The Truly Wealthy

What does it mean to be wealthy?

Lin Yu believed he had some understanding of it.

For example, buying things without looking at the price.

Choosing only the most expensive items, not necessarily the best.

And for those even wealthier, like in movies and TV dramas, strutting into a mall or boutique with their noses in the air.

Waving their hands grandly to pick out dozens of outfits, then boldly declaring:

"These!"

"And these!"

"I don’t want them!"

"Pack up everything else!"

Admittedly, it might seem a bit ridiculous.

But there’s no denying that such behavior effectively showcases one’s financial power.

However, after spending a few hours with Qing Mo, Lin Yu finally learned what it truly means to be wealthy.

The fake wealthy splurge recklessly in malls, spending money like water.

The truly wealthy? They have the finest fashion team waiting in their estate, taking your measurements on the spot to tailor-make your clothes!

The fashion team members carefully carried away a pile of measurements and meticulously detailed notes, treading as if on thin ice.

Lin Yu rubbed his nose, feeling somewhat awkward.

Recalling the scene of being surrounded by women taking his measurements, he still felt a bit uneasy.

Apparently, he wasn’t quite accustomed to being pampered and attended to so carefully.

But honestly?

It wasn’t half bad!

Just a little strange.

Lin Yu was puzzled.

Why did those women look so terrified while measuring him?

Was his face that intimidating?

...

Well, maybe he wasn’t exactly the friendliest-looking guy.

Lin Yu had some self-awareness about his appearance.

But it wasn’t like he’d suddenly turn into a beast and devour them—what were they all so afraid of?

Lin Yu couldn’t make sense of it.

Since it was just a trivial little question, he decided not to dwell on it.

Turning around, he went to grab his jacket from the table. But before he could take more than a few steps, a sudden chill ran down his spine.

???

Where did that cold draft come from?

Could a high-end villa like this really have leaks?

Shrinking his neck slightly, Lin Yu followed his instincts and glanced toward the source of the coldness.

There, on the plush sofa not far away, sat Qing Mo with her arms crossed. Her face was frosty, her ethereally beautiful features now icy to the extreme. If one looked closely, they might even detect a hint of murderous intent in her frigid gaze.

Seeing her like this, Lin Yu felt like he’d figured something out.

Glancing back at the retreating figures of the fashion team, then at Qing Mo’s icy stare fixed on their backs, Lin Yu sniffed and dismissed the thought.

Qing Mo’s feelings for him were, at their core, just a twisted physiological need.

There was no way she’d act like some lovestruck girl, getting jealous over him.

Especially not over something so ridiculous!

Not wanting to be labeled a narcissistic jerk, Lin Yu shook his head, banishing the strange thoughts, and continued toward the table to put on his jacket.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll head out first."

"You can pick me up when it’s time for the banquet."

Lin Yu spoke without turning his head as he dressed.

It was only a little past one in the afternoon—who knew how long he’d have to wait for the banquet? Might as well go back to his shabby little rental and lie down for a bit.

Weird, though.

He still had half a year left before officially becoming a college graduate, so why did he already feel like lazing around all day?

"You can’t leave. You still have to try on clothes, shoes, get your banquet makeup done, and learn some basic etiquette for the event."

Qing Mo listed off a whole afternoon’s worth of tasks, making Lin Yu’s head spin. He was even tempted to bail right then and there.

So much hassle!

Makeup too?

Wait—

Makeup?!

Lin Yu frowned as a terrible premonition crept into his mind...

...

Under Qing Mo’s unyielding orders, the makeup artist was switched from a pretty young woman to a hastily summoned male makeup artist—who was, admittedly, a bit effeminate.

Lin Yu couldn’t care less about that.

What he cared about was his face.

Or rather, the makeup on it.

"Hey, man."

"Can we just skip the removal and apply the new makeup over this?"

Lin Yu looked up at the makeup artist organizing his tools.

"Uh..."

"I’m afraid not."

The makeup artist hesitated, then explained apologetically:

"The current makeup on your face is too rough. It needs to be removed first so the new application looks natural."

Lin Yu clicked his tongue in resignation before sighing.

"Fine, do whatever!"

With permission granted, the makeup artist gently began removing Lin Yu’s makeup with cleanser and cotton pads.

As the cosmetics were wiped away, the most unsightly version of Lin Yu’s face was gradually revealed to everyone present...

...

A vein throbbed on Lin Yu’s forehead—he was seriously about to lose it.

Through the mirror, he witnessed Qing Mo’s entire reaction.

At first, she glanced over with mild curiosity. Then, as if she’d seen something hilarious, her lips twitched, and her icy expression melted instantly, nearly bursting into laughter.

Noticing his glare, she pressed her red lips together, straining to keep a straight face while pretending to look elsewhere.

But her beautiful eyes seemed to have a mind of their own, drifting back toward him again and again.

After a few more glances, she could barely hold it in anymore. She raised a hand to cover her mouth, her shoulders trembling with suppressed laughter, as if she were seconds away from breaking down completely.

By now, she’d resorted to covering her face with both hands, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Lin Yu was furious, but compared to Qing Mo—who at least tried to hold back—he had a more pressing target for his anger.

He turned his murderous gaze toward the effeminate makeup artist beside him.

"Hey, buddy."

"Can you not laugh and just focus on the makeup?"

"How many times is this now?"

"If you mess up again and have to redo everything, don’t blame me for losing my temper!"

"S-sorry," the delicate makeup artist stammered, struggling to stifle his giggles.

"And you!"

Lin Yu glared at the reflection of the person sneaking glances at him in the mirror.

"Turn around! No peeking!"

...

By the time the grueling makeup session finally ended, the sky outside had darkened considerably.

After changing into a freshly tailored suit and expensive leather shoes, Lin Yu stood before the full-length mirror, his mood improving slightly as he took in his reflection.

Well, at least the afternoon wasn’t a complete waste!

Turns out, he wasn’t half bad-looking after all!