Art Troupe, meeting room.
This was a standalone office, fairly spacious, with a round table at the center surrounded by a dozen chairs. Flanking the round table on either side were rectangular conference tables, each lined with its own set of chairs.
Judging by the number of chairs alone, the room could easily seat at least thirty people.
The meeting room was generally reserved for members of president level and above, but in practice, the presidents rarely gathered for meetings. As a result, it seldom saw much use.
At this moment, the meeting room felt utterly deserted, with only Zhao Qingyu seated at the head of the round table.
The emptiness extended beyond the meeting room; the entire Art Troupe office area was devoid of people.
The busy freshman recruitment period had ended the day before, and Zhao Qingyu had generously granted every member two days off. During those two days, no one needed to report for duty or training.
She tilted her chin slightly, leaning back comfortably into the chair’s cushion as she crossed her legs.
Her short hair, streaked with a subtle azure dye, partially veiled one earring, while the other side revealed a silver bell and a sleek white Bluetooth earpiece.
Her fingertips, coated in red nail polish, lightly brushed the earring’s bell, producing a faint tinkling sound that seemed to harmonize with the music playing in her earphones.
The tip of her raised foot was clad in seductive red-soled high heels, with smooth stockings hugging her long, elegant legs. Delicate patterns traced the silk—clearly no cheap imitation.
Even this mere description ignited her innate sensuality and allure.
Yet her outfit today was elegantly refined, evoking the poise of a young lady from a wealthy family.
Born with a fox-like charm, she slipped effortlessly into the role of a noble miss. Her features were already coldly aristocratic and regal—as long as she kept those seductive eyes closed.
Shen An made his unhurried way back from the school gate.
He swiped his card at the door and stepped into the Art Troupe. The pervasive quiet puzzled him.
Was there really a meeting?
He suspected Zhao Qingyu was up to one of her tricks again.
At the meeting room door, he knocked lightly before pushing it open.
Taking in the equally deserted space, the corner of Shen An’s mouth twitched. Just as he’d thought.
“Senior Sister?”
He stepped forward and called out softly.
Zhao Qingyu kept her eyes closed, her red-soled high heel swaying gently, apparently oblivious to his voice.
Spotting the Bluetooth earpiece by her ear, Shen An understood.
He moved closer, bending down toward her ear. Her enveloping fragrance grew even more intense at his nose. “Senior Sister?”
He raised his voice deliberately. Without lifting an eyelid, she replied, “I heard you.”
She leisurely removed the earpiece and shot him a sideways glance. “You’re really slow. The meeting’s already over.”
“Ah, well…” Knowing full well she was teasing him, Shen An still feigned helplessness. “I came as fast as I could.”
“No excuses.”
Zhao Qingyu spoke softly. “Skipping a meeting right after joining isn’t a great look.”
“But~” Her tone shifted playfully. “I covered for you—told them you had something come up. The other senior sisters probably won’t hold it against you.”
Shen An sneered inwardly. “Thanks a lot, Senior Sister.”
“Tsk, no need to rush.”
Zhao Qingyu rose to her feet. Already tall, she stood nearly eye-to-eye with Shen An in those heels.
“Words of thanks don’t count for much.”
She gazed at him with heavy implication, her fox-like eyes sparkling with mischief and flirtation.
“Uh…” Shen An considered for a moment before turning the question back on her. “What can I do for you, Senior Sister?”
“Hmm~” Zhao Qingyu pursed her red lips, pondering briefly. “Have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet. I was just about to.”
“Perfect.” The corner of her mouth curved up. “I haven’t either. Consider it you owing me a meal—take me out now.”
This fox spirit couldn’t still be holding a grudge from last time, could she?
Shen An grumbled to himself.
“Hm? Well?” A flicker of doubt crossed Zhao Qingyu’s eyes. “Is my request too much trouble?”
“No.”
Shen An shook his head and spoke softly. “I’d be happy to. But I have one request.”
“Go ahead.”
Her perfume was rich yet not overpowering. As she brushed past him, even the air carried her intoxicating scent.
“I’d like to pick the place.”
Shen An said.
“Sure. I’m your guest today—your call.”
Zhao Qingyu agreed readily. “Just don’t take me anywhere with weird food.”
“I have a lot of quirks. One of them is being picky.”
“No worries. I guarantee you’ll love it.” Shen An brimmed with confidence.
“Hmm~” Zhao Qingyu tucked away her earpiece and turned. “Then let’s go. Don’t waste this rare date time.”
Her smile brimmed with teasing, yet every word dripped with allure.
A date~
A date with Zhao Qingyu would be nothing short of blissful.
If only~
But Shen An stayed rational and clear-headed.
He simply wanted to see what game she was playing.
He didn’t buy that she’d sought him out for no reason.
There had to be some ulterior motive.
All the way, Shen An kept a safe distance from Zhao Qingyu.
No matter how alluring her swaying gait or how mesmerizing her silhouette, he refused to yield to the temptation.
He knew Zhao Qingyu was a rose with thorns—her prickles sharper and more lethal than any other girl’s.
Dealing with her demanded utmost caution.
Until he could pry open her secrets and uncover her true aims.
So unless she spoke first, Shen An held his silence, avoiding any probing.
At the school gate, Zhao Qingyu turned slightly. “You aren’t planning to make me walk out like this, are you?”
She lifted one high-heeled foot just a bit.
Shen An chuckled lightly. “Aren’t you hot, Senior Sister?”
Wearing stockings and heels in this weather made her one of a kind.
Zhao Qingyu arched a brow and replied softly, “Not really. My constitution must be special—I prefer heat to cold. I might look all covered up, but it’s just right.”
“If it got any cooler, I’d feel cold.”
“Really?”
“Of course. Don’t believe me? Feel it.” Zhao Qingyu extended her small hand right in front of his eyes, giving it a gentle shake.
Shen An’s gaze sharpened. Without hesitation, he reached out and clasped her hand.
The touch was indescribably soft and smooth.
Zhao Qingyu’s skin was flawless—fair, tender, almost like a baby’s.
He couldn’t help marveling once more. How did she maintain it?
It wasn’t just her. Wang Yuqiong and Chen Nannan’s skin was equally perfect.
Great beauties each shone in their own way, but they shared certain undeniable traits.
In contrast to his casual ease, Zhao Qingyu looked surprised and flustered.
She hadn’t expected him to actually go for it.
This guy had some nerve!
But before she could react, Shen An—having sampled briefly—released her hand with a serious expression. “Yeah, definitely cool to the touch.”
“If you don’t mind, Senior Sister, could you stick out your tongue for me to check?”
Zhao Qingyu narrowed her eyes, annoyance finally creeping in. “You don’t want to touch that too, do you?”
“No. I know a bit of basic stuff—maybe I can take a look.”
Shen An replied earnestly.
“No need.” Zhao Qingyu spoke softly. “Thanks for your concern.”
The idea of sticking out her tongue for him disgusted her just thinking about it!
No—she already felt queasy.
Right in front of Shen An, she pulled wet wipes from her clutch without a second thought and scrubbed her palm.
“Don’t take it personally. It’s one of my old habits.”
As if he could just brush it off.
Shen An chuckled inwardly.
“Our spot’s super close—no car needed. Just a few steps.”
Shen An said softly.
“A few steps—how many?”
“Uh, a couple minutes?”
“Fine. Hope it doesn’t take longer.” Zhao Qingyu smiled faintly.
“Lead on, boss~”
Shen An led Zhao Qingyu toward a spot just off campus.
But as they walked this path—so familiar to her—Zhao Qingyu couldn’t help arching a brow.
This guy…
Was he taking her to the Grand Hotel?
She eyed his back thoughtfully.
