Chapter 27

Lu Fengfeng didn’t expect these words to be so difficult to say, especially under the gaze of her round, innocent cat-like eyes. It felt as though all of his dirty thoughts were completely exposed.

“I request that you—” He raised his head, looking directly into her eyes with a mixture of three parts shyness, three parts unease, and four parts determination. “Fall in love with me, with the condition that it lasts until the end of this competition.”

“Alright, I agree.”

“Eh?” Lu Fengfeng, having mustered the courage to voice this unreasonable demand, had prepared himself for rejection. He didn’t expect that the other person would not only give him a clear answer but also do so without the slightest hesitation.

Could it be that she… has already felt something for me…?

No, no, no, get a grip.

They had spent some time together, and he had gained some understanding of her. Taking the earlier hand-kissing gesture as a reference, there must have been some reason behind it. He couldn’t lose his composure now.

Yan Ning thought Lu Fengfeng’s expression was interesting. It was clear that it was his own request, yet he seemed troubled.

“If you want to back out, you can change your request now. I can still agree.”

“No, my request is this. But I want to ask you—why did you agree without hesitation?” He tried to keep himself calm but couldn’t help asking.

“Mm—because it’s a promise. You help me once, and I agree to one condition of yours. Since we made a promise, no matter what your request is, I will agree.” Yan Ning said it casually, but her determination was unquestionable.

“So that’s it…” Lu Fengfeng murmured, feeling a tiny, almost imperceptible pang of disappointment in his heart.

“However, I also want to ask—why did you make such a request?” Yan Ning kept her eyes on him as she spoke.

Just as Lu Fengfeng had gotten to know her, she had developed a different view of him than when they first met. He was very purposeful in his actions and wouldn’t make an unreasonable request without a reason. Perhaps it was related to that strange man who had walked out earlier?

He was indeed coldly rational to the point of being almost ruthless. How could he have thought that she had no personality back then?

Lu Fengfeng smiled bitterly in his heart but quickly let it go, explaining, “Because the final competition will be held on Angel Island No. 4. There is something on that island that I absolutely must have. To obtain it, I need to go through a series of challenges, and only couples are allowed to participate.”

“I understand.” Yan Ning nodded. The information about the final competition location must have come from the man with the black neck who had just walked out. It was likely because of certain details in that information that Lu Fengfeng had made his request so early.

She had to admit, he was impressive. She had known nothing, never thought of gathering intelligence, and yet, by the second round, he had already acquired the information about the final venue.

Yan Ning raised her hand. “Mr. Lu, I have one question.”

Lu Fengfeng lowered his gaze. “Go ahead.”

“Does the thing you want conflict with the first-place prize?” Yan Ning said, “I’m participating in this competition for the prize money.”

“Mm—I’m not sure about that for now, but if there’s a conflict, I’ll give you the prize money. I only want that thing.”

“Deal.” Yan Ning responded readily, extending her hand.

Lu Fengfeng reached out and shook her hand, thinking she would ask more about “falling in love with him.” Instead, she only asked about the prize money.

“As for my request, I originally thought that as long as there were two people, we could participate. I planned to ask you to be my partner. But the latest news says that only real couples can pass the challenges. So, you have to fall in love with me within the next two days. Can you do that?”

She didn’t ask any more questions, so he had to explain it himself. Facing her serious and earnest attitude, the words “fall in love with me” felt especially shameful, as if he were the one being inappropriate. He covered his face.

“Mm…” Yan Ning finally showed a hint of hesitation. “What exactly do I need to do?”

Lu Fengfeng was amused by her serious look, as though she was preparing for an important task but didn’t know where to start. He helplessly said, “All you need to do is stay by my side, leave the rest to me.”

“Starting now?” Yan Ning frowned. She hadn’t returned home last night, and if she didn’t go back tonight, it might be hard to explain.

“Yes, from now on we’re a couple. In your eyes and in your heart, there should only be me as your opposite sex.” Lu Fengfeng felt like it was like a public execution. He hadn’t expected Yan Ning to be so insensitive in this regard. Her mindset was completely different from that of a typical seventeen-year-old girl.

Yan Ning’s eyes widened slightly, filled with curiosity. Then, she took his hand, which was hanging at his side, and slowly intertwined her fingers with his. She looked up at him and asked, “Is this alright?”

Her face was innocent, even a bit interesting.

Lu Fengfeng glanced at their entwined hands, then at her, and felt like there was a rabbit hopping inside his chest. The rabbit was restless, jumping around, making a thumping sound in his heart.

Just as the surroundings grew inexplicably quiet, his phone rang, signaling a new message. Yan Ning pulled out her phone to check, and it was a message from Qiao Yingxue, asking where she was.

After replying, Yan Ning stood up but didn’t release his hand. She pulled him to his feet. “Yingxue is looking for us. Let’s go back.”

Are you adjusting too quickly?

Lu Fengfeng was a little confused about life. His request had been gently accepted, and the other person’s reaction even exceeded his expectations. But inside, he felt a bit awkward.

He gently pulled his hand away and turned to look at her, his eyes full of confusion.

“If you’re not used to it, you don’t have to force yourself to get into the role so quickly. In fact, when many couples first get together, they’re not familiar with each other. It’s only after spending time together that they develop mutual understanding and become sweet and in sync.” He took a step forward, lowering his eyes and gazing at her.

Although she had acted calm and collected since hearing his request, and had readily agreed, it was because everything felt too perfect that it seemed awkward and wrong.

Yan Ning raised her hand to cover her face. “How did you figure that out?”

She was always responsible when it came to work. No matter how difficult or impossible something seemed, once she accepted it, she would go to any lengths to complete it.

As for Lu Fengfeng’s request, she was indeed shocked. But she hated breaking promises, so even though something felt off, she didn’t refuse.

After convincing herself, the first thing Yan Ning focused on was the reason. Lu Fengfeng’s explanation convinced her, and the time frame was short—only until the competition ended.

She was a person of action, and once she agreed, she immediately embraced the role of his girlfriend.

But it turned out that merely watching the pig run wasn’t enough, her lack of experience in this area was obvious from the start.

She slouched, looking quite downhearted. Lu Fengfeng chuckled, reaching out to pat her. “You’re doing great. It’s just that I think it’s a bit rude for a girl to take the initiative too much. Take it slow, let’s head back first.”

“Mm.” Yan Ning had to admit, Lu Fengfeng was good at comforting people. Even though she knew it was just to console her, it still made her feel a lot better.

When they returned to the lounge, everyone else had left, and only Qiao Yingxue, Gu Han, and a man she didn’t expect to see were still there.

“Ningning, where did you two go?” Qiao Yingxue was the first to speak.

Yan Ning glanced at Lu Fengfeng, her expression unchanged. “Just stepped out for a bit.”

“Ah, glad you’re back. By the way, someone’s looking for you.” Qiao Yingxue pointed to the man sitting in a chair in the back.

Because of his presence, the others who had stayed behind seemed a bit more reserved.

Yan Ning walked over to greet him. “Hello, may I ask what you need?”

Tang Chengtian set down his teacup, appraising Yan Ning from head to toe. He motioned to the seat beside him. “Please, sit down.”

Yan Ning didn’t hesitate and sat down next to him.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Tang Chengtian, the owner of Shengyi Games. I wanted to talk business with you, Miss Yan,” he said in a slow, measured tone, exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

“Alright, please tell me more.” Yan Ning wasn’t at all intimidated.

After the performance ended, a few people who had been looking for Yan Ning, like Shi Lei and Zhao Xiaolu, entered and immediately saw Tang Chengtian. They quickly retreated to the corner, not daring to make a sound. Seeing this, Zhou Ye lightly pulled on his glasses and whispered, “How come Yan Ning isn’t afraid at all?”

Zhou Ye adjusted his glasses and whispered back, “Ignorance is bliss.”

Yan Ning had no idea what Tang Chengtian represented, so she spoke to him freely.

Tang Chengtian didn’t mind at all. “I was very impressed by your performance. Gu Han talked to me earlier. I’m willing to pay for the development costs of the 3D projection, and I’d like to take some of the material for promotional purposes. But now, I’d like to purchase all the material, including the footage of you and your friends.”

So he was the one who paid for the 3D projection, Yan Ning thought, surprised. Today’s surprises just kept coming.

She collected her thoughts before speaking, “I need to discuss this with my friends first, after all, it’s not just my work.”

Tang Chengtian nodded in understanding, gesturing for her to go ahead and discuss it.

Yan Ning took Lu Fengfeng and the group of four led by Qiao Yingxue out of the lounge, and they found a room next door to talk about the situation.

They had actually overheard the conversation between Yan Ning and Tang Chengtian, but what surprised them was that Yan Ning didn’t immediately agree. She asked Tang Chengtian to wait while she discussed it with them.

“Yan Ning, you really have become bolder, even daring to slip away from Tang Chengtian,” Shi Lei said, his eyes wide in disbelief.

“What’s the matter? After all, I wasn’t the only one in the video, and the costumes, instruments, and props were all done together. If it’s going to be sold, I can’t make the decision by myself.”

Even Zhou Ye couldn’t help but look at Yan Ning with new respect. They had all willingly helped her, with Qiao Yingxue taking the lead at first, but eventually, they had formed real bonds with her.

However, Yan Ning’s approach was different from that of many older people. She seemed to treat them like friends of the same age and experience, giving them the opportunity to make decisions and showing them full respect.

Zhou Ye was the first to speak up, “I have no objections.”

Zhao Xiaolu and Shi Lei also said, “I have no problem.”

Yan Ning looked at Lu Fengfeng, who nodded, “I’m fine with it.”

Qiao Yingxue raised her hand weakly, “I might not be okay with it. If it’s just a school event, it’s fine, but if it’s for promotional purposes, my part might need to be cut out.”

“No problem, I’ll go talk to him,” Yan Ning said.

“You’re so kind, Ningning.” Qiao Yingxue hugged Yan Ning.

In the end, this program was designed by Yan Ning herself, and they were just helping out. Most people would probably have agreed right away when Tang Chengtian asked, but Yan Ning took the time to discuss it with them, showing thorough consideration.

Everyone else had no issues, but Qiao Yingxue felt a sense of guilt for being the only one who couldn’t agree. However, Yan Ning’s attitude warmed her heart—no complaints, no questions, just saying she would take care of it.

“It’s a small issue. You all wait for me, and when it’s settled, we’ll go out for dinner,” Yan Ning said as she stood up to find Tang Chengtian.

At the door, she ran into Gu Han.

Gu Han grabbed her arm. “Come, come, come, let me teach you a little trick for negotiating prices… but remember, two fingers is the bottom line. If he tries to lower the price more, tell him to go to someone else. We won’t negotiate anymore.”

Yan Ning wanted to ask what one finger meant, but Gu Han hurriedly pushed her inside, “Go, go, hurry up and finish so we can wrap up.”

Tang Chengtian was leisurely sipping tea when he saw her come in. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Got it settled?”

“Mm, there’s one issue. My friend, the girl, can’t show her face. So, if it’s for promotional purposes, would it be possible to cut out her part?”

Tang Chengtian lowered his head and thought for a moment. What he valued most were the 3D projection elements and the storyline, especially the fight scene featuring Yan Ning. So he nodded in agreement.

Yan Ning’s eyes brightened with joy. This was probably a stroke of fortune—she had unintentionally sold something that was of no use to her, and was now one step closer to obtaining the K2 battery.

“Name your price,” Tang Chengtian asked directly, not wasting any time now that they had reached an understanding.

Yan Ning weakly extended one hand, fingers spread.

Tang Chengtian chuckled, “You’ve got quite an appetite.”

Yan Ning pressed her thumb down and showed four fingers.

Tang Chengtian took a sip of tea, “I think we can keep talking.”

Yan Ning silently withdrew her thumb and showed three fingers instead.

Tang Chengtian placed his teacup down and said warmly, “I’m genuinely interested in purchasing.”

Yan Ning pressed her middle finger down, leaving only her ring finger and pinky.

Tang Chengtian intertwined his fingers, smiling more gently. “I didn’t expect you to be so bold at such a young age. I really hope we’ll have more opportunities to cooperate in the future.”

Yan Ning withdrew her ring finger and pinky, then extended her index and middle fingers in a “peace” gesture.

Tang Chengtian laughed, “Really no room for further negotiation?”

Yan Ning shook her head, “Two is my bottom line.”

“It was Gu Han who taught you this, right? That little bastard who plays both sides!” Tang Chengtian said, still smiling. He waved toward the door, and Zhao Xiaoque entered.

Tang Chengtian signed the contract with a pen and handed it to Yan Ning.

When Yan Ning saw the amount, she was stunned: 2 million.

She looked up at him, and Tang Chengtian nodded, signaling for her to sign.

Just as the paperwork was finalized, Tang Chengtian stood up. “Let’s go back to the office for overtime! Bring Gu Han along too, we’re working all night. Pay will be five times the usual rate.”

The programmers, who had been as deflated as wilted flowers, immediately stood up, their voices loud: “Yes, boss!”

Penguin mascot Tutu quickly packed up his briefcase and eagerly followed.

They didn’t really want to work overtime, but the boss’s offer was just too generous.

Qiao Yingxue and the others came in at this moment: “Ningning, how did it go?”

“Sold for 2 million.” Yan Ning snapped back to her senses and couldn’t wait to share this happy number with her friends.

Zhao Xiaolu, Shi Lei, and Zhou Ye were all quite shocked and exclaimed in unison, “No way, just that crappy video?”

Yan Ning handed them the check to show them, then started counting heads and continued, “Six people, about 330,000 each. Let’s split it.”

Huh?

“Yan Ning, are you out of your mind? Why are you giving us the money?” Shi Lei’s tone was filled with disbelief.

The other three looked at Yan Ning as if she were a fool.

Lu Fengfeng stood in the corner, silent, with a slight smile on his lips. Inside, he thought this girl was sometimes adorably silly.

“If it weren’t for you guys, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this program by myself, and there wouldn’t be this 2 million. Although I really wanted to keep it all to myself, I prefer being with all of you.”

Qiao Yingxue: “We helped you because we’re friends. If you insist on splitting the money with us, it would be really hurtful.”

Shi Lei: “Yeah, stop looking down on us.”

Zhao Xiaolu: “I only helped you because you’re good-looking. Don’t insult a righteous Yan fan like this.”

Zhou Ye: “Yan fan +1.”

Qiao Yingxue: “Yan fan +2.”

Shi Lei: “Yan fan +3.”

Qiao Yingxue: “Hey, Shi Lei, aren’t you a die-hard fan of the school beauty? How’d you switch sides?”

Shi Lei, blushing, yelled: “When did I become a die-hard fan of the school beauty? What do you mean by switching sides? Shameless!”

Yan Ning instinctively looked at Lu Fengfeng, desperately signaling for help with her eyes.

Lu Fengfeng walked over, softly whispered in her ear, “Since they don’t want it, don’t force it. Everyone just wanted to help you, so you should accept their kindness graciously.”

“Is it really okay to do this?”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. You deserve it.”

“And what about you?”

Lu Fengfeng chuckled, then glanced back at the four people still causing a ruckus, confirming that they weren’t paying attention to them. He slightly bent down and whispered in her ear, teasingly, “Everything belongs to you, so what’s money in comparison?”

“Well then, let’s use this money to go out for a big meal today,” Yan Ning clenched her fist and immediately went to call the others who were still goofing around.

Lu Fengfeng received no response and felt as if he were in the Arctic, the cold wind howling and ice chips smacking him in the face, leaving him feeling lonely.

Yan Ning was probably the ultimate ^[1]“iron plate” (铁板) is a metaphor often used in Chinese to describe a situation or person that is unyielding or difficult to change. It can refer to someone who is emotionally … Continue reading“iron plate” in his life.

By the time the talent show ended, it was already late. The group made a ruckus in the restaurant, and by the time they left, it was past midnight.

Uncle Zheng came to pick up Yan Ning. Apart from Qiao Yingxue, who had a driver, Lu Fengfeng went home on his own. After dropping off the other three, Yan Ning finally returned home.

—

On the first day of the May Day holiday, Yan Ning woke up unusually early. The first thing she did was reach for the 2 million check, feeling pleased inside.

She was still 1 million away from her K2 battery goal. After winning this competition, it would only be 500,000 left. She hadn’t seen 007 in a while and was almost forgetting what it felt like to have the help of the quantum brain assistant.

After washing her face, she came out and was about to head downstairs for breakfast. She casually picked up her phone, and there was a new message: 【Ningning, are you awake? Want to have breakfast together?】

The message’s contact note said “Fengfeng.” Before yesterday, it was his full name, but during dinner, he had changed it to “Fengfeng.” As for her, in his contact list, she was listed as “Ningning.”

A slight smile curled at the corner of Yan Ning’s lips as her fingers quickly typed a reply: 【Sure, where should we eat? I’ll come find you.】

【I’m outside your house. Come out, I’m waiting for you.】

Huh? How does he know where she lives? And he’s waiting outside? Oh my, which door is he waiting at?

Yan Ning quickly changed her clothes, grabbed her bag, and dashed downstairs.

Aunt Chen saw her coming down and frowned, then stood up to get breakfast ready.

Yan Ning called out to her, “I’m eating out this morning, don’t prepare anything.”

Aunt Chen sat back down, watching as Yan Ning changed shoes and rushed out. She muttered to herself, “Tsk, someone from the countryside has no manners. It hasn’t been long, but she’s already staying out late and coming home in the middle of the night. Now she won’t even eat at home in the morning…”

Uncle Zheng came out of his room, looking up at the stairs. “Miss Ning has gone out?”

Aunt Chen didn’t dare show any displeasure in front of him and said in a gentle voice, “Miss Ning just came downstairs. I was about to bring her breakfast, but she said she’s eating out. I wonder if she’s tired of my cooking?”

Uncle Zheng smiled slightly. “How could that be? Since she said she’s eating out, she might be meeting a friend. Don’t think too much about it.”

Yan Ning opened the door and ran outside. There was no one outside the big iron gate. She thought he must not be waiting there. But maybe he’s waiting at the other gate?

Her house was actually quite large. It took about five minutes by car to get to the main gate.

Yan Ning quickly sent a message: 【Wait for a moment, I’ll be right there.】

When she ran breathlessly to the main gate, sure enough, she saw him.

Lu Fengfeng was wearing a red plaid shirt and light-colored ripped jeans, with a bicycle parked next to him. “Ah~ good morning. You’re sweating a lot, you should wipe it off. Actually, no need to rush, you could have come slowly.”

He handed her a handkerchief.

Yan Ning looked at the plain checkered handkerchief, took it, but didn’t use it to wipe her sweat. Instead, she stuffed it into her pocket and casually wiped her forehead with the sleeve of her shirt. “I was afraid you’d be waiting too long.”

Lu Fengfeng watched her put the handkerchief into her pocket, amused yet feeling that it was somewhat cute. He raised his hand and gently fixed her messy bangs that had been messed up by the sleeve, then patted the seat of the bicycle. “Hop on, I’ll take you for breakfast.”

“Is there anywhere around here? If we have to ride to a busy area, I’m afraid it’ll tire you out.” She had been here for a while and had never seen any food stalls around.

“Don’t worry, it’s not far. But your concern makes me happy.” Lu Fengfeng winked at her, then climbed onto the bike himself.

A bicycle. This was Yan Ning’s first time riding one.

She originally wanted to sit the same way as Lu Fengfeng, but after a moment’s thought, she decided to sit sideways and lightly grabbed the hem of his shirt.

“Hold on tight.”

“Mm, it’s stable.”

“Let’s go!”

The little birds on the branches chirped, and the morning breeze swayed the flowers by the roadside, blowing through the hair of the young man and woman.

“Here we are.”

“So soon?” Yan Ning jumped off the bike, looking around. She confirmed they hadn’t left the neighborhood. She had passed by here every day on her way to school, but had never seen any breakfast stalls.

Lu Fengfeng parked the bike, then led her down a small path into a bamboo forest.

Deep in the bamboo forest, they came to a clearing, where Yan Ning saw a small square table and a strange man sitting by it — the same man she had met last night, with a black band around his neck.

“Well, good morning, little beauty.” The man, Black Neck, sat bored at the table, with a four-layered food box beside him, still unopened.

“Good morning, hello. My name is Yan Ning,” she politely replied.

“Just call me Black Neck,” he said, chewing on a piece of bamboo leaf, looking especially aloof and free-spirited.

Black Neck. A simple and easy-to-understand name.

Lu Fengfeng, rolling up his sleeves, asked, “Ningning, what would you like to eat? There’s porridge, noodles, soup dumplings, fried dough sticks, soy milk, as well as fried eggs, toast, salad, cereal, milk…”

“Wow, so much?” Yan Ning was surprised by the overwhelming variety of options.

Lu Fengfeng stood by the table, opened the food box, and arranged the various breakfast items on the table. “Don’t just stand there, come sit. Since I wasn’t sure what you wanted, I made a bit of everything.”

Yan Ning looked at the table full of breakfast items—both Chinese and Western, along with various pastries and side dishes—in disbelief. “You made all of this? You didn’t buy it from outside?”

“Of course not. They dragged me out of bed at five this morning to go buy ingredients. I’ve been working on this for a few hours, and now I’ve got everything ready,” Black Neck seized the opportunity to complain.

“You guys live together?”

But Yan Ning’s question caught him off guard, and he froze for a moment. “……”

“No, I just asked him to move the ingredients and drive me here. You should try it and see if you like it.” Lu Fengfeng served a bowl of porridge in front of Yan Ning and handed her chopsticks.

“Aren’t you guys eating?”

“No rush, we’ll wait for you to finish.” Lu Fengfeng was completely nonchalant.

“We should eat together. There’s so much, I won’t be able to finish it all.” Yan Ning pushed the bowl toward the center. “If you don’t eat, I won’t eat either.”

Black Neck, sitting to the side, felt cold. Not only was it cold, but his stomach was also a bit uncomfortable.

In the end, the three of them sat around the table and ate together. Despite the table being piled high with small dishes, they still had quite a bit left after they were full.

Yan Ning was surprised to discover that Lu Fengfeng not only ate well but also knew how to cook.

The soup dumplings he made were thin-skinned, filled with a generous amount of filling, and the soup was deliciously sweet. She had never had such tasty dumplings before.

The side dishes were also a delight. She ate two big bowls of porridge with them and was so full she could barely move.

“How come you cook so well?” Yan Ning patted her stomach, her tone filled with admiration.

“At first, it was just to save money. I got better at it the more I made. If you like it, you can come over to my place for a meal sometime.” Lu Fengfeng said seriously.

“Sure, sure! After this competition, I’ll come over.” Yan Ning wasn’t interested in much else, but when it came to food, she was full of enthusiasm. She even forgot that they had agreed to break up after the competition ended.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk.” Black Neck glanced at Lu Fengfeng. This guy was really putting his heart into this. He’d never seen him cook for anyone before.

After finishing the meal, Lu Fengfeng stood up and left for a moment. When he returned, he was holding a large white paper bag with English letters on it that Yan Ning couldn’t read.

“This is the outfit I prepared for you, wear it tonight,” Lu Fengfeng handed her the paper bag. The truth was, he came over to bring her the clothes and, on a whim, decided to make her breakfast as well.

Yan Ning didn’t reach out to take it. This guy was so considerate, covering every detail.

Last night, she received a text around 10 PM. The contestants who passed the second round would start the third round of screening tonight at 8 PM, requiring all participants to attend in formal attire. A special car would pick them up at their residences.

Yan Ning had asked Shi Lei and Qiao Yingxue to help her choose an outfit, but she didn’t expect Lu Fengfeng to have already prepared one for her in advance.

“You really shouldn’t have spent so much. I already have clothes, there’s no need to…”

“Couple’s outfit.”

“Huh?”

“The outfit I’ve prepared for you is a couple’s outfit, the same as mine. They’re asking for formal attire, and since it’s in the evening, it’s probably like a banquet. If we show up in a couple’s outfits, people will think we’re a couple, which I believe will be favorable for the final judgment.”

“Alright, I understand.” Yan Ning felt there was no way to argue. Since it was for the task, she gladly accepted it, reaching out to take the box. “Thank you.”

Lu Fengfeng dropped Yan Ning off at her house and then turned back. Black Neck had already cleaned up the dining table and kitchen trash, packing it all into the trunk to take away.

When he saw Lu Fengfeng return, he couldn’t help teasing, “You’re not actually serious about this, are you?”

A light smile appeared on Lu Fengfeng’s lips. “Everything’s for the task. Once I’m… free, I won’t have to endure this anymore. I’m leaving now, I still want to get some rest before tonight.”

Black Neck lazily followed, watching Lu Fengfeng walk briskly away, shaking his head and muttering softly, “He’s speaking one way but thinking another.”

—

Yan House.

Yan Wan and Yan Yu were already up and having breakfast in the dining room. When Yan Ning returned, carrying the large white paper bag, it immediately caught their attention.

Yan Yu had been in a bad mood these past couple of days. Seeing Yan Ning, he didn’t start any trouble, just glanced at her before lowering his head to eat.

Yan Wan put down her chopsticks and stood up, walking towards the entrance. “Ningning, you’re back! Haven’t had breakfast yet, right? Come, have something hot first, just to fill your stomach. Hmm, did you go out to buy something?”

Yan Ning felt that today, Yan Wan was unusually warm towards her, much different from her usual passive-aggressive attitude. It seemed more sincere, but she didn’t let her guard down. She simply said, “I’ve already eaten.”

After speaking, she passed by her and headed upstairs. Yan Wan turned around to watch Yan Ning carry the large paper bag upstairs, a flash of resentment in her eyes.

“Master, what she’s holding must be the evening gown,” the system’s voice chimed in.

“I know, I’ve underestimated her in the past. I never imagined she could borrow a gown from Paradise.”

Yan Ning didn’t recognize the brand, but Yan Wan, who had been using luxury items for years, was naturally familiar with it.

Paradise was an internationally famous high-end luxury brand, catering to ultra-wealthy clients. Each quarter’s haute couture collections cost hundreds of thousands, even millions, per piece. According to international norms, as long as you followed the correct procedures and met the selection criteria, you could occasionally borrow an outfit for events.

However, not everyone could borrow from Paradise. Knowing this, Yan Wan felt a deep sense of jealousy. Last night, she had coquettishly asked Qiao Siyue to help her get a Paradise dress, but hadn’t received any response yet.

Yan Ning, this country bumpkin, was actually holding a Paradise gown. Who had such generosity to help her borrow it?

Could it be Qiao Yingxue?

Although Qiao Yingxue was a bit clever, her influence in the Qiao family was nothing compared to Qiao Siyue’s. Since Qiao Siyue hadn’t managed to get a gown, it was even less likely that Qiao Yingxue had.

Yan Ning returned to her room and eagerly pulled the clothes out of the bag. When she opened it, she realized that Lu Fengfeng had not only prepared the dress, but also shoes, jewelry, and hair accessories. Everything was neatly packed in individual boxes, with clasps inside to keep them secure.

No wonder it was so heavy to carry all these items.

She quickly glanced at the shoes and jewelry, then opened the largest box, which contained the dress.

When she spread the dress out on the bed, Yan Ning was stunned. She had never seen such a beautiful dress.

The base color was an elegant light purple, with an incredibly soft texture. The one-shoulder design had small, bright pearls embroidered around the neckline and the hem of the skirt. The skirt had multiple layers—four or five layers—that flowed elegantly, making it look both graceful and ethereal.

Yan Ning planned to take the dress, shoes, and jewelry to the wardrobe, especially the dress, since it couldn’t be returned to the box. She didn’t know how to fold it and was worried it would wrinkle.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and then Yan Yu’s impatient voice came through, “Yan Ning, are you there? Come out for a minute, I need to talk to you.”

Yan Ning opened the door just a crack. “What is it?”

Yan Yu frowned, “Let’s go outside and talk.”

“What’s going on? I’m busy, I don’t have time. If you’re not going to tell me, then forget it.” Yan Ning wasn’t giving him any face.

Yan Yu, anxious, reached out to pull her. “Come out, come with me.”

Caught off guard, Yan Ning was pulled out. She stomped down the stairs, dragged along all the way outside.

Once outside, Yan Ning yanked her arm away. “What’s wrong with you? Just say it.”

Yan Yu glared at her, his tone harsh. “What was up with that performance yesterday?”

“What do you mean, ‘what was up with it?'” Yan Ning was confused.

“That show was clearly designed by someone, right? The set and costumes must have cost a lot of money. Where did you get all that money from?”

“You don’t need to know,” Yan Ning thought, feeling annoyed. Shi Lei, Zhou Ye, and other classmates were all pretty nice, so why was her own brother such a jerk?

“I just want to tell you, don’t cause trouble for Lily, for Dad and Mom, or for the family. In the end, you’re just an outsider, so don’t think that Mom and Dad took you in because they pity you. You’ll soon understand your place.”

“What do you mean?” Yan Ning detected something strange in Yan Yu’s words, and a vague sense of unease began to rise in her heart.

Hearing that Yan Yu had taken Yan Ning downstairs, Yan Wan, who had been hiding in her room, came out quietly and slipped into Yan Ning’s room. The paper bag that Yan Ning had brought back was already open, and various boxes were scattered around, but there was nothing inside.

Yan Wan searched around but couldn’t find what she was looking for. She pushed open the door to the wardrobe. Inside, there were many clothes and accessories, but none of them were the Paradise dress.

“Where did that bitch hide the dress?” she asked the system.

The system replied, “It seems it’s not in the room.”

“How could it not be? If it’s not in the room, where could it be? Where else could she hide it?” She couldn’t suppress her jealousy, and muttered a few spiteful words.

Yan Yu was indeed looking to cause trouble for Yan Ning, and Yan Wan wanted to use this chance to ruin the dress. They had already torn their relationship apart, so even if Yan Ning found out it was her doing, there was nothing she could do. But that damn girl had actually hidden the dress away.

“Master, we should leave quickly, she’s coming back,” the system urged.

Yan Wan, still unwilling to give up, angrily kicked a cardboard box on the floor and had no choice but to leave empty-handed.

When Yan Ning returned to her room, she looked around. Her eyes stopped on a box that had flown to the windowsill. Someone had been in here.

She could roughly guess who it was, but luckily, when she went out, she hadn’t had time to tidy up. She had casually placed the clothes and things Lu Fengfeng gave her into her space ring—at home, she couldn’t relax for a moment.

At 6:30 PM, Yan Ning received a text: the car to pick her up would arrive in ten minutes.

She had already finished getting ready, changed into the dress, and applied her makeup. She wore sparkling high heels, grabbed her clutch, and headed downstairs.

The voices in the living room stopped when she entered. It sounded like Aunt Chen was speaking: “Miss Wan, you’re absolutely stunning. This outfit makes you look just like a fairy.”

Yan Yu was also there, agreeing, “Lily is beautiful. She’ll definitely be the center of attention tonight. This dress from Brother Siyue is perfect for her. No one can look better than my Lily.”

Yan Ning walked down slowly, her dress trailing behind her. Suddenly, the living room fell silent.

Aunt Chen and Yan Yu were completely stunned.

Yan Ning wore a light purple gown with a one-shoulder design that accentuated her long neck. Her skin was fair and radiant, like soft jade, and her delicate, captivating collarbone was adorned with a dazzling silver gemstone necklace. In addition, her earrings, bracelet, hair accessories, and clutch were all exquisite and clearly very valuable.

She pulled off the entire look with grace, appearing like an educated young lady from a noble family. As she descended, her movements were elegant and composed, showing no signs of awkwardness.

Yan Wan gritted her teeth. The dress she was wearing had been sent by Qiao Siyue, and the jewelry was from Tang Minrou, all of which she had coquettishly demanded. But where had Yan Ning gotten those accessories? The dress was a haute couture piece from the latest collection, just released this season. Who had helped her borrow it?

Uncle Zheng entered from outside, “Miss Ning, Miss Wan, the car is ready and waiting outside. You can depart now.”

Yan Ning didn’t waste any more time. She stepped forward, and Uncle Zheng bent down to help her with the trailing skirt as he escorted her outside. No one else noticed, but Yan Wan’s expression turned ugly. When Uncle Zheng addressed them, he first called Yan Ning’s name, then followed with hers.

Although the two contestants were staying at the same place, two cars arrived to pick them up. Yan Wan walked ahead of Yan Ning and sat in the car at the front. Yan Ning didn’t argue and got into the car at the back.

An hour later, the car stopped. Yan Ning stepped out and, upon raising her eyes, saw a massive cruise ship docked at the harbor.

Servants were waiting nearby to greet the guests, escorting them onto the ship. It turned out that the third round of the competition would be held aboard the cruise ship.

Yan Ning and Yan Wan’s appearance drew a lot of attention, with people turning their heads and glancing in their direction.

Yan Wan wore a pure white long gown, her outfit exuding the same ethereal aura as always. As she walked, she gently lifted the hem of her skirt, and as she lowered her head to absentmindedly brush aside a strand of hair, it immediately sparked a round of gasps from the crowd.

Yan Ning followed behind Yan Wan, preparing to head to the cruise ship with the servant when a hand reached out. Yan Ning looked up, and a smile bloomed on her lips as she gladly linked arms with the person. “Waiting for me on purpose?”

Lu Fengfeng was dressed in a well-tailored black suit with pale purple accents on the lining and cuffs. The restrained use of color gave off an air of sophistication, complementing Yan Ning’s dress perfectly. “Of course, who else could it be?”

The servants beside them froze for a moment, pausing before bowing and gesturing for them to go ahead.

Yan Ning, linked with Lu Fengfeng, felt even more noticeable than when she was alone.

Yan Wan sensed something was off. It seemed that people weren’t looking at her, but rather whispering and pointing at what was behind her. Since the servants were around, she couldn’t stop to investigate, so she only turned around to look once they were on the cruise ship.

Yan Ning was actually walking arm-in-arm with a man, and their outfits made them look like… a couple.