January 24, 2024, Wednesday.

Yancheng, Lan Feng International Luxury Apartment 2202.

Morning sunlight spilled across the slightly messy room.

Xu Qing was wearing a fluffy Pikachu onesie, looking at her butt, humphing as she shoved things into her suitcase.

“I have to bring this... just in case Little Song wants to try something exciting? Ah no no, that’s too embarrassing! I, Xu Qing, have dignity! I won’t indulge his filthy habit!”

“I need this skincare, Shen City’s weather is so dry... and this thick sweater.”

She chattered like a little squirrel while rifling through the walk-in closet.

Actually, her sudden decision to fly to Shen City this time had a little bit of an escape flavor to it.

It started a few days ago when Lin Muxue suddenly sent her an invitation, saying they were going to Tang Song’s private villa in France for vacation.

France! A private villa at the foot of the Alps! Skiing! Hot springs!

This was exactly the kind of top-tier luxurious vacation that only appeared in her domineering CEO novels!

A ready-made treasure trove of material!

She was about to agree on the spot.

Then she heard the names of the people going: Wen Ruan, Xiao Jing, Zhao Yaqian.

Hearing so many of Tang Song’s women, the little blaze in Xu Qing instantly got doused cold, and she retreated on the spot.

What kind of international trip is this?

This isn’t a vacation, this is a high-level battlefield—France branch!

Never mind that she had the smallest cup size and the weakest aura among the group.

What if Xiao Jing insisted on making her share a bed at night?

What if they made her video-call herself with Tang Song and play some weird punishment games?

Terrifying! It would be like a sheep thrown into a tiger’s den, delivered as entertainment.

If Yanyan could go, she’d at least have moral support.

But her best friend was insanely busy and couldn’t hop over to Europe.

So, after a fierce three-minute mental struggle, Xu Qing very unheroically chickened out.

She made an excuse to decline Lin Muxue, then quickly booked a flight to Shen City to join her friend.

If I can’t fight them, can I at least hide?

Of course, she still felt a little regretful about not making it to the French villa.

Especially since her serialized novel “Entered the Wrong Room, Then Picked Up a Domineering CEO” had just reached its finale.

The iconic scene of the male lead “Tang Song” proposing to the female lead “Xu Yanqing” on a private luxury yacht had exploded in the reader group.

But it also drew criticism from some nitpickers.

Some picky readers left comments:

[Author, have you never seen the world? This yacht description is too exaggerated—IMAX theater and a double-deck pool, totally fake!]

[Exactly, this is poverty limiting imagination, the author should do research before writing, reeks of Mary Sue poor taste.]

Seeing those comments, Xu Qing’s teeth itched with anger; she wanted to march down the network cable and argue.

Hmph! What do you keyboard warriors know!

My boyfriend actually owns that top-of-the-line yacht!

One day when I really sit on that big ship, I’ll take a full 360-degree barrage of photos, post a special side story, and slap those pictures right in your faces!

Thinking about that “reality slapping” satisfaction made her feel euphoric; the corners of her mouth rode a wild, upward arc.

(dou)

“Ding-dong—”

A WeChat notification interrupted her daydreaming.

[Shuaibo: “Qingqing, what time is your flight today?”]

Xu Qing replied quickly: “11:00 takeoff, should arrive at Bao’an Airport, Shen City around 2:00 PM.”

[Shuaibo: “Got it! I’ll take the afternoon off and pick you up at the airport! I even prepared a welcome sign!”]

A picture followed right away.

Xu Qing opened it and immediately lit up.

The photo showed an outrageously over-the-top cardboard sign covered in glitter, with five big black-marker characters in the center: [Xu Qing, Great Beauty].

There were also a bunch of anime hearts and stars drawn around it.

A full-on fan support scene.

Her fingers flew over the screen: “Oh my, no need to go to such trouble. I’ll be staying in Shen City for a bit, there’s plenty of time to meet.”

[Shuaibo: “No way! You’re our eternal legendary president of Yanke University’s Cosplay Club! It has to be a full-on reception. Me and Shishi will pick you up together, the face has to be kept high! I’ll post photos in the club group so everyone sees our president’s style!”]

“Legendary president,” “must show face” — those phrases hit her soft spot hard.

Ms. Xu Qing had loved being told the truth about herself since childhood.

It was just a pity the reception party was a bit small.

If there were more people, maybe a banner saying “Welcome beautiful novelist Qingqing to Shen City to give guidance” or “Warmly welcome top screenwriter Qingqing”...

Now that would feel amazing!

Hehe.

She stopped refusing and immediately replied: “Okay then, that’ll be trouble for you and Shishi. By the way—”

Liu Shuaibo was a classmate she had been close to at Yanke University and a core member of the Cosplay Club.

After graduating he stayed in Shen City’s Huaqiangbei area working in the digital goods industry.

When she had outfitted Tang Song’s top-rig computer and bought a 4090 GPU, she’d gotten him to source some channel goods and saved a lot of money.

She’d been promising to treat him to a meal; this trip to Shen City was a perfect chance to repay that favor. (Chapter 228)

As for Pei Shishi, she was a junior who had followed her around in the club like a little shadow, almost blindly adoring the former president.

Of course, there was a more important reason why Xu Qing agreed so readily—

Now that she, Miss Xu Qing, was at least a “well-known writer,” and soon to be a small shareholder of Nebula International which was listing, she finally had some clout.

Before she’d been stuck at home writing novels.

Now she was fully free.

These highlight moments needed old friends to show off to; otherwise it felt like wandering rich in secret.

Just as she was thinking happily, her phone buzzed again.

[Scheming Yuyan: “Qingqing, I have a very urgent executive meeting this afternoon, I might not be able to pick you up at the airport.”]

[Scheming Yuyan: “But I arranged for the company’s secretary to pick you up, the car is ready. I’ll send the license plate and contact later.”]

Xu Qing pouted and replied: “No need, you do your thing. It’s not like I’m going abroad, just a trip to Shen City. Besides, I have people to pick me up! You think I don’t know anyone else? My connections in Shen City still have some face.”

In fact, given her relationship with Shen Yuyan, her friend had already explained in detail how to get into that large flat in Hua Run City—the building access, fingerprints, passcodes, even which drawer held the new toiletries.

She could just drop her bag in and move in, no pickup required.

[Scheming Yuyan: “It’s Liu Shuaibo and Pei Shishi, right?”]

......

Xu Qing was left speechless on the spot.

Being so well known had its downsides; even her little act of showing off could be seen through in an instant, leaving no sense of achievement.

She angrily sent a sticker: [Are you being polite.jpg].

[Scheming Yuyan: “Okay, then you hang with them for a while, I’ll come find you after my meeting.”]

She hesitated staring at the screen, then switched to Contacts and found a number she had saved days ago.

Taking a deep breath, she gritted her teeth and dialed.

“Do-do—”

Her heart inexplicably sped up.

The call was answered quickly.

“Hello? Ms. Ouyang, this is Xu Qing.” She sat up straight, her tone involuntarily polite.

A warm, smiling voice came through the receiver: “Hehe, Qingqing, good morning.”

“Nothing special, I just wanted to let you know my schedule hasn’t changed. I’ll fly to Shen City shortly.”

“Do you need me to arrange someone to pick you up? Yuyan’s been busy recently, might not be able to spare the time.”

“No, no need. Two old classmates are picking me up, so don’t trouble yourself.”

Ouyang Xianyue paused, then said, “See you in Shen City.”

“All right, see you in Shen City!”

They hung up.

Her heartbeat settled to a calmer rhythm.

She hadn’t forgotten that one of the most important things about this Shen City trip was meeting Ms. Ouyang.

The other party had asked about her itinerary two or three times in recent days; now that it was set, she naturally reported it immediately.

This was the most impressive VIP she’d ever meet in her life!

If she told people about it, she could brag about it for a year!

She gave no more thought, changed into a carefully matched outfit in a flash, twirled in front of the mirror, puffed up with pride, and left the house full of swagger.

...

Yancheng International Airport.

Dragging her suitcase and wearing small leather shoes, Xu Qing stepped lightly into the VIP lounge.

This was the first time in her twenty-plus years that she’d flown business class.

The ticket had been booked through Xuanji Optical World’s administrative VIP channel by Shen Yuyan.

From the moment she entered the airport she used the dedicated security channel without queuing, moving smoothly all the way.

Sitting in the quiet, luxurious lounge, nibbling on freshly made pastries, sipping hand-brewed coffee, watching the big planes on the tarmac...

Xu Qing felt utterly elevated.

On the plane, the wide solo seat could recline flat to 180 degrees.

A flight attendant half-squatted nearby and softly asked what drink she wanted.

Lunch was a sumptuous French meal, even with a decent vintage champagne.

Xu Qing sat primly the whole time, her face wearing the poised, proper smile of a socialite who’d seen it all.

But inside, she was ecstatic like a monkey on Mount Emei.

Three hours of flying passed in a comfortable blink, and the plane smoothly landed at Bao’an International Airport, Shen City.

Xu Qing put on her Gucci sunglasses, pushed her brand-new Rimowa suitcase, and walked through the VIP channel all the way to the arrivals hall.

At this time, the crowd was moderate, not crowded.

She immediately spotted Liu Shuaibo with his exaggerated sign in the crowd.

Next to him stood a petite girl frantically waving—Pei Shishi.

“Qingqing! Over here!”

“President! Sister Qingqing!”

Their shouts were loud enough to draw curious looks from passersby.

Many people noticed the pretty, delicate Xu Qing.

The sight made her instantly feel a slice of her old glory.

In university, Shen Yuyan was indeed the campus belle, but Xu Qing hadn’t been nothing either.

A well-known Coser in the cosplay circle, legendary club president—wherever she went she had followers, even a campus fan forum and photographers who trailed her.

Back then, when she walked across campus, she brought her own wind.

Later she dove into online novels, partly to reclaim that feeling of fan worship.

Every heroine she wrote was the center of attention, radiant and glorious.

For a moment the world spun.

Xu Qing’s vision blurred for an instant; she fully entered the highest realm of a coser, perfectly immersing into character.

At this moment she wasn’t just the ordinary Xu Qing.

She was celebrated bestselling author, small shareholder of Nebula International, upper-class socialite—Ms. Xu Qing!

A lazy smile lifted one corner of her mouth.

One hand lounged on the Rimowa handle, a Chanel bag draped over her shoulder, wearing a Celine khaki trench coat.

She swayed her little hips and stepped gracefully across the polished marble of the arrivals corridor.

Behind her sunglasses her eyes displayed a perfect mix: a third carefree, a third smug, a third world-wise melancholy, and a sliver of nobility etched into her bones.

Just as she was basking in her runway moment and calculating to stop a few meters from them,

Pei Shishi ran over and threw her arms around her, bouncing with excitement.

“Ahhh! Sister Qingqing! Long time no see! I missed you so much!”

Xu Qing was pushed back a step by the brute force, and her heel almost twisted.

She forced her stance steady and, in a gentle, cultured voice, said: “Shishi, long time no see. Take it easy, don’t act so dramatic.”

Pei Shishi didn’t hear any of it, hanging off her.

Liu Shuaibo came over too, his steps a bit slow.

As light fell on Xu Qing, he scanned her from outfit to bag, from bag to aura, from head to toe, and his gaze went a little blank.

“Q-Qing, Qingqing,” he scratched his head, somewhat incoherent, “you’ve changed so much... you’re so much prettier than before.”

Pei Shishi woke up and let go, staring at the things she wore with wide eyes.

“Sister Qingqing, that bag is... Chanel? The glasses are Gucci? Sister Qingqing, you struck it rich?!” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Xu Qing elegantly removed her sunglasses with two fingers, revealing eyes made up with delicate cosmetics.

She tucked loose hair behind her ear.

Her red lips parted slightly: “It’s okay, I haven’t actually changed that much. Just a bit more mature.”

Pei Shishi exclaimed, “Sister Qingqing, you look like you walked out of a magazine!”

“Like a star.” Liu Shuaibo nodded hard at the side, his gaze glued to her, unwilling to look away.

Seeing their old classmates so completely stunned,

Xu Qing fought to suppress her smile.

Yes! Exactly that expression!

Lose yourselves completely in my beauty and wealth!

Her heart soared as if she wanted to set off fireworks on the spot.

“By the way, how long did you wait?” She cleared her throat, trying to make her voice sound casual and slightly unconcerned while still polite.

“Not long, maybe an hour,” Liu Shuaibo said awkwardly. “We came early in case of traffic.”

“Thanks for the trouble, I’ll treat you both to a big dinner tonight.” Xu Qing waved her hand with the grand air of a heroine.

“No need, no need!” Pei Shishi hurriedly waved both hands. “Sister Qingqing, you’re here, how can we let you pay!”

Liu Shuaibo chimed in: “Now that you’re in Shen City, this is our territory. Naturally we should take care of arrangements.”

“That won’t do. I said I’ll treat. Let’s go, we’ll talk outside.” Xu Qing swept her hand elegantly and strode forward.

Liu Shuaibo hurried to take her luggage,

Pei Shishi linked her arm affectionately.

The three chatted and laughed as they walked toward the exit.

Xu Qing didn’t forget to keep up appearances, deliberately slowing her steps to maintain the socialite’s proper rhythm.

They had just stepped through the glass doors of the arrivals hall when the three of them froze.

Outside in the pickup area an enormous crowd stood, at least twenty or thirty people.

Nearly all were young girls, each holding banners or illuminated signs.

The banners, written in hearts and stylized fonts, read:

Welcome Goddess Qingqing to Shen City!

Warmly welcome bestselling author Qingqing Can’t Get Full

Warmly welcome screenwriter Qingqing

Qingqing, I love you!

There were several LED signs printed with the cartoon avatar she used on her author platform; pink LEDs formed two soft characters: Qing Bao.

In the one or two seconds that Xu Qing and her companions stood stunned,

the crowd erupted.

“Qingqing! It’s Qingqing!”

Immediately those twenty or thirty people cheered, waving boards and banners as they surged forward.

Xu Qing: (V)?!

Liu Shuaibo: (°ー°)???!

Pei Shishi: ()!!!

Xu Qing’s brain short-circuited and went blank; she instinctively stepped back, her heel almost stepping on Liu Shuaibo’s foot.

What is happening?!

Is this some hidden camera show?!

Or did someone pay extras to pull a prank?!

Th-this... these people are here to pick me up?!

I’m just a writer of sweet rom-coms! How do I have such rabid offline fans?!

Have I unknowingly become a huge star?!

Still in a daze, the fans had already surrounded her.

Excited shouts poured from all directions:

“Qingqing! I’m your fan! I love your books!”

“Qingqing, sign this! Sign it on my bag!”

“Qingqing, do you have a concept for a new book? Please pick me!”

“Qingqing look here!”

Liu Shuaibo gaped like a statue.

Pei Shishi’s eyes were like copper bells; her hands covered her mouth, full of shock.

Amid the chaos, a few men in black suits and tall security guards cut through from the crowd’s edge.

They moved steadily and politely to separate the overexcited fans and quickly formed a loose protective circle around Xu Qing.

The lead security man stepped up to her, slightly bowed, his voice steady and clear:

“Ms. Xu Qing, we are security staff temporarily assigned by Ms. Ouyang to be responsible for your safety. The convoy is waiting outside. Please come with me.”

Xu Qing: (π=π)