Rebirth: My Reclusive Husband Helps Me Get Revenge!-Chapter 29: Even a slight misstep can cause a mountain to crumble

Chapter 29: Even a slight misstep can cause a mountain to crumble

The group entered the conference room where several seniors were already seated, their presence commanding and exuding an air of authority. The room was modern and sleek, with large glass walls that gave a full view of the city skyline. A long table stretched across the space, papers and tablets scattered across its surface.

"Welcome, newbies," said a woman sitting at the head of the table. Her sharp suit and bob haircut gave her an air of professionalism. "I’m Senior Manager Wei, and I’ll be overseeing your orientation alongside our senior artists."

She gestured to the four people seated beside her. Lixue recognized them instantly—Dream Entertainment’s star performers. One was Junjie, a celebrated soloist known for his soulful ballads. Beside him sat Li Hua, a powerful vocalist from a leading girl group, and Wen Hao, a charismatic actor-turned-idol and JiaJia, who Lixue immediately recognized to be Yu Jia.

Red and the others bowed respectfully, and Lixue followed suit, ensuring her mask was firmly in place. Zhoufei, as expected, gave only a half-hearted bow, earning a sharp glance from Senior Manager Wei.

"You’ll all be working closely with your seniors," Wei continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Learn from them, observe how they navigate this industry, and absorb everything you can. But remember, this is not a game. Dream Entertainment holds itself to the highest standards. Mediocrity will not be tolerated."

The sternness in her tone was enough to make even Zhoufei straighten his posture.

"Let’s start with introductions," Wei said, nodding toward Red. "You first."

Red stepped forward, her signature energy shining through. "Hi! I’m Red, part of CANDY APPLE. I’m so excited to be here and to learn from everyone. Thank you for having me!"

Sunflower and Blue followed, introducing themselves as Red’s groupmates. Zhoufei’s turn came next, and he delivered his introduction with a mix of charm and aloofness.

Finally, it was Lixue’s turn. She stepped forward, keeping her mask on, and spoke in a steady voice. "Hello. I’m Y.L. Mongolia. I specialize in vocals, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here. I hope to learn and grow under everyone’s guidance."

As Senior Manager Wei finished her introduction, Yu Jia, seated quietly among the senior artists, found herself narrowing her eyes at the masked newcomer. There was something unsettlingly familiar about the girl—her posture, the way she carried herself, and, most notably, her eyes. Those sharp, discerning eyes felt like a ghost from her past.

Could it be her? Yu Lixue? No. That Lixue was gone, cast out of their family. Why would she be here, standing in front of her, as if fate itself was playing a cruel trick? And yet, Yu Jia couldn’t shake the suspicion.

She folded her arms and studied the girl more intently, noting how calm and composed she appeared, even under scrutiny. But that mask... That mask was infuriating.

It was hiding the answers she needed.

As the introductions went on, Yu Jia’s thoughts churned, her mind replaying fragments of the past, a sharp contrast to the polished room they sat in now. By the time Lixue introduced herself, her steady, measured voice only added to the growing certainty in Yu Jia’s chest.

When Senior Manager Wei finally opened the floor for questions, Yu Jia’s hand rose before anyone else’s. Her tone was clipped, barely masking the edge of her curiosity. "Y.L. You seem... familiar. Have we met before?"

Lixue’s head tilted slightly, her calm eyes locking with Yu Jia’s. "No, I don’t believe we have."

The polite deflection didn’t satisfy Yu Jia. Her jaw tightened as she leaned forward, her voice firm. "Take off your mask, I’m sure we’re all curious to see the talented beauty behind the mask."

The room grew tense. Even Senior Manager Wei looked up sharply at the demand, but Yu Jia’s piercing gaze never left Lixue.

Lixue didn’t flinch, her voice calm but resolute. "I signed a contract with Dream Entertainment. Part of that agreement ensures my autonomy over whether or not I reveal my face. And I prefer to keep it on for now."

Zhoufei raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, while the other seniors exchanged uncertain glances. Red looked between Yu Jia and Lixue, sensing some unspoken tension.

"Yu Jia," Senior Manager Wei interjected, her tone measured. "While your curiosity is understandable, Dream respects its artists’ boundaries. Y.L. has her reasons, and that’s enough."

Yu Jia leaned back in her chair, though her expression remained unreadable. "Of course," she said smoothly, her voice softening but still laced with suspicion. "I was just curious. Masks aren’t exactly common in our industry."

Lixue inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the comment without engaging further. She could feel Yu Jia’s eyes on her even as the meeting resumed. Her grip on her bag tightened slightly.

As the meeting continued, Lixue allowed herself to retreat into the background, observing Yu Jia’s every move with a practiced calm. She could see the unease in her sister’s stiff posture, the way her fingers tapped anxiously against her chair. It was subtle, but it was there.

Yu Jia wasn’t convinced, and that was exactly what Lixue wanted. Let her doubt. Let her stew. Lixue had waited years for this moment—she could wait a little longer.

Once the senior manager dismissed the group, everyone began filtering out of the room. Red lingered near Lixue, chattering about the next part of their day, while Zhoufei sent a pointed look in her direction before walking away.

"Lia, are you okay?" Red asked, glancing up at her with a concerned expression. "Yu Jia seemed pretty intense. Don’t let her get to you."

"I’m fine," Lixue said with a small shake of her head. "I’m used to people like her."

Red nodded sympathetically, but before she could say more, Yu Jia approached, her smile as polished as ever.

"Y.L., a word?" Yu Jia’s tone was casual, but her sharp gaze told another story.

Red hesitated, glancing between them. "Uh, should I—?"

"It’s fine," Lixue interrupted, her voice steady. "Go on ahead, Red. I’ll catch up."

Reluctantly, Red left, casting a worried glance over her shoulder.

Once they were alone, Yu Jia’s smile dropped. She folded her arms, her eyes scanning Lixue’s face—or rather, what little she could see of it.

"Who are you really?" Yu Jia asked, her voice low and laced with suspicion.

Lixue’s tone remained light. "I’ve already introduced myself. Y.L. Mongolia. Isn’t that enough?"

Yu Jia’s expression tightened, her frustration barely masked. "Enough games. Those eyes of yours... they’re far too familiar. Don’t tell me it’s a coincidence."

Lixue’s lips curved slightly beneath her mask. "Familiar? Perhaps you’re simply imagining things." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Yu Jia crossed her arms, her voice cold. "Take off the mask. If you have nothing to hide, show your face."

Lixue tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "My contract with Dream Entertainment gives me the right to decide when and where I reveal my face. Are you suggesting I break it for you, Miss Yu?"

Yu Jia’s jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "A mask won’t protect you forever. In this industry, you need more than a pretty voice to survive."

Lixue leaned slightly closer, her voice soft but unyielding. "Survival? That’s not my goal, Miss Yu. I don’t compete with others—I walk my own path. Or are you so threatened that even a mask unsettles you?"

Yu Jia’s face darkened, but she quickly recovered, letting out a sharp laugh. "Confident, aren’t you? But let me warn you—the higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall. No one will catch you."

Lixue’s eyes gleamed coldly. "Don’t worry, Miss Yu. When I fall, it won’t be because of someone like you. But you might want to watch your step. After all, even a slight misstep can cause a mountain to crumble."

Yu Jia’s expression faltered, her confidence shaken. But Lixue didn’t wait for a reply. She placed her mask back on, turned, and walked out of the room without a backward glance.

In her mind, she thought, This was just the beginning. Yu Jia, you won’t even see it coming.