Chapter 124: The Spendthrift Woman and the Vixen
Hua Qing returned home at 7 p.m.
Black Bean came up to her and rubbed against her feet.
Hua Qing bent down and picked it up, then collapsed onto the sofa, staring blankly at the ceiling, her mind replaying the events of the day.
Finally, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Without evidence or firsthand confirmation, it remains merely suspicion.
Black Bean tilted its head back and gently licked Hua Qing's fingertips.
"Black Bean, do you think he's really with Lin Man...?"
Hua Qing couldn't continue speaking halfway through her sentence.
She didn't know what answer she wanted to hear...
Hua Qing's phone suddenly vibrated, and she picked it up to take a look.
[Ding Heng]: Goodnight, senior.
Just four simple words.
Hua Qing hovered her finger over the screen, but did not reply.
Something is slowly changing in my mind.
It's not anger.
It's not sadness.
It's a feeling that's hard to describe.
It's like something is quietly fermenting.
Dormitory at Hubei University.
Ding Heng sat in front of the computer, system prompts echoing in his mind.
【Azure Cold Sword Immortal: Hua Qing】
[Current Status: A Fairy Who Has Lost All Her Cultivation Power]
[Progress of romantic entanglement: 75%]
[Progress of severing emotional ties: 0%]
"All eyes are on me! I have something to announce!"
Qian Pu's voice suddenly rang out in the dormitory, startling Chen Mo, who was reading a book.
Liu Chiwang, being quite accommodating, turned his head and spoke expressionlessly.
"I know, you're an idiot."
"puff!"
Chen Mo couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Qian Pu snapped, "Get out of here! Seriously! I'm no longer single!"
Ding Heng replied cheerfully, "Congratulations! Congratulations!"
Chen Mo pushed up his glasses, showing little reaction.
Only Liu Chiwang jumped up from his chair, rushed over, and grabbed Qian Pu's shoulder: "Really? You can fool yourself, but don't fool your brother!"
"Go away, I don't want to talk to single people."
Qian Pu took out his phone, opened the photo album, and shoved the screen in front of Liu Chiwang.
Liu Chiwang leaned over for a peek, then abruptly turned to look at Ding Heng.
"Old Ding, isn't this Wang Xinran, your girlfriend's roommate?"
Ding Heng raised an eyebrow.
Qian Pu couldn't help but exclaim, "How do you know everything?"
Liu Chiwang puffed out his chest smugly: "Didn't I tell you before? My intelligence network covers the entire Yuelu Mountain."
Ding Heng casually asked, "How did you meet?"
Qian Pu scratched his head: "We met in the music club. She's a keyboardist, and I play guitar. We chatted a bit during rehearsal, added each other on WeChat, and that's how we got to know each other..."
Liu Chiwang interrupted, "Aren't you going to post this on your WeChat Moments to make it public?"
Qian Pu waved his hand: "It's not good. Xinran said she's the slow-to-warm-up type, and we're still in the trial-and-error stage. Don't go around saying it."
"Slow starter? Uh... good luck, bro!"
Liu Chiwang patted Qian Pu on the shoulder solemnly, as if looking at a warrior about to go to the execution ground.
Qian Pu ignored Liu Chiwang's sarcastic remarks and turned to look at Ding Heng.
"By the way, Lao Ding, how about a dorm get-together? Both dorms can have a meal together, which would also give Lao Liu and Chen Mo a chance."
"Never mind, I don't need it."
Ding Heng jokingly refused, "Are you worried that Brother Liu won't find a girlfriend?"
Qian Pu didn't force him, and started arguing with Liu Chiwang again.
Ding Heng turned back to his computer to continue playing games, listening to the others' banter.
……
The following afternoon, Ding Heng walked into the elective class classroom as the bell rang.
"Ding Heng! Over here!"
Wenjing sat by the window and waved vigorously at him.
Her round face was beaming with smiles, and her eyes curved into two crescent moons.
In order to spend more time with Ding Heng, Wen Jing, who majored in accounting, took the same elective courses as Ding Heng, and the two would run into each other from time to time.
Ding Heng sat down next to Wen Jing and, as usual, reached out to pinch her cheeks first.
Why are you so happy today?
Wenjing opened her phone and handed it to Ding Heng. It was a screenshot of a report card, showing Wenshu's first diagnostic test results after transferring to the new school.
"Where would these grades rank at the new school?"
"The teacher said it's at an intermediate level, and keeping up with the pace of the lesson is no problem at all!"
Wenjing's tone couldn't hide her smugness: "I knew it! My sister and I are both pretty good at studying, so Xiaoshu can't be too bad."
What did your parents say?
"My dad told me to thank you, but he didn't say anything else..."
Wenjing looked a little embarrassed.
Wen Shu's transfer to another school ultimately required the consent of her guardian, so Wen Jing finally had some communication with her family.
Ding Heng continued, "They didn't mention any other requests, did they?"
Wenjing shook her head: "No."
Don't shoulder everything alone.
"Um."
Wenjing nodded, as obedient as ever.
The school bell rang.
The teacher walked up to the podium and began the lesson.
Ding Heng leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the blackboard, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
He can't concentrate on regular classes, let alone electives.
For the entire class period, they either played on their phones or remained quiet.
Wenjing was so bothered by him that she couldn't concentrate on the lesson. She blushed and glared at him, but dared not make a sound.
After class, Ding Heng drove to a photography studio in the city center.
Because Zhao Yanxi agreed to take promotional photos for Hua Yue, Ding Heng had to go and be her photographer, and also drag Wen Jing along for the fun.
Ding Heng pushed the door open and went in. Zhao Yanxi was standing in front of the mirror, and Hua Yue was helping her tidy her clothes.
"Brother Ding Heng!"
Zhao Yanxi rushed over immediately and buried her face in Ding Heng's arms.
Ding Heng was knocked back half a step and gently put his arm around the girl.
"Stop being so affectionate, your makeup isn't finished yet."
Hua Yue called out from behind, "This photo studio is very expensive per hour! Our agency has limited funds! Hurry up!"
Zhao Yanxi stepped out of Ding Heng's arms and playfully stuck out her tongue.
Wenjing peeked out from behind Ding Heng, curiously looking around.
Hua Yue's eyes lit up: "Wenjing! Do you want to take a set too?"
Two stunning beauties—the promotional effect will definitely be greater than the sum of its parts!
Wenjing shook her head decisively: "I was born a student of Hubei University, and I will die a student of Hubei University. Unlike some people who are traitors!"
Zhao Yanxi was immediately displeased upon hearing this.
"Hey! Who are you calling a traitor?"
"Someone from Central South University went to take pictures for Normal University..."
"Hey, how dare you subtly mock me, you talented scholar! You have quite the nerve!"
Zhao Yanxi rushed over and started arguing with Wen Jing, while Ding Heng stood to the side with a slight smile on his lips.
Recently, Wenjing's changes have been visible to the naked eye; she's even started telling witty remarks.
"Alright, alright, hurry up and finish filming and leave, don't waste my time."
Hua Yue rolled her eyes and dragged Zhao Yanxi to the front of the set.
She prepared a snow-white Han-style long dress for Zhao Yanxi.
The style is a cross-collar, waist-length ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). The upper garment is made of plain white gauze, embroidered with elegant silver patterns, and the collar and cuffs are embroidered with delicate lotus scrolls.
The skirt is a moon-white pleated skirt with a large hem and excellent drape.
A silver-white palace sash was tied around her waist, with delicate tassels hanging down.
Half of her long hair was secured with a white jade hairpin, while the rest was draped over her shoulders.
Her makeup was light, with only blush and lipstick, which made her look elegant and refined.
She stood in the ancient-style setting, with a carved wooden window behind her, reflecting the snow-white pear blossoms.
Ding Heng raised his camera and aimed the lens at Zhao Yanxi.
"Okay, sit there and don't move."
Zhao Yanxi obediently posed, and the shutter clicked...
Filming continued until 6 p.m.
Ding Heng put down the camera: "I'll give it to you within three days."
"Okay, then I won't be a third wheel."
Hua Yue leaned over for a look, nodded in satisfaction, and packed her things to leave.
"Let's go, let's go quickly."
Zhao Yanxi shoved Hua Yue to the door, then suddenly lowered her voice: "What if Lin Man doesn't accept your WeChat account after you gave it to me last time?"
Hua Yue shrugged: "I'm just responsible for giving it to you; I don't guarantee it will pass."
"What about the meeting?"
"Wait a little longer, don't rush... I'm thinking of a way. You don't want the vixen to become suspicious, do you?"
"Hua Yue?"
Zhao Yanxi asked suspiciously, "You're not trying to fool me, are you?"
Hua Yue patted her shoulder: "You have to be patient. Right now, you're in the shadows while she's in the open. No matter what, you have the advantage!"
Wenjing leaned closer and asked, "What are you two talking about?"
"It's nothing."
Zhao Yanxi doesn't plan to bring Wen Jing in yet, fearing she might become a "spy" and inform on Ding Heng.
Hua Yue took the opportunity to slip downstairs, and Zhao Yanxi turned to Ding Heng.
"Brother Ding Heng, what's next?"
"Let's just grab a bite to eat and go back to school. What else do you want to do?"
Zhao Yanxi pouted, but didn't have much of an objection.
"Let's go then."
"Aren't you going to change your clothes?"
Zhao Yanxi looked down at her Hanfu and smiled charmingly, "I'm too lazy to change. Don't I look good in this?"
Wenjing muttered, "What a show-off."
Zhao Yanxi, with her sharp ears, immediately turned her head away.
"What did you say, you talented writer?"
"He didn't say anything."
"I heard everything you said! You're slandering me!"
"You heard it, yet you still ask."
"Hey!"
The two started arguing again, all the way to the parking lot.
The fifth floor of the shopping mall houses a Cantonese restaurant.
Three people sat down by the window.
Zhao Yanxi ordered a table full of food, and Wenjing muttered to herself as she ate, "It cost so much money again," but her chopsticks never stopped.
Ding Heng suddenly spoke up: "Since we're already here, I'll buy you a bag later."
Zhao Yanxi's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?"
"Didn't I promise you last time? It's almost the end of the month, you have to keep your word."
Zhao Yanxi excitedly rushed over and gave Ding Heng a big kiss on the cheek: "Mua!! Brother Ding Heng is the best in the world!"
Wenjing swallowed the roast goose in her mouth: "Buying buns too? Meat buns and char siu buns?"
Remembering Ding Heng's earlier warning, Zhao Yanxi immediately changed her expression and moved closer to Wenjing, adding food to her bowl.
"Jingjing~ You've lost weight recently, eat more."
Wenjing looked at Zhao Yanxi's fawning smile and immediately became extremely wary.
Unsolicited kindness is either a sign of ulterior motives or theft!
After dinner, the three drove to the only Hermès boutique in Changsha.
As soon as they reached the door, Wenjing's heart stopped, and she stared wide-eyed at Zhao Yanxi, demanding, "Zhao Yanxi! What kind of bag are you buying?!"
Although she didn't know much about Hermès, she recognized the brand and knew that the store looked expensive.
Zhao Yanxi gave an awkward laugh.
She originally thought Ding Heng would at most get her an LV or something, but she didn't expect him to go straight for Hermes.
"Um... just... browsing around?"
Wenjing's eyes widened even more.
Just browsing?
She didn't dare believe a single word Zhao Yanxi said.
Ding Heng pushed open the door and went in: "Let's go."
He didn't want to show off; he just wanted to remove Zhao Yanxi's charm in one go.
Luxury goods are something you'll realize are just so-so once you own them.
Wenjing gently tugged at Ding Heng's sleeve, her round face filled with grievance.
Her intuition told her that if she stepped through that door today, she would definitely suffer a massive hemorrhage.
Zhao Yanxi was a little embarrassed: "Brother Ding Heng, how about we just forget about it? I didn't really want it that much..."
Ding Heng patted Wenjing's head: "Don't be reluctant to leave. Just think of it as broadening your horizons."
Ding Heng patted Wenjing's head: "Don't be reluctant to leave. Just think of it as broadening your horizons."
Since the man had spoken, Wenjing couldn't force him any further.
However, before entering the door, she couldn't help but cast a resentful glance at Zhao Yanxi!
Stare~ Stare~
Zhao Yanxi shrank her neck, pretending not to see.
The shop was quiet, with a faint fragrance in the air.
The warm yellow light illuminated the bags, scarves, jewelry, and other items in the display case.
A sales assistant dressed in a black suit approached with a professional smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone. What would you like to see?"
After saying that, the sales assistant quickly glanced at the three people.
Ding Heng was wearing a regular sweatshirt and casual pants; the brand was unreadable.
She wore simple, ordinary sportswear and a backpack that cost around a hundred yuan.
Zhao Yanxi's Hanfu looked quite expensive, but she didn't seem like a target customer.
The sales assistant made a preliminary judgment: they were just young people watching the spectacle.
Zhao Yanxi asked frankly, "I'd like to buy a bag. Do you carry those Constance bags?"
The sales assistant was quite professional; she maintained her smile, which further convinced me of my judgment.
The Constance bag is one of the harder-to-buy Hermès styles; it's not expensive, but the quantity is also limited.
People who ask this question right away are most likely laymen who have never been exposed to luxury goods.
The sales assistant politely said, "I'm sorry, ma'am, we don't have the Kang Kang bag in stock right now. Would you like to take a look at our other products?"
Zhao Yanxi suddenly realized, "I understand, you need to purchase additional goods, right? I saw it on Douyin."
"Ma'am, we don't have the concept of 'combination shipping'..."
The sales assistant's smile twitched slightly as she secretly began to analyze the situation.
Zhao Yanxi was not at all shy when she came in, and spoke directly and generously.
They're either hotheads or they're confident.
The girl in front of me... should be the latter.
The sales assistant's smile became more genuine: "Would you like to take a look at this one of ours...?"
She took out a shopping basket, the most common Hermès style.
"So ugly."
Zhao Yanxi spoke frankly, her face showing obvious disdain.
"Excuse me, ma'am, we..."
Before the sales assistant could finish speaking, a tall and beautiful figure walked into the store.
Zhao Yanxi turned around and was suddenly startled.
Lin Man!
Is it really that coincidental?
The sales assistant's face lit up with a bright smile the moment she saw Lin Man. She was about to go up to her when Lin Man raised her hand to stop her.
"Why did you call them over? Do you want to buy them a bag?"
Lin Man approached Ding Heng, her foxy eyes sparkling.
Ding Heng smiled and said, "If you really want it, it's not impossible."
Lin Man pouted cutely: "Forget it, I'm not really interested in buying a bag lately."
"Then you can help my dear sister pick one out."
Ding Heng raised his chin and pointed at Zhao Yanxi.
Lin Man turned her head to glance at Zhao Yanxi, and exclaimed inwardly, "Holy crap!"
Why would a stinky man like that eat such good food?
Are all the people around me exceptional?
The woman in Hanfu was so elegant and refined; she looked like she had stepped out of a painting.
There was another person in sportswear next to her. Although she was dressed simply, her face and figure were absolutely stunning.
Lin Man remained calm and approached the sales assistant, saying, "Sister Li, this is my friend. She'd like to take a look at Kang Kang bags."
As a regular customer, Lin Man visits the store at least two or three times a quarter, and each time she spends a considerable amount of money. She is usually personally served by the store manager.
The sales assistant immediately changed her attitude: "Ms. Lin's friend, please wait a moment."
She turned and went into the storeroom, and a few minutes later she took out an orange Constance bag.
"This is a new color that just arrived, size 19, which is perfect for young girls."
Zhao Yanxi stood there, stunned, her mind a little blank.
She went to great lengths to see Lin Man, but unexpectedly, it all came so easily.
Furthermore...Did Ding Heng just call Lin Man out like that, without any attempt to conceal it?
How should she deal with this?
Be more generous?
Or should we remain hostile?
Zhao Yanxi's mind was a complete mess until the sales assistant handed her the bag.
"Madam, would you like to take a look?"
Zhao Yanxi snapped out of her daze, but she had no time to look at the bag now. After fiddling with it briefly, she handed it back to the sales assistant.
"This is fine, please wrap it up for me."
The sales assistant looked at Lin Man, who smiled calmly.
"Wrap it up for her. Let me look at some others. Do you have any new silk scarves lately?"
The implication is—don't worry, I'll handle the order fulfillment; you won't suffer any losses.
The sales assistant's eyes lit up, and she quickly went over: "Yes, yes, Miss Lin, look, this is what we just arrived..."
The group went to the counter to pay their bill.
Wenjing gritted her teeth and asked, "How much?"
"Madam, that's fifty-three thousand eight in total."
Wenjing paused, took a deep breath, and scanned the code to pay.
The payment completion notification popped up, and Wen Jingxin felt like her heart was bleeding.
Putting away her phone, Wenjing returned to Zhao Yanxi's side and gave her a long, quiet glance.
How come I never realized before that my best friend was such a spendthrift!
Zhao Yanxi felt a little guilty and muttered softly, "Jingjing, don't be angry, I promise! I won't ask Brother Ding Heng for anything before the New Year..."
Wenjing didn't speak, but let out a soft snort through her nostrils.
The meaning is clear—you'd better be!