This sentence alone was enough to make Hua Ling freeze in her steps.

She turned sharply, the arrogance she had worn so proudly vanishing in an instant. Her face twisted, shadows of rage flickering across it.

A sneer curled her lips as she spat out in a low, venomous tone, "Say that again." Her voice dripped with hate, her eyes narrowing with the kind of fury that made the air around her feel heavy.

Everyone in the industry knew one thing—mention Hua Jing’s name in front of Hua Ling, and it was like striking a match near gunpowder. She would always explode.

Stories were everywhere about how Hua Ling had gotten artists from Blue Entertainment sidelined—sometimes even blacklisted—just for uttering Hua Jing’s name within earshot.

It was an unspoken rule: if you valued your career, you never, ever brought up Hua Jing in Hua Ling’s presence.

And yet Lin Qian had done exactly that. There was no turning back now.

Lin Qian had endured Hua Ling’s arrogance long enough—the snide looks, the blatant abuses of power, the way she wielded her influence like a blade to cut down anyone she disliked.

When Hua Jing had been around, she too had been disliked at first—after all, she was the one who snagged the best endorsements and the most coveted contracts. But the dislike never lasted. Because when artists actually interacted with her, the hate melted away.

Hua Jing was approachable. She was kind. She lent a helping hand when others struggled. People ended up respecting her.

Completely different from Hua Ling, whose cold superiority alienated everyone she came across.

What stoked Lin Qian’s fury most was something far more personal—Hua Ling had even stolen her designer for tomorrow’s Blue Awards.

Her agency had secured the deal months ago. But just last week, the designer had suddenly pulled out. His reason? "A better artist has expressed interest."

Lin Qian hadn’t needed to guess who that "better artist" was.

The insult cut deeper when the designer not only canceled but even paid the termination fees himself, as if working with Lin Qian might somehow taint his carefully crafted image.

Her blood boiled. She loathed Hua Ling.

Lin Qian sneered coldly. "What have I said that’s wrong? Tell me. Aren’t I just speaking the truth? All the resources you flaunt—they aren’t even yours. They belong to her."

Hua Ling’s hands clenched at her sides. She knew Lin Qian was trying to provoke her, but she still bit. "What makes you think you can talk to me like this? Do you even know who I am?" Her voice was icy, brittle with fury.

But Lin Qian was long past the point of pretending respect for this snake.

Her laugh was sharp, cutting. "You’re nothing but a parasite. You’re standing here using the resources you stole from her to make everyone else’s life hell. But you’re too blind to see the mountain of hate you’re piling up against yourself. You think you’re untouchable, but your arrogance will eat you alive."

She didn’t even let Hua Ling reply before pressing harder, her words like knives.

"Let’s be clear—you only dare to act this way because Hua Jing isn’t here. Your idiotic agency doesn’t rein you in, and you strut around like a queen. But tell me this—who the hell do you think you are?"

She threw Hua Ling’s own words back at her, her gaze unflinching.

Hua Ling faltered.

Everyone knew Lin Qian’s agency wasn’t as wealthy or powerful as Hua Ling’s. But Lin Qian herself had a backer—a powerful one. The second-generation heir she was dating had a reputation for being ruthless, the kind of man who would move heaven and earth if she so much as frowned.

No one in the industry dared provoke Lin Qian too much.

And that was why, despite her fury, Hua Ling felt her composure slip. Lin Qian had stepped on her nerve, yes—but she had also struck a blow Hua Ling couldn’t dismiss.

When Hua Jing had gotten into that car accident all those months ago, no one truly knew what had happened.

But when Blue Entertainment suddenly announced that Hua Ling was their new top artist, and had even given her the lifetime contract that Hua Jing was supposed to receive on the very day of the award ceremony, many in the industry already felt a bad premonition.

The whispers began immediately.

The blame for the accident naturally fell on Hua Ling. Everyone could see how easily she stepped into the spotlight, how quickly she replaced Hua Jing without facing any repercussions.

And now, with her arrogant behavior and overbearing attitude, people’s dissatisfaction had only deepened.

Lin Qian’s voice cut through the air like a whip.

"You should be glad she isn’t here. But when she comes back, I don’t think you’d even dare raise that stupid head of yours while talking to others. What an uncultured brat!"

Her words rang with contempt.

Without waiting for a reply, Lin Qian turned on her heel and stormed away, her high heels striking the floor with sharp, deliberate clicks.

For a moment, silence filled the hallway.

But soon, hushed whispers started spreading among the gathered artists who had been eavesdropping.

"Did she just say... when she comes back? Does that mean Hua Jing...?" one voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

"Shhh, don’t be ridiculous. Hua Jing has been gone too long," another muttered, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt.

"Still, Lin Qian really went too far. To call Hua Ling out like that, in front of everyone..." someone said nervously.

"Too far? No way. Hua Ling’s had this coming for a long time. She thinks she owns the place just because Blue Entertainment protects her. Honestly, I’m glad someone finally put her in her place," another scoffed.

"But you know what happens to people who offend her," a young actress whispered, her face pale. "Lin Qian might be powerful, but Hua Ling... she’s vicious. She won’t let this slide!"