Chapter 114: A Classic Case of Freeloading

Qiao Xianyi said, “If you like Brother Sui, then just like him. Don’t lie to me about being a fan. Bai Lu, you’re not being honest.”

Bai Lu replied confidently, “Ah Sui is definitely my fan!”

Qiao Xianyi chuckled, “No, it’s obvious you’re just Brother Sui’s groupie. Specifically because of his looks.”

Bai Lu admitted, “Yes, I like Ah Sui’s face. So what? Can you resist his face? Tell me honestly, when you see Ah Sui’s face, don’t you feel your heart flutter? Don’t you want to cheat on your boyfriend?”

Qiao Xianyi shut her eyes tightly. “No, I’m devoted to Actor Lu! I’m devoted to Actor Lu!”

Aunt Li asked, “Jojo, you’re a fan of Actor Lu too?”

Qiao Xianyi responded, “Aunt Li, you are too?”

“Yes!”

“Aunt Li!”

“Jojo!”

The two hit it off instantly, quickly becoming close.

By the time they finished eating and left, Qiao Xianyi and Aunt Li were already calling each other sisters.

Bai Lu thought, This is ridiculous!

It seems fandom really bridges age and status.

During the meal, Bai Lu learned that Aunt Li had no idea who the richest man was, even mistaking that the apartment belonged to Assistant Tang.

Aunt Li also misunderstood that Assistant Tang, the richest man, and Ah Sui were business partners on equal footing.

Not knowing was probably better—knowing would scare her out of her wits.

Bai Lu gently warned Aunt Li, “That Mr. Huo in the wheelchair is said to be in a bad mood because of his illness.”

Aunt Li replied, “Don’t worry, Bai Lu. I just handle cleaning and cooking. I rarely have a chance to interact with the gentlemen.”

Relieved, Bai Lu turned her head—only to find Miss Qiao missing.

She went to room 886 and sure enough, Qiao Xianyi was bent over, gently touching the keypad lock on her front door.

Murmuring to herself, “Every day when Actor Lu goes in and out, he puts his fingers on this keypad… Rounding it off, I’m holding hands with Actor Lu!”

Her gaze and gestures resembled a lover’s tender caress.

Bai Lu shuddered. “Qiao Xianyi, stop doing such perverted things! If Actor Lu finds out, how do you think he’ll see you?”

Qiao Xianyi stroked the keypad with deep affection. “If you don’t say anything, no one will know.”

Bai Lu pointed blankly, “There’s a surveillance camera.”

Qiao Xianyi screamed, covered her face, and bolted.

Bai Lu sighed silently.

She didn’t mind if her father found a new wife.

His happiness was happiness too.

If he found someone he liked, she would fully support his remarriage.

But under no circumstances could it be someone as twisted as Qiao Xianyi!

Bai Lu resolved quietly: She would guard her father’s love and make sure she vetted it properly.

※※

Climbing into Miss Qiao’s flashy pink Ferrari, they sped away, leaving the city farther behind.

The pink Ferrari hit the highway and showed no sign of exiting anytime soon.

Bai Lu finally couldn’t hold it in and asked, “Where exactly is your friend’s birthday party? Honestly, my butt is starting to hurt from sitting so long.”

When they got in the car, the sky was still bright.

Now it was growing dark, and they still hadn’t arrived.

Qiao Xianyi retorted, “Isn’t it a bit late to ask now? It’s on a yacht. Just hang in there, we’re almost there.”

A yacht?

That meant they must be leaving the capital.

Bai Lu clenched her teeth, thinking these rich kids could really go all out.

For a birthday party, they traveled so far.

After about ten more minutes, the port came into view.

It was completely dark, but the dock was brightly lit.

Rainbow neon lights spelled out the birthday star’s name.

Looking around, it was all the birthday star’s name.

Luxury cars lined both sides of the road.

Young men and women stepped out, dressed stylishly and carefully groomed.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was Fashion Week.

Bai Lu exclaimed, “Such a big production? I thought it’d be just a casual get-together among you rich kids.”

Qiao Xianyi was a bit stunned, then clicked her tongue irritably. “Damn, she’s showing off again. So obnoxious!”

Both of them wore sportswear—comfortable and casual.

Among these fashionably dressed young people, their hoodies, jeans, and sneakers stood out like a sore thumb.

Bai Lu comforted her, “We’re just here as background extras. You, Miss Qiao, are naturally beautiful. If you dressed up well, you’d steal the birthday star’s thunder! Besides, you at least put on some makeup. I haven’t even washed my hair.”

“I’m not worried about that. Even if I wore a sack, I’d still be a knockout,” Qiao Xianyi said with a sour expression. “If I were alone, it’d be fine. I just don’t like that she’s using my friend to boost her own status.”

Bai Lu suddenly understood. “Who else did you invite?”

Qiao Xianyi scowled. “Brother En, Brother Huan, Brother Jia’er, Xiao Ye, and some other popular artists in the circle.”

“Uh…” Bai Lu covered her face. “Did they all agree to come?”

“Luckily, no.” Qiao Xianyi angrily pounded the steering wheel. “Brother En and Xiao Ye’s group have schedules and can’t make it. Brother Huan is at the rehab center with his mom, so no. The other friends are busy too. Only you and Brother Jia’er came.”

Bai Lu was speechless. “So you just invited people from our variety show to freeload?”

Qiao Xianyi felt guilty and sheepish. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”

“Forget it. You’re a victim too, so I won’t hold it against you this time. But your friend is really out of line—using your star connections to boost herself. You should cut ties early.”

Bai Lu said this because she considered Qiao Xianyi a friend.

Qiao Xianyi was even more annoyed. “I can’t cut her off. Her dad is an old business friend of mine.”

Bai Lu swallowed the words, “Since we’re here, let’s just enjoy the meal. Luckily it’s just me and Brother Jia’er, or you’d be begging for forgiveness.”

Celebrities are human too; attending a friend’s birthday party is nothing unusual.

The problem is, everything should be arranged clearly in advance.

They thought it’d be a private gathering among friends, but it turned into such a grand affair with so many strangers.

It’s really troublesome.

If any photos got leaked and went viral, it’d be hard to explain to the manager.

Marketing accounts are experts at spinning stories from just one picture.

Besides, stars usually have appearance fees.

This was pure freeloading!

Completely shameless.

Qiao Xianyi relaxed. “If Lai Jian scolds you, just blame it all on me.”

Bai Lu said, “That’s already the case!”