Today Shen City felt especially cold because of the cold front.

But at this moment Xu Qing did not feel the cold at all.

She only felt her blood rush and her cheeks burn.

The surrounding passengers' gazes were like spotlights, all trained on her.

Some people stopped to stare, some raised their phones to take pictures, and others whispered, “Which celebrity is that?” “What a production.”

The bystanders blocked at the back did not complain; instead, they watched this sudden “celebrity outing” with keen interest.

Xu Qing was shielded in the middle by a group of black-suited bodyguards, like a moving human wall separating her from the world.

Her mind was buzzing.

Madam Ouyang… was this security arranged by Madam Ouyang?

She suddenly remembered the call with Ouyang Xianyue the other day. That noble lady had indeed more than once mentioned arranging someone to receive her,

but she had thought it was just politeness at the time!

They were strangers, they had never even met face to face, and she was full of awe toward this big shot—how could she really ask such a favor?

And yet… they had sent the entire security team?!

Is this how the head of a trillion-level conglomerate receives guests?!

Xu Qing cast a glance at the tall bodyguards beside her, then looked at the group of fans holding banners, their eyes shining with fanatic devotion.

They were shouting “Qingqing,” “Author!” Those burning looks and cries were all directed at her.

This spectacle, this scale, was exactly the heroine’s grand public appearance scene she had written hundreds of times in domineering CEO novels!

“Qingqing! Please sign for me!”

“Qingqing, Shen City is so cold today, you're underdressed, make sure to keep warm!”

The fans’ shouts snapped her floating thoughts back down to earth.

She still had some confusion in her head.

No matter how popular her novel was, it couldn’t possibly bring this many diehard fans to the airport, right?

Besides, she hadn’t revealed her flight info.

But that doubt was instantly crushed by the overwhelming adoration.

It was real! These people really came for me! They really were my fans!

Wasn’t this the highlight moment she dreamed of?

Wasn’t this the classic scene she had overused where the heroine is the center of attention?

The fantasy concretized in an instant, and the euphoria of a dream coming true swept through her.

No matter the twists behind this, I, Xu Qing, made it!

Outwardly she kept a poised calm, but inside the little version of herself who put her hands on her hips was laughing with giddy pride.

A wish-fulfillment plot had spilled into reality, and she was unquestionably the protagonist!

In an instant everything shifted.

Xu Qing’s expression changed.

The clear, silly naivety receded, and the large-heroine soul completed its ultimate awakening.

She straightened her back slowly, her shoulders opening slightly, chin lifting in a restrained arc.

“Shishi.” Her voice was small but carried an unprecedented composure.

Pei Shishi started and hurriedly let go of the arm she had been holding, standing up straight: “Y-yes, Qingqing sister!”

Xu Qing handed her bag over with an elegant motion, “Hold this for me.”

Pei Shishi took it with both hands like receiving an imperial edict, even lightening her breathing.

Her face was full of worship and shock: “Qing-Qing sister, what are you—”

In her mind, Qingqing sister had always been impressive.

In college she was a well-known cosplayer, and student film crews used to ask her to write scripts.

But Pei Shishi never expected that after three years apart, Qingqing sister would have become this famous!

Xu Qing angled her chin up slightly, a three-part derisive, three-part cool smile curving her red lips: “Heh, I don’t know which link leaked my schedule. I just wanted to come to Shen City for a simple vacation—really no privacy at all.”

She turned her head and instructed in a tone so natural it sounded like ordering a personal assistant: “Stick close to me, I’ll greet the fans first.”

“Oh! Okay!” The two nodded like maracas.

Pei Shishi even excitedly pulled out her phone with one hand and started recording.

She filmed Xu Qing non-stop, her hands trembling with excitement.

My god! My company president is amazing!

Surrounded by the black-suited bodyguards, Xu Qing turned to face the fans.

She lifted a perfectly measured smile, warm and gracious yet tasteful.

“Thank you all for coming to pick me up, I appreciate it. Shen City got cold suddenly today, so please head home early and don’t catch a cold.”

Her voice was gentle and intellectual, with a hint of indulgent superiority.

Screams erupted instantly.

“Qingqing looked at me!”

“Ahhh sister is so gentle!”

“Thank you Qingqing!”

Amid the chorus of autograph requests, she took the marker and signed banners, tote bags, even the fans’ forearms.

The whole arrival area turned into her own small meet-and-greet.

Liu Shuaibo stood behind with a suitcase, dumbfounded.

Pei Shishi looked at her phone, recording happily.

After signing seven or eight autographs, the lead security guard stepped forward again to remind them: “Ms. Xu Qing, it’s nearly time. The wind outside is strong; staying longer might attract more onlookers and create safety hazards. We should board the vehicle quickly.”

“Mm, okay.”

Xu Qing nodded. Though inside she was yelling “I could sign five hundred more,” she maintained that cool, unshockable big-female-protagonist pose.

She handed the marker back to a fan, elegantly put on her oversized Gucci sunglasses, and waved gently to the crowd as a farewell.

Among the reluctant shouts of “Goodbye Qingqing” and “Take care,”

she turned gracefully like a real superstar and, flanked by six bodyguards forming an impenetrable wall, clicked her heels and steadily walked toward the VIP parking.

Liu Shuaibo dragged his suitcase, Pei Shishi clutched the bag, and the two inexperienced hangers-on followed along, not daring to breathe heavily.

When they entered the parking lot, an imposing motorcade came into view.

Most prominent in the middle was a custom extended Mercedes Sprinter.

Although the exterior looked like a low-key black business van, Xu Qing—who had written many domineering CEO novels—recognized at once that this was a top-tier star’s chauffeured car.

The paint was glossy black, the windows had the highest level privacy film, and nothing inside could be seen from the outside.

Flanking the main vehicle like guardian escorts were two Mercedes G-class security cars, and at the very front even a black Audi A8L with special plates led the way.

The convoy’s engines hummed deep and low, like steel beasts poised to spring.

By the door, uniformed drivers wearing white gloves bowed in unison when they saw them approach, their movements neat and silent.

Liu Shuaibo felt his vision blur and his calves tremble.

What the hell… what on earth is happening?! Is this a film shoot?!

Pei Shishi hugged her Chanel bag and floated on air.

She pinched herself secretly; the pain made her grit her teeth, finally confirming she wasn't dreaming.

At the front, Xu Qing’s pupils dilated slightly and her heartbeat reached a new peak.

A whole motorcade? Really?!

Madam Ouyang! You are too particular—too in tune with me!

Love it, love it!

At this moment the head of the bodyguards bowed slightly and asked: “Ms. Xu Qing, where should we seat these two friends of yours? The back vehicle is ready.”

“Stick with me.” Xu Qing’s red lips parted; her tone brooked no argument.

What a joke!

How could her dazzling highlight moment lack these two core members of her hype squad?!

If she sent them away, who would she show off to in the car later?

They absolutely had to come along and keep the vibe going!

Make this “novel heroine experience” complete.

“All right, this way please.” The guard courteously extended his arm and escorted the three toward the Sprinter.

The electronic door slid open slowly.

The interior space was astonishingly large; in the middle were two extremely wide, comfortable first-class airline-style massage seats.

Yet in the inner seat already sat someone.

A woman. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

A woman wearing a burgundy custom coat, her figure hot and alluring.

She also wore designer sunglasses and a black turtleneck knit that outlined her enticing curves.

Her long hair was dyed pink at the tips and hung loosely, projecting a lazy yet dazzling star aura.

She looked extraordinarily familiar.

The three stood by the car door.

The woman raised a hand, took off her sunglasses, and revealed a strikingly beautiful face.

She looked at Xu Qing, red lips curving into a bright smile: “Teacher Xu Qing, finally seeing you in person. You’re even more beautiful and graceful than in photos.”

“Bei… Bei… Bei Yuwei?!!!”

Pei Shishi clapped both hands over her mouth and let out an incredulous squeal.

Liu Shuaibo turned stone-still again.

If the earlier fan reception might have been staged by ordinary people,

this scene was a soul-stunner.

Bei Yuwei! That was Bei Yuwei!

Thanks to Tang Entertainment’s massive resources, Bei Yuwei had been rising rapidly, especially as a regular guest on a hit variety show that boosted her national awareness.

They could never have imagined running into this major star here, in the pickup vehicle itself.

And she had addressed Xu Qing with the honorific “teacher” and “you”?

What kind of fantasy plot was this?!

Xu Qing’s heart pounded wildly.

Holy crap holy crap holy crap!!

Bei Yuwei personally came to pick me up?!

Who arranged this? Madam Ouyang? Sister Su Yu?!

This level of display was way over the top!!

This directly threw the Mary Sue scenes from her scripts into her face!

But having completed her “big heroine takeover” persona, Xu Qing forced down the exclamation that was about to burst out.

She kept a mysterious look under her sunglasses, gave a slight nod, and spoke in a calm, composed tone: “Miss Bei, you flatter me. You’re radiant yourself.”

“Come on up, it’s windy outside.” Bei Yuwei cheerfully invited.

Xu Qing gracefully stepped up and sat beside Bei Yuwei.

Pei Shishi and Liu Shuaibo, as if emerging from a dream, hurried into the vehicle.

Inside was wide enough to be a moving lounge.

The rear was a massive couch; there was a delicate vanity, fill lights, a mirror, wireless charging pads, and a small fridge neatly stocked with bottled water, cold drinks, facial masks, and snacks.

Pei Shishi sat carefully, feeling every pore in her body relax, both tense and thrilled.

The heavy door closed slowly.

All the sounds, noise, and cold wind from outside were completely cut off the moment the door shut.

Silence settled inside, save for the soft whisper of the air conditioning and a faint fragrance.

“Let’s go.” Bei Yuwei told the driver up front.

The motorcade started smoothly without a jolt.

Bei Yuwei turned to Xu Qing and explained in a sincere, friendly tone: “Teacher Xu Qing, I actually came to Shen City with President Mo on business, and it happens that the pre-production preparations for Voice of the Deep are underway.”

Hearing that name, Pei Shishi in the back could no longer contain her excitement and blurted out: “Is that the Tang Entertainment S-Level major drama? The one with Chen Yuheng as the male lead?!”

A seasoned fangirl and gossip, Pei Shishi knew entertainment news inside out.

Voice of the Deep was the most anticipated top-tier project this year; the female lead had been set as Bei Yuwei and the male lead was the popular young actor Chen Yuheng. When the official poster dropped, she had watched the trending page all night.

Catching Bei Yuwei’s glance, Pei Shishi blushed and stammered: “I-I’m a fan of yours and I’m really following your projects, so…”

“Hehe, yes, that’s the one.” Bei Yuwei smiled gently, then pointed with long, beautiful fingers at Xu Qing, her tone appropriately admiring: “And this is the special guest award-winning screenwriter for Voice of the Deep.”

“I heard from President Mo that Teacher Xu arrived in Shen City today, so he insisted I come by to meet you in person.”

Bei Yuwei’s eyes were full of sincere admiration.

“I read the outline of your script. It’s so brilliant! I hope in our cooperation we’ll get along well—please guide me.”

“Whew—”

Pei Shishi in the back took a sharp breath, feeling faint with happiness.

Liu Shuaibo’s jaw dropped so far it felt disconnected.

Xu Qing’s face flushed deeply; her carefully maintained big-female-protagonist persona nearly collapsed on the spot.

She forced herself to suppress the ecstatic grin, digging fingernails into the armrest to steady her voice so it sounded calm and collected:

“I see. Thank you for taking the trouble, Miss Bei. I’m also looking forward to your performance in this drama. I hope our collaboration goes smoothly and we can win an award.”

Her words were flawless and full of poise.

But inside, she was a stormy sea of emotions.

Ahhhh!

Help! What is happening?!

Could it be that while I wasn’t paying attention, I’ve become renowned in the industry?!

The whole world knows the talent of writer Xu, and only I’m left in the dark?!

Damn, being praised like this by a rising star is so blissful you could faint on the spot!

“Thank you for the encouragement, Teacher Xu! It’s an honor to act in this drama. I’ve read the parts you contributed—your portrayal of character contrast and inner struggles is so delicate. If during filming we misjudge the character, may I consult you?”

“Of course, anytime.”

From then on, the atmosphere in the car grew extremely congenial.

They discussed the script and character designs for Voice of the Deep in depth.

Although Xu Qing only wrote part of the story, as a professional she had read the whole script several times and worked hard on it.

So she spoke eloquently about character arcs and emotional progression.

Pei Shishi, watching Xu Qing and Bei Yuwei chatting, worship of her boss had evolved into blind adoration,

while Liu Shuaibo sat nervously with his head down in the back.

As the conversation wound down, Bei Yuwei suddenly remembered something and smiled:

“Oh, Teacher Xu. Miss Su Yu knows I came to pick you up and asked me to ask you on her behalf. In a few days the crew will hold a pre-launch concept event and promotion for Voice of the Deep here in Shen City. She wants to know if you’d be interested in attending. You wouldn’t need to do much—just appear with the creative team and share some thoughts on your creation.”

Xu Qing’s hand trembled.

Of course it was Sister Su Yu! My big sister!

The story from my dreams really turned into reality! They even invited me to the promotional event!

This wasn’t just giving me face; this was pushing me into the spotlight so I can gain fame and fortune!

Calm down, Xu Qing! You are a woman who has seen the world!

She cleared her throat and suppressed the ecstatic feeling threatening to burst out, feigning nonchalance: “Well… if Sister Su Yu personally invited me, I can’t refuse. Send me the event time and I’ll try to make time to attend.”

Hearing the conversation up front, Liu Shuaibo and Pei Shishi—who had been all ears—were completely numb, as if struck by lightning.

Sister Su Yu?!

Our president not only writes for S-level projects but is sisterly with the Diva Su Yu?!

What kind of divine social network is this?!

“I really envy the relationship between Teacher Xu and Miss Su Yu—as if they were real sisters.” Bei Yuwei said softly.

She meant it.

She truly envied that openly acknowledged, warmly supportive connection that Su Yu offered.

Unlike Bei Yuwei’s own precarious, cautious position as a “kept” lover wary of crossing lines,

this kind of legitimate recognition was comforting and bright.

Xu Qing did not know the thousand turns in Bei Yuwei’s heart. She shifted slightly and smiled: “Sister Su Yu really treats me well, she’s very kind.”

…

The motorcade drove smoothly into Shencheng Bay and slowly stopped below a high-end residential building.

“We’re here.” Bei Yuwei glanced out and identified the distinctive building, then turned and smiled, “Huarun City Runxi Phase 1, right?”

“Yes, this is it.”

No sooner had she spoken than the black-suited bodyguards stepped forward and opened the door.

Xu Qing stepped out in her flats with elegance.

Liu Shuaibo and Pei Shishi hurried out behind her.

They stood there, still dizzy, staring at the grand building.

Bei Yuwei did not get out; she leaned halfway out of the lowered window, waved warmly at Xu Qing with a bright smile:

“Teacher Qing, see you at the event. Enjoy Shen City.”

“See you. Safe travels.”

The Sprinter pulled away smoothly.

The lead bodyguard stepped forward and respectfully handed over a deep-blue envelope with an understated, antique texture:

“Miss Xu, this was arranged by Madam Ouyang. She requested it be handed to you personally.”

Xu Qing quickly took it with both hands and thanked him warmly.

“We have security personnel patrolling around the neighborhood continuously. If you need anything, you can contact this number.” The guard handed over a plain white card printed only with a phone number.

Xu Qing thanked him again and accepted it.

As the imposing black motorcade disappeared around the corner,

the quiet at the residential entrance erupted into suppressed exclamations.

“Qingqing sister!” Pei Shishi hugged Xu Qing’s arm and gushed incoherently: “W-what is going on?! Are you a celebrity now? I feel like I’m living in a dream… I’m so dazed!”

Liu Shuaibo still clutched the pickup sign, his face flushed and tongue-tied, unable to form a complete sentence.

Xu Qing’s mouth couldn’t help lifting into a smile, but she still played it cool, patting Pei Shishi’s hand: “Don’t get so worked up, calm down. It’s just friends showing face.”

Then she looked down at the deep-blue envelope in her hand.

She opened the flap and found an invitation on gold-splashed, classical rice paper.

A faint scent of ink rose gently.

She unfolded it. On it was a neat, flowery small regular script written with a warm, steady brush:

“Dear Qingqing:

Hearing of your arrival in Shen, I have long admired the beauty of your writing and rejoice greatly.

Tomorrow before noon I will have freshly brewed spring tea and sweet treats prepared, awaiting your honorable presence.

If you have the leisure, I hope we can sit beneath the eaves and listen to the wind, talk about characters by the window, and enjoy the charms of pen and paper.

Respectfully, Ouyang Xianyue”

Xu Qing pinched the thin note, her dark eyes wide as saucers.

Holy crap?!

Brush-written calligraphy?! Madam Ouyang wrote this herself?!

Help! Madam Ouyang has such taste—she understands me too well!

Unfolded like this, this treatment!

It was an exact, godlike recreation of the “noblewoman who recognizes the gifted heroine” highlight scene from her novels!

Anyone seeing this would think she was Madam Ouyang’s long-lost daughter!

It made her want to rush forward, hug the matriarch’s thigh, and call her “mom”!

…

Tang Yi Precision, Chairman’s office.

Ouyang Xianyue sat behind her desk, flipping through a file.

Her expression focused, her gaze calm and deep as water.

“Knock knock knock—”

A soft knock sounded.

“Come in.”

Secretary Chen pushed the door open, a faint smile on her face.

“Madam Ouyang, Ms. Xu Qing has safely arrived at her residence in Huarun City Runxi.”

“Mm.” Ouyang Xianyue finally set down her pen, pushed the files aside, and looked up to ask, “Was the pickup process smooth?”

“Very smooth. Or rather, the effect exceeded expectations.” Secretary Chen’s expression shifted subtly as she chose her words carefully. “Ms. Xu was extremely pleased with the fan reception. She gave no sign of suspicion and quickly adapted to the situation—she even signed autographs and interacted cordially with the fans on site. She showed great… adaptability, somewhat like Miss Su Yu’s demeanor in front of cameras.”

At the words “adaptability,” Ouyang Xianyue smiled slightly. “Good. Prepare the tea gathering arrangements for tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Secretary Chen answered crisply and retreated.

Silence returned to the office.

Ouyang Xianyue did not immediately resume work. Instead she opened the right-hand drawer and took out a tablet.

The screen lit up, displaying a web novel reading page.

In recent days, between handling official matters, she had made a point to read this representative work by Xu Qing.

Of course she was not indulging in the fanciful, girlish plots; she treated it as a vivid sample of character study.

From those spirited words, combined with background materials she already had, a clear portrait took shape in her mind:

A dreamer, pure in thought, almost naïve.

In short, people like Xu Qing had almost no cunning, lacking real defensive instincts.

Her joys and satisfactions came directly and simply.

If one stroked her ego carefully and satisfied her cute vanity and sense of immersion, she would trust and get close.

More importantly, she lacked aggressive ambition.

Even within her own literary fantasies, her pinnacle was being adored and noticed, not control or conquest.

That meant she could be easily “nurtured” and guided.

Give her the right sunshine and rain and she would bloom happily without probing the clouds behind the light.

Timid but good at empathizing and rationalizing.

These traits made Xu Qing a perfect candidate for Ouyang Xianyue’s private voyage that required absolute secrecy and someone who would allow her to temporarily drop all social identities.

A companion who could be close to the inner circle without being a threat and who could bring joy and cover.

A faint self-mocking smile hovered at her lips.

Lately, Tang Song’s ambiguous, almost flirtatious give-and-take had been teasing her, making her itch more and more.

But she could never give up all dignity and decorum to act coquettish or beg for affection…

Until now she hardly believed that the woman in the villa study that night had been herself.

She did not know why she had been so impulsive, unable to suppress desire.

Perhaps only by leaving here—escaping familiar lights and rules, to the vast open sea where all social identities and morals are stripped away—could she set down that heavy chain.

Actually, leaving was easy; she could find any business excuse and fly abroad at any time.

But that recurring dream—the one that had tormented her for more than a month, the surging waves, the swaying yacht, the utterly indulgent self—had settled like a demon she could not shake.

Over the years she had endured too much, suppressed too strongly, and suffered too long.

A single obsession rooted in her bones became a life-long torment.

Tang Song was her demon.