Rebirth of Showbiz: Return of the Movie Queen

The golden rays of dusk spilled onto the café's windowsill, adding a layer of warmth to the space. However, Lin Qingwan, sitting by the window, felt no such warmth. Her gaze lingered on the phone on the table, where Yang Xue's message was displayed:

"I have something to discuss with you. Let's meet tomorrow."

The message had left Lin Qingwan stunned for a long time. Once an opponent, even a rival, Yang Xue had now taken the initiative to arrange a meeting in such a calm tone. Her first reaction was suspicion: Was this a scheme? Or did Yang Xue have ulterior motives?

The next day, Lin Qingwan arrived at the agreed café on time. When she pushed the door open, Yang Xue was already sitting in the corner, holding a cup of coffee and staring out of the window, her expression seemingly tinged with melancholy.

"I didn't expect you to be so punctual," Yang Xue spoke first, her tone lacking its usual edge.

"I didn't expect you to contact me either," Lin Qingwan replied as she sat down, clasping her hands on the table. Her gaze locked onto Yang Xue, trying to discern any subtle clues from her expression.

Yang Xue remained silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. "I know you don't trust me. Honestly, I don't expect you to. But I want to tell you, I regret the things I've done."

Lin Qingwan raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Back then, I did a lot of disgraceful things just to secure a place in this industry," Yang Xue's tone carried a hint of self-mockery. "But later, I realized that no matter how hard I tried, those so-called successes couldn't fill the emptiness inside."

"And?" Lin Qingwan's voice was calm, but her gaze was probing.

Yang Xue lifted her head and met Lin Qingwan's eyes. "I want to collaborate with you. I know we've been rivals, but the industry is changing. Fighting alone will only get us eliminated. If we join forces, perhaps we can create something truly ours instead of being controlled by others' rules."

Lin Qingwan pondered for a moment, her gaze sharpening. "I might consider it, but on one condition—I need to see your sincerity, not just words."

Yang Xue nodded, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "You will see it."

For a while, the conversation turned to their shared experiences in the industry. Yang Xue revealed her struggles—moments of failure, the price she had paid for her ambition, and the ways she'd alienated people she cared about. Her vulnerability, though unexpected, was genuine, and Lin Qingwan found herself listening with interest. By the time they left the café, an unspoken understanding had formed between them. This was not just about survival in the industry—it was about creating something meaningful.

**Narration at the End:**

As Lin Qingwan and Yang Xue leave the café, a subtle shift occurs in their dynamic. Once fierce rivals, they now share a tentative but genuine understanding. While doubt lingers, their mutual desire to create something meaningful within the industry marks the beginning of an unexpected alliance.