Why did the system take my request to take photos with a cosplayer seriously?

Ding Heng couldn't help but sigh a couple of times, but that was all.

Judging from her behavior during the meal, Qu Zhen genuinely likes her father, and there's not much of a conflict of interest between them, which is good.

As for how far the two can go or whether they will grow old together, Ding Heng doesn't care.

Qu Zhen's wealth and businesses have absolutely nothing to do with Ding Heng.

He was just joking; he had no intention of actually asking his "stepmother" for any benefits.

Even though Qu Zhen said she was giving him the Land Rover, firstly, it wouldn't be transferred to his name, and secondly, it wouldn't be convenient to drive it back to Xingcheng.

How many times a year can he actually visit Chengdu?

Ding Heng handed the phone back to Hua Qing: "Thank you for your hard work today, senior."

"It's just a meal, it's fine."

Hua Qing asked calmly, "Will we have to meet again when Uncle Ding and Aunt Qu Zhen return to Xingcheng?"

Ding Heng reassured him, "Don't worry, for a long time to come, you will be my 'girlfriend' going to see them."

Hua Qing gave a soft "oh," as if she had been relieved.

Ding Heng glanced at the time again: "It's still early this afternoon. Senior, would you like to go somewhere else in Rongcheng?"

Hua Qing shook her head: "I don't know."

"Then I'll make the arrangements."

"where?"

"I said I'd do as you say!"

Ding Heng grabbed Hua Qing and pulled her away from the hotel.

At 2 p.m., the two arrived at a theater in Chengdu.

Hua Qing was stunned: "What's this...?"

Ding Heng replied, "The National Opera and Dance Drama Theater's version of 'Li Bai' has a very good reputation. We just happened to catch the last performance during their tour in Chengdu."

How long did it take you to buy the tickets?

"Did you believe me when I told you I just arrived in Chengdu?"

Hua Qing was speechless for a moment, something flickering in her eyes...

After the dance drama, which lasted for more than two hours, ended, the two walked out of the theater, and Ding Heng drove to Wangjianglou Park again.

The autumn sunlight filters through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Wangjiang Tower stands on the banks of the Jinjiang River, with its vermilion railings and green tiles, exuding an antique charm.

"I'm leaving tomorrow, so let me take some proper photos of you today, senior."

Ding Heng, with a camera hanging around his neck, walked ahead and said, "Come on, stand here."

Hua Qing did as instructed and stood under an ancient tree.

Ding Heng raised his camera and pressed the shutter a few times.

"Over there, a little closer to the railing."

Hua Qing walked to the railing, with the Jinjiang River flowing gently behind her.

The shutter continued to click.

"A little bit to the left...yes, at this angle...lift your head up a little...okay."

Hua Qing obediently followed Ding Heng's instructions, but felt something was off.

As a well-known and talented dancer, she has taken countless promotional photos, performance photos, and artistic photos.

When the camera is pointed at her, she knows what expression to make, what pose to strike, and what kind of temperament to exude.

But for some reason, Ding Heng gave her a different feeling today.

Just as Qu Zhen described at the dinner party, under Ding Wenjie's lens—she is different!

At 10 p.m., the two returned to the hotel.

After taking a shower, Hua Qing changed into her pajamas and sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

The city of Chengdu outside the window was brightly lit, and her mind replayed everything that had happened that day.

The dance drama "Li Bai".

The bamboo grove and river breeze in Wangjianglou Park.

The sound of each camera shutter.

That rough, powerful hand.

"For a long time to come, you will be my 'girlfriend' going to meet them."

As his girlfriend...

Suddenly, a terrible thought rushed into Hua Qing's mind.

Could it be that I... have really fallen for Ding Heng?

Hua Qing shook her head violently, trying to shake the thought off.

No, no, no, how could that be?

He's a scumbag, a pervert, a bad guy who threatened her, coerced her, and toyed with her.

How could I possibly like someone like that?

Even if there's a slight attraction, it's still... it's still Sherlock Holmes syndrome!

Correct!

It's the Holmes syndrome!

She had simply become dependent on him after being threatened for so long.

It's not that I really like it.

Absolutely not!

"Ding-dong-"

The doorbell rang suddenly, interrupting Hua Qing's thoughts.

"Hua Qing, it's me."

Ding Heng's voice came from outside the door: "I ordered some late-night takeout, want to eat with me?"

Hua Qing was stunned for a moment, then stood up to open the door.

The door opened, and Ding Heng stood in the doorway carrying several bags, smiling broadly.

Hua Qing stepped aside to let him in.

"Just finished showering?"

Ding Heng glanced at her; the girl's hair was still wet, with water droplets dripping down the ends.

Hua Qing nodded and picked up a towel to dry her hair.

Ding Heng opened the bag and took things out one by one.

Bo Bo Chicken, Bingfen (a type of jelly dessert), Brown Sugar Rice Cake, and about ten skewers of barbecue.

Ding Heng sat down leisurely: "Come, sit down and eat."

Hua Qing shook her head: "Didn't I tell you I need to control my weight..."

"Alright, alright, don't be too hard on yourself today. It's rare for you to indulge yourself, so just consider it keeping me company."

Ding Heng picked up a piece of glutinous rice cake and held it to Hua Qing's lips: "As the old saying goes, being able to eat is a blessing. Look at Bai Ma, she wants to eat but can't."

Hua Qing hesitated for two seconds, then opened her mouth and took a bite, chewing gently.

Sweet, soft, and chewy, it brings a satisfying feeling.

Ding Heng handed over another skewer of Sichuan-style boiled chicken: "Try this, it's mildly spicy, it should be fine."

"it is good."

Hua Qing, having gone this far, simply sat down and began to eat to her heart's content.

Although her past habits prevented her from eating much—a few skewers of meat, a few bites of glutinous rice cake, and half a bowl of ice jelly were enough to fill her up.

But that feeling... was very relaxing.

Ding Heng devoured the rest of the food, chatting with her about this and that as he ate.

Time flies.

It's almost midnight.

Hua Qing started to feel sleepy, rubbed her eyes, stood up, and went to the bathroom to rinse her mouth.

She had just picked up her toothbrush and squeezed on the toothpaste when the bathroom door was pushed open.

Ding Heng walked in, picked up another toothbrush, squeezed toothpaste onto it, and stood beside her.

The two stood side by side in front of the sink, brushing their teeth in front of the mirror.

With her toothbrush in her mouth, Hua Qing asked indistinctly, "Aren't you...aren't you going back to your room?"

Ding Heng rinsed her mouth, spat out the foam, and said matter-of-factly, "What, can't my boyfriend stay?"

Hua Qing stammered incoherently, "But...but..."

"rest assured."

Ding Heng wiped the toothpaste foam from the corner of his mouth, his eyes softening: "Tonight I'll just hold you while we sleep, I won't do anything else."

Hua Qing looked at him in the mirror, then at herself, and finally gave a soft reply.

"Oh……"

After washing up, the two lay down on the bed.

Hua Qing lay stiffly on one side of the bed, her back to Ding Heng, her body taut like a string.