gong, she looked every bit like someone born into this world of lights and influence.
As they moved through the crowd, exchanging greetings and pleasantries, Ming Mimi's eyes suddenly paused.
Not far away, surrounded by people yet seemingly detached from them all, stood Director Zhu Wenhai.
She leaned slightly toward Second Madam Gong and said softly, "Director Zhu Wenhai is here. I should speak to him about scheduling an audition."
Second Madam Gong followed her gaze and smiled with clear approval. "Go on. Do what you need to do."
She released Ming Mimi's hand, watching her walk away with an expression filled with confidence and satisfaction.
Director Zhu Wenhai, meanwhile, looked oddly out of place.
Though many people tried to approach him—actors eager to exchange words, producers hoping to curry favor—he dismissed them all with polite but distracted responses. His mind was clearly elsewhere, his expression thoughtful, almost preoccupied.
It wasn't until Ming Mimi stopped in front of him that his focus returned.
He looked up, momentarily surprised—then smiled.
"Well, if it isn't our superstar Mimi," he said with a light laugh. "How long has it been? I almost didn't recognize you."
Ming Mimi brightened at once. "Director Zhu, I've missed you too."
She winked playfully.
Director Zhu laughed outright. "You haven't lost those antics of yours."
"How could I?" she replied lightly. "I'm a child at heart."
Their easy banter immediately set them apart.
Around them, subtle shifts occurred.
People who had failed to hold Director Zhu's attention earlier watched from a distance, jealousy flickering in their eyes. Conversations sparked quietly among the crowd.
"Director Zhu's actually smiling."
"He hasn't spoken properly to anyone else tonight."
"Looks like Ming Mimi really does have the inside track."
Ming Mimi sensed the attention but didn't mind it. If anything, it strengthened her confidence.
After a few more exchanges, she smoothly guided the conversation toward her real purpose.
"Director," she said, her tone sincere yet hopeful, "I've been thinking about returning to the entertainment industry."
Director Zhu looked genuinely surprised. "You are?"
"Yes," Ming Mimi nodded. "I've been away for a long time, but I don't want to waste what I was given."
He studied her carefully before saying, "To be honest, I always thought your hiatus was a shame. You have natural talent. Coming back now is a good decision."
Ming Mimi smiled, encouraged.
"I also heard," she continued, "that you're preparing a new film—Moonlit Promise. And that the female lead hasn't been finalized yet."
Her gaze met his, open and expectant.
"Would it be possible," she asked gently, "for me to audition?"
For a brief moment, Director Zhu didn't answer.
Then he shook his head.
"I'm afraid not," he said calmly. "I've already found the female lead."
The words struck harder than Ming Mimi expected.
Her smile froze for a fraction of a second.
"You… already found one?" she asked, unable to fully hide her surprise. "Who is it?"
Director Zhu hesitated, then answered casually, "Just someone new to the industry. I met her at the Gong family's banquet."
He added, almost as an afterthought, "By the way, congratulations on your engagement."
Ming Mimi laughed softly in response, but the tension beneath it was unmistakable.
"At the Gong family's banquet?" she repeated lightly. "How come I don't know who she is?"
"That's because you don't," Director Zhu replied. "She's a completely new face."
He smiled faintly, conviction clear in his eyes. "She hasn't accepted yet—but once everything is settled, I won't consider anyone else."
Ming Mimi felt as though something cold had slipped into her chest.
Who… would dare reject Director Zhu Wenhai?
This was his comeback project. The most sought-after film in years. A role countless actresses would fight tooth and nail to secure.
And yet—someone had refused?
Before she could ask anything more, a voice called Director Zhu from across the hall.
He turned apologetically. "I'm sorry, Mimi. I need to take this."
He paused, then added warmly, "It was good seeing you. I wish you the best."
And just like that, he walked away.
Ming Mimi stood where she was, the disappointment she had tried so hard to conceal now weighing heavily on her expression.
When she finally turned back, Second Madam Gong immediately noticed.
"What's wrong?"