Chu Xingxing quickly sorted through the plot details about Sheng Luzhi in her mind.
Sheng Luzhi, the new heir of the Shengshi Group.
After taking over the Shengshi Group, he acquired a substantial stake in the Jiang family’s CBM Entertainment as a “white knight,” helping them fend off a hostile takeover.
Later, disappointed by the chaotic management of the Jiang family, Sheng Luzhi effortlessly kicked them out of CBM Entertainment entirely.
From then on, the Beijing entertainment and arts circle was firmly under the Sheng family’s control.
As the most enigmatic power player in the book, it was rumored that although Sheng Luzhi was young, his style was ruthless and his methods were fierce. He had connections everywhere, and no one in Beijing dared to cross him.
Even in the novel’s extra chapters, when the original male and female leads mentioned Sheng Luzhi, it was with a lingering, frustrating sense of hatred they couldn’t shake off, yet were powerless against.
For Chu Xingxing, aside from helping the original owner seek justice and being forced into conflicts with the original female lead,
she had no desire to participate in any of the other main plotlines, the emotional entanglements of the original leads, or anything like that.
She just wanted to stay far away from the main story, eat well, drink well, and live a healthy life past one hundred.
So, regarding this most powerful and deeply connected big shot in the book, Chu Xingxing had only one thought: Stay as far away as possible!
“Am I that scary?” Sheng Luzhi stared at Chu Xingxing’s large, trembling pupils, deliberately softening his tone.
Sheng Luzhi bent down slightly to show friendliness.
It seemed he had scared this girl, which was definitely not his intention.
“No, no, no, how could you be scary?” Chu Xingxing shook her head rapidly.
Clutching her small backpack tightly, her body honestly took two steps back.
It wasn’t that she was scared, exactly; she just didn’t want to get involved with him.
Sheng Luzhi was experiencing a rare moment of “playfulness.”
He took off his other glove, gently patted the top of Chu Xingxing’s head, and teased, “I don’t eat people, kid.”
Chu Xingxing raised her hand to smooth her hair, feeling as if she’d caught a faint scent of vetiver from Sheng Luzhi.
It smelled nice, but it made her a bit uncomfortable.
At that moment, people were flowing through Terminal 3.
Sheng Luzhi didn’t notice the camera operator filming from a nearby hiding spot, nor did he know he was currently appearing in a live stream.
[Ahhh ahhh! Teacher Wen has only been gone for a short ten-plus minutes and I’ve already changed my mind! This head pat is absolutely perfect!]
[Xingxing is already considered tall among girls, but she looks so petite standing in front of Sheng Luzhi. I’m kind of shipping it!]
[This handsome guy is Sheng Nainai’s grandson? He’s devastatingly handsome!]
[Isn’t this my long-lost husband! Sheng Nainai, I’m your granddaughter-in-law!]
[I searched for Sheng Luzhi online – he’s so mysterious, I can’t find any info on him at all.]
[Oh my god! Wen Han is back! Hey? Why is Wen Han running???]
—
Wen Han finally finished transporting a batch of luggage. From a distance, he spotted a familiar figure approaching Chu Xingxing.
His previously steady pace instinctively broke into a jog.
“President Sheng, so busy with work and yet you still came to see off your grandmother personally?” Wen Han strode quickly to stand beside Chu Xingxing, placing a hand on Sheng Luzhi’s shoulder.
Sheng Luzhi withdrew his hand, raised his eyelids slightly, and said with a smile, “Uncle Wen, long time no see. You seem pretty free, having time to accompany your mother on a trip?”
“Who are you trying to belittle? By seniority, you should call me ‘Little Uncle’,” Wen Han said, slapping Sheng Luzhi’s shoulder.
Sheng Luzhi didn’t hold back and punched him back lightly: “Isn’t that you starting it by calling me ‘President Sheng’?”
Because their elders were as close as sisters, they had played together often as children.
Sheng Luzhi was only one year younger than Wen Han, the only son of Sheng Shuwen’s eldest son.
Wen Han was Wen Xuelan’s youngest son, more than ten years younger than his two older brothers.
By seniority, Sheng Luzhi should indeed call Wen Han “Little Uncle.”
Of course, Sheng Luzhi had never once called him “uncle” since childhood; the two had fought many times when they were young because the elders would joke about the seniority issue.
Little Wen Han would clamor that he was the elder, the uncle, and should give his nephew Luzhi a red envelope.
Little Sheng Luzhi was stubbornly determined, refusing to acknowledge being of a lower generation.
Sheng Luzhi nodded slightly, a smile in his eyes as he glanced at Chu Xingxing: “Who says ‘Grandma’s Journey’ isn’t valued by CBM Entertainment? I think the staff are quite dedicated, especially that kid.”
“You mean Xingxing?” Wen Han was amused by his friend, patiently explaining: “Chu Xingxing isn’t part the show’s staff. She’s also a guest, a ‘porter’ like me.”
Wen Han was about to introduce Sheng Luzhi to Chu Xingxing.
But when he turned his head, he realized… she was gone?
Chu Xingxing was pushing the last luggage cart, speeding towards boarding gate D16 as if it had rocket boosters.
The green caterpillar stuck on the cart fluttered wildly in the wind, wobbling precariously.
You two gentlemen take your time catching up, she wouldn’t be joining them…
What if the grandmothers had already come out and they couldn’t find her? That would be trouble.
The camera operator almost couldn’t keep up.
Trying to film Chu Xingxing beautifully while keeping the camera steady was tough for him.
[Hahahahaha! Does Xingbao have some kind of comedy gene?]
[Xingxing is so cute, exactly like me when my parents run into acquaintances and start chatting nonstop.]
[You’ve all misunderstood. Chu Xingxing is afraid the grandmothers won’t find her when they come out of the restroom and get to gate D16.]
[Ah! Xingxing truly is the grandmothers’ good little one. They didn’t dote on her for nothing.]
[The grandmothers and Xingxing are a match made in heaven!]
On the other side.
Wen Han watched Chu Xingxing’s retreating figure and shook his head helplessly: “What did you say to Xingxing just now? Did you make a face and scare her off again?”
This question completely stumped the proud son of heaven, Sheng Luzhi.
Hesitantly, Sheng Luzhi asked, “Do I… look very fierce?”
“Pretty fierce,” Wen Han nodded, also heading towards boarding gate D16.
Before leaving, Wen Han turned back and joked, “How about, as compensation, President Sheng upgrades us two ‘porters’ to business class? Just make sure it’s low-key, okay?”
A casual remark to the speaker, but food for thought to the listener.
Sheng Luzhi raised an eyebrow, merely smiling noncommittally.
—
Luckily, Chu Xingxing rushed back with the last luggage cart.
Just as she stood still to catch her breath, she saw the grandmothers coming out of the restroom hand in hand.
“Babies! Over here, over here!” Chu Xingxing waved at them.
Wen Xuelan: “Oh, Xingbao is over there!”
“Coming, coming!” Grandmother Sheng Shuwen quickened her pace.
Just then, a figure dashed towards Chu Xingxing like a small whirlwind.
The girl ran fast, wearing a hat and mask.
Chu Xingxing immediately went into defense mode, thinking she might have encountered an extreme anti-fan.
“Xingxing!” Cookie took off her mask, nearly jumping onto her.
Chu Xingxing’s muscles relaxed: “Little Cookie, if you’d taken off your mask one second later, you might have been tackled by me…”
“Are you guys checking in here too?” Little Cookie peeked at the long queue, pointing behind her at the large group: “Our show is on this flight too.”
“Well, that’s… quite a coincidence.” Chu Xingxing looked awkwardly at the dark mass of guests and staff not far away, forcing a smile.
CBM Entertainment really knew how to stir things up…
The “Grandma’s Journey” production team had booked business class for the grandmothers.
This flight to Pearl Island in Country T didn’t have first class, so business was the highest tier.
To emphasize their role as laborers, the two “porters” were naturally booked in economy.
And “Let’s Travel Together,” for the sake of the show’s effect, had everyone in economy.
[How utterly mischievous, haha!]
[The production team really knows how to stir the pot. Not only is it this dream collaboration, but they’re also making the “Let’s Travel Together” crew watch the grandmothers board business class!]
[That’s not even the worst part. Does anyone else know that the luxurious Pearl Island resort and the uninhabited island are so close you can wave to each other?]
[Sorry, I’m laughing so hard hahahaha. And the difference in energy between the two groups is pretty big?]
[The “Let’s Travel Together” crew was all dragged out of bed at 5 AM to film luggage unpacking, while the grandmothers and Xingxing showed up well-rested.]
—
Chu Xingxing and Wen Han had no problem sitting in economy.
It was a six-hour flight; they could just sleep through it.
Chu Xingxing could even fall asleep outdoors in her clothes. Economy class had comfortable seats and warm air conditioning; it wasn’t a hardship at all.
Wen Han was a pretty laid-back person, always up for anything.
When his parents took them traveling as kids, they always flew first or business class, while the three brothers were in economy.
“We’ll accompany the babies through business class check-in first, then come back and queue for economy, right?” Chu Xingxing looked up at Wen Han.
Wen Han said with a smile: “We can all get our boarding passes together at the business class counter since we’re together.”
Wen Xuelan took Chu Xingxing’s hand: “Oh dear, we’re elderly and need the ‘porters’ care at any time. It’s too inconvenient to have Xingbao in economy. How about this: us old sisters will upgrade Xingbao. Let’s not split up; it’ll be troublesome moving around later.”
“What about me?” Wen Han was amused by his own mother.
“You’re a grown man, sitting in economy is fine. We never spoiled you by insisting on first class when you were little either,” Wen Xuelan didn’t agree.
The other grandmothers snickered on the side.
Finally, Grandmother Sheng Shuwen spoke: “Let’s be fair. I’ll upgrade Little Nuan.”
“Little Nuan?” Chu Xingxing was stunned for a second.
“That’s my son’s nickname.” Wen Xuelan smiled a bit awkwardly, explaining: “His dad gave him such a ‘cold’ name, so I gave him a nickname to balance it out.”
[Pfft! Wen Han’s nickname is Little Nuan? That’s kinda cute hahahaha!]
[Mirror of Warmth? I always felt the Wen family wanted a daughter.]
[Probably. Wen Han has two brothers over ten years older than him. I guess having a third son just… cooled their hopes (softly).]
Just then, a production staff member sternly reminded them that the “porters” weren’t allowed to upgrade themselves, nor could anyone else pay for it.
Wen Xuelan wanted to argue with the crew, but Chu Xingxing held her back: “Sweetie, focus on the blue sky, the sea, the beach… don’t get angry, don’t get angry. Travel is such a happy thing, don’t let your mood sour now. The flight is short, and if you need anything, you can always call us over.”
People from the grandmothers’ generation had a habitual respect for rules and regulations.
With Chu Xingxing’s soothing, they didn’t insist in the end.
So, the entire “Grandma’s Journey” team ended up queueing at the back of the business class check-in line.
Luckily, even though there were a few passengers ahead, the process was many times faster than economy, and the line was much shorter.
Halfway through the queue, Little Cookie, holding a bulging bundle in her arms, ran over to find Chu Xingxing again.
“Xingxing!” Cookie’s eyes sparkled as she shoved the bundle into Chu Xingxing’s arms: “A gift for you! Quick, see if you like it!”
“A gift for me? Thanks, Little Cookie.” Chu Xingxing found herself holding a soft, fluffy bundle.
Opening it, she saw a small blanket stitched together from various fabrics with different patterns and textures.
The craftsmanship was a little rough, but that didn’t stop Chu Xingxing from loving it.
This “dazzling array of colors” blanket was fluffy and soft, perfect for cuddling while sleeping.
Holding the blanket, Chu Xingxing’s face lit up with surprise: “Such a beautiful blanket, I absolutely love it.”
Cookie smiled sweetly, saying excitedly: “My mom made it. When she heard I made a new friend and that you helped me get an audition chance for a new role, she whipped this up overnight. I have a similar blanket in my backpack too. I can’t go anywhere without it.”
[Wow! Little Cookie’s mom is so sweet!]
[I have a blankie like Cookie’s too! I take it everywhere!]
[Xingxing actually helped Cookie get an audition! No wonder they became such good friends!]
[I love watching beautiful women and sweet girls being close. Their interactions are so natural, I love it!]
“Thank your mother for me, please. It must have been hard work.” Chu Xingxing thanked her sincerely, feeling warm inside.
Just as she had thought, Little Cookie’s bright, kind, and pure personality must come from a warm and supportive family.
Her mom was probably just as lovely as her daughter.
Chu Xingxing remembered she also had a gift for Cookie. She had planned to unpack and give it to her after they arrived, but since their luggage hadn’t been checked yet, and the gift was in an outside pocket, it was convenient to get it now.
“I have a gift for you too.” Chu Xingxing pulled a portable foot soaking bag from the side pocket of her duffel. It was printed with lemon-yellow cookie designs.
“Wow! Is this… a foldable thermal bag? Or a… giant lunchbox?” Little Cookie’s expression was exaggerated. She didn’t know what it was yet, but she loved the lemon yellow: “This is my favorite color, and it has cookies on it!”
[So cute! Chu Xingxing really put thought into the gift, knowing Cookie’s favorite color and picking one with cookie patterns.]
[It really can’t be a foldable thermal bag, can it? LOL “giant lunchbox” – Cookie is killing me.]
[This is kinda cool. Anyone know what it’s for?]
“It’s a portable foot soaking bucket. You could probably use it as a bag too. It folds up really small and light, doesn’t take up space. The inside has an aluminum foil insulation layer, it’s heat-resistant and won’t break. Fully opened, it can soak up to your calf. The drawstring helps with steam for your knees.”
Chu Xingxing demonstrated a bit, then, like magic, pulled a few small pouches from another pocket of her duffel, explaining: “These are mugwort packs. Drop one in when you soak your feet to double the benefits. Don’t soak too long, about fifteen minutes is enough. It can relieve fatigue, improve sleep. If you have menstrual cramps or cold hands and feet, it can help with those too, depending on the person.”
Chu Xingxing had learned the habit of regular foot soaks from the grandmothers in her [Rich Ladies’ Group].
For her, the effects were quite noticeable.
She used to rely on painkillers to get through her period, but now she only needs them for the first two days, and the backache has also significantly improved.
So for this trip, she had prepared a portable foot soaking bucket for everyone as a gift.
[Huh? Is foot soaking that effective?]
[Personally tested, it really works! And it’s addictive haha, once you start you want to do it every day.]
[Hey, this portable foot soaking bucket is adorable! Totally want one!]
[Mugwort packs bring back childhood memories. My grandma used to boil eggs with mugwort, it smelled so good.]
[Ladies! Chu Xingxing isn’t wrong. I’ve been soaking my feet for three years now. My complexion has really improved, my skin isn’t as sallow as before. The biggest improvements are sleep quality and cold hands and feet. Now I fall asleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillow, and my hands and feet are warm in winter. It’s really amazing!]
[Got it, got it! Starting tonight!]
[Xingxing really knows a lot of health tips, haha. Can’t judge by appearance – she looks like a cool, stylish beauty, but turns out she’s into health regimens?!]
Little Cookie had never heard of this kind of Chinese-style foot soak, but she did suffer from cold hands and feet, especially in winter, and occasional period pain.
She decided to try it that very night.
The business class check-in line moved quickly.
In about ten minutes, Chu Xingxing and the others had checked in and received their boarding passes.
—
On the other side, after the staff informed the “Let’s Travel Together” guests that the entire trip would be in economy class…
The guests, whose expressions were already grim, couldn’t hide their displeasure any longer.
Tian Mengtong had never endured such hardship.
She weakly raised her hand, her eyes glistening, her voice soft and delicate: “Can I upgrade myself? I only got three hours of sleep last night because of work, and I injured my back while filming…”
[Wuwuwu, feeling for Tongtong.]
[The production team is really something else. Filming the unpacking at 5 AM is too much!]
It wasn’t just Tian Mengtong; other guests started complaining too—
“Exactly, why can’t we pay to upgrade? It’s not like we can’t afford it! I broke my tailbone doing a stunt scene and need to lie flat.”
“You guys buy business class for that other show, but won’t even let us upgrade ourselves? What’s the deal!”
“This is discriminatory treatment! Why are we the ones getting messed around!”
Just as a staff member was about to refuse them point-blank, a new instruction came through their earpieces from the director.
“Alright, to give everyone a chance to upgrade, let’s play a simple game – rock-paper-scissors. The final winner gets upgraded at the gate, paid for by the production team.”
After the staff member announced this, the head director also stepped forward: “We’re only giving one slot, which is already bending the rules. If you don’t accept this, the slot disappears.” The guests were angry, but they couldn’t argue with the production team.
They had to pin their hopes on “luck.”
Jiang Chang’an had been very quiet.
Though tired and sleepy, his good upbringing prevented him from complaining, making him a refreshing presence among the guests.
[How can my husband be so handsome and have such good upbringing? Truly a young master, wuwuwu.]
[Whose husband is this cool? Oh, mine! (heart)]
[My husband stands out from the crowd here, so prominent!]
[Brother looks full of luck, he’s definitely going to win!]
Perhaps blessed by his male lead aura, Jiang Chang’an quickly eliminated over half the participants in the first round.
Only he, Tian Mengtong, and Little Cookie made it to the finals.
Little Cookie rubbed her hands together, extremely excited.
Tian Mengtong bit her lip, looking pitifully delicate, pale-faced, as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
“Rock, paper… scissors!” Cookie nearly shouted herself hoarse.
Then, Cookie was dumbfounded…
She and Tian Mengtong both showed paper.
Jiang Chang’an showed scissors.
“Congratulations to Jiang Chang’an for winning the upgrade opportunity!” The director came over with a grin: “We’ll handle your upgrade at the gate after security and passport control.”
Jiang Chang’an: “Since I won this opportunity, I have the right to decide what to do with it.”
“You… don’t want it?” The director was stunned.
Jiang Chang’an glanced at the pale-faced Tian Mengtong and said to the director: “I’ll give my upgrade opportunity to Tian Mengtong.”
The guests buzzed with surprise.
Tian Mengtong was also stunned.
Lack of sleep had already left her feeling drained, and now she was even more confused.
Director: “Can you tell us why?”
Jiang Chang’an said calmly: “Ladies first. If there were two upgrade slots, I would give them to both girls. But since there’s only one, Cookie looks quite robust, while Tian Mengtong seems more fragile.”
A few young male group members started teasing: “Ooh, Brother Chang’an really knows how to take care of someone~”
Cookie was truly speechless, her little face falling.
Was Jiang Chang’an implying she was strong?
Did that make her a muscular Barbie or something???
Jiang Chang’an walked up to Tian Mengtong, bent down slightly, and said with a smile, “Hope you get some good sleep on the plane.”
Tian Mengtong looked up, her ears burning, and whispered, “Thank you…”
The bullet comments instantly went wild—
[Wth! Is Jiang Chang’an openly showing favoritism?]
[Oh my god! I’m shipping this! Top actor x sweet young actress! This is straight out of a drama!]
[These two are so shippable, holy cow. I have zero resistance to this kind of favoritism.]
[I’ve already thought of their ship name: “Long Dream of a Hundred Years”!]
[I had high hopes for “Let’s Travel Together,” but from the preview it was all snark and bickering, the guests aren’t united, I was about to drop it. Who knew they’d give me such a big surprise! These two are so sweet!!!]
Most fans were focused on shipping, and only a few noticed that Cookie was clearly unhappy.
Occasionally, a few bullet comments popped up—
[srds, didn’t anyone think Jiang Chang’an calling Cookie ‘robust’ was a bit off? Cookie is already thin enough. Just because she’s taller than Tian Mengtong doesn’t mean she should be called ‘strong’.]
[Me too. That comment made me uncomfortable. It felt like he deliberately made Tian Mengtong seem fragile and helpless by throwing shade at the energetic Cookie, calling her strong.]
But because very few people mentioned it, these comments were quickly drowned out by the wave of “Long Dream of a Hundred Years” ship hype.
—
The “Let’s Travel Together” crew, gathered for the game, ended up blocking the path from the business class check-in area to the security checkpoint.
Chu Xingxing and her group politely waited a few minutes, and only after confirming the game was over did she call out, “Excuse us, coming through.”
Tian Mengtong heard Chu Xingxing’s voice and instinctively turned her head to look.
The staff and a few cameramen moved aside to let them pass.
And so, as the path cleared,
Chu Xingxing and Tian Mengtong came face to face.
She had intended to greet Chu Xingxing pitifully in front of the cameras, creating a low-profile stance to garner sympathy.
But when Tian Mengtong clearly saw the other woman’s distinctive Saci-style patchwork denim jumpsuit, her brow furrowed involuntarily.
Tian Mengtong had also chosen a Saci jumpsuit today, but hers was a patchwork of rubber pink and light grey, with short sleeves.
Paired with chunky white sneakers and her hair in two ponytails, she was the picture of a sweet girl.
Chu Xingxing’s jumpsuit was long-sleeved, with special fabric patches on the sleeves, collar, and epaulets. The cut was more tailored, accentuating her waist.
And because Chu Xingxing was a full eleven or twelve centimeters taller than Tian Mengtong, the stylish denim jumpsuit made her legs look even longer, giving her a powerful presence even in flat shoes.
“Chu Xingxing, where did you buy your outfit?” Tian Mengtong asked, feigning nonchalance.
She had scoured Saci’s designs from the last two years and was certain that this denim jumpsuit Chu Xingxing was wearing did not exist in their current ready-to-wear collection.
Chu Xingxing shrugged: “No idea.”
She genuinely didn’t know where one could buy the clothes she was wearing.
She only remembered Xiao Rou, Teacher Ken’s assistant, mentioning that the clothes she brought over were all samples or one-of-a-kind pieces by Saci’s designer, Jiang Luoze, that hadn’t been mass-produced or publicly released yet.
Tian Mengtong’s anxious heart settled down.
During the preview shoot, she had suspected Chu Xingxing of wearing a dress that imitated Saci’s style.
Chu Xingxing was so poor and so tacky, how could she possibly know about Saci, a niche brand still relatively unknown in China?
She had known before that Chu Xingxing often bought clothes online. These outfits resembling Saci’s style were probably cheap knockoffs from Pinduoduo.
Little Cookie, still in a huff, sidled up to Chu Xingxing and whispered, “Xingxing, your outfit today is kinda similar to Tian Mengtong’s, but I like the denim one way more – it’s cooler and more unique. Plus, for people with long legs like us, jumpsuits are perfect.”
Chu Xingxing, hand on her forehead, patted Cookie’s shoulder awkwardly.
This little goofball, her mic was still on!
No matter how quiet, it was useless…
[I’m dying of laughter hahahaha! Little Cookie is such a silly beauty?]
[I’m truly a sucker for good looks. Even when Little Cookie throws shade, it’s adorable, I just can’t dislike her!]
[But Cookie isn’t wrong anyway. The jumpsuit does suit Chu Xingxing better. Tian Mengtong’s is cute too, but Chu Xingxing wins hands down with leg length alone.]
[I’m different – I like all three beauties! The jumpsuits on Xingxing and Tongtong have a similar style. Anyone know the brand? Any experts?]
[Expert here! Tongtong’s jumpsuit is from the new season of Saci, the personal brand of renowned Chinese designer Jiang Luoze. Found the same color and style on the official site: 990 Euros. Chu Xingxing’s piece couldn’t be found anywhere online. No idea what brand it is (shrug).]
[Thanks for the price check, I guess I’m not worthy (crying).]
Tian Mengtong’s phone vibrated. She received a WeChat message from her studio: “The piece CXX is wearing is a knockoff. We searched – it’s not in any of the new or old collections. Saci hasn’t even released a denim line.”
Throughout the variety show, Tian Mengtong’s studio had staff following the live stream, ready to “tip her off” at any moment.
Tian Mengtong’s gaze swept coldly over Chu Xingxing through the crowd.
“Xingxing, let me see your seat number. I want to sit next to you, okay?” Cookie craned her neck, trying to get a clear look at Chu Xingxing’s boarding pass.
“I’m sitting next to her, and we have two seats together,” Wen Han reminded her gently.
Economy class had a 2-4-2 layout, and their seats were two by the window.
“Ah… can I switch seats with you later?” Cookie pressed her hands together under her chin, her big eyes blinking pleadingly at Wen Han.
[Nobody can resist Little Cookie! Wu wu wu, say yes to Little Cookie! I want to see the beauty and the sweet girl together!]
[Cookie is too sweet, how could anyone refuse such an adorable girl!]
[Don’t worry, Wen Han is so gentle and easygoing, he’ll definitely agree.]
Chu Xingxing thought it was a trivial matter.
She could sit with anyone; she’d just sleep on the plane anyway.
Wen Han’s tone remained gentle, but he shook his head slightly: “Sorry, Cookie, I can’t. We’re not on the same show, and switching seats really isn’t convenient.”
Little Cookie: …
Chu Xingxing: …
[Shock! Wen Han actually said no!]
[This is the first time I’ve seen Wen Han refuse! And the excuse is a bit flimsy…]
“I’ll have a word with him later, okay, sweetie? You go check in first, time is tight.” Chu Xingxing patted the pouting Cookie, finally managing to soothe the sulking girl.
Clutching her boarding pass and passport, as Chu Xingxing brushed past Tian Mengtong, she clearly heard her say: “I know you didn’t mean it, but just a friendly reminder – since we’re public figures, wearing fakes shows disrespect to the designer and the original brand.”
Chu Xingxing stopped.
Looking puzzled, she slowly turned back, stared into Tian Mengtong’s eyes, and asked, “Are you talking to me?”
“I still consider you a friend, Chu Xingxing. Just a gentle reminder. It’s best if you change your outfit. You understand what I mean, don’t you?” Tian Mengtong’s voice was sweet, her face earnest, as if she truly had Chu Xingxing’s best interests at heart.
“I don’t understand. Speak plainly.” Chu Xingxing’s tone was unfriendly, cold.
She looked at Tian Mengtong with the expression of an old man trying to understand a smartphone, almost uttering a “wtf.”
Seriously, she really hated riddlers!
At that moment, the bullet comments for both shows exploded—
[Tian Mengtong is implying Chu Xingxing is wearing a knockoff? Can anyone explain? What brand are they both wearing?]
[Wth! Shocking! So Chu Xingxing is wearing a fake Saci?]
[That’s pretty shameless. If you can’t afford it, don’t wear it. Why wear a fake out of vanity?]
[Fake is fake, yuck! I despise people who wear fakes the most! Chu Xingxing is blacklisted for life! So low!]
[Chu Xingxing thought wearing a niche fake would go unnoticed. Well, tough luck! Our Tongtong is the first in China to wear Saci, and likely Saci’s future ambassador. She’s showing off her fake right in front of the real deal, haha! Priceless!]
[And Chu Xingxing still has the nerve to be stubborn?! Tian Mengtong just recommended Saci as her favorite private brand. With the Tian family’s wealth and good relations with the brand, she’s definitely a VIP client who knows all Saci’s collections. She totally got caught red-handed.]
[I really look down on people who buy fakes. No matter how much I like something, if I can’t afford it, I won’t buy a fake. I think it’s an insult to the brand’s essence and spirit. I was just starting to like Chu Xingxing, but now I’m completely disgusted.]
…
Jiang Yao, who had been lagging behind with Wen Han and the others, also turned back and noticed Xingbao was left alone.
Jiang Yao slowly walked over to Chu Xingxing.
Tian Mengtong tilted her head and asked with a smile, “Chu Xingxing, do you know the brand Saci? Do you know what you’re wearing?”
Initially, Tian Mengtong just wanted this issue to ferment online, tarnish Chu Xingxing’s commercial image so that no brand would ever collaborate with an artist who wears fakes.
Who knew Chu Xingxing would walk right into it? It seemed she really didn’t know she was wearing a knockoff?
No problem, she could just help her “good friend” understand.
Before Chu Xingxing could speak, Jiang Yao was already amused by this sweet-looking girl whose eyes revealed condescension.
“Pfft, you’re asking Xingbao if she knows Saci?”
Jiang Yao linked arms with Chu Xingxing and said proudly: “Our Xingbao is the first female celebrity in China to wear Saci! She wore a unique Saci sample piece during the last preview shoot. The subtext of your question is basically accusing Xingbao of buying a knockoff because she can’t afford the real Saci.”
The bullet comments section, where ordinary viewers were ready with their popcorn, lit up—
[I’m confused??? So Tian Mengtong isn’t the first to wear Saci? Chu Xingxing is! No wonder so many people asked about her dress during the preview shoot!]
[Grandma Jiang is so good with words hahaha, she totally spelled out Tian Mengtong’s inner thoughts!]
[I always felt Tian Mengtong was a bit ‘tea-like,’ and now it’s confirmed! What was she being so sarcastic about just now? Now she’s got egg on her face haha!]
However, most of Tian Mengtong’s fans clearly didn’t believe this random old lady who appeared out of nowhere.
[Seriously, who is this old lady? Just because she says Tongtong isn’t the first means it’s true? It’s not like the Saci brand has come out to confirm it!]
[Tongtong even showed her purchase receipts in her vlog, proving she’s a true Saci fan. And Tongtong is a rich young lady anyway, buying Saci is like buying cabbage for her. I ask you, where did Chu Xingxing get the money? Don’t tell me she…]
[Here are screenshots of Saci’s official blog and Instagram. There is no public post stating Chu Xingxing was the first to wear it. I’ve searched everywhere, and Tongtong is the only female celebrity publicly wearing Saci. She IS the first!]
[LMAO, so just because this old lady says it’s a ‘unique sample,’ it must be true? From now on, anyone caught wearing a fake that doesn’t match the original can just use the ‘unique sample’ excuse, right?]
True to form, Tian Mengtong also completely disbelieved Jiang Yao’s words.
“So… what Chu Xingxing is wearing is authentic Saci?” Tian Mengtong raised her chin proudly.
Not to mention Chu Xingxing’s current status was incomparable to hers, even their family’s financial situations were leagues apart.
Saci’s main line products, even the cheapest basic T-shirt, cost five or six hundred euros. How could Chu Xingxing possibly afford them?
Let alone a unique sample piece that money couldn’t even buy.
And who was this old lady, talking so arrogantly, even calling the designer Jiang Luoze ‘A-Ze’?
Was she a fangirl, despite her age!
“What Xingbao is wearing? Of course it’s not Saci.” Little Grandma Jiang shook her head with a smile.
Tian Mengtong smiled too. Then why the arrogance?
“So that proves she’s wearing a knockoff.” Tian Mengtong said coldly. She hadn’t planned on being so direct.
Jiang Yao: “If you think what Xingxing is wearing isn’t Saci, you’re not entirely wrong. Because this is a garment personally cut and sewn by the designer Jiang Luoze, unique in the world, and doesn’t belong to any Saci collection. Including what I’m wearing, also designed by my nephew A-Ze. It has nothing to do with the Saci brand. They are gifts from the designer… our…”
She paused, enunciating each word clearly: “Private, Custom, Made.”
Tian Mengtong’s heart pounded wildly, her palms turning cold.
She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
What did that mean? The designer of Saci, Jiang Luoze, was this old lady’s nephew?!
