Not the Ugly Duckling!

When Liu Chang'an woke up in the morning and looked at his hair, which was as thick and messy as weeds, he remembered that in the past, when people were tidying up their hair, they would spit twice into their palms, rub it on their hair, and then run it back.

It's a bit hard to accept.

Liu Chang'an thought about the uncomfortable things, then got up, combed his hair, and walked out of the bedroom to see that Shangguan Dandan had come up early in the morning.

She sat on the high table where Liu Chang'an was writing, her beloved thermos placed beside her on the outside of her thigh. She held the lid of the thermos in her hand; it was filled with steaming water. Her feet couldn't touch the ground, so they swayed in the air, and her slender legs occasionally peeked out from the seams of her skirt, revealing a delicate expanse of white skin.

"It's so early in the morning, and there aren't any meat buns for you. Why are you just sitting here?" Liu Chang'an walked past her and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth.

Shangguan Dandan put down the teapot lid, jumped down from the high table, and followed Liu Chang'an into the bathroom. After observing that he did not take off his clothes, she went in and poked Liu Chang'an with her finger.

Liu Chang'an twisted his waist to avoid it. The toothbrush poking around in his mouth suddenly reminded him of the scene of An Nuan brushing his teeth. It wasn't that he had never been served while having his teeth brushed before, but An Nuan clearly didn't have that level of service skills.

"Can I have that little black box of yours?" Shangguan Dandan nudged Liu Chang'an again.

Liu Chang'an thought for a moment. She was probably referring to a set-top box. Although Shangguan Dandan knew a lot about modern technology, it was clear that she couldn't possibly have as much modern common sense as a real modern person.

So last night she happily took the TV home, only to find after plugging it in that there were no programs for her to watch.

Liu Chang'an told her after brushing his teeth, "Taking the set-top box down won't help; it needs a signal input, and there's no one installed downstairs. This TV is a smart TV; you can connect to the internet... you can watch programs there too."

Shangguan Dandan just stared at Liu Chang'an. She didn't understand a word he was saying. Couldn't he just solve her problem directly? Why did he have to say so much that she couldn't comprehend?

He probably wanted to make himself look impressive. After all, boys like to show off in front of people, regardless of the relationship, which is something parents often need to understand.

So Shangguan Dandan climbed onto the stool, stood there, affectionately patted Liu Chang'an, then jumped down and left the room.

Liu Chang'an didn't understand what she was thinking, but since he wasn't very happy that she had taken the TV, he wouldn't be happy to go and get a TV for her right away. He'd talk about it when he got back in the afternoon.

For breakfast, Shangguan Dandan ate meat buns, which she really liked.

After finishing breakfast, Liu Chang'an set off for the comic convention venue.

The venue is located in the eastern part of Junsha, near Window of the World, which Liu Chang'an and An Nuan had visited. It is in a relatively remote location and it would take quite a while to walk there. Liu Chang'an is not in a hurry, but he has all the tickets. Sun Shutong, Wei Xuanyi, and Qin Zhiqiang are coming from a place that is even further away, but they will definitely arrive before Liu Chang'an if they take the subway and then a taxi.

Liu Chang'an had barely reached the train station when he received a message from Qin Zhiqiang asking for his location. Liu Chang'an was surprised that these people were so enthusiastic about attending a comic convention.

Liu Chang'an saw that most of the shops on the street had already opened. He spotted a "Modern China Tea Shop" tea shop that had launched a new product. The cup looked pretty, so he bought a cup and started drinking. Compared to many so-called internet-famous tea shops, which often charge 20 or 30 yuan per drink, "Modern China Tea Shop" had an average price of only 15 yuan, which seemed very reasonable.

Carrying the tea, Liu Chang'an walked to the venue, naturally taking a bit longer. He finished his tea and handed the tickets to the three people who were already waiting impatiently.

"Some very sexy young ladies have already left," Sun Shutong said regretfully.

"Seeing ordinary girls dressed so sexily in person is more exciting than seeing professional models or cosplayers dressed as characters," Wei Xuanyi said eagerly, showing a smile of gratitude for Liu Chang'an's treat. After all, compared to Qin Zhiqiang, his and Sun Shutong's relationship with Liu Chang'an was actually a bit stiff.

"So those secretly filmed and self-shot videos are more expensive than professionally made ones at the video rental shops," Qin Zhiqiang said, quite knowledgeable about the market.

"The difference between performing and spying lies in the human heart," Liu Chang'an said with a smile.

The four of them chatted for a few minutes, had their tickets checked, and then had an invisible stamp on the back of their hands before passing through security and entering the venue... This venue is the International Convention and Exhibition Center, and currently only a portion of the area is open for use by the anime convention organizers.

This was Liu Chang'an's first time attending a comic convention. After all, it wasn't popular during Professor Liu Jianshe's time. If Bai Hui hadn't brought it up and given him a ticket, he wouldn't have had the idea to come.

"It's good to take a look. I want to see everything." Liu Chang'an looked around. Although he didn't have the same sense of novelty and nervousness as Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, anyone who frequently attends anime conventions could tell that he was a newcomer who hadn't had much contact with the world of anime and manga.

In comparison, Qin Zhiqiang seemed to be in his element, and even Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong were able to integrate into the environment more easily. However, Liu Chang'an also asked him questions with great enthusiasm, which allowed Qin Zhiqiang to demonstrate the professional level of a two-dimensional enthusiast.

But Liu Chang'an could tell that Qin Zhiqiang still couldn't forget his wives. He paid more attention to and gave complicated looks to some cosplayers who were portraying characters from the mobile game he used to play. He kept saying things like "Theresa is the cutest in the world" and "If I use Judas, you will all die!" He stared intently at a small girl carrying a large cross and couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Next time you come to the comic convention, you can cosplay one of your waifus," Liu Chang'an suggested, then saw a gleam of intense light flash in Qin Zhiqiang's eyes.

"Actually, I have it in my bag," Qin Zhiqiang said to Liu Chang'an in a low voice.

"What's wrong?" Liu Chang'an looked at Qin Zhiqiang's bulging backpack. If he wasn't coming to the comic convention to take photos or dress up as a character, why was he carrying such a big bag?

"A cosplay outfit, Yae Sakura's, and even breast prostheses." Qin Zhiqiang was prepared.

"You've really become just like your wife." Liu Chang'an cupped his hands in greeting and pointed to the locker room not far away. "Go ahead. If Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong ask, I'll just say you had to leave first."

"When doing things that are inconvenient for acquaintances to know, you always need someone to cover for you, "Liu Chang'an said knowingly.

"Hehe, thanks." Taking advantage of Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong's inattention, Qin Zhiqiang slipped away into the crowd.

After Qin Zhiqiang changed his clothes and put on makeup, Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong probably wouldn't recognize him even if they saw him.

What Liu Chang'an found strange was that such things didn't require a certain learning process and time to accumulate experience. For example, makeup is not a simple thing, especially for men.

Perhaps Qin Zhiqiang practiced extensively in private, or perhaps his talent was awakened.

Many people may never know in their entire lives that they possess extraordinary talent in a field they have never explored before.

Many people spend their entire lives doing jobs they don't like or even have the talent to excel at.

Many people go through life without ever truly mustering the courage to wholeheartedly invest their passion, energy, money, and time in something they are interested in.

So, boys who like cross-dressing, go for it!

Liu Chang'an withdrew his encouraging gaze. He was just casually offering encouragement to others; he himself didn't want to try it. His hobbies had always been very focused.

Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong turned around and found that Qin Zhiqiang was gone, so they asked him a question. Liu Chang'an brushed it off, and Sun Shutong pointed to a cosplayer being photographed by many photographers and asked Liu Chang'an to take a look.

She was dressed very provocatively, so it's no wonder that besides the photographers, many spectators were also taking pictures with their phones. Although the cosplayer's expression was a bit stiff, she was still responding very seriously, and there was no doubt that she was experiencing the atmosphere and attention she wanted.

"Why aren't there any photos of people crouching on the ground taking pictures from under skirts?" Liu Chang'an asked curiously, because he had seen such pictures, in which some photographers specifically took pictures from the floor.

"Because no one's taking the lead. If one or two people start, and the cosplayers don't strongly object, eventually others will follow suit," Sun Shutong said after thinking for a moment.

"I see." Liu Chang'an nodded, watching Wei Xuanyi return from taking a photo with a cosplayer. He looked excited and suggested that Sun Shutong.

Taking photos is a common activity at anime conventions. Many people come to anime conventions specifically to take photos with various cosplayers, and it would be even better if they could take photos with some famous guests.

The three of them remained standing in the photography area, watching photographers with all sorts of professional-looking equipment bringing various cosplayers to take photos of the scene.

The cosplayers who were brought over by the photographers were mostly those with good figures and dressed in sexy or revealing outfits, and the photographers would surround them and take pictures non-stop.

There's not much to say about it. One is willing to expose themselves, and the other is willing to take photos. Onlookers get a thrill, then turn around and post on social media to express their disdain for the trend of selling sex appeal. It's quite satisfying.

"Hey, you guys have been standing here for way too long, haven't you?"

A soft, sweet voice came from behind, with a girlish charm that made you think it belonged to a lovely girl.

Turning around, despite wearing a mask and a wide-brimmed hat, Liu Chang'an recognized her as Bai Hui after just one glance at her eyes and chest.

"If you hadn't been watching us for so long, how would you know we'd been standing here for so long? We were watching openly and honestly, while you were spying. How dare you accuse us of this?" Liu Chang'an said calmly.

Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong were initially a little embarrassed, after all, they were looking at some explicit content, which made them somewhat ashamed. However, seeing Liu Chang'an's frank and straightforward attitude in questioning them, they couldn't help but admire him. How many people could turn the tables so quickly after being the first to attack?

"Who's been looking at you for too long? Honestly, I just walked over and saw you standing here, and when I came back I found you still standing here." Bai Hui said somewhat angrily. Liu Chang'an, that tasteless pervert, he likes An Nuan... Bai Hui didn't say he had no taste, after all, it was An Nuan, but what's so interesting about these scantily clad cosplayers at the anime convention? None of them can compare to Bai Hui.

Knowing full well she was there, why ignore the most beautiful female guest of the entire event and instead run to this corner to look at girls whose breasts, figures, and faces aren't as good as hers? What kind of person is that?

Of course, Bai Hui didn't want him to see her; she just objectively analyzed his behavior and felt that he had terrible taste, was low-class, and vulgar.

"Liu Chang'an, introduce him." Wei Xuanyi nudged Liu Chang'an, and Sun Shutong was also very eager to hear it.

"Bai Hui," Liu Chang'an said.

Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong recognized her then. After all, they weren't acquaintances, and she was wearing a mask. But they remembered that the first time they saw Bai Hui was outside the library with An Nuan.

That was the stunningly beautiful girl who captivated the hearts of the young boys at the start of the school year.

Bai Hui is only showing her eyes now, but just looking at her eyes, you can tell her whole face must be very beautiful... Although many people like to wear masks to cover half of their face these days, they often look completely different when they take them off.

"Hello, it's nice to see you again." Bai Hui took off her mask, revealing a sweet smile.

Liu Chang'an had never seen her smile so sweetly before. It felt a bit fake, like those idol stars trying to attract fans.

"Hello, hello..." Wei Xuanyi felt his heart pounding. He didn't know if it was because he had already been stimulated by some visuals and his heart was already restless. Now he just wanted to shout: Oh no, it's the feeling of Heartbeat.

"Oh right, we've seen your poster!" Sun Shutong recalled, a little flattered and surprised. "You're a guest, right? Can we take a picture together?"

Bai Hui nodded generously, then glanced at Liu Chang'an.

"Why are you looking at me?" Liu Chang'an looked back at him.

"Come on, help us take a group photo."

Sun Shutong and Wei Xuanyi stood on either side of Bai Hui, each handing their phones to Liu Chang'an. Liu Chang'an then took several photos of the three of them together and several photos of the two of them together.

After returning the phone, Sun Shutong asked, "Liu Chang'an, aren't you going to take pictures?"

Liu Chang'an and Bai Hui exchanged a glance. Bai Hui raised her head reservedly and looked into the distance. She suddenly remembered that even at the graduation ceremony, she didn't seem to have taken a photo with Liu Chang'an alone. After all, he was especially disliked back then.

"What would I take a picture with her? We were high school classmates, we took graduation photos together," Liu Chang'an said with a laugh, his suggestion completely pointless.

Bai Hui handed her phone to Sun Shutong.

"Come on, I've met a super straight man, he's so rare! If I don't take a picture with him, I'll feel like I went to the zoo and didn't get to see a giant panda." Bai Hui stood expressionlessly next to Liu Chang'an.

Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong laughed in agreement, as if everything Bai Hui said was interesting.

Liu Chang'an crossed his arms, but his eyes were looking to the side.

Bai Hui suddenly tilted her head and bumped it against Liu Chang'an's shoulder. Liu Chang'an couldn't help but turn around and look at her. The corners of Bai Hui's mouth curled up slightly.

Sun Shutong was very savvy and quickly snapped a picture. Then, he stared at the screen for a moment, before handing the phone back to Bai Hui.

Bai Hui didn't look at it; it was just an ordinary group photo.

"I have a book signing later, come and support me!" Bai Hui smiled and thanked Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong, then warmly invited them over.

"Definitely, definitely." Wei Xuanyi and Sun Shutong made a firm guarantee, as if they had become her fans.

Bai Hui glanced at Liu Chang'an again, but said nothing. If this person were to line up for her autograph session, then the sun must have risen in the west.

Bai Hui left, quickly took out her phone after walking a short distance, glanced at the photo of the two of them, and couldn't help but bite her lip. A faint blush appeared on her girlish pink cheeks. She looked around, and taking advantage of the fact that no one was coming to find her, she quickly clicked "use as wallpaper," then immediately canceled it.

She had already given him a little thought, so she couldn't really be so manipulative. Bai Hui took a deep breath and glanced back at Liu Chang'an, who stood out like a crane among chickens in the crowd. Today, he would definitely see her shining moment and make him feel that she was also a beautiful girl who was the center of attention, not some ugly duckling that set off An Nuan, the white Cygnus.

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I recommend a very professional business and workplace novel called "Hedge Fund". Students interested in the finance industry can read it and learn a lot of industry knowledge.