Xu Qian returned home past two in the morning. After showering, she closed her eyes but couldn't sleep.
"Ding, Host, please approach the mission target within 24 hours and increase the mission target's favorability by more than 10 points within 24 hours."
"..."
"Open the bronze mirror."
The scene before her was pitch black.
She thought he must have fallen asleep. Just as she was about to close it, she saw Tang Zhiyuan getting up, his upper body bare. The bedside lamp only illuminated the faint outline of his lean body.
What was he doing up at two in the morning?
She stared wide-eyed as he went into the bathroom, then took off his pants...
"..." Xu Qian wanted to close the bronze mirror but it was too late.
Returning to the room, Tang Zhiyuan turned on the light. The opulent hotel decor made Xu Qian frown slightly; it was too dazzling.
He sat back on the bed and took out his laptop, initiating a video call. A foreigner with golden hair and blue eyes appeared on the screen, speaking halting Chinese.
"Zhiyuan, when are you returning to Country D?"
His tone was cool and distant, "I only arrived in Country Z today."
"Oh no!"
"Enough nonsense, let's start the meeting."
Tang Zhiyuan opened a document, his fingers flying across the keyboard, typing strings of Y language. The two spoke very rapidly, making Xu Qian's eyes blur.
"Ding, it is recommended that the Host increase their charm index."
"..." Xu Qian felt like not responding.
Listening to their hushed conversation, Xu Qian gradually drifted off to sleep.
Xu Qian woke up at ten o'clock. Tang Zhiyuan was in class...
Besides classes, there were meetings. Did he have no other recreational hobbies?
After a simple breakfast, Xu Qian went to the nearest gym and hired a handsome personal trainer. It was impossible to build an iron wall in ten days, but at least her physical fitness could improve.
Although the trainer was handsome, he was truly relentless. Xu Qian left the gym holding her waist.
Meanwhile, Tang Zhiyuan's class had not yet finished since she woke up.
With only 12 hours left, Xu Qian decided to go to F University to find an opportunity.
Xu Qian deliberately went home to shower. She rummaged through her wardrobe, picking out an orchid-colored dress from a pile of pants and t-shirts. The dress made her look poised and elegant.
Xu Qian looked at her 18-year-old self in the mirror. Her face was petite, her features delicate. Just standing there, any man would fall at her feet.
She rubbed her cheeks and curved her lips at the mirror, only to find her reflection's expression stiff. It wasn't a smile, it was a forced grimace.
Xu Qian practiced in front of the mirror hundreds of times before she could manage a faint smile.
F University.
Tang Zhiyuan in the bronze mirror was finally about to finish his class. A few female students were surrounding him, asking questions. He maintained his distance, answering each one.
Xu Qian adjusted her posture and sat gracefully on the long bench outside the classroom.
Tang Zhiyuan was still wearing a white shirt and black trousers. Simple, yet unexpectedly charming, he exuded an aura of cool aloofness and pride.
However... he didn't even spare her a glance.
Xu Qian immediately stood up and followed.
"Sir."
He didn't turn around.
"Sir."
Tang Zhiyuan finally realized she was calling him. His cool gaze swept over Xu Qian, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes.
Today she wore a white dress, her fair arms and legs exposed. Her hair curled slightly at the ends, and her petite face was flushed red, making her dark eyes look particularly beautiful. She was completely different from her school uniform appearance.
"Is something wrong?"
Xu Qian's eyes curved slightly and she said, "We met at the airport yesterday. Do you remember me?"
"Mm." He never forgot anyone he had met.
"I'm really sorry about bumping into you last time. I know a really good restaurant, let me treat you."
"No need."
He didn't say another word, showing no mercy, and turned to leave.
"..."
Why wasn't this guy playing by the rules?
Xu Qian was at a loss. Mostly because neither in her past life nor this one had she ever seriously pursued a man.
"I want to get to know you!"
Xu Qian closed her eyes and shouted.
Tang Zhiyuan turned to look at Xu Qian. The young girl's face was flushed red, and the autumn wind played with her long hair, making her look beautiful and captivating.
He would probably remember this scene for the rest of his life.
"Ding, Tang Zhiyuan's favorability +10, total score 12."
"Then let's go."
Tang Zhiyuan led the way, and she quickly followed behind. In her haste, his cool fingertips accidentally brushed against the back of Xu Qian's hand. Her heart leaped, and an electric current traveled from her fingertips to her heart.
"Sir, what's your name? I'm Xu Qian."
Tang Zhiyuan's voice was faint, "I thought you knew."
Xu Qian's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a sweet smile on the surface. "Sir..."
"Tang Zhiyuan."
They entered the black commercial car together. After she gave the address, they rode in silence.
Xu Qian's expression stiffened slightly, feeling a little awkward. Even in her past life, she had never tried so hard to please a man. She had offered her body, and they had protected Nian Nian; it was just a transaction.
She tentatively asked, "Mr. Tang, do you like Western food?"
Tang Zhiyuan took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Either is fine."
"..."
She decided that when she got back, she would buy a manual on how to chase men.