25: I want to exchange space items!

“Get out of the car.” Lei Qian kindly lent her the car, and Bai Wanning, not stingy, dropped him off at his company's parking lot.

Lei Qian was, of course, happy.

However, he never expected that once this girl started driving, she would speed like a delinquent arguing with parents, shouting “either this or that,” making it a truly heart-stopping ride!

He barely managed to crawl out of the car, his legs trembling slightly, and his walking posture was abnormal.

Lu Yu was even worse; he was sprawled on the gravel next to the parking lot, motionless, his hands clamped over his mouth, looking as if he was about to faint.

Bai Wanning glanced at him, her eyes full of disdain; he was utterly useless. Judging by his performance, if the Apocalypse ever came, he would definitely be the first to die.

Seeing Lu Yu so shaken, Lei Qian looked a bit embarrassed but still ignored him. Taking advantage of Bai Wanning not rushing to drive away, he stood by the car window and said, “Miss Bai, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Go ahead.”

“I heard your boss say… he’s completely cut off all your escape routes, and small companies definitely wouldn’t dare to take you in. But I have a friend who runs an entertainment company; if you’re willing, I can ask him to give you an audition opportunity. You can go try out this weekend.”

After listening, Bai Wanning pouted, her tone full of sarcasm: “Who cares about going back? He can block me all he wants, what does it have to do with me? If you really want to help me, just give me some money. I don’t need anything else.”

She couldn't be bothered to go back to that circle and deal with all the unpleasantness.

When the Apocalypse comes, who will still care about auditions or resources? By then, all money and fame will be nothing but waste paper, and who will care about your connections?

Lei Qian was startled by her resolute words.

He knew many people who scrambled to get into the entertainment industry, eager for resources and backing, but Bai Wanning was one of the few who refused without even a moment's consideration.

Moreover, there was no hint of longing in her eyes when she spoke; that cold determination tightened his heart.

Could it be that her current state… was all his fault?

If it weren't for that incident, she wouldn't be in this predicament. Her self-destructive behavior might very well be because of him. He suddenly felt like a scoundrel.

“Then I’ll wait for your money. Don’t go back on your word.” Bai Wanning finished, stepped on the accelerator, and drove off.

The car vanished in a flash, as if she feared Lei Qian might change his mind.

Lei Qian stood rooted to the spot, a knot forming in his heart… Did she really distrust him that much? He had even offered to give her a ride, and she didn't even say thank you… What did she even think of him?

Behind him, Lu Yu scrambled up from the ground, trembling, clutching his chest and retching weakly: “A monster… That woman is simply a monster, and you actually like her?”

“Shut up.” Lei Qian curtly spat out two words… Meanwhile, Bai Wanning, driving her new car, was naturally in a good mood.

Like an uncouth nouveau riche, she circled the city a few times, noting the locations of several gas stations, then headed straight to the farmers' market, where she began a frantic shopping spree.

She bought a large quantity of everything edible, from leafy greens to root vegetables like pumpkins and potatoes. She even bought all sorts of vegetable seeds in one go, arranging for the store to deliver them to her home.

Although her home didn't have much empty space, she had a large cold storage room. Freezing these vegetables would be enough to last for a while.

She then found a store specializing in greenhouse construction materials and purchased all the necessary supplies and equipment, not missing a single item.

By the time she finished all this, dusk was falling, and she finally drove home.

Upon entering the house, Bai Wanning first put away her purchases, then opened the "material exchange system" interface.

As soon as the system interface opened, she saw various people frantically exchanging all sorts of resources.

She scanned her surroundings, and an idea sparked in her mind… Although she hadn't brought many rare supplies, she did have a few antiques, gifts from sponsors during her previous work.

Of course, those people had ulterior motives when giving these items.

But Bai Wanning never agreed to anyone, nor did she directly refuse, because her father forbade it, saying that if she offended these people, it would ruin his “good deeds.”

Thinking about it now, it was truly ironic.

Because of this, Bai Wanning was privately called a “vixen” by many in the circle… Not for anything else, but simply because her face and her proud refusal to easily give herself away made her both loved and hated.

And her father reveled in it, using her as a stepping stone, arranging for her to attend almost every banquet and auction.

Bai Wanning sneered, picking up a jade hairpin.

It was an empress's jade hairpin, its texture warm and lustrous, glowing with a faint green light throughout. The carving was exquisite, subtly emanating an ancient elegance refined by time.

Unfortunately, she had never worn it once.

It wasn't that she disliked it, but she knew… that wearing it would be akin to sending a signal to certain people.

She had never agreed to such a transaction, yet she had never definitively refused either.

Her father wouldn't allow it, even telling her directly: “If you don't show them respect, you're ruining my livelihood.”

Thinking about it now, it was truly ironic.

She took the hairpin from the antique box that hadn't been put away yet, her gaze calm to the point of indifference, then opened the material exchange system and decisively posted a request.

[Seeking a space ring or space-dimensional item. Must be able to safely store various items without damage. Exchange item: One ancient jade hairpin, picture below.]

As soon as the message was sent, she attached a clear photo… The hairpin lay across a velvet cloth, its jade glowing softly, with patterns like dragons and phoenixes, exquisitely beautiful beyond compare.

This hairpin was no ordinary trinket; its material was precious, and it had several hundred years of history. Even at an auction before the Apocalypse, it would have fetched a high price.

She knew that she might lose out on this trade.

But in her view, life was more precious than a jade hairpin. Instead of keeping it as a display, it was more practical to exchange it for a life-saving space pocket.

After all, after the Apocalypse, food and storage space were fundamental to survival.

She thought this request would be up for at least an entire night, but to her surprise, just as she finished making a hot meal and was about to eat, the system popped up a notification… [Your bartering request has a new reply.]