Aetheria

It is set in a modern, contemporary urban world, primarily focusing on the glamorous and cutthroat entertainment industry. The world is recognizable to our own, with social media, paparazzi, fan culture, and corporate power struggles all playing significant roles. The story specifically takes place in Beijing, China, within this entertainment sphere. Here's a breakdown of the background information and unique backstories: The World They Live In: * Modern Chinese Society: The novel reflects aspects of contemporary Chinese society, particularly the high-stakes world of celebrities, modeling, and acting. * Entertainment Industry as a Battlefield: The world is depicted as a place where image is everything, competition is fierce, and behind-the-scenes manipulations are rampant. Agencies wield significant power, and public opinion can make or break a career. Betrayal and schemes are common. * Powerful Business Conglomerates: Beyond the entertainment aspect, there are powerful business entities, with Hai Rui Entertainment (led by Mo Ting) being the most prominent. These conglomerates have vast influence across various sectors, not just entertainment. * Emphasis on Reputation and Face: "Losing face" is a significant concept, and maintaining a good public image and reputation is crucial for celebrities and powerful figures alike. * Social Media and Media Scrutiny: The narrative heavily incorporates the role of media, gossip sites, and social media in shaping public perception and influencing careers. Scandals can erupt quickly and spread widely. Tangning's Unique Backstory: Tangning's backstory is crucial to the entire plot: * Former Top Model of Beijing: Before the story begins, Tangning was at the pinnacle of her modeling career, recognized as one of Beijing's most sought-after models. She had established a strong reputation and commanded significant respect. * Sacrifice for Love, Leading to Betrayal: Her unique and tragic backstory revolves around her deep love and sacrifice for her then-fiancé, Han Yufan. She had seemingly given up her thriving career and handed over her hard-earned position to his agency (Tianyi Entertainment) and even to his (and her) betrayer, Mo Yurou, in support of his career and out of loyalty. * Devastating Betrayal on Wedding Eve: The inciting incident of the novel is her profound betrayal. On the eve of what was supposed to be her wedding, she discovers Han Yufan cheating on her with her own cousin/half-sister, Mo Yurou, who is also pregnant with his child. This act of double betrayal, from both her fiancé and a family member, shatters her world and fuels her desire for revenge and vindication. * Impulsive Trial Marriage: Driven by this deep betrayal and a desire to regain control of her life and career, she makes an impulsive and unconventional decision: she proposes a trial marriage to Mo Ting, a powerful and enigmatic CEO, whom she barely knows, right outside the Civil Affairs Office. This quick, almost desperate act is what sets her unique path in motion.