From Mo Si’s description, Jiang Qiuqiu had a good idea of what the gift was. She let out a small laugh, her eyes sparkling like stars. "Thank you for coming all this way and still remembering to bring me a gift!"

"Mm."

"Did you come over in such a hurry today just to give me this gift?"

"Not exactly." ’I could have given her the gift anytime. I’m not sure why, but I just... wanted to come and see her.’

Just as the two were about to continue their conversation, Meimei stood up by the hovercar and called out, "Qiuqiu, Little President Qian is here!"

"It’s four o’clock! We need to get going!" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Jiang Qiuqiu called back in acknowledgment and glanced over her shoulder at Mo Si.

Mo Si quickly stood up as well. "You should go if you have something to do. We can talk more when you get back."

It was indeed time to leave. Jiang Qiuqiu was only wearing an evening gown, and even with a thick coat on, the cold wind would inevitably find its way in.

That was why Little President Qian’s hovercar was parked right at the exit of the large Rt hovercar. They only had to cross a tiny gap to avoid the wind.

To ensure there were no mishaps on the way, two stylists would be accompanying them. Mo Si stood behind Jiang Qiuqiu, straightening the train of her gown and carrying her casual clothes as he saw her into Little President Qian’s hovercar.

In winter, the days are short. By 4:30, the sky was already beginning to darken.

Little President Qian’s hovercar arrived in the city center. The darker the sky grew, the more the video ads playing across the downtown skyscrapers stood out.

It was cold, and with the major event scheduled for the evening, the streets were nearly empty. Throngs of young viewers were already gathered in front of public broadcast screens or camped out on the Star Network, waiting for the Federation’s live New Year’s Eve Gala.

"Little President Qian, where are we now?"

"We’re almost there." Little President Qian made a turn, and Sister Mingmei pointed through the window. "See that? That brightly lit place over there is our destination!"

-

After passing through a quiet residential complex, they arrived somewhere that felt like another world entirely.

Jiang Qiuqiu had initially assumed that getting so dressed up and being chauffeured by Little President Qian meant she would have to walk a red carpet immediately. But as it turned out, that wasn’t how the Federation’s live broadcast year-end gala was structured.

Arrival was scheduled for 5:00 PM. However, this wasn’t the time for public photography. Guests would first gather in a lounge where streamers who knew each other could chat. It was also an opportunity for editors to meet and exchange notes. If anyone got hungry, there was a self-service room next to the lounge where they could pick up a Nutrient Liquid to tide them over.

Then, at 7:00 PM, the organizers would assign the red carpet order for the streamers based on the final guest list. The public photography and red carpet walk wouldn’t officially begin until 7:30 PM.

Only then would the news media be lining the red carpet, and only then would the live feed from the event be broadcast.

It was, she had to admit, a very reasonable arrangement.

And so, by the time Jiang Qiuqiu registered and entered the main hall, it was already bustling with people. As a branch manager—and one who harbored great ambitions—Little President Qian parted ways with Meimei and Qiuqiu right after they entered, heading straight for the area where upper management was congregating.

Meimei, meanwhile, led Jiang Qiuqiu toward the food section.

Along the way, Jiang Qiuqiu attracted the gazes of numerous streamers.

As she walked through the crowd, whispers followed in her wake.

"Who’s that? A rookie from the Beauty category?"

"She’s gorgeous..."

"Was there someone like that in the Beauty category this year? I watched all the streams from start to finish and never saw her!"

"From start to finish? You’re a total perv. Plus, your eyes must be going bad. She’s not from the Beauty category, she’s from the Gourmet category."

He whispered, "That’s this year’s number one for the entire company."

"!"

"..."