Page 235

Lu Qing lifted her head, her eyes devoid of tears but startling the beauties around her.

Her gaze seemed to have had its radiance sucked away, leaving only an impenetrable abyss in their depths.

After a moment of silence, Lu Qing shook her head. "It's alright. Why are you all here?"

"We're heading back to the dorms." The girlfriends waited for Lu Qing to get up before urging her to change. As they descended the stairs, they consoled her, "Don't dwell on it too much. That's just how the entertainment industry works. Looking good and singing well aren't enough; it's all about connections."

In reality, why did they all join the Miss Hong Kong competition?

Wasn't it all for a shot at the top three spots?

Yet, at the final stage, they were informed that the top three positions were already predetermined. They were merely pawns, drafted to participate in a performance alongside the pre-selected winners.

Once the act was over, they would each return to their respective lives.

Who could feel at ease with this?

The atmosphere turned awkward. Sensing everyone's discontent, one of the girlfriends attempted to break the tension, forcing a lighthearted tone.

"I've thought about it. If I don't make it, I'll return to Canada and continue my graduate studies," one of the girls shared.

"I'll focus on being an English teacher if I don't get selected," another chimed in.

"What about you, Lucy?" someone asked.

"Me?" Lu Qing paused, forcing a bitter smile. "I... will return to the mainland."

All the contestants had backup plans.

Only she stood at the edge of a precipice with no way back.

"The mainland? I doubt there's a place for you there," a sarcastic remark echoed from ahead.

The group looked up to see three tall and glamorous models blocking the entrance to the changing room. These were the three finalists, handpicked by the insiders.

First, second, and third place winners.

The leading beauty held herself with arrogance. She was President Luo's niece and the reigning Miss Hong Kong, soon to pass her title on.

Ruo Yuan often heard Lu Qing's name, especially when they were compared, which only filled her with disdain.

How far could a country bumpkin like her go in an entertainment industry that relied on capital and connections?

A fleeting moment of glory.

She contemptuously glanced at Lu Qing's worn-out flip-flops, which clashed with the designer bikini she wore.

"Perhaps you should buy a new pair of flip-flops before returning to the mainland," Ruo Yuan scoffed lightly.

"A cockroach from a dark, stinky gutter can never thrive in the sunlight."

After the trio left, the beauties dared to express their concern for Lu Qing.

"Lucy, don't listen to her nonsense. We all know that you would have definitely placed if there wasn't any foul play. In our hearts, you're the champion."

Among them all, Lu Qing was the most diligent. She had spared no effort in striving for a good ranking.

Shaking her head, she covered her hungry stomach and numbly opened the changing room door.

In front of the full-length mirror,

The girl's hand slipped from the bikini strap. The vibrant swimsuit slid down her thigh and pooled at her ankle.

A trail of shimmering tears fell through the air.

She extended her long legs, lifted her hand, and methodically put back on her old, dull clothes.

Holding out the bikini,

Her voice was soft and quivering.

"Return them."

Chapter 82

Early in the morning.

A playful tune drifted out from the bathroom.

Chu Yuening opened the door to find Chu Yi at the sink, wiggling her hips left and right while holding a toothbrush and singing a muffled Japanese song: "Edison was a great man, such common knowledge, da-da-da la-la-la..."

After listening for a while, Chu Yuening finally recognized it as the theme song from "Chibi Maruko-chan."

She knocked on the door frame.

"It's the weekend today. Any plans?"

"Big Sis." Chu Yi turned her head, her eyes crinkling with a toothpaste-filled smile. "I'm planning to go sell mineral water with Classmate Chen Mixin."

"Are you not going to have some fun?"

"No, I'm not going." Chu Yi finished washing up and put on the red string charm beside the mirror. "I can't be late for my date with Xin Xin."

Chu Yi carefully tucked the charm close to her body and skipped out of the bathroom. She suddenly stopped and spun around, her high ponytail twirling in the air.

A bright smile spread across her face as she blew a kiss into the air. "Mwah, big sis is leaving."

Chu Yuening squeezed out some toothpaste and waved. "Bye."

After ten minutes of grooming, she grabbed a pair of chopsticks to quickly twist her long hair up before heading out.

Chu Yuening set up her stall and cycled to Temple Street.

As soon as she arrived at the dessert stall, the deafening disco music could be heard, originating from Chen Haoming's gym.

Zhang Jiande was also at the stall, occasionally chatting with the neighbors.

"Brother De," Chu Yuening greeted him as she parked her stall, then glanced up at the third floor.

All the windows on the third floor were thrown open, and banners with golden characters on red backgrounds hung down from them, reading: Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Gym.

Chen Haoming had decided to hold a grand reopening.

"It's quite lively."

"Ning Ning is here?"

Zhang Jiande's face was also alight with joy. He removed the cigarette from his mouth and followed the line of sight to the third floor. "Being the first gym in Temple Street, it has to be a big event. I even helped Coach Chen by getting someone to carry the sound system up there."

"Brother De is so kind-hearted," Chu Yuening smiled.

"Don't say that, Brother De might get embarrassed," Zhang Jiande chuckled. "I'm not as warm-hearted as you; you can give free fortune-telling without even asking for money."

Chu Yuening knew Zhang Jiande was referring to Lu Qing. She smiled and opened the ice cream box, taking out a rag to wipe the glass cabinet.

"Speaking of which, you predicted that little girl would win the Miss Hong Kong title last time. Tonight, TVB will be broadcasting the live finale to all citizens across the city."

Recalling the two arguing aunties from before, Chu Yuening nodded. "I think today is the final round, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it is today." Just as Zhang Jiande finished speaking, an elderly neighbor chimed in from the side.