Chapter 15: Fan Shengmei's Number One Simp Makes His Entrance

Qin Hao rebuked her sternly, "I didn't expect you to be so incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. You're 23 this year; you're not a child anymore. You can't face society based solely on your own likes and dislikes. Sister Fan, Guan Guan, Andy—they are just neighbors living with you. They could have easily told you what was happening and then stepped aside to watch the drama unfold."

"Adult society is full of deception and schemes. Are there not enough cases of best friends stealing each other's boyfriends? Why should everyone treat you with extreme care? Not stabbing you in the back is already an act of kindness."

"You are lucky for a lifetime to have friends like Guan Guan who truly have your best interests at heart, yet you actually take your anger out on them because of some scumbag. I don't oppose you dating because I believe you are an adult capable of facing society independently. Looking at you now, it seems your parents and I have spoiled you too much over the years. You still haven't even been weaned!"

"You... have disappointed me greatly."

Qiu Yingying's eyes instantly reddened, and she suddenly burst into loud wails. Guan Ju'er felt a pang of pity and was about to comfort her, but Qiu Yingying suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Guan Guan, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have blamed you. I even said we were best friends, but I didn't believe a word you said. I believed everything that scumbag said. I'm just a huge idiot."

Guan Ju'er held Qiu Yingying, repeatedly patting her back to comfort her, her own tears flowing uncontrollably.

"It's okay, Yingying. We are best friends, after all."

The two held each other and cried for a long while. Once they had vented their emotions, Qin Hao finally handed them tissues.

Taking the tissues, Qiu Yingying asked Qin Hao in a low voice, "Brother, is Manager Bai really a scumbag? He was clearly so good to me; he even shielded me in the corner when we were squeezed on the subway..."

Qin Hao rolled his eyes inwardly, but on the surface, he said, "I can't be certain of that, but I've already had people looking into his background. I believe there will be results soon."

"Brother, but I still can't help but think about him. What should I do? I still feel heartache for him. Am I too stupid?" Qiu Yingying couldn't help but burst into tears again.

Qin Hao comforted her softly, "First loves leave a deep impression on people's hearts; that's normal. It's the same for everyone. It's okay. Time is the best healer. What you need to do now is learn to think rationally and learn from your experiences. You will meet a better boy in the future."

"Really? But I'm afraid. What if I encounter another scumbag?" Qiu Yingying sniffled.

"That's why you need to keep your eyes peeled. Think more before making decisions. Your brain was given to you to think, not to serve as a decoration, understood?" Qin Hao poked Qiu Yingying's forehead with a sense of frustration, as he hadn't even received a reminder about the mission. It seemed the lesson today wasn't enough for her.

"Oh," Qiu Yingying stuck out her tongue.

Guan Ju'er was still thinking about what Qin Hao had said regarding first loves, her expression somewhat somber. At school, she was a perfect model student who had never been in a relationship. While she sympathized with Qiu Yingying for being deceived by a man, she also felt a hint of envy. At least Qiu Yingying had truly loved someone; what kind of experience was that?

Subconsciously, Guan Ju'er looked toward Qin Hao, and just as her gaze met his, her heart began to flutter like a startled deer.

"It's getting late, you must all be hungry, right? Come to my place. I'll cook for you. Once you're full and satisfied, you'll forget all the unpleasant things."

"Mhm, I'm going to eat a lot to turn my grief and anger into appetite."

On the other side, Fan Shengmei was attending a training course. She was listening very intently. Over the past few days, she had gradually learned about the income of streamers; as long as a streamer signed a formal contract, they wouldn't earn less than thirty thousand.

Fan Shengmei had been very capable when she established herself as an HR professional in a foreign company. The reason she had become a "seasoned office veteran" was simply because she saw no hope for promotion, which was a common issue in foreign firms.

Now that Qin Hao had given her the chance to change her destiny through hard work, she was naturally exceptionally diligent. If she could buy a house in Shanghai through her own efforts, why would she waste her time on unreliable men?

During a break in class, Fan Shengmei suddenly received a phone call.

The call was from Wang Baichuan. Fan Shengmei remembered him; he had pursued her during their university days. At the time, she was proud and somewhat looked down upon the plain-looking Wang Baichuan, and they had had no contact since. She hadn't expected to receive a call from him so suddenly.

When she learned that Wang Baichuan was coming to Shanghai on business and wanted to invite her to dinner, Fan Shengmei didn't take it too seriously. Her sole focus now was to pass the training as quickly as possible and start earning money.

However, since they were old classmates, after some thought, Fan Shengmei agreed, and the two made an appointment to have dinner that evening.

At 6:15 PM, Fan Shengmei came out of her company and was looking around when she saw Wang Baichuan waving at her from in front of a BMW 3 Series. Fan Shengmei sized him up; he hadn't changed much, though he had lost the youthful innocence of his university days.

"Oh, Wang Baichuan, you're doing quite well. You're even driving a BMW now."

Wang Baichuan smiled and opened the passenger door, "Hi, it's just an entry-level BMW for getting around."

"It's still a BMW," Fan Shengmei laughed.

Wang Baichuan's expression was somewhat unnatural. He had rented this car. While renting a car for business was normal, he couldn't bring himself to tell his goddess that the car wasn't his.

During the drive, the two gradually regained the familiar feeling of their university days, and the conversation became increasingly smooth. Of course, this was mainly because Wang Baichuan was a smooth talker, continuing to treat Fan Shengmei like a high-and-mighty princess.

When they arrived at a high-end Western restaurant, Fan Shengmei hesitated slightly as she got out of the car.

"Since we're old friends meeting up, there's no need for such formality. Shall we change locations?"

But Wang Baichuan insisted, "Xiaomei, I've already made the reservation, and the prices here aren't too expensive; I can afford it."

"Besides, I feel you deserve the best."

This sentence hit Fan Shengmei right in the heart.

That evening, as Wang Baichuan drove Fan Shengmei home, she impulsively told him that she had bought a house in Shanghai. Naturally, Wang Baichuan showered her with praise, leaving her feeling elated.

This scene happened to be seen by Qin Hao as he went out to take out the trash.

[Ding! Mission updated. Wang Baichuan's wish: Wang Baichuan hopes to be with Fan Shengmei and live a happy life. Mission completion reward: 6 Luck Points.]

Qin Hao shook his head inwardly. In reality, given Wang Baichuan's circumstances, he would be better suited to marry a woman from a similar social background with a simpler family. Unfortunately, he had chosen the "Hell Mode" difficulty that was Fan Shengmei.

However, this mission did not conflict with helping Fan Shengmei escape her family troubles. After thinking it over, Qin Hao accepted it.

(End of Chapter)