Zeng Xin booked a ride-hailing car.
I thanked her, and Liu Yu took the front seat, buckling up, propping his elbow on the door, and resting his chin, staring ahead.

I pursed my lips: “Liu Yu, thanks for coming despite your injuries.”

“No big deal,” he said, yawning.

In the car, I kept looking back—Lin Yinyin wasn’t following.

At the city center, I clutched my school skirt, growing uneasy, a heavy weight in my chest.

Zeng Xin shook her head: “By the way, what talent will you perform for the beauty pageant? Usually singing, dancing, or playing an instrument.”

I lowered my head, self-conscious: “I don’t know anything…”

These were foreign to me.
Surviving on full meals was a luxury before; hobbies were out of reach.

“Your voice is sweet. How about singing? Try a bit.”

“Ahem.” I cleared my throat, shy, singing softly: “Gardenias bloom, oh they bloom, a faint youth, pure love.”

Liu Yu dropped his lazy demeanor, turning back: “Feels like an evening breeze, gentle.”

“Sing, then!” Zeng Xin agreed, adding: “You could pursue this path. If the ad goes well, it’s a great start.”

I frowned: “I want to be a big boss.”

She smiled: “No conflict. Save money first—how do you start a business without capital?”

It clicked—makes sense.

At Disney Media, I rushed to the entrance but was stopped by security: “Miss, show your access card.”

I clenched my fist: “I’m here for Director Zhu Qing, to shoot a jewelry ad!”

He studied my face, not doubting, and spoke into his walkie-talkie: “Front desk, a girl’s here for Director Zhu, says it’s for an ad… What’s your name?”

“Ye Zhixia… a beggar! Zhu Qing gave me 650 yuan! And put me in an expensive hotel.” I stammered out clues.

“Uh…” He hesitated, then relayed: “Tell Zhu she mentioned 650 yuan and being a beggar.”

“Front desk received.”

I paced anxiously, like an ant on a hot pan, scanning inside.

After so long, would they still want me?

Five minutes later, Zhu Qing ran out, sweating profusely!

“Little miss, you’re finally here!” Seeing my school uniform and changed appearance, he paused: “Let’s talk upstairs.”

I glanced at Zeng Xin and Liu Yu: “Can my classmates come?”

He waved: “All of you, come.”

Security let us pass.
On the familiar floor, as the door opened, everyone stared in disbelief.
I bowed politely to both sides.

In Zhu Qing’s office, Xiao Li, organizing files, stood, shocked: “Star Sister!”

“Order some milk teas and call the client,” Zhu said.

“Right, Director.”

Zeng Xin gaped at the brisk pace, whispering: “Can I apply to be a manager?”

“Huh?” I scratched my head: “What’s a manager?”

Zhu cut in: “Where’d you go?”

I sighed: “A lot happened… Can I not say?”

He rubbed his forehead, serious: “I got in trouble too. You vanished, and the client nearly blamed us. I dragged that Qi guy to bars three nights straight, got him drunk to let it slide and switch actors. The contract’s signed now.”

He looked exhausted.
I pursed my lips: “Do I… still have a chance?”

“Don’t know. I’ll call him to discuss.” He tapped his desk: “He caused a scene here twice over you. Switching actors meant paying a penalty, which he covered.”

He looked relieved: “Miss this, no big deal. With your face, the higher-ups will sign you—no plastic surgery could replicate it.”

Overjoyed, I was really going to make it!

Liu Yu smirked: “Need a bodyguard? Seems promising to follow you.”

Zhu chuckled, shaking his head: “You two aren’t even signed yet.”

Xiao Li brought five milk teas, placing them before us: “Enjoy.”

Zeng Xin touched hers: “Cold?”

I blinked: “Mine’s warm. Swap?”

“Thanks, Ye Rich Girl.”

Zhu glanced at my phone on the table, silent.

Sipping milk tea and chatting, I beamed happily.
Soon, Xiao Li brought in Mr. Qi.

Zhu stood: “Mr. Qi, please sit.”

I smiled cautiously: “Hello.”

Qi glanced at me, not speaking.
He sighed, closed his eyes, exhaled again, and pinched his nose bridge: “My Porsche went in for repairs the day before yesterday.”

Zhu and I exchanged looks.
Zhu said: “Oh? You okay?”

Qi clicked his tongue: “My fault.”

I was confused—what did this have to do with ads?

“Good you’re fine. Insured, right?”

“Yes.” Qi suddenly turned to me: “Remember taking a photo with an old man in the park?”

“Yes!” I nodded: “I was hospitalized.”

He raised an eyebrow: “Can we talk privately?”

“Uh… okay.” It was a company; he wouldn’t try anything.

Qi waved, acting like he owned the place: “Everyone out, please.”

Zhu’s face shifted: “Alright, we’ll wait outside.”

Was he signaling me to call for help if needed?

The three left, closing the door.

Qi smirked: “That was my grandpa. I crashed my car rushing to the hospital to find you. Now I’m paying a penalty. Got plans to make it up to me?”

“Huh? I’m sorry…” I panicked, realizing his earlier words were a setup.

“Just sorry?”

I thought: “Can you deduct the penalty from my pay?”

He clasped his hands: “Do I look like I need the money?”

“Then… what do you want?” I looked at him timidly.

He stood, walked around the table, and approached.

I eyed the door, ready to bolt.
Qi Xu sat beside me: “You don’t want to miss this chance, right?”

“Mm…”

This 300,000 yuan was my fate.

His gaze drifted to my chest.
I panicked, covering myself, pulling away: “Don’t mess around.”

“Beigao,” he said, looking away.

I glanced down—my school badge.
I’d misunderstood.

He crossed his legs: “Help me recapture the feeling of first love, or we’re done.”

“Huh?” My eyes widened: “I’ve never been in love.”

My mind blanked—how could I help him find first love when I didn’t know it?

“Exactly. Your every move is shy, genuine, unpretentious—that’s first love.” He leaned back, eyes closed.

“How do I help?”

“Go on a date with me.”

His simple words, paired with a long silence, carried a weary, wounded heart needing comfort.

Dating was alien to me.

Especially with a man.
I used to see pretty girls and imagine our kids—boy, girl, twins, or both.

300,000 yuan—go for it!

I clenched my fists: “When?”

“Now.” He removed his glasses, bloodshot eyes sparking with energy.

Now was fine—get it over with, no lingering worries.

“You can’t try anything, or… my parents will make you rot in jail!”

“Deal. I’m Qi Xu.”

“Ye Zhixia, like gardenia.”

He opened the door, eyeing Liu Yu’s uniform, unclenching his fist: “Director, I’m taking her out. She agreed.”

Zhu looked at me; I nodded.

Zeng Xin frowned: “Zhixia, where are you going?”

“Xin Xin, I’ll explain later. You guys head back, thanks for coming.” I bowed slightly.

“I’m off to nap,” Liu Yu said, heading for the elevator.

“Hey!” Zeng Xin called: “Why agree so fast?”

He turned: “Go read your manga. Wanna share a ride?”

She hesitated, then: “Fine!”