Chapter 35

Jessica's naturally wavy hair had been straightened, and she wore only a light layer of makeup, which was different from her usual style. Cui Xianzhen mainly emphasized a "refined and elegant" look.

Her cheeks were like fresh lychees, her nose as smooth as goose fat, her demeanor gentle and silent, making her appear very approachable.

After all, Jessica was just an eighteen-year-old girl. Her usual appearance seemed a bit mature, partly due to her inappropriate makeup. Her makeup skills were mostly learned from magazines, and a large part of them were from Western magazines, where the so-called "tips" were tailored for Western women's facial features, which were not suitable for her. Now, after being reworked by the master makeup artist Cui Xianzhen, her most beautiful and feminine side was fully displayed. Especially at this moment, her eyes were shy and alluring, her red lips curved into a smile, and her cheeks were tinged with a light pink as she smiled at Li Jingming, giving a sense of "a smile that could topple a city" (as seen in the picture of Jessica holding a toothbrush).

Li Jingming's heart skipped a beat. Jessica, who was originally just "pretty," now deserved the four words "dazzling and enchanting."

"Thank you, Auntie. Indeed, a master's skill is different," Li Jingming flattered.

At this moment, Jessica also snapped out of her amazement: "Thank you, Auntie Cui."

Cui Xianzhen smiled and nodded, "As long as you are satisfied, that's all that matters."

"We'll be going now," Li Jingming bowed to say goodbye.

"Sure, go ahead with your business," Cui Xianzhen was also very satisfied with her work today. This girl was already beautiful without makeup, but with a light touch, she transformed into a goddess.

"How much did it cost today?" Jessica asked as they walked out of SS's door. Although she was satisfied with her new look, SS's charges were very high. Today, the director of the salon had done her makeup personally, so the cost must have been quite shocking. While treating her to a meal was one thing, spending so much money on her made her feel a bit uncomfortable.

Li Jingming tilted his head and thought for a moment, "I don't know. My mom paid them, but of course, I have to be responsible for your image in the MV. There's nothing to worry about."

Hearing Li Jingming mention Jin Runshu, Jessica recalled the morning's encounter: "What should we do if your mom asks about me again?"

"Just tell her you dumped me and we broke up," Li Jingming said nonchalantly.

"Hey!" Jessica called out in dissatisfaction, "What does that make me?"

"But if I say I dumped you, she'll kill me," Li Jingming knew how much his mother wanted a grandson. After turning twenty, she would mention it every time they talked on the phone. Now that she had misunderstood that Jessica and he had some kind of relationship, if he told her in Master Ma's tone, "Mom, I was just kidding!" he might really be in trouble.

"I don't care, you have to solve this," Jessica said stubbornly.

"You're the one who came over to stay, and you caused all this trouble while I was sleeping. Now you want me to solve it? How exactly?" Li Jingming was quite resentful of Jessica's "irresponsibility." He had just slept on the sofa, and when he woke up, all this strange stuff had happened.

Li Jingming hadn't said, "Oh, Mom, let me explain," and Jin Runshu hadn't said, "I don't want to hear it, I don't want to hear it." Instead, Jin Runshu had run off excitedly, and Li Jingming had seen her clearly, she was really "excited."

"OPPA, please help me. I don't dare to face your aunt," Jessica again used her secret weapon, the "invincible reverse coquetry technique."

"Alright, fine," Li Jingming sighed. Telling the truth would just result in a few scoldings, but if he didn't explain, who knew what bigger trouble might be waiting for him.

"Let's go buy some clothes," Li Jingming suggested, looking at Jessica. Her current outfit didn't match her new look at all.

"What for?" Jessica was a bit proud and a bit shy about the way Li Jingming was looking at her.

Li Jingming laughed, "Haven't you noticed that this outfit doesn't match your new look? You're still wearing canvas shoes?"

"You're going to spend more money?" Jessica asked. She had already received so much from Li Jingming today.

"Shouldn't you be happy?" Li Jingming looked at Jessica, "Don't overthink it. Consider it your payment for the MV."

"Okay," Jessica accepted after hearing Li Jingming's explanation. She wasn't the type to take things from others lightly, and if it was payment for the MV, she could accept it with peace of mind.

Li Jingming and Jessica took a car to Myeongdong.

Li Jingming thought that a dress would be the most suitable for Jessica's new, gentle and innocent look. So they first looked at dresses in women's clothing stores. Each store they entered brought him more amazement at the variety of women's clothing.

The gradually cooling interest of Li Jingming and the rising interest of Jessica made them look like a young couple out shopping. It was Saturday morning, and the streets were already crowded with young women taking advantage of the weekend to add to their "wardrobes." With so many women around, Li Jingming, being a handsome guy, naturally attracted a lot of attention. Jessica, who had been looking around, immediately linked her arm with Li Jingming's when she noticed the women's gazes on him. She didn't know why, but she just wanted to do it. Li Jingming looked at Jessica's side face in confusion, while Jessica pretended not to care and continued looking at the clothes.

"Oh, that one's nice," Li Jingming didn't think much of it. Wasn't it normal for girls to link arms while shopping? They had visited several stores without finding a suitable dress, but he did find a pair of white high-heeled sandals that he liked. Jessica couldn't wear canvas shoes to shoot the MV, and since she was not yet a debutant, she didn't have a stylist. Li Jingming decided to solve it all at once.

The brand of the shoes was Jimmy Choo. Li Jingming didn't know much about women's shoe brands; he just thought they looked good. He didn't ask the price, just asked Jessica, "Those ones, do you like them?"

"Yes, they're very pretty," Jessica nodded, still linked with Li Jingming's arm. The display item didn't have a price tag, but she knew the brand wasn't cheap, and this "Vertigo" model was a new release. She was about to find some fault to say she didn't like them, but Li Jingming had already taken out his card to pay. Jessica, now holding a box, was envied by the store staff. Her beautiful face was one reason, but her handsome and wealthy boyfriend was the more important one.

Li Jingming and Jessica continued down the bustling Myeongdong street. Despite the crowd, the two seemed to have created a small, independent space, a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere surrounding them, like a soothing song playing softly in their ears. There was no pink, fluttering ambiguity, just a mutual sense of "comfort."

Comfort, a feeling that countless sweet couples and happy couples strive for. Jessica felt the time was too short; the Myeongdong that she used to never finish shopping in had become smaller today.

Finally, Jessica chose a white dress at a Lacoste store. After trying it on, Li Jingming clapped his hands, "This is it!" He was amazed not only by how good the dress looked but also because he had always thought Lacoste only sold men's clothing. The dress wasn't expensive, not a designer piece or made of high-end fabric, just 200,000 won. The shoes were a bit more expensive at 500,000 won, making the total 700,000 won. For Li Jingming, it was just 700,000 won, but for Jessica, it was two months' worth of pocket money. Jessica knew the dress wouldn't be cheap, but she didn't know the exact amount.

Wearing just a strapless dress seemed a bit too revealing, so they bought a small vest to go with it.

"Is the female lead pretty?" Jessica suddenly asked on the way to the shooting location.

Li Jingming, who was in a daze, replied, "Of course, she's pretty." If she weren't, Jin C and he wouldn't have chosen her over other actresses.

"Hmph!" Jessica huffed, making a face at him where he couldn't see, her cheeks puffing up in her signature pout.

At the shooting location, a small hospital, the crew was filming a scene of Li Zhiyan being alone and sad on the rooftop. Wearing a hospital gown, Li Zhiyan held a hand-cranked piano and played it quietly, leaning against the railing, her eyes staring blankly ahead.

"Cut!" Jin C's dissatisfied voice rang out, "Too weak."

Li Zhiyan wasn't in the right state this morning. Sometimes her performance was too intense, other times it was not enough, never quite meeting Jin C's high standards. Facing the entire crew of strangers, with no one to encourage her, she felt increasingly helpless. At this moment, she wished Li Jingming were by her side; she felt she could do better then.

As if on cue, Li Jingming arrived. Li Zhiyan saw him from a distance, but she immediately noticed a young girl by his side. Women have a natural sense of each other's presence, and as Li Zhiyan looked over, Jessica's gaze met hers.

At first sight, Li Zhiyan was stunned by Jessica's beauty. She was petite and adorable, gentle and quiet, with skin as white as snow. Her outfit was well-coordinated, perfectly highlighting her pure and serene demeanor. Just standing there quietly, she seemed to become a beautiful landscape. Most importantly, Li Zhiyan could immediately tell that Jessica was younger than her.

Jessica was also amazed by Li Zhiyan's beauty. Her face was delicate, and her demeanor was calm. Even in a hospital gown, she didn't look pale but rather exuded a delicate and frail beauty, like Lin Daiyu, "sickly yet more beautiful than Xi Shi." Even Jessica, a woman, felt an urge to protect her, and men would be even more affected by this frail beauty. As she got closer, she noticed a small black spot on Li Zhiyan's nose, which didn't detract from her beauty but added a touch of cuteness and charm to her calm demeanor.

Women often compare themselves to each other, especially on first meetings. There was no hostility, just a natural tendency.

"Jingming, why did it take you so long to get here?" Jin C stopped his work and greeted Li Jingming. Seeing Jessica, he was surprised by her excellent appearance and style. "Is this your wife?"

"Wife?" Not only was Li Zhiyan stunned, but the rest of the crew also looked over.