◎Heartthrob◎
His steady voice brought Song Chan endless peace of mind.
The hand beneath her was pulled into Su Yicen’s cape by him, where no one else could see, and he secretly gripped it tight, passing his strength to her.
Su Yicen tightened his grip on her soft little hand.
“It’s fine. No need to panic.”
His words were simple yet full of power, giving her a complete sense of security.
Song Chan let out a breath of relief as her panic subsided. She turned to him and thanked him sincerely.
Calling him “Teacher Su” felt too formal this time, so she used his name.
“Su… Su Yicen, thank you.”
Whenever she said “thank you,” Su Yicen’s response was always that meaningful line.
His deep eyes fixed on her, dark currents surging within them.
“You know I’m very greedy.”
“One thank you is far from enough to satisfy me…”
Her heart pounded loudly, echoing in Song Chan’s ears.
This time, it wasn’t panic. The feeling was somewhat unfamiliar.
It was like… a heartthrob.
—
The dressing room door was open.
Having been warned off earlier, Li Yuchuan knocked politely before entering this time.
“Chan Sister, the Charity Gala is starting. The first red carpet guest has already taken the stage. Let’s head to the waiting area to prepare.”
She stood close to Su Yicen, her body nearly pressed against his. Half of Song Chan’s arm was hidden under his cape, undetectable from outside.
Before pulling her hand free from under the cape, she gave his large hand a quick pinch in return.
It was a temporary farewell and a transfer of confidence.
He turned his head, his lips moving. Though he made no sound, Song Chan understood his meaning.
“Good luck.”
At some point, they had grown so in sync that a single glance or gesture from the other conveyed everything.
What had to come would come. Even though her heart was nearly jumping out of her throat, as ZE Fashion’s image representative for this gala, Song Chan couldn’t afford to lose face for the company.
She held her breath, steadied her breathing, and nodded to Li Yuchuan.
“Let’s go.”
Alongside ZE Fashion’s 20th anniversary Charity Gala, the live stream across major platforms kicked off simultaneously.
Tonight’s event at the ZE Fashion Building was destined to be the center of attention across the web.
Even from the waiting area, she could hear the fans’ waves of screams outside. The site wasn’t the only hot spot—hot search terms were packed with everything related to ZE Fashion’s Charity Gala.
Song Chan’s red carpet slot was third from last, making the wait the most agonizing.
Unlike celebrities with full entourages, Song Chan only had Li Yuchuan, who was temporarily free, by her side.
Sitting too rigidly had made her straight back start to ache.
After what felt like forever, as her taut nerves began to loosen from fatigue, Song Chan shifted to ease the stiffness in her back—and that’s when Li Yuchuan came rushing over in a fluster.
“Chan Sister, it’s your turn.”
Having simmered her emotions while watching stars come and go from the waiting room, Song Chan exhaled. She knew she couldn’t dodge it. She stood in her sky-high heels and rubbed her stiff back.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t nervous, but the moment she stepped onto the red carpet, she cast aside all her mixed feelings.
The instant her foot touched the carpet, Song Chan mastered her expression. Her red lips curved into a bright, captivating smile. She faced the live stream cameras with poise.
Under the dazzling spotlights and cheering fans, Song Chan made a stunning appearance in her onlyU pink chiffon gown. The flashing magnesium lights made her already fair skin glow even more tenderly.
In her pink dress, Song Chan cut through the darkness like a beam of pink light. When the lights focused on her, the entire venue quieted for a moment as all eyes locked onto her.
But the silence lasted only briefly before erupting into even fiercer screams. Even the photographers, who had seen countless female stars, were stunned by Song Chan’s look that night.
One photographer couldn’t help exclaiming: (Ugh—from my years in the industry, I’ve shot at least eighty if not a hundred female stars. I thought I’d be immune by now, but damn, that editor just blew me away.)
A nearby photographer chimed in: (My boss told me to focus on Li Shuning, but I got carried away, and now my camera memory’s running low…)
Another added: (Think I could quit and apply at ZE to work with that beauty editor? Nothing else—just wanna collaborate.)
The red carpet impact far exceeded Song Chan’s expectations, steadying her anxious heart.
She paused gracefully at the promotional board, striking several poses for the cameras with elegant confidence. No trace of her earlier nerves remained.
Finally, she signed her name, completing the full red carpet process.
Song Chan’s entrance sent the already buzzing million-viewer live stream into overdrive, with comments flooding in and causing repeated lags.
Yuni Bobo Just Bobo: 【Oh my god! I waited all night for Song Chan! She’s so gorgeous, prettier than tons of female stars. Her last live interview blew me away too! (drooling)】
Dig Dig Dig: 【Who gets it! Beauty sis’s two-minute appearance, and I’ve got 100+ screenshots in my album.】
Did You Get Hungry Today: 【Wuuu, Chanchan is so beautiful. Can she act? Give Domestic Entertainment a eye-candy drama!】
Obsessed with Digging and Planting: 【Aaaah! Song Chan is stunning. Thought her glamorous style wouldn’t suit me, but she rocks fresh and sweet too.】
Cola Chicken Wings Hot Rice: 【I’m a fan, total fan! From today, I’m sister’s person.】
Off the red carpet, Qian Ya was waiting for her as expected.
Her joy was plain on her face. Qian Ya threw open her arms and hugged Song Chan tightly, not hiding her delight.
Her voice was exaggeratedly loud, drawing glances from other backstage staff.
“My Chanchan! You’re amazing! You totally stole my heart!”
“You have no idea—the live stream exploded! Everyone’s raving about how gorgeous you are…”
Halfway through the Charity Gala tasks done now that the red carpet was over, and with great live feedback, Song Chan’s mood soared.
Not bragging—it was just fact: “Isn’t it normal for them to say I’m pretty?”
Qian Ya held a tablet, monitoring the live stream while keeping track of the red carpet order.
“Totally normal! Totally! Our Chanchan is the prettiest!”
The screams from Song Chan’s exit hadn’t faded when a new wave of cheers rose.
Both knew Li Shuning was next on the red carpet.
Li Shuning was Domestic Entertainment’s hottest rising flower idol these past two years—top-tier in buzz and popularity.
She lacked proven acting chops but had a hit drama propping her up, holding solid status in the Entertainment Circle. Audience hype for her look was second only to Su Yicen and Zhou Chiyu.
Song Chan halted her departure as Li Shuning took the stage.
Having learned their gown styles clashed, she couldn’t help but worry.
Spotting the concern on her face, Qian Ya asked, “Wanna take a look?”
Her silence was assent. They stopped, and Qian Ya pulled Song Chan to the wings.
From there, they had a perfect view of Li Shuning posing on the carpet.
Qian Ya blurted the truth at first sight.
“She’s pretty, sure, and clever—hiking up the hem to show leg, but…”
Qian Ya glanced around, lowered her voice, and whispered to Song Chan.
“That dress of hers is way too similar to yours in style, and coming after you? Totally crushed.”
“Looks just like… a seller’s show versus a buyer’s show…”
As she spoke, the tablet’s two-minute-delayed live stream hit Li Shuning’s entrance.
The barrage shifted from Song Chan awe to weird vibes.
Fish Head Blockhead: 【Am I seeing things? Li Shuning and Song Chan in the same gown? Back-to-back?】
Marilyn Monroe: 【Witnessing Domestic Entertainment history! How weird—clashing red carpet looks? And somehow, this big star doesn’t outshine the editor sis (sneaky laugh)】
Head Hurts, Feels Like I’m Growing a Brain: 【Look closely—they’re not identical. SC’s gown is way more refined than LSN’s, with that fine glitter tulle on the hem. Not even comparable.】
Typing All Day Ji: 【So Song Chan single-handedly slays and outshines Li Shuning.】
Nearly Fell in Love: 【Hey~ Where are those Lemon stans spamming for LSN’s look? Not speaking up now? Can’t blame me for laughing—it’s hilarious.】
Song Chan watched the comments stone-faced, a hint of gravity in her eyes.
Even if the tide favored her, she knew these could spark needless drama.
Compared to her calm, Qian Ya’s glee was obvious, forgetting the bustling backstage.
Unable to hold back, she laughed aloud, body shaking.
Qian Ya shoved the tablet at Song Chan.
“Chanchan, check this—netizens are geniuses.”
“I’d at most call it a knockoff, but they said her leg flash looks like a skinned frog. Hahaha…”
Hearing that, Song Chan looked up—just as Li Shuning came off the carpet.
Her gaze swept the deliberately parted skirt, landing on Li Shuning’s exposed pale legs.
Song Chan couldn’t help picturing a bubbling frog hotpot.
She stifled a chuckle.
Feeling a sharp glare boring into her as the woman passed, Song Chan didn’t dare look up.
Only after she vanished did Qian Ya exhale.
“Almost suffocated—didn’t dare breathe.”
“Chanchan, we’re done for. Li Shuning’s stare was pure daggers…”
“I…” Before Qian Ya finished, thunderous cheers exploded like lightning.
Even the live stream barrage blanketed the screen.
No need to guess—Su Yicen was on.
Li Shuning was offended for sure; overthinking it now was pointless. One step at a time.
Song Chan grabbed Qian Ya’s wrist. “Enough watching. Let’s go change. Banquet’s soon.”
Qian Ya nodded, but her eyes stuck on the screen.
“Chanchan, isn’t that suit you styled for Su Yicen?”
Song Chan didn’t deny it. “What’s up?”
“So… you clipped a flower by his ear?”
Song Chan blinked, then caught on.
She glanced at the live feed: the aloof, noble man in champagne sequin cape, with matching cloud-pattern suit peeking through.
Spotlights flashed relentlessly, making the already radiant Su Yicen seem even more unattainable.
And by his ear, next to the silver metal clip, bloomed a half-open pink rose.
She hadn’t expected her casual act to have this Top Idol pick up the flower and wear it there.