In another apartment downtown.
Lin Shu stood in a wine-red satin slip dress, holding a silver watering can, its spout aimed at the blooming roses on the balcony.
Droplets gathered on the petals, weighing down the plump flower heads until they trembled slightly, unable to bear the load, silently seeping into the soil.
The air was thick with the rich, sweet scent of roses, mingling with the expensive perfume on her skin, creating an atmosphere tinged with decadence.
Lin Shu’s gaze was unfocused, fixed on the water-beaded petals.
Her fingers absently traced the cool metal handle of the can, adjusting the angle ever so slightly.
The water flowed gently at times, tenderly caressing each crease of the petals, then abruptly turned harsh, the pressure making the delicate stamens shiver helplessly.
Lin Shu leaned in closer to the most vibrant red rose among them.
Her fingertip brushed the edge of a petal, glistening with droplets, making it appear even more luscious, its vitality palpable.
It reminded her of certain intoxicating scenes.
A pity—here and now, she was alone. Beautiful, lonely, unpicked, uncherished.
A thread of irritation and emptiness crept into Lin Shu’s heart.
She couldn’t help but wonder if, at this very moment, on the other side of the city, that girl Su Qianqian was being cherished by Cheng Yu in another way.
Was she even more radiant than these flowers? The thought pierced Lin Shu’s heart like a thorn.
Her grip on the watering can tightened with resentment, and the roses became her target.
She yanked off the can’s lid, and the water instantly surged uncontrollably, transforming into a forceful jet that crashed down on a perfectly bloomed rose.
The delicate petals scattered, clinging pathetically to the damp soil, as if silently weeping in their ruin.
Lin Shu stared at the ruined flower, her stunning face expressionless, only a cold emptiness in her eyes.
The thought of that wretched girl possibly drowning in pleasure at this very moment, while she stood here hollow and alone, left nothing but jealousy and bitterness in her heart.
Lin Shu took it upon herself to destroy every rose on the balcony, leaving behind a carpet of fallen red.
The next morning, past ten.
A spacious van glided smoothly along the road, the partition between the rear cabin and the front seats raised.
Su Qianqian nestled softly into the seat, wrapped only in a slip dress and a thin blanket.
Her head dipped slightly, strands of hair tousled against her cheeks, her almond-shaped eyes half-lidded, long lashes fanning downward.
She exuded an endearing drowsiness.
"Miss Qianqian, wake up—we need to get you dressed."
Amy’s voice was gentle as she opened a nearby wardrobe and pulled out a neatly folded light green dress.
The dress was a fresh matcha green, its fabric crisp yet flowing, the cut simple and elegant.
Delicate white lace trim adorned the neckline and cuffs, clearly expensive yet understated.
"Mmm…" Su Qianqian barely opened her eyes at the sound, her lips unconsciously puckering like a sleepy kitten’s.
She let Amy remove the soft blanket, revealing the thin straps of her slip dress beneath.
The girl’s delicate frame was suddenly bathed in the soft cabin light.
Ling Wei and Fang Qing, seated in the opposite corner, immediately averted their gazes, cheeks tinged with pink.
Ling Wei stared down at her clasped hands, while Fang Qing hastily picked up a water glass, pretending to study its patterns, her ears burning.
They weren’t prudes—during training, they’d all worn fitted tops for drills.
But the visual impact of this young lady’s figure was overwhelming.
Even after multiple encounters, they still couldn’t adjust.
Meanwhile, Su Qianqian’s slender dress straps rested on the soft curve of her shoulders, accentuating the fullness of her bust and the graceful arch of her back.
Her waist was startlingly narrow, as if one hand could encircle it, flaring out into a perfectly rounded curve below, leading to long, shapely legs.
Today’s slip dress ended mid-thigh, making it all the more embarrassing.
Amy, however, remained composed, her gaze purely appreciative.
As she helped Su Qianqian out of the slip, the proximity only intensified the breathtaking sight.
Every curve was lush where it should be, every line taut where it mattered.
That waist-to-hip ratio was simply unreal.
Amy slipped the green dress over Su Qianqian’s head, marveling inwardly: Goodness, the heavens truly spoon-fed her beauty.
Plump where it counted, slender where it should be—not an ounce of excess. That bone structure, those proportions…
And then there was that natural, sweet fragrance clinging to her skin, not perfume, but something clean and youthful, emanating from her very pores.
Amy couldn’t help but think: Young Master Cheng Yu eats well.
It was past ten in the morning, and Miss Su was still this drowsy—last night must have been rough.
The dress zipped up at the back.
Amy’s nimble fingers pinched the zipper pull, her eyes lingering on the exposed sliver of flawless skin.
Before sealing it shut, she impulsively let her fingertip brush lightly over the delicate ridge of a shoulder blade.
Tsk…
Even her back was this smooth, like a freshly peeled egg.
Suppressing her awe, Amy swiftly zipped up the dress and adjusted the hem.
"All done," she said, her tone professional again.
Su Qianqian had been as pliant as a doll throughout, her eyelids heavy, head lolling slightly with Amy’s movements.
Only after the dress was on did she seem to rouse a little, blinking in confusion.
"Here, sit up—let’s do your hair." Amy turned the girl sideways.
Her deft fingers wove through Su Qianqian’s silky black tresses, quickly styling a half-updo that was both refined and playful.
Most of her hair cascaded down her back, while sections at the sides were intricately braided and pinned at the crown.
From the jewelry box, Amy selected two leaf-shaped hairpins studded with pale green crystals, securing them at either side of the updo—a perfect complement to the dress, fresh and elegant.
Only then did Ling Wei and Fang Qing dare to look over again, their eyes widening at the ethereal vision before them.
She’s stunning!
The light green dress made her skin glow like snow, pure and luminous.
The half-updo added a touch of refined grace, the leaf pins the perfect finishing touch.
Only her almond eyes still held a trace of sleepiness, making her appear even more delicate.
Amy picked up a powder puff, lightly dusting her cheeks with blush to bring a healthy flush to her porcelain complexion.
"Perfect."
She admired her handiwork with satisfaction. "Like a lotus rising from clear water, natural beauty unadorned."
"This outfit is just right for signing the contract for that campus drama today, Miss Qianqian."
Amy handed her a mirror, and Su Qianqian, seeing her refreshed reflection, finally woke up fully.
She looked up at Amy, her lips curving into a sweet, obedient smile.
"Thank you, Amy."
That smile was pure and untainted, instantly dispelling the faint hint of ambiguity that had lingered in the air.
