Unable to leave and without his phone, Shen An had even less interest in the TV dramas.
He glanced around the empty room and sighed. “Why isn’t there a computer here?”
A computer would have been perfect.
With one, he could log into the Rift for some ranked grinding, let that E-less scrub taste the mercy of the Ravenous Butcher.
And when boredom truly set in, it was oppressively tedious.
Fortunately, humanity had the most primal form of entertainment: sleep.
Shen An didn’t overthink it. He lay down on the bed, pulled up the covers, and drifted off.
Truth be told, he was exhausted today. He’d spent the entire afternoon walking and stopping intermittently, only to be woken up without a moment’s rest.
Pillow soft beneath his head, Shen An’s thoughts gradually wandered.
Soon, he slipped into dreamland, as the sunset’s glow faded alongside the rising curtain of night.
Darkness enveloped the earth. Once the last traces of twilight vanished, evening officially gave way to night.
A full, radiant moon pierced the gray clouds, hanging high in the sky and casting a gentle glow over the land.
Zhao Qingyu’s fireworks show was scheduled for eight o’clock that evening.
Even before then, as dusk settled, many troupe members finished dinner and began leaving their rooms in groups, exploring the vast mountain villa.
Of course, this didn’t include Song Rui and Wang Yuqiong.
As the clock ticked past seven, the two women, each in her own room, found themselves doing the exact same thing.
Applying makeup.
Yes, makeup.
Compared to her morning look, Wang Yuqiong now put even more effort into perfecting her already flawless face.
She sat at the vanity, delicately holding an eyebrow pencil and carefully tracing the arch of her brows.
In stark contrast were the three Drama Group members sitting nearby, watching her with equal care.
They were Wang Yuqiong’s temporary roommates.
“Why’s Yuqiong putting on such fancy makeup this late at night?” one roommate whispered.
Another rolled her eyes. “Isn’t it obvious? She’s got a date!”
“A date?”
The last roommate perked up. “With Secretary Shen?”
This one was a bit too bold, her voice not hushed at all. The mention of “Secretary Shen” made the other two frantically cover her mouth.
Wang Yuqiong’s pencil paused mid-stroke, but she didn’t deny it. After a brief hesitation, she continued gliding it over her thick, dark brows.
This moment illustrated why Yu Wen’s warning about Shen An wasn’t unfounded.
The four girls often hung out together, which was fine. But the blatant interest two of them showed in Shen An was impossible to ignore.
Especially Wang Yuqiong.
Her feelings for Shen An were so obvious that not only their own Drama Group noticed, but even the neighboring Model and Singing Groups could see it.
Wang Yuqiong undoubtedly possessed unusual courage and resolve. Despite knowing it would spark gossip, she pursued her strategy unwaveringly.
Of course, romance between men and women was free game these days, whether the man chased the woman or vice versa—it wasn’t anything new.
Unfortunately, this was happening in the Art Troupe.
And it revolved around their hottest new assistant: Shen An.
Ordinary people’s love lives drew no gossip.
Only extraordinary people sparked interest and buzz.
Both Wang Yuqiong and Shen An clearly qualified as extraordinary.
Shen An went without saying. Even before officially joining, he’d interviewed most of the assistants as an examiner, making his name known.
Once he became a full member, his unique role as secretary—combined with his handsome, sunny face and his constant shuttling between departments—ensured every new assistant memorized his name.
Who held the title of the troupe’s flower was debatable; beauty came in endless varieties.
But the troupe’s heartthrob was undoubtedly Shen An, a near-universal consensus among members.
Wang Yuqiong’s name wasn’t as prominent as Shen An’s, but within the Drama Group, her exceptional social skills had quickly established her influence among the newcomers.
Just like her status among the girls in English Class One, she was the shining leader of the Drama Group.
That was why she could trail after Shen An—and the office—without drawing much resentment from the Drama Group.
She truly had a knack for socializing.
“Keep it down! You trying to get us killed?”
“Mmph~”
The three were still tussling when Wang Yuqiong glanced back with a mischievous smile.
They froze, sitting bolt upright, gripped by the unease of being stared down by their homeroom teacher.
Just as they braced for a scolding, Wang Yuqiong asked lightly, “What do you think?”
Huh?
What?
The bold one spoke first. “I think you two would be perfect together!”
The other two instinctively facepalmed.
But deep down, they agreed.
Not just these three—even the rest of the Drama Group would love to see Wang Yuqiong end up with Shen An.
From their perspective, the pair was an ideal match: talented, beautiful, each with standout qualities that complemented perfectly from every angle.
Wang Yuqiong’s lips curved up. She said softly, “I meant my makeup.”
“Oh…”
The girl ducked her head, mumbling, “You were just asking about the makeup…”
The other two recovered faster. “It looks great, Yuqiong.”
“Yeah, this style suits you perfectly. If I were a guy, you’d have me hooked!”
“Really?” Wang Yuqiong beamed with pride.
“Mm, but I think you could go bolder.”
The middle girl realized Wang Yuqiong didn’t mind the topic—in fact, she seemed to encourage it.
So she stood and approached. “Especially the lips. A deeper shade would make you look even more alluring.”
“Especially when you’re alone together. A fiery red lip is like a bonfire—it demands attention, hooks them completely.”
She picked up Wang Yuqiong’s lip liner, dabbing on some lipstick.
“Even bolder?” Wang Yuqiong hesitated. “Won’t that look… weird?”
“Anyone else, maybe. But you, Yuqiong? Never.”
The girl said confidently, “Your face is made for bold makeup. Fiery lips are your signature.”
“Hey, Yuqiong, don’t forget—she studies beauty consulting.”
Another teased.
Wang Yuqiong smiled warmly, lips pursed. “Then I leave it to you.”
“Yep, leave it to me. I’ll make you the brightest girl tonight.”
Even the densest person would get it now.
Wang Yuqiong had zero qualms about her relationship with Shen An.
She didn’t hide it when discussed—in fact, she seemed quietly proud.
Once her makeup was done, the bold girl brought up Shen An again. “Yuqiong, you planning to watch the fireworks with him?”
Wang Yuqiong parted her lips slightly. “Something like that. But I don’t know what he thinks. Maybe he’s not into fireworks?”
“No way. Even if Secretary Shen doesn’t care about fireworks, he has to be interested in a beauty like you.”
The three exchanged grins, full of teasing.
Wang Yuqiong covered her mouth and laughed lightly, though a flicker of melancholy crossed her brow.
She wasn’t as optimistic as they were.
In the other room, Song Rui sat dazed at her vanity, makeup brush in hand… but utterly at a loss where to start.
Wang Yuqiong was the refined type who knew how to doll herself up, but Song Rui…
When was the last time she’d done a full face?
In a way, that lack of confidence stemmed partly from this.
She was the only one in Dorm 105 who didn’t know makeup.
Not that she was completely clueless—she grasped the basics.
But compared to Wang Yuqiong, she was worlds apart.
Makeup was undeniably a huge boost. It elevated one’s looks and highlighted or even created a certain vibe: innocent, seductive, aloof, or androgynous.
Song Rui already felt plain. Against a fully made-up Wang Yuqiong, she had even less confidence.
Her sole roommate was Shen Lianyao.
So it wasn’t as lively as Wang Yuqiong’s side.
But Shen Lianyao was sharper. From Song Rui’s actions, she could guess what was on her mind.
Closing her book, Shen Lianyao lay on the bed and asked softly, “Want me to help?”
Song Rui blinked, flustered. “Uh… that wouldn’t be right, would it?”
She wasn’t as poised as Wang Yuqiong.
Shen Lianyao flashed a sly smile. “If it’s too much trouble, skip it. Some guys prefer bare-faced, not everyone loves heavy makeup.”
Well…
Song Rui pondered silently. Shen An… probably… preferred bold makeup, right?
In a corner that Shen An hadn’t noticed, Song Rui had been quietly observing him the whole time, tracking every shift in his gaze.
She noticed that he always seemed to glance unconsciously toward Zhao Qingyu or Wang Yuqiong.
And those two… they always wore makeup.
The kind that was bright and blooming, like roses in full splendor.
So…
Song Rui hesitated. “I’m just afraid of troubling you.”
Shen Lianyao shifted her position, propping herself up slightly. “If I were you, I wouldn’t wear any makeup.”
Song Rui looked puzzled. “Why not?”
Shen Lianyao narrowed her eyes, a faint trace of disdain flickering through them. “You know, people always crave something different.”
“These days, nine out of ten girls you see outside are dolled up. After you’ve seen so much makeup, you start wanting to see a fresh face without it.”
“Besides, if you put on makeup too, no matter how perfectly you do it, you’re just starting from the same line as they are.”
“Why not carve your own path instead?”
Her words struck Song Rui like a thunderbolt of realization.
Right…
If she put on makeup too… no matter what, she could never outdo Yuqiong.
And with Yuqiong’s personality, she would definitely go all out to make it flawless.
Seeing Song Rui waver, Shen Lianyao pressed on. “Your natural look is pretty good anyway. I think a light touch of makeup suits you better—or go completely bare-faced.”
“Who knows? He might find that refreshing, like the girl next door.”
Song Rui turned away in embarrassment, shaking her head. “I just want to go out for a walk…”
Shen Lianyao let out a dry chuckle.
Sure, just a walk—and here she was, late at night, agonizing over makeup.
“You’re losing right there,” Shen Lianyao said coolly. “You’re not as straightforward and honest as they are. Always hiding and beating around the bush.”
“Liking someone isn’t a crime. What’s so hard about admitting it?”
“Even Cinderella gets her prince. But you? You don’t even have the guts to compete.”
“If you’re this scared before the fight even starts, you might as well stay in the room with me and read in peace.”
Song Rui clenched the makeup brush in her hand, saying nothing.
The words stung, and she didn’t like hearing them.
But…
She couldn’t find a way to argue back.
Her personality was just like that…
Being too eager and obvious made her feel an unprecedented unease.
Shen Lianyao wasn’t like Wang Yuqiong, who handled every topic with care, always mindful of the other person’s feelings.
She took the sharp-tongued, aloof route.
Shen Lianyao opened her book and continued. “Besides, you should probably ask him first right now.”
“Otherwise, by the time you’ve finished your makeup, he might be off meeting someone else. Then all that effort’s wasted.”
Song Rui bowed her head and murmured, “Do you think I should… message him now?”
It had some effect, at least—in front of Shen Lianyao, Song Rui no longer hid her feelings.
Shen Lianyao nodded slightly. “Mm-hmm. What else? You need to seize the initiative, got it?”
“If you keep dragging your feet, you’ll really end up sitting here on the bed watching fireworks with me.”
Shen Lianyao made a compelling case.
Song Rui jumped up, grabbed her phone, psyched herself up a few times, then tapped open Shen An’s profile picture. “Are… are you going to watch the fireworks tonight?”
Then she sat on the bed, a mix of anxiety and anticipation as she waited for his reply.
Seeing Song Rui’s unease and eagerness, the disdain curling Shen Lianyao’s lips grew thicker.
What did he have that had them all throwing themselves at him?
Hah.
She rolled over, turning her back to Song Rui, and quietly read her book.
But inevitably, her gaze drifted toward the brilliant neon lights outside the window.
Deep down…
She felt a subtle sense of superiority.
Even though her feelings toward Shen An were complicated, and she felt no real affection for him.
But…
Wang Yuqiong and Song Rui were both vying for him.
While she was the one he had to pursue.
Wasn’t she?
She still remembered those words clearly from the hallway of the Art Troupe.
So~
She was the real winner.
Wang Yuqiong?
Just a bold, lovesick girl chasing blindly.
Suddenly, her thoughts wandered, and Shen Lianyao frowned.
This guy…
Would he ask her to watch the fireworks?
The idea came out of nowhere, startling even her.
Why would she…
Even think that?
How strange!
She shook her head quickly, shoving the thought away.
