4 PM.
The lobby on the first floor of the Cloud Realm Mall.
Su Qianqian had just stepped out of the elevator from the basement level when a bright pink figure came barreling toward her like a little cannonball, wrapping her in a tight hug.
“Qianqian, you finally made it! I’ve missed you so much!” Qin Yuwei held her close, her voice lively with a hint of playful complaint.
“You’re such a busy woman now, with variety shows and big productions. I didn’t dare to message you casually, afraid of disturbing your work.”
Su Qianqian wobbled slightly in her embrace, unable to help but smile warmly and returned the hug.
Today, Qin Yuwei wore a bright pink one-shoulder crop top paired with ripped denim shorts and limited-edition sneakers, full of youthful energy, looking like a perfectly styled doll.
“That’s not an exaggeration,” Su Qianqian said softly, a little embarrassed. “It’s just that the script was pretty demanding before.”
“Now that filming’s wrapped, I won’t be so busy anymore. You can definitely ask me out.”
“You said that,” Qin Yuwei said as she released her, then affectionately linked arms with Su Qianqian.
“Well then, I won’t hold back. I’ll drag you out to have fun on weekends whenever you’re free.”
Laughing and chatting, they headed toward the reception desk near the entrance.
The receptionist in uniform smiled and bowed politely.
Qin Yuwei pulled out a membership card and handed it over.
The receptionist took it and swiped it gently on the scanner. The system displayed the relevant information.
Her attitude grew more respectful as she handed the card back with both hands.
Qin Yuwei took back the card, winked at Su Qianqian, and linked arms with her as they walked deeper into the mall. Her tone was casual and easygoing.
“This is my mother’s card—no reason not to use it.”
As she spoke, her eyes flicked over to Su Qianqian, who was curiously taking in the mall’s interior. A teasing smile played in her gaze.
Lowering her voice, she added, “And Qianqian, did you know? This Cloud Realm, and even your Yun Ding Apartments, are all high-end projects developed by the Gu family’s real estate company—collectively called ‘Cloud Edge.’”
“Wow, your Young Master Gu really has his fingers in every pie.”
Su Qianqian smiled sheepishly. She knew he was wealthy, with many businesses, but she wasn’t familiar with the details or the different brands.
They continued their stroll.
The mall was spacious inside, with an artistic design that made the well-dressed, refined guests stand out like swans among chickens.
They passed by an internationally renowned swimwear brand’s store.
In the display window, mannequins wore uniquely designed swimsuits made of light, flowing fabric, vibrant yet elegant in color.
Su Qianqian paused, her gaze drawn in, murmuring thoughtfully, “Did I forget to bring a swimsuit?”
Qin Yuwei’s sharp ears caught her muttering immediately.
Her eyes lit up, and she leaned close to Su Qianqian’s ear, her voice teasing and full of excitement, “Hmm? Buying a swimsuit? Planning to show Young Master Gu tonight? Playing with a little spice?”
“Well, well, Qianqian, you’re finally getting the hang of it!”
As she spoke, her eyes gleamed mischievously as she glanced down at Su Qianqian’s round, perky neckline. She smacked her lips and teased, “With a figure like yours, if you pick something a bit sexier, wouldn’t you just drive your guy crazy?”
“Ah! Qin Yuwei!” Su Qianqian’s cheeks instantly flushed a deep red.
Feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, she lightly punched Qin Yuwei’s arm with her tiny fist, her voice sweet and playful, “What nonsense are you talking about? That’s not true at all!”
“It’s because we’re going to Nanzhou Bay for a vacation in a couple of days. For soaking in the hot springs, I’m picking out a proper swimsuit!”
Seeing her so flustered and shy as she hurried to explain, Qin Yuwei burst out laughing.
She quickly grabbed Su Qianqian’s arm just as she was about to turn and run, shaking it gently like a spoiled child, “Oh, come on, Qianqian, I was wrong, I was wrong!”
“It’s my dirty mind—please forgive me~”
She blinked her big eyes and put on a sincere expression, “Since it’s a vacation with hot springs, you have to pick something really nice.”
“Come on, come on, I have great taste. Let me help you find something perfect.”
Without waiting for Su Qianqian, who was still blushing, to protest, she half-pushed, half-led her into a high-end swimwear boutique.
The sales assistant immediately greeted them with a warm smile.
