Half an hour later.
"Orange Fish Culture…"
I lifted my face against the blinding sun, murmuring the four gleaming golden characters atop the office building.
If I recalled correctly, this was one of the city’s three prime business districts—where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. Only a major corporation could afford office space here.
My earlier suspicions were clearly unfounded. The man who’d rescued me wasn’t some shady stranger after all.
Cheng Shun stepped out first, striding briskly into the building. I hurried after him, mind racing with questions about this so-called job.
Weird. Why would a low-key, ordinary high schooler like me catch the eye of a company like this? What kind of "lucrative work" could they possibly want from me?
Could it be… *that* kind of job?
Ugh. Come on—they’re a publicly listed company. They wouldn’t be *that* shady. Besides… I’m a guy! What could I even… you know…?
Anxious and uneasy, I followed Cheng Shun through security, rode the elevator, and arrived at a tucked-away office on the 21st floor.
Cheng Shun settled into his chair and gestured to the seat across the desk. "Please, have a seat."
I sat down obediently, eyes curiously scanning the room.
The private office was elegantly decorated. Beyond the window stretched a glittering city skyline. Framed group photos lined the walls—many featuring A-list celebrities even *I*, a total non-fan, recognized instantly.
*Thwack!*
A stack of documents landed squarely before me. Cheng Shun’s smile held a teasing glint. "This is the lucrative job I mentioned. The choice is yours."
"Oh…"
I flipped open the file and read carefully, line by line. Even as a high school student, I knew better than to sign contracts recklessly.
*Advertising Model Labor Contract*
*Party A: Orange Fish Media and Culture Co., Ltd.*
*Party B: Lin Xiaoxi*
*Article 1: …………*
I read through each clause slowly—and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Phew. I’d been worried it was… *that*… Turns out it’s just ad modeling. The contract clearly stated shoots would be scheduled on weekends and school holidays, respecting my student status.
The pay was impressive: a 6,000-yuan monthly base plus generous project bonuses. With minimal effort, clearing ten grand a month was totally doable.
This money could cover the interest, send the debt collectors packing, and let me go home—all without messing up my studies. A dream job falling straight from the sky!
Only one thing nagged me: why *me*? Weren’t male models supposed to be tall and muscular? I’m 165 cm, barely 42 kg. Not exactly the textbook model type.
Maybe… the industry suddenly favors guys like me—the "puppy" type?
Before I finished reading, Cheng Shun’s voice drifted over, slow and casual: "Hmm… Actually, hiring a rookie like you feels too risky. Clients might complain. Maybe we should just… forget it."
Huh?!
In a flash, I snatched the pen, scribbled my name at the bottom, and flashed a smug grin. "Signed! You’re a listed company—you wouldn’t back out on someone like me, right?"
*Heh heh heh…*
A low, chilling laugh rumbled from Cheng Shun’s throat.
A cold knot tightened in my gut.
Before I could react, he plucked the contract away, tucked it carefully into his briefcase, and smirked. "Perfect. You’re officially signed. Your first assignment’s ready. Read the client brief."
Bewildered, I took the document. A standard ad collaboration proposal. Client: a major Taobao store. Task: model upcoming clothing items for product photos—the kind folks call "seller showcases."
So far, totally normal.
Then I turned the page.
Listed under "Items to Photograph":
"Spring Floral Chiffon Dress"
"Vintage Cross-collar Lace-trimmed Dress"
"Spring Mori Girl Long-sleeve Fairy Dress"
"Classic Long-sleeve Sailor Suit Set"
…
