On the third day, the photos of Tao Xinglai’s abs were finally edited.

Brother Qiang selected nine pictures. “I’ve sent them to your WeChat. Next Wednesday at 8 PM, post them on Weibo.”

Tao Xinglai flipped through them one by one. “Qiang-er, there’s something off about these photos.”

He pointed at the screen. “My butt is completely exposed? Didn’t I wear pants?”

Brother Qiang responded bluntly, “Photoshopped out. It’s more eye-catching this way.”

“Eye-catching my ass,” Tao Xinglai groaned, feeling utterly disheartened. “Are you ruining my life? I have elderly parents and an older sister. If people I know see this, they’ll beat me up.”

Brother Qiang snorted dismissively. “If you don’t land any gigs soon, I’m going to beat you up. Besides, sacrificing a little skin for the sake of supporting your family isn’t a big deal.”

“You’re such a bad person; it’s clear you didn’t study hard when you were young.” Tao Xinglai stared at these eye-searing photos and said, “If we post these, I might get flagged by the cyber police.”

“Why would they flag you?”

“Because it’s so damn good-looking!” Tao Xinglai thought for a moment. “Isn’t this just the epitome of being a shameless flirt?”

Brother Qiang was about to lose his mind. “We didn’t expose anything else! How can you be so ungrateful! Remember: post at 8 PM sharp. We’ve already scheduled the promotion slot.”

Half reluctantly, Tao Xinglai considered using Meitu Xiuxiu to cover up some parts.

The crack of his butt definitely couldn’t be shown—it would be outright lewd.

Just then, Brother Qiang’s phone rang. It was the boss.

He quickly answered, “Hello? President Xu, what are your instructions?”

After listening for a while, Brother Qiang’s eyes widened like a bull’s. “What? An LS advertisement? I understand, I understand. Yes, yes, we’ll make sure to be on time.”

Tao Xinglai muttered under his breath, “Always overreacting. You’re not mature at all. If you were placed in a steakhouse, you’d barely qualify as medium-rare.”

After hanging up, Brother Qiang excitedly hugged Tao Xinglai. “Tao-er! We’ve got an advertising gig!”

Hearing this, Tao Xinglai exclaimed, “Oh my god, I’m going to be famous!”

“Well...” Brother Qiang hesitated to burst his bubble but said gently, “There’s still a possibility.”

“What kind of ad is it?”

“LS’s latest sunglasses collection!” Brother Qiang still couldn’t believe it. “It’s an international brand—how did they end up choosing you?”

“That’s such an amateurish thing to say.” Tao Xinglai was indignant. “I’ve been wearing Adidas since I was a kid, aligning with international standards.”

Brother Qiang calmed down somewhat and wondered aloud, “And they contacted the company first, specifically requesting you.”

In truth, Tao Xinglai wasn’t particularly interested in shooting advertisements; his ultimate goal was to become the Best Actor.

“Why did you just blindly agree to the timing without checking if I’m available?”

Brother Qiang replied, “You’re free until the Dragon Boat Festival. Frankly, if you don’t get any work by tomorrow, I’m signing you up for something.”

“For what?”

“The Dragon Boat Race. My uncle’s boat team.”

Tao Xinglai was thrilled. “Qiang-er, you’re too good to me! I think I’d make a perfect mascot for the boat team!”

Brother Qiang: “???”

________________________________________

The LS advertisement photo shoot was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Although he had known beforehand that he would be playing a supporting role alongside several male models, Tao Xinglai still felt a bit bitter once he arrived on set.

The other four male models were tall, handsome, blond-haired, and blue-eyed. Most importantly, each of them had eight-pack abs!

Tao Xinglai, who prided himself on his stunning looks, found himself humbled in the face of their abs.

Because he didn’t have any. Wasn’t this forcing him to become a shameful boy?

Since the brand wanted to keep the identity of their new product spokesperson a secret, everyone had signed confidentiality agreements before the shoot. The true identity of the spokesperson would only be revealed when filming began.

As required, Tao Xinglai stripped off his shirt, wearing loose jeans that revealed a quarter of his underwear waistband.

First, they shot the male models’ hardcover photos.

Positioning, lighting adjustments, fine-tuning angles.

“Tao Xinglai, move to the back; don’t block Tony’s waist.”

“Move further back; don’t obstruct Tom’s legs.”

“Stand sideways, yes, turn your face away—I don’t want to capture your face.”

Because he lacked abs, he became undesirable.

This world obsessed with muscles left Tao Xinglai feeling utterly hopeless.

During the break, he complained to Brother Qiang, “They should have just hired five male models in the first place. Why did they bother with me? Do handsome people really have to endure such discrimination?”

Brother Qiang sighed. “Oh please, I hate how you always manage to slip in a compliment about yourself. This is a big brand—a rare opportunity. Who told you not to work out? Now you regret not having muscles when you need them.”

Tao Xinglai sulked. “They’re bullying me. They won’t let me show my face or my thighs. I may not have abs, but my pecs are pretty nice. My heart feels so heavy.”

As they chatted animatedly, a light laugh came from behind.

It was a woman.

Tao Xinglai turned around cautiously. “Who’s there?”

Brother Qiang’s mouth dropped open when he recognized her. Isn’t that Qiao Shu?

Qiao Shu stood two meters away, her hands lazily crossed, dressed in a simple yet elegant white bodycon dress that accentuated her natural beauty.

She gazed at Tao Xinglai with an amused smile.

Seeing a familiar face, Tao Xinglai was delighted. “Hey, we meet again! Are you here to do makeup? Don’t you have an impersonation show today?”

Li Xiaoqiang gasped.

Qiao Shu’s smile widened. “Yes, I’m here to do your makeup. Same routine as last time, okay?”

Not wanting to suffer any more humiliation, Tao Xinglai readily agreed. “Absolutely!”

He skillfully lifted his shirt.

Li Xiaoqiang nearly suffocated—how dare he act so casually in front of the Best Actress?

But...

Qiao Shu walked over effortlessly, pulling out the eyebrow pencil she had prepared earlier.

Tao Xinglai stuck out his butt and thrust his abdomen forward like firing a cannon.

“I forgot to tell you last time—you must have graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Those rice paddies you drew were beautiful.”

Qiao Shu’s laughter was melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate. “Really? If you like it, I can draw them for you more often.”

“No need. I overate during my vacation, eating stewed goose every day. Give me half a month, and those geese will regurgitate my abs.”

Qiao Shu laughed so hard her hand trembled. She looked up at him, exhaling slowly. “You’re really amusing.”

Beside them, Li Xiaoqiang was practically petrified.

When did these two hook up?!

Tao Xinglai asked, “By the way, what place did you get in that impersonation show last time?”

Qiao Shu playfully raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond.

Li Xiaoqiang couldn’t take it anymore. He pinched Tao Xinglai hard and whispered in a low voice, “Are you tired of living?! Do you know who she is?! Qiao Shu! Qiao Shu! Qiao Shu!”

Tao Xinglai wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Qiang-er, did you eat garlic again at lunch?”

After finishing drawing the abs, Qiao Shu left.

The shoot continued.

Tao Xinglai stood shirtless among the four male models, waiting for the spokesperson to arrive.

Suddenly, an assistant ran over. “Little Tao, later you’ll be taking a photo with the spokesperson. This will be on the poster, so take it seriously!”

Tao Xinglai was puzzled. “Me?”

At the entrance of the studio, there was a commotion—the spokesperson had arrived!

Tao Xinglai craned his neck and nearly lost his composure.

“Qiao Shu in the flesh?” That’s great! They could call over the impersonator makeup artist for an on-the-spot reunion.

But this outfit and styling—it was exactly the same as the makeup artist’s from earlier.

Tao Xinglai rubbed his double eyelids. “Oh my god, no way.”

Qiao Shu walked up to him, her expression calm. “Already forgetting who I am?”

Tao Xinglai blinked rapidly.

Being taller, Qiao Shu had to slightly tilt her head upward to meet his gaze, then smiled—

“Surprised? Happy? Excited?”

Tao Xinglai accused her. “What’s wrong with you? You didn’t tell me the truth. Do you have some sort of hidden role-playing fetish?”

Qiao Shu raised an eyebrow and coolly instructed, “Let’s start shooting.”

“Miss Qiao, let’s warm up first. You can place your hand on the male model’s shoulder,” the photographer, Jiji, enthusiastically suggested.

Qiao Shu curled her fingers slightly and professionally followed the instructions. Sensing her partner’s unease, she softly said, “Nervous? You’re getting goosebumps.”

Tao Xinglai could only focus on how fragrant she smelled.

The theme of this shoot was nature, so Qiao Shu’s outfit was quite revealing.

With Tao Xinglai shirtless, they quickly got into character.

Qiao Shu stood face-to-face with Tao Xinglai.

Click.

Click.

From behind, Tao Xinglai wrapped his arms around Qiao Shu.

Click.

Click.

Suddenly, Qiao Shu’s palm touched Tao Xinglai’s chest.

Tao Xinglai froze. “I, we need to use this pose?”

Qiao Shu nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

When she worked, she was serious, professional, and extremely aloof.

Her hand moved over his body, constantly changing angles, striving to find the most precise shooting position.

Qiao Shu’s hands were soft, and her palms were a little hot. His upper body was thoroughly explored by her touch.

Finally, Qiao Shu placed her hand over his heart.

A fervent beat.

Qiao Shu raised her eyes. “Are you hot?”

Sweat beaded on Tao Xinglai’s forehead. He shook his head. “No, not hot. Just a fast metabolism.”

Qiao Shu said, “I’ll keep my hand here. The shooting effect will be more outstanding. You put on sunglasses, my hand will move up, then hook the sunglasses down and dangle them on your fingertip, understand?”

Tao Xinglai had to admire her. As expected of a movie queen, so professional.

Qiao Shu started along his buttons, all the way up, collarbone, Adam’s apple, gently, slowly.

Finally, her index finger traced his chin, the barely visible stubble slightly rough against her skin.

Tao Xinglai’s breathing became a little erratic, his breaths slightly out of rhythm.

Qiao Shu suddenly leaned closer, using the angle to brush past his face.

That fleeting touch, like a feather fan sweeping across his heart.

Tao Xinglai was completely dazed.

Qiao Shu curved her lips, her tone meaningful, lowering her voice to say, “Well maintained.”

Like adding charcoal to a stove, Tao Xinglai’s face flushed crimson in an instant.

The photographer gestured. “Especially beautiful! Let’s take a break and shoot the next set.”

It wasn’t until Qiao Shu’s soft-waisted figure walked away that Tao Xinglai realized.

He seemed to have been teased.

The entire filming was completed, and it was already ten o’clock in the evening.

Qiao Shu was surrounded by people, and she didn’t even have a chance to say a word to Tao Xinglai.

Li Xiaoqiang had already gone home to play video games. Anyway, Tao Xinglai wasn’t famous, so the company didn’t provide him with a private car for pick-up.

He whistled and went to the parking lot to get his car.

The parking lot was very quiet. As he walked to the car door, suddenly a voice called out, “Hey!”

Tao Xinglai was so startled that he hugged his chest. “Who is it?”

Qiao Shu popped her head out from behind the car. “Unexpected? Surprising? Happy?”

Tao Xinglai: “My god! Movie Queen, you’re so playful, playing hide-and-seek.”

Qiao Shu mocked his posture. “What are you doing? Still protecting your chest.”

“You gave me psychological trauma just now.” Tao Xinglai felt very shy. “By the way, why are you here? Where are your bodyguards?”

Qiao Shu tilted her head and said with a smile, “Work’s over. Why don’t you take me to get something to eat? I’m hungry.”

She walked around to the passenger seat familiarly, opened the car door, and sat down.

Tao Xinglai felt dizzy. “You’re the Movie Queen!”

“I want to drink milk tea, and I also want to eat fried pork fillet.”

“...”

Tao Xinglai had no choice but to drive her away.

The jeep drove towards the city center.

Qiao Shu frowned. “I can’t go to crowded places.”

Tao Xinglai pulled over to the side of the road. “I know, you’re the Movie Queen. Sit tight, I’ll go buy it for you.”

Anyway, he wasn’t famous.

Qiao Shu watched his figure walk further and further away on the late-night snack street. The city was bustling, the smell of cooking oil wafted in the air. Tao Xinglai stood with his hands on his hips, and judging by his posture, he was probably haggling with the boss.

Through the car window, the reflected light gathered on Qiao Shu’s curved lips.

The most beautiful thing in the world is still the breath of everyday life.

Tao Xinglai came back carrying a full bag.

“Milk tea, grilled skewers, chicken legs, pork fillet.” Tao Xinglai said, “Eat quickly, and I’ll take you back after you’re done.”

Qiao Shu didn’t respond.

Tao Xinglai asked, “By the way, why did you lie to me the first time?”

“You were the one who mistook me.” Qiao Shu drank her milk tea leisurely. “Are you even in the industry?”

“I haven’t even been on the same stage as you.” Tao Xinglai said, “The studio upstairs was full of knock-offs. I thought you had run out from there.”

He kept rambling on, and suddenly, something was stuffed into his mouth.

Qiao Shu stretched out her arm and held the milk tea to his lips, the straw fitting perfectly.

Tao Xinglai gasped and took a big gulp of milk tea.

Qiao Shu said nonchalantly, “Not very tasty.”

Tao Xinglai swallowed with a “gulp.”

He then realized that Qiao Shu had just drunk that milk tea. They had just indirectly kissed!

The Movie Queen’s thoughts were a bit hard to guess.

Tao Xinglai changed the subject, clearing his throat twice. “I forgot, I still have photos to post on Weibo.”

The rogue photos his manager had instructed him to take.

Qiao Shu tilted her head, her gaze falling on his phone, immediately seeing half of a buttock exposed.

She frowned, subconsciously reaching out, flicking her index finger, and Tao Xinglai’s phone was flicked to the ground.

“What are you doing?!” Tao Xinglai panicked.

Qiao Shu’s voice was calm. “You want to be famous?”

“Nonsense.” Tao Xinglai bent down to pick up his phone. “Girls shouldn’t be so rough, use your ‘One Finger Flick’ less.”

Qiao Shu didn’t speak.

While Tao Xinglai was opening Weibo and adding photos one by one, she also took out her phone.

They each did their own thing.

For the last photo, Tao Xinglai finished adding it and was just about to post it.

His phone suddenly vibrated wildly, like some kind of unidentified egg.

“Heavens.” Tao Xinglai’s palms went numb from the vibrations.

The like and comment notifications below Weibo were frantically accumulating at a rate of hundreds per second.

He had never seen such a sight before.

Qiao Shu, on the other hand, was very calm, quietly gnawing on a chicken leg.

Tao Xinglai tremblingly clicked on the comments. His eyes widened—

One minute ago, Qiao Shu had liked his pure photo of him wearing a down jacket and looking at the snow scene.

And left a comment: “The person is more beautiful than the scenery.”

Qiao Shu’s Weibo had sixty million die-hard fans. Her updates were few, and she rarely even promoted her new movies. She was aloof, cool, and her persona had a very high-class vibe.

Such an ambiguous and proactive move from her made her fans explode.

Tao Xinglai’s phone battery instantly dropped to only 20% due to the vibrations.

He opened his mouth wide. “Y-you, you, what do you want to do?”

Qiao Shu didn’t know what she wanted to do either.

It was just that when she saw that he was going to post a photo of his bare butt to the public, a fire ignited in her heart.

She continued to gnaw on the chicken leg, saying lightly, “Didn’t you want to be famous?”

Tao Xinglai: “...” He had long heard that Movie Queen Qiao was unconventional. Seeing was truly believing.

Qiao Shu suddenly put down the chicken leg and asked calmly, “Don’t you think I’m very special?”

Tao Xinglai was still confused. “Special in what way?”

Qiao Shu’s brow furrowed slightly, a sudden impulse surging through her heart.

She turned her head, looking directly at him, a half-smile playing on her lips, both real and unreal.

She said softly, “Especially like you.”

A tsunami erupted in Tao Xinglai’s heart.

A monologue spontaneously came to his mind—

“I’m very fine, you might be a little fucked up. Isn’t it summer? Why are the peach blossoms blooming everywhere?!”