In just three days, Su Qianqian's life had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Gu Chengyu was true to his word—he began turning down all those chaotic social engagements and came home on time every day. Fueled by his lingering fascination and possessiveness toward her, his pampering knew no bounds. He provided her with the finest clothing and luxuries, even hiring a personal assistant for her, in addition to the housekeeper who handled cleaning and cooking.
But Su Qianqian hadn’t forgotten her mission.
Once her break was over, she planned to return to Lin Shu’s filming set to resume her duties as an assistant.
However, on the fourth morning, she ran into trouble.
She had just taken out that bottle of dark-toned tinted moisturizer and was about to apply it when someone abruptly seized her wrist from behind.
Gu Chengyu had entered the room unnoticed.
Today, he was dressed more casually—a deep gray V-neck T-shirt paired with black relaxed-fit pants, accentuating his broad shoulders and long legs. The look softened his usual stern demeanor, replacing it with an air of effortless elegance.
Yet at this moment, his brows were furrowed as he stared at the bottle in her hand, his displeasure evident.
“Still using this garbage?” His voice was low and commanding as he snatched the bottle from her and tossed it into the nearby trash bin. “It looks awful.”
Su Qianqian was startled, eyeing the discarded bottle with silent exasperation. She defended herself meekly, “But if I don’t wear it, Shu-jie will—”
“Shu-jie who?” Gu Chengyu cut her off, pulling her close with one long arm.
He leaned down slightly, his slender fingers gripping her delicate chin, forcing her to lift her pure, enchanting face toward him.
“My woman doesn’t need to cater to anyone’s opinions. Walking around looking like you’ve been rolling in dirt—do you think that reflects well on me?”
His tone was domineering, as if stating an indisputable fact.
Su Qianqian gazed up at him with wide, dewy almond eyes, her expression troubled. “But this look draws too much attention. The entertainment industry is sensitive about appearances, and my job—”
“If you want to keep working, go ahead.”
Gu Chengyu released her chin, instead brushing his thumb lightly over her soft, smooth cheek. The delicate texture seemed to ease his frown slightly.
His voice softened marginally. “Go as you are. If anyone dares to say a word, let them come to me.”
He paused, then added firmly, “That includes Lin Shu.”
Su Qianqian studied his arrogant expression—the kind that declared he could handle anything the world threw at him—and sighed inwardly.
But she knew arguing was pointless, so she obediently nodded. “…Okay.”
Life seemed to return to its usual rhythm.
Su Qianqian still arrived punctually at Lin Shu’s dressing room, dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans, her heavy black-framed glasses perched on her nose. She kept her head down, doing her best to stay inconspicuous.
Except now, the dull, grayish disguise was gone.
Even with the glasses and her slightly lowered gaze, the delicate curve of her jaw, her slender neck, and the occasional glimpse of her fair, lovely face drew attention.
In a place teeming with stunning beauties, her plain appearance shouldn’t have stood out.
But to Lin Shu, it was like a tiny splinter—an inexplicable irritation pricking at her.
Just three days, and this dowdy country girl had suddenly turned so fair and radiant?
She had been hiding her true looks all along, playing the meek little assistant. What was she scheming? Trying to break into the industry? Lin Shu wouldn’t let that happen.
“Su Qianqian!” Lin Shu sat before the large vanity mirror, staring at her own meticulously prepped complexion—achieved only after layers of foundation—and felt the fire in her chest burn hotter.
Her voice dripped with scorn. “Where’s my coffee? Stop dawdling!”
“Coming, Shu-jie.” Su Qianqian responded immediately, hurrying over with her head still slightly bowed. She placed the perfectly warmed coffee at Lin Shu’s side.
Lin Shu didn’t reach for it right away. Instead, her critical gaze swept over Su Qianqian’s lowered profile and neck.
That flawless, porcelain skin—almost poreless under the bright dressing room lights—was a stark contrast to her own freshly powdered face, which now felt heavy and artificial in comparison.
“Tch.” Lin Shu let out a derisive scoff, her disdain plain.
“Look at you, all glowing after a few days off. What miracle cream did you splurge on? Instead of focusing on your work, you’re wasting your measly salary on skincare? Who are you trying to impress, huh? You’re just an assistant.”
Her words were laced with venom, dripping with condescension.
Su Qianqian’s head dipped even lower. Her glasses slipped slightly down her nose, and she quickly pushed them back up, murmuring meekly, “No, Shu-jie. I’ve just been resting better lately.”
“Resting?” Lin Shu laughed coldly, her crimson nails tapping impatiently on the table.
“More like getting ideas above your station! Where’s the inventory list for the sponsored jewelry I asked you to organize this morning?”
“You’re taking forever! If the brands complain about delays, do you think you can take responsibility?”
“The list is right here, Shu-jie.” Su Qianqian quickly pulled out a neatly printed inventory from her oversized tote bag and handed it over with both hands.
Lin Shu snatched it, skimmed it briefly, and scowled deeper. “What kind of formatting is this? A mess! The brand logos aren’t even highlighted! Redo it!”
“I want a new version by the end of the day!”
With that, she crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it at Su Qianqian’s feet.
Su Qianqian stared at the discarded list for a moment before silently bending to pick it up. “...Yes, Shu-jie. I’ll fix it right away.”
Lin Shu watched her submissive demeanor, but instead of calming down, her anger flared hotter.
She hated this feeling—like punching cotton, especially when faced with that annoyingly flawless face.
“Why are you still standing there? Waiting for an invitation to lunch?” Lin Shu snapped.
Su Qianqian kept her head down and hurried out.
