Chapter 24
Gu Feimeng was on her period and took two ibuprofen pills, but the pain in her lower abdomen still wouldn't stop.
Menstrual cramps were her Achilles' heel; each period was a fierce battle of body and willpower. Her weapons against this domineering and rude relative were meager: only brown sugar water and ibuprofen. But even ibuprofen sometimes failed.
In the middle of the night, Yan Qing heard her tossing and turning in bed, groaning in pain.
"Go to the hospital." Yan Qing's voice came from the darkness.
"I'll just have to bear it a little longer..." Gu Feimeng said, her voice weak and panting.
Yan Qing got out of bed, turned on the light, and climbed the ladder onto Gu Feimeng's bed. In the sweltering heat of summer, Gu Feimeng was wrapped in a blanket, her body hunched over. Yan Qing reached out and touched her; even her hair was soaked with sweat.
"You must go to the hospital." Yan Qing's attitude was firm, leaving no room for refusal. She helped Gu Feimeng up, threw on some clothes, grabbed her ID, and headed to the school hospital.
The liquid in the IV drip dripped into Gu Feimeng's veins, and the tormenting pain gradually subsided, finally easing the contortions on her face that had been contorted all day.
When Yan Qing returned after fetching hot water for Gu Feimeng, she heard Gu Feimeng whimpering from the bed, "I'm dying, I'm dying..."
"Is it still very painful?" Yan Qing asked with concern.
Gu Fei stared blankly at the ceiling, utterly dejected. "It's no use. Back in the day, Sister Gu could walk all over Huaizhong Road in the dead of winter wearing a skirt. Now, all I've done is eat a couple more cold drinks, and I'm like a wilted eggplant, all my vigor gone. Qingqing," she called Yan Qing's name, her eyes vacant as she stared at the sky, "the auto show opens in four hours. I promised Kevin I'd go support him, and now I have to stand him up. What am I going to do? I'm so worried..."
Yan Qing comforted her, "Talk to him. Your condition definitely can't take any more stress."
"Kevin once said he hates people who change their minds at the last minute. With this whole mess I made, our relationship is basically over... How am I supposed to survive in the fashion industry now?"
Yan Qing helped her sit up and handed her the freshly prepared warm water, saying, "Nothing is more important than good health."
Gu Feimeng took a sip of water, her parched lips regaining some moisture and life. Exhausted from sweating, she was incredibly thirsty, so she tilted her head back and gulped down the water in the cup. She drank too quickly, and water trickled from the corner of her mouth down her neck and into her collar.
"Don't rush, I'll mix some more for you after you finish drinking." Yan Qing handed her a tissue, which she took, but her gaze lingered on Yan Qing's hand for a while. Then, her gaze traveled along Yan Qing's forearm, waist, and shoulders, before moving to her face.
"Aqing, I have a question, and you must answer it truthfully."
Gu Feimeng's seriousness startled Yan Qing: "What's the problem?"
"If I and that bastard Shen Hanyang fell into the water at the same time, who would you save?"
Yan Qing frowned slightly, as if lost in thought.
Gu Feimeng said, "Really? It takes this long to think about it?"
Yan Qing replied, "I was thinking, after I save you, should I throw rotten eggs into the water?"
Gu Feimeng giggled as she was coaxed, and grabbed Yan Qing's hand: "I knew it! Sisterly love is stronger than gold! You have to help me!"
Yan Qing never expected that Gu Feimeng would ask her to fill in for a day as a car model.
At the bedside, she heard Gu Feimeng calling him "brother" over the phone: "Brother, you know I've always been your best friend. I'll fight even with a minor injury, but this time I'm really in trouble... Don't worry about my sister, she's fair-skinned, beautiful, and has long legs... You'll see when you meet her, she'll definitely make a statement and make you proud!... My brother is the best, I'll thank you in person later!"
After a barrage of sweet talk, the other party quickly agreed to her plan.
To take care of Gu Feimeng, Yan Qing barely slept a wink all night. Without even getting some rest, she rushed back to her dorm for a quick shower before heading to the auto show. Once there, she was rushed through makeup, hair styling, and changing clothes – a whole process that took nearly an hour and a half.
Kevin was more approachable than Yan Qing had imagined, exuding a charming and approachable aura. He looked Yan Qing up and down, praising her repeatedly: "Mengmeng wasn't exaggerating, darling, you're simply the goddess of our exhibition today!"
Yan Qing looked uncomfortable: "Don't tease me. I feel..." She looked down at the skirt that had just covered her upper thighs and subconsciously tugged at it, "I feel like this skirt is a bit short."
Kevin held up one finger and waved it from side to side: "No, no, no, you're too conservative. Look at the other girls, they're showing way more skin than you, that's called sexy!"
Yan Qing looked around and saw that the dressing room was already filled with car models, dressed in different outfits and with different looks, probably promoting different car companies. Although they were all wearing heavy makeup, they all looked to be no more than twenty years old. The girls gathered in twos and threes, smoking e-cigarettes and chatting and laughing, without showing any of Yan Qing's embarrassment.
Yan Qing guessed that she was the only inexperienced newbie in the whole room.
The person in charge came over to announce that the exhibition was about to open. The girls put out their cigarettes, tidied their hair and clothes in front of the mirror, and filed out of the dressing room through a small door.
Yan Qing also found her place in the exhibition hall.
The main focus of this exhibition was new energy vehicles, with a variety of stylish and technologically advanced new cars and concept cars making their debut, vying for attention. Coupled with eye-catching car models beside the vehicles, the combination of glamorous cars and beautiful women attracted a large number of visitors.
Shortly after the exhibition began, a crowd gathered around Yan Qing's booth at the Zunyue Auto booth. There were visitors, reporters with cameras, and numerous social media influencers.
A short, trendy male livestreamer was pointing his phone camera at Yan Qing's location, providing commentary. He had a loud voice and a smooth tongue, occasionally cracking a witty remark. After introducing the car, he pointed the camera at Yan Qing herself beside it: "Now that we've seen the beautiful car, let's look at the beautiful woman. This beauty is even more eye-catching than the car, so the livestreamer has to ask for her WeChat for all the viewers, right?"
After saying that, he smiled ingratiatingly at Yan Qing and said, "Beautiful lady, can I add you on WeChat?"
Yan Qing felt very uncomfortable with the blatant advances. She forced a stiff, fake smile and said, "Sorry, I don't have my phone with me."
Gu Feimeng taught her this phrase before she came. She said that there were all sorts of greasy men at the auto show who were trying to pick up girls everywhere, and that it was perfectly normal for car models not to bring their phones while working. So she taught Yan Qing: "If someone inconsiderately comes up to you asking for your phone number or WeChat, just say you didn't bring your phone."
The male anchor, upon hearing this, was quite perceptive. Yan Qing thought the incident was over. However, he changed the subject and asked Yan Qing to pose in front of the car. Gu Feimeng had indeed taught her a few basic moves, and she had also seen models on other booths effortlessly striking various alluring poses, sexy and captivating, attracting a flurry of camera flashes.
But when it was Yan Qing's turn, her whole body stiffened like steel, and she couldn't move at all.
The sharp-eyed streamer immediately recognized Yan Qing as a newbie and teased, "Is this your first time here, little sister? You seem a bit shy."
Yan Qing's face flushed red, and her eyes involuntarily lowered.
At this moment, a path parted in the crowd.
"Excuse me, could you please move aside?"
It seems like someone is coming this way.
A group of people stopped in front of the booth.
"President Shen, this is the new concept car for the Zunyue this year."
Yan Qing was tense all over, and the environment was noisy. She kept her eyelids half-closed and didn't hear what the people below were saying.
After a moment, a familiar male voice rang out from nearby: "You're the only model in the entire room who's keeping your head down and not daring to look people in the eye."
Yan Qing was startled and unconsciously looked up. Less than half a meter away, Shen Hanyang was staring at her.
For a moment, her mind went blank. Before she could respond, several men in suits swarmed around Shen Hanyang, chattering excitedly as they introduced him.
"The intelligent driving system currently used in this car is still based on American technology, and the company intends to cooperate with Universal..."
The group walked around the car several times, examining both the exterior and interior; they were all experts.
Yan Qing kept her hands bound, her body stiff, and stood awkwardly in place.
The embarrassment she felt was intensifying; she even wanted to shut down all her senses and pretend she didn't exist. However, she still noticed a gaze occasionally sweeping across the crowd and landing on her.
The gaze drew closer and closer until it stopped beside her. Shen Hanyang was facing the opposite direction from her. He seemed to be admiring the cars behind her, but when no one else was looking, he said in a voice so low that only the two of them could hear, "You have quite a few part-time jobs."
Yan Qing was taken aback.
The auto show finally came to an end. Yan Qing had almost no experience wearing high heels. Today, she wore six-centimeter heels and stood for nearly eight hours. Her feet were so sore she could barely walk.
She limped towards the changing room, supporting herself against the wall.
As soon as we reached the entrance, Kevin's distinctive voice rang out from the locker room: "Girls, everyone did a fantastic job today. Tonight, Kevin's treating everyone to Louise's Bar—let's drink until we drop!"
The girls cheered "Long live!"
Yan Qing had no interest in participating in such activities. She found her locker and quietly hid in a corner to change her shoes and clothes.
Kevin noticed her after all and extended a warm invitation: "Honey, let's have some fun together!"
"Thanks, Kevin, but I won't go..."
"You are today's surprise and highlight. If you don't go, you'll be disrespecting your brother. Don't blame me for not taking care of Mengmeng in the future."
Even when Kevin says harsh things, his voice is still very nice. Yan Qing can't tell if he's joking or serious, and she can't refuse.
Although this wasn't her first time at a bar, Louise and Fantland were worlds apart. Fantland was a quiet, soothing bar where people could sit, chat, listen to music, and unwind. Louise, on the other hand, had a much more vibrant atmosphere. The DJ was like a man possessed, his passion burning brightly, the electric guitars and drums deafening, and the swirling, ever-changing lights making everyone dizzy.
The girls who came with him seemed used to this kind of scene. They were all clinking glasses, smoking, chatting and laughing, having a great time. Only Yan Qing, who neither drank nor smoked, couldn't join in the conversation and sat awkwardly on the edge of the sofa.
Just as she was anxiously waiting for the end signal, she felt a warm touch on her shoulder and a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Little sister, you're here! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
Yan Qing recognized him as the glib-tongued social media anchor from earlier that day. He took off his baseball cap, revealing a striking head of blond hair.
Yan Qing disgustedly dodged his hand.
The male anchor raised his glass and shouted at the top of his lungs amidst the loud music, "Shall we have a drink?"
"I'm sorry, I don't drink alcohol." Yan Qing's voice was soft, and she wasn't sure if the other person heard her.
The male anchor grabbed her wine glass and forcefully shoved it into her hand: "Cheers, next one's on me!"
Yan Qing reluctantly took a small sip. The male anchor seemed dissatisfied and pushed her hand, bringing the glass to her lips.
She was forced to drink a few mouthfuls of alcohol without even realizing it, and the burning sensation instantly spread from her neck to the base of her ears.
The male anchor wanted to continue, but Yan Qing said, "I really won't drink anymore." After saying that, she got up and went to the bathroom.
She hadn't taken two steps when her arm was grabbed: "It's fate that we've met twice today, let's take a picture together!" The male anchor put his arm around her shoulder without saying a word.
Yan Qing tried to dodge, but his hand was strong and she couldn't shake him off. She had no choice but to endure the discomfort and let him hold up the phone camera and point it at the two of them.
"Come closer!" The male anchor kept pressing his round head against Yan Qing's face, while one of his hands slid restlessly to her waist.
Yan Qing jolted, shoving the man away as if she'd been electrocuted, and glared at him angrily: "Please show some respect!" Her voice wasn't loud, but the way she gritted her teeth revealed a hint of fierceness.
The man chuckled, "How did I disrespect you? Oh, I see, you're playing hard to get with me, aren't you?" He leaned closer and held up two fingers, waving them, "Two thousand yuan?"
"What?" Yan Qing asked, puzzled.
"Two thousand yuan for one night."
"Neuropathy!"
The male anchor laughed even more lewdly: "My sister has principles, she rises from the mud unsullied, a pure white lotus. I am the flower picker. This flower of yours must be held dear in my heart."
"Get out of the way!" Yan Qing shouted angrily.
The male streamer continued to boast: "I won't let you suffer. Do you know who I am? How many fans do I have on this platform? I can easily make you famous with just a little help. So many people would beg for that kind of fame!"
Yan Qing didn't want to waste her breath arguing with him, but he was blocking the already narrow passage, making it impossible for her to pass. "Please move aside, or I'll call the police!"
Seeing that Yan Qing didn't know what was good for her, the male anchor's attitude changed completely: "You report it, you report it now, do you want to lend me your phone? Who are you trying to scare? How many men have you slept with? You want to hook up with a rich guy, huh? Let me tell you, even rich guys wouldn't look at the kind of trash like you!"
Yan Qing was furious, her hands trembling uncontrollably. She turned and walked in the opposite direction, but footsteps followed behind her: "How much do you want? Name your price!"
Yan Qing ignored him, but the anchor became increasingly rude, spewing vulgarities into her ears. Not wanting trouble, she focused solely on walking forward.
Suddenly, two hands grabbed her waist, and she lost her footing as she was lifted high into the air and carried on someone's shoulder.
Yan Qing screamed repeatedly, kicking and hitting. But the noise was like a grain of sand in the ocean, barely causing a ripple in the space filled with sonic booms and vibrating air.
She couldn't see clearly what was in front of her, only that the male anchor was moving through the crowded and chaotic crowd in a certain direction. The sounds gradually faded behind them, but they didn't leave the bar.
A series of legs hurried past Yan Qing's limited field of vision. Yan Qing suddenly realized she had been brought to the restroom!
The door was pushed open, and outside the bar's restrooms was a large public area. The area was dimly lit, and two heavy spring doors kept out the noise, making it a temporary love nest for many men and women.
Before Yan Qing could react, she was pinned firmly against the wall.
Her hands were restrained, and she watched helplessly as the male anchor's lewd smile drew ever closer. Fear unleashed an unprecedented power within her; she pulled one hand free and slapped the anchor across the face.
"You hit me?" The male anchor covered his humiliated cheek, furious and embarrassed. "You filthy prostitute, you were posing seductively at the car show, and now you're pretending to be an innocent beauty? I paid you two thousand yuan for one night and you think it's a loss? You may have some looks, and I respect you, but it's not your place to ask for more!"
Taking advantage of his angry outburst, Yan Qing turned and ran away, only to unexpectedly bump into someone's arms.
In the blurred image created by tears and lamplight, a face appeared that she never imagined would be there. She thought she was delirious.
It turned out to be Shen Hanyang.
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