Chapter 7: At Worst, Just Pay a Little More

Xia Mang smiled mischievously, "I'm in Phoenix City now, flying to Fan City tomorrow. Want to meet for dinner?"

Shen Qing softly replied, "Mm."

"Can you get in touch with Long Ao Tian? With him around, things would be much easier for us."

As Xia Mang spoke, she fixed her phone in place so Shen Qing could see her fully.

"It makes no difference whether he's here or not," Shen Qing said, moving from the window to the bed.

"Hey—are you really doubting Brother Long?" Xia Mang slipped off her dress.

Shen Qing was startled, flipping her phone screen over, her voice stern, "Mind your manners!"

A string of flirtatious laughter came through the phone, the sound seductive.

"We're both women. I have a good figure, don't you think Brother Long would like it?"

Shen Qing's hand trembled sharply, almost dropping the phone.

Her usually cold brows and eyes showed rare ripples of emotion.

"Qing Dan? Are you still there?"

"Yes." Shen Qing pursed her lips.

After a second, she added, "I'm hanging up now."

Zhong Yi sent a message saying he'd arrived.

Shen Qing replied with a single word, then left it unread.

She logged into a website; it was nine in the evening, the site buzzing with activity.

[Why is it so lively tonight?]

[Wow! Clearly a newcomer above. Tonight is the Dragon King's big move!]

[Follow the Dragon King, and overnight riches are within reach!!]

[My goodness! Is the Dragon King really that powerful?]

[Our Dragon King is amazing!!!]

...

After scrolling through the posts, five minutes had passed.

Shen Qing acted swiftly, placing two hundred thousand.

Soon, a message arrived in the backend.

[Dragon King: Not short on money?]

Shen Qing typed quickly: [Just for fun.]

Two minutes later, a reply came: [Mm.]

Shen Qing logged off the site, played seven or eight rounds of games, and then turned off the lights to sleep.

*

The night sky over Phoenix City was ablaze with fireworks.

A woman dressed in a magnificent red gown gazed at the sky, her smile sweet as honey.

"Cut!"

The director called out loudly, the camera focused on the woman in red.

The young assistant hurried over to support Yu Min'er, her voice excited.

"My god, Min'er, you looked stunning just now!" Zhou Ping twisted open a bottle of mineral water for Yu Min'er.

Yu Min'er gave a gentle smile, saying nothing.

After taking a small sip, she walked over to the director with tiny steps.

"Director, how was it?"

The director looked at Yu Min'er’s beautiful face, delighted.

"Very well done. After we finish the last scene tomorrow, we can wrap up."

"Great, it's getting late. You should rest early."

"Alright, you go rest too." The director grew fonder of Yu Min'er the more he looked—beautiful, talented, and wealthy!

He had worried she might cause trouble during filming, but she turned out just as the online rumors said—no airs whatsoever!

A true winner in life!

In the hotel room, Zhou Ping helped Yu Min'er change out of her costume.

"Min'er, once this movie airs, your value will rise again."

Yu Min'er wiped off her heavy makeup and washed her face. The reflection in the mirror was delicate-featured and extraordinary in bearing.

"You’re incredible—multi-talented, singing, painting, everything. You nailed today’s shot in one take, so much better than the lead actress," Zhou Ping continued.

Yu Min'er applied her skincare, picked up her phone, and sat on the bed.

"Don’t blame Ms. Nana. She wasn’t feeling well today—her lack of focus is understandable."

"You’re just too kind. Who knows how she slanders you behind your back," Zhou Ping grumbled. She remembered clearly how Jiang Nana had mocked Yu Min'er when she first joined the crew.

"Right, don't forget to post an update. Your fans are clamoring for it," Zhou Ping reminded, heading out with the clothes.

Yu Min'er nodded, picked up her phone, found a good angle, took a selfie, and posted it to Weibo with the caption: Wrapped up for today. Good night.

Within half an hour, the comments soared past ten thousand.

[You look gorgeous, sis!]

[Min'er is so beautiful! Can't stop staring!]

[Min'er finally remembered her babies!]

[What a fairy-like lady!]

...

Yu Min'er was quite satisfied as she scrolled through the comments.

*

Several unread messages on WeChat, all from Yu Jiaxuan.

[Sis, you need to come back soon!]

[If you don’t, the young miss of the Yu family will turn into that wretched Shen Qing!]

Yu Min'er frowned slightly.

She’d heard about Shen Qing from her grandmother once. Back then, Shen Fangfei was pregnant when she was kidnapped—a ransom of eight million was demanded for the Yu family’s unborn heir. Her grandmother had always disliked Shen Fangfei, coming from a small place. Eight million almost cost the Yu family half their fortune.

Soon after, Yu Fei married her mother. Seven years later, Shen Fangfei returned with Shen Qing.

A heavily pregnant woman surviving and returning—anyone could guess what must have happened in those seven years.

Shen Qing, with a mother like hers, what ability did she have to compete?

Yu Min'er tapped her fingers and replied to Yu Jiaxuan.

[You’re the young master of the Yu family. Why bother competing with Shen Qing? Study hard and don’t embarrass the family.]

As for Shen Qing—a clown.

Not worthy.

*

At breakfast, Yu Jiaxuan left early, just as he had the day before.

Shen Qing ate a few hurried bites and prepared to leave.

"Qing Qing, where are you going? I’ll drive you," Yu Fei offered.

Shen Qing glanced at Yu Fei, her brows furrowing in impatience.

"No need. It’s not on your way."

Yu Fei, eager to build a good relationship with his daughter, insisted, "It’s fine. I’m not busy today, I have plenty of time."

Qin Lin chimed in, "Shen Qing, your father is just being thoughtful."

Shen Qing looked at Qin Lin. Her father driving her was supposed to be thoughtful?

It was a reminder: you’re an outsider.

"Fine, thank you," Shen Qing said, stepping out first, Yu Fei following behind.

"Qing Qing, where are you headed?" Yu Fei asked, sitting beside Shen Qing. The girl was cold and distant.

"Star Plaza." The city center’s prime location, bustling with commerce, sky-high prices.

The driver was surprised; it was the opposite direction from the company, and so expensive. Shen Qing had just arrived from a small city—was she chasing luxury?

Yu Fei was startled too. He cleared his throat, "Drive to Star Plaza."

At worst, he could just give this daughter more money.

For the Yu family, money was never an issue.