It wаs likеlу bеcausе thе рrеsеnce of thе twо gentlemеn was so оvеrwhеlming thаt if Lu Lin hаdn’t еmerged frоm behind their horses, Wu Mangmаng рrobаbly wоuldn’t hаvе nоticеd hеr.
"Маngmаng, yоu’re here tоо? Hоw wonderful!" Lu Lin warmlу opеned her аrms аnd саmе fоrwаrd, embraсing Wu Мangmаng аnd еxсhanging сhеek kisses.
"Juliа," Wu Мangmаng respondеd politelу уеt warmlу.
Perhaрs bесausе shе hаd еnсоunterеd tоo mаny sсheming womеn todау, Wu Мangmаng fеlt dееply gratеful for such kindness at this momеnt. So even thоugh Lu Lin had takеn a slight аdvаntagе under the guise of etiquette, she found it tolerable.
"You smell so nice," Lu Lin couldn’t help but compliment.
"Thank you," Wu Mangmang replied, feeling a bit unnerved by Lu Lin’s words.
In relationships between the sexes, the attraction of scent is actually no less important than appearance, though it is often easily overlooked.
Sometimes, just a fleeting scent from someone can make your heart skip a beat.
This is also one of the main reasons why perfume is so widely favored.
But in reality, body odor plays a more significant role in explaining the chemistry of love.
Human body odor is usually not considered pleasant, yet it holds enough sexual allure.
Much like durian—those who dislike it find the smell nauseating.
While those who like it may not necessarily describe the scent as fragrant, the mere whiff of it can make their mouths water and stir their appetite.
The reason Wu Mangmang felt unnerved was that she suspected Lu Lin might have developed an "appetite" for her.
Wu Mangmang had no prejudice against lesbians, but being pursued by one could indeed be troubling, as the other party might use the guise of "we’re both women, I just want to be sisters" as a public relations tactic.
At this moment, Lu Lin was using topics like perfume and essential oils to draw them closer.
It only dawned on Wu Mangmang later that Lu Qingqing had also once asked her about the perfume she used.
As Wu Mangmang and Lu Lin walked side by side, Lu Qingqing, who was behind them, paused for a moment before quickly catching up, unwilling to be left out. She positioned herself on the other side of Wu Mangmang, flanking her with Lu Lin.
Behind the three women, Lu Sui, Shen Ting, and Ning Zheng exchanged glances.
Ning Zheng couldn’t help but question Lu Sui sharply from behind, "I was the one who brought her here. Is it really appropriate for your sister to act like this?"
Lu Sui couldn’t be bothered to respond to Ning Zheng and rode off on his horse.
Shen Ting, on the other hand, gave Ning Zheng a few more glances before also riding away.
Ning Zheng, who had arrived the latest and hadn’t yet chosen a horse, naturally had to walk.
In the afternoon, the sun was scorching, and the socialites naturally couldn’t bear the sunlight. After their horseback stroll, they all returned to the villa. Inside, there were various services such as spa treatments, beauty care, hairstyling, and manicures, all performed by top-tier technicians. Spending a weekend here was truly a great indulgence.
Wu Mangmang, Lu Lin, and Lu Qingqing were enjoying manicures together. Wu Mangmang curiously looked around—the villa was elegant and filled with artistic flair, with priceless oil paintings hanging on the walls. Lu Lin introduced to Wu Mangmang that the villa’s library collection was even more extensive.
However, the most precious rare editions from the Song and Yuan dynasties were kept in Lu Sui’s island villa.
Wu Mangmang had actually already realized that this villa was likely just a place for Lu Sui to entertain guests. After all, for a businessman, networking was always a top priority.
Upon hearing Lu Lin’s words, Lu Qingqing pinched Wu Mangmang’s slender waist hard. "Well, why didn’t you tell me you’ve been to Mystery Island?"Mysterious Island? I’d rather go to Treasure Island!
Wu Mangmang curled her lips. “It’s for work. Besides, no photos are allowed on the island—no pictures, no proof. If I carelessly blurt it out, you women would definitely accuse me of being desperate for fame.”
The online world is that cruel—without pictures, what’s the point of talking?
As she spoke, the door to the lounge was pushed open, and a woman on the phone walked in. As she passed Wu Mangmang’s manicure chair, she happened to hang up. Glancing down, her eyes unintentionally swept over Wu Mangmang’s feet soaking in the water. She looked up and remarked, “You have nice feet.”
Wu Mangmang smiled and replied, “Thank you.”
The woman then exchanged pleasantries with Lu Lin. Lu Qingqing turned to pull Wu Mangmang aside, whispering excitedly, “It’s Mrs. Liu!”
“Her?! Oh yes, I’ve seen her on Weibo—it’s definitely her.” Wu Mangmang remembered now.
Mrs. Liu was a well-known socialite in the city—capable and career-driven. Her husband was a film tycoon, and about one-third of the movies released in major theaters each year were produced or co-produced by his company. Mrs. Liu herself ran a talent agency, having launched the careers of the three reigning divas in the industry.
“If she took an interest and signed you, you’d definitely become a huge star,” Lu Qingqing said with longing. Every young girl dreams of being a star at some point.
Lu Qingqing’s dream clearly hadn’t faded yet.
Wu Mangmang, however, wasn’t particularly interested. Turning a hobby into a career carried great risks—you might end up losing your passion for it altogether.
After their manicures and pedicures were done, Lu Qingqing insisted on dragging Wu Mangmang over to strike up a conversation.
“Mrs. Liu, your nails are so beautiful—long and slender, just like fake nails,” Lu Qingqing flattered.
How could Mrs. Liu, Du Yijun, not see through Lu Qingqing’s intentions? She exchanged a few perfunctory words with her.
The topic soon shifted to lavish praise for Du Yijun’s company, hailed as the ultimate dream factory for creating stars.
“If Qingqing is interested, you can leave your number with my assistant. If a suitable role comes up, we can notify you for an audition,” Du Yijun said.
“Actually, Mangmang’s image is also perfect for the screen, isn’t it?” Lu Lin chimed in, addressing Du Yijun.
Du Yijun carefully examined the person Lu Lin was recommending and nodded with a smile. “A small face and a great figure—born to be a star.”
Though Lu Lin had only spoken a single sentence, someone as sharp as Du Yijun could easily read between the lines. Lu Lin wasn’t one to speak lightly.
Wu Mangmang, suddenly singled out, felt genuinely flattered.
She had rarely played the part of a quiet, refined lady, yet she was still noticed. Expressing her thanks, she accepted Du Yijun’s business card with both hands, appearing deeply grateful.
The two young girls, having “gotten what they wished for,” retreated to the side, overjoyed.
Only then did Du Yijun glance at Lu Lin with a knowing smile. “That girl doesn’t seem like your type.”
Lu Lin smiled without responding. She knew Wu Mangmang wasn’t her type, but who was born with a certain inclination?
Strong winds can bend even the straightest trees.
Lu Lin wasn’t worried about how straight Wu Mangmang was now—she was only concerned that Wu Mangmang might have no desires at all.
While Lu Qingqing was eager to experience the thrill of stardom, Wu Mangmang simply wanted to hide her peculiar habits. So, as Lu Qingqing continued to flatter Du Yijun, Wu Mangmang went upstairs to take a shower, rested for a while, changed into her riding outfit, and headed back downstairs.
As she reached the elevator, she happened to run into Shen Ting.Wu Mangmang nodded politely. She was still bothered by Shen Ting's gossip behind her back and had no intention of initiating conversation.
The two walked into the elevator one after the other. Shen Ting observed Wu Mangmang's reflection in the smooth elevator wall.
She had an appealing appearance—large, sparkling eyes, a delicate and high-bridged nose, and lips with an exceptionally beautiful shape, plump and glossy like summer cherries. Her skin was fair, with a faint pink glow emanating from beneath, giving her an ethereal aura. Even knowing about her notoriously unrestrained private life, it was hard to feel any dislike toward her.
"Is Xiao Gugong your cousin?"
Shen Ting's voice echoed in the elevator. Wu Mangmang slightly lifted her eyelids to glance at the back of his head and replied with a soft "Mm."
The villa had three floors, and the elevator quickly descended to the first floor. The two stepped out one after the other.
Wu Mangmang thought they would part ways here, but Shen Ting stopped and turned around. "You'd better stay away from Ning Zheng."
Wu Mangmang didn't speak, instead looking directly into Shen Ting's eyes to gauge his meaning. It was easy to assume he was standing up for Shen Yuanzi.
Shen Ting seemed to sense this misunderstanding and cleared his throat. "He hasn't had his fill of fun yet."
Wu Mangmang hadn't expected Shen Ting to say such a thing to her. Was he showing concern?
She had a slight flaw: when someone showed her even a little kindness, she tended to forget past grievances.
Seeing Shen Ting about to leave, Wu Mangmang quickly caught up and walked beside him. "Ning Zheng and I aren't in the kind of relationship you think."
Shen Ting glanced at her sideways. Wu Mangmang had to admit her statement was vague, so she elaborated, "He is pursuing me, but I haven't agreed yet."
Although Wu Mangmang felt no romantic attraction toward Ning Zheng, conquering a "footloose bird" like him and clipping his "wings of fickleness" was a significant achievement for any woman.
Wu Mangmang couldn't deny she had such mischievous inclinations, just as she couldn't deny that piquing the interest of a restrained man like Lu Sui was another of her mischievous whims.
"I didn't know beforehand that he was Miss Shen's fiancé," Wu Mangmang explained. Who would want to be misunderstood?
"They aren't engaged yet," Shen Ting said.
Wu Mangmang looked at Shen Ting. From his tone, it seemed he didn't want Shen Yuanzi and Ning Zheng to get engaged.
But this was someone else's family matter, and Wu Mangmang couldn't be bothered to interfere.
"So here you are. I've been looking for you everywhere. You've changed clothes already? I was just about to find you for a horseback ride. The sun is almost setting now, so it won't harm you ladies' delicate skin." Ning Zheng walked toward Wu Mangmang and stood beside her, facing Shen Ting.
Ning Zheng couldn't resist flicking Wu Mangmang's ponytail with his finger again.
Wu Mangmang quickly stepped to the right. "What a coincidence—I just made plans with Shen Ting to go horseback riding."
Now she didn't even address him as "Mr. Shen."
Ning Zheng's smile stiffened, his gaze gradually darkening. "Oh, really?"
This remark was directed at Shen Ting.
Good friends should know better than to encroach on each other's romantic interests.
Unfortunately, Ning Zheng's "romantic interest" happened to be Shen Ting's sister.Although Shen Ting was also surprised by Wu Mangmang's lie, he did not expose her at this moment, nodding under Ning Zheng's gaze.
Wu Mangmang finally breathed a sigh of relief—it would have been bad if the truth had come out.
Ning Zheng and Shen Ting stared at each other for a moment, neither willing to back down. In the end, Ning Zheng, feeling somewhat in the wrong, turned his gaze to Wu Mangmang.
Although Ning Zheng very much wanted to explain his relationship with Shen Yuanzi to Wu Mangmang, the details were too complicated. He could only clarify that he did not actually like Shen Yuanzi, but he could not deny that if he were to marry in the future, it would likely be no one other than Shen Yuanzi. With Shen Ting present, Ning Zheng could only maintain his gentlemanly demeanor and say, "Then I wish the two of you a pleasant time."
OpenNovel