Chapter 29: Morning Woes and a New Request

The night passed, but Ji Wenyan hadn’t slept for very long.

Before dawn even broke, he found himself too restless with excitement to remain in bed. He quickly dressed, then ventured outside for an invigorating run, returning breathless and utterly exhausted.

“Xiaoyan, your physique isn’t quite up to par! You really ought to exercise more. I’m already on my fourth lap, and you’ve only just completed your first!”

“Uncle Jiang, it’s simply that your fitness is exceptional! Even a young man like myself can’t keep pace with you!”

As Ji Wenyan paused to catch his breath, an elderly man, his hair white as a crane’s plumage but his face youthful, jogged up beside him. The man chuckled as he spoke, much to Ji Wenyan’s chagrin.

‘He knew his athletic abilities were subpar, but to be outdone by the elderly Mr. Jiang from next door? That felt utterly pathetic!’

Thankfully, it was still early, with only a few scattered individuals out for their morning exercises. The absence of a crowd was a small mercy.

“You flatterer, you, haha. I’m not boasting, but back in my youth, don’t even get me started… Sigh, I’m truly old now! Even after just a few laps, I’m feeling it.”

“Not at all! Just by looking at your face, Uncle Jiang, anyone would assume you’d just crossed sixty!”

“Now that’s what I like to hear! If only my granddaughter, Xiaoyun, could be more like you instead of constantly vexing me! Oh, right, you’ve returned to City First High, haven’t you? Xiaoyun will be attending there soon too. I’ll make sure she looks out for you.”

“There’s no need, thank you! My classmates at school have been incredibly welcoming. Even though it’s only been a day since I transferred, I’ve already blended right in with them!”

The mere mention of ‘Xiaoyun’ made Ji Wenyan react like a startled cat, its fur bristling. He instantly lost all desire to continue the conversation, hastily making his escape back home.

Jiang Yulin, the neighbor, hailed from a background far more influential than even the Ji family’s.

Indeed, a significant portion of the Jiang family served in the military.

With the exception of a select few, shall we say, ‘unique’ members.

And the ‘Xiaoyun’ whom Jiang Yulin had just spoken of was precisely one of those peculiar individuals…

A shiver ran down Ji Wenyan’s spine at the mere thought of the terror he’d once experienced under Xiaoyun’s ‘rule’. He swiftly pushed those dreadful memories aside, refocusing his attention on awaiting Yang Shuang’s delivery of the cosmetics.

He also planned to return the cosmetics he’d purchased from the makeup artist yesterday. Afterward, he would inform his mother that she should cease using those particular makeup artists.

Though Ji Wenyan possessed wealth, he was far from a naive spendthrift.

Nor would he tolerate arrogance; they needed to experience the bitter consequences of their own actions.

****

“Bai Mengze, I have a small favor to ask of you.”

“?”

“After seeing how pleased she was with the gift yesterday, I subtly probed my mother, only to discover she had no idea how to apply makeup! So, I was hoping you could be my model and let me practice the process.”

“…”

By the time Ji Wenyan entered the classroom, clutching his makeup case, over half the students had already arrived, diligently reviewing their lessons at their desks.

Upon noticing Ji Wenyan’s case, many were naturally curious about its contents. However, given their unfamiliarity with him, they ultimately suppressed their questions.

Once Ji Wenyan settled into his seat, he couldn’t resist speaking, his gaze fixed on Bai Mengze, who rested with her eyes closed.

On his way to school, he had deliberately glanced at his wrist.

The number ’60’ glowed prominently there.

This sight filled Ji Wenyan with an urgent desire to rapidly enhance Bai Mengze’s beauty attribute.

Even if not today, then certainly tomorrow.

‘He absolutely dreaded experiencing that weakened state again!’

Upon hearing Ji Wenyan’s words, Bai Mengze’s expression momentarily froze before she slowly opened her eyes and turned to face him.

‘Of all things, she hadn’t expected Ji Wenyan’s first request for help to involve makeup…’

“Don’t worry, I pulled an all-nighter yesterday, immersing myself in theoretical knowledge. I believe a few practice runs should be enough before I teach my mom.”

“It’s not entirely out of the question… but there are too many people in class right now. How about we go to the rooftop together during lunch break?”

Following the events at the mall yesterday, Bai Mengze felt a distinct closeness developing between herself and Ji Wenyan.

Moreover, the promises she had personally made last night could not be rescinded.

Therefore, merely using her as a model for makeup practice presented no significant issue.

“Ji Wenyan, what exactly is in that box of yours?”

“Shen Hua, why are you here so early today?”

“Heh heh, didn’t you know? The Campus Belle Competition is being held today! All the beauties in the school will be making an appearance, so how could I possibly be late?”

“Campus Belle Competition???”

Just as Bai Mengze nodded her agreement, and before Ji Wenyan could utter another word, Shen Hua’s voice abruptly cut through the air.

Upon hearing the words ‘Campus Belle Competition,’ a bewildered expression spread across Ji Wenyan’s face. He had no idea what kind of contest this could be.