Rebirth from the Ashes

Both Li Jingran and Gong Zhi debuted the same year and despite the latter being younger, she had always appeared older than Li Jingran. Lately, Li Jingran could not help but notice Gong Zhi is now looking more youthful than her.

It was apparent from untouched photos and videos that Gong Zhi had healthier and firmer radiating skin, as though her collagen was refilled. It was unlike the abnormal muscle stiffness that came with Botox when she had it in the past.

Gong Zhi had spent a fortune in cosmetic surgeries over the years, but no amount of money could slow down her aging or buy back her youth. Nevertheless, she was experiencing rejuvenation like never before.

Li He pushed open the door to find a broken mirror. He helplessly furrowed his brows. “Jingran, please keep your emotions in check when you’re outside.”

Li Jingran turned around to reveal her grimacing face. “What has Gong Zhi done lately? Did you find out?”

For Gong Zhi to return to looking at her prime suddenly, she must have switched her beauty salon and doctor to land her at the fountain of youth.

“I asked around. Her skin and body routine is no different from before. She hadn’t been to the beauty salon for the past two weeks.” Li He was aware of how important looks were in showbiz, especially to female celebrities.

No matter the age, women cared most about their appearance. They would spend a fortune on skincare to preserve their looks at all costs.

“Impossible.” Li Jingran was not convinced. “There’s no way she did nothing. Look further into it.”

A healthy state of mind could make one look younger, but that was it, only on the outward appearance because the skin would not actually rewind in time and be younger. Gong Zhi must have undergone surgery that nobody knew.

“I’ll get someone to check on it.” Li He then added. “Gong Zhi has been chummy with Jiang Yin lately. Jiang Yin seems to have better skin as well. Her complexion is glowing.”

“Really?” Li Jingran curled her lips into a smirk and said, “Look into those two. I refuse to believe that there’s such a thing as a hidden secret in this world.”

Skincare maintenance was no secret in showbiz. They would be able to find something if Gong Zhi and Jiang Yin shared the same cosmetic surgeon.

…

A movie ended its screening in the cinema.

Shen Xi spared some of her time to go to the big screen and show her support for Gong Zhi the Film Empress’ movie.

Her bunch of classmates from the international class came along as well. It was a lively scene for forty-odd friends to watch a film together.

The rest of them left soon after the movie ended while Song Wenye and Pei Xu insisted on waiting for Shen Xi to board the bus before taking off themselves.

Holding Shen Xi by the arm, Song Wenye was still immersed in the movie’s plot. “This is a great movie. Gong Zhi sure has an eye for a good film. She has been known for that and because of that, she doesn’t have a bad movie to her name.”

“That’s right. She’s way better than certain film stars.” Pei Xu walked over with two drinks in her hand and handed one to Shen Xi. “Don’t you think so, Xixi?”

Watch out, Su family. Retribution would come knocking at your doors for picking on Xixi. The TV ratings of “The Smiling Nation” were climbing steadily and with two more episodes to be released the next day, the average viewership was going to surpass 10%.

“You’re right.” Grabbing the drink, Shen Xi gazed at them. “You guys should go. You don’t have to keep me company since the bus is almost here.”