Tragedy, in essence, is the systematic destruction of beauty before our eyes.
Ulanara, the Great Captain of Abortions, once said, "My sister's death in life taught me a lesson: never let a beautiful woman die in her prime. Time is the most effective weapon against rivals."
Li Shengnan died in her prime, in the most tragic way. Her death would unleash immense power.
This tragic force would ensure Jin Shiyi never forgot her, neither in this life nor any other. It also moved the audience, who felt genuine sympathy for her, remembering her character years later.
Like many viewers, Jiang Ling also remembered Li Shengnan and her death.
When he first met her, she was eighteen, with snow falling all around.
When he saw her off, she was still eighteen, with snow falling outside the window.
This scene was truly, breathtakingly beautiful.
Now, with Jiang Ling's guidance, the stroke of genius behind Li Shengnan's death in the previous timeline on Hong Kong City has been perfectly recreated in this parallel dimension, even surpassing the original.
After all, it's common knowledge that while Hong Kong City produced dramas with exceptionally talented actors, the companies were notoriously stingy, resulting in shoddy costumes and props. A single costume would be worn for decades.
One drama would finish, and the same costume would be used for the next, a fact fans had long dissected.
Guan Suyuan, unfazed by expenses, pursued perfection. To make Li Shengnan's death even more beautiful, she invested heavily in creating a snow scene so realistic it was indistinguishable from the real thing.
While the snow scene was being set up, Guan Suyuan had the drama's screenwriter revise the dialogue to match the atmosphere, striving for ultimate perfection.
With everything prepared, Guan Suyuan, holding the newly revised script, looked at Jiang Ling and Yue Zheng Yu with hopeful anticipation. "Everything is ready. The rest is up to you."
Jiang Ling and Yue Zheng Yu exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with a bright light.
Li Shengnan's death was not only the drama's grand climax but also the moment that would best showcase the lead actors' prowess.
"One minute on stage, ten years of practice off stage."
Their performance in this scene would determine whether they were accepted by the audience and recognized by the original novel's fans.
"Alright, everyone in position, action!"
With Guan Suyuan's call, both actors quickly got into character.
As Jin Shiyi, played by Yue Zheng Yu, coldly stated, "I've done what you asked. Where's the antidote?"
Li Shengnan, portrayed by Jiang Ling, changed expression and said with a smile, "Why are you in such a hurry? We haven't shared the wedding wine yet; we're not truly married."
"Drinking wine can happen anytime. Give me the antidote first."
Jin Shiyi's tone was urgent, fearing she would delay, endangering Gu Zhihua's life.
"Do you care about her that much?"
Li Shengnan slowly turned around, her face gradually taking on a deathly pale hue.
Blood seeped from the corner of her lips, dripping onto the white satin, instantly blooming like red plum blossoms in the snow, a vibrant, piercing, and tragic beauty.
She sighed tragically, "I don't mind telling you, the poison she has is incurable in this world."
"What did you say?"
"I said, the poison she has is incurable!"
"You're lying to me. That's impossible. How can there be no antidote? Give me the antidote now, or else..."
Jin Shiyi's anger flared at her words. He reached out, intending to grab her wrist and force her to hand over the antidote.
However, before his hand could connect, Li Shengnan's body pitched backward and fell.