"Additionally, we need to make a public announcement. Some participants in the sub-venue failed to surrender communication devices like phones and laptops as required, violating our competition rules. These individuals are hereby disqualified from the competition. All other participants must strictly adhere to the exam rules; any violations will result in immediate expulsion." After the organizing committee delivered this news, the crowd below instantly exchanged glances, saying nothing.
Cui Yuelan suddenly looked at Shen Qi and had a brilliant idea. If she could frame Shen Qi... Heh heh heh.
The meeting moved quickly and ended just as fast. As Shen Qi walked back, she heard people ahead exclaiming in awe. Hmm? What's going on? Why so many people? Liu Yi, also curious, said, "So lively! Let's go check it out!" Before Shen Qi could react, Liu Yi dragged her over.
As Shen Qi approached, she saw a crowd fawning over someone. Taking a closer look, she nearly turned and fled! Guess who it was? He Yining! He Yining was dressed in a black-and-white bartender's uniform, standing at the counter, skillfully mixing drinks. With his high颜值 and perfect physique, he could pull off any outfit. This bartender look on him exuded an almost ascetic vibe. His narrow phoenix eyes were fixed on the shaker, his long fingers moving like magic, transforming the liquid into dazzling hues. The crowd around him kept screaming, faces flushed with excitement.
Shen Qi glanced to the side and saw Cui Yuelan emerge. She sighed bitterly. He's here for Cui Yuelan, isn't he? She'd already embarrassed herself enough; she shouldn't get any closer. Getting slapped in the face in front of so many people would be ugly. Shen Qi grabbed Liu Yi's hand and turned to leave.
He Yining's gaze landed on Shen Qi's hand holding Liu Yi's. His phoenix eyes narrowed sharply, a flicker of murderous intent flashing through. The onlookers suddenly felt the temperature drop a few degrees. His long fingers gripped the shaker firmly, and with a slight smile, he said softly toward Shen Qi, "Miss, would you like to try the first drink I've made?" The crowd's eyes widened. Good heavens, that voice was so beautiful it could make ears pregnant!
Shen Qi paused but kept walking. "Miss Shen, won't you do me the honor?" He Yining continued unhurriedly. "This drink is worth a fortune." Shen Qi had to stop because someone blocked her path. Xiaochun looked at her with a wry smile. "Second Young Miss..." "Just call me by my name outside, Xiaochun," Shen Qi said calmly. "Don't use that title anymore." "Miss Shen, I'm just asking you to taste a drink," Xiaochun said, still smiling bitterly. "Maybe there's a misunderstanding that can be cleared up."
Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding was left? Hadn't he admitted it himself? Since he'd chosen Cui Yuelan, she'd let them be. He Yining approached gracefully, drink in hand, and stood before Shen Qi, offering it to her. Liu Yi, standing nearby, felt an eerie harmony between them, like a painting where everyone else was just background. His aura was so overwhelming she couldn't utter a word. Liu Yi thought she was handsome, but standing before this man, her looks were instantly crushed. That was the gap. The moment He Yining approached, Liu Yi instinctively stepped back, giving him space.
Shen Qi looked up at the drink he offered—a stunning, eerie blue. His phoenix eyes locked onto her face. Though only a night had passed, it felt like ages. The image of her crying as she left yesterday was etched into his heart, impossible to erase. Seeing her guarded, distant gaze, his heart ached sharply, his fingers tightening on the glass. "Xiao Qi..." he murmured, almost in a dream, his voice carrying a hint of pleading and hurt.
"President He, sorry, I can't drink during the competition. Thanks for the offer, but I can't accept it. Please give it to the right person. Goodbye." Shen Qi mustered her courage, said this, and turned, pulling Liu Yi away quickly. He Yining stood there, looking wounded, staring at her retreating figure, which seemed to overlap with yesterday's. Xiao Qi, I'm sorry...
The onlookers' hearts shattered. How could anyone be so cruel as to make such a stunning man look hurt? We don't accept this! Leave that beauty to us! Just then, Cui Yuelan's voice rang out with feigned surprise: "Yining gege? What are you doing here? You made a drink? Is it for me? I love it!" She snatched the glass from He Yining and downed it in one gulp. Before He Yining could explain, he saw Shen Qi's back stiffen, and she walked even faster. Damn, the misunderstanding deepened.
Liu Yi had never seen Shen Qi so flustered. Shen Qi almost fled back to her room, slumping against the wall, her soul gone. "Xiao Qi, are you okay?" Liu Yi asked worriedly. Shen Qi shook her head, eyes vacant. Was it really okay for them to flaunt their love in front of her? To provoke her like this? She'd already conceded—why wouldn't they let her be? "Who is that man?" Liu Yi couldn't help but ask. She was a woman too, even if she looked like a man... "My... husband," Shen Qi said bitterly. "Or rather, my soon-to-be ex-husband." "What!" Liu Yi's eyes widened in disbelief. Holy crap! That stunning man was Xiao Qi's husband? But he seemed perfectly normal, not the brainless idiot she'd imagined. A man with such a powerful aura couldn't be stupid enough to fall for a woman like Cui Yuelan. And the way he looked at Xiao Qi was full of love and regret. Though she was a rough type, she could tell when a man truly loved a woman. Was Xiao Qi so resistant because of some misunderstanding?
Liu Yi wanted to defend He Yining, but Shen Qi said, "I'm tired. I want to sleep." "Oh, okay." Liu Yi sighed. Such a good man deserved Xiao Qi. They looked perfect together! Shen Qi buried herself in the covers but couldn't sleep. He Yining's appearance was too unexpected. As the big boss, he had the right to inspect. But that drink—was it really for her? Because he saw her, so he pretended it was for her? Was it originally for Cui Yuelan? Or... was it truly for her? No, no, Shen Qi, stop overthinking! How could it be? Yesterday, he clearly admitted what happened with Cui Yuelan in the hotel room. His choice was clear—don't fool yourself!
Liu Yi kept glancing at Shen Qi, who hadn't moved. This woman was so stubborn! She couldn't let go but pretended she had. Why bother? The night passed without words.
The next morning, everyone got up on time, washed up, and headed to the dining hall. When Shen Qi and Liu Yi arrived, few people were there. They got their food, and Shen Qi listlessly shoved it into her mouth, tasting nothing. Liu Yi sighed. "Xiao Qi, even if you have no appetite, don't eat so miserably, okay?" "Sorry, I didn't mean to," Shen Qi apologized instinctively. "Alright, alright, I didn't mean anything by it. Today's the first day of the prelims—pull yourself together and fight! Didn't you say you want to be a qualified designer? Don't let other emotions mess with your game!" Shen Qi's eyes slowly cleared from their haze, and she nodded firmly. Yes, during the competition, she couldn't let anyone affect her! Absolutely not! She lowered her head and ate heartily. No matter how many thorns lay ahead, she'd never give up! Not He Yining, not Cui Yuelan!
Seeing Shen Qi's fighting spirit return, Liu Yi smiled and discussed possible exam topics with her. Gradually, more people filled the dining hall. Cui Yuelan was the last to enter. She held her head high, chest out, strutting like a peacock past Shen Qi. "Some people sure think highly of themselves! Tsk tsk, Yining gege came to see me—you didn't think he was here for you, did you?" Cui Yuelan passed without stopping. Shen Qi's fingers paused briefly, but her expression remained unchanged. Whatever He Yining came for yesterday, it had nothing to do with her now!
After eating, Shen Qi and Liu Yi left decisively and arrived early outside the meeting room, ready to enter the exam hall. Seeing Shen Qi's unchanged expression—not crushed like in the dining hall restroom two days ago—Cui Yuelan felt a bit annoyed. Jiang Xiaojian flattered her, "Miss Cui, I heard today's exam will be tough." "How tough can it be?" Cui Yuelan replied casually. "I've studied abroad. If I can't handle a small scene like this, how could I stand by Yining gege's side? Oh well, since you're sensible, here—this Chanel lipstick is for you." Jiang Xiaojian's eyes lit up, and she eagerly took it with both hands, thanking her profusely: "Miss Cui, you're so wonderful! You're beautiful and kind—you'll definitely crush those two!"