Chapter 31: Absolutely Not, Absolutely Not – Lobster and Cherries
The vast starry sky makes one unconsciously sink into its depths.
Dong Ling hadn’t developed a hobby for astronomy, but that didn’t prevent her from appreciating its beauty.
Especially when gazing at the night sky, with a beautiful woman providing commentary beside her.
That atmosphere and mood were even more romantic than the night sky itself.
Dong Ling didn’t stay long, as she had an appointment with Chen Shang Shang.
Stargazing was enjoyable, but Dong Ling felt that Song Mingzhi seemed to be in a very good mood when she left her house.
Dong Ling asked 021, a little puzzled: [Was she in a good mood?]
021 scratched its head: [I don’t think so, maybe it was your imagination, or maybe her period was particularly comfortable?]
Dong Ling thought about it. Song Mingzhi’s period seemed to be around this time. They had lived together for two months, sharing a bathroom, so they knew a little about each other’s situations. If it really was her period, it was normal for her to have some mood swings.
High above, Song Mingzhi watched Dong Ling’s disappearing figure, her expression unreadable, stood there for a long time, and then left the window.
If 021 had a favorability rating system like other systems, the fluctuating numbers it would be reporting at this moment would probably annoy Dong Ling to death.
But 021 didn’t have such a function, and Dong Ling, completely oblivious, arrived at Chen Shang Shang’s event.
This gathering was a gem exhibition hosted by the Chen family, mainly to promote this year’s new products.
Many celebrities and socialites were in attendance, camera flashes flickering outside the exhibition hall.
Dong Ling came because of Chen Shang Shang’s invitation. She didn’t go through the main entrance, but through a secret passage, presenting her invitation to enter the exhibition.
Chen Shang Shang was wearing a sequined dress today, like a butterfly flitting through the crowd, the shimmering of her dress under the lights no less dazzling than the diamonds and jewels on display.
“Ling Ling! You’re here!”
Chen Shang Shang saw her friend standing inconspicuously in the corner in a black dress and rushed to her side.
Chen Shang Shang took Dong Ling’s arm and walked outwards, excitedly saying: “Come and see the new products, there’s also one being auctioned, the color of that gem is amazing. I’ve also set aside one of the new products for you, I’ll have it sent to your house later.”
“This exclusive new product, is it only for me, or do other girls have it too?”
Dong Ling teased, acting coquettishly.
“Only you and that other person have it, I thought of you first.”
Chen Shang Shang hummed, speaking sweet nothings of uncertain sincerity.
“Then I’ll believe you, I’ll go show off to Qianxi later.”
“No, no, no, if that woman knows I said that, she’ll torture me again.”
Chen Shang Shang immediately backed down, her expression making Dong Ling chuckle.
One thing was true, whenever there were new products, Chen Shang Shang always kept Dong Ling in mind, even during the six years she was abroad.
When it came to her family’s business, Chen Shang Shang was very grateful to Dong Ling, because it was Dong Ling who brought her into this circle. And every time Dong Ling attended a banquet, she would specifically wear gems from her family, and would also specifically take her to those socialite gatherings, even though Dong Ling didn’t enjoy those gatherings at all, all to help promote her family’s brand.
Even during the time when Chen Shang Shang distanced herself from Dong Ling because of Xuan Du’s threats, Dong Ling continued to do so.
Chen Shang Shang was always touched when she thought about it, but Dong Ling wouldn’t accept anything in return, only a new product, she refused everything else. Chen Shang Shang could only find another way to express her gratitude, covering all of Dong Ling’s manicures.
But what Chen Shang Shang didn’t know was that in the future, she wouldn’t even have this opportunity.
Under the specially designed lighting that closely mimicked natural light, the gems sparkled brilliantly.
Dong Ling liked these things but wasn’t obsessed. She strolled around the exhibition hall and picked out the most expensive piece of jewelry besides the one being auctioned.
“You like this one? But it doesn’t really suit you.”
Chen Shang Shang saw her friend stop and, after looking at the gem, gently shook her head at Dong Ling.
This gem was called the “Eye of Emira,” Emira being the goddess of earth and swamps, with a human upper body and the lower body of a white-scaled python.
Elegant and dignified, yet also sinister and calculating, the orchestrator of disasters and opportunities on earth, her symbol was a cold and noble blade. The Eye of Emira represented dignified and formidable nobility.
Chen Shang Shang thought Dong Ling was also noble, and her cold expression could also be intimidating, but it was a different kind of feeling. Although gems were versatile, Chen Shang Shang felt that something more suitable for Dong Ling would be better.
“I think it’s perfect for Song Mingzhi.”
Dong Ling traced the outline of the gem from a distance. She was captivated by it the moment she saw it, even after looking at other pieces, this one remained in her mind.
She had already pictured this gem on Song Mingzhi, it would definitely be stunning.
Although it was being auctioned, the starting price was 70 million, and she didn’t have that much money right now.
Dong Ling felt a little regretful, she was definitely the most impoverished sugar daddy.
“Indeed, are you buying it for her? Isn’t that a bit much? Your relationship hasn’t reached that stage yet, has it?”
Chen Shang Shang raised an eyebrow, she knew how much effort Dong Ling put in for Song Mingzhi. At the time, even she, someone close to Dong Ling, almost believed the rumor about her keeping a little lover.
Although she didn’t know the nature of their relationship, Dong Ling’s attitude was a bit too enthusiastic. If Song Mingzhi was already a top star or a famous actress, then spending 70 million on a diamond would be fine, but Song Mingzhi was still a newcomer, her first movie hadn’t even been released yet, such extravagance was too eye-catching.
Dong Ling said regretfully: “Just thinking about it, I can’t afford it right now.”
Chen Shang Shang sighed: “If the rough stone had been better, it would definitely be more expensive than the one being auctioned. It’s a pity it has some flaws, it could only be cut like this, but the design is still very good. If you want to keep it, I can reserve it for you.”
Dong Ling was still interested, and hearing this, she said gratefully: “You’re so loyal.”
“Of course, we’re like sisters.”
Dong Ling looked away from the gem and continued admiring other pieces in the exhibition hall.
As she looked around, her thoughts wandered. There were not only many socialites present, but also many celebrities, it wouldn’t hurt to make some connections.
Coincidentally, Chen Shang Shang also had to go greet some other ladies, so Dong Ling began her own business networking, even spotting a somewhat familiar face, someone she had specifically investigated before.
The other party didn’t know her, and when their eyes met, she simply nodded as a greeting.
Coincidentally, the other party also seemed to be interested in the “Eye of Emira,” and after seeing the price, left with a slightly regretful look.
Dong Ling thought about it, Zhu Shini was just a second-tier star right now, even with various sources of income, the amount she received after deductions wasn’t that much.
In the original novel, out of jealousy towards the female lead, she did various things and gained some fame, even briefly becoming a first-tier star, but the higher she rose, the harder she fell, and ended up with a very bad reputation.
Song Mingzhi’s new movie was already in post-production and about to be released, while Zhu Shini was still acting in TV dramas. Setting aside the original novel, their current career paths didn’t intersect at all, logically, there shouldn’t be any conflict.
Dong Ling felt a little reassured, wondering if she was being overly worried.
Dong Ling thought she should pick a day to go to the temple and pray for peace of mind.
The party had already been going on for a while when Dong Ling arrived. It soon came to an end, and Dong Ling waited for Chen Shang Shang at the entrance.
Dong Ling originally planned to go home, but Chen Shang Shang wasn’t willing.
“Seriously, Ling Ling, open your eyes and look, what time is it? It’s not even midnight yet, and you’re telling me you’re going home?”
“Then what do you want to do? Don’t tell me it’s drinking, I’ve already drunk enough to throw up at business dinners.”
Dong Ling didn’t want to drink, she would rather go home and practice the violin.
Dong Ling glanced at Chen Shang Shang, frowned, and lifted Chen Shang Shang’s hand with two fingers.
“Comrade Chen Shang Shang, give me a reasonable explanation, what made you betray our ‘Hair can be messy, but nails cannot break’ organization?”
This ridiculous organization name was, of course, Chen Shang Shang’s idea, to show her determination to get manicures even at 80 years old.
Dong Ling only noticed now that Chen Shang Shang wasn’t wearing any nail art, just a layer of clear polish.
“Don’t tell me, you’ve been like this ever since you told me you were letting your nails recover the last time we met.”
“Of course not,” Chen Shang Shang touched her nose guiltily, “I just removed them a couple of days ago.”
Chen Shang Shang thought for a moment, then slapped the steering wheel grandly: “Then we’re not going drinking, we’re going to get our nails done!”
“Let’s do it! I love manicures! I’ll fight that other battle somewhere else, let’s satisfy our cravings first, let’s go, let’s go, I’ll treat you to a new one, I saw a couple of really nice styles the other day.”
Chen Shang Shang couldn’t hold back anymore. Fighting was fine, but she truly loved manicures.
Seeing her excitement, Dong Ling couldn’t help but ask: “What other battle?”
“Nothing, nothing, let’s go!”
Chen Shang Shang stepped on the gas pedal and took her good friend to get their nails done.
After getting their beautiful manicures, Dong Ling originally thought they would go their separate ways, but Chen Shang Shang took her to a club.
“Didn’t we agree to go drinking?”
“Drink? Who drinks like a normal person?”
Chen Shang Shang shook her head, admiring her nails.
Dong Ling was a little confused: “Then what are we doing here?”
Before Chen Shang Shang could answer, someone knocked on the door of the private room.
Dong Ling thought she had something else planned, but seeing a plate of lobster and a plate of cherries being brought in, she was confused.
“Chen Shang Shang, you’re eating lobster after getting a manicure?”
Dong Ling was incredulous. How could you wear gloves with a manicure? The oil would definitely get on her fingers. And if she really wanted to eat this, she could just sit there and have someone peel it for her, why do it herself?
“If it really doesn’t work, you can go to Nanjia Hospital and get it checked, I’ll cover the medical expenses.”
“You’ll understand. I want to eat lobster with my mouth, I need to practice. After I practice with lobster, I’ll try tying a cherry stem with my tongue.”
Chen Shang Shang picked up a washed cherry and popped it into her mouth.
Dong Ling knew about the cherry stem tying trick, so she looked at Chen Shang Shang as if she was an idiot.
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