The two of them were stuck between yellow and green.

Page 1 of 3

Shu Nian was driving alone in her Maybach. Just as she arrived at a parking lot, the windows of the Maybach slowly rolled down, revealing Yun Yang and Lin Rui passionately kissing nearby. Life was supposed to be vibrant and colorful, yet these two seemed stuck between shades of yellow and green. Shu Nian found it unbearable to watch.

Lin Rui, nearly gasping for breath from Yun Yang’s kisses, leaned to the side and caught a glimpse of Shu Nian observing them. A feeling of comfort surged within him. But then his eyes landed on the understated Maybach. Jealousy and resentment flickered briefly in his gaze, only to vanish just as quickly. Why did she have everything handed to her from birth? So what? The man Yun Yang fancied was still falling under his spell.

Lin Rui noticed Shu Nian suddenly pause her movements there. Yun Yang was puzzled. Usually, she would go along with things, so what was wrong with her today? Following her line of sight, he caught Shu Nian staring at them with eyes full of emotion. Yun Yang never expected the woman to follow him all the way here. Just a few days ago, she had deleted all his contact information, even his phone number, completely erasing him. But he hadn’t cared—she would still come back to him like a devoted dog. Had she already lost control after just a few days?

Seeing Yun Yang’s gaze fixed on Shu Nian, Lin Rui felt deeply aggrieved. “Is it because you can’t forget her? She has money if she wants, and looks if she cares—unlike me.” He even let out a cautious sob. Yun Yang immediately looked disdainfully toward him. “No way. The only woman I’ve ever truly loved in my life is you.” Upon hearing this, Lin Rui clung to him like a parasite, weakly whispering, “Then you better remember those words.” His small hand traced circles on Yun Yang’s chest.

Yun Yang gazed at Lin Rui tenderly. Lin Rui’s achievements and efforts always received positive feedback and praise from him, which boosted his sense of self-worth. He understood and respected Lin Rui’s need for personal space and time, granting him ample freedom—always ready when called. Compared to Shu Nian, Yun Yang preferred Lin Rui. Shu Nian’s family was as prestigious as his own; both were centuries-old noble houses. Yet Shu Nian only looked at him with pride, like a goddess in the sky—aloof and unapproachable. Yun Yang did not like that.

Page 2 of 3

Shu Nian had no intention of paying attention to the two of them as they got out of the car on their own. In her previous life, there had been a fallen director named Ji Youmu, who had offended the ruthless capitalists—the Yun family. Yun Yang’s father had a peculiar fetish: he enjoyed “toying” with men, and didn’t discriminate between genders. Just the thought of it was nauseating; it was best to stay as far away from those two as possible. What if that man was like Yun Yang’s father, indifferent to gender? Best to forget it for now and focus on her own path. Staying away from the Yun family was better for everyone.

Later, this fallen director was doing odd jobs when their paths crossed. At that time, Shu Nian was also working as an extra, while Ji Youmu was sitting in a corner eating steamed buns. She approached him to chat, both being at low points in their careers, and found that they got along well. Over time, their shared talent and character attracted the attention of Longtou Entertainment, the leading company where they now lived alone. They supported each other—one became a top-tier director, the other a rising starlet. When she fell from grace, he spoke up for her, though undoubtedly he suffered backlash for that as well. He was probably still living beneath the parking lot, she sighed, as she walked away.

Yun Yang and Lin Rui only saw two people passionately kissing there. They both assumed Shu Nian had fled in despair and had no intention of chasing after her, firmly believing she must be crying somewhere. Yun Yang gently embraced Lin Rui, saying, “Let’s go eat.”

…

Shu Nian entered a dimly lit room. The few small windows were obscured by the shadows of the parking lot. The furniture was sparse—a rickety bed with faded sheets, a table and a few chairs whose legs were unevenly worn. She looked at Ji Youmu’s disheveled hair and unshaven face, appearing somewhat unkempt. His eyes revealed deep exhaustion and loss. Seeing a woman dressed so elegantly, he seemed at a loss. Thinking he might be disturbing someone living here, he quickly stood and said, “I really have no money left. Has the rent gone up again? If you think—”

He wore a shabby but clean shirt, its color faded from washing. Shu Nian hurriedly cut him off, unwilling to hear more.

Page 3 of 3

“Director Ji, I’m not here to ask you to move out. I just want to talk business.” Shu Nian looked at this Ji Youmu, unable to reconcile the image with the once-glamorous, top-tier director whom countless people had sought after in her previous life.

Hearing the words “Director Ji,” Ji Youmu’s body trembled slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes. He slowly lifted his head, his gaze a mixture of confusion and expectation. It was as if he were searching for the owner of that voice, while recalling his days of glory. His voice was hoarse, tinged with uncertainty. “Are… you calling me?”

Ji Youmu’s life wasn’t chaotic; everything was meticulously clean. Yet his daily routine was a mechanical repetition of the bare minimum needed to survive. Now he felt a bit ashamed of his scruffy appearance. He feared this woman might be a former fan worried about him.

But Shu Nian seemed oblivious to such thoughts and settled onto a seemingly clean stool. “Director Ji, the proud youth who once faced setbacks—don’t worry. Now, having endured so much, you can capture the shadows of life even better, becoming the person you dreamed of when you were young.” She continued, “I have the looks and the money; you have the talent and the writing skills. Together, we can create a blockbuster series. May I have the honor of co-creating this dream with you?”

Ji Youmu’s eyes filled with shock and disbelief. “Miss, I don’t know you. We have no connection. Why should I trust you?” He feared this wasn’t about creating dreams, but about chasing illusions.

Shu Nian smiled faintly, knowing his past. “Don’t you want a triumphant return to slap in the face those who once humiliated, abused, and insulted you?”

Ji Youmu thought, this woman must be crazy. Though she was more beautiful than anyone in the entertainment industry, who would want to become famous by approaching someone like him? Everyone in this circle knew who he had offended. He was certain she was a scammer because only scammers spoke in such fervent, impassioned tones.

“Leave. I still have to go out and work to earn money.”

Shu Nian asked curiously, “What kind of work? Why don’t you want to continue your dream?”

“Scammer, fine, move aside. I have nothing left for you to scam. Are you a reporter trying to expose me?” Ji Youmu’s suspicion immediately flared. He had a young girl here under his care, and no harm could come to her. His gaze turned sharp and fierce.

Watching Ji Youmu’s sudden change, Shu Nian thought to herself: no wonder he’s a top director—he’s a great actor.