The Queen of Acting and Her Pianist

Song Jiayu was the brightest piano prodigy at the Curtis Institute of Music. Notes once flowed from her fingertips like a river of stars. Then a carefully orchestrated betrayal dragged her down from the clouds. Her music fell silent, and her light was hidden away.

Huo Ran, a newly crowned Best Actress at the Golden Image Awards, was dazzling in front of the camera. Behind the scenes, though, she was exhausted from dealing with her parents' endless attempts to arrange a marriage for her.

At a charity gala, Huo Ran slipped backstage to find some peace and quiet.

In a shadowy corner, she came upon Song Jiayu, dubbed the "Iceberg Snow Lotus" by the media, staring blankly at her vibrating phone. A photo of her scumbag ex with his new sweetheart glared back from the screen.

Huo Ran casually handed her a tissue and said with studied indifference, "Crying over someone like that is a waste."

Song Jiayu looked up. She saw no pity in the actress's eyes, only a hint of carefree understanding between two people in the same predicament.

Later, when Huo Ran once again found herself trapped in a family-arranged matchmaking scheme, Song Jiayu came to her with a proposal.

The piano prodigy of old had shed every trace of vulnerability. Her gaze was as calm as a deep pool as she suggested an unexpected deal:

"Miss Huo, you need a partner to put your family at ease."

"And I need your fame and protection to escape the troubles of my past."

"How about we... make-believe become real, and each get what we need?"

Huo Ran gave the thornless rose before her an amused look, the corner of her mouth curling up. "Sure. But my acting fees are steep. If I get too deep into the role... I won't be responsible."

[Gentle yet Decisive, Sweet-on-the-Outside, Dark-on-the-Inside Pianist x Dazzling and Unrestrained, Says One Thing and Means Another Actress]

#TwoFemaleLeads #SheMadeTheFirstMove #EntertainmentIndustry #SweetRomance #HappyEnding

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