Chapter Nineteen: A Young Admirer Asking for an Autograph

Song Waning thought back to her days of wandering in her previous life and curled her lips into a smile. “What’s this compared to that? I actually think it’s pretty cute. Anyway, let’s not talk about this now. It’s your first time drawing an identity card—what did you get?”

Wen Jingxing extended his hand, passing her the card without hesitation. “Sales assistant at the mall.”

She glanced down at the address and burst out laughing. “What a coincidence! We’re in the same place!”

Wen Jingxing raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Yes, I’m on the fifth floor, you’re on the third.”

Just imagining the dignified Young Master Wen working as a mall promoter made Song Waning cover her mouth to stifle her laughter. She could already picture it in her mind: that meticulously groomed face, yet without a single hint of a smile—even if he was handsome, she doubted many customers would dare approach him.

Wen Jingxing, however, had no clue why she was laughing. Was it because they’d be working together again? That seemed unlikely.

He decided to ask directly, “What are you laughing about?”

This time, Song Waning didn’t overthink it and blurted out, “I was thinking, if you keep that expression while serving customers, how many would you scare away?”

Wen Jingxing touched his own face. Was he really that intimidating? He just didn’t smile, that was all. Some people were simply born with fierce features; as long as they didn’t smile, others would assume they were angry.

Wen Jingxing didn’t care much about this. What bothered him was that Song Waning’s laughter was provoked by such a trivial thing.

A fleeting trace of desolation flashed through his eyes, but Song Waning, ever sensitive, caught it instantly.

Had she gone too far? She realized that commenting on someone’s appearance like that was indeed a bit out of line.

She immediately said, “Sorry, I—”

But before she could finish, Wen Jingxing interrupted her, “No, you’re right.”

As he spoke, Wen Jingxing managed a faint smile. It was barely noticeable, but Song Waning caught it and said, “Actually, you look much better when you smile.”

She found it odd—this male lead was a little strange, a little sharp-tongued, but at least he was wealthy and good-looking. Why, in the novel’s plot, would he rather spend his life alone than marry anyone?

Wen Jingxing didn’t reply. Their gazes held for a long moment.

In the livestream chat:

What the heck! Why is this scene unexpectedly thrilling?!

I think I just got a dose of sweetness…

Oh my god! Mom, I’m shipping them already!

Are you all insane? This pair is destined for tragedy, and you’re still shipping them?

But Wen listens to everything Song says—doesn’t that strike you as odd?

Handsome guy with a fairy—a perfect match, okay?

Please let them end up happy, thank you.

…

In the end, it was Song Waning who couldn’t take it anymore and looked away first. She felt Wen Jingxing’s gaze was becoming increasingly strange. She couldn’t quite put her finger on the feeling, but every time he looked at her, it was as if his eyes held a hundred sticky drops of honey, and a single glance would leave her trapped in the sweetness.

She rubbed her arms, goosebumps rising, and quickly changed the subject. “It’s almost time for work. Let’s go!”

Wen Jingxing simply nodded, quietly following behind her.

When they reached the twelve-story commercial building, staff members immediately led them away in different directions.

The first floor was a play area and children’s park. The second and third floors were for merchandise. The fourth and fifth floors were for drinks and dining. The next three floors up offered relaxation services like massages and foot baths, and the remaining four floors were small rooms and suites for customers to rest and sleep.

The commercial building was vast, so the staff member only gave Song Waning a brief rundown of what each floor held. But the moment she saw him, Song Waning recognized him as the man who’d led her to lunch on her first day.

Since he didn’t try to cause any trouble this time, Song Waning pretended not to know him. When they reached her assigned area, the staff member merely pointed out her zone and left without giving her a detailed layout or map of the floor.

Song Waning called after him, but he ignored her and walked away as if nothing had happened. Since their last interaction hadn’t ended well, she guessed he was still holding a grudge and was trying to get back at her.

But Song Waning wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. Unfamiliar with her surroundings, she simply took her work assignment and asked for directions one by one.

At last, she found the right person—a young woman with a fair complexion, who spoke so softly that if you didn’t listen closely, you’d miss her words.

“You must be Song Waning. I’ve heard so much about you, and seeing you in person is better than all the rumors. You really are the prettiest in real life.”

The young woman smiled sweetly and led Song Waning to her workplace.

“Thank you for your help.”

“No trouble at all, it was just a small favor.” The girl paused, then added, “If you really want to thank me, could you give me your autograph?”

Song Waning was startled. Did she have a fan so soon? She couldn’t tell if the girl was a true fan or not, but took the photo anyway. “Sure, I’ll write one for you.”

She picked up a pen and signed her name on the back of the photo. Unlike most girls, her handwriting was bold and sweeping, full of confidence and vigor.

The young woman’s eyes lit up as if she couldn’t believe her luck.

Meanwhile, in the livestream, Song Waning’s fans stared in disbelief.

What! Song Waning, you just gave away your very first autograph like that?!

Secretary Jin, hurry and find out who that staff member is—I want to buy her signed photo!

Me too!

Count me in!

Maybe we should form a group to get it!

…

As she handed back the signed photo, Song Waning instinctively flipped it over for a quick glance. She only had time to notice that it seemed to be a man’s side profile, and he looked oddly familiar.

The young woman accepted it happily. “Thank you! Waning, you and Jingxing should really get along. I have a good eye for people—you two will definitely stay together. I don’t believe anything they say online.”

With that, she skipped away, leaving Song Waning stunned and speechless. How on earth did she and Wen Jingxing look like a good match?!

Just then, the door in front of her swung open, and out walked a woman in a black work uniform. The woman seemed to have poor eyesight, adjusting her thick black-framed glasses as she squinted and moved closer to Song Waning.

“Oh! I recognize you. You’re Song Waning, right? Come with me—I’ll explain today’s work to you.”