Chapter 52

That night, Song Qingre couldn't sleep. She stared at the rose, tempted to unfold it and see if there were any words inside—any message Yan Qingqiu might have left for her.

But she worried she wouldn't be able to fold it back.

Soon, she laughed at herself. How could she not fold it back?

She unfolded it. There were no words inside. She followed the creases, trying to refold it, and sure enough, she couldn't get it right.

But she wasn't as anxious as before, afraid of losing the gift Qiuqiu had given her. She placed it by her bedside, letting the unfolded rose paper accompany her through the night, as if she could still catch the rich fragrance of a blooming rose.

Meanwhile, Yan Qingqiu had collected a lot of plush toys from the claw machine. She kept a few for herself and gave one to nearly every maid in the house, even leaving one in Yan Fu's room.

The maids were delighted, whispering among themselves, "This is proof of the young lady's love."

Yan Qingqiu: "?"

They're just a bunch of plushies. You people really know how to spin a story.

Not only did they spin stories, they also made wild guesses.

Song Qingre, on the other hand, hadn't asked for any plush toys. But Yan Qingqiu gave her a pink bunny anyway. Song Qingre pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and said softly, "Could you fold this back for me?"

Yan Qingqiu looked at the paper's creases and realized the secretly tucked rose had been discovered. Her face flushed. She muttered, "You sell my paintings, and now you're dismantling my roses too."

"I wanted to see if there were any words inside," Song Qingre said. "What if..."

Yan Qingqiu looked up at her. "What if Qiuqiu had written 'I'm willing to marry you' inside, and I missed it?"

Yan Qingqiu's fingers trembled, almost tearing the paper—a veritable marriage certificate.

Pfft, no, a paper that had once been folded into a rose.

She folded it carefully, then handed it to Song Qingre.

Song Qingre put it in her pocket and said, "Next time, fold me a lily."

"For a hundred years of harmony."

It was early morning, and this woman was already running hot, making her burn.

Yan Qingqiu ignored her, stuffing her hands into her pockets, but her mind disobediently started working out how to fold a lily.

Even if she didn't know how, she could watch a tutorial. She'd learn in one go.

Sigh, it was hard being too smart.

After that, Song Qingre was very devoted for a while, driving her to and from work almost every day. When she had spare time after work, she'd take her out to eat, stroll around, see the sights, and do all sorts of fun things.

Yan Qingqiu had a great time, feeling like she was on dates, like she was in that hazy stage with Song Qingre. But the System wasn't happy. It warned her directly: 【Don't keep hanging around Song Qingre.】

Yan Qingqiu found it annoying and barely replied. Wasn't life about spending time with whoever you enjoyed being with? Why overthink it?

The System said: 【Please interact more with Fu Ye and brush up on plot points. You used to be ranked first, but now you're about to be last. You should get moving.】

Yan Qingqiu had heard this so many times she thought it was full of hot air. She couldn't be bothered to reply, even blocking the System. She just moved closer to Song Qingre.

She tilted her head to look at Song Qingre, one thought in her mind: what a perfect match. This was exactly how wedding photos should be taken.

Song Qingre drove her to work. Yan Qingqiu sat in the car, holding a box of cherries in her arms, popping them one by one into her mouth.

Recently, she'd caught wind of some rumors. Fu Ye was up to his ears in trouble, Luo Xi refused to marry him, and Yan Qingqiu was rumored to be marrying Song Qingre. He was so embarrassed he couldn't show his face.

On top of that, the illegitimate children from his father's company had united, swarming him, fighting over his CEO position, making his life a living hell. He had no time for romance.

Yan Qingqiu knew this didn't mean she was safe. A cornered dog would jump the wall. What if that fool Fu Ye tried something on her? Then she'd be screwed.

Song Qingre's voice cut through her thoughts. "Are they good?"

"Good." She kept shoving cherries into her mouth, pressing a fingertip against her lips, then checking the makeup mirror. Her lips were so red.

Was Song Qingre thinking about kissing her?

She felt Song Qingre's voice had gone warm.

When they reached the company, she didn't know why, but she didn't get out of the car. She deliberately tilted her head toward Song Qingre, then slowly leaned closer. Song Qingre's breath hitched—she was startled, just as Yan Qingqiu intended. Yan Qingqiu kept closing in, and just when Song Qingre thought she was going to kiss her, she said, "Pick me up tonight."

Her breath brushed Song Qingre's ear, stirring her hair.

Then she quickly got out of the car, not giving Song Qingre a chance to react.

Song Qingre watched her figure clutching the cherries and gripped the steering wheel hard.

She really was begging for it.

Yan Qingqiu received a message: 【Don't let me catch you.】

Yan Qingqiu hastily shoved several cherries into her mouth. She'd brought them to share with Su Xingjie, but as soon as she arrived at the company, Ji Xiangsi rushed over, panicked. "Qiu Jie, something's wrong. Several models want to terminate their contracts with Director Su. She's been working on the Winter Show, but now it might fall through."

Yan Qingqiu frowned. "What happened? Weren't things fine before? Don't we still have models? I remember you said there were a few with stage names."

"There are, but two of the four are leaving. If they really leave, only two will be left to perform. They say they're going to start their own agency."

Yan Qingqiu wasn't very familiar with the company's internal modeling arrangements, and she found this extremely strange. Why would they choose this moment to terminate? She asked, "Is it because of me?"

Ji Xiangsi said, "...Yes. They even tried to get the other models to follow them. They want to open their own modeling agency. They claim it's because Director Su favors you, but honestly, they just want Director Su to pour all her resources into them. She can't be everywhere at once. Plus, this kind of trouble usually means some other capital is backing them."

That was Su Xingjie's weakness. When she was good to her models, she gave them freedom. Now the models wanted to leave; all they had to do was sign the termination papers.

"What's happening now?" Yan Qingqiu asked worriedly.

"Director Su is in a meeting, trying to persuade them to stay."

There was no room for willfulness now. If too many models left, the company would be empty. Su Xingjie was one step away from the Winter Show. As the host, some foreign companies would borrow their models, so they needed to ensure a full lineup.

Yan Qingqiu was anxious. Even if she wanted to help, she couldn't be the only model. She got up and went to find Su Xingjie, who was in a meeting one floor up. As she went up, she heard Fu Sang's voice: "They're just making reasonable demands, hoping you'll treat every model fairly. Everyone, don't rush. Let's discuss this properly. The director isn't unreasonable."

"So you're sure about being reasonable?" Su Xingjie said. "Fine. From now on, I'm cutting all your resources. You can negotiate everything yourselves. I'll give you one last day to think it over. If you decide to leave, we'll terminate tomorrow. And you'd better have your termination fees ready."

With that, she turned to leave. One of the models stepped up and grabbed her shoulder. "Xingjie, you've never been like this before. All we want is fair treatment. It's not like you to put all your effort into Yan Qingqiu—"

Su Xingjie pulled her arm back, but the model didn't let go, squeezing so hard it hurt. Su Xingjie spun around and slapped her across the face. "Who do you think you are? You debuted early and have some fame, but did you succeed after your transformation? Do you have this status now? If I hadn't thrown resources at you, do you think you'd be where you are today? Who are you pretending for? Everything you have, I gave you. If you want to leave, then leave. Get out of my sight."

Fu Sang was in the room too. She wasn't fighting alongside the models; from the sound of it, she was trying to speak up for Su Xingjie. When she spotted Yan Qingqiu, her brow furrowed slightly.

Yan Qingqiu slipped into the hallway. She couldn't help much right now, and walking in would only stir up more conflict between the two sides. There was no need for that.

Su Xingjie's voice turned sharp. "Since you've brought your contracts, go ahead and terminate. Don't give me that phony act. Let me tell you, I can't stand models like you. When you make me money, I'll pamper you and let you cause all the trouble you want. But if you can't make me money, don't expect me to give you a second glance."

The models were stunned, meekly calling out "Director Su." Su Xingjie pulled her arm away and moved far from them. "Qiang Wei, come to my office. I have something to discuss with you."

The remaining models stood frozen, shock written all over their faces. They'd thought they could pressure Su Xingjie, but she didn't care at all. If they wanted to leave, so be it. She showed no mercy.

"Director Su has always been like this... She only values models based on their capabilities," Fu Sang said, watching Su Xingjie's retreating figure as if she knew her well. But something seemed to startle her; her eyes flickered. "Her heart probably only has room for Yan Qingqiu now."

Su Xingjie returned to her office.

Qiang Wei came and knocked. Su Xingjie said, "Come in," and Qiang Wei asked, "What's the matter, Director?"

"I'm canceling the Winter Show qualifications of the models who caused trouble today. I won't let them participate. I'd like to arrange for you to take the stage instead. Can you do it?"

Qiang Wei was taken aback. She hadn't walked a runway in a year and a half. Su Xingjie added, "If you do, I'll only have you walk two segments, and you'll close the show."

Qiang Wei didn't respond, standing under the office light, her gaze lowered. Su Xingjie looked at her legs. "You can refuse."

Qiang Wei had retired for several reasons—partly the market, but more because of her feet. She wasn't very tall, so she had to wear heels at least eight centimeters on the runway, and her feet simply couldn't handle it. "I'm just worried I might not be good enough..."

"You'll definitely be fine."

"I'll do it." Qiang Wei agreed directly. "I'll follow your arrangements."

Su Xingjie covered her face with her hand, letting out a heavy breath, and closed her eyes. Qiang Wei had agreed, but Su Xingjie didn't want her to sacrifice herself like this at the wrong time over a small matter. "Go out for now. Let me think about it."

Qiang Wei didn't move. She twisted her fingers and said obediently, "Director, it's fine. I'm happy to help."

At two in the afternoon, the office door still hadn't opened.

The water on the cherries had dried. Yan Qingqiu rinsed them again, drained them, and took them to Su Xingjie's office.

Qiang Wei stood at the workstation outside. Seeing her approach, she said nervously, "She hasn't come out all morning."

"I'll go check on her." Yan Qingqiu said.

She pushed the door open gently and saw Su Xingjie leaning sideways toward the window, her palm pressed against her cheek, wiping and wiping. She made no sound, but her hand and cheek grew increasingly dry, as if she'd been staring into space for a long time.

Yan Qingqiu entered and closed the door behind her. She walked to Su Xingjie's desk and tapped it lightly. Su Xingjie turned to look at her, quickly wiping her face, then putting on the glasses on the desk. Her nose was high, the glasses perched on it making her look sharp and alluring. "What's up, Qiu Bao?"

She didn't realize that wearing the glasses would magnify her eyes, making the traces of tears even more obvious.

Behind the gold-rimmed lenses, her eyes were bright and wet, her lashes heavy with tears.

After a moment, realizing she'd been seen through, she pulled at the sleeve of her black sweater, hiding her face. "I'm fine, Qiu Bao."

"You're clearly not fine."

Yan Qingqiu walked over and hugged her, gently patting her shoulder. Su Xingjie wore a thin black sweater, her body gone cold. Yan Qingqiu draped a suit jacket over her. "It's okay, Xing Xing. Don't be sad. It'll get better. Don't be scared."

Su Xingjie had been holding back, not wanting to show her grief, but at those words, her nose suddenly stung and tears welled up. She pressed her face against Yan Qingqiu, clutching at her clothes, gasping for breath in the space that had been created for her. She held on to Yan Qingqiu tightly.

"Qiu Bao, I don't understand. Why would they do this..." Su Xingjie blinked, then said, "This isn't the first time. Last time, I terminated a batch for the good of the company, and now they think I'm cold and heartless. I get sad too. Every one of them, I built them up. It's not like I can spend my whole life coddling them."

As Yan Qingqiu held her, she couldn't hold back the tears. "I worked so hard for this show. It's heartbreaking. I was thinking of building it around you, but hosting it benefits them too. I did it for them as well. They get more opportunities to shine. Before they retire, can't they earn good money?"

"It's okay, it's okay. They're ungrateful wolves. They're not worth your sadness." She gently patted Su Xingjie's shoulder, treating her like something precious. "Don't be upset. I'll get revenge for you."

At those words, Su Xingjie's nose ached so much she couldn't hold it together. Tears spilled down her face, sliding one by one into her mouth.

"If you want to cry, cry. It's really okay." Yan Qingqiu hugged her tightly.

She understood. Adult's breakdowns happened in an instant. She too had stayed up all night delivering food orders, only to have them canceled right at the door. Su Xingjie had worked so hard, and at the last step, she'd been stabbed by her own people. It was normal that she couldn't handle it.

Su Xingjie took a long time to calm down. She realized she'd soaked Yan Qingqiu's white coat with her tears and looked at her apologetically.

Yan Qingqiu waved it off casually. The clothes Su Xingjie had given her—soaking them through was no big deal. "As long as you're not sad anymore, that's what matters."

"Qiu Bao, it's been so long since I've heard you say that."

They weren't kids in middle or high school anymore, when any bullying had to be answered.

Those words settled in her heart like being protected, like someone shielding her from the storm—the greatest comfort. She clutched Yan Qingqiu's clothes, relying on her completely like she had in middle school.

When she'd been mocked and at a loss, Yan Qingqiu had come over and scolded her classmates for her, opened the window for her.

In their senior year, Yan Qingqiu had given her a paper-folded star.

At the time, she hadn't known there were words inside. Once, a relative's kid came to visit, and the child unfolded the star. She discovered it said: "Xing Xing, I might not be able to protect you anymore. From now on, if you have problems, you'll have to solve them yourself. If you can't, I'll teach you a trick: put up a front. As long as you don't smile, act cold, people will be afraid of you. Stars hang in the sky, so please don't fall easily."

Back then, she hadn't understood what it meant, but a feeling surrounded her. Qiuqiu seemed to have grown up, matured, saying goodbye to her.

If she could, she'd wish they'd never grow up. She wanted to be like before, eating together at school. They were both forgetful, often forgetting their meal cards. They'd wait for Song Qingre after class to use hers. It happened so often that every time they topped up their cards, they'd each give half to Song Qingre. But Song Qingre had a big appetite and always ate a lot, finishing off all their money.

She'd feel embarrassed, and Yan Qingqiu would comfort her, saying it was fine—they were best friends, and spending money on each other was nothing.

They did everything together: group activities, team-building, gym class. They were almost never apart, and they never once had a fight.

Yan Qingqiu patted her shoulder. "Let's think of something else together. See if we can get through this. We can't give up."

Yan Qingqiu wiped her tears. Seeing Xing Xing cry made her heart ache. She really wanted to do something for her.

Before coming, she'd asked Ji Xiangsi. Ji Xiangsi said finding models would be very difficult. Everyone was in competition; no one would be willing to lend them theirs.

Yan Qingqiu fed her a cherry first. Then, thinking it over, she undid her buttons and pulled a photo album from inside. She was a bit embarrassed to show it. "I don't know if you'll like it."

"Of course I like it. I definitely like it." Su Xingjie held the album and saw the two of them in the photo, with the dim light outside the convenience store.

She pressed her lips together. "I feel a lot better now."

Recalling something, she smiled and said, "No wonder you were so stiff just now. I was thinking, did you catch some strange disease? I even thought about knocking, but I was afraid you'd get scared."

"Hahaha, why didn't you just say I had a bun in the oven?"

Su Xingjie set the photo on the desk, feeling lucky.

"Let me take you out. I'll find you some outside help," Yan Qingqiu said.

Su Xingjie didn't understand but followed her out. Yan Qingqiu drove, slow as always, like they were just cruising with nothing to do. Su Xingjie watched the scenery pass by, her phone vibrating in her pocket. She rejected the calls, picked up a cherry, and pinched it between her slender, fair fingers, bringing it to her mouth.

One bite, and sweet juice burst out.

So delicious.

Yan Qingqiu, meanwhile, was wondering why she felt like she had outside help.

They sat in a café, hands folded on the table. Soon, "she" appeared. Song Qingre came in from outside, setting down her phone with a sigh. The two of them stayed frozen in place, four eyes fixed on her.

Yan Qingqiu thought, maybe it was because she'd sent Song Qingre a message, and Song Qingre had shown up right in front of her without asking why. At that moment, she believed it: Song Qingre was her outside help.

"Spill it. What did you two do?"

Her tone was heavy, like they were two troublemakers she had to handle whether she liked it or not.

It was exactly like their school days. Whenever they got in trouble and needed to call for a parent, the two of them would go to Song Qingre, hesitating, exchanging glances, then Song Qingre would sigh at them helplessly.

"Xing Xing worked really hard. Someone's messing with her. If she misses this chance, it'd be a—really a shame. I want to be in the Winter Show too."

Su Xingjie nodded beside her, fingers rubbing against her cup. The nostalgia hit hard. She wasn't sure Song Qingre would actually help. She'd met Song Qingre at thirteen, through Yan Qingqiu.

Twelve years had passed in the blink of an eye.

"Why come to me?" Song Qingre said. "We're not in the same line of work."

"Because you're amazing," Yan Qingqiu said.

"Fine." One sentence was all it took to make Song Qingre cave. "There is a way."

"What way?" Su Xingjie asked.

"I don't know much about your industry, so I can only give suggestions. Models are all similar. Shift everyone's focus to the overall artistry and the clothes. I have a few painter friends. I can help you get in touch. Come up with a catchy title, say you're collaborating with painters, and use that for promotion. It shouldn't do badly."

"That's a great idea..." No modeling show had ever done a famous-painting theme. The artistry of their garments and the painters' art were two different forms. If they merged, the effect could be unprecedented.

"My friends should be happy to help. Design the show with the paintings displayed, and it's a win-win."

"Okay."

"Then you could have someone design masks. Have each model come out wearing a mask that contrasts with her outfit. That way, it doesn't matter if they're famous models, and you can even build up newcomers. If I have time, I can help design them."

The last sentence was directed at Yan Qingqiu.

Yan Qingqiu's eyes lit up. Song Qingre continued in a warm voice, "I'm only suggesting. You two should think it over. But honestly, with your talent, you can easily get through this."

Su Xingjie wasn't confident. Masks were a clever move, but without other elements to support it, people would see right through it—that she was just doing tricks to survive. They wouldn't necessarily accept her show. But now Song Qingre was offering her paintings, merging her art with the modeling show. Even if people knew Su Xingjie was in crisis, they could only acknowledge and praise her competence.

Yan Qingqiu beamed at Song Qingre, hooking Su Xingjie's arm and saying, "See? I told you. She's amazing. She always comes up with a plan for us."

She started bragging. "Last time we went to the claw machine, she just watched for a second, then won me a bunch. I even got a star. I'll give it to you later."

Su Xingjie nodded. "Thanks."

Yan Qingqiu comforted her. "Don't be sad anymore."

"I'm not sad." Su Xingjie pressed her lips together, no longer nervous, but embarrassed. She turned to look out the window. How did this feel so much like the past? Back then, it wasn't her taking care of Yan Qingqiu; it was Yan Qingqiu protecting her and taking care of her, always making her feel like she was the youngest.

Yan Qingqiu ordered coffee. Song Qingre pulled out her phone to contact people.

In the past, whenever Song Qingre helped them, Su Xingjie would feel awkward. Yan Qingqiu would tell her, "It's fine, it's fine. She's one of us. She's my wife."

Back then, Su Xingjie had a clear understanding: Qiu Bao was meant to marry Song Qingre, and they were a perfect match.

Song Qingre looked at them. "Want me to take you two to relax?"

"Where?"

Yan Qingqiu asked.

Song Qingre didn't say. Just, "If you want to go, follow me."

"You paying?"

"Already paid." Song Qingre said.

Yan Qingqiu grinned and told Su Xingjie, "Let's go, let's go. Time to unwind. Xing Xing, don't be so tense. As long as we've got enough money to spend, that's all that matters. You're a rich woman now. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, or else, well, your savings will just become numbers."

"Mm. You have a point."

Su Xingjie got up, and Yan Qingqiu linked her arm with hers. Yan Qingqiu talked a lot, rambling on, and Su Xingjie listened and replied. Song Qingre walked ahead, her strides long, pausing every so often to wait for the two of them to catch up. When Yan Qingqiu reached her, she'd give her a little push on the back to keep her moving.

The three walked down the street. When they hit a red light, Song Qingre turned to look at them. "Watch your step, you two."

Yan Qingqiu hummed in reply, grabbing hold of Song Qingre's clothes and letting her lead the way, all while continuing to lecture Su Xingjie about life.

When they arrived, Yan Qingqiu looked up and realized where they were. She pointed at the sign in front of them. "We're getting our hair done?"

Song Qingre tilted her head, signaling for her to look higher. "Have you two ever been to the second floor?"

"No. Is the second floor some shady place?" Yan Qingqiu blurted out without thinking, remembering that Luo Xi used to go there often.

"It's a bit shady." Song Qingre echoed her words. At the entrance, they stepped inside and saw Ye Sichun sitting at the front desk, chatting with someone. Ye Sichun sat with her legs crossed, a string of reddish-brown Buddhist beads around her wrist. She smiled at them. "I've got a private room ready for you."

"What are we doing?" Yan Qingqiu was suspicious. Seeing Ye Sichun, she immediately assumed the woman was up to something shady, like offering some kind of special service.

When they reached the second floor, she realized she'd been overthinking. The second floor was a beauty treatment area. There were people doing facials and massages, with technicians on hand.

"One room for all three of you, or separate?" Ye Sichun twirled the keys on her finger.

Yan Qingqiu felt terrible about Ye Sichun—she'd just imagined something dirty about her moments ago.

Yan Qingqiu said, "One room."

Ye Sichun glanced at Su Xingjie. "But wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate for two Alphas and an Omega to get massages together? Miss Su might be in danger."

Su Xingjie said, "It's fine. I think I'm pretty safe."

Ye Sichun handed them the keys and was about to chat a while longer when her phone rang. She said, "If you need anything, call the staff. Don't call me. I have things to do later."

Yan Qingqiu guessed Luo Xi was coming. Once Ye Sichun left, she leaned in gossiping. "Ye Sichun and Luo Xi really seem to be a thing."

Su Xingjie nodded. "It's complicated."

They both chattered with excitement, and Yan Qingqiu lay down on the bed in the middle.

Yan Qingqiu kept gossiping with Su Xingjie. She'd seen it online before, not sure if it was true. She lowered her voice. "It's like, these rich ladies like to go to beauty salons for some very private massage packages, deep maintenance stuff..."

"Mm. And then?"

It felt a bit improper, so Su Xingjie scooted closer to her. Song Qingre also cast a glance at her. Yan Qingqiu said, "You don't know what private service means? It's when a beauty salon partners with a sex shop. They offer these packages to rich ladies—private care that actually involves, heh heh, using little toys to massage them until they're all flushed and weak. Hahahaha."

Yan Qingqiu burst out laughing.

Su Xingjie was shocked, and Song Qingre paused mid-motion. Song Qingre sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her.

Su Xingjie asked in disbelief, "Qiu Bao, what kind of stuff do you read every day? You're not..."

"Just random news, hahaha." This was a joke she'd seen in the real world, from those silly meme groups. She'd never paid it much mind, but today, getting a massage, it came back to her.

She looked at Su Xingjie, then at Song Qingre.

What, what? It was just a joke. Was it really that serious?

"Looks like Qiuqiu has some experience with this kind of service," Song Qingre said softly, leaning against the headboard, her tone calm. "You used to love going to beauty salons, and today you flat-out guessed the second floor was shady."

"..."

A moment later, she heard the sound of someone pounding a fist on the bed. Su Xingjie was turned away from her, giggling. She couldn't hold it in anymore and laughed. "Qiu Bao, how exactly do you know about this?"

No way. They didn't think she'd tried it, did they?

"I read it from someone in the industry!" Yan Qingqiu said. "It's all over the internet."

Song Qingre said, "I'll ask Ye Sichun about it later." Then she pulled out her phone, ready to send a message.

"Hey, don't you dare." Yan Qingqiu said. "I was just telling you two a joke. Fine, you don't find it funny, but why do you think I've tried it? And now you're going to go ask her? How embarrassing is that?"

Song Qingre smirked slightly and put the phone away.

As they were talking, the door opened, and two older women came in, holding towels. "Would you like to take a soak first? A bath before a massage is more relaxing."

It wasn't a hot spring, just special herbal bath bags. Soaking in it was good for the skin. The three of them knew each other well, but they'd never soaked naked together. Soaking with towels on felt like it would be the same as not soaking at all.

Not to mention, Song Qingre was an Alpha and needed to keep her distance. Song Qingre said, "I'll go shower alone. You two..." She paused, and Yan Qingqiu's heart skipped. Was she getting jealous again?

"I'll shower alone too."

"Mm, okay."

The older woman asked again, "Any special packages you'd like? Today we have—"

"No, no." Yan Qingqiu waved her out quickly. Special services? The three of them were all respectable people, thank you very much.

She went into the adjacent shower room, her face flushed.

Yan Qingqiu finished showering first and came out. Song Qingre came out after her, towel-drying her hair. Yan Qingqiu hadn't washed her hair; she sat on the edge of the bed, using a hair tie to pin it up.

"By the way, who do you think did it today?" Song Qingre asked.

"I think..." Yan Qingqiu looked around, making sure Su Xingjie wasn't out yet, before speaking. "Fu Sang. She likes picking on me. Also, there's another model at our company—I feel like she has feelings for Xing Xing that aren't quite pure."

"Got any proof?" Song Qingre asked.

Yan Qingqiu shook her head. "This isn't the first time. Didn't a model steal the contract last time?"

Song Qingre remembered; she'd been there. "Su Xingjie never found out?"

"You can't blame Xing Xing. She was too clean—there's nothing to find." Yan Qingqiu frowned. "I feel like this person has serious backing. If we don't root her out, she'll cause trouble again. She's like a vicious villain."

Song Qingre smiled. Yan Qingqiu didn't understand, so she asked, "What?"

"Nothing. Just curious." Curious that someone would pull tricks right under her nose.

"Ugh, it's annoying. Don't go telling anyone, okay?" Yan Qingqiu stressed. "You're the only one I've told."

"Got it. It's Qiuqiu's secret." Song Qingre made a zipping motion over her lips.

She smiled slightly, then sighed. "I do regret something, though."

"What?" Yan Qingqiu's eyes sparkled.

"It's just... I should have kept you under my wing. Had you come to my studio, then Qiuqiu wouldn't have been bullied."

"Oh..." Yan Qingqiu was about to be moved to tears again. She scrambled back to her bed and glanced at Song Qingre's chest. Water droplets clung to Song Qingre's body, wrapped in a white towel up to halfway down her torso. As she looked, Song Qingre's gaze dropped to her chest too.

Yan Qingqiu wasn't in a towel; she was wearing a bathrobe, loosely tied at the waist with a drawstring. Song Qingre sat on the edge of the bed, meeting her gaze, a curious look in her eyes as if asking what she was about to do.

Yan Qingqiu tugged at her robe, pressing it down, but noticed Song Qingre still staring. She muttered under her breath, "What are you looking at... so intently."

"How's Qiuqiu going to give someone a massage like that? A bathrobe isn't practical, is it?"

Yan Qingqiu hummed. She'd never gotten a massage at a shop before. Before, it was always Song Qingre who gave her one, and she'd just wear a tank top and shorts. She got up, about to go change.

Song Qingre said from the bed, "You have to wear underwear underneath."

"I know. I'm not stupid." Yan Qingqiu was mortified. How did Song Qingre know she had nothing on underneath?

She got off the bed and stepped on the hem of her robe, nearly falling. Luckily, Song Qingre caught her, one hand steadying her waist, the other gripping the knot of her sash, a single tug away from untying it.

Yan Qingqiu was afraid she might try something. Her heart pounded. "Don't—"

Song Qingre's lips brushed against the corner of her mouth, her breath growing warm. "When you teased me today, I was moved. I really wanted to kiss you."

Yan Qingqiu's cheeks burned. She took a deep breath. She couldn't push Song Qingre away. She looked up at her, giving her a hint—she could allow one kiss, just one.

But then she heard the door handle turn. She quickly pushed Song Qingre away and grabbed her robe, darting into the bathroom.

Su Xingjie came out, letting out a sigh and tilting her neck. "That soak was nice. Qiu Bao, you done washing up?"

Yan Qingqiu hummed in reply, forcing herself to act calm as she walked into the bathroom.

She pulled open her robe, her heart pounding in her chest. She steadied herself. Damn it. Just a touch from Song Qingre and she was already flustered. She should have showered alone.

Why hadn't she just kissed her on the mouth earlier?