At the banquet, she was as beautiful as a fairy.

Officer Zhang noticed something. The usually diligent and serious Captain Ji had become somewhat flamboyant these past couple of days. He stood before his dressing mirror, changing outfits multiple times, turning left and right as if inspecting himself from every angle. This behavior stirred a lively discussion among the members of the criminal investigation team.

“Is Captain Ji meeting his future in-laws this weekend? He looks so sharp and handsome. Tsk, tsk, I saw him putting gel in his hair this morning!”

“It’s either a date or a family introduction. Our captain’s girlfriend must be quite a charm. Back at the provincial awards ceremony, he just casually wore his uniform, never bothered this much with his appearance!”

“The power of love is indeed formidable—it can make a man realize infinite possibilities.”

…

Ji Shen’s sharp ears caught every bit of their chatter. He hurled something at them.

“If any of you whisper again, you’ll all be running twenty laps around the field!”

Silence fell instantly.

Director An called Ji Shen over. Over the years, he had personally promoted Ji Shen and was something of a mentor to him. Now in his fifties, he’d be retiring in a couple of years.

“Ji Shen, you’ve handled these major cases well lately. The higher-ups are quite impressed.”

Ji Shen replied, “I don’t deserve the credit. It’s the result of everyone’s hard work.”

Director An intended to promote him further. Ji Shen was not only highly capable and sharp-witted, but also possessed a ruthlessness that struck fear in criminals. Both the bureau and the higher-ups saw great promise in him, planning to raise his position even higher.

If all went well, Ji Shen would become the youngest deputy director in Jinghai District’s history.

But it wasn’t enough yet—he needed to solve a few more big cases.

“There’s a missing-person case recently. Go and follow up on it.” Director An handed him a file.

Ji Shen took it.

Director An stopped him again, “By the way, Shen, let me ask you something personal. Are you dating anyone?”

Ji Shen replied, “Yes, I am.”

Director An sighed, “That’s a pity. My daughter has always liked you. I was hoping to arrange something between you two!”

Ji Shen smiled, “I’m nothing special. My work keeps me so busy I’m hardly ever around, rarely reply to messages. You really wouldn’t want to inflict your daughter with that!”

Director An chuckled and shook his head, “Fair point.”

…

Time slipped by, and soon it was the weekend.

Since last night, the dance troupe group chat had been overflowing with messages—99+ and counting.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating the gathering, waiting to see how Wen Shuang would fare.

Yao Qianqian called, “Shuangshuang, you’re really going?”

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I?” Wen Shuang was picking out clothes from her wardrobe. “Not only am I going—I’ll be the most beautiful one there!”

Yao Qianqian cheered, “That’s the spirit! For those words alone, I’ll fight for you tonight!”

It was Saturday. Ji Shen should have had the day off, but something urgent came up and he had to work overtime. Still, he promised Wen Shuang he’d try his best to make it.

Wen Shuang tried on outfits in front of the mirror.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang!

She opened the door.

A group of people entered. The leader was carrying a makeup case, and others rolled in racks of evening gowns—every one a haute couture dress!

Wen Shuang was startled, “Did you come to the wrong address?”

“Are you Miss Wen Shuang?”

“Yes.”

“Then we’re in the right place. Miss Wen, we’re here to do your styling for the banquet tonight.”

Wen Shuang was bewildered, “But... I didn’t hire you.”

“It was Mr. Ji who booked us three days ago. Please, Miss Wen, have a seat.”

Wen Shuang sent three question marks to Ji Shen.

He replied: “Tonight’s dance troupe dinner—though you’re naturally beautiful, you shouldn’t lose in aura either.”

He knew girls loved looking their best, so he arranged for a celebrity styling team to help her.

Wen Shuang had planned to do her own simple makeup and pick a dress, but Ji Shen had gone to such lengths. Since he’d put in the effort, she didn’t refuse.

While doing her makeup, the stylist couldn’t help but praise her, “Miss Wen, your features and face are like works of art. You’d be a hit as a star—classic movie face, flawless from every angle!”

Wen Shuang laughed softly, “Is that so?”

“Absolutely! Have you thought about entering show business?”

Wen Shuang smiled, “I prefer dancing.”

The makeup artist gave her a popular pure and sweet look—her almond-shaped eyes enhanced with delicate lashes, making her appear lively and innocent.

Her hair was styled in voluminous waves, and she wore a fitted green evening gown.

Standing before the mirror, the effect was breathtaking.

Wen Shuang always knew she was attractive, but she hadn’t expected that with careful styling, she’d shine so brilliantly.

Ji Shen messaged, “Shuangshuang, sorry. I probably won’t make it tonight. The case I’m working on won’t let me leave!”

He hadn’t expected the missing-person case to be so complex.

Wen Shuang felt a pang of disappointment.

“No worries, Shen, go do your work. The case is more important than my party. I’ll be fine, I can handle it myself.”

…

Xia Anran had been preparing her look since morning for tonight’s banquet.

With so many women attending, she was determined to be the most dazzling.

She chose a globally limited edition haute couture dress—a pink princess gown with a matching updo. Her parents were effusive in their praise.

“My daughter is so beautiful—I never imagined I’d have such a stunning child.”

Xia Hanyan, sitting on the sofa reviewing the latest company financials, frowned more and more as he read.

Xia Anran twirled before him, “Brother, look at me—am I pretty?”

Xia Hanyan glanced at her, “Average.”

“How could I possibly be average?”

“That pink doesn’t suit you—it’s a bit tacky.”

“But it’s a global haute couture piece! You know nothing about aesthetics!”

Pouting, Xia Anran linked arms with Qin You, who repeatedly praised her beauty. She beamed, “Tonight, Qin and I will be the brightest stars at the banquet.”

Qin You would attend the banquet with her.

Xia Anran had long planned to make sure Wen Shuang was utterly humiliated.

The banquet began at six.

Ji Shen had still not returned.

Wen Shuang took a deep breath and pushed open the banquet hall doors.

Inside, Xia Anran, arm in arm with Qin You, chatted enthusiastically with the dance troupe and former classmates. Everyone complimented her beautiful haute couture dress and exquisite makeup, making her glow with happiness.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd let out a gasp.

Xia Anran turned, instantly stunned.

Qin You’s gaze was lost.

Tonight, Wen Shuang’s chestnut waves cascaded to her waist.

She wore a fitted green evening gown adorned with lace and jewels, accentuating her figure and radiating an extraordinary aura.

She was beautiful.

So beautiful that nothing else compared.