He was tempted as well.

"D, I haven't been able to reach you during the day lately."
"Work's been pretty busy these days. I only have time after nine in the evening. Next week will be better, I won't be as busy then."

Hearing Li Jie reply so naturally, Su Mengyao couldn't help but chuckle quietly as she held her phone.

Busy with work, indeed...

He was clearly in military training.

"Mengyao, what are you giggling about?"

Inside the classroom, her friend across the aisle noticed her bowing her head and grinning during class, so she picked up her book to shield her face and whispered quietly.

Hidden Dragon District Art School was a "three plus two" college. Its predecessor was the Jiang Province Traditional Arts Training Class. Su Mengyao studied painting here—more precisely, ink painting.

Because of the "three plus two" system, students first completed three years of secondary education, then two years of college courses. Upon graduation, they would report to various performing arts troupes or cultural centers.

This path wasn’t meant for ordinary families; you either had some money, or some influence at home. Not a lot—those with more would aim for bigger stages to showcase their talents. Those in-between came here to "learn a craft."

"Shh..."

Su Mengyao raised her finger to her lips, signaling her friend to keep quiet.

After class ended, her friend hurriedly dragged her chair over and whispered, "Mengyao, are you dating someone?"

"Yes."

"Wow! Really?! The boys are going to be heartbroken. You actually have a boyfriend, hahaha! Is he handsome?"

"Very handsome."

"I knew it! How tall is he?"

"Very tall."

"..."

Teasing her friend, Su Mengyao slyly took out her phone and showed her photos she'd recently snapped at Jianye Art Academy.

A ten-times zoom lens captured clear shots from dozens of meters away.

Li Jie, parched after training, was caught perfectly as his Adam's apple shifted while he drank. Sweat slid down his cheeks and neck; his skin darkened by the sun; a relaxed and confident gaze that easily handled the intensity...

Her friend, confidante and bestie, was instantly entranced.

She slurped quietly and wiped her mouth—she was tempted, too.

Because the next photo showed Li Jie with his training uniform open, lifting his cotton shirt to wipe his face.

In that moment, his perfectly sculpted abs made her best friend instinctively squeeze her thighs together.

"Oh my goodness..."

Her friend stared wide-eyed, swallowing hard. "Man! What can I say!"

"Alright, Xiaowan, have you seen enough?"

"Mengyao, dear Mengyao, does he have a husband... ugh, does he have a younger brother?"

"No."

"Ah... how can that be?! I protest! I strongly protest!"

Xiaowan was filled with envy—who could have guessed her best friend, usually so reserved, would find such an explosive boyfriend?

He was just too cool.

Eyes—bright, striking; abs—defined, impressive; figure—tall and upright, attractive.

She could barely imagine how amazing it would be to walk down the street with someone like that.

"Mengyao, bring him to dinner sometime? My treat, my treat..."

"Don't even think about it."

"Why not?"

"Fireproof, theft-proof..."

"..."

Xiaowan fell silent, then pouted in protest, "Hmph, you're just afraid my advantage is too overwhelming."

She straightened her C-cup chest, feeling as though she could easily outshine Su Mengyao, who had always been petite.

Su Mengyao curled her lip, unimpressed.

That evening, back home, she unfastened her chest binder, finally able to breathe freely, and quickly massaged herself, afraid her shape might change.

But after a while, she thought of Li Jie again, dove under her covers, and soon her underwear slipped off once more.

"Lord Fengxian... I'll trouble you again tonight."

Under the blanket, Su Mengyao gripped her phone, quickly scrolling and stopping at a photo that showcased his masculine eight-pack abs.

"Yada~~"

Su Mengyao vowed that she would have "Lord Fengxian" wear the cosplay outfit she made herself—it would look so handsome, so handsome.

No one else knew she had this talent.

For the first time, it had to be for "Lord Fengxian."

Meanwhile, Li Jie, finally finished with military training, went to Vermilion Bird District the next day for his exam. After passing, he’d receive his certificate within a month.

To avoid worrying his twelve mothers at home, Li Jie had the certificate sent to his school.

"Brother Li, congratulations on finishing training! When are we reporting to Director Lu?"

"What's the rush? Jianye isn’t far—a one-hour drive."

"True, but the earlier we take the final photos, the better. Besides, Director Ai is an elder; we can't keep him waiting, right? I'll bring two pounds of tea next time, you pick a time to deliver it."

"Little Pi, with you around, how could my grand plans fail?"

"Come on, serving you is my blessing, Brother Li. I’m genuinely happy!"

Chen Pi was in high spirits, feeling fantastic.

He’d been making money for over half a month—pure joy.

Earning, enjoying, and staying happy.

They agreed to head to Tu Zhong City in three days, since Director Lu was gathering exterior shots there.

The crew would follow, getting familiar with the style and script.

Li Jie felt more at ease; his lines were simple. Not all "woof woof woof," but mostly cool, flashy phrases—no acting skill required.

After all, Li Jie had mastered the art of acting cool for years.

No need to act—just be himself and tone it down a bit, and he'd play "Howling Heavenly Dog" perfectly.

He also had to meet the actor playing Second Lord for a meal—their scenes together were plentiful.

But when they met, Second Lord felt a bit pressured...