Rose Tequila

[34-chapter bonus scene on Weibo: @Chi Pi Tao Ma]

Please preorder my next novels, The Mermaid's Petition / Vodka on Fire, in my author column.

Blurb:

At A University, Nan Bo, the foreign languages department's campus beauty, has topped the beauty rankings year after year. She's invited to appear on a variety show featuring a newly debuted boy band.

As soon as the news breaks, netizens take it in stride and have already imagined her whole persona and script: a fresh-faced starlet signed by some company, playing up the academic genius angle before starring in a youth film. A smooth ride to stardom awaits.

Boy band fan: Bring it on. Let's see if we don't tear you apart.

As it turns out, Nan Bo isn't there to get her face on TV. She's there to interpret for the boys while they film overseas. She keeps to herself, doesn't overstep, and displays outstanding professionalism.

Fans: ...Well, we can't criticize her for that.

Then someone reveals: That rising starlet you're talking about has no plans to enter show business. She's the newly appointed CEO of a certain company, and that boy band is signed to her family's label.

Fans: ...Not only can we not criticize her, we should call her boss.

*

As a familiar face on campus forums for years, Xi Tingxiao has been saddled with all kinds of labels. The best known is that he's a bad-tempered rich kid.

After he graduates, clarification posts come pouring in, and everyone finally realizes he's a self-made man, a true rags-to-riches success.

Later, he gets married. His wife is someone who could get by on her looks, but insists on relying on her talent instead. Nan Bo, the woman who recently sparked a new craze for studying, becomes the talk of the town.

Their love story spreads far and wide, and congratulations pour in.

At the end of one clarification post, someone writes: [It took him a long time and a great deal of effort to stand before her again. Even now, he still can't help feeling afraid.]

That's a lot to take in, and everyone wants to know more.

A few days later, someone replies: [Go to sleep. From now on, you'll only have sweet dreams.]

The onlookers, blinded by all the affection: [...] Is this any way to behave?

Theme: There are plenty of ordinary people in this world.