Chapter 1: The Descent of the Bad Luck God (1)

S City, the lights just lit up.

Looking out, multicolored lights were orderly emitted from the lighthouse across the sea and the sky-scraping skyscrapers, showcasing a gradient of colors that were truly dazzling and eye-catching.

Walking in this city, known as the "capital of romance," and breathing in the scent of neatly trimmed green vegetation while enjoying the cool summer evening breeze, one wouldn't feel tired even after walking in seven-centimeter high heels all day.

Ye Feifei, a girl who had studied diligently from a young age and had become a well-known designer of gowns at the age of twenty-four with her extraordinary design talent, thoroughly enjoyed this lifestyle.

Stepping in seven-centimeter high heels into this upscale coastal apartment, although it wasn't her residence, still made her feel comfortable and familiar. Imagine, standing in a high-rise each morning, opening the window to greet the enthusiastic sunrise over the sea, and after a day's fatigue, sitting behind the floor-to-ceiling windows holding a cup of milk tea enjoying the sea scenery under the sunset, it would be such a pleasant scene. Not to mention, at this moment, the lights blooming on the sea reflecting dreamlike lights and shadows were intoxicating.

The person living here, truly enviable!

Ahead, the destination's door was not closed, and a smile as gentle as the breeze and bright moon adorned Ye Feifei's delicate melon-seed face. Her flowing big wavy curls seemed dyed with superior ink, reflecting dazzling circles of light under the brilliant lights, utterly mesmerizing, especially those bright apricot-like eyes.

Her neat black bangs just stopped above her arched eyebrows, partially hiding them like a fading rainbow, full of playfulness.

Looking at the beautiful woman sitting facing away with shiny straight black hair, Ye Feifei declared directly, "My oh my, are we starting to prepare now? Wasn't the time set for tomorrow afternoon at 14:00? You're doing makeup now, don't you plan to sleep tonight?!"

The room's owner, facing the mirror, flashed a bold smile at Ye Feifei, turned around, revealing a delicate face. Although hers was also a melon-seed face like Feifei's, there was a fundamental difference in their natural bone structures. The tall and plump bridge of the nose, gracefully curved lips, and upturned eyebrow corners seemed like they had stepped out of a painting, bearing a high-end elegant demeanor that was almost unrealistically beautiful.

This was Ye Feifei's best friend, Xia Yichu, who had just become a popular leading actress in the entertainment industry due to a contemporary big IP hit.

She rose gracefully from her seat, her movements carried a subtle air of maturity, instantly radiating infinite charm from her exquisitely flawless pure "S" curves, spreading like an ethereal orchid throughout the room!

She raised an eyebrow at Ye Feifei, guided her to the seat she just vacated, walked behind her, revealing her exquisite face, picked up the lipstick she had just been using, applied it close to Feifei's lips, and mysteriously said, "I wasn't preparing for myself. I naturally have a professional makeup team to take care of me. I just... was trying out makeup for my best friend!"

Ye Feifei, upon hearing this, was slightly surprised and chuckled, "Trying makeup for me?!" Ye Feifei laughed heartily, as if with great freedom, "Xiao Chu, am I hearing things? I'm a designer, not a celebrity. Just a simple makeup will do, why try out makeup?"

She took the lipstick from Xia Yichu's hand, glanced at it briefly, and squinted her eyes as she said, "Tsk tsk, this is the newly released limited edition acme pink from France, right? It might not even be available on the market, who is the wealthy admirer who gifted this? Xiao Chu... you're not being honest, got a new suitor and still being secretive..."

Xia Yichu smiled even more radiantly, not responding but just saying, "This peachy pink color best brings out my dear Feifei's proud yet sweet personality. I picked it especially for you. Want to try it out now?"

As she spoke, she had already opened the lid, gently scooping a little from the bottle, her sexy eyes blinking as she looked at Ye Feifei and quietly said, "Feifei, do you know who you are meeting tomorrow?"

"Is this supposed to be a matchmaking attempt?" Ye Feifei instantly lost interest, scornfully saying, "Isn't he just another nouveau riche frittering away money? Meandering through the entertainment and fashion industry, what kind of rich people haven't I seen? However, the real question this time is what on earth the face value of this rich man is. I'm part of the appearance association, sorry, I don't meet with anyone who would upset my viewers! So..." Ye Feifei stretched out her slender, delicate index finger, pointing at Xia Yichu, and said, "Anyone over 28, can be passed!"

Hearing this, Xia Yichu immediately gave her a disdainful look, somewhat 'angrily' spat out, "You're just obsessed with looks, drooling over young fresh meat every day! Nowadays, the trend is for sweet young things paired with mature, charismatic rich older men, the dream choice for countless fans..."

"Stop!" Ye Feifei cut off her talkative friend, interjecting, "Whoever wants a leftover man, take him away; no thanks needed!"

Playing word games with someone as inherently cool as Ye Feifei really isn't fun. Xia Yichu stopped beating around the bush and said straight out, "The person coming this time is Shen Sirui, the inheritor of the most formidable family power in S City within the real estate industry! Rich and handsome, a rare gentleman. Other than just turning 28 which slightly misses your criteria, all other aspects perfectly meet your standards for a mate. You'd better prepare well for tomorrow, then I'll arrange a perfect chance meeting for you. Casually flirt a bit, and take home a rich and handsome guy as your ATM and fame-producing machine—am I not the most capable best friend?!"

As their friendship was close, Ye Feifei understood her well and didn't beat around the bush either, slightly disdainfully saying, "Unsolicited favors suggest ulterior motives, whether treachery or theft. Spill it, what are you begging Miss Me for this time?"

Getting this almost agreeing response, Xia Yichu immediately became obsequious, her eyes twinkling and shining brightly as she craftily said, "You really can't hide anything from you!" Xia Yichu quickly became serious; Ye Feifei suddenly found this hard to adjust to, raising her eyebrows, only to see her continue, "You know, I've been in this acting business for seven years now. Seven years, almost turning me into a plain Jane, and only this year it has started to pay off. Actually, I have a super exciting good news to tell you!"

Looking at Xia Yichu, whose eyes were glimmering with excitement, Ye Feifei seemed to understand and could not help being thrilled as well, "Could it be that the super modern blockbuster IP 'Rose Sea' you star in is going to win a big award?"

Xia Yichu seemed unable to hide her joy, quickly nodding her head, suppressing her excitement as she said, "Not just a big award, this time, at the upcoming top domestic TV drama awards ceremony I have been nominated for Best Leading Actress, meaning, I'll experience my life's first glorious time on the red carpet! This red carpet is definitely not about just creating small waves. If I could actually win the Queen of the Screen this time, then I'd have the chance to go international, to stride down Cannes. So, I must outshine everyone! Plus, my arch-nemesis, Sally, will also be there—I absolutely can't back down! So, I need your exceptional unparalleled design talent to create a stunningly beautiful and elegant gown for me, no matter the cost!"

The emphasis came at the end: No matter the cost?! Ye Feifei raised her eyebrows again, "Are you sure financing isn't a problem?"

Knowing Xia Yichu well enough, she had just made a name for herself and the paychecks weren't anywhere close to eight figures! Funds had always been her Achilles' heel, so it had to be emphasized.

However, Xia Yichu across from her said cheerfully, "No problem!"

Looking at her best friend immersed in endless daydreams and glory, Ye Feifei smiled contentedly. Being straightforward was always her unique charm. Without much thought, she said, "Alright then, I just happen to have a concept from my 'Lonely Orchid in the Valley' series that I've been waiting to use, perfectly fits your request for grandeur without losing elegance. Since financing is not an issue, and time allowing, your wish is my command. When you become the queen of the scene and outshine everyone, let's see how you'll thank me!"

Upon hearing this, Xia Yichu suddenly didn't know how to contain her happiness, hurrying to flatter, "If it's stunning enough, when I show off your brand, your reputation as a renowned designer will practically trample the whole of S City and even national!"

Having said that, she gave flying kisses and hearts, excessively sweet...

Seeing this, Ye Feifei couldn't stop smiling, but unexpectedly, she caught a glimpse of the lighthouse beacon sweeping by the window, its light dimly and eerily fading in a moment, as if bringing a sense of thrill and eeriness.

Seeing this, Ye Feifei couldn't help but shiver slightly.