When Sister Xiao called, Yu Ju was still drifting in and out of a dream with the God of Sleep. 

After pulling an all-nighter for his experiment, he woke up feeling dazed, his mind still swirling with thoughts of reagents. 

“Hello,” Yu Ju rasped, his voice utterly hoarse. 

On the other end, Sister Xiao asked, “Still sleeping?” 

Yu Ju glanced at his phone to check the time. It was only 9 a.m.—what was wrong with still being asleep? 

But considering this was his source of income calling, Yu Ju suppressed his morning grumpiness and asked, “What’s up?” 

“Are you free this afternoon?” Sister Xiao inquired. 

If anyone else had asked, Yu Ju might’ve hesitated before answering, but this was Sister Xiao. 

If she was asking, it definitely meant work. 

“I’m free,” Yu Ju replied. “What’s the job?” 

Sister Xiao: “Are you going to the HIC event?” 

Yu Ju opened his eyes. “Wasn’t Lin Jian supposed to attend this event?” 

Sister Xiao: “He can’t make it.” 

Yu Ju, curious: “Why can’t he go?” 

“Don’t worry about that,” Sister Xiao replied. “So, what do you say?” 

Yu Ju: “I’ll go.” 

Sister Xiao: “I’ll send someone to pick you up in ten minutes. We’re leaving from the company.” 

Yu Ju: “Got it.” 

Sister Xiao always worked with lightning speed. When she said ten minutes, it didn’t necessarily mean ten minutes—it could be eight, five, or even three. 

So, even though Yu Ju’s brain was now fully awake, his heavy body screamed for more rest. Too bad. No matter how tired he was, he had to drag himself up.

After a quick wash and grabbing a cup of coffee, Yu Ju received a call from Sister Xiao saying the car was already downstairs. 

The one picking him up was Xiao Wang, someone he often saw. After getting into the car, Yu Ju greeted him with a simple “hi” before leaning his head back against the seat. 

“Still sleepy, huh?” Xiao Wang asked. 

Yu Ju responded with a vague “yeah.” 

Xiao Wang chuckled, “Didn’t you finish streaming at ten last night?” 

Yu Ju closed his eyes. “Then I went to the lab. Stayed there until four in the morning.” 

Xiao Wang shook his head, laughing. “Why work yourself so hard?” 

Yu Ju sighed, “Just got carried away.” 

Carried away as in refusing to leave the lab until he got results—pure madness. 

The result of this obsession was severe dark circles under his eyes. Even Sister Xiao, who was always singing praises about Yu Ju’s looks, couldn’t help but click her tongue in disapproval when she saw him. 

“What happened to you?” Sister Xiao’s expression wasn’t exactly concerned—more like full of disdain. “What did you do last night?” 

Half-squinting his eyes, Yu Ju put on a dramatic I’m so tired act. “Exploring the world.” 

Sister Xiao gave him a shove. “Go get your makeup done already.” 

Yu Ju was a graduate student at A University and a model for Xinli Concept Company, so he often joked about being a “freelance campus model.” 

Graduate life was all about classes, experiments, assignments, papers, and projects. Modeling, on the other hand, was just a side gig—photo shoots, runway shows, live streams—a way to make some extra cash in his spare time. 

While getting his makeup done, Yu Ju finally learned why Lin Jian couldn’t make it to the event. 

Everyone in the dressing room pieced together bits of gossip they’d picked up, assembling it into a full-blown story. 

Apparently, Lin Jian had been dumped by his girlfriend the night before. In a fit of anger, he showed up at her house in the middle of the night, only to find another man there—with both of them looking less than fully dressed. 

Enraged, Lin Jian got into a brawl with the guy, the two rolling around in a full-on fistfight. Afterward, Lin Jian stormed off to drown his sorrows with friends. When Sister Xiao called him this morning, he was throwing up on the other end of the line, face battered and in terrible shape. 

As the dressing room crowd gossiped, they repeatedly exclaimed in shock, “Oh my god, seriously?!”

They described the drama with flair, going as far as to say, “The cut on Lin Jian’s lip looks like a lonely flamingo—it’s terrifying!” 

Yu Ju was no longer tired at all, thoroughly enjoying the gossip. 

Someone commented, “Lin Jian really got the short end of the stick this time. Doesn’t he know that Gu Qianxing is going to be at today’s event?” 

Another person added, “Cheated on, beaten up, scolded by Sister Xiao, and missed the chance to meet his idol—he’s having a rough time.” 

Someone else chimed in, “How long has he been talking about wanting to meet Gu Qianxing? And now he’s missed it all because of a woman. He’s probably regretting it so much his insides are turning green.” 

As Yu Ju was about to apply his eyeliner, he closed his eyes and asked, “Who is Gu Qianxing?” 

“Oh my god!” his makeup artist screamed, “You don’t know who Gu Qianxing is?!” 

Although Yu Ju had gotten used to his makeup artist’s dramatic outbursts, he still flinched a little from the sudden yell, his ears nearly ringing. 

Yu Ju asked, “Should I know him?” 

A colleague next to Yu Ju explained, “It’s normal that Yu Ju doesn’t know. How could he possibly know about these things?” He turned to Yu Ju and added, “Gu Qianxing is a highly famous designer in the industry. He’s the youngest exclusive designer for HIC, makes haute couture for a lot of celebrities. The key point is…” 

“The key point is that he’s extremely handsome,” the makeup artist became enthusiastic, interrupting himself to continue, “He’s really got an aura. His face—those sharp features, like they were sculpted, deep-set eyes, thick eyebrows, and he’s really tall, has this incredibly striking presence.” His voice lowered as he continued, “Handsome doesn’t even do him justice, he’s more… elegant, I’d say.” 

The makeup artist’s expression turned downright infatuated, and his voice took on a sweet tone, “Not just handsome, he’s got this slightly seductive, dangerous vibe.” 

“Heh…” Yu Ju couldn’t help but laugh, repeating the word, “Seductive?” 

Seeing Yu Ju’s reaction, the makeup artist playfully poked his head. “What’s up with you?” 

Yu Ju grinned and asked, “Does he have a touch of sarcastic humor, a hint of coldness, and a whole lot of indifference?” 

The makeup artist raised his chin and replied, “I’m not talking to you anymore.” 

But within two seconds, he was back at it, “I’ve watched his interviews, he’s tough, speaks little, and is just… super cool.” 

As he styled Yu Ju’s hair, he added, “Sometimes, I think other models wearing his designs just can’t compare. He’d look better in his own clothes.” 

Yu Ju closed his eyes, responding with a simple, “Oh.” 

Yu Ju’s makeup artist was gay and identified as a 0 (the more passive role in gay relationships). Yu Ju had heard him describe countless handsome men, and while many of them were indeed good-looking, the way the makeup artist described them always made them seem far more extraordinary than they were in reality.

It seemed that Yu Ju wasn’t completely convinced, so his colleague stepped in to back up the claims, “Ah Ling’s right this time, Gu Qianxing really is incredibly handsome.” 

Yu Ju opened his eyes a little, giving them some face, “Oh.” 

Ah Ling snorted, then continued to gently tap Yu Ju’s head with his delicate fingers, “You straight guys wouldn’t understand.” 

Yu Ju smirked, “As long as you understand, that’s enough.” 

After a while, Ah Ling asked, “Do you remember that brooch Lin Jian always wears?” 

Yu Ju took a moment, then guessed, “Gu Qianxing designed it?” 

Ah Ling waved his finger, “You got half of it right.” He continued, “It’s actually a piece of merchandise made by Gu Qianxing’s fans.” 

Yu Ju couldn’t help but comment, “A designer has merchandise?” 

Ah Ling was quick to defend, “What do you know about it?” 

Yu Ju raised his hands in mock surrender, “Okay, okay, he’s amazing, he’s awesome.”

So, Yu Ju also understood. With so many models in the company, why did Xiao Jie only call him, the one who is raised loosely, and not anyone else?

The reason, of course, is that Lin Jian dislikes Yu Ju, and Xiao Jie did this to annoy him.

The price of being willful is having your least favorite person meet your favorite person.

Quite fitting.

Yu Ju’s makeup was done quickly, and after finishing, Ah Ling snapped his fingers out of habit. “Alright,” he said, then gently tilted Yu Ju’s chin. “Take a look at the little design I did today.”

Yu Ju squinted and leaned closer to the mirror, carefully observing for several seconds.

“Huh?”

Ah Ling: “……”

Ah Ling: “Look at your eyebrows, don’t they seem a little more arched?”

Yu Ju examined closely and raised an eyebrow, as if there was something to it.

Under Ah Ling’s expectant gaze, Yu Ju asked, “So?”

Ah Ling: “……”

Ah Ling then pressed Yu Ju’s chin down again. “Don’t you think your unintended pitiful look is especially charming?”

Yu Ju: “Wow.”

Ah Ling couldn’t hold back a laugh.

Yu Ju couldn’t help but smile either, revealing a faint dimple on his left cheek.

“Ah—” Ah Ling was back at it. “I absolutely love your dimples and your puppy eyes. Smile more, Yu Ju.”

Ah Ling always called Yu Ju “puppy eyes.” Yu Ju had observed for a long time but still couldn’t figure out what exactly about his eyes made them seem like a puppy’s.

But since he said it, Yu Ju still gave him a big smile.

Ah Ling’s expression blossomed. “Ah—so cute.”

Yu Ju instantly stopped smiling, his eyes sending a warning.

Ah Ling: “Alright, alright, no more calling you cute, tough guy.”

Ah Ling really enjoyed doing Yu Ju’s makeup. He had a particularly three-dimensional, flat-faced look that suited him perfectly—elegant and innocent at the same time, both captivating and graceful.

It wasn’t just that he was naturally good-looking; he was also incredibly photogenic. Though he was a rough, poor student, his skin was flawless to the point that it made others envious. His face was smooth and fair, so easy to work with, and there was so much room for creativity.

As a result, when Yu Ju’s photos were released, people would not only praise him but also compliment his makeup artist.

Ah Ling was so pleased that, without Yu Ju knowing, he secretly applied to Xiao Jie to have their work paired together.

After the makeup was done, Xiao Jie and Yu Ju left together.

On the way, Xiao Jie took a call. Before the other party could say anything, she immediately started scolding them.

No need to guess—it was definitely Lin Jian.

The phone call lasted two minutes, during which Xiao Jie cursed non-stop without repeating herself. Then, she hung up the phone.

Turning around, she saw Yu Ju with a smug look on her face.

“Are you happy?” Xiao Jie asked.

Yu Ju shook her head. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Xiao Jie couldn’t help but laugh at Yu Ju’s expression. “I really don’t know what you two are so bitter about.”

“You should ask him what he hates me for. I only hate him because he hates me,” Yu Ju shrugged. “I have to return the hate, right? Why should I be hated for nothing?”

Xiao Jie shook her head.

Of course, she knew what Lin Jian hated about Yu Ju—it was jealousy. Jealousy of Yu Ju’s education and intelligence, jealousy of how carefree Yu Ju was, and jealousy of how handsome and popular he was.

Lin Jian had always felt that Yu Ju had stolen his charm. Before Yu Ju came to the company, Lin Jian was adored everywhere he went. Now, he wasn’t as popular as before, and he always felt that Yu Ju had something to do with it.

Actually, anyone could tell that most of the reason for Lin Jian’s frustration was himself.

But there was nothing much to say about it. They all worked in the same company, and everyone understood what was going on. As long as Yu Ju could continue to provoke Lin Jian a bit, it wasn’t all bad.

Back to the main topic.

“Later, we’ll find a chance to meet with Gu Qianxing,” Xiao Jie asked. “Does Gu Qianxing know?”

Yu Ju: “Ah Ling filled me in while doing my makeup.”

Probably knowing how Ah Ling would explain it, Xiao Jie chuckled. “Well, as long as you know.” She then asked Yu Ju, “Can you do it? Get Gu Qianxing to remember you?”

Yu Ju was surprised. “Me?” He shook his head. “I can’t.”

Xiao Jie rubbed her forehead. Yu Ju was good at everything, but his sales skills were zero.

It was the same with live streaming. At first, he didn’t do anything—just sat there staring at the camera for half an hour, not even able to read the comments. In the end, when he really didn’t know what to do, he started doing homework.

Unexpectedly, though, he gained quite a few fans because of that.

Gradually, fans started asking him questions about math, physics, and chemistry.

Now, he was the only one in the company who did live streams solving problems. Since it was his area of expertise, he was quite good at it and was proactive. He was even popular with the fans’ moms.

“Forget it,” Xiao Jie opened her phone. “Just being able to attend this event is already pretty good. When we get back, we can casually brag for days and update the public account.”

HIC was a luxury brand that even Yu Ju knew about, and this was the anniversary celebration organized by its branch office.

For an event like this, Yu Ju had only seen it online before. When he arrived at the venue, he was stunned by how extravagant it was.

Glasses clinked, lights flashing. Yu Ju followed behind Xiao Jie, feeling a bit dizzy.

His ears were filled with flattery—whether he knew the person or not, they could shower him with compliments with their eyes closed.

Yu Ju didn’t have to do much—just smile, and when Xiao Jie introduced him to others, raise a glass.

The fatigue from staying up late had taken its toll in this environment, and Yu Ju’s mind began to drift. He watched the waiter carry champagne on a tray and found himself thinking about the experiment he couldn’t get right the day before.

It wasn’t the reagents that were bad—it was him.

“Focus.”

Suddenly, Xiao Jie smiled and gently tapped his shoulder.

Yu Ju instantly snapped back to reality. “Hmm?”

Xiao Jie said, “Gu Qianxing is here.”

Yu Ju looked up and saw that everyone around them was looking in the same direction.

Following their gaze, Yu Ju saw a group of people lively gathered under the soft lighting.

At first glance, none of them wore name tags, but Yu Ju immediately knew which one was Gu Qianxing.

The tallest person in the crowd, dressed casually yet appropriately for the occasion. Even from the angle Yu Ju had, just the side profile was enough to match the handsome description Ah Ling had mentioned.

Yu Ju found himself staring, waiting.

Finally, he saw Gu Qianxing nod and smile at the people beside him before turning around.

Directly in front of him, at exactly twelve o’clock, Yu Ju blinked lightly. In the moment he saw the face clearly, the smile that had been on his face instantly vanished.

In contrast, his heartbeat immediately quickened.

This person…

Is he, Gu Qianxing?

“He’s surrounded by so many people,” Xiao Jie, who hadn’t noticed Yu Ju’s expression, tilted her head to look in that direction. “How are we going to go over and greet him?”

Yu Ju didn’t know what to say. All he could do now was breathe.

The place where Yu Ju stood was a walkway near the front, and the considerate lighting technician had turned on a few more white lights, making the venue a bit brighter.

Like everyone else around him, Yu Ju stared intently at Gu Qianxing.

Perhaps his gaze was more obvious.

He watched as Gu Qianxing gave a slight nod, saw him clink glasses with someone, and then noticed when Gu Qianxing lifted his gaze.

In the moment their eyes met, the champagne glass in Gu Qianxing’s hand noticeably paused. Then, he lowered the glass and flashed a smile, his eyes narrowing slightly at the corners.

Yu Ju felt like he couldn’t even breathe.

“What the hell, who is he smiling at?”

The only direction of the smile could have been toward Xiao Jie and Yu Ju.

“Could it be you?”