Seeing Fang Yan leave abruptly, Cheng Youlin could only sigh.
"Nian Nian, your sister Yan is always like this. I can tell she has already softened her stance."
He didn't want Shi Nian worried over Fang Yan's harsh words. He knew Fang Yan better than anyone—soft-hearted, sharp-tongued.
"I know, brother," Shi Nian replied lightly. She remained seated; she knew Cheng Youlin still had questions.
And she was right.
"Nian Nian… about Yan's treatment. Are you sure?" Cheng Youlin asked, uncertainty clouding his expression.
"I know about the rejuvenating Cream formula Aunt had been working on for decades, and it's supposed effectiveness. But I don't want Fang Yan hanging onto far-fetched hope."
He paused, his voice softening.
"She's tried so many treatments and faced disappointment every time. She acts like she doesn't care, but she wouldn't survive another blow. Even if she doesn't fully recover, I just hope she doesn't suffer new complications."
"Brother Youlin, I am 100% certain," Shi Nian reassured.
"This product BaiYue is developing isn't just a beauty cream. Its regenerative properties are one of a kind."
She explained the XD formula, the research, and the complete treatment plan she had prepared for Fang Yan.
Cheng Youlin let out a subtle breath of relief.
"I'm glad to hear that, Nian Nian. I'll leave Fang Yan in your care."
"Don't worry, Brother Youlin. Sister Yan is my future sister-in-law," Shi Nian teased.
"You've definitely learned from Yuemin," he laughed dotingly.
They continued reviewing the contract, discussing key points, compensation, and terms.
But one thing Shi Nian didn't tell him was this: at the start, she had never planned to use any artist from the entertainment industry.
That changed after their first dinner together, after seeing the panic on Cheng Youlin's face when he received that call.
The call that told him Fang Yan had attempted suicide.
Shi Nian knew how deeply he cared for Fang Yan. They grew up together. When he started his company, Fang Yan had even terminated her previous contract to join him.
Her sacrifice had helped his startup grow into a rising force in the industry.
Despite everything, Cheng Youlin never once blamed her for the tragedy that followed.
Shi Nian wasn't the original, but she felt something stir. Quietly, she had resolved to help this brother of hers.
What she didn't notice was that her heart—frozen after lifetimes of loss—was slowly thawing.
After a few hours and an afternoon snack, Shi Nian prepared to leave.
She insisted Cheng Youlin stay in his office and walked out.
At the reception, she noticed Xiao Yu had already gone for the day, replaced by an interim staff member.
"Sister Nian!" a high-pitched voice called.
Shi Nian turned. The face was unfamiliar, but she waited politely.
Sparkle hurried over with a bright smile.
"Sister Nian, you're here today! I haven't seen you in a while, how have you been?"
Shi Nian recognized her—an artist signed to NianXing. Neither she nor the original Shi Nian had been close to her.
"I'm fine. Can I help you?" she asked directly.
The bluntness stunned Sparkle. Isn't the boss's sister supposed to be gentle and kind? Who is this cold person? she thought.
Still, she tried to act friendly and reached for Shi Nian's arm.
"Sister Nian, did you come to visit Sister Yan too? Did she see you? She refuses to meet anyone—"
Shi Nian stepped back, avoiding her touch.
"I'm sorry, we're not very familiar. I don't have to answer your questions."
Without wasting another second, she walked away, leaving Sparkle frozen and humiliated.
Sparkle stomped her foot angrily before storming back to the company's living quarters.
The moment she entered her room, she exploded.
"Didn't I tell you it was useless trying to cozy up to Shi Nian?! You should have seen how she walked out on me! I'm so embarrassed, Sister Bai!"
Song Bai, her manager, glanced at Sparkle's teary eyes and spoke calmly,
"Sparkle, building a relationship with Shi Nian is still the right move. Don't forget how much the boss dotes on her."
From the moment she heard of Shi Nian's last visit, Song Bai knew what this meant.
Others saw BaiYue as a sinking ship—but BaiYue was only one subsidiary under the Shi Consortium.
Shi Nian was the heiress.
With a single word, she could fund any artist.
This was a thigh worth clinging to.
"Sparkle," Song Bai continued, "I've been your manager for years. I've never led you astray. You're doing well in the industry, but within NianXing, your goal has always been to take Fang Yan's place. Only after her incident did you get closer."
Sparkle straightened, finding truth in her manager's words.
"Shi Nian isn't just the boss's sister—she's worth tens of billions of yuan. With her backing, imagine how far you could go."
Sparkle's eyes flickered.
"You're right, Sister Bai. Compared to starving on the streets, what's a little embarrassment? If I need thicker skin, I'll grow it."
"Good." Song Bai patted her shoulder. "Keep thinking. I'll be back."
She stepped out, walked to a quiet corner, and dialed a number.
A calm voice answered from the other end.
"Miss Ning, don't worry. I'll help you get this done." Song Bai spoke in a low voice.