Chapter 20: I Thought He Was My True Love

The selection of the spokesperson went so smoothly that even Lian Youyou found it hard to believe—Haohan Company had unexpectedly canceled the second round and simply decided to have her represent them.

The very first thing she did after filming the commercial and receiving her endorsement fee was to treat her best friend, Qiao Jing, to a meal.

This friend had once been her daughter’s confidante, as well as a childhood companion. Qiao Jing’s father was Old Qiao, her former neighbor—an earthy tycoon with a family fortune built on mines.

Qiao Jing didn’t possess any of the airs or bad habits of a wealthy heiress. From Lu Ming’s words, Lian Youyou had gathered that Qiao Jing had always helped her daughter, frequently inviting her to meals and gifting her cosmetics, clothes, and shoes.

Lian Youyou took Qiao Jing to the city’s most upscale French restaurant.

“Youyou, this is the first time you’ve invited me to dinner, and I must say, I’m not used to it at all!” Qiao Jing laughed.

Lian Youyou opened the menu handed to her by the waiter and placed it before Qiao Jing with both hands. “Go ahead, Jing, order whatever you like. My treat—don’t be shy.”

“I wouldn’t dream of being shy with you. Today, I’m determined to eat you out of house and home.”

After ordering, Qiao Jing noticed something. “Youyou, you asked for three portions—are we expecting someone else?”

“Yes.” Lian Youyou returned the menu to the waiter.

Qiao Jing propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her hands, asking with interest, “Is it Professor Lu? Do you know, the whole campus is buzzing that Lian Youyou has won over Professor Lu!”

Just as Lian Youyou was about to respond, she saw someone approaching—a figure wearing a baseball cap and a mask. She immediately stood and waved, “Qing’er, over here!”

“Qing’er? Quan Qing’er?” The moment she heard the name, Qiao Jing’s expression soured. She lowered her voice, “Why did you invite her? Do you realize her persona is ‘Aunt Lian the Second’? She’s riding your popularity for hype—I find her absolutely nauseating!”

Lian Youyou smiled lightly, placing her index finger to her lips to signal Qiao Jing to quiet down.

“Hello,” Quan Qing’er greeted them politely, bowing slightly.

“Don’t be so formal, Qing’er. Please, sit down,” Lian Youyou welcomed her warmly.

Quan Qing’er gave off a fresh and sweet impression to Lian Youyou. Though her face had undergone much cosmetic work, she still exuded a gentle charm, and seemed to lack any scheming nature. Yet Lian Youyou couldn’t be sure if this was all an act—after all, Qu Wuyan had been a master at pretending, too.

“Congratulations, Miss Lian, on securing the spokesperson role for Jianghu Chronicle.”

“What’s there to congratulate? It’s just dumb luck.” Lian Youyou took a big sip of lemon water. “Qing’er, you’re the truly fortunate one, with a wealthy and devoted boyfriend.”

Quan Qing’er eyed Lian Youyou warily. Had Lian Youyou discovered her relationship with Fan Chi?

“Did you invite me for a reason, Miss Lian?”

“Can’t I just invite you for a meal? I simply felt a sense of kinship when I saw you and wanted to be friends. Maybe it’s because you look so much like my mother?”

So she hasn’t figured it out...

“The food’s here, let’s eat, Qing’er.”

At the table, the three girls each wore a different expression, each harboring her own thoughts.

Qiao Jing, straightforward by nature, couldn’t hide her irritation. With every bite, her eyes darted to Quan Qing’er, rolling them before she continued eating.

Quan Qing’er wore a forced smile, inwardly pondering Lian Youyou’s intentions. She was convinced this was a trap.

Meanwhile, Lian Youyou was the happiest of all.

“No wonder this is the best French restaurant in Binhai City,” she said, her eyes sparkling. “It’s the first time I’ve tasted such authentic French cuisine.”

Qiao Jing retorted bluntly, “You’ve never traveled abroad in your life—how would you know what’s authentic?”

Lian Youyou was momentarily at a loss for words.

Finding conversation with Qiao Jing a dead end, Lian Youyou decided to chat with Quan Qing’er instead.

“I really envy you, Qing’er. I’ve had nothing but bad luck.”

“Why do you say that, Miss Lian?”

“My boyfriend is married. Isn’t that unfortunate?” Lian Youyou looked pitiful, almost vulnerable. “I never had a father’s love growing up. I thought he was my true love, but it turns out I was wrong.”