Chapter 179: They Started Competing for Favor?

As the concert ended and the noise subsided, the audience left like a tide.

Neon lights flickered outside the stadium, and the early summer night breeze made people sweat slightly.

Wenjing and Zhao Yanxi stood at the exit, while Baima bounced around beside them, humming the melody from earlier.

Ding Heng was a few steps behind, looking down at his phone, when a message suddenly popped up.

[Sister Long is a dragon, not a milk dragon]: Don't go, wait for me.

Before he could reply, he caught a glimpse of a figure emerging from the side passage.

Long He changed into casual clothes and, under the cover of the [Holy Radiance Disguise Mask], calmly walked into the crowd.

The traces of stage makeup still lingered on her face; her eyelashes were thicker and curlier than usual, and the glitter at the corners of her eyes shimmered under the streetlights. Her blush had been smudged by sweat, leaving a thin layer of red on her cheeks.

Despite being a hastily changed and haphazardly dressed person, she appeared more vivid than the meticulously crafted look on stage.

Long He strode closer, his gaze inevitably sweeping over Zhao Yanxi beside Ding Heng, before finally taking the risk of removing his glasses.

Zhao Yanxi raised her head and met Long He's gaze.

The two women stared at each other for a second.

Long He spoke first, his tone natural: "Hello, it's nice to see you again."

"Congratulations! That was a fantastic performance!"

Zhao Yanxi responded with a smile, her words impeccable, and she held Ding Heng tightly, saying, "I didn't expect you to be so busy, yet still find time for me."

"On the way."

Long He said casually, "I'll just say a few words to Ding Heng and then leave."

"Oh……"

Zhao Yanxi drew out her words, her eyes darting around with emotion, but she said generously, "Then you two talk, we'll wait in the car."

She pulled Wenjing and Baima toward the parking lot, and after a few steps she glanced back and saw Longhe whispering intimately in Ding Heng's ear.

Zhao Yanxi looked away, pouting in grievance...

Long He pulled Ding Heng up and stopped only after making sure they were far enough away from the crowd.

"My agent only gave me ten minutes."

"Then why did you come out?"

"How can I see you if I don't come out?"

Long He's tone was slightly resentful.

"I'll be flying to Wuhan the day after tomorrow, then to Shenzhen half a month later, then to Chengdu, Wuhan... I have seven more shows until the end of May. After this tour, I'll be recording a new album, and I'll also be doing a few variety shows and brand events in between. My schedule is booked until August."

She pondered her future job prospects, growing increasingly dejected as she spoke: "Anyway, I just don't have much time..."

Ding Heng understood and asked directly, "Then how long will it take you to rest?"

Long He lowered his eyes, his toes unconsciously drawing circles on the ground: "Late September, I guess. The final stop is in the capital, after which I can take a break."

Ding Heng nodded: "Okay, I'll make time for it then."

Long He looked up, his lips twitching into a smile but he forced it back, saying sourly, "Don't deliberately try to be alone, you still have so many girlfriends to keep you company!"

Ding Heng joked, "Then we have to make room! As the old saying goes—women are like clothes, brothers are like limbs!"

"Come on, you."

Long He rolled his eyes: "You've worn plenty of clothes, but you don't seem to cherish your own siblings much."

"How could I not cherish it? Didn't I come here specifically to see you today?"

"Then why did you bring both of them?"

"You go out without clothes on?"

"Well……"

Longhe had no way to refute it.

"Alright, alright, I really have to go now, or Sister Song will start yelling at me."

She took two steps back, then stopped.

"Ding Heng".

"Um?"

"Late September..."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure I'm free!"

"good!"

After receiving the assurance, Long He turned and walked quickly into the passage, disappearing around the corner.

Back in the parking lot, Ding Heng opened the car door and got into the driver's seat, while Zhao Yanxi's soft voice came from the back seat.

"Finished talking?"

"Um."

Ding Heng glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

Zhao Yanxi crossed her arms over her chest, her cheeks slightly puffed out.

Wenjing looked down at her phone, pretending not to hear anything.

Ding Heng started the car and drove out of the parking space.

Are you angry?

"no."

"Really not?"

"If I said no, then no."

"So you guys sleep by yourselves tonight, I'll go back to my dorm?"

"No!"

Zhao Yanxi blurted it out, raising her voice.

There was a moment of silence in the carriage, before Wenjing finally mustered the courage to speak and break the awkward silence.

"Um, Yanxi and I bought a new set of pajamas, would you like to take a look?"

"look!"

Ding Heng's lips curled into a smile: "I have to see it!"

Back at the Chujiang Hotel, Baima wisely booked a room and slept alone.

After going upstairs, Ding Heng and the two girls washed up separately.

When he came out of the bathroom, the two girls were already sitting on the sofa, their fingers intertwined.

They wore matching nightgowns, one pinkish-white and the other milky-apricot.

Her slender, white shoulders and neck, and soft, delicate waist dimples were partially visible.

On her legs were semi-transparent, milky-white stockings, with lace bows at the top that clung to her calves, creating delicate curves.

Their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingling into a hot, sweet mist, their skin peeking out from beneath their white silk stockings... every part of them was soaked in sweetness, like two flowers in full bloom, waiting for Ding Heng to pluck them.

Ding Heng slowly swept his gaze over them, then went over and sat down, one in each hand.

Zhao Yanxi's skin is warm and smooth, and has a sweet fragrance.

She was quiet, petite, and soft-bodied, with a faint milky scent emanating from her skin.

Ding Heng lowered his head and rubbed against the top of Zhao Yanxi's hair, then turned his head and sniffed at Wen Jing's cheek.

"Why do you look so good today?"

"You haven't spent time with us in so long."

Zhao Yanxi said in a resentful tone, "From mid-March until now, you do the math, how many days have you actually spent with us?"

Ding Heng smiled sheepishly.

Ding Heng smiled sheepishly.

In mid-March, he was busy with Hua Qing's affairs, and in early April, he had to deal with Lin Man. After that, he went to Hong Kong. When he finally came back, he ran into Long He's concert.

If you think about it, there really aren't many days left to spend seriously with the two girls...

Moreover, because he was so fond of the fox spirit's service and obedience, he unknowingly devoted more time to her.

Wenjing didn't say anything, but snuggled closer to Ding Heng, her fingers gently gripping the hem of his clothes.

"It was my fault."

Ding Heng tightened his arms around her: "I've been busy lately and haven't been able to take care of your feelings..."

Zhao Yanxi pouted: "Hmph~ Good thing you know."

Wenjing whispered, "It's okay, we know you're busy."

"Little Jingjing is so sensible."

Ding Heng lowered his head and kissed Wen Jing's forehead, then turned to Zhao Yanxi: "And you?"

Zhao Yanxi turned her face away: "I never said I was being immature..."

Ding Heng reached out and pinched her chin, turning her face towards him: "So, aren't you going to put in a lot more effort tonight? You're not allowed to beg for mercy halfway through."

Zhao Yanxi glared at him.

"When have they ever not given it their all?!"

After saying that, he realized his tone was too harsh and quickly added, "As long as you don't go too far..."

Wenjing's face was already flushed red as she buried her face in Ding Heng's chest, saying, "I...I will try my best."

Ding Heng's heart softened, but he also felt a little uneasy.

The two girls tried their best to keep him by their side, and even if it wasn't intentional, they were indeed competing with Lin Man.

Ding Heng gently patted Wen Jing's back and whispered in Zhao Yanxi's ear, "It's almost May Day, where do you want to go? I'll accompany you the whole time."

Zhao Yanxi suggested, "How about Qiongzhou Island? Xiaojing and I will prepare the plans in the next few days."

"Going to Hainan Island during the May Day Golden Week?"

Ding Heng raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you afraid of being crammed in?"

Zhao Yanxi clearly realized the problem as well, and frowned as she thought carefully: "Then... go abroad? Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, or something like that?"

Ding Heng shook his head: "Wenjing has never been abroad before, it might be too late for her to get a passport now."

Zhao Yanxi pouted, caught in a dilemma.

Seeing her distress, Ding Heng couldn't help but laugh: "It's alright! Since you want to go, you don't need to make any arrangements. Just choose the location, and leave the rest to Lin Man."

Zhao Yanxi's expression was subtle.

"Is Lin Man... going too?"

"You don't want her to go?"

"No……"

Zhao Yanxi lowered her head, like a kitten whose dried fish had been stolen, feeling wronged but not daring to speak.

Ding Heng raised his hand and ruffled her hair, his voice gentle: "Good girl."

Competition drives progress.

The relationship between the little rabbit and the kitten is still too gentle.

As a man, Ding Heng did indeed want to see the scene of the kitten and the bad fox fighting over a carrot!

……

In the following days, life returned to its normal rhythm.

Ding Heng attended classes as usual, had lunch with Wen Jing at noon, and took a walk on campus in the evening.

Occasionally, Zhao Yanxi would call me to Zhongnan University and I would sit with her on a bench by the playground for a while, listening to her gossip about her roommates and the new dishes in the cafeteria.

On April 27th, Ding Heng was sitting in his dormitory looking through the recruitment progress of the HK company sent by Secretary Huang when his phone suddenly vibrated. It was a group chat invitation.

Group name: [Qiongzhou Island Tourism Team]

Group members: Linhu Guide, Fortune Xiao Zhao, Good Luck Xiao Jing.

Lin Man is not only quick, but also very sensible.

Ding Heng made a simple request, and she could immediately guess what the man was thinking.

To avoid any awkwardness, Hua Yue and Bai Ma were deliberately left out, and even Hua Qing was excluded.

It's clear that this leaves plenty of room for the four of them to interact, so they won't feel restricted later on.

Ding Heng clicked "Join," and a message immediately popped up.

[Linhu Leads the Way]: @All members, are you ready? I've already arranged the flights and accommodations. Here's the itinerary; please take a look and see if there are any changes needed.

Next came a PDF file, several pages long, detailing everything from departure time to return flight, accommodations, nearby attractions, and even weather conditions and sun protection tips.

Zhao Yanxi replied instantly.

[Lucky Zhao]: []

[Good Luck Xiao Jing]: Sister Man is so efficient!

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu leads the way]: Of course, we should do what the boss asks us to do.

[Lucky Zhao]: By the way, I brought three swimsuits, how many did you bring?

[Linhu Leads the Way]: Five sets, I think. I'm still debating whether to bring the other two sets, afraid they won't fit.

[Lucky Zhao]: [Image]

Ding Heng clicked on the picture.

Zhao Yanxi sent a photo of a suitcase, inside which several swimsuits were neatly folded.

A black bikini, a white one-piece with a side slit, and a blue-and-white gradient halter-neck top.

There were also several pairs of stockings and a sheer cover-up stuffed next to it.

[Lucky Zhao]: Do you think this white one looks good?

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】: Looks good, makes legs look longer.

[Lucky Zhao]: Sister Man, why don't you post one too?

A few seconds later, Lin Man sent a picture.

Her suitcase was bigger than Zhao Yanxi's, and her swimsuits had a wider variety of styles.

Dark green retro high-waisted style, burgundy strappy bikini, pure white lace swimsuit, etc.

Several pairs of stockings of different colors were neatly stacked next to them, along with sheer cover-ups and beach skirts.

[Lucky Zhao]: Wow, Sister Man, you brought so many!

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Since we're going out for fun, we should prepare a few extra sets. Oh, and I also brought a few bottles of sunscreen and body lotion; you can use mine.

[Lucky Zhao]: Sister Man is so thoughtful~

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Yan hope, you have fair skin, you'll definitely look good in that blue and white outfit.

[Lucky Zhao]: Really? I was worried the color would be too bright...

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: [Image] Trying on

Lin Man suddenly sent a picture.

She stood in front of the dressing mirror, slightly turned to the side, wearing that burgundy bikini.

She has a slender waist, smooth curves, and long legs that are on full display.

[Lucky Zhao]: Wow, Sister Man has such a great figure!

Then she refused to be outdone...

[Lucky Zhao]: [Image]

Zhao Yanxi stood in front of the mirror in the hotel bathroom, wearing a milky white one-piece swimsuit.

The waist features a cutout design, and the fabric is so thin it's almost transparent.

Her long, light blue hair was tied in a high ponytail; she had no makeup on and a bright smile.

[Fortune Xiao Zhao]: Just bought it, what do you think, Sister Man?

[Linhu Leads the Way]: It looks great! This color suits your skin tone.

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: I also bought a similar one, so we can wear them together!

[Lucky Zhao]: Great!

The two women were exchanging words in the group chat, appearing outwardly amicable and polite, but Ding Heng could sense the underlying rivalry between them even through the screen.

The clash of swords and the shadows are all hidden behind smiling faces and emojis.

[Ding Heng]: @Good Luck Xiao Jing, what about yours?

【Good Luck Xiao Jing】：[ ]

[Lucky Xiaojing]: I... I didn't buy a new swimsuit...

[Lucky Zhao]: Little Jingjing, don't be shy!

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Wenjing, what's your size? I'll bring you a few items.

【Good Luck Xiao Jing】：[ ]

[Lucky Xiaojing]: No need...

[Lucky Zhao]: She has to buy the top and bottom separately!

[Good Luck Xiao Jing]: Zhao Yanxi!!!

The group chat was filled with laughter and jokes.

Just as Ding Heng was about to make another joke, Qian Pu suddenly called out, "Old Ding!"

He turned off his phone and turned back: "What?"

What are your plans for the May Day holiday?

Qian Pu scratched his head: "I was thinking, how about we go on a trip together during the holidays?"

Ding Heng simply replied, "I'll probably go on a trip with my girlfriend."

"Where to?"

"Qiong Island".

"What a coincidence?"

"What's so special about it?"

"Have you forgotten that I'm from Hainan Island?"

"Yes...yes."

Ding Heng gave an awkward laugh.

When school started, Qian Pu did mention that he was from Hainan Island, and he even brought a bunch of fruit to share with his roommates.

Ding Heng jokingly asked, "What, are you going to be our tour guide?"

"I wouldn't call myself a tour guide, but I can help you with some arrangements."

Qian Pu said smugly, "I know a few people in the tourism industry back home who can get insider prices."

Liu Chiwang poked his head out from under the bed and interjected, "Old Qian, do you get any commission?"

Qian Pu turned around: "Even if there is, what's wrong with letting your brother make some money!"

"What, Old Qian recommended you to go too?"

Ding Heng asked curiously, while Liu Chiwang shrugged.

"The student union is organizing a team-building activity for May Day this year, and we're planning to go to Hainan Island. I was worried about not having anyone to help make connections, and just then, Lao Qian volunteered, saying he could help us save money..."

"Go to Hainan Island? Is our school's student council that rich?"

"Someone is sponsoring it!"

Liu Chiwang sat up abruptly, looking suspicious. "Old Qian, I can guarantee you the student council's approval! Can you really help us contact a reliable local tour operator? Twenty people staying for three nights isn't a small expense."

Qian Pu patted his chest and said, "Leave it to me! My cousin works in the tourism industry over there; he can arrange everything from hotels and transportation to itineraries."

"Okay! I'll trust you this time."

Liu Chiwang then turned to Ding Heng: "Old Ding, why don't you and your girlfriend come along? It'll be more fun with more people."

Ding Heng waved his hand: "Forget it, we're traveling independently, we won't join your large group."

Liu Chiwang didn't force him and turned to discuss the details of the team building activity with Qian Pu.

Ding Heng picked up his phone again, and there were more than a dozen new messages in the group chat.

The two women had already started talking about swimsuits, then sunscreen, and then hairstyles, their conversation jumping around like a revolving lantern.

Just as he was about to scroll up, Lin Man's private message popped up.

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Boss, this is the villa you booked and the itinerary. Are you satisfied with it?

[Linhu Leads the Way]: [Document] "Qiongzhou Island Itinerary V1.0"

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: [Image]

It's a photo of a cliffside villa.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, an infinity pool, a private beach... and a spiral slide on the second floor that leads directly into the sea.

[Linhu Guide]: This villa was recommended by my friend. It offers good privacy, and if necessary, a butler, nanny, and vehicle can be arranged.

Ding Heng: Okay.

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Boss, should I call a few more people to liven things up?

[Ding Heng]: What do you mean?

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: [File]

Ding Heng clicked on it.

It's a list, a long string of names.

Each name is followed by detailed information—height, weight, bust, waist, hip measurements, photo, work experience, etc.

The resumes of the top few are particularly impressive.

"Currently studying Shanghai Opera performance, 172cm tall, 48kg..."

"Top 10 in the East China Region of the New Silk Road Model Contest, height 175cm..."

"Former swimming team member, signed with a well-known talent agency after retiring..."

Ding Heng's lips twitched.

[Ding Heng]: Do you think I would touch something like this?

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: I can help find clean ones if the boss wants them.

Ding Heng was both amused and exasperated.

Stupid fox, what's going on in your head?

[Ding Heng]: Alright, stop trying to test me. Just do your job.

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

[Lin Hu leads the way]: Yes, boss!

Ding Heng put down his phone and rubbed his temples.

Foolish fox, always thinking he's clever.

However... as a capable secretary, she certainly makes things easier for me.

A few seconds later, the phone vibrated again.

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: Boss, are you sure you don't want it?

[Lin Hu Leads the Way]: For example, this [sweet and beautiful school beauty from Nanwen Academy, 160cm...] is just as good-looking as me, and she says she guarantees bleeding!

Ding Heng: ...