Chapter 1

Ha. Ridiculous.

What I keep is an evil spirit.

I make bargains with it.

Family affection in exchange for acting ability.

I dumped my elderly father in a nursing home.

Love in exchange for beauty.

I abandoned my lover as he lay dying.

And now, at the Starlight Awards, they are about to announce the winner of Best Actress.

On camera, I look terribly nervous.

I’m acting.

Before leaving home, I traded my conscience for this trophy.

With the spirit’s help, I’ve landed one hit role after another and won the favor of one industry heavyweight after another. Tonight will be no exception.

I’m already rehearsing my acceptance speech in my head.

“And Best Actress goes to—

“Jiang Li.”

An arrogant smile touches my lips, but I cover my mouth as though overwhelmed by the honor.

The spotlight falls on me. Applause rises on every side. Envious and jealous eyes turn toward me.

I hold my neck high like a swan.

But then…

“Oh, I’m sorry, Jiang Li.

“I’ve got the wrong card.

“Best Actress goes to—

“Du Ruoruo.”

I freeze. My mind goes blank. The words echo over and over in my ears:

“Best Actress…

“Du Ruoruo.”

How is that possible?

It isn’t possible.

But I compose myself and walk toward her, hiding my disgust, my jealousy, and my trembling hands. Smiling, I hug her and offer my congratulations.

The reporters won’t pass up a chance to feed on my wounds.

“Miss Jiang Li, Miss Du was your university roommate, but her career has always lagged behind yours. You were the strongest contender for Best Actress, yet Du Ruoruo has become tonight’s biggest dark horse. Will this affect your friendship?”

I smile and shake my head.

“No. I’m happy for her. Ruoruo deserves it.”

Of course it won’t. There was never any friendship between us.

“Miss Du, is it true that Lu Yan, president of the Lu Corporation, is your financial backer?”

A look of innocent shyness appears on Du Ruoruo’s face.

“He… is just someone I’ve known since I was little. He’s like an older brother to me.”

I sneer inwardly.

The reporters want gossip about the newly crowned Best Actress. They have no idea that the one who was involved with Lu Yan is me.

At eighteen, I became Lu Yan’s mistress.

He gave me money, jewelry, and flowers. The only thing he wouldn’t give me was freedom.

I was trapped at his side for two years.

Until one day, when we were in a car crash. At the moment of impact, he shielded me with his body.

My injuries were minor. His face was covered in blood, and he couldn’t move.

Looking into his eyes, I said:

“Goodbye, Lu Yan.”

I took off the ring he’d put on my finger and threw it on the ground.

I abandoned him. I didn’t look back.

That was how I escaped Lu Yan.

“Mr. Lu was in a car accident three years ago and went abroad for treatment. He’s recently returned. Miss Du, have you been in touch with him?”