Chapter 147: Fairy vs. Fox Spirit

The next morning, Ding Heng and Hua Qing got up early and went downstairs to prepare for breakfast.

The living room was quiet. Sister Jiang was busy in the kitchen, but Secretary Huang had not yet appeared.

As soon as Ding Heng entered the restaurant, he was surprised to see Bai Ma sitting obediently at the table.

The little girl, unusually, didn't stay in bed and was dressed neatly.

Her long hair was tied into two loose braids that hung down in front of her chest. A creamy white turtleneck sweater wrapped around her small body, and the neckline supported her cute little face.

Ding Heng pulled out a chair and sat down, jokingly asking, "Bai Ma, are you still awake?"

Baima rolled her eyes in annoyance: "How could that be? Look how energetic I am!"

As she spoke, she deliberately straightened her back, widened her eyes, and tried to prove that she was full of energy.

Ding Heng asked in bewilderment, "Then why are you up so early? Did the sun rise in the west?"

Bai Ma pouted, picked up her coffee and took another sip: "I have something to do today, I'm going out to meet someone I met online."

"Online friend?"

Ding Heng didn't pay much attention, only reminding him, "Be careful."

Baima waved her hand, her tone relaxed: "Don't worry, it's a woman. We've known each other for quite a while, and we were planning to meet her when we came to Xingcheng."

Ding Heng retorted sarcastically, "Who can tell the difference between genders online? Have you forgotten what you've been doing all this time?"

Bai Ma playfully stuck out her tongue, stopped talking, and lowered her head, pretending to concentrate on drinking her coffee.

Qu Zhen and Ding Wenjie hadn't gotten up yet when Secretary Huang came downstairs with a tablet in his hand. He sat down next to Baima and began to gossip about today's arrangements.

"Bai Ma, you must be back before 9 PM..."

"Okay, okay..."

Baima dragged out her words, aimlessly poking at the fried egg on her plate.

After finishing breakfast, Ding Heng and Hua Qing got up to say goodbye.

The car drove out of the villa area and headed towards Hua Qing's house.

Hua Qing sat in the passenger seat, looking slightly dazed.

Upon arriving at their destination, Ding Heng parked the car.

"What are you thinking about, senior?"

"It's nothing."

Hua Qing looked away and unbuckled her seatbelt: "Today is the last day of class. I need to arrange their training plan for the next month. You may have to wait a little longer for me."

Ding Heng nodded: "Mm."

Hua Qing immediately warned, "Their parents will be here today, so don't come up and cause trouble."

"When have I ever caused trouble?"

Ding Heng looked completely innocent.

"snort!"

Hua Qing ignored him, got out of the car, and quickly walked into the apartment building.

Ding Heng watched Hua Qing's figure disappear into the building entrance, then drove to a nearby coffee shop, found a seat, and started scrolling through his phone.

First, I chatted with Zhao Yanxi for a few minutes.

The girl was bored in Zhuzhou and kept saying she wanted to come to Xingcheng, but Ding Heng persuaded her to stay.

Wenjing was very well-behaved. When Ding Heng asked her what she was doing, she sent him a photo of herself practicing driving, along with a happy little rabbit emoji.

Around 11 o'clock, Ding Heng's phone vibrated.

【Flower Sea Sunny Day】: It's over, I'll be coming down soon.

Ding Heng put down his coffee cup, paid the bill, and left.

When he parked his car downstairs at the apartment building, three girls were standing at the entrance saying goodbye to Hua Qing.

Qianqian's mother held Huaqing's hand and talked for a while. Before leaving, she stuffed a large red envelope into Huaqing's hand. Huaqing couldn't refuse, so she had to accept it.

Watching the cars drive away one after another, Hua Qing turned around and got into the passenger seat of Ding Heng's car: "Let's go."

Ding Heng turned to look at her: "Where are you going?"

Hua Qing pursed her lips and lowered her voice: "Didn't you want to see me change my style...? Clothes bought online can't arrive right away, so I found a physical store."

After saying that, she took out her phone, brought up the navigation, and handed it to me.

Ding Heng took a look and located it in an old alley in the city center.

He started the car and said in a light tone, "Let's go."

Hua Qing turned her face away and looked out the window, her ears turning slightly red.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the old alley, Hua Qing led the way, her steps quick and hurried, as if afraid of being seen by acquaintances.

Ding Heng followed behind, unable to suppress a laugh: "Senior, we're not going to steal anything, why are we walking so fast?"

Hua Qing paused, slowing her pace, but the blush on her face deepened.

The two stopped in front of a shop that was being renovated.

The shop window displays all sorts of cute outfits—pink sweaters, fluffy coats, pleated skirts, over-the-knee socks, round-toed leather shoes, and various adorable accessories.

Hua Qing stood at the door, hesitant and conflicted.

Ding Heng pushed open the door and stepped aside to let her in: "Senior, please."

Hua Qing took a deep breath, stepped into the store, and looked as heroic as if she were going to her execution.

The owner greeted them with a sweet smile: "What would you two like to see?"

Hua Qing opened her mouth, but couldn't say anything for a long time.

Ding Heng answered for her: "Help my girlfriend pick out a few suitable outfits."

His gaze swept around the store, then pointed to the display set in the window.

A pink sweater paired with a white fluffy coat, a light gray pleated skirt, white knee-high socks, and round-toed leather shoes.

He grinned mischievously and said, "Let's see if you have that set in her size."

The boss looked Hua Qing up and down: "Hmm... I should have some. Beautiful lady, come and try it with me."

Hua Qing stood still, turned around and glared at Ding Heng, her eyes saying, "Are you serious?"

Ding Heng gave her a push: "Go on, go on, I'll wait."

Hua Qing gritted her teeth and followed the shop owner into the fitting room.

Ding Heng sat in the rest area and scrolled through his phone for a while.

About ten minutes later, the curtain of the fitting room was lifted.

Hua Qing stood there, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

The soft pink crew neck sweater made her skin appear even whiter.

The white, fluffy coat was short, just hitting the waist, and its soft, fuzzy texture made you want to touch it.

The light gray pleated mini skirt barely covered the middle of her thighs, revealing her calves encased in thick white over-the-knee socks.

The socks were gathered at the lower part of the thigh, leaving a faint mark around the cuff.

She was wearing a pair of brown, round-toed leather shoes, with a very regular design.

Her long hair was not tied up with a wooden hairpin as usual, but was loosely draped over her shoulders, decorated with a pink butterfly hair clip.

Because of the effort of changing clothes, her face still had a thin blush, which made her look even cuter with the clothes she was wearing!

Ding Heng exclaimed sincerely, "Senior, you're so cute!"

Hearing Ding Heng's exaggerated tone, Hua Qing wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Since starting high school, she hasn't heard anyone describe herself as "cute" in a very, very long time!

She grabbed the hem of her skirt and pulled it down, muttering under her breath, "Isn't this skirt too short...?"

"Neither short nor short."

Ding Heng walked over and circled around her, his gaze going from top to bottom and then from bottom to top, making Hua Qing feel uneasy all over.

"Have you seen enough...?"

"no."

Ding Heng, with a self-righteous air, reached out to straighten her collar, his fingertips accidentally brushing against her neck.

Hua Qing's body trembled slightly, and she subconsciously took half a step back.

The boss, grinning from ear to ear, said, "Beautiful lady, is this your first time trying a similar style?"

"right."

"Is it because your boyfriend likes it?"

"Um……"

"Would you like to try some other styles? I think you look quite good in our clothes."

Hua Qing pursed her lips and remained silent, while Ding Heng had already taken out his phone to scan the QR code and pay.

"Quick, quick, give my girlfriend two more sets."

Ultimately, under Ding Heng's coercion, the aloof fairy had no choice but to change into different outfits and humiliatingly play the role of a little girl.

After they finished shopping, Ding Heng took Hua Qing's hand and walked outside.

Hua Qing staggered, muttering, "I...I haven't changed back yet..."

"Why change? Just wear it like this."

"But……"

"But what 'but'? It's very beautiful."

Hua Qing was speechless after being cornered by Ding Heng, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow him out of the store.

The two arrived at a nearby shopping mall. With the year-end approaching, there were many people. Hua Qing walked among the crowd, attracting frequent glances from passersby.

It wasn't that she was particularly revealing, but rather that the contrast between her attire and her aloof demeanor was simply too great.

She kept her head down the whole way, wishing she could bury her face in her scarf.

Ding Heng put his arm around her shoulder and walked forward confidently.

"Senior, you've seen your share of big events and big stages, is it really necessary to be so shy?"

"That's not the same!"

Unable to bear the stares from passersby any longer, Hua Qing dragged Ding Heng into a pastry shop.

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She sat down by the window, her back to the crowd, and finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Ding Heng sat down opposite her with two dessert sets in hand and pushed one of them towards her.

Hua Qing picked up the milk tea and sipped it slowly, the blush on her face not yet completely gone.

Ding Heng rested his chin on his hand as he looked at her, a smile playing on his lips.

"Senior, you can try different styles in the future."

"don't want."

Hua Qing refused decisively, but her tone was weak and lacked persuasiveness.

Just as Ding Heng was about to tease her a couple more times, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure passing by the shop entrance.

With her tall figure, alluring eyes, a sharply tailored black coat, long legs in black stockings paired with boots, she looked both beautiful and cool.

Lin Man.

She was carrying several shopping bags and looking down at her phone, seemingly unaware of the people in the store.

Ding Heng withdrew his gaze, making no intention of greeting him.

Hua Qing also noticed Lin Man, her fingers tightening slightly as she gripped the milk tea cup, and her expression subtly changed.

Before she could say anything, Lin Man had already pushed open the door of the milk tea shop and walked in.

She was probably tired from walking and wanted to find a place to rest.

The moment he pushed open the door, his eyes met Hua Qing's.

Lin Man paused for a second, then a meaningful smile curved her lips.

"Yo, Captain?"

She strode forward, her gaze sweeping over Hua Qing from head to toe, and teased in surprise, "So the captain has such a cute side, I never would have guessed."

Hua Qing's face flushed red instantly.

Of all people to see her in such an embarrassing outfit, it had to be Lin Man who noticed!

She wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say, so she could only stare intently at the milk tea cup in her hand, as if she wanted to stare a hole through it.

Lin Man, on the other hand, was completely at ease. She pulled out the chair next to Ding Heng, sat down, and put her shopping bags aside. Crossing his legs: "Handsome, we meet again."

Ding Heng smiled and said, "What a coincidence."

"It's quite a coincidence."

Lin Man's gaze then drifted to Hua Qing, and she clicked her tongue twice: "Captain, your outfit... if it weren't for this handsome guy sitting here, I really wouldn't have recognized you!"

Hua Qing bit her lower lip and squeezed out through gritted teeth, "What's it to you?"

"It's none of my business, I just find it novel."

Lin Man smiled at her: "I've known the captain for so long, and this is the first time I've seen you dressed like this. How about we take a picture together and post it in the group chat so everyone can see?"

"Don't……"

Hua Qing lowered her head, wishing she could bury her face in the milk tea cup.

Ding Heng promptly changed the subject: "Lin Man, what are you doing here?"

"Let's go shopping. It's almost Chinese New Year, so I should treat myself to something and maybe meet up with someone I met online."

Lin Man shook the shopping bag in her hand, her gaze shifting between Ding Heng and Hua Qing: "What about you two? On a date?"

Ding Heng nodded readily: "Yes."

Lin Man gave an "Oh," her tone devoid of emotion.

Just as she was about to say something more, the door to the milk tea shop was pushed open again.

A petite figure skipped in, wearing a gray and white polka-dot fleece coat, looking charming and adorable.

Pema.

Ding Heng was stunned.

Bai Ma clearly hadn't expected to run into Ding Heng here; she stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Brother?!"

She jogged over, looked at Ding Heng, then at Hua Qing, and finally her gaze settled on Lin Man.

"Sister Man? You two know each other?"

Lin Man smiled and waved to her, "Bai Ma, come, sit here."

Baima sat down next to Lin Man, looking completely bewildered.

Ding Heng asked curiously, "Bai Ma, do you know Lin Man?"

Bai Ma nodded: "Sister Man is the owner of the escort shop I frequent, and she's the only one who knows I'm a girl."

Ding Heng raised an eyebrow, his gaze towards Lin Man filled with surprise.

Lin Man has a knack for business, running a companion service shop?

Bai Ma whispered a few words in Lin Man's ear, probably asking her how she knew Ding Heng.

Lin Man gave a brief explanation, and Bai Ma nodded after listening, then turned her gaze to Hua Qing.

She looked him up and down several times, her pupils lighting up.

"Sister-in-law, you look so beautiful in this outfit!"

Baima spoke sincerely and excitedly, "You like this style too? I love it! Look, look, this is what I'm wearing today!"

She tugged at her fluffy coat and pointed to her thick-soled leather shoes.

"Sister-in-law, where did you buy this sweater? The color is so perfect! And this skirt, the pleats are so pretty! You usually wear Hanfu, I thought you didn't like this style!"

Hua Qing was overwhelmed by Bai Ma's enthusiasm, and her face flushed even more.

She wanted to explain that this wasn't her own aesthetic sense, but rather that Ding Heng insisted she wear it.

But the words caught in his throat, and he could only mumble, "Um... I'll try it occasionally."

Baima's eyes lit up even more: "Then let's wear them together next time, okay?"

Hua Qing was completely at a loss for words.

Ding Heng came to her rescue at the right moment: "Bai Ma, your sister-in-law is usually very busy with dance practice, so don't bother her unless it's absolutely necessary."

Baima responded with an "Oh," a little disappointed, but quickly cheered up: "Then, sister-in-law, you can look me up when you're free!"

Hua Qing forced a smile, inwardly grumbling about Ding Heng over and over again.

The group started chatting.

Bai Ma chattered away with Lin Man about fashion and games, which Hua Qing found difficult to handle, her expression growing increasingly stiff.

Ding Heng leaned back in his chair, occasionally chiming in with a few words, but mostly just watching the spectacle.

The table was calm and peaceful.

Under the table, Lin Man quietly took off her shoes and gently brushed her toes against Ding Heng's calf.

Ding Heng remained unfazed and continued listening to Baima's rambling.

Lin Man's foot moved up his calf, gently through his trouser leg. His movements were neither hurried nor slow.

Ding Heng glanced at her, while Lin Man pretended to drink her milk tea with her head down, as if nothing had happened.

A few seconds later, she put down her cup and naturally reached out to take the milk tea that Ding Heng hadn't finished drinking.

"Ding Heng, what does this drink taste like? I want to buy some too."

She brought the straw to her lips, took a small sip, and then put it back—the whole process was seamless.

Hua Qing's pupils contracted slightly.

She stared at the milk tea that Lin Man had touched, her lips twitching.

This vixen isn't even hiding her seduction of her own man anymore!?

Bai Ma also noticed this scene, glancing at Lin Man and then at Ding Heng, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.

Lin Man met Hua Qing's gaze, her smile harmless: "Captain, what's wrong? Are you bothered?"

Hua Qing didn't say anything, but just gripped the milk tea in her hand even tighter.

Ding Heng said that Lin Man targeted her because of her birthday that year, and she even seriously considered whether to find an opportunity to apologize to Lin Man.

But now—

Hua Qing's guilt vanished instantly.

Apologize?

What's there to apologize for?

That damn vixen!

Lin Man noticed the change in Hua Qing's emotions, but instead of restraining herself, she intensified her behavior.

She looked at Ding Heng, her eyes full of allure: "Handsome, are you free later? Come with me to pick out some clothes, I can't make up my mind by myself."

Before Ding Heng could speak, Hua Qing interjected, "He's busy."

Lin Man blinked, looking completely innocent: "Captain, I didn't ask you."

Hua Qing was speechless, and the expression on her face was extremely interesting.

Baima watched in stunned silence, completely baffled by the relationship between these people.

She tugged at Ding Heng's sleeve and whispered, "Brother, what exactly is going on?"

Ding Heng calmly replied, "Nothing's wrong."

Bai Ma looked at him suspiciously, clearly not quite believing him.

Lin Man stood up at the opportune moment: "I'm going to the restroom."

Hua Qing immediately stood up: "I'll go too."

The two women exchanged a glance, their eyes clashing in mid-air, neither giving way to the other.

Lin Man smiled and turned to walk towards the restroom.

Hua Qing followed, her pace much faster than usual.

Only Ding Heng and Bai Ma remained on the table.

Baima stared at her brother for several seconds before finally speaking.

"Brother."

"Um?"

"You're not having an affair with Lin Man either, are you?"

"Will this affect our sibling relationship?"

Ding Heng sighed helplessly; he really hadn't expected Lin Man to know Bai Ma.

The Earth is so big, so why is the sphere so small?

Baima pursed her lips, her expression complex.

Finally, he let out a soft sigh.

"Brother, you're such a jerk..."