"But why have you ended up living like me?"
The words struck Yang Meng's mind like a bolt from the blue.
Ever since her transmigration, she had aspired to be like Lin Yan. She diligently learned etiquette, corrected her posture, and even spent a long time managing her expressions.
Yet, upon serious reflection, she realized she had, just as Lin Yan had said, gradually become more and more like Lin Yan.
What was she like before? All her past experiences replayed in her mind, but she could no longer recall her former self.
In her memory, she had always seemed humble, lacking confidence, and possessing no redeeming qualities. That was why she had sought to imitate the most outstanding person she had ever seen, wanting to become her!
"Yang Meng, out of consideration for our shared background, I won't pursue your past transgressions further. However, as a woman, I wish to offer you a piece of advice.
Others' power and influence belong to them. If a choice must be made between interests, you will undoubtedly be the one sacrificed. Therefore, it's best to hold onto some things yourself.
You are an intelligent woman and should know what to do going forward. We were never enemies.
Strive to claim everything that belongs to you, and let me see what heights you can reach without the foresight of the plot."
Lin Yan gently clinked her teacup against Yang Meng's, smiling at her.
"You truly won't hold me accountable?" Yang Meng asked incredulously.
"Yes, I won't pursue it any further. Your future path is yours to choose."
Lin Yan finished her tea and then stood to leave.
After Lin Yan departed, Yang Meng remained seated for a long time, staring blankly at the cup of tea.
Much later, Yang Meng stirred, lifted the tea before her, and drank it down. Then she began to laugh, her laughter growing louder and more unrestrained.
As she laughed, tears streamed down her face, and she buried her head on the table, weeping uncontrollably.
Through this cathartic cry, she released all the pent-up repression, anxiety, and fear of the recent period.
"Yan Yan, you really aren't going to hold her accountable?" Song Ming Hao emerged from the adjacent private room and approached Lin Yan.
He had been worried about Lin Yan meeting with Yang Meng, so he had waited in the next room, ready to intervene if anything happened.
He had heard Yang Meng's agitated voice earlier but hadn't anticipated Lin Yan's leniency.
"There's no need to pursue it. After all, our family's bankruptcy wasn't solely due to her. Lin Corporation Foods had dominated the market for so many years; many people were envious.
Furthermore, there was that vast piece of land. Their actions against the Lin family were driven by entangled interests, not merely by Yang Meng's few provocations."
Lin Yan had a clear perspective and no longer wished to deal with Yang Meng. Yang Meng had lost all her backing and was no longer worth her effort.
The landscapes they saw were now entirely different; let Yang Meng navigate her own path henceforth. Her future depended entirely on her.
"Yan Yan, you are truly kind!"
To so easily forgive her enemy when she had the power to retaliate – what else could this be but kindness!
"Let's go back. She probably won't bother us again."
Song Ming Hao's proposal took place on the anniversary of the very day he first met Lin Yan.
On that day, numerous people bore witness to the meticulously planned proposal ceremony. Photos from the event flooded the internet.
Everyone offered their blessings to the happy couple. Of course, there were other voices, but with effective moderation, these murmurs couldn't reach them.
In the presence of her family, friends, and some employees, Lin Yan accepted the ring and was embraced tightly by Song Ming Hao.
Song Ming Hao had harbored concerns about Lin Yan's true feelings for him. However, Lin Yan seemed to sense this and continuously strove to provide him with a sense of security.
He also understood Lin Yan's regard for him, which led to this engagement.
When the ring was finally placed on Lin Yan's ring finger, Song Ming Hao's heart finally settled. From this day forward, he could openly declare to the world that Lin Yan belonged to him.
During the proposal, Lin Yan's smile radiated happiness. Everyone could see that she was genuinely pleased with Song Ming Hao as her fiancé.
A photograph of the couple was posted online, and everyone could clearly discern the deep affection between them.
Yang Meng also attended the engagement, but she kept her distance, observing from afar.
She couldn't quite understand why Lin Yan had chosen such a partner, but judging by her smile, Lin Yan appeared truly happy.
Perhaps she would understand someday. After witnessing the couple's intimate embrace, Yang Meng, unnoticed by the crowd, turned and left.
News of this proposal circulated online for several days, with discussions centering on the couple's relationship and Lin Yan's wealth.
Meanwhile, the usually high-profile Yang Meng fell silent, her whereabouts unknown for an extended period.
Her next appearance was at the premiere of a new film. Dressed in a red gown, with heavy makeup and alluring red lips, she exuded a captivating charm as she walked the red carpet.
She drew the gaze of countless media outlets, capturing numerous camera flashes.
She was completely different from her former self, shedding the forced, friendly smiles for an uninhibited display of her allure.
Whenever she stood on stage, all eyes were drawn to her.
In this film, she was not the protagonist but a supporting character. It was the first time in a long while that she played a supporting role.
However, the character was exceptionally vivid and presented a significant challenge for her.
After its premiere, the film's ratings soared, with the most attention focused on Yang Meng's portrayal of the supporting role. Her acting improvements were evident and undeniable.
Many even watched the movie a second or third time solely because of Yang Meng.
Subsequently, Yang Meng continued to choose her roles selectively, not always opting for leading parts.
If a character was compelling, whether a protagonist or antagonist, she would accept it. She even took on a cross-dressing role as a male supporting character.
She genuinely loved the acting profession. Now, she was neither short of money nor fame.
This allowed her the freedom to choose her projects, and paradoxically, this made her even more beloved by the audience.
Her discerning taste in scripts also made her a hallmark of quality productions; any film featuring her was guaranteed to be excellent.
Naturally, Yang Meng also attracted more suitors. Each time, the extravagant ways her admirers pursued her kept her trending on social media for days.
However, she remained uncommitted, reveling in the feeling of being pursued.
And as Lin Yan had said, only one's own capabilities would never betray them.
All her efforts were rewarded, and all her sweat yielded results. She cherished this feeling of not having to depend on anyone, nor rely on others.
She was her own master, free to live as she pleased.
Yang Meng also understood why Lin Yan had chosen Song Ming Hao back then. Who wouldn't like a devoted "puppy dog" solely devoted to them!
She possessed everything, and there was no need to use her love life or marriage as a bargaining chip. She could freely choose the life she desired.