The Scheming Childhood Sweetheart Who Does Makeup Early in the Morning

The next morning, around five o'clock, Jiang Qiuran set an alarm and dragged herself out of bed to start applying makeup.

For art students, makeup was an essential skill—sometimes, the gap in technique between girls could be even wider than the gap in their natural looks. Jiang Qiuran had learned from her mother, dabbling since middle school and gradually refining her craft by studying posts on Xiaohongshu, eventually developing her own signature style.

From five in the morning until seven, she meticulously worked on her look.

The most time-consuming part was washing and blow-drying her hair. To avoid disturbing her roommate, she had to use the low setting on the blow dryer in the communal bathroom down the hall.

Today, her appearance was crucial.

She needed to pull Su Bai’s attention away from Chen Yusheng.

The thought felt a little wicked, but Jiang Qiuran was dead serious. This backup option she’d kept around for years had suddenly been snatched away, leaving her frustrated and resentful—especially toward Chen Yusheng.

Meanwhile, Chen Yusheng slept peacefully until seven-thirty before finally stirring. She stretched lazily in bed, then turned her head and froze at the sight of Jiang Qiuran, fully glamorous, checking herself in the mirror.

"You… you’re awake?" Jiang Qiuran caught Chen Yusheng’s gaze in the mirror’s reflection and immediately felt awkward.

Girls always felt self-conscious about putting in too much effort with their looks in the dorm. Roommates would inevitably ask—Who are you dressing up for?

Obviously, it was for a guy.

That was the unspoken understanding among girls. They might usually be casual in the dorm, but when someone important was involved, the effort had to be made.

Chen Yusheng stared for a moment before offering a genuine compliment. "Jiang Qiuran, you look amazing today."

"...Thanks."

"Your makeup is so natural. I wish I could do mine like that."

The topic made Chen Yusheng feel a little wistful. Would Su Bai like her better if she put in more effort?

But then again—after everything they’d been through, she and Su Bai didn’t need to fuss over such things. They were soulmates, connected beyond superficial appearances.

Chen Yusheng climbed out of bed, washed up, and slipped into the trendy outfit Su Bai had bought her.

They’d agreed last night—today was a couples’ outfit day.

Jiang Qiuran watched Chen Yusheng out of the corner of her eye, relieved that she didn’t seem bothered by her meticulous preparation.

Still, she couldn’t shake the guilt creeping up on her.

Maybe it was because Chen Yusheng had such an intimidating, cool-girl aura.

But then Jiang Qiuran reminded herself—Why should I feel guilty? I knew Su Bai first!

Just as Chen Yusheng finished dressing, her phone buzzed with a message from Su Bai.

[Puffy White Goose: You up yet?]

[Puffy White Goose: Wanna grab breakfast together?]

[Rain Stops: Absolutely!]

They’d agreed to meet at nine, but it was still early, and Chen Yusheng was hungry. No doubt Su Bai would take her somewhere delicious.

She slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed for the door. Jiang Qiuran, noticing her departure, quickly called out,

"Yusheng, you’re leaving already? We’re not meeting for a while, right…?"

"Oh, I’m going to eat with my boyfriend."

With that, Chen Yusheng strode out, oblivious to the bitterness in Jiang Qiuran’s gaze.

They’re so close, even having breakfast together this early…

It reminded Jiang Qiuran of the summer, before she and Su Bai had their fight. She’d tried to drag him out to try a new viral snack, but he’d just slept in until noon, ignoring her knocking entirely.

Ugh!

Jealousy surged through her, and before she could stop herself, she blurted out to Chen Yusheng’s retreating figure, "Can I come too?"

"Huh?"

Chen Yusheng paused, turning back with a puzzled look.

Jiang Qiuran fumbled for an excuse. "I’m already ready, so we can just head down together… and I’d like to meet your boyfriend before the trip. We’ll be traveling together soon anyway."

The explanation was flimsy, and Jiang Qiuran’s evasive eyes made her seem even more suspicious.

Luckily, Chen Yusheng wasn’t the type to overanalyze.

"Sure," she said easily. "Let me ask Su Bai. If he’s fine with it, I don’t mind."

She and Su Bai would have plenty of time alone later.

Besides, Chen Yusheng was curious—how would Su Bai react to Jiang Qiuran’s stunning transformation?

Even as a girl, Chen Yusheng had been struck by her beauty the moment she woke up.

[Rain Stops: Can my roommate join us for breakfast?]

[Rain Stops: She says she wants to meet my boyfriend.]

[Puffy White Goose: [Goose_QuestionMark]]

[Puffy White Goose: Which roommate?]

[Rain Stops: The one coming hiking with us—Jiang Qiuran, from broadcasting.]

[Puffy White Goose: Sure, let her come]

[Puffy White Goose: [Goose_PutsOnStruggleMask]]

[Rain Stops: [MischievousCat]]

[Rain Stops: Feels kinda weird though]

[Puffy White Goose: You’re overthinking it]

[Puffy White Goose: As a future AI genius, you should rely on logic, not intuition.]

[Rain Stops: Hmph~]

[Rain Stops: Just so you know, Jiang Qiuran looks incredible today—Lolita dress, white stockings, little leather shoes. You’re gonna be blown away.]

[Puffy White Goose: Should I… ahem… show my appreciation then?]

[Rain Stops: [AngryCat]]

[Rain Stops: YOU BETTER NOT!!!]

[Rain Stops: [CatPunch]]

...

Meanwhile, Su Bai had just arrived at the parking lot and was starting up his Mercedes GLE.

Seeing Chen Yusheng’s flurry of angry stickers, he burst out laughing.

This icy genius when she’s jealous—no different from any other girl.

If anything, she was even more adorable.

Su Bai could feel the depth of Chen Yusheng’s attachment and trust in him.

She really was planning to spend the rest of her life with him.

She’d accepted his financial support, yet she didn’t hold back when she got jealous.

But despite her outbursts, during their more intimate moments, Chen Yusheng had made it clear—she didn’t care what Su Bai did with other women.

As long as he let her be clingy and… ahem… didn’t leave her unsatisfied in that department, she was fine.

Her thought process was definitely unique.

And that was exactly what Su Bai loved about her.

Compared to Chen Yusheng’s blunt honesty, Jiang Qiuran’s approach was downright sneaky.

"I just want to meet your boyfriend"? Please. She wasn’t fooling anyone.

Su Bai drove leisurely toward the girls’ dorm, a smirk playing on his lips.

Alright then, Qiuran. Let’s see what you’re up to this time.