**The sound of trust breaking is never heard…But its destruction can shatter
an empire, a family,and a love… at once.**
Tian-lei is a modern business icon. His established company, E-Shing, is now one of Asia's most successful brands. The company's director, Zhi-Yuan, has been his long-time partner and colleague.
Tomorrow is the company's biggest fashion show. For this show, Zhi-Yuan himself arranged to bring the famous French model and actor Rui-Shu as a special guest. But as evening falls, news arrives that Rui-Shu has suddenly canceled his booking. The reason sends a shadow of anger across Tian-lei's face. Furious, he calls Zhi-Yuan.
Tian-lei: Zhi-Yuan, where are you right now? Sitting with our enemies, sharing joys and sorrows?
Zhi-Yuan (voice firm): Tian-lei, watch your words. Sin-Shing Company may be our rival, but Jin-Yu is my wife and your sister-in-law. Speak with respect about her.
Tian-lei (coldly): I'm not speaking to my friend Zhi-Yuan right now. I'm speaking to the director of E-Shing, Zhi-Yuan.
Zhi-Yuan (pauses, then professionally): Sorry, sir… tell me, what happened?
Tian-lei: Don't you know our fashion show is tomorrow? And your wife, Jin-Yu, has taken our main guest Rui-Shu for her own company! Come to the office immediately—urgent meeting.
Zhi-Yuan (surprised): Sir, listen to me—Jin-Yu is not directly involved in office affairs. Why she would do this, I…
Tian-lei cuts him off sharply.
Tian-lei: I don't want to hear what your wife does or doesn't do, Director. I want results. Come to the office—now.
Tian-lei hangs up without another word. As the screen goes dark, Zhi-Yuan looks at Jin-Yu with a deep, troubled gaze.
Zhi-Yuan: Jin-Yu, do you know Rui-Shu?
Jin-Yu (smiling): Of course I do. He's a world-famous model. Who wouldn't know him?
Zhi-Yuan: You knew he was supposed to attend our company's show tomorrow?
Jin-Yu (smirking): Zhi-Yuan, I'm your wife. We live under the same roof—should I not know what you're doing? And I'm the daughter of a CEO myself. News about a rival company is always under my fingertips.
Zhi-Yuan (looking down): Then Tian-lei was right… Alright, let's not talk further. I'm heading to the office. I don't know if I'll return tonight. If I do, we'll talk.
Zhi-Yuan quickly puts on his coat. Jin-Yu, a mix of surprise and anger on her face, calls after him.
Jin-Yu: Zhi-Yuan! Where are you going? Wait, listen to me! How can you suspect me like this? You promised our daughter that our conflicts would never reach the outside world! And now, because of Tian-lei, you're doubting me?
Zhi-Yuan doesn't turn back. Before Jin-Yu finishes, he leaves. She wants to follow, but he drives away from the parking lot. Her mood darkens. Nearby, a taxi waits. Jin-Yu quickly dials an unknown number.
Jin-Yu: Jun-Yu, you must be bored at home. I need to go out quickly. Please come to the park and take Rui-Shu home.
Jun-Yu (tearful smile): Didi, I came to your house to rest. How do you expect me to work now? Please, Didi, let me sleep a little. If you keep doing this, I won't come to your house again.
Jin-Yu (mixing anger and request): Taxi, come here. You lazy thing! You've been here for 14 days and have been sleeping all the time. Now, I only ask you to take Rui-Shu home. Just do this one task. Then you can sleep, I promise no more work.
Jin-Yu hangs up and gets into the taxi, leaving the park. Jun-Yu's expression darkens on the other side of the phone.
From the park, Jin-Yu goes to meet Sin-Shing Company's director. They talk, standing side by side. Meanwhile, Tian-lei, returning to the office, notices Jin-Yu. He cannot hear her conversation but seeing her sparks suspicion.
Jin-Yu: Mr. Zhi-Qiang, Sin-Shing is at the top in clothing quality and makeup products. It will stay that way. I request that even after leaving Sin-Shing, I manage the company discreetly. CEO Jun-Kai must never find out. You will fly to France tonight, right?
Zhi-Qiang: Yes, ma'am. Everything as planned. My flight is at 8 PM. Don't worry.
Jin-Yu: Alright. Once you reach Paris tonight, give me updates every moment.
Zhi-Qiang (cautiously): Ma'am, may I ask a personal question?
Jin-Yu: What question?
Zhi-Qiang: Ma'am, you married our rival company's partner, which ended your father's relationship with you. Yet you've done so much for Sin-Shing. But what has this company given you? Conflicts with your husband, struggles with your father—how do you handle it? How do you have so much energy?
Jin-Yu (soft smile, resolute): Mr. Zhi-Qiang, love is hard. Proving love cost me my father's trust. I can't openly talk to my mother because of him. I made a mistake, loving my enemy. If there's any pressure as the price for my mistake, so be it. But for my sake, I can never drag Jun-Yu down.
Zhi-Qiang (bows slightly, admiringly): Ma'am, a warrior girl like you is a blessing to any father. You're not just my idol, you inspire everyone. I see Tian-lei over there. Seems he's watching us.
Jin-Yu (reassuringly): Alright. Now, safely reach the airport.
Zhi-Qiang heads to the airport, and Jin-Yu returns home. Seeing both leave, Tian-lei drives straight to the office. The Sin-Shing board of directors is already seated around the large conference table. The lighting is dim. Tian-lei sits in the CEO chair, visibly furious. Zhi-Yuan sits to his left, clearly intimidated; Wen-Hao to his right.
Wen-Hao: Sir, how much longer will we wait? Tomorrow at 3 PM is the fashion show. If Rui-Shu doesn't come, we need a new model.
Tian-lei (angrily): There's less than 24 hours left, Wen-Hao! Finding a new model isn't simple. Clothing, makeup, performance orders—all must be redone. (Looks at Zhi-Yuan) Zhi-Yuan, why did Rui-Shu suddenly leave our show? He said he would participate!
Zhi-Yuan: Tian-Shiang, he confirmed via email. I don't understand why he suddenly changed his mind.
Ji-Rui: Director, if he didn't intend to come, why send an "I won't come" email now? Two days ago, you said he confirmed!
Wen-Hao: Yes, sir. Rui-Shu signed the contract and received advance payment. Suddenly, he's working for the rival company's ambassador. Suspicious.
Tian-lei: I won't let him get away. He ruined my show and is now working for the rival company! Zhi-Yuan, get your laptop. Retrieve all emails and payment confirmations with Rui-Shu. If we have these, I'll file a case to stop Sin-Shing's ad campaign today.
Zhi-Yuan panics internally: (Tian-lei now suspects Jin-Yu too. If her name comes up in Rui-Shu's case, I'm done!)
Zhi-Yuan collects himself and begins: Sir… after finalizing the deal with Rui-Shu, I submitted my laptop to company security. The hard disk is under repair. IT says data restoration will take two days. I cannot provide the email logs at this moment.
Tian-lei: Meaning? You can't give it now? Do you know how much loss the company has suffered? If Rui-Shu had attended, our designs would have launched in at least three countries!
Wen-Hao (worried): Sir, will the show be canceled then?
Tian-lei: Everything is ready. Canceling the show now would ruin our press image. Video calling him is impossible—he's now the rival company's spokesperson.
Wen-Hao: Sir, there's one way. We can video conference his manager now, force him to join tomorrow's show via live call. Otherwise, threaten with contract violation and media exposure. This will at least scare him, and our product views won't drop.
Tian-lei (eyes blazing): Fine. Try a video conference with Rui-Shu or his manager.
Wen-Hao (attempting on laptop): Sorry, sir. Call won't connect. Their server is in private mode.
Tian-lei falls silent, eyes burning with anger and vengeance.
Jin-Yu sits silently, staring at a Chinese ceramic flower vase on the glass tea table. She thinks about the park incident and why Jun-Yu hasn't returned. Suddenly, the doorbell rings. She looks at the digital clock.
Jin-Yu: It's 9 PM… maybe Jun-Yu's back? Wait, brother, I'm coming!
She moves to the door, surprised to see Zhi-Yuan standing there instead of Jun-Yu.
Jin-Yu: Oh, Zhi-Yuan! I thought Jun-Yu was back… give me your bag, give it.
As she reaches to take the bag, Zhi-Yuan suddenly shoves her away. Jin-Yu stumbles into the glass tea table, which shatters, cutting her elbow. Blood flows. Zhi-Yuan's heart races for her, but his eyes flash with anger.
Jin-Yu (teary, angry): Zhi-Yuan, since when did you become this monster? Where did this beastly strength come from? Did I do something wrong? Why are you so angry at me?
Zhi-Yuan (furious): Jin-Yu, did you conspire against E-Shing? How did our model become your company's ambassador before our show?
Jin-Yu: I didn't conspire! You know I left Sin-Shing a long time ago. Why would I plot against your company?
Zhi-Yuan: Then why did I suffer? I married you without telling you I was a shareholder in your rival company. Are you taking revenge?
Jin-Yu is silent, trying to understand his anger.
Zhi-Yuan: You know Tian-lei is not just my childhood friend; he's like a brother. Even as CEO, my share in E-Shing is no less than his. Your conspiracy has already caused huge losses!
At this moment, Jun-Yu returns home with Rui-Shu. Seeing the mess, Jin-Yu stays quiet to avoid upsetting her daughter. Jun-Yu kneels in front of the broken vase, dusting it. He questions Jin-Yu:
Jun-Yu: Didi, are you okay? Did Jiju hurt you?
Jin-Yu: I'm fine. Zhi-Yuan didn't hit me, Jun-Yu. He's just blaming me.
Jun-Yu: Didi, why blame him? Since I came, I've noticed you're unfairly criticized.
Zhi-Yuan: Complaint! Jin-Yu, complaining to your brother? Listen, E-Shing's model became Sin-Shing's ambassador because your sister-in-law conspired!
Jin-Yu: That's not true. Jun-Yu, no one in my family is involved.
Zhi-Yuan: Today, Tian-lei wanted to file a case against Rui-Shu. I stopped him. But tomorrow, once my laptop is fixed, E-Shing will take legal action.
Jin-Yu: Rui-Shu became Sin-Shing's ambassador. How is that my fault? I'm not involved officially.
Zhi-Yuan: Jin-Yu, I'm your husband. Living under the same roof, I know everything you do, just as you know what I do. Why are you lying? Today, Tian-lei saw you meeting your company's director Zhi-Qiang. Is it because of him? You deceived me.
Jun-Yu gets angry and lifts the vase toward Zhi-Yuan, but Jin-Yu grabs his hand:
Jin-Yu: Jun-Yu! Don't! Stay calm. I'm speaking.
Jun-Yu (angry): Didi, look at who you married. This is the face behind his love mask. He has no trust in you. He married you despite opportunities elsewhere, just to trap our company. He deceived you!
Jin-Yu (soothing): Jun-Yu, calm down. Zhi-Yuan is older and your brother-in-law. I'm telling you where my fault lies.
Jun-Yu (still angry, but calmer): Didi, I won't let him deceive you again. We have a daughter now. You go freshen up. I'll handle this.
Zhi-Yuan, desperate, whispers to himself: Jin-Yu, whatever happens, I love you. Don't leave me. Without you, I'm helpless. Think of Rui-Shu, don't leave me.
He leaves the house. Jin-Yu calls after him.
Jin-Yu: Zhi-Yuan, wait! Where are you going? Don't get angry, brother! Listen to me!
Zhi-Yuan leaves silently, carrying his pride and frustration. Jun-Yu releases Jin-Yu's hand, sighs, and controls his anger.
Jin-Yu: Jun-Yu, calm down. I made one mistake. I won't make the same mistake again. Now we have a daughter. I need to freshen up and cook.
Jun-Yu exhales deeply and goes to calm himself.
Meanwhile, Shi-Han was returning home with his two friends, Kai-Wen and Xiao-Tong. As they neared their house, Xiao-Tong said to Shi-Han—
Xiao-Tong: "Shi-Han, Kai-Wen had an argument with me today. So he's taking me to a restaurant for dinner to make up for it. You go home first; Kai-Wen and I will come later."
Kai-Wen had enough money to pay the restaurant bill, but he was still upset with Xiao-Tong because of how she kept glancing at Jun-Yu. And whenever he heard that he had to go to the restaurant with Xiao-Tong, he jumped in surprise—
Kai-Wen: "No way! Shi-Han, today Xiao-Tong was making me jealous in the park by staring at your bird. So she's the one taking me to the restaurant to calm me down."
Kai-Wen glared at Xiao-Tong with angry eyes as he spoke. Xiao-Tong's expression also showed she was annoyed. Even though they were boyfriend and girlfriend, every time they were together, it seemed like all they did was argue. Shi-Han could clearly see that another fight was about to start between them. But since he was in the middle, and because of today's park incident, they would both take jabs at him too. Seeing the tension building, Shi-Han quickly took out the restaurant bill from his wallet and handed it to Xiao-Tong, saying—
Shi-Han: "Enough arguing! I can already see you two will fight over the bill at the restaurant. Here—take the bill, go and have your dinner."
Xiao-Tong: "What's this, Shi-Han? Are you giving us a bribe just to shut the mouth of that bird you brought to the park on the green racing bike? You never pay the restaurant bill otherwise!"
Xiao-Tong's sharp words made Shi-Han flare up with anger. With that perfect six-pack body and strong masculine arms, who could keep their eyes off him? Plus, the guy had ridden the racing bike like a real racer, leaving the park in five minutes without noticing anyone else.
Shi-Han, having lost control over his wandering eyes for a brief moment, didn't think that Xiao-Tong and Kai-Wen would make such a scene for the full five minutes. Even though he wanted to pay the restaurant bill for them, Xiao-Tong's remark made him change his mind.
Seeing Shi-Han's angry glare, Kai-Wen realized the bomb was about to explode. Before Shi-Han could react, Kai-Wen snatched the restaurant bill from his hands and slipped it into his own pocket.
Kai-Wen: "Thanks, Shi-Han! Come on, Xiao-Tong, let's run!"
With that, Kai-Wen grabbed Xiao-Tong's hand and dashed away from Shi-Han. Shi-Han watched them run and fumed—
Shi-Han: "Devil and she-devil, return my money! I was willing to pay for you two to make up your fight, and look at me getting messed with. Let's see at home who opens the door for you two in the house—monkey and she-monkey, where do you even come from?"
__________________________________
Next Scene – Sudden Headache
Jun-Yu suddenly experiences an intense headache. The pain is so sharp it feels as if his veins might burst at any moment. He quickly sets the bowl of soup on the table and presses his fingers against his temples, massaging in an attempt to relieve the pain.
Ruo-Shi notices him first and, with a worried tone, asks—
Ruo-Shi: "Mamu, are you okay? Is your head hurting again?"
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