Teacher Jiang, I was just looking for you. It’s your turn to take photos.
Oh, okay, coming right away, Jiang Qiqi replied, patting Qin Jiao on the shoulder. Go find that uncle from earlier, don’t run off anywhere. And keep an eye on those two, she said, pointing at Song Qinglan and Jiang Ruirui who were all lovey-dovey together, adding seriously, If you see them, walk the other way. Don’t stay near them.
Qin Jiao lowered his head dejectedly. Can’t I go with you, sister?
Jiang Qiqi wasn’t sure either, so she asked someone nearby. Can I bring him along?
When she looked up to ask the staff member, she noticed the girl was staring at her blankly, cheeks bright red. It took Jiang Qiqi calling her name twice before she snapped back to reality, nodding frantically.
She couldn’t help but add, Teacher Jiang, you are so beautiful! The last word almost came out as a squeak.
The girl’s reaction made Jiang Qiqi laugh. She grinned and said, You’re beautiful too~ The girl turned completely red, feeling like she was in a dream.
Sister Qin Jiao tugged on Jiang Qiqi’s sleeve. Aren’t we going? He didn’t look very happy.
Having just been complimented, Jiang Qiqi was in high spirits and completely missed his mood. She slapped her forehead, remembering the task at hand, and hurriedly led Qin Jiao towards the set.
Today they were shooting the poster for the movie *Fading Shadow*. Originally, only the main cast needed to be present, but due to the special nature of the character Wen Rujun, Jiang Qiqi was also required to participate.
The previous actor wasn’t finished yet, so they had to wait a bit. Jiang Qiqi leaned against the wall, when suddenly someone spoke up. Excuse me, teacher, your eyeliner isn’t quite right.
A face so exquisite it took your breath away suddenly appeared close to hers. Long, distinct lashes, and a pair of expressive eyes that seemed naturally alluring. Jiang Qiqi’s breath hitched.
Top-tier Omega! The phrase popped into her head instantly. The vibe was perfect. She could barely keep the corners of her mouth from turning up, forcing herself to press her lips together so she wouldn’t look like a creep.
Excuse me… teacher?
Qin Jiao’s face turned cold as he looked at the man in front of him, who smiled back in confusion.
Qin Jiao tugged at Jiang Qiqi’s sleeve again. It was like a switch; she instantly came to her senses.
Jiang Qiqi: What did you say?
The man pointed to her eyes. Your eyeliner… it’s a bit uneven.
Oh no! She completely forgot. She had drawn a rough line earlier and forgotten to wipe it off. Now one eye had perfect eyeliner, while the other looked like it had been drawn by a flying brush.
Oh my God!
Need some help?
Yes, please!
The man tapped his chin thoughtfully for a moment. Want me to do it for you? I know a thing or two.
Jiang Qiqi was extremely grateful. Go ahead, anything is better than this.
Qin Jiao was being ignored. He stood to the side, unhappy, watching this stranger apply eyeliner for his sister.
To get the lines right, they stood very close. Handsome man, beautiful woman, the atmosphere naturally turned intimate—it was a pleasing sight to anyone else. But to Qin Jiao, it was painful to watch. A guy like him didn’t deserve to be near his sister. If only he knew how to do it too, then she wouldn’t need some strange man standing so close. He clearly had bad intentions.
*Click.*
A very faint camera shutter sound. Qin Jiao looked up sharply, scanning the surroundings sensitively. Strangely, everyone nearby was busy with their own work, as if the sound he heard was just an illusion.
Qin Jiao frowned, a vague sense of unease rising in his chest. Then a shout interrupted his thoughts. Teacher Jiang! You’re on!
Coming! Jiang Qiqi called out loudly. The man held up a mirror for her. She looked left and right, clearly satisfied. For someone as unskilled as her, this level of work would take years to achieve.
Perfect! You’re amazing, Jiang Qiqi praised.
The man looked a bit embarrassed, scratching his head. It’s not that big of a deal, just decent enough to look at.
Jiang Qiqi patted his shoulder. Bro, don’t be modest. These few strokes are something I could spend a lifetime learning!
The man laughed heartily. If they weren’t pressed for time, they would have definitely gone somewhere for a drink.
Before leaving, Jiang Qiqi held his hand and thanked him sincerely. Thank you so much for today.
You’re welcome, you’re welcome, the man said humbly. It was nothing.
Just as she turned to leave, he couldn’t help but add, My name is Tang Zhao! Tang as in the dynasty, Zhao as in… well, just Tang Zhao!
Jiang Qiqi, already walking away, called back, I’m Jiang—wait no, I’m Jiang Yan!
Tang Zhao’s eyes followed her figure as she walked away. Her silhouette seemed to glow under the bright lights, standing out among the crowd. Suddenly, a force tapped him on the back. Tang Zhao jumped in fright and turned around to see the little boy who had been glaring at him earlier standing there.
Qin Jiao looked at him blankly and asked, Do you like my sister?
Ah… well… I… Tang Zhao froze in panic. His brain raced for a second, then realization dawned on him. Oh! So this is what liking someone feels like!
His eyes lit up and he said loudly, Yes! I like your sister.
Qin Jiao curled his lip in disdain. Did you know my sister before today?
Tang Zhao shook his head. This was the first time he had met Jiang Qiqi.
Qin Jiao judged him coldly. That’s not liking it. That’s just lust at first sight. You pervert.
Lu… lust!? Tang Zhao’s big eyes widened in shock. All his life, people had called him names like sissy or idiot, but this was the first time a strange kid called him a pervert. Feeling wronged, he squatted down and said, It really hurts my feelings when you say that.
Qin Jiao looked equally shocked. Because of his words, the man in front of him looked like he was about to cry, looking all pitiful and saying he was sad. Qin Jiao’s mind went blank, his lips moving but no words coming out.
I noticed your sister because she’s beautiful.
And I like her personality too, that’s why I’m attracted to her.
Even though it’s our first time meeting, I really do like her. This is the first time I’ve ever liked someone. How can you say that about me… As he spoke, Tang Zhao’s voice started to crack. Qin Jiao stood there awkwardly. After a long silence, he mumbled, …Sorry.
Tang Zhao’s face instantly brightened. Then how about a peace offering?
What do you want?
Give me your sister’s contact info! I forgot to ask earlier!
…
Hmph, Qin Jiao sneered. In your dreams.
He turned to go inside to find his sister, planning to warn her that the man just now had bad intentions and she should be careful.
Tang Zhao panicked. Hey! You can’t stop your sister from finding love!
Hearing this, Qin Jiao turned back and said, You aren’t her boyfriend anyway.
I will be! I’ll work hard!
No chance.
Why not?
Because my sister… can punch two guys like you flying with one hit.