"Are you free tomorrow?" Lin Ran called Xu Zhi.

"Yes," Xu Zhi's voice was light and airy on the other end. "What's up?"

"Tomorrow we're going out for a photoshoot. I'll drive to pick you up. Wait for me at home."

"Okay, what should I prepare?"

"Just rest well." Lin Ran replied. Xu Zhi hummed softly, and he hung up.

It was his habit—he disliked idle phone chatter. It meant nothing.

In the afternoon, Lin Ran drove to the mall. He bought a white veil, a photography reflector, and a stand. They'd be useful tomorrow. The planned spot was a wall of Roses. Tomorrow might be hot, but afternoon clouds could roll in.

He hesitated about a new camera but skipped it. His current one worked fine. The heat made shopping unbearable. After buying everything, he headed home. He chatted with Xu Zhi, telling her to review her old Weibo posts. Delete anything unprofessional—that account would be her work profile now.

There wasn't much to delete. Xu Zhi rarely used social media. She had no time. Years in the industry had made her sharper and more adaptable than most girls.

After prepping, Lin Ran played games. Last time, Ink Orange Ice asked him to carry her to Diamond rank. They played all night, lost two promotion matches. Such a pity.

"You did that on purpose," Ink Orange Ice said flatly, but a hint of resentment lingered. Lin Ran could only sigh. "Just... unlucky."

They exchanged goodnights. Lin Ran was about to sleep when Ink Orange Ice texted back, "I'm not asleep yet."

"What are you doing?"

"Playing with toys."

"..."

"Wanna see?" she typed.

"No, I might not sleep."

"If you can't sleep... why not come find me?"

"I have plans tomorrow. Time to rest. You too, goodnight." Lin Ran turned off his screen. He hugged a carrot plushie and closed his eyes.

Next morning.

Lin Ran rented a car nearby via app scan. He realized having a car was handy—but he'd returned his to Su Nisheng. No choice. He drove to Xu Zhi's building, parked a block away, and went upstairs. He gently knocked on her door, holding a clothes box and makeup case.

Inside, the silver-gray gown was exquisitely elegant. Xu Zhi's figure fit it perfectly. She took the box, opened it, and stared. Her lips parted slightly. "This dress... custom-made? Must be expensive."

"It's fine. Once you earn money, buy as many as you want."

"It feels impossible."

"Aren't I here?" Lin Ran smiled. "Change first. Then I'll do your makeup. We'll leave after."

"Mm... okay." Xu Zhi nodded lightly. Lin Ran stepped outside.

Lin Ran sat on the living room sofa. Xu Zhi's mom was still asleep—he'd come early. He heard a door creak next door. He glanced over. Xu Mo stood there, rubbing her eyes.

Her white nightgown matched Xu Zhi's style but was sheer as summer gauze. She lowered her hands, saw Lin Ran, and froze. He froze too, then quickly looked away.

He saw nothing. Yeah, nothing at all.

Xu Mo glanced down at herself. Her cheeks flushed crimson. She dashed back to her room, slamming the door.

Inside, she panicked. Bit her lip, covered her burning face with both hands. A shy whimper escaped her fingers.

After a while, she changed. Lin Ran had bought her many outfits that day. She hesitated, chose a summer tank top under a white overshirt, denim shorts showing smooth legs. She hurried out—just as Xu Zhi opened her door.

Xu Mo stared and froze.

Lin Ran held a freshly washed apple. He paused too. Xu Zhi fidgeted with her dress hem, looking lost. He smiled. "Isn't it beautiful? Nothing wrong. It suits you perfectly."

Xu Zhi stayed silent, biting her lip lightly.

It was her first gown. Under his gaze, words failed her. Lin Ran walked over, smiling. "Come sit nicely. I'll do your makeup."

Xu Zhi took small steps to the sofa. Lin Ran opened his makeup case.

She wasn't skilled with makeup—only basics. His kit was full. Xu Zhi sat obediently, watching him work. She didn't move, a little nervous.

Xu Mo sat beside her, dazed. When her sister stepped out, she'd shone so brightly everything else dimmed... including herself.

"You have great features. Don't worry. Our photos will be ethereal. Stick to this style."

"Can we... really earn money?"

"Entertain people. Good content, with a little push, works."

Xu Zhi heard "a little push." She hummed softly. Lin Ran finished quickly—light makeup. Xu Zhi blinked, dazed. "Why can you do makeup?"

"I was forced to learn."

"Forced?"

"Yeah. Su Nisheng wanted boudoir photos. No good female photographers. She made me learn—paid tuition, bought gear. I picked up makeup too. After we split, this skill could've fed me. But... socializing was exhausting. I quit."

"You're amazing."

"Hah." Lin Ran laughed.

He taught Xu Zhi to style the wig. After, she sat quietly, gazing at him, then blinked.

"Alright, let's go. Little Mo, no classes today?" Lin Ran asked casually.

"Holiday."

"If you're free, join us?" he asked softly.

Xu Mo almost refused. Her fingers gripped her skirt hem. Hesitated a second. Answered casually, "Sure."

The two girls followed him downstairs.

"They're all staring..." Xu Zhi clutched Lin Ran's sleeve. Her cheeks flushed.

"It's fine. We'll get in the car soon. What, Sister Xu Zhi, you blush too?"

"Don't say that! It's just—"

"You'll get used to it."

Lin Ran grinned. Rare to see Xu Zhi blush. Usually a bold flirt, now unexpectedly pure. She sat passenger-side. He drove them to the suburbs.

A scenic spot held a wall of Roses. Pink blooms blazed lush against green grass. Sunlight poured down, but Xu Zhi didn't feel the heat—car AC hummed. She stayed nervous.

She knew nothing. Obediently followed Lin Ran's every word.

Half an hour later, they arrived.

Xu Zhi and Xu Mo whispered quietly. Lin Ran ignored them—few people around, no crowds. He spread the white gauze on grass to avoid green tints. Silver heels came with the dress.

Xu Zhi slipped them on carefully. Unsteady but not clumsy. She looked at Lin Ran. "What next?"

"Posing. I'll teach you."

He showed her expressive poses. She copied obediently. Her eyes lacked confidence—but Lin Ran didn't mind.

Maybe maidenly shyness still lingered there.

Years offered little room for shyness. Men who were kind usually just wanted... to sleep with her. Xu Zhi knew this. So she never seemed soft or sensitive. No melancholy—just carefree ease.

But that wasn't true.

Long suppression bred sadness. Did she cry secretly at night? Lin Ran sometimes wondered... maybe. She always seemed so strong.

But that was just a shell.

Now it peeled away slowly. A good thing.

Xu Mo held the reflector. Lin Ran shot photos. They worked by the Rose wall for hours. Finished the sunny shots. Filmed a short video. Clouds gathered. He took final photos until Xu Zhi sagged, exhausted.

She realized photoshoots were tiring.

"Done. I'll edit and send the photos. Post them on short videos and Weibo. You know how, right?"

"Mm." Xu Zhi hummed softly, fingers still gripping her dress hem.

Lin Ran stood before her. He saw a glimmer in her eyes. Smiled.

"These photos are our first step toward the stars and sea."

"Stars and sea?" Xu Zhi laughed.

"Yeah. Stars and sea."

"We?" She tilted her head.

"Mm. We."

The girl stepped forward. Spread her arms. Gently hugged him.

Lin Ran froze. Then hugged her waist lightly. Felt her warmth. Heard her whisper.

"Thank you."