The reason Yao Star Yan dares to post her photos so boldly on her blog is likely that no one from this circle surrounds her. She doesn’t worry about exposure at all.
But this gives me a solid advantage. The saying “the enemy is visible while I’m hidden” fits perfectly. Once she starts drawing doujinshi for my new work, even if she notices the heroine resembles her, she won’t suspect a thing.
Hmm, I’m really brilliant.
Since skipping all steps to confess failed, it’s time for a step-by-step approach. I’m fired up right now. I may not fully grasp a maiden’s heart, but I am a shoujo writer who’s completed a whole series!
Just as I was planning my next move, my phone rang in my pocket.
I pulled it out; the screen showed Elder Sister Liu Xin.
Ever since last time, I could only receive her calls one-sidedly.
“Hello, Xiao Hua.”
“Ah, Elder Sister Liu Xin.”
“Um, is it convenient to talk now?”
I habitually glanced around. Only passersby were there.
“Sure. Are you calling about my new work…”
“Ahem!”
Her harsh cough cut me off before I finished. Noisy chatter echoed behind her on the line.
“Xiao Hua, the chief editor already approved your proposal. I told you this—did you forget?”
“Ahhh, I know! Elder Sister Liu Xin, aren’t you calling about what I asked last time…”
“Ahem!”
“Is your throat sore?”
“…A-anyway, your new book’s plan is greenlit. That’s settled. I’m calling about something else!”
Her tone was firm, blocking any topic shift. What puzzled me: why did she get so worked up whenever I mentioned a love-struck maiden’s heart?
Seriously, I couldn’t figure it out.
“So what is it?”
“Um… hard to explain over the phone… ah… just come to the editorial department now!”
I thought it over. Nothing urgent held me back.
“Okay.”
Her voice sounded tied up, but the office should be fine. Honestly, I always felt weird stares there.
Might just be because I’m too handsome.
The editorial building was across town. Walking would take time, so I crossed the street to the bus stop.
After about half an hour, I reached the building. I confirmed my appointment in the lobby, then took the elevator straight to the twelfth floor.
The doors slid open—
“Why isn’t he here yet?!”
An impatient voice hit me. I’d thought it was Elder Sister Liu Xin complaining, but stepping out, I saw a blonde girl yanking her arm and swinging it nonstop.
Like a spoiled kid.
“What can I do? I already called!”
“Call again! Show your editor skills now!”
Elder Sister Liu Xin clearly had no handle on this noisy girl.
Judging ages is tricky—Elder Sister Liu Xin looks early twenties but is nearly thirty. To me, this blonde seemed my age.
First off, I had zero interest in her. Her loudness gave even Elder Sister Liu Xin headaches… Still, she was stunning. A black mini-dress, red vest on top, skin glowing white, long golden hair. Maybe my imagination, but her occasional fangs made her look like a British vampire.
Her manner was wildly unrestrained.
Opposite her, Elder Sister Liu Xin seemed ready to collapse. Her eyes screamed: “Anyone, please drag this girl away!”
“What’s that got to do with editor skills? It’s rush hour—traffic jams happen. Just sit quietly on the sofa and wait.”
“Hmph! Rush hour ended half an hour ago. Who has rush hour at eight? Call now!”
“Huh?” Elder Sister Liu Xin looked baffled, unaware of the time. “He might be delayed. Can’t you be quiet?”
“What?! I came to see my sister! Stop rejecting your world’s number one cutest sister!”
Oh, so she was Elder Sister Liu Xin’s sister. I’d heard mentions before, but never expected such a handful.
No wonder she didn’t call security—they were family. Still, this girl rated herself highly.
“Alright, alright! If he doesn’t show, go home today. Come back when he’s here!”
Then Elder Sister Liu Xin’s desperate gaze locked onto me, the bystander.
Crap. Spotted.
She waved at me, overjoyed.
“Yo, Xiao Hua! You’re here!”
I hadn’t tired of watching them, but defying my editor? No guts. I walked over reluctantly.
“Sister! You haven’t called yet!”
The girl shot me a glance, then clung to Elder Sister Liu Xin’s arm again, ignoring me completely.
Elder Sister Liu Xin shoved me toward her like a lifeline.
“What are you saying, Willow Ran? Weren’t you the one pushing me to call?”
At that, Willow Ran froze in shock.
Elder Sister Liu Xin’s ears finally got peace. Her smile broke through. She introduced us.
“This is my biological sister, Willow Ran. And this is Gale Splendor, the super popular shoujo writer.”
“Eh?!”
“Eh?!”
We both gasped. Elder Sister Liu Xin had insisted on keeping my identity secret—yet she spilled it now. Willow Ran’s shock? Probably because Gale Splendor was a guy.
“You’re Master Gale Splendor?”
Willow Ran pointed at me, incredulous.
I glanced at Elder Sister Liu Xin. She acted uninvolved. I just nodded.
Willow Ran stood petrified. Then her face flushed crimson. She ducked behind Elder Sister Liu Xin like a shy rabbit.
Her energy was totally different now.
“S-sorry, M-Master Gale Splendor… I-I’m your fan! I super love your books!”
