68: Xia Mengling's unwillingness

When the group's cars arrived at Chaohu Lake, the photography team Shen Qian arranged also arrived. The owner of the studio hadn't expected that Xiao Guan, who had just gone out on an assignment, would bring back such a large piece of business.

Wedding photography—was it just about taking photos? No, it was about the money!

Because countless women believed they would only marry once in their lives, they were exceptionally particular about wedding photos, making the profit margins in this industry terrifyingly high.

However, lately, due to the 'simp awakening' trend, the profits of the wedding photography industry had been shrinking by the day. Who would have thought that while traveling, such an order would come in?

Therefore, the boss appeared exceptionally enthusiastic.

"Boss, we're on a trip, so I'll have to trouble the team to follow us. Don't let it delay our travel plans."

"Don't worry, Mr. Shen. Whether it's the stylists, photographers, makeup artists, or lighting technicians, we've picked experienced hands. We'll definitely satisfy you."

"It's not enough for just me to be satisfied; you have to satisfy my Girlfriend. Also, please have two extra photographers take good care of my Seniors."

"Naturally."

As Shen Qian chatted freely with the boss, the two Second-generation rich guys nearby were dumbfounded. What was going on with this guy? Who travels like this?

That Girlfriend of his was pretty, sure, but not that pretty. Taking wedding photos on a trip would cost at least twenty or thirty thousand yuan. Was that something an average person could afford?

Never mind an average person; even those two Second-generation rich guys might not necessarily be willing to bear that cost.

And it depended on who it was for. If it were someone like Xia Mengling or Guo Shuangcai who became a Girlfriend, they wouldn't mind spending twenty or thirty thousand on photos. But this girl wasn't even a Campus Belle; what right did she have?

"It's okay, Lingling. If you want to take artistic portraits, I can help you find someone too."

"Senior, thank you, but I don't need them. It's too expensive. We're not boyfriend and Girlfriend; I'd feel guilty spending your money."

Xia Mengling was now about to explode with rage. Shen Qian was practically challenging her authority. Originally, she had Guo Shuangcai completely suppressed; with just a little more effort, she would have gained two dogs on this trip, making her the undisputed protagonist.

Now, everything was ruined by Shen Qian's damn love-brain.

"How could he! How dare he! That idiot! I'm never talking to him again!"

Shen Qian didn't know that Xia Mengling had been cursing him wildly in her heart since she got out of the car. She hadn't suffered such an insult in all these years.

Whether in high school or university, beautiful, gentle, kind, and cute—all these wonderful words for women were associated with her. Since middle school, people had been sending her love letters and showing her favor.

Although she always rejected others, she never hurt them. Instead, she gave them encouragement and hope.

She didn't know when it started, but she began to enjoy this feeling. However, as more and more people approached her, she grew bored and tired of it. Those guys always said the same things—talk of liking her or loving her.

They didn't understand her at all; they were just after her looks. To fall in love with someone just because of a single sentence or a meeting—how shallow must one be to do such a thing?

So, she changed. Since these guys refused to give up, she would play along, give them hope, and make them pay. They were willing to do it anyway, so she couldn't be blamed.

She didn't lack money or affection; she lacked fun. Toying with these guys and their so-called emotions was very interesting. Watching them slowly lose their dignity, watching those with curiosity lose it, and even watching those with a Girlfriend lose their Girlfriend...

She found it all very entertaining.

Shen Qian was one of her new targets. This guy was interesting, and she thought it would be fun to see such an interesting guy slowly become boring.

That was why she agreed to this trip. Her goal was clear: make Shen Qian fall in love with her during this trip so that from then on, his life would revolve only around her. Whenever she thought of this, she felt a surge of excitement and infinite pleasure.

But there was a slight variable in the plan.

Who was this woman? Who was this ordinary-looking woman?

Why? Why would an idiot like Shen Qian ignore her for this ordinary-looking woman?

Why, when he clearly still liked her, could he be in a relationship with this ordinary woman?

Oh, so it was a cat that steals a taste. Such a naughty little kitten needed to be taught a lesson!

But! But! But!

It had been two days, and this guy hadn't given her any special attention! He was entirely focused on that ordinary woman!

Was her figure not good enough? Was her face not pretty enough? Or was her voice not gentle enough? Her personality not good enough?

Now, he actually dared to take wedding photos with another woman right in front of her!

This should have been his ultimate dream with her. He should have been looking forward to her accepting his love, looking forward to holding hands, kissing, and even walking down the aisle together.

Despite the turmoil in her heart, she still wore that bright smile. That was Xia Mengling.

Shen Qian didn't know about her past, nor did he want to.

Both sides saw the other as prey, sitting at the same card table.

There's only one type of person who loses everything at the table: the one who plans to quit after winning a certain amount. And there's only one type of person who can walk away clean: the one who stops playing after losing a certain amount.

Clearly, Shen Qian was the one who stopped after losing enough, while Xia Mengling was the one who wanted to win.

As the sun gradually set, casting orange ripples over Chaohu Lake, Shen Qian held Tan Xinxin and kissed her before the sunset.

This scene provoked everyone present.

When darkness fell, no one saw just how ugly the expression of the ever-smiling Xia Mengling had become.

That evening, the group drove back to the hotel. Shen Qian and his companion stated they wouldn't be having dinner and returned straight to their room.

Outside the room, Xia Mengling stood there, her fists quietly clenched. Although the soundproofing was good, it couldn't block out the loud sounds from within.

Just as she was about to knock, a voice stopped her.

"What do you think you're doing?"

It was Guo Shuangcai.

"Do you think knocking will stop them?"

"What's it to you?"

Xia Mengling glared at her, her face full of displeasure.

"You like your Cousin, don't you?"

"None of your business."

"What if I have a way to make them break up?"

Inside the room, Shen Qian's fingers were interlocked with the girl's. The system's notification had just sounded.

It seemed someone was eavesdropping outside. Regardless of which seven-point girl was out there, the goal was half-achieved.

In that case, a new round of confrontation was about to begin.