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“It’s the same principle as me borrowing your car to make myself look a little more glamorous.”
Shengmei’s fingers brushed across the soft leather interior. Luxurious, understated—and it thrilled her just to touch it.
“You know Qu Xiaoxiao gave me a pile of makeup, right?”
When Andy nodded, Shengmei went on:
“Well, in my latest video about foundation, I used quite a few of those high-end products she gave me. Do you know what people commented on the most?”
Andy shook her head.
“They weren’t asking about the technique. They were curious about me. Who was I, what kind of person uses so many luxury cosmetics? Of course, there were plenty of compliments too.”
Andy frowned, both hands steady on the steering wheel.
“But why? You only posted a makeup tutorial. Why would they be curious about your real identity? That kind of… voyeuristic curiosity—what’s the point?”
That was Andy for you. Brilliant, logical, but sometimes blind to the subtleties of human nature.
Shengmei patiently explained:
“Most people, when they see something unclear, fill in the gaps with their own imagination. If they see me using a table full of luxury brands, they’ll start to think: ‘She must be rich. Look at all those products—it must add up to a fortune.’ Once that first impression takes root, their minds keep spinning. They’ll start associating: what kind of life does she live? What kind of job does she have? What kind of people does she spend time with?”
“And then, like today, me showing up in your car, going to a banquet that only reinforces the image. Most people are ordinary, and they can’t help but be curious about how the wealthy live. What do they eat, what do they wear, where do they go, who do they spend time with?”
Whether she’d later reveal the truth was something Shengmei would decide depending on circumstances.
Andy thought for a moment, then slowly nodded.
“So what you’re saying is… this kind of association, it’s similar to what you told me before about Wei Wei’s comments. A first impression shapes everything that comes after. It makes sense.”
Shengmei’s face lit up.
“Exactly. That’s it.”
As they neared the hotel, Shengmei held her phone and turned to Andy.
“Andy, would it be okay if I record a bit inside the banquet? Just the surroundings.”
Andy blinked, already handing her car keys to the valet, then nodded after a moment’s thought.
“Sure, that should be fine.”
Shengmei smiled, satisfied. At these banquets, plenty of people came in just to loiter, some hoping to snare a rich man, others snapping endless photos. She wasn’t the only one with a phone in her hand.
She panned her camera across the glittering venue: the soaring ceilings, the opulent décor, and most of all, the massive crystal chandelier sparkling above.
She even filmed the buffet table, picked up a small slice of cake, sat at a side table, and nibbled while smiling at the lens, nodding now and then.
In her head, she’d already written the line for the voice-over:
“My friend’s off socializing, so here I am, sneaking in and just eating cake.”
Perfect. It said everything and nothing at the same time. That was how the internet worked—always leave room for imagination.
When the cake was gone, she didn’t touch another bite. Even that single piece was calculated, a small indulgence to make the footage feel more authentic. She picked up a glass of sparkling water instead.
Just as she lifted it to her lips, someone bumped into her from behind. She turned and instantly recognized him. Even more familiar to Qu Xiaoxiao: Qu Lianjie.
“Sorry, miss. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
Shengmei’s face stayed cool. She had no intention of chatting with a married man who spent his nights sneaking around. She remembered too clearly the way he had once mocked her.
“It’s fine. Just be careful.”
Shengmei didn’t bother saying more and walked off. Just looking at Qu Lianjie’s greasy face made her wonder if she hadn’t been so blind in the past, how could she ever have fallen for someone like him?
Qu Lianjie stared after her retreating figure, momentarily stunned.
No way I saw wrong. The way she just acted… she’s clearly here to put on a show and hook a rich guy. I’ve seen this type more times than I can count my eyes never miss. Then why did she walk away?
Unwilling to give up, he considered going after her, ready to throw out a few slick lines and take his chance. Women like her always played the “push and pull” game, a bit of resistance just to reel a man in. He knew the pattern well.
But then he saw her heading straight toward the big shark of the night… Tan Zongyan.
Seriously? Her appetite’s that big? Doesn’t she know her own weight?
Tan Zongyan, in the middle of a conversation, frowned as Shengmei seemed to be heading directly for him. He was about to signal his assistant to handle it when he realized she had gone to Andy instead.
Andy had her back turned. Just before Shengmei could tap her shoulder, Andy turned around sharply, startling her.
“What is it?”
Shengmei shook her head.
“I’ll tell you later.”
Andy hesitated, then nodded. Shengmei sat at a nearby table, and soon Andy joined her.
“Why did you suddenly turn around just now? Did you hear me walking up?”
Shengmei glanced down at the thick carpet beneath their feet.
“Shouldn’t have made a sound…” she muttered, puzzled.
Andy took a sip of sparkling water, then smiled.
“It wasn’t the footsteps. Your perfume smelled really nice.”
Shengmei blinked, then broke into laughter.
“Of course it does—it cost me a fortune!”
Andy tilted her head.
“But what was it you wanted to tell me just now?”
Shengmei sighed, looking a little helpless.
“Take a look behind me. That man who just tried to chat me up said his name’s Qu Lianjie—same surname as Qu Xiaoxiao. Probably mistook me for some gold-digger hanging around the banquet. He wasn’t exactly… decent. So I thought of you and decided to use you as my shield.”
As expected, it worked. Qu Lianjie hadn’t dared come a step closer.
Andy followed her gaze, locking eyes with Qu Lianjie for a brief moment. She frowned, then looked back at Shengmei.
“Qu? Well, there are plenty of people with that surname, but… You should still be careful.”
She knew Qu Xiaoxiao’s temper. If this somehow turned into an issue, it wouldn’t be easily settled.
Then Andy smiled.
“But honestly, looking at how stunning you are tonight, it’s no wonder someone would try to strike up a conversation.”
Shengmei laughed, flicking her hair with playful pride.
“Naturally. I am a great beauty, after all!”
The two women exchanged a look and burst out laughing.
Just then, a man strolled over, it was Tan Zongyan himself. His gaze swept over Shengmei briefly before landing squarely on Andy.
“Andy, is this your friend?”
Andy rose at once to introduce them.
“Yes, Old Tan, this is Fan Shengmei, my neighbor. She’s a wonderful person.”
Tan Zongyan nodded slowly, studying Shengmei with mild curiosity. For Andy to speak so highly of her that alone was unusual.
Shengmei stood, offering her hand politely.
“Hello, I’m Fan Shengmei.”
“Tan Zongyan.”
Though she managed a handshake, Shengmei still felt a bit uneasy speaking with someone of his stature. Subconsciously, her eyes turned back toward Andy.
“You two talk. I’ll just go grab something to eat over there.”