Taking Liu Xue to the second floor, we settled in the living room of my place. Mom and Dad weren't home; they’d probably gone out to find someone to play cards with. Since I hadn't mentioned coming back for lunch, they surely ate out.

I casually pulled out a few outfits, but nothing seemed worthy of a superstar like her. Given her figure was similar to Zhang Xiaoya’s, I figured I’d head upstairs to Zhang Xiaoya’s room and grab a few things from there.

When I returned carrying an armload of prospective flight attendant uniforms and knock-offs, the living room was empty. Hearing the door open, Liu Xue peeked out from my bedroom: “Don’t mind if I look around, do you? I rarely stay home; three hundred and sixty out of three hundred and sixty-five days, hotels are my address. Seeing the décor here feels so familiar and comforting.”

I sympathized genuinely: “It must be so tough being a star. If you like the feeling, visit often. Change into something first.”

Liu Xue took the large bundle of clothes from me and laughed: “Where did you get all this? The styles are so novel, and I bet they weren’t cheap. Are these from your current girlfriend?”

I smiled without answering and instead quietly closed the door for Liu Xue. Sitting in the living room, I pondered whether I should notify the other women to come home and meet the celebrity, when I heard Liu Xue call from my room: “Zhao Qian, come in. I’ve changed, and I have something to ask you.”

I pushed the door open and entered my room. “What’s up?” And I must say, Liu Xue looked even more stunning in Zhang Xiaoya’s clothes. The star quality was amplified by the crispness of the flight attendant uniform.

Liu Xue didn’t mind me staring as I took her in. Being a star meant constant attention; she was used to any blatant scrutiny and felt no discomfort. She pointed to the row of photos of my wives on my desk: “Why do you have their pictures? Do you know them?”

I replied casually: “Yeah, they’re my neighbors, and they’re my idols too. Later, you’ll have to give me an autographed photo to display up here as well.”

Liu Xue pointed to Zhang Xiaoya’s photo: “Are these clothes hers? This must be President Zhang of Galaxy International, right? She was originally a flight attendant for the national airline, the undisputed beauty of China Air. After resigning, she took over all the hotel businesses under the Brotherhood Alliance and soon established Galaxy International. No one dares cause trouble in a Galaxy hotel because everyone knows the hidden boss of Galaxy is Fatty Zhu from the Brotherhood Alliance—a triad leader so formidable the US government fears him by three full points.”

I clapped my hands in appreciation: “Liu Xue, I didn’t realize you knew all these details. She lives right upstairs. The clothes are indeed hers; I’ll just tell her later.”

Liu Xue asked: “Are you very close?”

“Yeah, as close as you can possibly get.”

“Hehe, at first, I thought you had a uniform fetish. A whole pile of flight attendant outfits! President Zhang was a flight attendant originally, so it's normal for her to have clothes like these.”

Ugh, I was nearly misunderstood by Liu Xue, though perhaps it wasn’t entirely a misunderstanding. I do like uniforms; otherwise, Zhang Xiaoya wouldn't have deliberately worn these to tempt me.

Liu Xue pointed to Fang Yanmeng’s photo and continued: “Still can’t forget Miss Fang, huh? You two are from different worlds. I can imagine the immense pressure she’s under. Actually, if she just pushes through this, everything will get better. Why don’t I ask Miss Fang out for lunch? I can create another opportunity for you two to spend time together. Is that convenient for you?”

I understood Liu Xue’s implication. She assumed that since Fang Yanmeng and I had broken up, she was enthusiastically trying to play matchmaker. I didn’t correct her and smiled: “What could possibly be inconvenient about that? If they knew you were here, they’d probably rush over immediately, not caring if I was present or not. Those girls are your massive fans.”

Liu Xue glanced at the time on the controller strapped to her wrist: “It’s noon now. I wonder if it’s too late to ask her. I’ll try.”

Liu Xue didn't have a personal phone on her. I didn't know if she was still using the one Fang Yanmeng gave her years ago. I took out my phone and handed it to her. Before she even dialed, she exclaimed: “You’re using a limited-edition internal HuanYu phone too? Your Red Dragon employees are incredible! This model isn't sold publicly. Miss Fang gave me mine.”

Liu Xue’s memory was sharp; she remembered the long number. Fang Yanmeng looked surprised when Liu Xue called: “Miss Liu, what are you up to? This is in Zhao Qian’s house, right? The background sounds familiar.”

Liu Xue assumed Fang Yanmeng used to visit often when they were dating: “Yes, we are at Zhao Qian’s place. I had a little accident while filming a commercial this morning, and he brought me home to change. By the way, Miss Fang, do you have time for lunch? I’d like to treat you and the other sisters from that day.”

Fang Yanmeng replied: “Wait just a moment, I’ll discuss it when I get home. I’ll be right there—don’t go anywhere.”

As soon as the phone call ended, Xia Huren dialed me: “Qian, the steel cable that supported Miss Liu had been tampered with. It looks like the other side has started moving. We are in the open, but our opponents always seem to be one step ahead. It’s getting complicated.”

I said: “Everyone just be careful and remain vigilant. I doubt they can pull off any major tricks.”

Liu Xue overheard my conversation with Xia Huren and looked deeply worried: “They really found me.”

I comforted her: “You are absolutely safe here in my home. Don’t worry, nothing will happen.”

Not long after, the hurried sound of high heels ascending the stairs reached us. A group of girls rushed in, heralded by Fang Yanmeng, who didn't forget to praise me upon entering: “Zhao Qian, you’re amazing! You really brought our idol home!”

Liu Xue was instantly surrounded by the group of beauties. She had seen photos of most of these women on the table in my room earlier. She looked left and right, asking the girls with confusion: “Are you all very familiar with Zhao Qian? I saw all your photos in his room just now.”

Ouyang Qian deliberately didn't tell Liu Xue the whole truth: “We’re neighbors, of course we’re close! We all live upstairs. Want to come up and take a look?”

Liu Xue seemed to be an active person too; she happily agreed: “Great! But who are these beautiful ladies? Miss Ouyang should introduce them to me first.”

Fang Yanmeng chimed in: “Let’s not be so formal. From now on, just call each other by name. We still have a few other sisters who aren’t home yet. There are group photos upstairs, and I’ll introduce you to everyone one by one.”

Liu Xue turned and called out to me: “Zhao Qian, we’re going upstairs. We’ll come find you for dinner later.”

Ouyang Qian looped her arm through mine: “Come on, let’s go up together. Dinner isn't urgent.”

Liu Xue was surprised by how casually I interacted with Ouyang Qian, but she didn't press the matter in front of Fang Yanmeng. So, everyone headed up to the third floor together. Liu Xue raved about the interior decoration and furnishings; after all, it was the crystallization of the collective effort of all the women, so it couldn't be ordinary.

Liu Xue recognized most of the girls in the group photo from the pictures on the table in my room. It seemed these neighbors really were close! Taking advantage of my absence while I spoke with other girls, Liu Xue quietly asked Fang Yanmeng: “Mengmeng, why did you and Zhao Qian break up? You seem to be getting along quite well now. And your picture is still in his bedroom, which suggests he still cares for you. You two should really cast aside the differences in your social standing and see your love through to the end.”

Fang Yanmeng looked utterly bewildered: “We broke up? Did he say that?”

Liu Xue replied: “Zhao Qian didn’t elaborate; I assumed so. He said you weren’t his girlfriend anymore, which means you broke up, right?”

Fang Yanmeng laughed: “Not being his girlfriend strongly suggests being his wife! Be careful he doesn’t trick you, Liu Xue. Regardless, I have to thank you.”

“Oh! I really didn’t consider other possibilities. Are you two actually not broken up?” Liu Xue pressed further.

Fang Yanmeng gave a mysterious smile: “A secret. You guess. Come on, let’s go eat first. Another sister will be arriving soon; her name is Little Raindrop. I heard you haven't been treated very well lately at your Feng Hua Xue Yue company, and she wants to discuss something with you—something concerning your future happiness.”

Liu Xue replied fearfully: “Happiness? I dare not speak of happiness now. It’s a miracle if I can keep my life.”

The women gathered around, pulling Liu Xue along: “Let’s go, we’ll discuss it over food. We’re very interested in your situation. You should have ditched that terrible company long ago; otherwise, your international standing would be even higher than it is now. With your personality and looks, you suit the pure ingenue image, not this overly sexualized route. They’re completely messing things up!”

Liu Xue looked around nervously: “I know you all care about me, but please, don’t say things like that carelessly. Do you know that the Yamaguchi-gumi from Japan is backing Feng Hua Xue Yue Company now? It could bring serious trouble.”

Fang Yanmeng scoffed dismissively: “What Yamaguchi-gumi? Why would you be afraid with Brother Zhao Qian here?”

Liu Xue asked: “Is he really that powerful? He’s not afraid of the Yamaguchi-gumi?”

Fang Yanmeng declared: “He represents the Red Dragon Organization. Do you think we need to fear Japan? Besides, half of Japan’s economy is currently under the control of the few of us. If we say they should die, they wouldn’t dare live!”

Liu Xue suddenly understood, realizing she had forgotten this crucial point. These girls were the type who could stir up storms just by stamping their feet, and they cared so much for her. It seemed she had finally found powerful backing. She burst into tears: “You all have to help me!”