Chapter 144: A Deadly Woman!
If the print advertisements for the "Eyebrow Drawing" series were merely a preliminary warm-up for the market, then once the commercial videos began broadcasting on the national television station as well as major domestic networks like Banana TV and Pineapple TV, City Allure's first wave of promotional offensives truly reached its climax.
In print media such as newspapers and magazines, the "Eyebrow Drawing" series featuring Qin Luo and Chen Sixuan had already stunned audiences, leaving a lingering, unforgettable impression. Once the television commercials were released, the surge in popularity and reputation they brought was nothing short of astonishing.
"Wow, she's so gorgeous. If I had a man draw my eyebrows every single morning, I'd die happy—"
"Bah, bah, bah! If someone actually drew your eyebrows, would you still have the heart to die?"
"Tch. Aside from when my man wants sex, he never thinks of me, and he won't even look me straight in the eye afterward—let alone come draw my eyebrows. He doesn't even know if I have my eyebrows drawn or not. As a woman, I'm such a failure."
"That actress is Chen Sixuan, but who is this man drawing her eyebrows? He looks quite cultured in that long robe. He's totally my type."
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The brilliant, vibrant lighting, the affectionate and handsome man, the languid and bashful wife, the cozy and comfortable room, and that classic, emotionally charged declaration of love: "I will draw your eyebrows for a lifetime"—
To put it high-endly, this was a promotional campaign specifically tailored for high-income demographics. Slogans like "I Will Draw Your Eyebrow for a Lifetime" struck straight at the emotional core of urban men and women, earnestly reminding them that no matter how busy their work or how precious their time, they should never neglect the health and beauty of their significant others.
This advertising campaign was a resounding success. Not only did it rapidly promote their product to the general public and establish brand awareness for the Golden Chrysalis Skin Nourishing Powder, but it also raised a solemn yet intensely romantic question: Are you willing to draw your wife's eyebrows?
Addressing this question, Banana TV first produced an audience-interactive program based on the commercial, taking to the streets to conduct live interviews with dozens of men regarding the question, "Have you ever drawn your lover's eyebrows?" The survey results revealed that not a single man had ever drawn his wife's eyebrows. However, over a dozen men proudly mentioned having bought sanitary pads for their wives.
Because the first episode received such a favorable response and strong repercussions, for the second episode, Banana TV once again took to the streets to conduct a random survey of dozens of women. The results showed that virtually every single woman hoped her husband would draw her eyebrows—in their view, it was an immensely romantic and meaningful gesture.
As soon as these two episodes were broadcast, they sparked another sensation. Countless sociologists, female psychological researchers, entertainment celebrities, columnists, and other prominent figures stepped onto the stage to share their views on this phenomenon.
Some argued that societal pressure was mounting and competition was growing increasingly fierce, meaning men already lived exhausted enough lives and should not be burdened with additional, unnecessary obligations.
However, this point was quickly refuted by broad women's advocacy groups.
Tang Xiaoyi, the reigning diva of the Huaxia music scene, published an article on her blog countering this perspective: If you consider drawing the eyebrows of the woman you love to be an "additional burden," then are you certain you truly love her?
This was no longer just a successful advertisement; because of the overwhelming public attention it garnered, it had evolved into a true social phenomenon.
Behind this social phenomenon, the greatest beneficiary was naturally the advertising merchant, City Allure.
Overnight, this previously obscure beauty and cosmetics company suddenly transformed into the most eye-catching rising star in the business world, becoming a hotly debated topic among countless white-collar workers, celebrities, and socialites.
Inside City Allure, on the third floor within Li Qingcheng's private sanctuary, Qin Luo was the sole guest.
Li Qingcheng walked over holding two glasses of red wine, wearing a bewitching smile as she said, "No matter what, you simply must share a drink with me today."
Her lower attire consisted of light-gray pencil pants, paired with a stylish and simple white blouse on top. The hem of the shirt was tucked into her waistband, her cuffs were folded neatly a third of the way up her forearms, and she wore a slightly oversized leather-strap wristwatch, projecting the clean, decisive image of a formidable corporate career woman.
Qin Luo smiled bitterly and said, "I really can't drink alcohol. You called me over in such a rush—is something the matter?"
Even though he claimed he couldn't drink, since Li Qingcheng had brought the glasses over, it would be too harsh to refuse completely. He could only accept the glass and hold it, turning it idly in his hand.
Li Qingcheng dropped heavily onto the sofa beside Qin Luo, draped an arm around his neck, and smiled with a squint. "Little brother, are you refusing to give your older sister any face? Didn't you drink last time when Sixuan was here? I was actually planning to wait until you got drunk so I could do some age-inappropriate things to you, but after waiting most of the day, you still weren't drunk. It seems your alcohol tolerance isn't bad at all. What? Is your older sister so unappealing to your eyes that I don't even qualify for you to share a glass of wine with me?"
"I was coerced by you guys that day," Qin Luo explained.
Li Qingcheng nodded and said, "Regardless of how it happened, didn't you drink that wine? And after drinking it, were you drunk?"
"That—I'll only take one sip," Qin Luo said. He knew all too well that he was completely powerless against this woman. Whatever she set her mind to doing, she would always find a way to make it happen.
If she wanted his body, Qin Luo knew that no matter how stubbornly he resisted, he stood no hope of keeping his chastity intact.
Could an arm twist a thigh? Yes.
However, could a virgin boy ever defeat a vixen? Definitely not.
Li Qingcheng gently patted Qin Luo's face and said with a triumphant expression, "That's a good boy. Rest assured, your older sister is in a goodly mood today. Even if you do get drunk, I won't lay a hand on you."
Li Qingcheng raised her glass and said, "Come on. Let's have a toast."
Qin Luo raised his glass to clink it against Li Qingcheng's, preparing to take a drink.
"Hey, didn't you see what I was doing? Pretending you didn't see it, are you?" Li Qingcheng said with playful coquettishness.
"What?" Qin Luo looked at Li Qingcheng in blank bewilderment, noticing that her arm was extended straight out toward him in a posture that certainly looked rather peculiar.
"We're drinking arm-locked reciprocal wine," Li Qingcheng said, swaying her arm slightly.
"What?" Qin Luo's eyes widened. "Why would we drink reciprocal wine? Isn't that something only people getting married do?"
Qin Luo thought to himself: *Do you take me for a fool?*
*I might be foolish, but surely not to this extent, right?*
*If I drink this reciprocal wine with you, what am I supposed to do if you make me take responsibility for you?*
Li Qingcheng burst into laughter, her laughter shaking her frame so violently that her excessively full breasts rose and fell in tandem. Half of her body pressed against Qin Luo's shoulder, exerting immense pressure—and temptation—upon him.
"Oh dear, you silly little boy, you are just too adorable. Who on earth told you that only people getting married can drink reciprocal wine?" Li Qingcheng said between breaths.
"My grandfather said so. And that's how it's portrayed on television," Qin Luo replied.
"Fine. Even if what you said is true, wouldn't it be wonderful if I became your wife?" Li Qingcheng asked.
Qin Luo shook his head. "No, it wouldn't."
"Why wouldn't it?" Li Qingcheng asked, feigning anger.
"You're too gorgeous. And also too—sexy. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to keep you in line," Qin Luo said.
Li Qingcheng laughed out loud once more, breathless with mirth.
Once her laughter subsided, her expression shifted entirely. It morphed into a look of deep gloom, coldness, and a hint of ruthlessness.
This sudden change took Qin Luo completely by surprise. He had no idea why her demeanor could flip so abruptly.
"Are you trying to say that because I'm pretty and act so casual with men, you're afraid that if we got married, I'd cheat on you? Is that it?" Li Qingcheng asked, staring at Qin Luo with a mocking smile. It was impossible to tell whether her sarcastic tone was directed at Qin Luo's lack of trust or at her own personality.
"I didn't mean that at all," Qin Luo shook his head and said.
"Then what did you mean?" Li Qingcheng demanded. At that moment, she gave off a somewhat neurotic aura.
"I believe you wouldn't," Qin Luo bypassed her question and stated his conviction directly.
"You really think so? When my behavior is so dissolute, when I'm arm-in-arm with you all day long, deliberately walking back and forth in front of you in provocative sleepwear, and when rumors outside claim I'll sleep with anyone and swap men every week—the facts are right in front of your eyes, why don't you believe them?" Li Qingcheng stared intently at Qin Luo. Her eyes held no amorous charm or allure, only coldness and emotions that Qin Luo could not fathom.
She looked as though she were venting!
"They only see the surface. But I know you," Qin Luo said.
"On what grounds do you claim to know me?" Li Qingcheng asked angrily.
"On the grounds that you are my friend. A very good friend," Qin Luo met her gaze directly, speaking with absolute sincerity.
Their eyes locked in mid-air, neither willing to yield even an inch.
After a long silence, Li Qingcheng suddenly let out a soft chuckle.
She pecked Qin Luo on the cheek and smiled, "What a genuinely adorable little guy. That must be what you truly feel in your heart, right? I never imagined your older sister held such an important place in your mind."
Faced with Li Qingcheng's volatile moods, Qin Luo sighed and said, "You really gave me a fright just now."
Li Qingcheng smiled bewitchingly and said, "Don't you think women who are a tiny bit neurotic are actually sexier?"
"That—" Qin Luo pondered for a moment, and it seemed she actually had a point. Although her previous outburst of anger had left him utterly baffled, once she returned to normal, it stirred up an intensely thrilling sensation.
This woman was simply a siren. It was no wonder everyone called her the "Vixen Li."
Li Qingcheng wrapped her arm around Qin Luo's shoulder, looked warmly into his eyes, and said, "Still, don't you worry, little brother. If you're willing to marry me, I promise I will never stray. I'll obediently be a little housewife, washing your clothes, cooking your meals, and bearing you a baby just as cute as you."
"——And if you marry someone else?" Qin Luo asked.
"I suppose—I'd probably cheat," Li Qingcheng considered for a moment, answering with complete earnestness. "Because I'd have to find a way to seduce you."
"——"