Jiang Cheng wasn't in a hurry to figure anything out.
For him, everything unfolded on its own while he enjoyed life.
He reached out and patted Peng Shiqi's shoulder like a boss addressing a subordinate.
Don't overthink—work hard. There'll be plenty of perks in the future.
After that he turned to Li Man: So, should I drive you two home or…?
Peng Shiqi was dazed by Jiang Cheng's overtly boss-like gesture.
In an instant her mindset shifted from "the boss fancies me" to "I have to grind to deserve his appreciation."
In the end neither girl rode with Jiang Cheng. After all, he'd asked, "Should I drive you two home or…?" rather than "Let me take you home."
The two lines sound alike, but the first is mostly inquiry while the second carries a stronger note of invitation.
So when Jiang Cheng didn't use the inviting version, anyone with a shred of social sense would politely decline.
Exactly what Jiang Cheng had expected.
Back at the shop he'd already learned where Peng Shiqi lived.
It wasn't on his way.
If her favorability value toward him had passed 80, he might have spared the time to take her home.
But after spending over a million for a mere 70 points, there was no need to keep chasing.
Watching Jiang Cheng leave, Li Man gushed, "Qiqi, you're unbelievably lucky. Can I jump ship to your company? I'm dying of envy."
Though Peng Shiqi smiled, worry outweighed her joy.
"Lucky, yeah, but I'm confused. What does my boss mean?? He seems interested yet not really—he didn't even ask for my wechat."
Li Man was stumped.
"Right, he didn't say he'd contact you again. Seriously? Over a million and not even a contact—this world's gone mad."
After three seconds of silence she added, "Then fight harder. It's insane, but it proves your boss's deep pockets. Think about it—with a million someone could sleep with several A-list starlets. Make a move; add him in the company group-chat."
"But you know I already like someone…"
"Are you nuts? I know you do, but this is over a million."
"I get that it's a fortune, still—"
Seeing her best friend's love-addled brain, Li Man's eyes bulged.
One hand on her hip, she jabbed a finger at Peng Shiqi's head.
"Idiot! What do you even like about that guy?? He shoots short videos online; you co-streamed with him a few times and now you're smitten? So love-crazed."
Pouting, Peng Shiqi said, "I shoot videos every day too; he works hard."
At nineteen, it's the age for believing in love.
Had her family been strapped for cash, she'd be a college freshman now.
Instead, she'd started working early, becoming an Internet Celebrity to lift her family's finances.
At this stage Peng Shiqi was still simple—yes, simple.
She'd blown up through short clips, not by clinging to big spenders on livestreams.
And as Li Man said, never having dated, she'd fallen for a male influencer through filming collabs.
They hadn't met offline, but they kept in touch online.
That's why Jiang Cheng's lavish spending hadn't sent her favorability skyrocketing.
At her still-maturing age, choosing love over bread felt downright noble.
Li Man felt she might explode.
"Do… do you hear yourself? Add your boss right now—move it."
"But what would I say? I don't even like him."
"He's gorgeous; how do you know you won't like him? You've never chatted. The guy you like is all filter—you've never seen him IRL and you claim you're in love. Your brain's been squeezed by a donkey. Add your boss—now."
Seeing her usually playful best friend about to snatch her phone, Peng Shiqi surrendered. "Fine, fine, I'll add him…"
Half an hour later Jiang Cheng didn't return to the Deer Lake villa.
Bai Xiaoxiao had already packed up and left.
So he went to the nearer downtown penthouse.
The moment he stepped in, the place felt eerily quiet.
A glance showed the floors and tables spotless.
Assuming Qiu Yihe was out, he walked to her room and noticed light seeping through the door.
He knocked: "You in there?"
No answer after several calls, so he pushed the door open.
Clearly Qiu Yihe wasn't home—must have gone out.
About to shut the door, he caught a flash of scarlet fabric in the corner of his eye.
The vivid red made him look again toward the bed.
Nice style, he mused.
And a full set at that.
Given her profession, he'd expected simple, comfy pieces.
Yet the lingerie was obviously well-worn, not brand-new.
Gotta say, this bowl is huge—
practically on par with Su Wan.
After a long appreciative look, Jiang Cheng didn't do anything sleazy like sniffing them.
He turned to leave; just as the door clicked shut, his phone rang.