Snow-Kissed Rose (GL) Chapter 20

The system didn't respond immediately, likely because it didn't want to deal with its host's shameless behavior. However, as the mission never clearly defined what constituted a compliment, the system ultimately conceded and said in a colder-than-usual voice, "Congratulations, Host, you have completed your daily mission. Your life has been extended by 24 hours."

After saying so, the system pettily added, "Please be reminded that you still have an unfinished special mission. Please complete it as soon as possible."

"Mhm, mhm, definitely," Song Yingshi responded perfunctorily. Then, she cast the system aside and focused on preparing for the upcoming promotional shoot.

Many trainees had already shot their segments, and it didn't take long before it was Song Yingshi's turn to face the camera.

Song Yingshi felt a little warm with all the lights and reflectors directed at her. But having just completed a mission, she was in a good mood, so she brought her A game to the camera.

The trainees' short debut videos would be released earlier than the other promotional materials. As a new face in the industry, the best way for Song Yingshi to stand out from the 101 trainees was to take advantage of her breathtaking face.

As an actress in her past life, Song Yingshi was well-versed in presenting her beautiful sides on camera. Beyond facial features and makeup, factors such as one's atmosphere, expression, and gaze were also key to leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

As Song Yingshi stepped onto the stage, she put her cascading long hair, bold brows, crimson lips, and almond eyes on display before the camera. Her eyes were enhanced by an upward flick of eyeliner, giving them a sultry look, while the shimmering makeup on her face made her shine even more than usual.

Song Yingshi's expression was calm as she faced the camera, as if she wasn't aware of its existence. Or rather, it seemed like she didn't care about it or anyone else in the room. Then, she addressed the "audience" with the standard lines prepared for all trainees in a neutral tone, "Hello, Stargazers. Nice to meet you. I'm Song Yingshi, a trainee from Star of Spring. Please accompany me on this journey."

As Song Yingshi finished speaking, she noticed Huai Xu standing behind the camera, and an idea suddenly came to her.

As the camera kept rolling, Song Yingsh raised her gaze and tilted her head slightly toward Huai Xu. Under everyone's gaze, she made a small heart over her head with her hands, smiled, and winked playfully at Huai Xu, the charm exuded by her fluttering eyelids and moist pupils causing everyone's hearts to skip a beat.

As everyone was mesmerized by Song Yingshi's charm, Song Yingshi brought the "heart" to her lips and gently blew at it, sending an invisible heart into the air. Then, she playfully waved at the camera, looking indescribably cute and lively.

Every one of the trainees watching from below the stage was stunned by Song Yingshi's actions.

Many had already been taken aback when Song Yingshi appeared on stage with a cold and noble demeanor, some even questioning if she was the Song Yingshi they knew. However, none of them expected Song Yingshi to suddenly pull such a cute act after finishing her introduction.

For a debut video, Song Yingshi sure knew how to stir things up.

Tao Qin was also stunned. But unlike the others, she was stunned by the sudden burst of sweetness. Then, as soon as she recovered from her senses, she promptly turned to look at Huai Xu.

Huai Xu was surrounded by a mess of equipment, with many people moving around her. She had one hand in the pocket of her suit pants, her head slightly tilted as she gazed at Song Yingshi.

Tao Qin also noticed a faint curve at the corner of Huai Xu's lips, though whether she was imagining things, she couldn't tell.

After Song Yingshi finished her shoot, Huai Xu's turn came next.

Huai Xu had the first button of her shirt undone, revealing her cool, pale neck and adding a touch of casual laziness to her black suit. Her long hair was tied up neatly, with not a single strand left loose. Although this was a hairstyle that would spell disaster for most people, it highlighted her structured beauty and amplified the advantage of her small face and head, allowing her to perfectly capture the camera's attention.

Huai Xu's refined and exquisite facial features stood out just as much. Unlike Song Yingshi, her features could be summed up with "delicate beauty," or perhaps even "divine beauty."

As Huai Xu faced the camera, the aura she exuded was the same as always—distant, cold, restrained, and composed. However, the moment she revealed a faint smile, those who thought Song Yingshi's debut video would be the most prominent suddenly realized that…

Sometimes, flashy tricks weren't necessary to stand out. Merely having a beautiful face was enough.

…

After the first promotional shoot ended, the trainees were finally free from the production crew and able to head home.

When one trainee suggested everyone go for a meal, Tao Qin immediately agreed, pulling Song Yingshi along.

Although Huai Xu's personality would usually give others the impression that she wasn't interested in such group gatherings, her employer, Song Yingshi, her roommate, Lu Xuewen, and their friends thought otherwise. As a result, the trainees who were initially hesitant to approach Huai Xu grew bolder, and about a dozen girls swept her into a Korean BBQ restaurant like a whirlwind.

The Korean BBQ place was run by a relative of one of the trainees, and the service was warm and attentive, allowing everyone to enjoy the meal thoroughly.

Huai Xu wasn't hungry, so she only ate a little and was the first to set down her chopsticks. Of course, that didn't mean she could stop eating, as Song Yingshi occasionally shoved slices of meat into her mouth while chatting enthusiastically with everyone.

As the day was getting late, Huai Xu got ready to call it a day and head home. However, by some coincidence, Song Yingshi, who was usually perfectly poised, "accidentally" knocked over a glass of orange juice, spilling it all over her legs.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to do that," Song Yingshi apologized hastily.

Looking at the genuine anxiety on Song Yingshi's expression, Huai Xu briefly doubted her judgment. Calmly, she replied, "It's fine. I was just about to leave anyway. You all enjoy yourselves."

"That won't do. I owe you a new outfit," Song Yingshi said without hesitation.

Huai Xu narrowed her eyes but kept her mouth shut, curious to see what Song Yingshi was scheming this time.

Seeing the situation, the other trainees started to chime in.

"Let Yingshi buy you a new outfit!"

"Buy it another day! Let's keep eating! The night is still young!"

Meanwhile, Tao Qin secretly pulled up her WeChat group and started typing away.

—

Tao Qin: "Spilling a drink on the leg—I've seen this cliché in novels over a hundred times. So corny."

Lu Xuewen: "Who cares? If it works, it works! [Dying from laughter.jpg]"

Tao Qin: "Is Yingshi genuinely straight? Was this really just a coincidence? I'm starting to doubt my judgment."

—

Song Yingshi remained resolute and stood up right away, saying, "I messed up, so I have to make it up to Huai Xu. How about this? We'll leave now, and I'll treat you all next time."

After saying so, Song Yingshi left the table with Huai Xu.

Meanwhile, behind them…

An innocent trainee exclaimed, "Yingshi is such a responsible person!"

On the other hand, Tao Qin and Lu Xuewen simultaneously thought to themselves, Straight girls are terrifying! I'm worried for Huai Xu!

…

It was 9:20 PM. The streets outside were illuminated by neon lights and crowded with people, and shopping malls had yet to close.

Song Yingshi walked briskly. Looking at Song Yingshi's gait, Huai Xu could tell that Song Yingshi was in a good mood. However, precisely what had gotten Song Yingshi so happy was beyond her.

Song Yingshi led the way, taking Huai Xu into the nearest mall, up to the second floor, and into a casual clothing store.

As soon as they walked in, Song Yingshi eagerly offered, "Shall I help you pick something?"

Curious to see what Song Yingshi was plotting, Huai Xu replied with a mhm.

Song Yingshi first headed to the jeans section, picked a pair of ripped jeans, and held them up to Huai Xu's waist for comparison. In the process, her fingers nearly touched Huai Xu's waist and abdomen, but Huai Xu subtly leaned back to avoid them.

Song Yingshi pretended not to notice Huai Xu's actions, as if all her attention was on the jeans.

After thinking for a moment, Song Yingshi set the jeans aside, randomly grabbed a bunch of clothes for Huai Xu, and said sincerely, "Since we're already here, try these too. We'll buy them all if they look good."

Huai Xu obediently carried the clothes into the dressing room. Before entering, though, she glanced behind her and noticed that Song Yingshi was talking to one of the store's assistants.

Two minutes later, Huai Xu pretended to have fitting issues and called a sales assistant into the fitting room for help.

"What did my companion just ask you to do?" Huai Xu asked.

At Huai Xu's question, the sales assistant revealed a hesitant and peculiar expression as she answered, "Um… That young lady said the holes in the ripped jeans were too small and asked for some scissors to widen it."