Why is the system taking my request to photograph a cosplayer seriously?

Chapter 223 Taking a Girl to Show Off

Pema's anger came quickly and subsided just as quickly.

He ran upstairs, played a game of chaotic brawl by himself, and quickly finished adjusting.

"Sister Jiang, do you have any hot tea?"

She went back downstairs as if nothing had happened.

Sister Jiang poked her head out from the kitchen: "Yes, yes, yes, it's freshly made. Shall I pour you a cup?"

"Thank you, Sister Jiang."

Baima sat down at the coffee table, picked up a piece of cut fruit, and put it in her mouth.

Several girls are discussing their plans for National Day.

Zhao Yanxi leaned on the armrest of the sofa, her two long legs dangling up and down.

"Where should we go for fun?"

"How about we go to the beach?"

"I don't really want to go —"

"What about Yunnan? Dali, Lijiang, and places like that have beautiful scenery."

As the group chattered amongst themselves, Ding Heng put down his teacup and looked at Baima.

"How about we go to Baima's hometown?"

Baima paused, then looked up.

Ding Heng continued, "In Tibet, the weather in October is just right, neither too hot nor too cold. Let's all go and see the snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Baima can even be our tour guide."

Bai Ma pouted, "Brother, you're quite the planner."

"What, you're not welcome?"

"No. Welcome, of course you're welcome!"

Bai Ma turned her face away, feeling a sudden sense of relief.

The prince still remembers all the whiny complaints she made in Switzerland two months ago. "However—"

Pema said worriedly, "Tibet has a high altitude and thin air. I'm worried that you might not be able to handle it, sister-in-law."

Wenjing chimed in, "Indeed—especially Sister Man, don't you have some blood vessel problems? You're prone to insufficient blood supply and are more susceptible to altitude sickness."

They usually play five-player squads together, and Lin Man often faints, so everyone knows her well.

"It's nothing serious. The doctor said to just rest and not overexert yourself."

Lin Man picked up her teacup and took a sip: "If it really doesn't work out, I'll just stay home. It's a few days off for National Day, so you guys have a good time."

Wen Shu sat in the corner, not saying much.

She observed Lin Man carefully, her brows furrowing slightly.

Today is the first time she has met Lin Man.

When I entered, I was introduced as "Ding Heng's secretary".

It's normal for a brother-in-law to have a secretary when he owns a company.

But the "secretary" in front of me is just too beautiful!

With her alluring features and captivating charm, the natural grace she exudes in every gesture is simply the embodiment of a vixen.

Moreover, when sitting next to Ding Heng, the two interacted naturally and familiarly, not at all like a superior-subordinate relationship.

Wen Shu felt a sense of unease.

With such a seductive woman by her brother-in-law's side every day, isn't your sister worried?

Moreover, Wenjing had just brought up Lin Man's vascular problem, her tone revealing genuine concern.

This indicates that the two people have a good relationship, or even are quite familiar with each other.

Wen Shu withdrew her gaze and lowered her eyes.

Never mind—she can't interfere in her sister's affairs for now, so she should just focus on her studies.

Afterwards, everyone prepared to leave. Wenjing and Zhao Yanxi rode in one car ahead, while Ding Heng got into Lin Man's car.

Just as Lin Man was about to start the car, Ding Heng raised his hand and pressed it down.

"Help me make a plan at the end of September; I want to go to the capital for a few days first."

"capital?"

"Um."

"Go keep Sister Qing company?"

"Why do you meddle in everything?"

Ding Heng gave a half-smile.

Lin Man blinked and said cutely, "I'm the secretary, of course I have to arrange the boss's schedule."

Ding Heng tilted his head back and closed his eyes: "Longhe's tour will conclude in the capital at the end of September, after which she should rest for a few days."

Lin Man said "Oh," her tone carrying a deeper meaning.

She didn't press further, only obediently replying, "Then I'll take Yan hope and the others to Tibet first, and you can come over after you're done, Boss?"

"You can arrange it."

"clear!"

Lin Man responded and began tapping on her phone.

After a while, she couldn't help but tentatively ask, "Boss, Long He—you're not also your kept woman, are you?"

""

Ding Heng opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her.

Lin Man felt guilty under his gaze and gave an awkward smile.

"After all, Longhe is a big star, so it's understandable that people are curious—boss, you mentioned last time that you wanted to invest in a talent agency, is that related to Longhe?"

"How could you guess that?"

Ding Heng gave a forced smile.

Lin Man's heart tightened, and she quickly shut her mouth.

"You go first, I have something to do."

Ding Heng got out of the car and went back upstairs, without saying another word to Lin Man.

Lin Man slumped back and gently slapped herself.

"Too talkative—"

She sighed, and suddenly imagined Ding Heng coming home that night and giving her a good beating.

Finally, I couldn't help but hum softly.

It doesn't seem so bad.

When Ding Heng returned to the villa, Wen Shu had already gone back to her room to study, while Bai Ma was in the dressing room.

He stopped at the door of the dressing room and heard rustling sounds coming from inside.

Raise your hand and knock on the door.

"Pema?"

"Brother? Come in—"

Ding Heng pushed open the door and went in.

Baima stood in front of the dressing mirror, holding two dresses in her hands, looking at them from left to right, her face full of confusion.

She asked softly, "Brother, is there anything else?"

Ding Heng asked, "Bai Ma, about the trip to Tibet, you—"

After all, he had made the decision on his own without consulting Baima.

"Perfect!"

Baima interrupted Ding Heng, turned around, and held up the two dresses in front of her: "Which one looks better?"

Ding Heng had no choice but to continue the conversation by following Bai Ma's topic.

Why are you changing your clothes?

"I'm going shopping with my roommate today, so I should dress up nicely."

"Going shopping? How are things going with your roommates?"

"It's fine."

Baima put down the clothes and started picking out accessories.

"Really?"

"Brother, you can rest assured. I'm not the same person I used to be. Now I know exactly how to get along with people."

Baima was full of confidence, but Ding Heng was still unsure.

"for example?"

"for example----"

Baima thought for a moment and then began to chant.

"First, be neither humble nor arrogant. Everyone is here to study, and no one is more noble than anyone else."

Second, be natural and easygoing. When chatting, don't always try to show off; listen to what others have to say.

Third, don't deliberately bring up family matters. If people don't ask, I won't talk about it. If they do ask, I'll just gloss over it lightly. There's no need to show off or hide anything.

Fourth, respect other people's lifestyles. What other people like or dislike is none of my business. I won't comment or interfere.

fifth----"

"Okay, okay, okay—"

Ding Heng quickly interrupted, "Where did you read that toxic social media motivational quote?"

Baima opened her phone and handed it over: "Here, this blogger, what she said makes so much sense! I even gifted her a sports car."

Ding Heng covered his face, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Ugh————"

Pema sullenly put away her phone and steered the conversation back to the original topic: "Brother, which one do you think looks better?"

Ding Heng casually pointed: "This one."

Baima glared at him with her hands on her hips: "Brother, can you be serious? You didn't even look carefully just now."

Feeling guilty, Ding Heng simply went in and took the two sets of clothes from her, examining them carefully.

"This one."

"Alright, since you like it, I'll reluctantly wear it for you!"

Baima picked up the skirt and gently pushed Ding Heng out of the room: "Get out quickly, I need to change my clothes."

The door closed, and Ding Heng stood frozen in the corridor, shaking his head helplessly.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

Baima came out.

A floral off-the-shoulder top paired with a white skirt is a simple style. Add a sun hat and a pair of non-prescription glasses for a fresh and cute overall look.

Ding Heng paused for a second.

"What, never seen a beautiful woman before?"

Baima approached Ding Heng, tilted her head and smiled, then tugged at his sleeve: "Brother, will you take me there?"

"It's just a matter of taking a taxi, why do you need me to drive you?"

"Take a taxi? I'm broke right now!"

Bai Ma was self-righteous and Ding Heng was driven to desperation by her.

"I'll leave once I drop you off."

A dozen minutes later, Ding Heng parked his car at the entrance of the mall.

Baima unbuckled her seatbelt, pushed open the door, and got out of the car. After taking a few steps, she turned back, leaned against the car window, and pouted.

"Brother, are you really not coming up with me?"

"I won't accompany you."

Ding Heng replied firmly, "I have things to do back at school."

"What is it?"

"Anyway, something's happened!"

"Ugh—you naughty brother!"

Bai Ma pouted, and then a shout came from behind her.

"Pema! Here!"

Baima turned back.

Her three roommates were waving at her.

Bai Ma Chong and the others waved in response, then turned back to look at Ding Heng pitifully.

"Brother~"

"Alright, alright."

Ding Heng's heart softened under her gaze, and he got out of the car.

"I'll sit with you for a while, just a little while."

"good!"

Baima cheered and took Ding Heng's arm as they walked over.

His roommates came up to him, their eyes all fixed on Ding Heng, then shifting to the Mercedes behind him.

Sun Yao shouted in her loud voice, "Holy crap, Bai Ma, your brother is that handsome?!"

"hey-hey."

Baima, hands on her hips, proudly raised her chin: "I wasn't lying, was I? My brother really does drive a Mercedes!"

Stop showing off your good brother!

Zhou Ling chuckled and replied, glancing at the car again: "This car must cost several hundred thousand, right?"

"almost----"

Ding Heng spoke calmly, not wanting to elaborate.

He also noticed that, in addition to Baima's three roommates, there was a boy present.

Tall and thin, with silver-gray hair, wearing a streetwear hoodie with a large logo and limited-edition sneakers, though they were probably grey market imports.

The gray-haired boy stood next to Sun Yao, his arm around her shoulder, in an intimate manner, suggesting they were probably in a romantic relationship.

The group found a milk tea shop to sit down temporarily.

Baima, holding a cup of milk tea, chattered excitedly with her roommates.

Ding Heng sat next to her, scrolling through his phone listlessly.

He vaguely sensed that the meaning of the people's words regarding him as Baima's "brother" seemed to be different from his own understanding.

Is he a proper "older brother"?

The gray-haired boy, Gu Hao, suddenly took the initiative to greet him.

"Your brother looks quite energetic. Which school does he go to?"

"Hubei University".

"Hubei University? Not bad, not bad."

Gu Hao nodded, then looked out the window at the parking lot, his gaze lingering for a second on Ding Heng's black Mercedes.

"Dude, is that your Mercedes at home?"

"Hmm—I guess it was a loan from an elder."

The car still belongs to Quzhen, so it wouldn't be wrong to say it was borrowed.

Gu Hao didn't feel embarrassed at all, and said to himself, "My dad also plans to give me his used car to drive during college, but I think his BMW is too old-fashioned."

Baima deliberately chimed in, "Brother Hao's family business is quite big, isn't it?"

"Running a car repair shop, not bad!"

Gu Hao crossed his legs and began to talk eloquently.

The conversation veered from auto repair shops to used cars, and then from used cars to how many business owners he knew.

It is said that his cousin's younger brother opened a modification shop in a provincial capital city, specializing in modifying supercars, and the modification fee for a single car can reach six figures.

He said he went to Portugal with someone last month and had a big game there, and he might recommend it to his friends sometime.

Every sentence was illogical, but he spoke vividly, accompanied by gestures and expressions, leaving Baima and her roommates completely bewildered.

Bai Ma listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with "Really?" or "That's amazing!" Each time, she precisely offered a step up in the gaps between Gu Hao's boasting, allowing him to climb to a higher level naturally.

Seeing Baima's earnest and supportive manner, Ding Heng couldn't help but laugh out loud several times.

If this girl were to perform crosstalk, she would definitely be a great comedian.

Before summer vacation, Baima would probably just roll her eyes or bluntly retort, "Your clothes are all fake."

What are you bragging about!

Now she knows what to say in what situation, how to save face for others, and that some people brag simply because they lack a sense of presence, so there's no need to expose them.

Although Gu Hao boasted a lot, the group didn't go to any high-end activities afterward, but instead stormed into the arcade in a grand manner.

Gu Hao was the first to rush to the basketball shooting machine, rolled up his sleeves, and shot three rounds in a row: "See that? See that? Third place! Let me tell you, I was on the school basketball team in high school, and I almost made it into the city's youth training team."

But when he turned around, not many people were there to support him. The crowd had lost interest in listening to his boasting and were doing their own thing.

Ding Heng was dragged by Bai Ma to the corner in front of the claw machine.

"Brother, I want that pony."

Ding Heng inserted a coin and operated the joystick. The mechanical claw wobbled as it descended.

"Again."

"Brother, are you sure you can handle this?!" (The voice then shifts to a seemingly unrelated question:)

Baima stamped her foot anxiously: "Look, they've caught several kids over there already!"

"Why don't you do it?"

Ding Heng handed over the joystick, and Bai Ma rolled up her sleeves, looking focused.

The mechanical claw landed directly above the pony and tightened securely.

The two held their breath.

The little horse wobbled along, and when it was only two centimeters away from the hole, the mechanical claw suddenly released its grip, and the little horse fell in.

"Ah! What a swindler!"

Baima let out a mournful cry, slammed her hands on the glass, and so angry that her hat tilted to one side.

Ding Heng burst out laughing.

"You stinky brat! You're still laughing!"

Baima turned and glared at him: "One more time! The last time!"

Ding Heng tossed in another coin.

This time, he personally took charge, activated his True Sight Eye, and gently flicked the joystick.

"Wow!"

Baima bent down, scooped up the ponies from the retrieval opening, and held them high.

"Brother, you're amazing!"

She held the little horse in her arms, fondling it with affection, and then took out her phone and shoved it in front of Ding Heng.

"Come on, let's take a group photo!"

Ding Heng was pulled down by Bai Ma, and their faces were squeezed into the same frame.

Baima lifted up the pony, rested her head on Ding Heng's shoulder, and made a V sign at the camera.

Click!

Baima nodded in satisfaction and casually set the photo as her screensaver.

After playing until almost nine o'clock, Gu Hao suggested going to eat.

He probably felt embarrassed that no one paid attention to him earlier, so he simply shouted that he would treat everyone to a meal.

He said smugly, "I have connections at the Chujiang Hotel, so I can treat you to a five-star buffet."

Zhou Ling's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Why would I lie to you?

Gu Hao took out his phone and swiped a few times: "It's all set, let's go!"

Upon hearing the words "Chujiang Hotel," Ding Heng raised an eyebrow slightly, a playful smile on his face.

Baima leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "Brother, do you think it's reliable?"

Ding Heng responded softly: "Executive room guests can go to the rooftop buffet restaurant for free, but most executive rooms are occupied by business travelers who usually have social engagements in the evening and don't need this meal."

So some hotel employees would secretly sell the spots to outsiders at a low price, but even six people would cost three or four hundred, which was a huge loss for them!

How did you know?

"I've stayed in hotels for so long, how could I not know?"

Ding Heng heard about this from a colleague while working at a Chinese restaurant during the summer after graduating from high school.

That colleague is daring; he earns an extra two or three thousand yuan a month by selling buffet slots. However, the risks are also high.

If caught, the diners will have to pay the full amount for their meal, which is 1,888 yuan per person, and the relevant employees will most likely be fired as well.

Baima nodded thoughtfully: "Shall we go or not?"

"Go ahead."

Ding Heng smiled and said, "It's a good opportunity to go back and take a look."

The group arrived at the Chujiang Hotel. Gu Hao led them through the lobby with practiced ease, even boasting in the elevator that he knew the hotel manager.

As the elevator reached the top floor, a waiter approached and gestured for Gu Hao to follow him.

The group of people walked in through the side door into the self-service restaurant.

Gu Hao walked at the front, his steps light and his tone smug: "Let me tell you, the buffet at Chujiang Hotel is the best in Xingcheng, especially the seafood, it's incredibly fresh!"

Zhou Ling followed behind, muttering under her breath, "It must be very expensive, right?"

"It's okay, I told you I'd treat you."

Gu Hao waved his hand, exuding boundless pride.

"Brother Hao, you've gone to too much trouble."

"It's nothing, just a small amount of money."

Gu Hao leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.

"Let me tell you, I come to Chujiang Hotel often, and the manager here knows me. Last time my dad came, he stayed here, and I even had dinner with the manager."

Baima sat next to Ding Heng, picked up her water glass, took a sip, and held back her laughter.

Afterwards, everyone took their meals and filled the table.

Just as Bai Ma was about to pick up her chopsticks, Gu Hao reached out to stop her and took out his phone.

"Take a picture first, then post it on WeChat Moments."

Bai Ma was both amused and exasperated. She told Rang Rang to put down his chopsticks and wait for him to finish taking pictures.

Gu Hao continued eating and chatting until a woman in a black suit slowly walked over.

She was in her forties, with short hair, a capable appearance, and a gold name tag pinned to her chest.

She walked to Gu Hao's side and bowed slightly: "Hello, sir, I am the catering manager, my surname is Zhou."

Gu Hao looked up at her, his tone casual: "Is there something you need?"

Manager Zhou's smile remained unchanged: "Could you please show me your room key?"

Gu Hao's expression changed: "What do you mean?"

"Sir, the buffet access for the executive suite is linked to your room key and can only be used by the cardholder."

Manager Zhou spoke gently, but his attitude was firm: "If you are not a guest of this hotel, you will need to pay for tonight's meal according to regulations."

Gu Hao's face flushed red: "My friend gave it to me, and he said it could be used."

"Then please contact your friend."

"I—I—"

Gu Hao quickly took out his phone to call the waiter who had led him in, but was told that the number was not in service.

"I'm sorry, sir."

Manager Zhou shook his head: "That's the hotel's policy, there's nothing I can do about it."

Gu Hao's face turned pale and then flushed, and he was completely speechless.

Sun Yao, standing nearby, became anxious: "Brother Hao, didn't you say you know the manager? Ask him to make an exception for you!"

Baima put down her chopsticks and glanced at Ding Heng.

Ding Heng was slowly peeling shrimp, as if he hadn't heard anything.

Gu Hao raised his voice: "How can your hotel do this? My friend clearly said it was okay!"

Manager Zhou remained polite: "Sir, if you have any questions, you can contact your friend. But you'll need to pay for the meal before the problem is resolved."

"How much?"

"Six people, 1888 each, totaling 11328."

The color drained completely from Gu Hao's face instantly.

11328.

He didn't have a penny to his name.

"You—you're ripping off customers!"

Gu Hao slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his chair tipping back with a loud "bang".

The other guests all turned to look.

Manager Zhou remained unfazed: "Sir, these are our standard prices, as indicated on the menu."

Sun Yao tugged at Gu Hao's sleeve and whispered, "Brother Hao, don't panic, think of something."

Gu Hao's lips trembled, and his mind went blank.

What could he do? He simply couldn't come up with 11328.

Finally, Ding Heng put the shrimp meat into his mouth and spoke softly.

"Manager Zhou."

Manager Zhou turned his head and suddenly widened his eyes.

"Mr. Ding?"

"Manager Zhou, it's been a long time."

Ding Heng said calmly, "I was just having dinner with a friend. Are you mistaken about something?"

As a lord, Ding Heng naturally exerted a powerful influence on the hotel staff.

Manager Zhou was startled and quickly bowed his head: "I'm so sorry, it was our mistake. We're sorry to have bothered you."

"fine."

Ding Heng waved his hand: "You go about your business."

Manager Zhou turned around and heard Ding Heng shout again.

"etc."

Manager Zhou stood rooted to the spot, and when he turned around, his face showed obvious unease.

"Please have the Chinese restaurant prepare a few dishes and send them up."

"Okay, Mr. Ding. Would you like it to be according to your usual tastes and standards?"

"Okay, get me some more drinks."

"Understood. Please wait a moment."

Manager Zhou breathed a sigh of relief and quickly left.

Turning around, everyone except Baima was dumbfounded.

Ding Heng remained expressionless and picked up his chopsticks.

"What are you standing there for? Eat!"

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