Sunday morning.
The rising sun crept up the walls of a public rental housing building in the South District, peeking through the windows of an east-facing sixth-floor room.
Inside, a black cat scurried back and forth on the wooden floor before finally settling by the bathroom door. Sitting upright, it let out an adorable ow.
"ow~"
"Almost done, ow-chan."
Standing in front of the sink, Yan Huan had already dressed for the day’s outing. He wore a loose navy-blue checkered shirt over a plain white T-shirt, paired with black cargo pants.
Setting down the razor, he splashed his clean-shaven, sharp-jawed face with warm water before exhaling a breath of hot air. Then, he grabbed the hair dryer.
Whirrr!
With alternating hot and cold air, he dried and styled his damp hair into a striking look that perfectly complented his features.
"ow~"
ow-chan leapt lightly onto his shoulder, blinking at the handso young man in the mirror.
"Well, this is rare. You’re actually putting in effort today, ow."
The cat’s long black tail swished past his earlobe before perking up high.
"Of course. Today isn’t just a Student Council bonding event... Bai Yi will be there too, right?"
"ow~"
After one last glance at the mirror, Yan Huan hung up the hair dryer and walked out of the bathroom.
"Alright, all set. Ti to head out."
He slipped on his shoes, grabbed his breakfast, and stepped out the door.
Carrying no bulky items, Yan Huan needed only his phone, Bluetooth earphones, wallet, and house keys. Oh, and the ticket he’d prepared for Ying Gong Tong.
Munching on a pork floss bun he’d picked up from the convenience store after work the night before, he opened Plane to ssage Yaqiao Mu.
Starting with a cat emoji that shook its head, he typed:
"I’m heading out now. I’ll get to the subway station near your place, and then we can go together."
"OK."
A reply ca in the form of a 2D ani blonde girl with oversized assets giving a thumbs-up.
Next, Yan Huan sent a ssage to the group chat:
"Yaqiao and I are on our way. Let’s et at 8:30 at the Golden Lion Convention Center in Jinghe District."
With everyone confirming the plan, he slipped on one earphone, put on so music, and walked to the nearest subway station.
The walk took about ten minutes, passing the shuttered Nursery Rhy Pub along the way. At this hour—just past 7 a.m.—Tong Yingying was probably still asleep.
Finishing his bun and downing a carton of milk, he disposed of the packaging in a trash can near the station entrance. Scanning his phone to enter, he boarded Line 11 toward Jinghe District, getting off after one stop near Yaqiao Mu’s place.
"Ding-dong! Nanwu Street Station."
At the exit, he didn’t wait long before spotting Yaqiao Mu hurrying over.
"President!!"
Looking up from his phone, Yan Huan saw a breathless Yaqiao Mu rushing toward him with visible excitent.
The guy wore a gray T-shirt, a massive backpack, and held two stuffed paper bags—one in each hand. Already winded from carrying so much, his decision to wear a mask had nearly suffocated him.
"Hah... hah... President..."
"Running with a mask on? Seriously? Take it off and catch your breath."
Yan Huan patted him on the back and watched as Yaqiao Mu peeled off the mask for air. His attention shifted to the bulging bags.
"What’s all this? You’re lugging so much stuff."
Still panting, Yaqiao Mu opened one bag slightly to show him.
"These? Snacks to give out to cosplayers, light sticks, posters for Ai-chan to sign... And this one’s got stationery, mats, water, bread, power banks... The cara gear’s in my backpack for taking photos later."
"That’s... a lot."
Raising an eyebrow, Yan Huan pulled out a wand-like object from one of the bags.
"What’s this?"
Seeing him grab it, Yaqiao Mu’s expression shifted as he hurriedly warned, "Wait! President, don’t press the button! Your finger!"
But it was too late. Yan Huan’s hand had already touched a small button on the device, activating it.
A voice emanated from the wand:
"Can I take your photo? Thank you."
Pressing the button again:
"Can we take a picture together? Thanks."
One more press:
"Can I add you as a friend on Plane? Thanks."
All recordings were in Yaqiao Mu’s voice.
"..."
Yan Huan stared blankly at the “voice wand,” then at Yaqiao Mu, who sheepishly scratched the back of his head before snatching the wand back.
"Social anxiety, okay? I get nervous asking cosplayers for pictures, so I recorded these phrases in advance. Just press a button and let it do the talking."
"You’re... impressively prepared."
"Been to enough conventions. If anything, President, you’re the one who’s underprepared."
Adjusting his glasses, Yaqiao Mu studied Yan Huan before pointing at him in disbelief.
"Hey, what’s with your outfit? You look like a normie. You’re practically glowing with popularity—it doesn’t match my vibe at all..."
As he spoke, realization seed to dawn on him. Clutching his head, he gasped dramatically.
"Wait. Now that I think about it, the whole Student Council is full of normies. How have I survived this long? Have I... betrayed my kind?!"
"You’re just now figuring that out? From the mont you beca my campaign partner last sester, we’d already started evolving past goblins, young man."
"Goblins?! What’s that supposed to an?"
At Yuanyue International High School, the Student Council elections paired candidates into campaign teams to compete for the positions of President and Vice President. The winning duo automatically assud those roles, with other positions appointed later.
Of course, one could also run solo. As long as they managed all campaign tasks and secured votes, the Vice President could be nominated post-election.
But why hadn’t Yaqiao Mu beco Vice President?
Two reasons.
First, his crippling social anxiety made him avoid public attention. During the campaign, he handled everything behind the scenes, leaving the impression that Yan Huan was running alone. Despite frequent ntions of Yaqiao Mu’s contributions—like top-notch presentations, coding, and animations—most people remained unaware of him.
Second, the school played favorites. Enter Ying Gong Tong.
Yan Huan vividly recalled Principal Hers grinning ear-to-ear, enthusiastically recomnding Ying Gong Tong for Vice President.
"Ding-dong~ Subway approaching. Please allow passengers to exit before boarding."
The subway arrived, and Yan Huan led the existentially spiraling Yaqiao Mu aboard.
The car wasn’t crowded, so they found seats.
A ssage popped up in the Student Council group chat.
Ying Gong Tong: "I’m here. Waiting near the Golden Lion Convention Center station."
Yaqiao Mu clicked his tongue. "Of course she’s early. Rich kids, man."
"With her own driver, no less."
Yan Huan chuckled, replying with a cat emoji.
His mind drifted. Bai Yi’s appearance was scheduled for 2 PM, when the venue would be at its peak capacity. She likely wasn’t even there yet, so Yan Huan decided to reach out closer to noon and plan from there.
As they neared the Golden Lion Convention Center, the subway filled with peers in cosplay outfits.
"Golden Lion Convention Center East Station."
Stepping off the subway, Yan Huan and Yaqiao Mu erged into the sunlight. It washed over Yan Huan’s face as he looked up.
A colossal structure lood ahead, crowned by a golden lion emblem that gazed down imperiously.
Flanking the entrance were flag-adorned light poles, showcasing gaming brands, ani characters, and promotional posters of influencers and celebrities.
The bustling chatter of the young crowd rged into a vibrant energy that mirrored the sun’s morning warmth.
This was the Jinghe District’s Golden Lion Comic-Con.
"Let’s go!"
Yaqiao Mu raised a fist, brimming with inexplicable enthusiasm.
"Excited much? All this for Ai-chan?"
"President, over here!"
Just as Yan Huan sarcastically retorted and prepared to ssage Ying Gong Tong, a familiar voice pierced through the noise.
Startled, he turned toward the sound.
Standing by a railing was a stunning girl dressed in a Gothic Lolita outfit. Her jet-black hair was tied into a ribbon-like bow, and she held a parasol to shield herself from the sun.
Though so rays managed to sneak past, illuminating her fair skin and framing her ethereal, cherry-tinted hair tips in the breeze.
When Yan Huan approached, Ying Gong Tong greeted him with a soft smile.
Her gaze swept across him, and it was as if her eyes emitted laser beams, leaving the surrounding n in retreat, blushing and flustered.
It was none other than Ying Gong Tong, the Vice President of Yuanyue Student Council.
Yan Huan, leading Yaqiao Mu, paused for a mont as he took in Ying Gong Tong’s outfit.
It was a direct hit to Yan Huan’s weak spot—absolute, overwhelming cuteness.
One thousand percent adorable. That was Ying Gong Tong today.
"...Ying Gong, you’re early."
"Ah, since my house isn’t far, I was worried there might be traffic with so many people heading here, so I asked the driver to leave early," she replied with a light laugh.
Noticing the dazed look in Yan Huan’s eyes, her expression remained poised, but inwardly, she bead with satisfaction. Perfect execution!
Ying Gong Tong’s early arrival was entirely calculated. She had scouted the best spot near the subway entrance to stand for ten minutes, carefully striking the perfect pose.
She envisioned the mont Yan Huan erged from the dim subway, stepping into the sunlight to see her—this radiant beauty perfectly illuminated as if she and the light were one.
Psychological impact: maximum.
Her outfit was ticulously curated: stylish yet unpretentious. Even the parasol was selected from countless options. Her makeup was flawless, subtle enough to appear natural but perfectly enhancing her features.
And most importantly, she wore daily contact lenses, a rarity for her.
She was in full battle mode, the peak of her youthful radiance!
Yet behind her graceful smile and elegant pose, she was suffering. Holding still for so long had left her legs numb, like the aftermath of standing at attention during military drills.
Still, seeing Yan Huan’s neatly styled hair and fresh appearance stunned her. Has he done his hair? It looks amazing—perfectly matching his face!
Her confident smile faltered for a mont, her legs wobbling slightly beneath her dress. Avoiding his gaze, she quickly muttered,
"...You Anlina and the others might be a bit late. They said they’d co together."
"Is that so," Yan Huan replied, still composed.
Beside him, Yaqiao Mu’s disbelieving expression grew, his gaze flitting between the two of them.
He began to question his life choices. Was inviting these normie overlords to a comic convention really a good idea?
Soone, please take
back to my cave.
anwhile, a short distance away, Nara sat at a bench behind Ying Gong Tong, wearing sunglasses and eating breakfast. She groaned inwardly, resting her face in her hand.
Seriously? You said you’d crush the President with your charm, but he hasn’t even said anything, and you’re already falling apart? After all that effort to help you pose, this is the result? How embarrassing.
Sipping her coffee, Nara sighed.
Still, the convention had plenty more traps carefully laid by Miss Ying Gong. Surely one of them would catch Yan Huan.
Swallowing the last bite of her breakfast, Nara stood and adjusted her qipao. The hem fluttered as she walked silently toward the convention center.
It was shaping up to be another busy day serving Miss Ying Gong.
"Ahhh! The ride-share dropped us at the wrong entrance! The President and everyone are on the east side, but we’re on the west!"
"What?! You Anlina, are you an idiot? How do you even ss up a location?!"
"I’m sorry, Aixi Li! It’s the GPS—it must’ve been affected by Earth’s magnetic field or sothing..."
"Why don’t you bla the magnetic field for scrambling your brain instead? Ugh, I can’t believe this."
At the west entrance of the Golden Lion Convention Center, Spencer sat outside a bubble tea shop, crouched with one earbud in, watching ani on her phone.
Hearing the commotion, she glanced up at the two girls walking by.
The President?
Her ears perked up as she saw two cosplayers dressed as magical girls, one in blue and the other in red, consulting a map on their phones and looking utterly lost.
Weren’t they from the Student Council? Spencer narrowed her eyes at the familiar faces.
Especially the one in blue—no way she could forget the Disciplinary Chair after being written up for rule violations several tis in the past week.
Interesting.
Closing her ani app, Spencer smirked as the two disappeared from sight. This is going to be fun.
"Um... Sorry to keep you waiting, Spencer."
A timid voice broke her thoughts. Spencer turned to see a girl dressed in layered clothing, a mask covering her face, and two heavy bags in hand.
Her setup was almost identical to Yaqiao Mu’s, except for the lack of a backpack.
Despite the mask and new hairstyle, Spencer imdiately recognized her.
An Le.
Though Spencer claid she could read people’s "vibes," the truth was simpler—An Le’s figure was unmistakable.
"Finally, you’re here. Took you long enough," Spencer teased.
"Sorry, there was traffic..." An Le apologized, waving her hands nervously.
"It’s fine. Let’s go," Spencer said, already turning toward the convention center.
Trailing behind, An Le hesitated before asking,
"Spencer, why’d you give
such an expensive ticket? I saw online they cost over a thousand yuan."
Spencer paused, glancing over her shoulder at An Le’s cautious expression. After a mont of thought, she scoffed and replied dismissively,
"Hah. I’m just clueless about this stuff and figured you’d know better. It’s not like I invited you or anything. Don’t get the wrong idea."
"Oh... I see."
Her mask concealed any hint of her reaction.
Turning away, Spencer frowned slightly, realizing her response might’ve been too harsh. After a pause, she added with a soft grunt,
"Besides, I didn’t pay for it. It’s no big deal."
An Le blinked, then smiled faintly beneath her mask.
On her shoulder, a white snake peeked out, flicking its tongue. After scrutinizing Spencer, it muttered,
"This one’s an idiot, huh?"
"Don’t say that! Spencer’s just... a bit blunt, but she’s really nice."
"Hmph. You’re just as dumb."
"Ugh, Little Finger..."
In Jinghe District, inside a luxurious villa.
A spacious room brimming with equipnt, mirrors, and racks of clothes served as Bai Yi’s studio and dressing area for the day.
Makeup artists flitted around her, finalizing her look for the afternoon event.
Nearby, her agent Ji Lin wheeled in a clothing rack full of outfits.
"Yiyi, take a look. Which one do you want to wear this afternoon?"
Bai Yi turned to survey the options but was interrupted by Zuo Jiangqin entering the room.
"Let
see... These are too flashy. Isn’t her persona supposed to be pure? Don’t you have sothing simpler?"
"Jiangqin, the crowd today is mostly young and into ani culture. These are better suited," Ji Lin explained.
"Ani culture, shmani culture. Stop fooling around—I’ll check if there’s anything more appropriate," Zuo Jiangqin said curtly before leaving.
Sighing, Ji Lin rolled the rack back out. Bai Yi, seated before the mirror, remained indifferent. She was used to it.
Her gaze drifted to the desk where a USB drive and a lyric sheet lay.
The drive contained her new song’s instruntal, and the lyrics were sothing she’d written in recent late nights.
She’d planned to send the track to Yan Huan, who had been waiting for her next release.
But staring at the chat window, she hesitated, unable to press send.
"..."
Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Zuo Jiangqin return, sweeping the items off the desk.
Bai Yi frowned but remained silent as her mother barked orders.
"Pick your accessories and clothes carefully. Keep the image clean, and watch your words on stage. Understood?"
"..."
Avoiding eye contact, Bai Yi pressed her lips together.
"Did you hear ?"
When Zuo Jiangqin repeated her question, Bai Yi finally whispered,
"Can I sing? Just one song on stage..."
Zuo Jiangqin froze, her brows furrowing deeper. Slapping the jewelry box, she snapped,
"No. Stick to the script."
Bai Yi opened her mouth to protest but closed it again, turning back to the mirror in silence.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
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