C14 A Rich Person Was a Bastard

As expected, Shi Qing was trending again.

"Shi Qing and Lu Sinian divorce, and she's already dating a new young boyfriend! #BreakingNews"

"Shi Qing's new boyfriend suspected to be the famous artist Leon! Spotted heading to a love nest last night! #BreakingNews"

Shi Qing glanced at the series of trending topics about her and Gu Chengxi and couldn't be bothered to care. Let them trend; it only made Soong Wanwan more convinced.

Around noon, Qiao Jing arrived at her place, arms full of shopping bags, her curiosity barely contained.

"Spill it! Was Lu Sinian's face a sight to behold last night? You left him and immediately cozied up to a new guy, huh?" Qiao Jing could practically picture Lu Sinian's displeased expression.

Shi Qing found it odd too. Lu Sinian was never one to meddle, yet last night he seemed a bit confrontational with Gu Chengxi.

"I just don't want Soong Wanwan bothering me anymore. What's it got to do with Lu Sinian?"

Qiao Jing nodded in agreement. "Exactly! He didn't appreciate you when you were married, and even if he does now, we shouldn't lose our dignity!"

With that, she seemed to remember something and pulled a folder from her bag, handing it to Shi Qing.

"A friend of mine is a director. He saw your previous work and wants to know if you're interested in a supporting role in his movie. Here's the script."

Shi Qing took the folder and opened it. The title "Twin Lives" jumped out at her. She skimmed through it, noticing that the second female lead was just a stand-in for the main character. With that, she closed the folder. "Tell your friend I can't take this role."

Qiao Jing hadn't read the script, so she wasn't sure what was going on. Seeing Shi Qing's displeased expression, she quickly glanced over it.

"Qing, I really didn't know it was this kind of script," she said, lowering her head apologetically.

Shi Qing didn't want to act for the time being, and she especially didn't want to play a stand-in. Seeing Qiao Jing's guilty look, she pretended to be annoyed. "Alright, as an apology, I'll give you a chance. Treat me to a meal, and I'll forgive you."

Qiao Jing's face lit up. She knew Shi Qing wouldn't stay mad at her.

---

The two of them headed to "Like Dream," a private dining club Shi Qing had opened years ago. It usually catered to high-profile clients. The manager, seeing her after such a long time, hurried over with a welcoming smile.

Shi Qing glanced around the restaurant. Since it was a members-only place, it wasn't crowded, but many came here not just for the food but to discuss business deals worth millions.

"Director Shi, it's been a while," the manager said, greeting her eagerly.

Indeed, it had been a long time since her last visit. After marrying into the Lu family, her attention had been entirely on Lu Sinian, leaving little time for anything else.

Shi Qing exchanged a few pleasantries with the manager before leading Qiao Jing into a private dining room.

“I thought I was treating you? Why bring me to a restaurant you own?” Qiao Jing poured a cup of tea and handed it to her.

Shi Qing accepted it with a grin. “Of course, you’re still treating me. But I couldn’t pass up the chance to make a little money.”

Qiao Jing chuckled. This one was always so sharp.

After the meal, Shi Qing started feeling drowsy. Lately, she’d been inexplicably tired, even though she was getting plenty of sleep.

Noticing her yawns, Qiao Jing suggested they head home. But as soon as they stepped out of the room, they ran into Lu Xin.

Lu Xin seemed surprised to see Shi Qing there. Remembering the humiliation from their last encounter, she couldn’t resist a jab. “You can still afford to eat here? My brother must have given you a hefty settlement in the divorce.”

Lu Xin’s voice was loud, and she wasn’t alone. Her friends eyed Shi Qing with disdain.

Qiao Jing’s temper flared, and she shot back, “Do you own every restaurant in town? It’s just a meal, no need to act so high and mighty.”

“Oh, isn’t this Shi Qing’s gold-digging friend? What are you doing here, looking for a rich guy?” Lu Xin continued, her friends giggling behind their hands.

Shi Qing had ignored her last time at the Imperial View Garden, but this time, there was no backing down. Over the past three years, Shi Qing had tolerated so much just because she was Lu Sinian's sister. Yet, all it ever got her was more disrespect.