Evening in the parking garage.
Su Qianqian walked toward the Mercedes parked in its designated spot.
Her assistant, Little Chen, was already standing respectfully by the car, waiting.
"Miss Qianqian," Little Chen opened the car door.
Just as Su Qianqian bent to step inside, her phone chimed softly.
It was a message from Qin Yuwei, accompanied by an excited sticker.
Weiwei Not Tiny: Qianqian, Qianqian! Are you free tonight?
[Sparkling eyes sticker~~]
Weiwei Not Tiny: You know that super popular bar, Mi Yu, right?
They’ve got a niche band performing tonight.
Weiwei Not Tiny: It’s a rare chance—come with me, pleeease~~
[Frantic shaking sticker~~]
Su Qianqian stared at the screen, the words and stickers practically echoing Qin Yuwei’s lively voice in her ears.
Lately, she’d been pushing herself too hard—vocal training, dance, acting classes back-to-back, then scripts to review at night.
A flicker of hesitation crossed her mind.
Maybe a night out with her bestie wouldn’t be so bad?
Her fingers hovered before she finally replied.
Qianqian: Sure, where should I meet you?
The moment she sent it, Qin Yuwei’s call came through: "Ahhh! Qianqian, you’re the best!"
"You’re at the company garage, right? Give me ten—no, five minutes! I’m on my way!"
After hanging up, Su Qianqian turned to Little Chen, her voice soft and apologetic. "Little Chen, could you let Young Master Gu know I’ll be out late tonight? Just tell him I’m going to a band performance with a friend so he won’t worry."
She omitted the bar’s name, keeping it vague. "My friend’s picking me up, so you can head back."
"Of course, Miss Qianqian."
Little Chen immediately pulled out his phone to message Zhao Cheng, Gu Chengyu’s executive assistant:
"Assistant Zhao, Miss Qianqian will be attending a band performance with a colleague tonight and will return late. Please inform Young Master Gu."
Meanwhile, in the top-floor conference room of the Gu Corporation.
The atmosphere around the massive oval table was tense.
The projector cast a financial chart onto the screen—a small project’s expenditures and revenues glaringly disproportionate.
Gu Chengyu sat at the head of the table, his black dress shirt sleeves rolled to his elbows.
His expression was unreadable, but the sharp sweep of his phoenix eyes over the silent executives carried an unspoken pressure.
"Is this what you call results?"
"Full of holes, zero foresight."
"Do you think the Gu family’s money is for you to throw away?"
The project lead in question broke out in a cold sweat.
Zhao Cheng’s phone, set to silent, lit up briefly with Little Chen’s message before dimming again.
The room was so quiet a pin drop would echo—only Gu Chengyu’s cutting reprimands filled the space.
When it came to financial meetings, Gu Chengyu had a sharper eye than his father.
Over time, Director Gu had stopped attending altogether, trusting his son to handle it.
Five minutes later, at the Shen Media parking garage.
"Qianqian! I’m here!" Qin Yuwei called out as she stepped out of her car.
She’d clearly put effort into her look.
Gone was the afternoon’s T-shirt and jeans—now she wore a red sequin-trimmed spaghetti-strap minidress that made her already fair skin glow.
The hem stopped mid-thigh, showing off her long, toned legs, paired with chunky black ankle boots.
Her short, wavy brown hair was tousled into effortless volume, her makeup flawless—especially those big, sparkling eyes, dusted with shimmery orange shadow at the corners.
Most striking were the oversized geometric silver earrings swaying with her every move, adding to her vibrant energy.
With her doll-like features and this styling, she was a radiant burst of sunshine.
"Wow, Weiwei, you look amazing!" Su Qianqian’s eyes lit up, genuinely impressed.
She couldn’t resist poking one of Qin Yuwei’s deep dimples as she grinned.
"And these are too cute."
Qin Yuwei preened, then gave Su Qianqian a once-over.
Though dressed simply, Su Qianqian’s flowing skirt moved like liquid with every step.
To the untrained eye, it might seem ordinary—but Qin Yuwei recognized it instantly.
No logos, but unmistakably haute couture from one of those exclusive ateliers.
Her hair was loosely braided into a fishtail over one shoulder, a few loose strands framing her face for a touch of effortless charm.
The only accessory was a delicate platinum bracelet on her wrist, its tiny diamonds catching the light now and then.
She looked pristine—like a gardenia kissed by morning dew.
"Tsk tsk tsk."
Qin Yuwei circled her playfully, inhaling dramatically. "Living goddess over here!"
"You don’t even have to try—just standing there is a whole aesthetic!"
"Next to you, I look like a flamingo headed to a rave!"
Su Qianqian laughed, her face brightening. "Stop it! You’re stunning—so full of energy!"
"Alright, enough mutual admiration!" Qin Yuwei giggled, linking arms with Su Qianqian and tugging her toward her own bright yellow coupe.
Su Qianqian settled into the passenger seat, buckling up.
Qin Yuwei started the engine, and the car instantly vibrated with pulsing rock music.
With practiced ease, she maneuvered the wheel, and the little yellow car zipped out of the garage, merging into the evening traffic.
