Romantic Pessimism
In 《Ashore》, the latest chapter Cheng Jiqing had read contained this passage—
Romance and pessimism are often chosen by you in a single thought.
Before you choose them, they coexist, counterbalancing each other.
But once that balance is broken, it’s like a leaking hot air balloon, a cracked Roman vase, and a goldfish that cannot survive out of water.
This passage resonated deeply with Cheng Jiqing tonight.
“A relationship before crossing the line.”
Even the cicadas seemed to stop their chirping, waiting.
Bai Xin looked at Cheng Jiqing: “Are you serious?”
Cheng Jiqing’s answer was yes.
From a certain perspective, their relationship was already abnormal. If they had continued strictly according to the contractual relationship, perhaps they could have maintained basic interaction.
But now… it was completely different from the beginning.
The principle that spilt water cannot be gathered needed no further elaboration—this time, she was feeling down, irritable, and finding it hard to bear. What about next time? She had no confidence that she wouldn’t be heartbroken if something like this happened again.
She wasn’t a fool; she didn’t want to suffer.
“If we’ve already crossed the line, can we still retreat?” Bai Xin took a step forward, gazing intently: “It was my fault for misunderstanding you. Yesterday’s incident… give me some time.”
Bai Xin suddenly realized she was unconsciously trying to explain, just like the unintentional panic in her tone.
The moment she finished speaking, she also froze.
When had she started caring so much about Cheng Jiqing?
The sun had come out again, but Cheng Jiqing was backlit, and the brightness from outside couldn’t reach her face.
However, it made her calm features appear more profound.
After listening, Cheng Jiqing shook her head and said faintly, “No, it’s an unequal relationship.”
Cheng Jiqing very seriously called the other person’s name: “Bai Xin, I admit I’ve developed feelings. So, behavior that seems normal to you, I see as something to care about… You come when you need me, and you can leave as you please when you don’t. But I’m not someone who can be treated casually. I need emotional reciprocation.”
“Not a one-night stand or a f*ck buddy.”
What she cared about was never why Bai Xin left, but Bai Xin’s attitude.
Every word from Cheng Jiqing was like a bee’s stinger, piercing straight into Bai Xin’s heart.
From a slight sting, it then turned itchy and numb.
For a moment, she didn’t know whether to focus her thoughts on the first sentence or the last.
It was also the first time Bai Xin felt that her usually prized intellect and eloquence were so useless.
In a brief two seconds, the phrase ‘I admit I’ve developed feelings’ proactively jumped out, following its owner’s heart, and stepped on her nerves. Her nerves came alive.
That nerve then quivered, like a steel wire trembling precariously.
The coldness on Cheng Jiqing’s face was gone, her voice as gentle as usual: “I might be a bit busy recently too. If you need my… help, let me know in advance.”
Previously, Bai Xin would come whenever she was free or whenever she needed to, and Cheng Jiqing would always be there.
She was the only person, besides Cheng Jiqing, who could open the door to this apartment.
In the future, she could still open it, but Cheng Jiqing might not necessarily be waiting.
This was Monday afternoon. This sentence served as the closing remark for their conversation.
Friday.
Five days passed, and Bai Xin hadn’t come again.
Time passed as usual. World peace, no disasters, no difficulties.
The weather remained hot; September continued.
Morning.
In the dance studio, Cheng Jiqing, dressed in a form-fitting black dance outfit, stopped, drenched in sweat. She walked over to the amplifier and turned off the music.
Then, beside the barre, she sat down with her back to the mirror, exhaling softly.
The heat from her back fogged up the mirror, making the reflection momentarily blurry.
Her life these past few days had followed a set routine: apartment, movie theater, dance studio. For two days, she even went to the cat store to see that Ragdoll cat.
Her bodyguard, Yu Lan, had taken a long leave and wouldn’t be back for a while.
Only Yuan Sheng from Lan Qi and Song Ling would occasionally send messages.
One was for serious reports plus concern for the boss; the other was for pestering unreasonably and incessant chattering.
Because of this, however, it added a little fun to her otherwise dull life.
There was also one special thing: she saw an online ad recruiting film extras, and she applied.
It was at the film base in Beicheng.
She submitted a resume, and they replied the next day. It was a drama about wealthy families; her role was one of the female lead’s wealthy socialite sisters… a background character1.
She had searched the director’s name; she’d seen one of his films, and it had a good reputation.
Initially, Cheng Jiqing wanted to treat 《Cat and Mint》 as her start in this world. The open auditions were still more than half a month away, which wasn’t long for someone like her, accustomed to waiting.
Only this time, she needed to do something else to adjust.
The only thing she could think of was acting.
It was scheduled for the end of the month.
Cheng Jiqing rested for a while, got up from the floor, and returned to Nanjing.
She took off her shoes upon entering. Having only eaten a few bites of bread in the morning, she felt a bit hungry after exercising. She took a quick shower.
Walking into the kitchen territory, she took out cabbage and cherry tomatoes, placing them on the peninsula counter, preparing to make a simple salad.
Looking at the cabbage on the cutting board, her movements paused. She suddenly remembered…
After Bai Xin left that day, she had still finished making the salad, but it tasted terrible—so even a vegetable salad could be a failure.
What a coincidence.
Just as she finished chopping the vegetables, she received a message from Bai Xin.
【Are you home?】
【Yes, I am.】
Soon after, she heard the sound of the apartment door opening. This time, her salad was already done. She had tasted it; it was quite good. No need to worry about failure.
Bai Xin was still standing in the same spot as on Monday afternoon.
Cheng Jiqing looked over from the peninsula counter. Their first meeting in four days. Cheng Jiqing was silent for a moment.
She couldn’t quite identify her own emotions.
Thinking about it, wasn’t this just a normal contractual relationship?
Pretty good.
Actually, she herself was also partly to blame. Who asked her not to hold back?
She moved her lips, about to speak, when Bai Xin had already walked forward and hugged her. She stiffened slightly.
The Omega’s lily fragrance was still alluring. Bai Xin’s face rested on her shoulder. Neither of them spoke.
One of Cheng Jiqing’s arms lifted, avoiding Bai Xin’s arm, and rested on the cool, white ceramic surface of the peninsula counter.
She didn’t hug Bai Xin.
She asked casually, “Have you eaten? Though, there’s only salad.”
It was clearly a normal inquiry, yet Bai Xin found it unfamiliar and cold. Cheng Jiqing’s raised arm seemed to be reminding her.
What was said that day wasn’t just talk.
Bai Xin’s eyelashes fluttered. She opened her eyes. Her face was resting on the left side of Cheng Jiqing’s neck. She knew where the Alpha’s gland was.
Under normal circumstances, the skin over the gland was smooth but would pulse like blood vessels.
Her lips moved closer…
Cheng Jiqing turned slightly to the side. She missed.
Bai Xin inhaled softly, saying nothing. There were no inducing agents in her system. As long as her heat period didn’t arrive, she could endure for a few more days.
It was just that she had seen Bai Zhaoliang at Bai Corporation earlier, and her mood was very bad. Or rather, her mood had been terrible these past few days.
When she left Bai Corporation, as her car drove down a street in the vast city, she suddenly felt a desolation in her heart.
Cheng Jiqing’s name appeared before her eyes.
So she came. She sent a text message asking before coming. This disparity actually made her unwilling to endure it.
After seeing the person, the accumulated frustration and awfulness of the past few days, along with that faint sense of grievance, suddenly overflowed. She hugged Cheng Jiqing, wanted to kiss…
She held a sliver of hope—would Cheng Jiqing soften?
Cheng Jiqing’s reaction made Bai Xin turn completely cold. She had overestimated herself and underestimated Cheng Jiqing’s resolve.
Bai Xin slowly pulled away.
One minute and thirty seconds. The hug ended.
“No need.”
After Bai Xin left, Cheng Jiqing placed the salad on the table and ate it in small bites. After a few mouthfuls, she put down her knife and fork.
She tilted her head back and let out a breath, then sat up straight again.
In the end, she finished the salad.
Salad, so boring.
…
The day before Cheng Jiqing went to the film studio to act, she went to the hospital for a blood test.
“What’s been going on with you and Bai Xin lately?”
Cheng Jiqing said, “What do you mean, what’s been going on?”
Cheng Jiqing hadn’t expected her words to come out with a hint of impatience. It was just a normal question. She said apologetically, “Nothing much, just normal.”
Normal relationship.
Tang Jia sensed something was amiss, so she didn’t press: “Alright, Bai Xin is also coming for a check-up later.”
Cheng Jiqing didn’t say anything, just nodded: “Oh.”
There was nothing else to talk about. Cheng Jiqing left Tang Jia’s office to wait for the elevator. Soon, the doors opened, she walked in, and in the two seconds before the elevator doors closed, she saw Bai Xin walking out of the elevator opposite hers.
For a fleeting moment, their gazes seemed to collide in mid-air.
Then they were separated by the elevator doors.
Cheng Jiqing wasn’t sure.
…
After Bai Xin finished her check-up, she went to Tang Jia’s office.
Tang Jia glanced at the report already on the computer and said, “Your indicators have been a bit unstable again recently. Don’t think that just because they stabilized a bit before, you can ignore it.”
Bai Xin’s eyes were indifferent, but a hidden agitation2 lurked in their depths. She took the water Tang Jia handed her and sipped it: “Get me some sleeping pills.”
Hearing this, Tang Jia looked up: “Busy with work? Why the insomnia again? I just prescribed some for you last time.”
“Just prescribe them,” Bai Xin said.
Tang Jia sized her up: “Is it just insomnia, or is it because you haven’t been feeling well mentally lately?”
Bai Xin frowned. Tang Jia said, “Your previous depression also started with insomnia. Don’t take it lightly.”
She had been off sleeping pills for over a year. Although her sleep had always been poor, she could manage to fall asleep.
But recently…
Bai Xin took a deep breath. That day, after leaving Cheng Jiqing’s place, she had sat in her car downstairs for a long time.
Cheng Jiqing’s words, ‘developed feelings,’ were like a spell in her mind.
Undoubtedly, Cheng Jiqing held a natural attraction for her, whether it was her pheromones or the person herself.
On several late nights, lying in bed, she would recall Cheng Jiqing’s face… recall Cheng Jiqing holding her with one arm, kissing her, possessing her. All she could do was grip Cheng Jiqing’s shoulders tightly…
Then she would find it hard to fall asleep.
Her state was not right. It was no longer just because of desire. The words ‘developed feelings’ were so romantic, yet they gave her a ridiculous sense of alarm.
A single thought.
Bai Xin sensed a certain danger in herself.
Especially at this critical juncture for the project, and with Cheng Jing helping Bai Zhaoliang.
She thought, perhaps maintaining a temporary distance from Cheng Jiqing was appropriate.
She shouldn’t have so many thoughts and feelings invested in Cheng Jiqing.
She wouldn’t go to such lengths for anyone.
She needed to be clear-headed.
Tang Jia watched Bai Xin’s expression and slowly asked the same question as before: “What’s going on with you and Cheng Jiqing?”
“What do you mean, what’s going on?” Bai Xin said coldly.
Tang Jia: “…Nothing. You two are fine.”
She pushed up her glasses, thinking these two were quite amusing, practically a pair of bickering lovers.
Thinking this, Tang Jia paused for a moment. Since when had Bai Xin and Cheng Jiqing become a ‘pair’ in her eyes?
She shook her head, reining in her prying, gossipy curiosity. She clicked open the last report and said seriously, “Although the inducer components are gone from your body, the marking sequelae3 are still there. It will also affect your dual-gland status. I’ve told you, Cheng Jiqing’s Alpha pheromones can soothe you. If you can spend more time together, do so. If not… then carry more suppressants.”
Tang Jia said, “With your special constitution, if your indicators become unstable again, it’s still very dangerous.”
Bai Xin said faintly, “If it’s dangerous, then it’s dangerous.”
Tang Jia’s expression froze: “CEO Bai, I’m not joking with you.”
The danger a 3S-level Omega encountered was not to be taken lightly. For Bai Xin, it wasn’t danger; it was disaster.
Tang Jia softened her tone slightly, “You’re already in a contractual marriage. Why be so tense? Take advantage of what you can.”
For some reason, this made Bai Xin feel even worse.
Bai Xin stood up and said, “If you had this thick skin before your divorce, would you be in this state now?”
Tang Jia: “?”
The door closed. Tang Jia leaned back in her chair, speechless. After a long silence, she muttered: “F*ck.”
I haven’t offended any of you!
The next day.
Cheng Jiqing woke up very early and drove directly to the film studio—Huanlai4.
Huanlai was a nationally famous film base, with sets for both ancient and modern scenes, renowned for its diversity.
There would be some tourists at the entrance, as well as fans chasing stars holding signs.
Every film studio has a back entrance, but it was her first time, so she didn’t find it. She parked her car and showed her pass to the staff.
The familiar setting and atmosphere finally gave Cheng Jiqing a sense of grounding.
Holding a sun umbrella, she looked around as she walked, finding the film crew she was supposed to work with.
Because she had been told in advance to bring her own cool-toned dress, but not too exaggerated, Cheng Jiqing chose a white knit long dress.
Short sleeves, square collar, revealing a bit of collarbone, very simple.
No one would pay attention to an extra. After registering, it was just waiting, possibly until dark.
Cheng Jiqing’s innate temperament easily made people unable to look away.
Even in such a plain style, she could catch the eye.
It was an online drama, not a big production. Apart from the director, everyone was relatively young.
The assistant director was a girl, very kind. She reminded her, “Cheng Jiqing, right? You’re here so early. It’s hot, find a shady spot to wait first.”
Cheng Jiqing smiled and nodded: “Thank you.”
“Take off those beads when filming starts later.” She didn’t say the next part: although it was just a string of white beads, on this person, it was too eye-catching.
It should be said that the person herself was quite eye-catching. Not the stunning-at-first-glance type, but possessing a unique, captivating beauty.
Probably even the casting colleague would be surprised to see her in person.
Also, it was possible that later… she might be moved to the back row, where her face wouldn’t even be visible.
Cheng Jiqing nodded, took off the white jade bodhi beads, put them in her bag, and said, “It’s so hot, the director must be working hard too.”
Who doesn’t like to hear nice things?
The assistant director reminded her again: “First time filming? Don’t be nervous, it’s very simple with no lines. Someone will tell you your position later, just follow the other actors in.”
Cheng Jiqing said okay.
She wasn’t nervous; she was excited.
Over an hour later, another director came over to go over the scene. She stood with a few other extras, listening to the content and points to note.
After going through the positions, Cheng Jiqing was in the back.
Another twenty-odd minutes passed. During this time, she chatted a bit with the people around her.
“The female lead is that very famous internet celebrity, Qi Xiaoran5. I only knew her after she suddenly became super popular. I’m so envious, I want to be famous too. If I get famous, I can act in roles with lines.”
“Just having lines is enough? So unambitious. At least aim for a supporting female role, right?”
“Sigh, forget it, we don’t have her luck. She’s good-looking.”
“I think she’s not as good-looking as Xiao Cheng. Xiao Cheng, I haven’t seen you before, is this your first time? You don’t look like you’re in this line of work,” one of them asked.
Cheng Jiqing was looking at the surrounding set. Hearing the topic turn to her, she collected her thoughts and said, “I guess it’s my first time. I just like it, so I came to try. Sisters, you have experience, please guide me. Your line delivery just now was really good.”
Her appearance wasn’t very approachable, but her gentle voice when she spoke, coupled with the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, gave her an extraordinary affinity.
Cheng Jiqing had also been an extra in the very beginning. She knew that at this stage, more than any other, one needed recognition and to be valued.
Just now, when they were rehearsing lines, the director hadn’t even looked at them properly.
After she spoke, several people laughed genuinely.
Those with simpler minds taught her some of their experiences, and they even took a group photo together.
Soon, the director shouted, “Actors, get ready! Is Xiaoran here yet?”
“Not yet.”
“What’s going on? It’s been delayed for over twenty minutes.”
As the director was asking, someone said, “She’s here, she’s here, Xiaoran-jie is here.”
Cheng Jiqing looked over. A sun umbrella was lifted, revealing a woman who could be considered a beauty, wearing an exquisite black cocktail dress, sunglasses on, strolling over.
Qi Xiaoran walked past the extras, her steps faltering slightly. She glanced at Cheng Jiqing, then passed by, walking to the front of the crowd.
She complained, dissatisfied, “Who found this extra? No perceptiveness6 at all.”
This was a scene where the female lead brought her group of sisters to confront her love rival. Only the two supporting characters in the front had lines; the other few only had expressions.
The segment was only about three minutes long.
After a few takes, Qi Xiaoran walked over to the director’s side to watch: “Let’s reshoot.”
“What’s wrong? This take was pretty good,” the director said.
“Director, I think it’s better to replace this person.” Qi Xiaoran’s fingernail tapped on the woman in the white knit dress.
The director frowned: “The light isn’t on her. We’ll add a filter when she enters the door, it won’t affect you.”
Evidently, this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.
Any actress with a bit of looks who overshadowed her had been replaced.
This woman in the white dress indeed had an air about her, but she only had one or two seconds of screen time and wouldn’t hinder the female lead at all. Besides, lighting could be adjusted in post-production to obscure her.
The director regretted it inwardly. If he weren’t in a hurry to make some money, he wouldn’t have taken this gig.
Unfortunately, Qi Xiaoran was dissatisfied. Others had been replaced before, so when the director didn’t satisfy her this time, she felt a sense of letdown. Besides, she had found the investment; couldn’t she even get an extra replaced?
Qi Xiaoran said, “Director, I’m not trying to cause trouble, and I don’t mean anything else. I’ve seen this person before, her character is bad. Let’s replace her. You don’t want it to affect the show’s broadcast later, do you?”
The assistant standing by almost couldn’t watch anymore. How could she know her? Just a moment ago, she was still asking what her name was, where she came from…
She sure slapped on that accusation quickly.
Cheng Jiqing also hadn’t expected her career’s first attempt to suffer such a Waterloo7—she was fired.
Cheng Jiqing: “……”
Her two hundred yuan wage was paid, though.
Cheng Jiqing was still quite dejected, yet it was also truly laughable. However, it wasn’t like she hadn’t experienced this before, so she just laughed it off.
She even stood by the assistant director chatting8 for a while. The assistant director probably felt quite sorry for her, so much so that she got a spot to watch the filming.
The assistant director said, “I’ve kept your contact information. Next time there’s something suitable, I’ll call you.”
Cheng Jiqing was quite happy and thanked her with a smile.
Soon, the scene was finished. Cheng Jiqing even said goodbye to those extra sisters.
Only then did she start walking out. After a few steps, a woman’s voice appeared beside her: “Please wait a moment.”
Cheng Jiqing turned around.
Qi Xiaoran spoke with the director for a while before getting up to leave. Her assistant then stepped forward to remind her, “That person looks like Ada, the agent from Yi Xin9. I saw her last time. The previously super popular female lead was scouted by her for Yi Xin.”
Qi Xiaoran was initially very excited. Her momentum was strong right now, but her current agency’s resources couldn’t keep up. She planned to switch to another company while her value was at its peak.
But the top agencies in the industry were unlikely to choose her. A newly rising company like Yi Xin was most suitable for her.
After all, the big boss backing her investment might not be reliable forever. She also needed a good backup plan.
But seeing the person talking to Ada, Qi Xiaoran said, “She couldn’t be interested in her, could she?”
…
By the time Cheng Jiqing came out of the building where they were filming, it was already past four in the afternoon.
Under the blue umbrella, she lowered her gaze slightly. Lying in her hand was a business card: ‘Yi Xin Agent Ada’.
She smiled. What do you call this?
A blessing in disguise10.
It was almost October. The temperature in the weather forecast had dropped a bit, but it didn’t feel cool; it was still muggy.
But Cheng Jiqing’s mood was very good.
Back in the car, she put the business card in her bag. She hadn’t agreed immediately, only saying she would consider it and then contact her.
This was like negotiating a business deal: if success came too quickly, one party was bound to lose out.
Cheng Jiqing looked up, gazing at the glaring sunlight outside. This was a good thing, but unfortunately, there was no one to share it with.
That joyful emotion, who knows where it went, dipped slightly again.
The car headed towards Nanjing. Halfway there, she made a trip to the cat store to see the Ragdoll cat.
She followed Qin Yufu’s example and also contributed some money for cat food. The store owner smiled and said, “Actually, there’s no need. Just come whenever you want in the future.”
Cheng Jiqing said, “Just consider it as me sponsoring its growth.”
The Ragdoll cat hadn’t grown up yet. When it grew up, its eyes would turn a deep blue, very beautiful, like the ocean.
Ragdoll cats are inherently friendly. Perhaps because she had visited many times, as soon as she extended her hand, the cat would rub its head against her palm.
Cheng Jiqing smiled and said, “So well-behaved.”
She suddenly thought of Bai Xin leaning on her shoulder, nuzzling her neck and hair. Her hand, stroking the fur, unconsciously slowed.
“Miss Cheng, have you had cats before?” the store owner asked.
“Mm.”
Cheng Jiqing said, “Not as well-behaved as this one.”
The store owner smiled and said, “Miss Qin was here yesterday too. She asked if you had come. You two can arrange to come together next time.”
Cheng Jiqing said, “Is that so? We don’t really keep in touch.”
As she finished speaking, her phone vibrated.
It was a message from Song Ling.
Song Ling: 【Cheng Jiqing, come play at MILK Bar tonight! Do you have some other new flame11, you don’t even come out to play with me anymore!】
Song Ling: 【If you come out, I’ll give you a surprise.】
Song Ling: 【If you don’t come out, I’ll go sleep at your place tonight!】
Cheng Jiqing: 【……】
Why were this person’s threats always so childish? Did this have any real impact?
Cheng Jiqing stroked the cat’s head with one hand, glanced at her phone again. Might as well go. Besides, it seemed she did need a bit of stimulation today.
Nine o’clock at night.
Bai Xin was in her office at Bai Corporation.
Bai Zhaoliang had just left her place. She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, opened the adjacent window to air out the room, wanting to disperse that disgusting smell.
Her complexion wasn’t good. She had been feeling a bit dizzy since last night, like she was catching a cold, she wasn’t sure.
It could also be lack of sleep.
After Bai Zhaoliang came, she felt even dizzier, dizzy to the point of nausea.
“I heard that Little CEO Cheng hasn’t attended any of the recent project meetings? The company is not doing well right now. Cheng Jing is helping out of consideration for Cheng Jiqing’s face. You should maintain a good relationship with her.”
“Maybe we’ll need to ask Cheng Jiqing for help next time too.”
Bai Zhaoliang’s words echoed in Bai Xin’s mind. A bone-chilling frost filled her eyes, while a ball of agitation burned in her heart.
The sky outside had completely darkened. The city lights, a scene of feasting and revelry12, seemed like a struggle in the darkness, attempting to leave some mark on this world.
In reality, nothing could be left behind.
It would all disappear once the power was cut.
Tang Jia always said her thoughts were very negative and pessimistic. She didn’t think so. Truth and reality were just like that.
Soon after.
The lights in the office went out.
Bai Xin drove back towards Nanyang Urban District. She still had to review some important XM contracts when she got back. Her car moved through the traffic… After about ten minutes, the car turned, heading in another direction within Nanyang Urban District.
The thought of going home made her temples throb intensely. She felt awful.
Her car drove to the bar street. She wasn’t intending to come here, just passing by on her way to a quiet bar on another street.
Just as she entered the intersection, Tang Jia’s call came through.
“Do you know what I just saw at the hospital?”
“What?”
“Tong Yanxi and her ex, no, her ex-ex, together.” Tang Jia took a drag from her cigarette, seemed to struggle for a few seconds, then said calmly: “They went to Omega Obstetrics and Gynecology.”
Bai Xin looked at the bustling street ahead, silent for a moment.
“Want to drink?”
“Where?”
Bai Xin: “Bar street.”
Tang Jia said, “It’s too chaotic there. Don’t go to crowded places right now. Find a quiet bar to sit in.”
Bai Xin was about to answer when her gaze suddenly froze. She saw a familiar figure at the entrance of a bar, a long dress.
“Hello?”
Bai Xin said, “Tomorrow.”
Tang Jia: “?”
Bai Xin got out of the car, looked up, and saw the bar’s name: MILK.
It was almost ten o’clock, prime time for the opening buzz. People were heading inside one after another. Bai Xin frowned slightly as she entered, getting bumped a few times. The physical contact made her uncomfortable.
She didn’t know what she was doing; it felt somewhat absurd.
She had clearly warned herself to be clear-headed, yet she had come in just by seeing that person.
Bai Xin stood in place, her head spinning more and more. She thought she should go back. For her, this was too dangerous…
Just as that thought emerged, she saw Cheng Jiqing, and beside her—Qin Yufu.
Cheng Jiqing looked at Song Ling’s smug face, which screamed ‘Aren’t I amazing?’, ‘Surprised?’, ‘Impressed?’, ‘Hurry up and praise me!’, then looked at Qin Yufu beside her.
“……”
Surprise, amazing.
Not scolding was praise enough.
She didn’t know Qin Yufu would come, nor how Qin Yufu had agreed to come. She also hadn’t expected Song Ling to actually think she was interested in Qin Yufu and bring her here.
Did Song Ling think she had become this unwilling-to-go-out person because of Qin Yufu?
A true friend indeed.
Because of this, she was mostly at a loss whether to laugh or cry, thinking she’d have to properly clarify things with Song Ling after today.
Qin Yufu clearly wasn’t used to places like this either, looking somewhat constrained.
Cheng Jiqing leaned down and asked, her voice raised slightly over the noise, controlling the distance: “How did you agree to come? She doesn’t know about us, probably misunderstood something.”
In the chaotic lights, the color of Qin Yufu’s earlobes was hidden. She said, “I’ve just never been, wanted to come see. Anyway, you’re here.”
This statement carried a high degree of trust.
Cheng Jiqing nodded in surprise. So, she was here to see the world.
Bai Xin’s angle was slightly to their side. A gap in the crowd allowed her to clearly see the two of them leaning close to talk.
She watched them intently, her nails digging into her fingertips again.
Cheng Jiqing rarely wore dresses, but she wore one when she was with Qin Yufu.
Bai Xin only felt her head was about to split from dizziness, her body temperature rising, yet she didn’t move an inch. But her heart was already beginning to crumble…
The bar DJ, along with the deafening music, shouted, “Special opening act, dance floor play! GOGOGO! Let’s get high!”
A chorus of shouts erupted from below in response.
Cheng Jiqing touched her ear, but she was also infected by the music, the molecules in her body growing excited.
Song Ling stood up: “Let’s go! Time to party!”
She grabbed Cheng Jiqing’s hand, heading towards the dance floor. She took a step, then turned back to wave at Qin Yufu, shouting, “Miss Qin, come join us!”
Qin Yufu politely declined.
Initially, half of Cheng Jiqing was also resistant, but the other half wavered. She roughly knew it was just about going up and dancing together, however crazy you wanted to be, as long as you were happy.
She actually really needed to go wild for a bit, to forget all the messy things in her heart.
So she followed Song Ling up.
Bai Xin watched the captivating Alpha on the dance floor.
Cheng Jiqing was still wearing that slim-fitting white knit dress. She was in the crowd, moving to the rhythm of the music, lights chaotically sweeping over her.
Her slender waist was lean yet strong, her upper and lower body coordinating. With her every move, waves of screams came from the surroundings.
Then.
She saw Qin Yufu also being pulled up by Song Ling, standing right next to Cheng Jiqing.
She saw Qin Yufu nearly get knocked over by someone, Cheng Jiqing quickly steadying her, then whispering something in her ear.
This time, her nails pierced completely into her skin.
She walked towards Cheng Jiqing.
If Tang Jia were here at this moment, she would definitely say she was crazy, because her body temperature was getting higher and higher, but she still went, recklessly.
Her fingertips pressed together, feeling a stickiness. She felt no pain at all.
What clear-headedness? She couldn’t care less anymore.
She was jealous to death.
Bai Xin stepped onto the dance floor, her gaze cool yet filled with possessive desire.
“Dark carnival!!!” the DJ roared.
Simultaneously, the bar lights dimmed, and all the lights on the dance floor went out.
But the frenetic music continued its rampant beat.
In the dim dance floor, Cheng Jiqing raised her arms, releasing herself in the explosive music.
The next second, a hand wrapped around her waist from behind…
The touch on her back was familiar. In fact, the moment it neared, she knew—it was Bai Xin.
The author has something to say:
Before seeing Chengcheng, Bai-jie: I need to be clear-headed.
After seeing wifey, Bai-jie: Clear-headed means no wifey, clear-headedness can go to hell.
Clear-headedness: ? I haven’t offended anyone either.
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