40 ☪ Hot Romance 40
Two days later, ZE Fashion’s 20th anniversary charity gala arrived as scheduled.
Outside the ZE Fashion Building, the fountain in the square shimmered under the constantly flashing lights, its surface rippling with reflections. The red carpet stretched from the steps all the way into the venue, with luxury cars lined up along the roadside in impressive array.
Less than two hours remained before the gala began. Entertainment reporters from various platforms and fans from far and wide had already gathered outside the ZE Fashion Building, armed with long lenses, cameras, and dazzling support light signs.
Tonight’s charity gala was destined to become the focus of the entire internet.
Song Chan arrived at the company early in the morning. She waited in the dressing room specially prepared for her by Lin Jinhe, her makeup and hair already done, and she had changed into onlyU’s red carpet gown.
She snapped a few quick selfies and posted them on Weibo for some promotion. She didn’t even have time to admire her own beauty before picking up the speech draft, its bottom edge crumpled and wrinkled, and repeating it over and over to memorize.
Perhaps due to excessive nervousness, even though she had written the draft herself, Song Chan stuttered every time she tried reciting it after so many repetitions.
“Oh my god! Chanchan! You’re too gorgeous!!!”
Qian Ya knocked and entered. She was stunned at first sight by Song Chan in the onlyU pink tulle gown, her jaw dropping as she gushed in admiration.
“Absolutely stunning. Once you step out today, no other female stars stand a chance.”
Being praised for her looks made Song Chan happy inside, but with so many people at the gala and all the chatter, it was better to stay humble.
“Not that exaggerated. Don’t hype me up.”
“Am I exaggerating?!” Qian Ya walked over and hooked a finger under Song Chan’s chin, tilting her head toward the mirror.
“Your red carpet makeup today ditches your usual vibrant style for pure killer vibes!”
“Chanchan, dare to bet? Once you hit the stage, hot search will have #Song Chan Stunning# or #Song Chan Girl Crush# for sure.”
Looking at herself in the mirror, even Song Chan couldn’t help swallowing. This style was her first attempt, and the effect was surprisingly good.
To match the onlyU pink gauze gown, ZE’s makeup artist had put considerable thought into her look. They used peach blossom makeup with a light pink nude base to soften her naturally bright features, then dotted a tear mole at the corner of her eye.
This light touch brought her entire makeup to life, blending brightness with freshness, gorgeousness with demure charm.
Song Chan had always thought her own makeup skills were decent, but professionals handled things best. Today’s styling was perfect beyond her imagination.
After listening to Qian Ya ramble on for a while, Song Chan realized she was supposed to oversee the gala proceedings. How did she have time to visit?
“Little Ya, are you done over there?”
“How could I be? So much to adjust…”
Recalling her earlier headache, Qian Ya couldn’t help complaining.
“One minute this teacher can’t follow that one on stage, the next this top idol has taboos about sitting with that artist. I’m about to lose it…”
Song Chan empathized completely. If not for her own red carpet duties, all that work would have been hers.
“So you’re hiding out with me?”
“Hiding? From what? Can I even escape it…”
Qian Ya pouted and sighed in resignation.
“I’m squeezing in to tell you the red carpet order is finalized. You’re second to last, right before Su Yicen. I’ll come find you before you go on…”
Her phone buzzed nonstop. Since Qian Ya had entered, it hadn’t been quiet for more than ten seconds.
With a bitter face, she shook her phone. Song Chan understood without a word.
Song Chan cupped her face and gently rubbed it. “Go on, baby. See you later.”
Qian Ya hadn’t even left the dressing room when Li Yuchuan rushed in without knocking, blocking the doorway.
“What’s the rush? Barging in without knocking—what if someone was changing?”
Scolded, Li Yuchuan had no time to explain, his anxiety plain on his face.
“Sorry, sorry, Chan Sister, Ya Sister. There’s a problem with the red carpet order adjustment.”
“Li Shuning’s side isn’t happy being placed before Chan Sister. They insist on going after her, even ahead of Su Yicen.”
“Her manager went straight to the big boss. Editor-in-Chief Lin’s already there, and from her vibe…”
“What!!”
Song Chan and Qian Ya exclaimed almost in unison.
Everyone in the circle knew Li Shuning’s team obsessed over status and was a handful.
But no one expected them to pull this right before the gala started—going over everyone’s head to the ZE Fashion big boss just for stage order.
And the real kicker: Lin Jinhe had gone too.
Everyone in the department knew Lin Jinhe’s temper. She was definitely there to argue.
Song Chan sighed inwardly. She knew it stemmed from the cover shoot grudge last time.
Su Yicen was the hottest artist around—no one dared steal his finale spot.
But Song Chan was different. Despite her recent buzz, she wasn’t really part of the entertainment circle. Li Shuning, on the other hand, was the sizzling hot traffic queen right now.
Her team picking this moment to demand a swap was pure pressure on ZE. Her attendance had been announced officially, and her fans were already on site. If she threw a tantrum and skipped, ZE would take the heat.
“So, what now?…”
Qian Ya turned to Song Chan. She was out of moves—Li Shuning’s side had bypassed her entirely and escalated to the top.
The air seemed to freeze. After a long silence, Song Chan decided to prioritize the company’s interests.
“Forget it…”
She grabbed Qian Ya’s wrist. “Red carpet’s in less than two hours—no room for mishaps. It’s just swapping order. Let her have it.”
“I’m already in the gown and can’t move easily. You and Little Li hurry and intercept Editor-in-Chief. Don’t let them blow up.”
Once they left to mediate, the dressing room fell empty again.
Song Chan’s already tense nerves frayed further from the drama.
Just then, her long-silent phone pinged with a WeChat notification. Thinking it was Qian Ya, Song Chan opened it quickly.
The top chat showed a new message from Next-Door Neighbor. Just two words.
Next-Door Neighbor: 【Where?】
Song Chan: 【You here? So early?】
Next-Door Neighbor: 【Mm. Where? I’ll come find you.】
She sent him the dressing room location. Moments later, a knock sounded—its rhythm so familiar it made her heart race. She’d heard that knock countless times at home.
“Come in. No one’s here.”
The door opened, and a tall figure slipped inside.
Song Chan looked up. He kept his head down, black baseball cap pulled low, brim shadowing most of his face. Only the sharp lines of his profile showed.
He hadn’t changed yet, still in casual sportswear, but it couldn’t hide his innate noble air.
Su Yicen tugged off his cap and lifted his eyes to Song Chan under the mirror lights. His gaze clearly froze for a moment.
He schooled the light in his eyes, staring deeply at her.
“Just wrapped a promo shoot, no time to change. Mind if I borrow Teacher Song’s… space?”
He enunciated carefully as he stepped closer.
“Teacher Song won’t mind, right?”
“I do.” Song Chan’s reply was firm.
Su Yicen curved his lips, tone gentle. “Mind all you want. Doesn’t count.”
His gaze roamed her body. It was his first time seeing her in a gown—his heart pounded uncontrollably.
His eyes swept her neck and shoulders, where prominent collarbones held a thin chain. Hanging from it was the sunflower pendant he’d given her.
The pendant was lovely, but she could have picked something more exquisite for her gown. Yet she’d chosen this.
Su Yicen’s fingertip traced her collarbone, his dark eyes full of expectation. “Teacher Song’s wearing this pendant because of me?”
This was her company! A chaotic charity gala day!
Song Chan whipped around in panic. “Forgot to borrow from the brand. Don’t flatter yourself.”
His response was a tight embrace from behind.
Their bodies pressed close. Through layers of fabric, Song Chan felt the fierce thump of Su Yicen’s heart.
Tension heightened every sense. Amid chaotic breaths and heartbeats, she even heard footsteps outside.
Panicked yet reluctant to push him away, she whispered urgently. “Su Yicen, tons of people outside!”
Her lack of refusal told him everything.
Su Yicen lowered his head, burying it in her neck. His warm breath scorched her skin, sending her heart into palpitations.
His soft lips brushed a gentle, lingering kiss on her neck—tender, but stopping short.
That prickling itch lingered, scratching at her heart.
She tried to squirm free but couldn’t budge.
She tried again verbally. “Su Yicen, so many people outside. We’ll get caught…”
He paid no mind, like punishment, raining more featherlight kisses on her earlobe and neck—carefully avoiding her makeup.
His voice came out hoarse, desire thick. “Really want to devour you…”
“Su Yicen! What did you say?”
His words nearly snapped her taut nerves.
Cowed, he backpedaled smoothly. “I mean, we’re a legal couple. What’s there to fear?”
The counterquestion left her speechless.
Seizing the gap, Su Yicen added, “I like you.”
His deep voice wrapped around her ear, his arm tightening around her waist as if to melt her into him.
She replied, “I know.”
She knew—from every gaze he directed at her, his intense affection shone clear.
Su Yicen hummed in satisfaction and pressed. “And you?”
Her heart trembled under his teasing. Song Chan blinked, hesitating on how to respond.
“I…”