Chapter 148: Fairy vs. Fox Spirit

Hua Qing was the first to step out of the cubicle and stand in front of the sink.

She stared at herself in the mirror, her face slightly flushed with embarrassment and anger, her outfit particularly glaring.

Lin Man walked over next, a smile on her lips.

She walked directly to the sink, turned on the tap, and slowly washed her hands.

The water was splashing loudly.

Hua Qing took a deep breath and cut to the chase: "Lin Man, what is your relationship with Ding Heng?"

Lin Man turned off the tap, took out a tissue to wipe her hands, and spoke in a light tone.

"Captain, why are you taking this so seriously?"

She turned around and leaned against the sink, tilting her head to look at Hua Qing.

"I thought you and Ding Heng were just playing around."

"How is that possible?"

Hua Qing blurted it out, her voice much faster than usual, and only realized after she finished speaking that her reaction was a bit too extreme.

Lin Man smiled meaningfully: "So, Captain, are you serious?"

Hua Qing didn't speak, she just stared intently at Lin Man.

Lin Man shrugged, her tone casual: "But he has more than one woman, didn't you know that, Captain?"

Hua Qing's breath hitched slightly.

Of course she knew.

Zhao Yanxi, Wen Jing, and the big star Long He... each of them has an ambiguous relationship with Ding Heng.

But when Lin Man said those words, they sounded completely different.

She wanted to say "It's none of your business," but she swallowed the words back.

Seeing that Hua Qing was speechless after her retort, Lin Man's smile deepened, and she said in a flippant tone, "Could it be that you've been kept in the dark, Captain? You don't naively think that he's all yours, do you?"

Hua Qing bit her lower lip so hard that her nails almost dug into her palm.

Lin Man didn't say anything more, turned around and pushed open the bathroom door, leaving Hua Qing standing alone in front of the mirror.

The face in the mirror remained aloof, but emotions surged within her eyes.

Hua Qing closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her expression had returned to calm.

She turned on the tap, washed her face with cold water, then took out a tissue to dry it slowly. She tidied her hair and collar, and finally looked in the mirror to make sure there was nothing wrong before pushing the door open and walking out.

Back in her seat, Baima was chatting enthusiastically with Lin Man while holding a milk tea.

Ding Heng held his phone and typed rapidly, as if replying to someone's message.

Hua Qing sat back down in her seat, and Ding Heng looked up at her.

"That long?"

"There are many people, so please queue."

Hua Qing told a lie without changing her expression, picked up the now-cold milk tea, and took a sip.

Lin Man suddenly suggested with a smile, "Captain, Bai Ma and I were thinking of going for a walk later, why don't you come along?"

Hua Qing instinctively wanted to refuse, but before she could speak, Bai Ma had already spoken first.

"Sister-in-law, let's go together!"

The little girl looked on expectantly: "It'll be so much fun with lots of people!"

Ding Heng chuckled; this cheap little sister of his was just enjoying the show and didn't mind making things worse.

Hua Qing looked at Bai Ma, then at Ding Heng, and finally nodded gently.

Baima cheered, jumped up from her chair, grabbed Lin Man, and headed outside.

The four of them walked out of the milk tea shop and strolled slowly along the commercial street.

Baima walked at the front, looking at this and touching that, chattering away.

Lin Man followed beside her, occasionally responding with a few words, but most of the time her attention was on what was behind her.

Suddenly, she deliberately slowed her pace and walked alongside Ding Heng, turning her body slightly to his side, her arm brushing against his arm almost imperceptibly.

"Ding Heng".

Her voice was languid and alluring: "I'm thinking of buying a coat lately, can you give me some advice?"

Before Ding Heng could speak, Hua Qing suddenly took a large step forward, blocking Lin Man's view: "He doesn't know much about women's clothing."

Lin Man blinked, her smile unchanged: "Captain, you're quite possessive of your food."

Hua Qing didn't reply, but tightened her grip on Ding Heng's hand.

Baima turned around and saw this scene.

Interesting! Very interesting!

She loves watching women fight!

She usually likes to hire two female companions to watch them fight and bicker over her boyfriend. I never thought I'd get to see a live version of that today.

Baima pretended not to know anything, turned around and continued walking forward, but slowed down and listened carefully to the sounds behind her.

As they passed a jewelry store, Lin Man suddenly stopped and pointed to a necklace in the window: "Ding Heng, do you think this one looks good?"

Ding Heng glanced at it: "Not bad."

"Then can you help me try it on?"

Without waiting for Ding Heng's reply, Lin Man pushed open the door and walked straight into the store.

Hua Qing stood there, stunned, her face turning slightly pale.

Baima followed behind Lin Man, then turned back and waved to Ding Heng, "Brother, come quickly!"

Ding Heng led Hua Qing inside, where Lin Man was already standing in front of the mirror, holding the necklace up to her neck.

Seeing Ding Heng enter, she immediately turned around, tilted her chin slightly, revealing her slender neck: "Ding Heng, could you help me put it on?"

Hua Qing released Ding Heng and stepped forward, taking the necklace from Lin Man's hands: "Let me do it."

Lin Man raised an eyebrow at her, but didn't say anything, letting Hua Qing stand behind her.

Hua Qing's fingers were steady as she wrapped the necklace around Lin Man's neck and fastened the clasp.

The movements were clean and efficient, without any unnecessary contact.

"alright."

Hua Qing stepped back, her tone flat: "It's quite beautiful."

Lin Man looked at herself in the mirror, then turned to Ding Heng with a smile: "Ding Heng, what do you think?"

Ding Heng nodded: "It's alright."

"Then I'll buy it."

Lin Man took off the necklace and handed it to the shop assistant, then picked up another one and waved it in front of Hua Qing: "Captain, this one suits you, want to try it on?"

"Then I'll buy it."

Lin Man took off the necklace and handed it to the shop assistant, then picked up another one and waved it in front of Hua Qing: "Captain, this one suits you, want to try it on?"

A delicate silver chain, with a rose pendant.

Hua Qing shook her head: "No need."

"Give it a try."

Without saying a word, Lin Man went behind her and put the necklace around her neck.

Hua Qing's body stiffened slightly as Lin Man's fingers brushed against the skin on the back of her neck, slowly and deliberately.

"The captain has really fair skin."

Lin Man whispered in Hua Qing's ear, her tone as intimate as a best friend's: "It really suits you, Captain."

Hua Qing didn't say anything, but subconsciously looked at herself in the mirror.

The star pendant landed right on her collarbone, shimmering with tiny lights.

"That's fine, I'll pay the bill."

Ding Heng was about to scan the code, but Lin Man took out her phone first.

"I'll do it, consider it a gift for my senior when she goes to the Beijing Dance Academy..."

Lin Man clicked to pay, muttering to herself, "Once my senior goes to the Beijing Dance Academy, Ding Heng, you should have a lot more free time, right?"

Hua Qing gritted her teeth. What does that mean?

Once I go to Beijing Dance Academy, you can be shameless with my man, right?

After buying the necklace, the four continued walking.

Lin Man's offensive became increasingly obvious.

Passing by a shoe store, she forcibly pulled Ding Heng inside, insisting that he help her pick out a pair of boots.

When she was trying on shoes, she sat on the sofa and deliberately stretched her legs out in front of Ding Heng, revealing the smooth lines of her calves encased in black stockings.

Do you think these shoes look good?

She slightly raised her leg, and her skirt slid down a bit, revealing more of her skin covered by black stockings.

Before Ding Heng could speak, Hua Qing walked over and sat down, leaning slightly towards Ding Heng and pressing her palm firmly on his knee.

"good."

Ding Heng remained unfazed.

Lin Man changed into another pair of shoes, this time stretching her feet directly to Ding Heng's legs.

"What about these two?"

Hua Qing's fingers tightened on Ding Heng's knee.

Ding Heng held Hua Qing's hand to reassure her, his tone remaining calm: "So-so."

Lin Man said "Oh," withdrew her foot, and picked up another pair to try on.

Baima sat on the stool next to her, swinging her two short legs, unable to suppress the smile on her lips.

It's fun, really fun.

Is Sister Man doing this on purpose?

As they left the shoe store, Lin Man's pace slowed noticeably, almost keeping pace with Ding Heng.

She raised her hand to brush her hair aside, her arm brushing past Ding Heng, leaving behind a faint fragrance.

"Ding Heng, are you free tonight? I just bought a new bottle of wine, and it's no fun drinking alone."

Hua Qing's face darkened completely.

She stopped and turned to face Lin Man, speaking clearly, "He has something to do tonight."

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

Hua Qing's eyes were sharp, and something seemed to be churning in her chest.

Ding Heng finally spoke: "Lin Man, that's enough."

Lin Man smiled charmingly: "What's wrong, Ding Heng? Do you find me annoying?"

Ding Heng didn't speak, but simply gazed at her calmly.

Lin Man met Ding Heng's gaze, and her heart inexplicably tightened.

Ding Heng turned to Hua Qing: "Senior, wait for me."

After saying that, he grabbed Lin Man's wrist and strode towards the fire escape.

Lin Man stumbled as he pulled her, her high heels clicking rapidly on the ground.

Bai Ma's eyes widened, and she almost blurted out "Holy crap!"

Hua Qing stood there, stunned, watching the fire escape door close, her expression incredibly complex.

The fire escape was quiet, with only the soft breathing of two people.

Ding Heng suddenly exerted force, pressing Lin Man directly against the wall, one hand propped up beside her ear, looking down at her.

Lin Man's back was pressed against the cold wall, her heart was racing, but she still managed a smile.

"Ding Heng, what are you doing? Why are you being so rough..."

"Did you go too far today?"

Ding Heng's tone was flat, but Lin Man detected a hint of anger in it.

She blinked, trying to maintain her alluring demeanor: "Didn't we agree? You help me disgust Hua Qing, and I'll give you..."

That's enough.

Ding Heng interrupted her, grabbing her chin with one hand and forcing her to look up at him.

Lin Man's words stuck in her throat.

Ding Heng's hand slid from her chin to her neck, his thumb pressing on her Adam's apple. The pressure wasn't heavy, but it was enough to make her feel threatened.

"Lin Man, haven't I told you before that you have to do everything I say?"

Lin Man's breathing became rapid.

During this time, Ding Heng suddenly stopped their "little games" and stopped responding to her messages. If it weren't for the chance encounter today, she would have almost forgotten about it.

The moment she saw Hua Qing again, the urge to deliberately provoke and disgust her surged up in her heart once more.

She assumed Ding Heng would cooperate as usual, but unexpectedly received a warning from the man at the end...

Lin Man was very unhappy and resentful.

Who do you think you are, Ding Heng, to expect me to do whatever you say?!

"you……"

"Shut up!"

Just as Lin Man was about to speak, Ding Heng sternly stopped her!

The man's hand slid from her neck to her collarbone, his fingertips brushing against the newly bought necklace, then continued downwards, his fingertips hooking the collar of her coat and gently pulling it outwards.

The sound of fabric rubbing together was particularly clear in the quiet corridor.

Lin Man's body began to tremble.

I don't know whether to feel excited or scared.

"We're just business partners, don't go too far..."

She finally spoke, her voice trembling with tension.

"You and Hua Qing are just ordinary classmates. It's time to let go of past conflicts, okay?"

Lin Man can no longer increase Hua Qing's emotional connection, so she has no further use to Ding Heng.

Let's just stop giving Lin Man the psychological suggestion, so she won't bother Hua Qing anymore...

Lin Man stood frozen in place, motionless.

Ding Heng stepped back, released his grip, and his lazy expression returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

"Let's go back."

He turned and pushed open the door to the fire escape. Light flooded in, making Lin Man squint.

She leaned against the wall and it took her a while to recover.

My legs feel a little weak.

My heart is still beating very fast.

She glanced down at herself; her coat collar was slightly open, her necklace was askew, and her hair was a little messy.

She raised her hand to straighten her collar, then adjusted her necklace, took a deep breath, and tried her best to look normal.

What just happened?

Although Ding Heng was assertive in the past, he never made her feel... dangerous.

Lin Man kept recalling the man's gaze from just now.

Calm, indifferent, as if looking at something that has lost its appeal.

The fire escape door reopened, and Lin Man walked out.

Bai Ma jogged over: "Sister Man! Why is your face so red?"

Lin Man raised her hand to touch her face; it was indeed a little hot.

"It's okay, it's just a bit stuffy in there."

"Yeah?"

Ding Heng and Sister Man stayed in the fire escape for so long, and when they came out, Sister Man looked like this...

Bai Ma clicked her tongue twice inwardly, but her expression remained innocent and naive: "Sister Man, I'll be staying in Xingcheng from now on. Want to hang out sometime?"

"Yes, of course."

Lin Man temporarily put aside her random thoughts and focused on dealing with the biggest spender of the escort shop in front of her.

But when he turned his head, he saw Hua Qing standing next to Ding Heng, affectionately holding his arm, her posture much more natural than before.

Hua Qing was also looking at her.

The two women's eyes met briefly in mid-air.

Hua Qing's expression remained aloof, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

But Lin Man clearly saw that she tightened her grip on Ding Heng's hand, as if to assert some kind of sovereignty.

Lin Man looked away and patted Bai Ma's head: "I'm leaving first, you guys have fun."

Baima blinked: "Sister Man, aren't you going shopping anymore?"

"Something's up."

Lin Man waved her hand, turned around and walked towards the mall exit. Her steps were light and natural, showing no sign of anything unusual.

Baima watched Lin Man walk away, then turned back to look at Ding Heng, her eyes filled with curiosity.

She didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Brother, what were you and Sister Man doing in the fire escape just now?"

Ding Heng replied calmly, "It's nothing."

Bai Ma pouted, clearly not believing it.

She skipped and hopped over to Hua Qing, taking her arm: "Sister-in-law, where are we going next?"

Hua Qing felt a little uncomfortable being pulled along, but still went along with her, saying, "Let's just wander around."

"Let's check out the trendy shops on the sixth floor, I heard a new one just opened!"

Baima linked arms with Huaqing and walked forward, then turned back to make a face at Ding Heng.

Ding Heng followed behind, watching the two figures, one large and one small, ahead of him.

This girl's love of watching a good show is just as good as Zhao Yanxi's.

As Lin Man stepped out of the mall, a cold wind hit her face, causing her to shiver. Her mind was a jumbled mess.

What Ding Heng said and the look in his eyes in the fire escape... something just didn't feel right to her.

She took out her phone to send a message to Ding Heng, her finger hovering above the screen, but she didn't know what to say.

Finally, she put away her phone, got into her silver BMW, as if she had suddenly figured something out.

That's enough for now.

Why should I go to such lengths for that disgusting Hua Qing, letting a complete stranger take advantage of me!

And if I keep playing like this, I'm afraid I'll get myself into trouble.

but……

I'm so unwilling to accept this!