OSTF - 1

The sunlight outside the window was scattered, casting fragmented beams on the ground.

Chi Suisui stood in front of the sink, her long hair casually tied into a messy bun atop her head. A brown hairnet covered her forehead, and her porcelain-white face looked radiant and dewy. Her phone sat in front of her, playing today’s news.

“Recently, the well-known director Liu He from the entertainment industry has been exposed for falsifying his academic credentials, embezzling public funds, and exploiting actors within his production crew. He has already been—”

The broadcast voice suddenly cut off, replaced by the sound of a ringing phone.

Out of the corner of her eye, Chi Suisui glanced at the name on the screen. With a slight raise of her brow, she reached out to answer it: “Hello?”

She then calmly resumed her skincare routine.

“Sui-senpai, the director wants you to return to the station today,” Su Mian’s excited voice came through the phone. “It seems like this matter is over. From what I gather from the director, there doesn’t seem to be any other issues.”

Chi Suisui hummed softly in acknowledgment: “That was quick.”

Only a few days had passed since she returned home, and the station had already revoked its previous notice. Time truly flew when she was lying around at home.

“Quick? You’ve been gone for five whole days! Five days is enough time for an entire dynasty to change hands; the news cycles have come and gone multiple times!”

Su Mian couldn’t help but express her frustration.

Chi Suisui replied nonchalantly: “Don’t get so worked up. I think taking a vacation is pretty nice.”

Su Mian nearly choked on her words: “Sui-senpai, if you don’t come back soon, you might actually end up extending your leave by another week.”

Chi Suisui reassured her: “Alright, alright, I’ll go in a bit.”

After hanging up, she began preparing to apply her makeup. On her vanity table, bottles and jars sparkled with tiny glimmers of reflected light.

By the time she arrived at the television station, it was already nine o’clock.

As Chi Suisui pushed open the door, more than ten pairs of eyes from the work area turned toward her, each person’s expression varying.

Today, she wore a fitted skirt suit that accentuated her long, slender legs, which were so fair they seemed to dazzle under the light. The bright illumination behind her outlined her graceful curves perfectly.

Without sparing a glance at anyone, Chi Suisui walked straight into the director’s office.

The people around exchanged looks, whispering amongst themselves: “Is she just returning like this?”

“She splashed water on someone’s face and went home to reflect for five days.”

“Just look at Su Mian’s reaction earlier. It’s clear nothing serious happened.”

“This wasn’t much of an issue to begin with. Plus, our station was the first to break the news. The higher-ups are thrilled.”

Last week, Chi Suisui had just officially started her new position and was assigned to interview a famous director.

Taking advantage of his status, the director, finding Chi Suisui attractive, tried to make inappropriate advances.

Before the photographer standing behind her could intervene, Chi Suisui swiftly moved her wrist and splashed a glass of water directly onto the director’s face.

The director was left drenched and stunned, completely dumbfounded. Never had he encountered such audacity from a journalist – someone who dared to splash water on the person being interviewed.

The entire production team was shocked.

Not long after she returned, the director gave another interview to a different media outlet, mentioning the incident and even reaching out to marketing accounts. Chi Suisui quickly became a trending topic online.

Just as netizens were beginning to enjoy the scandal, things took a turn.

Both the photographer and the production crew had recorded videos, and the TV station naturally didn’t let the matter slide, releasing the footage immediately.

In the video, Chi Suisui appeared coldly stunning, her words icy: “If you’re still asleep, I’ll wash your face for you.”

Initially, the TV station sent Chi Suisui home to reflect on her actions.

But within just a few days, news broke about the director’s past academic fraud and fabricated papers. Not only did production halt on his project, but he was also placed under investigation.

Meanwhile, the commotion surrounding Chi Suisui gradually settled.

The situation unfolded so rapidly that it was hard to keep up.

Just as people were discussing the matter, the door to the director’s office suddenly opened.

As the door swung open, the group of people gathered outside lost their balance and stumbled forward, almost falling over.

The room fell silent, and it took a while before anyone spoke up.

“Suisui, you’re back?”

“What did the director say? Are you going to be punished?”

Chi Suisui raised her eyes and smiled faintly, her voice clear and composed: “So, what punishment do you think I deserve?”

The person across from her felt a chill run down their spine.

Within seconds, the crowd dispersed entirely, everyone returning to their workstations as if nothing had happened.

Online, news about the famous director dominated the headlines.

Although Chi Suisui was asked to return home for reflection, she still submitted her article to the director, making their station the first to break the story.

This was also why the station called her back.

Chi Suisui returned to her desk.

Even though she hadn’t been in for several days, her workspace remained immaculately clean, with a lush green plant thriving.

Unable to resist, Su Mian, sitting across from her, whispered: “Sui-senpai, what did the director say? Did he tell you to continue working or...?”

Chi Suisui calmly replied: “He told me to write more news articles.”

Su Mian let out a sigh of relief but then remembered the previous incident, her anger flaring: “If I had been there, I would’ve beaten him up.”

“And get suspended?” Chi Suisui interjected.

“Hmph.” Su Mian’s shoulders slumped, but then she perked up again: “But, Sui-senpai, that cup of water you threw was spot-on.”

The video wasn’t exactly a secret.

Alongside the revelations of academic fraud and misconduct, the video of her splashing water on the director went viral – a journalist splashing water on a director’s face.

Su Mian admired her immensely, almost turning into a fangirl.

Just as Chi Suisui was about to respond, her phone rang.

“Miss Chi, you must be happily back at work now, right? How efficient was my handling of the matter? Can I get a compliment from you?”

Song Chengrui chimed in.

A couple of days ago, Chi Suisui mentioned the director to him, and he immediately investigated. What he uncovered was a treasure trove of scandals.

“That director was too arrogant, practically begging to make the headlines with his fake credentials. His school and company are absolutely livid.”

“I’ll give you five stars for your efforts.” Chi Suisui chuckled.

“Not easy, living to see this day.” Song Chengrui laughed, reflecting: “You’re a wealthy young lady. Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to watch shows, shop, and spend money instead of working as a reporter at a TV station, running around everywhere?”

“You can say that to your sister.”

“Ouch, I wouldn’t dare.”

Song Chengrui’s own sister, despite being born into wealth, chose to become a doctor, spending her days with surgical tools.

He resisted the urge to retort, knowing full well he wouldn’t win against Chi Suisui.

When Chi Suisui initially decided not to inherit the family business and instead study journalism, it caused a rift with her family. Her father was nearly driven to despair. But, being her biological daughter, what else could they do? They could only support her.

After hanging up the phone, Su Mian, seated across from her, voiced the same question.

Their desks were near the window, bathed in bright sunlight, casting Chi Suisui in a glow reminiscent of a meticulously crafted medieval painting.

Su Mian simply rested her chin on her hand, admiring the beauty.

Then she heard the otherworldly, melodious voice reply: “That kind of life is too plain and boring.”

Su Mian responded with an “Oh,” belatedly snapping out of her thoughts.

Too plain and boring?

Who wouldn’t want such a plain and unassuming life?

Perhaps affected by the revelation, Su Mian spent the entire day engrossed in writing articles.

After finishing work in the evening, the two of them headed back to campus. Today marked the 120th anniversary of S University, and they were only half a month away from graduation.

The sky hadn’t darkened yet, and the sunset’s orange-red hues mixed with the streetlights that had just flickered on.

S University had a long history, and its journalism department ranked number one nationwide. Countless renowned alumni had graduated from it, many becoming highly professional journalists.

The campus was adorned with ribbons and balloons.

They headed straight to the dean’s office, where a few others were present. Upon seeing them enter, greetings were exchanged.

Chi Suisui sat opposite, playing with her phone.

With the dean absent, everyone busied themselves with their phones, occasionally stealing glances at Chi Suisui.

Her features were strikingly vivid and three-dimensional – excessively beautiful. It seemed heaven favored her; even the slightest smirk conveyed a sense of confidence.

The title “Sui-senpai” suited her perfectly.

Strictly speaking, it was Su Mian who started calling her that.

Back in their sophomore year, Su Mian accidentally discovered that Chi Suisui was from a wealthy family. “Sui-senpai” was the nickname they gave her, fitting both her identity and demeanor.

This extraordinary title wasn’t something that could be explained in one instance.

At first, it circulated within their dormitory, then inadvertently spread outward, eventually becoming widely used throughout the department.

Minutes later, someone couldn’t hold back: “Suisui, let me ask – was that trending academic fraud news from a few days ago written by you?”

Su Mian nodded: “Yes, our Sui-senpai is so cool.”

Once the conversation started, it couldn’t stop.

“I saw it too. These past two days, the headlines have been exploding.”

“The other day, our editor-in-chief held a meeting. He practically said he wanted to recruit you to our station.”

Chi Suisui merely arched her brows slightly without elaborating.

Leaning back in her chair, she picked up a toothpick, speared a piece of watermelon, and popped it into her mouth. Sweetness spread across her tongue, the fruit juicy and refreshing.

Beside her, someone snorted: “What’s so great about this kind of news?”

The office abruptly fell silent.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Zhou Qingya continued: “What’s the difference between this and paparazzi? Exposing such matters isn’t real journalism. The interview our station is about to release will be the true scoop.”

People around frantically signaled her to stop, but it was futile.

There were many girls in the journalism department, and Chi Suisui excelled both in appearance and grades, beloved by teachers. Zhou Qingya had always been overshadowed, regardless of the aspect.

Now nearing graduation and entering the workforce, Zhou Qingya aimed to settle old scores. However, the first major news story ended up being Chi Suisui’s, causing quite the uproar.

Chi Suisui raised her eyes: “Congratulations, then.”

She gave an indifferent smile, yet even those who had been in the same school with her for nearly four years couldn’t help but feel their hearts race.

“How can you deny it? Aren’t you admitting it?”

“What am I admitting?” Chi Suisui wiped her hands with a tissue, her tone growing colder: “That you’re no match for me?”

“You—” Zhou Qingya was seething with anger.

“This is an office. Are you sure you want to argue?” Chi Suisui calmly countered, effectively shutting her down.

Before the other person could open her mouth, the office door was pushed open from the outside.

Two teachers entered: “What’s all this noise about? The department’s swamped, so come with me to prepare for the celebration.”

“What do we need to prepare, teacher?”

“Let’s head to the auditorium first.”

A group followed the teachers toward the auditorium.

Chi Suisui lagged behind, and Su Mian leaned over to whisper: “I just asked around. Do you know why Zhou Qingya’s so excited and confrontational toward you?”

Chi Suisui: “Why?”

Su Mian replied: “Didn’t she join a sports channel? She’s about to be assigned to interview a retired champion. No wonder she calls it big news.”

As they spoke, they arrived at the auditorium.

The ceremony hadn’t started yet, so only a small portion of attendees had arrived. Chi Suisui heard gasps of surprise emanating from the front.

The crowd parted, revealing a few individuals.

The man at the forefront was exceptionally tall and slender, exuding elegance. Standing beside the venerable old principal, his hands hung gracefully by his sides, his wrists delicate and white.

Chi Suisui’s gaze fixed on him.

His features were deep and handsome, his expression serious as he listened attentively, making it impossible to look away. Occasionally, he gave a slight nod.

The principal, proud of his distinguished student, asked cheerfully: “You’re back today? No training?”

He Xingwang furrowed his brows slightly and smiled: “No, I’m free today.”

His response was brief, his voice low and clear, resonating like a spring, leaving an impression on those nearby.

Su Mian clutched Chi Suisui’s arm.

She whispered: “He Shen actually came! Listen to me, Sui-senpai. If you can manage to interview him, anyone else, no matter how elegant, will have to take a backseat!”

Young and accomplished, with a prestigious background, He Xingwang had brought immense pride to the nation multiple times, achieving the grand slam in shooting. He boasted countless fans.

The media affectionately dubbed him “He Shen.” The queue of reporters hoping to interview him stretched endlessly, yet he rarely accepted interviews voluntarily.

And forget about novice journalists.

Hearing this, Zhou Qingya turned around with a sneer: “Do you really think someone like He Xingwang is available for just anyone to interview?”

Chi Suisui raised her eyes, locking gazes with the pair of dark pupils.

From not too far away, He Xingwang’s gaze swept past countless people, pausing on her.

Caught in his stare unexpectedly, Chi Suisui blinked slowly, unfazed as she silently mouthed: “He Xingwang.”

He Xingwang subtly narrowed his eyes, raising an eyebrow before shifting his gaze.

He then muttered something softly and joined the principal and other leaders in the front row of the auditorium.

“I feel like he was just looking this way.” Su Mian standing beside her exhaled deeply, shaking her head in disbelief: “I must be hallucinating.”

Chi Suisui’s lips curved slightly: “It’s not a hallucination.”

It was reality.

The teachers had begun organizing the upcoming activities, though most people were still processing the shock from earlier.

Chi Suisui pulled out her phone, lightly tapping the screen to unlock it. Opening WeChat, the chat interface displayed a familiar name at the top.

He Xingwang.