Chapter Five: Who Is Living Her Life

Wen stepped back. Instead of attacking her, she faced the camera. “She truly obeyed. I truly felt anger, loved my father, and loved acting. They all came from me, but none has the right to represent me alone—including the person speaking now.” The silver light died. The stream cut out, but hundreds of thousands had recorded it. The woman in red did not lunge at Wen. “My name is A-Fei,” she said. The woman in the cap whispered, “Mine is Yaoyao.” Long Hair's smile cracked as guards poured inside. She turned, blocking their cameras. “Stage Zero. Finalization at midnight tomorrow. The company will keep only the highest-scoring one.” “Why tell us?” Jianwei asked. She maintained her perfect smile, though tears ruined the mascara around one eye.