The family dinner carried on, warm and lively on the surface, but Muyao found herself moving through it quietly. Her smile was polite, her laughter timed with the others, yet her mind wandered occasionally, observing the subtle interactions around the table.
"Muyao, you've been so busy lately! How's the entertainment world treating you?" Lin Xinyu asked, leaning slightly toward her.
Muyao forced a smile and nodded. "It's… exciting. And very challenging," she said, keeping her voice steady.
Lin Yunxia's eyes lit up. "I saw it online! Xing Xia officially announced you as their new actress today. They tagged you on Weibo, and people are already talking about you everywhere."
Lin Boyuan raised an impressed eyebrow. "I checked your personal Weibo too. Anyone who clicks on your profile sees such an energetic, lively girl. Some people have even started following you because they like how you show your travels, your explorations, and your daily life—things not many actresses would dare to share so freely."
Muyao's lips curved into a small, polite smile. "Yes… it's a bit overwhelming," she said softly, glancing at her phone lying beside her plate. A few notifications from friends and casual followers blinked quietly on the screen, but it wasn't the kind of attention she usually thought about. It's still manageable… just the way I like it, she thought.
Lin Xinyu leaned forward, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "So, now that you're officially announced, how do you feel? Excited? Nervous?"
"I… I'm looking forward to learning and improving," Muyao replied carefully, keeping her words measured. "There's a lot I don't know yet, and I want to take things one step at a time."
Lin Anguo gave her a steady, approving look. "It's good that people are noticing your work, but don't let the announcement or attention distract you. Focus on learning and improving—that's what will matter most in the long run."
"Exactly," Xia Xuexing added, reaching over to lightly adjust Muyao's sleeve. "All this attention can wait. Right now, just enjoy being home with your family."
Her cousins exchanged amused glances. "I can't believe you're officially an actress now," Lin Yunxia said, nudging Muyao playfully. "Are you going to let us tag along for adventures, or will you be too busy on set?"
Lin Boyan grinned. "And you better not let Xie Jingchi steal all the spotlight if you meet him! Show him what you've got."
Muyao laughed softly, the sound blending with the family's chatter. "I'll do my best," she said, though she kept her tone light.
Lin Xinyu leaned forward again, a teasing smile on her face. "And are you going to keep posting your daily life? Or are you going to suddenly become a mysterious star who nobody can follow?"
Muyao tilted her head and smiled faintly. "I think I'll keep sharing my little adventures. It helps me stay grounded… and it's fun."
Across the table, Anruo watched quietly, her gaze steady and thoughtful. She said nothing, but every subtle expression—every careful laugh and polite answer—told her that Muyao was still keeping herself tightly controlled. She's opening up just a little… but there's so much more she's holding inside, Anruo thought, her heart tightening.
The warmth of the dining room seemed to wrap around Muyao like a gentle cloak, yet a quiet tension lingered just beneath the surface. Each laugh she shared, each nod she gave, felt practiced, measured. She was present, but only partially; part of her mind was already somewhere else, preparing for tomorrow.
Lin Boyuan leaned back in his chair, swirling the tea in his cup. "So… Muyao, do you have any scenes lined up yet? Or are they still easing you in?"
"Not yet," Muyao replied softly. "I'm just starting. My focus right now is on learning, on improving myself."
Her aunt Feng Yuhan gave her a knowing smile. "Good. Remember, it's not just about being noticed or getting roles. It's about growing and understanding your craft. Take your time—don't rush."
"Yes, that's right," Lin Anguo added, placing a steady hand on hers briefly. "Even though everyone's excited, it's your skills that will carry you forward. Keep your head clear, your heart focused."
Muyao nodded, hiding a small swell of gratitude behind her polite smile. She had always been used to putting on a brave face, but hearing their gentle encouragement made her feel… grounded, almost normal again.
Lin Yunxia leaned closer with a teasing grin. "And don't forget us little people when you become a big star! Keep posting your adventures—your travel photos, your daily life. Those little glimpses of you make people connect with the real Muyao."
Muyao allowed herself a quiet laugh. "I will," she said. "It helps me feel… myself."
Across the table, Anruo's gaze softened. She watched her sister, noticing the careful balance between politeness and vulnerability, the little cracks showing through the armor Muyao had built around herself. She's trying. That's enough for now, Anruo thought. I just hope she knows she doesn't have to do it alone.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics—family anecdotes, playful teasing, and quiet jokes—but Muyao's mind remained partially tethered to the future. Tomorrow would be her first class with He Yanzhou. The legendary acting coach wasn't known for patience or indulgence. She had heard the stories and seen the names of the actors he had trained. And she knew that beneath his calm, commanding presence, he could see straight through a person.
I have to be ready, she thought. Not just for the class… but for myself. I can't hide anymore.
The dinner wound down, and Muyao excused herself politely, leaving the soft murmur of the family behind. She lingered a moment by the window, watching the night settle over the manor grounds, the glow of lanterns reflecting faintly on the polished floors. A quiet determination stirred within her—a fragile but growing spark.
Tomorrow, it begins. I can't falter. I have to face it… everything.
After dinner, as the family slowly dispersed to their rooms or lingered in quiet conversation, Lin Anguo gently called Muyao into his office. The manor's corridors were hushed, the soft click of her shoes against the polished floor the only sound accompanying her steps.
"Muyao," Anguo said as she entered, his tone calm but firm. "Sit down for a moment."
She obeyed silently, perching on the edge of the leather chair across from his desk. Anguo's gaze was steady, almost piercing, as he folded his hands on the desk.
"Chen Wei told me what happened in the celebrity trailer," he began carefully. "I'm not here to lecture you—but you need to understand how serious this is. Accidents happen; people get hurt. And you—" His voice softened slightly, but the weight behind his words remained—"You can't carry everything alone."
Muyao swallowed, her fingers tightening in her lap. She met her father's steady gaze and nodded. "I know, Dad. It won't happen again," she said quietly, her voice measured but resolute.
Anguo leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I know you mean that. But it's not just about you. Chen Wei… everyone else—they care about you. Seeing you like that—it's…" He paused, searching for the words. "…it's frightening for us."
Muyao's chest tightened, but she didn't break. "I understand," she whispered. "I… I'll be more careful."
Lin Anguo's expression softened, and he reached over to lightly brush a hand over the edge of her chair. "That's all I ask. Just… don't shut us out completely. We can't help if we don't know. And Muyao…" His voice grew quieter, gentle. "No matter what happens, you're not alone. Not ever."
Muyao blinked, a small warmth rising in her chest. She gave a faint, tight smile. "I… I'll try, Dad."
Anguo nodded, a small relief passing over his features. "Good. Now, rest well. Tomorrow will be a long day—your first class with He Yanzhou. I want you sharp and ready. But above all…" His gaze softened even more. "Be careful. Take care of yourself."
Muyao rose from the chair, bowing her head slightly. "Yes, Dad. Thank you."
As she left the office, her father's words replayed in her mind. I'm not alone… not ever. She let the thought settle, a quiet comfort against the nervous anticipation building in her chest for tomorrow, when everything would truly begin.