34: Not a very good swimming experience

Lei Jun quickly selected a simple yet expertly tailored deep blue hollow-out one-piece swimsuit. It was conservative yet hinted at sexiness, perfectly accentuating the advantages of her figure.

She turned to the two who were still hesitating and said, "Pick whichever one you like; consider it a meeting gift from me."

"This is too expensive, no, no!" Su Man quickly refused.

"Really, there's no need, Lei Jun. We can handle it ourselves," Lin Wei added, waving her hand.

However, Lei Jun directly called over a shop assistant and pointed at a color-blocked bikini Lin Wei had been eyeing and a halter-neck one-piece that Su Man liked.

In an indisputable tone, she said, "Wrap these two up, along with the one I'm wearing. I'll pay."

Faced with Lei Jun's forceful gift-giving, after their initial fluster, Lin Wei and Su Man felt a surge of touched emotion and the joy of being valued.

They knew that this might be nothing to Lei Jun, but this gesture and magnanimity allowed them to truly feel the sincerity and charm of their new friend.

Ultimately, under Lei Jun's smiling gaze, they accepted the expensive gifts with a hint of shyness but much happiness.

Arriving at the "Cloud Peak Horizon" club, they completed the check-in procedures and changed into their newly purchased swimsuits.

When Lei Jun stepped out of the changing room and into the pool area, the originally noisy space seemed to have its mute button pressed, instantly becoming much quieter.

Even though there was no shortage of trendy beauties and influencer models with hot bodies in sexy swimsuits by the pool, Lei Jun's appearance instantly drew everyone's gaze.

Her waist-length silver hair looked even more lustrous in the humid air, and her cool white skin seemed to have its own soft-focus glow under the sunlight.

The deep blue swimsuit perfectly outlined her tall, well-proportioned, and curvaceous figure; any more would be too much, any less would be too little.

Most lethal was her cold, ethereal temperament, as if she were a celestial being who didn't belong to the mortal world. It formed a sharp contrast with the deliberately displayed sexiness around her, making her even more attractive.

The men's gazes were almost impossible to pull away from her. Some pretended to swim while constantly glancing over.

Others simply stopped what they were doing and leaned against the edge of the pool to admire her.

Even some successful individuals who were usually full of self-confidence couldn't help but take a few extra looks, their eyes flashing with amazement.

In contrast, many women in the pool and on the shore cast complicated looks—envy, jealousy, and the frustration that comes after secret comparison.

Several beauties who had originally been the center of attention now seemed to pale in comparison to Lei Jun.

Lei Jun was aware of the surrounding gazes but didn't pay them any mind.

She stepped elegantly into the pool, narrowing her eyes comfortably at the cool water temperature.

Lin Wei and Su Man followed her, accompanying her on either side.

However, under that omnipresent and overly concentrated scrutiny—especially feeling the clearly hostile stares from some women—all three felt a bit uncomfortable.

The originally planned swim turned into a simple soak for relaxation.

After swimming for only a short while, Lei Jun felt her interest waning.

She didn't like the feeling of being gawked at like a rare animal in a zoo.

She gestured to Lin Wei and Su Man, who had already been feeling the same way.

Thus, the three of them left the pool, showered, changed, and ended this brief swimming experience.

After coming out, Lin Wei received a phone call.

After hanging up, she looked at Lei Jun and Su Man and said helplessly,

"Something urgent came up at the studio. The photographer took a sudden leave of absence, so tomorrow's shoot needs to be coordinated ahead of time. I have to head over now."

Lei Jun remembered Lin Wei mentioning this morning that today was her birthday.

"Busy with work even on your birthday, you're really pushing yourself."

Lin Wei smiled. A hint of fatigue flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by her cheerful demeanor.

"It can't be helped. That's how the modeling industry is; opportunities don't wait for anyone."

She then instructed Su Man,

"You and Lei Jun have a good time. I'll contact you guys tonight."

With that, she grabbed her bag and left in a hurry.

Lei Jun asked curiously, "By the way, you must have chosen a birthday gift for Weiwei long ago, right?"

Su Man smiled, a bit of smugness in her eyes. "Me? I'm giving her a limited-edition scented candle gift set. It's from a very niche but high-end French handmade brand."

"You know, we modeling majors have a lot of pressure during training. Lighting one when she gets back to the dorm at night can help her relax and improve her sleep. I think it's practical and thoughtful."

"I should prepare a gift for Weiwei too." Lei Jun looked at Su Man. "You know her better than I do. What do you think would be appropriate?"

She was indeed a bit lost. The system could give her infinite wealth, but it hadn't automatically instilled the skill of picking gifts.

Su Man began to think seriously, her finger lightly tapping her chin.

Considering Lei Jun's status and resources, the gift couldn't be too ordinary or look cheap, yet it shouldn't be so utilitarian that it lacked surprise.

However, after thinking for a while, Su Man didn't know what to suggest either.

Lei Jun finally decided to give a watch, finishing the gift shopping for Lin Wei simply.

Feeling a bit hungry, she asked Su Man, "Are there any good restaurants nearby?"

"Let's just have something simple." Su Man thought for a moment and recommended a highly-rated Italian restaurant right inside the mall. It had an elegant environment and was famous for its authentic black truffle pasta and roasted seafood.

The lighting inside the restaurant was soft, and the atmosphere was cozy.

Lei Jun ordered black truffle mushroom pasta, while Su Man went for the pan-seared cod.

With delicious food before them, the two chatted while eating. It was mostly Su Man sharing interesting stories from school, with Lei Jun responding occasionally. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

Su Man discovered that as long as they didn't touch on privacy, Lei Jun was actually not hard to get along with. Occasionally, she even showed subtle expressions that carried a simplicity consistent with her age and appearance.

This sense of contrast made Su Man feel that her new friend was even more authentic and lovely.

However, this tranquility was broken just as they finished lunch and were preparing to leave the restaurant.