Chapter 2

I stood outside the door, frantically scrolling through my phone's bookmarks.

"E.R... E.R..." I muttered while swiping through the screen, "I've definitely seen this signature before..."

Suddenly, my finger froze.

The Silent Storm series! That indie comic series that kept me up all night binge-reading! The author's signature was exactly—E.R!

"Holy shit!" I nearly dropped my phone, "No fucking way!"

I stared wide-eyed at the exquisite panels on my phone screen, then recalled the wall full of artwork I'd just seen. The line style, character designs, that unique light and shadow technique...

Absolutely identical!

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!" I spun around in excitement, "My arranged marriage fiancé is actually my idol? This is straight out of a romance novel!"

A slight sound came from inside the studio. I immediately pressed myself against the door to eavesdrop. Easton must still be in there—after kicking me out just now, he probably thought that was the end of it.

Ha! Too naive!

I took a deep breath and quietly turned the doorknob. As expected, it wasn't locked—this naive genius probably thought I wouldn't come back.

Inside the studio, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the drawing desk. Easton had his back to the door, intently organizing the artwork that had scattered earlier. The walls were covered with various manuscripts and concept art, looking even more spectacular in the morning light.

I tiptoed inside, my eyes quickly scanning the works on the wall. Silent Storm Season 3 character designs, storyboard drafts, and some new pieces I'd never seen before...

Wait a minute!

On that A4 paper in the corner, it clearly read "Silent Storm Season 4 - Character Design"!

Season 4?! The Season 4 I'd been waiting half a year for was right here?!

"AHHHHHHH!"

I couldn't hold back anymore and let out an earth-shattering shriek: "Oh my god! You're E.R! I'm your super die-hard fan!"

The artwork in Easton's hands scattered to the floor with a loud "whoosh," and he froze completely before turning around, his face instantly pale.

He looked at me rushing toward him, panic written all over his face.

"Do you know?" I grabbed his arm and shook him frantically, completely forgetting about being ladylike, "I've been following you for three years! Three years! Since Season 1 of Silent Storm! I bought all your limited editions! My room is plastered with your posters! And I've written countless analyses!"

Easton backed away in panic, fumbling for paper and pen.

But I wasn't giving him any chance. My idol was right in front of me!

"Wait wait wait! Let me take a photo for my social media!" I pulled out my phone and aimed it at the artwork on the wall, "My arranged husband is actually my favorite artist! This is absolutely destiny!"

No! Easton finally found paper and pen, scribbling frantically: Please don't post anything!

"Why can't I post?" I blinked, genuinely confused, "You're so talented, more people should know about you! Do you know how many secret fans you have?"

Easton continued writing: I don't want exposure! Please!

"Oh oh, I get it!" I slapped my forehead, "Mysterious artist persona, right? Okay okay, I'll absolutely keep it secret! But..."

My eyes lit up: "Can you give me an autograph? Sign it on my phone case! No wait, sign on my arm! Like a tattoo!"

Seeing me completely lose it, Easton started gathering the artwork on the desk, trying to hide it.

"Hey hey hey! Don't put it away!" I immediately lunged forward, "Let me look some more! Do you know how many all-nighters I pulled waiting for your updates? Do you know how many reviews I wrote analyzing your art style?"

Then an absurd "chase scene" unfolded in the studio.

Easton clutched the artwork trying to escape to the other side, while I pursued relentlessly. We circled around the drawing desk like we were playing tag.

"Stop! Let me properly fangirl!" I shouted while chasing, "Your panel techniques are amazing! I watched that rainy night chase scene in Season 2 at least twenty times!"

Easton was sweating profusely from my pursuit, holding up a note: Please stop chasing me!

"Then don't run!" I said matter-of-factly, "I promise I won't bite!"

Just then, Easton tripped over some artwork on the floor, losing his balance and falling forward. I reacted quickly, grabbing his arm, and we both tumbled onto the sofa together.

Our eyes met.

Oh my... up close, this guy's eyelashes are really long. Why is my heart suddenly beating so fast?

"Ahem." I got up with a red face, "Um... sorry about that."

Easton also hurriedly sat up, his cheeks slightly flushed, frantically organizing the scattered artwork.

"Okay, I'll stop chasing you." I sat down across from him, trying to look less crazy, "But you really are E.R, right?"

Easton hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Oh my god!" I covered my face, "What kind of divine luck is this? My arranged marriage fiancé is actually my idol! This is more absurd than winning the lottery!"

Watching my exaggerated expression, a small smile tugged at Easton's lips. I noticed he actually looked pretty good when he smiled.

"You know, your art is really amazing." I became serious, "The ending of Silent Storm Season 1 made me cry all night. The male lead choosing to save the world instead of the female lead, that helplessness and tragedy..."

I got more excited: "And the Season 2 twist! The female lead actually knew the male lead's plan all along, her sacrifice was voluntary! That looking-back shot was incredible!"

Easton stopped organizing the artwork and looked at me with some surprise.

"And more!" I continued, "The time travel setting in Season 3 was brilliant! Using visuals to show the passage of time, I studied those panels for so long!"

Easton picked up his pen and wrote on the paper: You really read them carefully.

"Of course!" I proudly lifted my chin, "I never miss any of your details!"

As I talked, I suddenly thought of something: "By the way, when is Season 4 coming out? I've been waiting forever!"

Easton pointed at the concept art on the wall and wrote: Still working on it.

"Then..." My eyes lit up, "Can I see the drafts? Just one look! I promise not to spoil anything!"

Easton hesitated, then pulled out a few sheets and handed them to me.

I carefully took them, treating them like treasures as I looked through them.

"Wow... a new character? He looks so cool!" I pointed at a silver-haired youth, "Is he a villain or an ally?"

Easton drew a question mark on the paper.

"Hey, being all mysterious!" I pouted, "But that's okay, I can wait!"

I suddenly thought of something and jumped up excitedly: "Wait! Since you're E.R, I've got content for my livestream!"

Easton looked at me confused.

"I'm an influencer! I specialize in content analysis!" I explained, "If I can get your exclusive materials and do manga analysis livestreams, my followers will absolutely blow up!"

Easton's expression changed, and he quickly wrote: No! I can't be exposed!

"I'm not exposing you!" I waved my hands, "I mean, you could be my exclusive artist! I tell you what kind of plot I want, and you draw it live for me! This kind of interactive livestream would definitely be a hit!"

I got more excited: "And you don't have to show your face, just your hands! The audience will go crazy!"

Easton frowned thoughtfully. I could tell he was seriously considering the proposal.

"Look, this way we both benefit!" I started pitching the idea, "You can stay mysterious, and I get unique content. Perfect!"

I patted Easton's shoulder: "What do you say, master? What do you say?"

Easton looked at my expectant eyes and slowly wrote: Maybe we can try.

"Yes!" I cheered, "Great! Let's try it!"

I immediately pulled out my phone and set it up: "Look, I want an urban romance story right now, the male lead is a cold CEO, and the female lead is..."

Halfway through, I suddenly stopped.

"Wait." I stared at Easton, "If I say male lead, will you draw yourself?"

Easton paused, his face slightly reddening.

"Hahaha! You're blushing!" I pointed at him laughing, "You will, won't you! So will the female lead look like me?"

Easton didn't deny it, but picked up his pen and started drawing.

A few minutes later, a beautiful sketch appeared on the paper: a cold, handsome male lead, curiously watching a girl who was chattering away.

The girl's features... did bear some resemblance to me.

"Oh my god!" I covered my face, my heart racing again, "Your skills are too good! And... we actually look pretty good together?"

Easton looked at his own drawing, also somewhat embarrassed. I noticed even his ears had turned red.

"Okay, I'll admit it." I looked at the drawing, suddenly feeling a bit shy, "Even though it's an arranged marriage, if it's you... I don't really mind?"

"But!" I suddenly clapped my hands, "First things first! We need to set some rules—you don't show your face, I keep your identity secret. Deal?"

Easton thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Perfect! We'll officially start streaming tomorrow!" I excitedly made plans, completely missing the hesitation that flashed through Easton's eyes.