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The second week after the New Year, following the first snowfall of the year, the refrigerator was empty. Luo Mingjing woke up early and headed to the market. He bought chicken, duck, fish, and meat, hanging them from his bicycle handles as he wobbled back home. After retrieving the yogurt left by the milkman at the door, he entered the studio, cleaned up, and then went upstairs to wake Shi Min.
Shi Min was a remarkable girl. Once she rested, it was as if she were fully wound, with no morning grogginess or drowsy transition period. The moment she opened her eyes, she was fully charged.
Shi Min got dressed, stood up, pulled on a sweater, and casually hooked her arm around his neck, planting a quick kiss on his chin.
Luo Mingjing’s heart stirred, his gaze darkening as he teased her, “President, have you been marinating the fish since last year?”
Shi Min chuckled softly and quickly brushed her teeth.
Luo Mingjing remarked, “I’ve been mentally preparing myself for the end of the year, but I never expected you to drag out our celibate cohabitation into the new year.”
Shi Min spat out the mouthwash, raised her head, and in the mirror, her phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly.
Her brother, Shi Chu, had asked her this question too.
Even though Shi Chu had presented her with two depressing gifts at the end of the year, he still probed into her intimate life. He asked Shi Min, “Are there any psychological barriers in bed?”
Shi Min replied, “We haven’t tried.”
Shi Chu nearly stumbled, jumping up from his chair in shock. “What era are we living in? You’re playing with emotions without testing compatibility? What are you doing? Raising a son?”
Shi Min smiled somberly and said, “I’m sharpening my blade.”
From the moment she set her sights on Luo Mingjing, she had keenly sensed the hidden sharpness within him. Like a pearl covered in dust or a famed sword with a dulled edge, he had fallen into the mundane world, unnoticed amidst the bustling streets and markets.
He had grown dull. A treasured blade, stolen by thieves, eroded by time and weather, gradually rusted over, concealing its once gleaming light and sharp edge.
Shi Min didn’t ask why he had rusted. Instead, she quietly and patiently polished him, layer by layer, removing the rust to reveal the sharp blade beneath.
Shi Min whispered to her reflection in the mirror, her lips curling with anticipation and confidence. “It won’t be long now.”
She was both impatient and methodical, waiting for that day when she would personally taste the fish she had marinated, wielding the blade she had sharpened, savoring the pinnacle of flavor.
Shi Min went downstairs, and Luo Mingjing urged her to eat breakfast while he prepared the chicken and fish in the kitchen.
Almost all the kitchen utensils were in use. The newly purchased oven was humming along, while the juicer crushed fruits, mixing them with yogurt and gradually blending into vibrant colors.
Shi Min raised an eyebrow. “In a good mood?”
Luo Mingjing grinned, replying, “Today’s the promotional launch.”
Ah yes, today was the release of actress Yang He’s promotional video for the Spring Begins theme of the 24 Solar Terms collection. Luo Mingjing had already seen the video a week ago and had been eagerly anticipating this day.
Shi Min glanced at the clock, swallowed her bread, and said, “It’s not releasing until nine o’clock tonight.”
“I know,” Luo Mingjing hummed a cheerful tune. As a lively children’s rhyme from Kite Express faded, he smiled and said, “I’m preparing dinner.”
“WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER,” he sang softly, repeating the phrase as he skillfully butchered the chicken. The bones went into a pot for soup, simmering gently over low heat.
His flawless pronunciation, coupled with his long hair flowing as he moved about the kitchen, made him resemble a triumphant hunter returning to his cozy wooden cabin. There, amidst the falling snow, he hummed songs and prepared a celebratory feast while loved ones waited at the table.
A perfect fairytale ending.
Shi Min thought of the file she had uncovered. She gazed thoughtfully at the man happily bustling about in the kitchen.
It was an impressive file. He had entered one of the top universities to study fashion design after ranking second in the liberal arts exams in Haishi.
His talents in calligraphy and painting had earned countless awards since childhood, and his accolades followed him throughout his life.
His university records were dazzling—except for not completing his degree. Everything else was remarkable: academic performance, rankings in professional courses, Italian C2 proficiency, English fluency...
Such a person, even with a habit of humility, couldn’t entirely hide the innate pride in his brows.
However, when she first met him, none of that brilliance was visible. Only a deadened aura remained, with even his gaze carefully restrained.
Fortunately, Shi Min looked at Luo Mingjing now. Like a lotus bud just beginning to bloom, she saw hints of his true self returning in his eyes and joyful smile.
Yesterday, Shi Min’s special assistant, Xiao Pi, had arrived in Haishi. If everything went smoothly, she would soon uncover the reason behind his discontinued studies.
In truth, Shi Min already had a hunch, but she couldn’t confirm it yet.
The delivery arrived—it was the string lights and New Year’s decorations Luo Mingjing had ordered. He handed the task of hanging them to Shi Min.
As she hung the lights on the studio sign, Shi Min suddenly felt more at ease. She wasn’t foolish, nor had she ever misjudged anyone.
Before her were four large characters: Integrity Studio.
Shi Min smiled, picked up the ladder, and quietly padded into the kitchen like a cat. Wrapping her arms around Luo Mingjing’s waist, she buried her face in his camel-colored cashmere sweater and murmured, “Luo Mingjing, winter is almost over. Can spring be far behind?”
Luo Mingjing naturally continued, “Let my voice, like dust and sparks, awaken the slumbering earth...”
Neither of them could recall the exact lines of the poem, yet they seamlessly connected.
Shi Min hugged him tightly and said, “How wonderful.”
“A friend gave me a pair of lovebirds,” Luo Mingjing said, clearly in high spirits as he wrapped dumplings. “Trust often creates beautiful realms.”
Shi Min released him and teased, “Is that from Feng Jicai?”
“Huh?” Luo Mingjing exclaimed in delight. “You actually know what I’m talking about! Not bad, President Sister!”
He smeared flour on Shi Min’s face and laughed joyfully.
Shi Min caught his hand, lowered her eyes, and gently sucked on his fingertips.
From Shelley to Feng Jicai, from Ode to the West Wind to Lovebirds , these seemingly unrelated references became the most domesticated form of默契 between the couple before dinner.
“I trust you,” Shi Min silently thought.
After a warm dinner, Luo Mingjing opened Yang He’s platform interface and stared at the clock on the wall, anxiously awaiting the release.
“Is it coming out at nine?”
Shi Min pulled him onto the sofa, cradling him in her arms. With one hand playing with his hair and the other holding a book, she calmly said, “Around nine, not necessarily exactly nine. Don’t rush.”
Her fingers twirled Luo Mingjing’s hair, wrapping it twice before releasing it, feeling the strands slip away, only to capture them again and wind them up.
Luo Mingjing smiled and asked, “Do you like me, or do you like my hair more? Probably the latter, right?”
Shi Min, seemingly distracted as she read her book, softly replied, “I like you so much that I even like your hair.”
“Mm.” Luo Mingjing rolled over, hugging her waist and giggling. “I’m convinced, President. No one can compare to you.”
Perhaps Shi Min’s flirtation skills were innate. She had sincerely told Luo Mingjing, “I just say what I want to say. Seeing how much you enjoy it makes me happy.”
Luo Mingjing thought that sometimes honesty between couples unexpectedly worked wonders.
Gradually, his smile faded, and he closed his eyes, breathing evenly. Amidst the soft caress of her fingers and the comforting sensation of his hair against his skin, Luo Mingjing thought, “I need to find a time to tell her...”
He furrowed his brow slightly. Just the thought felt like reopening an old wound, as if he could already feel the pain of tearing it open again to show her.
The numbers on Yang He’s Weibo platform jumped—a new follower appeared.
Actress Yang He: “Encountering things brings joy; loving spring isn’t just for me [Video] @Mirror Realm Spring Begins, Knowing Spring.”
Shi Min put down her book, opened the video, and handed it to Luo Mingjing.
Even though he had seen it before, Luo Mingjing watched intently without blinking. Smiling, he said, “This is great. Yang He accepting endorsements... Shi Min, thank you.”
“Yang He has high standards,” Shi Min said. “She’s a woman who wouldn’t even glance at a man like my brother. She wouldn’t accept this endorsement just to give us face. If she accepted, it’s proof that you have talent. Luo Mingjing, in my eyes, you’ve already succeeded.”
“Just the first step,” Luo Mingjing said. “There’s still a long way to go. I know there’s a gap.”
Shi Min fell silent.
Privately, Shi Chu, who understood the industry better, had spoken to her. “Luo Mingjing’s level is very high. His work stands out not only in overall creative framework but also in style. It’s reminiscent of Wang Zhenyu during his peak years. However, Wang’s Chinese Crane series was more vibrant and proud, while Luo Mingjing’s Solar Terms series feels more humble. Perhaps he hasn’t fully unleashed himself yet.”
Regardless, Shi Chu compared Luo Mingjing’s Solar Terms series to Wang Zhenyu’s Chinese Crane series, which had stunned audiences worldwide. Shi Min wasn’t wrong—Luo Mingjing was a gem. What he lacked was opportunity and a platform.
Luo Mingjing watched the video three times before reluctantly reposting it on Weibo.
Mirror Bright: “Ladies, the New Year’s gift I mentioned earlier has arrived. I hope you like it~ Thank you @Actress Yang He for supporting the endorsement. Ladies, @Mirror Realm’s first chapter, Spring Begins, will soon hit the shelves. Spring Begins, knowing spring.”
Within moments of reposting, the comment section exploded with over a hundred comments. Many users, unable to type fast enough, simply posted strings of exclamation marks.
“It’s Yang He!!!”
“!!!!!! Holy crap!!!!!”
“Fairy, this isn’t just a stroke of luck—you’ve hit the jackpot! Did you secretly win the lottery and hire a big star?!!”
“Holy crap holy crap holy crap, who’s the spokesperson??? Am I seeing this right?!”
“This is incredible!”
“Yang He??? Wait, what? Yang He??? My male idol and female goddess are collaborating?? Am I dreaming?!”
“Ah ah ah, the clothes look amazing!! When will they be on sale?!!”
“I pinched my boyfriend hard to make sure this isn’t a dream!”
Not long after, the phone rang.
Xu Qianqian screamed in excitement, “Brother, why didn’t you tell me beforehand?! Ah!! How did you get Yang He?! Oh my god!!”
“Happy?”
“Over the moon!”
Luo Mingjing chuckled softly. “Qianqian, I’ve taken this step.”
“Brother...” Xu Qianqian said, her voice trembling. “I’m about to cry. I told you—you can do it! Look at this!!”
After hanging up, Luo Mingjing sat in a daze, smiling. Shi Min said, “Alright, check again tomorrow morning. Let’s sleep.”
“Shi Min.” Luo Mingjing turned his head, suddenly embracing her tightly. “President, thank you.”
At midnight, Shi Min’s phone vibrated. The caller ID showed Fiona.
As she picked up the phone, a notification came in. Shi Chu was also calling.
Shi Min immediately snapped awake, sat up, and said gravely, “Go ahead.”
Halfway through the call, Shi Min turned on the bedside lamp and pulled Luo Mingjing up. “Have you shown your design drafts to anyone else? Besides us?”
Luo Mingjing froze, his face pale. “What... what do you mean?”
“There might be a conflict,” Shi Min said. “Guohong signed a contract at the end of last year. Their designs seem similar to ours—also a Solar Terms series. Their team just called our collaborator to inquire. Tomorrow, both sides will meet to compare designs and see how much overlap there is. Don’t panic. Think about whether there’s any possibility your designs were leaked...”
After a long silence, Luo Mingjing said, “Yes... my sister.”
Shi Min nodded. After finishing her call with Fiona, she instructed Luo Mingjing, “Call her. Have her come over tomorrow to join us.”
“But she won’t,” Luo Mingjing said. “She definitely won’t.”
He anxiously added, “She knows what I fear most... My sister wouldn’t do that. No matter how much she likes something, she wouldn’t steal designs...”
Shi Min reassured him, “It might just be a coincidence. Don’t worry. Our promotion will continue for now. We’ll assess the situation tomorrow.”
Luo Mingjing’s expression was dazed, his gaze unfocused as he muttered, “This can’t happen... It can’t...”
He didn’t want to fall again, unwilling to stumble just as he was about to reach the pinnacle of his dreams.
A gentle hand rested on his shoulder. “It’s okay. I’m here. Everything will be fine.”
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