Lin Mei's desire for revenge burned brighter than ever.
At four p.m., she finished getting ready and went to the TV studio with Shen Fei to audition.
Standing on stage, Lin Mei's eyes turned red as she delivered her lines, her voice trembling with restrained fury.
"You scoundrel! You betrayed me with that cheap street whore!" she shouted.
"I curse you to never find happiness. I curse you to remember this day for the rest of your life. Don't forget me—because I will never forget you."
Her gaze hardened.
"I will take my revenge."
The moment the scene ended, the emotional and indignant Lin Mei instantly calmed down. Her posture straightened, her expression neutral, her professionalism flawless.
In contrast, Lin Miao completely lost control.
She erupted in rage, screaming insults at Lin Mei, calling her every name imaginable. She looked hysterical, almost insane.
The actor who played the betraying man remained calm and professional, clearly used to such situations. Lin Miao, however, continued making a scene.
In the end, she was dismissed on the spot.
What shocked everyone was that Lin Mei had done absolutely nothing wrong.
Unlike what Lin Miao had imagined before the audition, Lin Mei had performed strictly according to the script. She hadn't altered a single line or added unnecessary emotion.
So Lin Miao's anger had nothing to do with Lin Mei.
Neither Lin Mei nor Shen Fei understood what had triggered such intense jealousy.
What they didn't know was that the director of the drama—Huaze Lian—was the Second Young Master of the Huaze family.
Huaze Lei's younger brother.
Lin Mei's brother-in-law.
After seeing Lin Mei's performance, Huaze Lian immediately reported everything to his brother. Huaze Lei had specifically asked him to observe her.
That simple act—attention, recognition, and quiet approval—was enough to ignite Lin Miao's envy and lead to her removal before the drama even premiered.
After leaving the studio, Lin Mei remembered Huaze Lei's repeated reminders to call him once she was done.
She opened her contacts and searched for Husband.
When she saw his photo, she couldn't help but laugh softly.
She called him.
"Husband, I've finished school. I had an audition," she said sweetly.
"I'm at the Chen Corporation building with Shen Fei. If you want, you can go ahead—I'll meet you later."
Shen Fei immediately wanted to hit her.
"No need," Huaze Lei replied calmly. "Xiao, drop Shen Fei off at home first. Then take us back."
"Understood."
Shen Fei let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, she thought her best friend was about to send her straight to the grave.
After dropping Shen Fei off, Xiao drove the newlyweds home.
Only then did Lin Mei realize where they were heading.
The Village of Golden Birds.
As its name suggested, it was magnificent and extremely luxurious. It was the residential area of the entire Huaze family—but it felt more like a private city.
Each villa was separated by vast distances. The closest residence belonged to the family matriarchs, where Huaze Lei's grandparents, parents, and sister lived.
Huaze Lian lived in the villa next to theirs, though still at a considerable distance.
Huaze Lei and Huaze Lian had moved out long ago due to work. Their sister, Huaze Yu Mei, had wanted to do the same, but the family persuaded her to stay.
She was a girl, still in university, and spending too much time alone wouldn't be good for her.
The truth was—Huaze Yu Mei wasn't good at making friends.
She had only one close friend, her childhood best friend, whom she affectionately called Fei Fei.
Huaze Lei had never met her in person, but he often heard his sister mention that her best friend wanted to introduce her to another best friend.
As for the newlywed couple—
Against all odds, they managed to return home without encountering any of the family matriarchs.
What they didn't know was that this peace was merely a temporary truce.
It was granted for the honeymoon.
Tomorrow—
The world would collapse on them with endless questions.
Tomorrow.