“Wait a moment first. Let me prepare the questions for your re-audition.”
With that, Zhao Qingyu pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen from nearby. She really wasn’t preparing all that thoroughly.
Shen An glanced over and immediately realized that Zhao Qingyu’s claim of arriving early was probably another “lie.”
Otherwise, it would mean her personality was utterly unreliable.
Taking advantage of the brief time while Zhao Qingyu prepared her questions, Shen An, feeling a bit bored, let his gaze settle on this famous campus beauty.
The previous times he’d seen her, she had orange-red shoulder-length hair.
But today, Zhao Qingyu’s hair was a deep ink-green, falling to about her waist in long waves.
Shen An looked closely and faintly spotted the edges of hair extensions, so her natural hair was short. This long style was just a temporary wig she’d thrown on.
Including the ink-green color.
To match the ink-green locks, she wore a navy off-shoulder long-sleeved top. Delicate patterns traced along her shoulders, skimming the edges of her collarbones and drawing Shen An’s eyes involuntarily to the thin choker nestled between them.
The choker held a red gemstone that looked quite valuable.
Long earrings dangled from both her earlobes, bracelets adorned each wrist, and several rings glittered on her slender fingers.
Hmm, such an elaborate getup reminded Shen An of those edgy, rebellious teens.
He wondered if Zhao Qingyu had any tattoos. If she did, she’d have all the elements of the ultimate rebel girl.
Of course, Zhao Qingyu’s brand of “rebellion” set her apart from the rest.
She had the stunning looks to pull off all these intricate accessories. Just that ink-green hair alone required serious beauty to wear without looking ridiculous.
Rebellious style without the looks came off as tacky imitation, downright trashy.
But Zhao Qingyu exuded confidence from the inside out. She drew every eye not because of the outfit, but because she was captivating in her own right.
She had every reason and the poise to stand there quietly, radiating an intense aura—like a seductive sprite with a touch of allure, or a queen laced with stern authority.
Fashion, after all, wasn’t about the clothes; it was about who wore them.
Shen An figured even a simple white bath towel draped around Zhao Qingyu could mesmerize innocent boys who hadn’t seen much of the world. It might even be more tempting that way.
Zhao Qingyu kept her head down, intently scribbling on the white paper.
She seemed oblivious to Shen An’s close scrutiny, casually crossing her legs and giving him an unintended glimpse of her long calf wrapped in black stockings beneath her short boots.
Black stockings, huh~
Now Shen An was intrigued.
Stockings had a magic all their own: as long as the legs weren’t overly thick or out of proportion, they amplified sex appeal like an enchantment, boosting raw allure.
But legs varied, of course.
The real differences showed between the legs of top beauties and ordinary ones.
Unfortunately, Zhao Qingyu was sitting, so Shen An couldn’t freely admire how well the black stockings hugged her long legs.
Even from this glimpse, though, he felt the full force of her charm—a devastating, dimension-crushing impact, especially on pure-hearted boys.
“Good-looking?”
Zhao Qingyu suddenly spoke up.
“Good-looking,” Shen An nodded without thinking.
“Seen enough yet?” Zhao Qingyu snapped her head up, staring at him with a half-smile.
Ahem.
Shen An rested his chin on his hand and murmured softly, “Don’t get the wrong idea, Senior Sister. I was just appreciating you from an artistic perspective.”
“If you hadn’t said that, I wouldn’t have thought of it that way.”
Zhao Qingyu’s smile was perfunctory, tinged with faint mockery.
“But honestly, facing a beauty like you up close like this, it’s hard not to let my eyes wander.”
“It’s human nature to chase beauty.”
“Maybe you think I’m a bit pervy or sleazy, but I can swear from the bottom of my heart: I’m just looking. No funny ideas here.”
Shen An said it with utter sincerity.
“No, I never think that.”
Zhao Qingyu replied coolly, “It’s only when you lack charm that no one stares.”
“Getting stares—whether blatant or sneaky—is proof of your appeal.”
Her lips curved slightly, holding a teasing glint. “Though someone as blatant as you? That’s rare.”
Shen An shrugged. “That’s because my intentions are pure. I’m upfront, so of course I’m blatant.”
“Tch. Saying it like that actually hurts my feelings a little.”
Zhao Qingyu feigned resentment. “Not a single impure thought, really?”
She leaned in closer, carrying the blooming scent of red roses. Her black nail polish gleamed alongside the red gem on her necklace, making it hard to resist.
“I have them, but I usually don’t say them out loud.”
Shen An, immune to such teasing, turned the tables on her. “I’m afraid it’d scare you off.”
“Pfft~”
Zhao Qingyu covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. “You’re so honest. Staring openly and admitting it just as boldly.”
“I believe it’s just human nature.”
Shen An said softly.
“Hmm. Compared to guys who make endless excuses for their dirty minds, I prefer someone like you who owns up to being a perv so candidly.”
“So, Senior Sister, do you sneak peeks at hot guys?”
“Why sneak?” Zhao Qingyu’s smile turned sly. “I can stare openly. It’s human nature, after all.”
She set the paper down, propped her chin on her hands, and locked eyes with him. “Like right now. I’m pretty pervy myself, you know.”
“Then we’re a match made in heaven.”
Shen An narrowed his eyes, meeting her intense gaze without flinching.
“Exactly. Ever thought about developing something with your Senior Sister?”
Zhao Qingyu twirled a nearby pen between her fingers, the black nail polish contrasting sharply with the silver barrel.
Her casual tone took on an ambiguous, flirtatious edge.
“I think we could be soulmates.”
Shen An parried smoothly.
“Soulmates?”
“Yeah. Commonly known as a confidante—or a guy confidante in your eyes.”
“Oh, like a gay bestie?”
“More like bros.” Shen An said softly.
“Then no need for that.” Zhao Qingyu shrugged. “I’m all about physical pleasure. Mental stuff doesn’t interest me.”
“Hey, don’t I seem kinda wild all of a sudden? Feel disillusioned yet?”
Zhao Qingyu eyed him slyly.
“Wild?” Shen An shook his head. “I think you’re even more honest than me, Senior Sister.”
“You’re a straight shooter too.”
Pfft~
Zhao Qingyu burst into unrestrained laughter again, her body shaking with mirth. The heaving waves were a bit dazzling for a moment.
Sin, sin~
Shen An glanced once and looked away.
Well, one more look.
“Alright, no more joking around.”
Zhao Qingyu picked up the paper. “Let’s start the re-audition.”
Shen An straightened up. “Go ahead and ask, Senior Sister.”
“First question.” Zhao Qingyu’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him. Shen An kept a straight face, waiting.
“Have you ever been in a relationship?”
Huh?
Shen An raised an eyebrow slightly. “Is that a re-audition question?”
Yesterday it was about what gift you’d give yourself.
Today it was dating.
This had nothing to do with the Art Troupe.
“If I say it is, it is.”
Zhao Qingyu was utterly domineering.
“Hmm, no, I haven’t dated anyone.” Shen An let a hint of virgin shyness slip through perfectly.
“Not even once?”
“Nope.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“That’s rare.” Zhao Qingyu clucked her tongue in amazement. “I figured you for a battle-hardened pro. Turns out you’re just an inexperienced fledgling full of theory.”
Shen An caught the hint of sarcasm and smiled lightly. “Even a fledgling becomes an eagle someday.”
Zhao Qingyu paused, then grinned. “True enough. I look forward to the day you spread your wings—see just how high you can soar.”
“Who knows? Maybe it’ll be in your hands, Senior Sister.”
“You sure about ‘hands’?” Zhao Qingyu flashed a soul-stirring smirk. “Not my bed?”
Shen An replied calmly, “Then I hope your bed isn’t a cage.”
“I hate feeling trapped.”
He added.
A flicker of surprise crossed Zhao Qingyu’s eyes, and she glanced at the paper. “Second question.”
“From childhood to now, has there been anyone you’ve liked?”
“Hm?”
“You said no to dating, but that’s different from never liking someone.”
Zhao Qingyu said softly. “Sometimes a crush is love too.”
Shen An pondered carefully for a moment, then shook his head. “No.”
“Aww, that’s kinda sad.”
Zhao Qingyu held back a laugh. “No dating, no crushes?”
“What about you, Senior Sister?”
“Tsk, now you’re even questioning the interviewer?” Zhao Qingyu arched an eyebrow. “My experience is plenty rich, you know.”
“Sorry for the interruption.”
“So, did any budding feelings or fondness arise? Or maybe something that made your heart race.”
“Does this count as the third question?” Shen An asked.
“Mm, barely.”
“Yes.” Shen An answered quickly this time.
“Then, can this gossipy senior sister get the scoop?” Zhao Qingyu’s beautiful eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“If I tell you, I’m afraid you’ll laugh at me, Senior Sister. It’s something that just happened.”
Shen An said in a low voice.
“Just now?”
“Yeah. I pushed open the door to that large classroom, and there was a meeting going on inside—probably senior students from upper years.”
Shen An spoke with a faint trace of longing and expectation. “Then I saw a girl standing at the podium. She was dressed very formally in a suit, wearing these somewhat old-fashioned glasses, and she had this stern, unsmiling look.”
“But the moment I laid eyes on her, my heart trembled uncontrollably.”
“This was the first time in my life I’d ever felt anything like it.”
“I don’t know what to call the feeling, but I think… this might be what they mean by a heartbeat.”
Zhao Qingyu listened in silence, her small hand tightening on the edge of the white paper until it started to crumple.
She leaned back and set the paper down. “You’ve got good taste, kid.”
“Really?”
“Of course.” Zhao Qingyu gave an ambiguous smile. “Want to know who that girl is? Her name, her year, her major.”
Shen An’s face lit up with excitement for a moment, but he quickly suppressed it.
He shook his head. “No need.”
“Oh?” Zhao Qingyu looked even more surprised.
“One glance was enough to recognize my own feelings. Besides, I don’t have what it takes to handle a relationship.”
Shen An gave a self-mocking smile. “Best if I wake up tomorrow and forget all about it. That’s what suits me.”
Zhao Qingyu narrowed her eyes, sneering to herself.
“You don’t want to know? Well, I’m telling you anyway.”
She huffed lightly. “Her name’s Xu Yijing. Second-year in the Art Department, Student Union Vice President. Lives in North District Apartment D1301. Never been in a relationship—her romantic history’s a total blank.”
“Oh, and she’s this school’s ‘School Beauty,’ more or less.”
“School Beauty??” Shen An looked utterly shocked.
“Tsk tsk, don’t make that face, okay? It’s kinda off-putting.”
Zhao Qingyu said indifferently, “But that’s just a loose term. Maybe I’m the School Beauty.”
Her words were followed by a shy little laugh.
But Shen An could sense the shyness was all an act. Beneath it lay an even stronger self-assurance.
He hurried to flatter her. “I think you’re no worse than her, Senior Sister.”
“Bullshit.” Zhao Qingyu frowned. “If we’re about even, why no heartbeat for me?”
Shen An murmured softly, “I might not have a heartbeat, but I’m excited, alright?”
“Hm?”
“Maybe it just doesn’t feel right.” Shen An replied sheepishly.
“Fair enough. Everyone’s tastes are different. Like how I love switching up my style every day, but some people think it’s too flashy—call me a loose girl with no morals.”
“You’re one of the few who actually compliments me.” Zhao Qingyu’s expression shifted in an instant—from a frowning queen to a charming senior sister.
Shen An said gently, “I’m not complimenting you. I’m just stating facts.”
“Oh, what a cliché.”
Zhao Qingyu smiled in mock disdain. “But I love hearing it. Say more.”
“Oh, wait—”
Zhao Qingyu tilted her head. “So, now? Any thoughts?”
“I… I don’t have any thoughts…”
“Nothing at all? Total failure.” Zhao Qingyu struck without mercy. “I even told you her name, her year, where she lives.”
“You’re not gonna make a move? Want me to hook you up with her contact info?”
Shen An chuckled helplessly. “No need. Back when I didn’t know, I had a shred of courage.”
“After your intro, Senior Sister? Not even that left.”
“What, intimidated by her rep?” Zhao Qingyu teased. “No need to worry. No girl’s beyond sweet talk.”
“And she’s got zero dating experience. A little finesse, and she’s putty in your hands.”
“You see her all prim and proper, untouchable. But get her in bed? She’ll probably be wild.”
“Girls are the best at pretending, after all. One face in public, another behind closed doors—like a wrapped candy. You peel off the layers one by one to find out what’s inside. Sweet? Bitter? Or…”
Zhao Qingyu flashed a meaningful smile. Shen An couldn’t shake the feeling she was driving the conversation straight into innuendo territory with just her eyes.
She paused, then twirled her fingertip to point at herself. “Of course, that includes me. Wanna peel back my wrapper?”
Her words were so bold they left Shen An speechless for a moment.
He glanced sideways at the white paper on the table.
Sure enough, it was blank.
Nothing written on it at all.
