Chapter 64: The Struggle Is Everywhere
Ding Shihan noticed the sharp change in Wu Yifan's expression and frowned. "Qian Baoqing? This 'Master Qian' is Qian Baoqing? Is he that powerful in Beitian?"
Wu nodded, his jaw tight.
Ding let out a relieved breath, pressing a hand to her chest. "Thank goodness I got away. I'll be back in Beijing in a few days—his power won't reach me there. But… thank you. Both of you. I don't know what would've happened without your help."
Wu found himself staring at her, transfixed. Even with tear-streaked cheeks and messy hair, she was breathtaking—like a painting come to life. Ye Xiwen, Fu Junyao, Mu Xiaoyao, Liu Wei—all stunning in their own ways, but Ding Shihan had an otherworldly quality, a glow that seemed to light up the taxi.
Ding, catching him staring, blushed. "What are you looking at?" She ducked her head, avoiding his gaze.
Wu snapped out of it, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nothing. You just… look familiar. Like someone I've seen before."
"Really?" Ding's eyes widened, then she laughed nervously. "Must be a doppelgänger. I've never been to Beitian before."
Wu shrugged, dropping it. *Probably just my imagination.*
"Where are you headed?" Ding asked, changing the subject.
"Fude Yuan Hotel. What about you? We can drop you off first."
Ding bit her lip, then smiled. "I don't have anywhere to go yet. Mind if I tag along? I'll figure something out after."
Wu blinked. *Tag along?* They'd just met—was she really that trusting? "If you want. No problem."
The taxi driver, overhearing, rolled his eyes. *Kids these days.* He'd assumed Ding was in trouble, but now she was following a stranger to a hotel? He shook his head, silently judging her—until a thought hit him. *Wait. She does look familiar. Where have I seen her?*
They arrived at Fude Yuan Hotel minutes later. It wasn't the grandest in Beitian, but its sleek glass exterior and polished marble entrance screamed "expensive." A few luxury cars were parked out front, and Liu Wei was leaning against a lamppost, looking impatient—but stunning in tight blue jeans and a white tank top that showed off her toned arms.
"About time!" she said, pushing off the lamppost. "You're two minutes late. I was this close to—" Her words trailed off as she spotted Ding, her eyes widening. "Wait. You're—"
"Han Shishi," Ding said quickly, extending a hand. "From Beijing. Big fan of yours, Ms. Liu."
Liu Wei blinked, confused. "Han Shishi? But you look exactly like—"
"Ding Shihan? I get that a lot!" Ding laughed, too brightly. "I'm here for her concert! But… things went wrong. These men tried to kidnap me. Wu ge saved me."
Liu Wei studied her, skepticism written all over her face. *That's definitely Ding Shihan. What is a A-list celebrity doing here, pretending to be a fan?* But she kept the thought to herself, not wanting to cause a scene. Instead, she looped her arm through Wu's, pressing her body close to his.
"Wu Yifan, you owe me a meal. A *nice* one. This place'll do." She dragged him toward the entrance, ignoring his protests.
Wu stumbled, acutely aware of Liu Wei's curves pressing against his arm. *Does she have no shame?* He glanced at Ding, who was following them, trying not to laugh. "Liu Wei, can you at least *pretend* we're not dating? People are staring."
"Jealous? Don't worry—I won't tell Ye Xiwen." Liu Wei winked, then leaned in, her breath hot against his ear. "Besides, it's fun watching you squirm."
Inside, the restaurant was quiet, with soft jazz playing and white tablecloths that looked starched enough to stand up. A hostess led them to a corner booth, and Liu Wei immediately grabbed the menu, her eyes scanning the prices.
"I'll have the abalone, the shark fin soup, the Wagyu steak… and a bottle of 82-year-old Lafite," she said, closing the menu with a snap.
Wu's eyes bugged out. *That's tens of thousands of yuan!* He patted his pocket, where his meager savings burned a hole. *Did I bring my credit card?*
"Liu Wei, aren't you overdoing it?" he hissed.
"Nope. You kept me waiting a week. This is payback." She smiled sweetly, then turned to Ding. "What about you, Shishi? Order whatever you want. Wu's treating."
Ding hesitated, then ordered a simple salad and a glass of water. "I'm not very hungry."
Liu Wei shrugged, clearly not caring.
As they waited for the food, Wu, seething, inched his foot toward Liu Wei's under the table—and stepped hard.
"Ow! Who did that?!" Liu Wei yelped, jumping.
"Did what?" Wu feigned innocence. "Maybe a mouse? This place is fancy, but you never know."
"You—!" Liu Wei glared, but there was a playful spark in her eyes.
Ding, who'd seen the whole thing, giggled. It was a soft, musical sound that made Wu's irritation fade.
Liu Wei noticed, too, and raised an eyebrow. *Interesting.* She'd thought Ding was just some star-struck fan, but there was something about her—poise, elegance—that didn't fit.
The food arrived, and Liu Wei dug in, ignoring Wu's murderous looks. Ding picked at her salad, stealing glances at Wu, who was silently plotting his revenge.
"So, Shishi," Liu Wei said, between bites, "what do you do in Beijing?"
Ding froze, then smiled. "I'm… a student. Drama school."
"Drama? No wonder you look familiar! You must resemble Ding Shihan. The actress? She's huge in Beijing."
Ding's fork clattered to her plate. "R-really? I get that sometimes."
Wu, sensing her discomfort, changed the subject. "Liu Wei, why'd you drag me here, anyway? It's not just for food."
Liu Wei grinned. "Smart. I need a favor. Remember that alcohol poisoning story? I want to do a follow-up. Expose Qian Baoqing. But I need info—sources, dirt. You're the only one who's gone toe-to-toe with him and lived."
Wu's expression darkened. "It's dangerous. He kills people who cross him."
"Which is why we need to take him down. Think about Fang Bailong. Think about all the others he's hurt." Liu Wei leaned forward, her voice intense. "Help me. For them."
Wu hesitated. He wanted Qian dead, but involving Liu Wei? A journalist? It could backfire, putting her in danger.
Ding spoke up, surprising them both. "I'll help. Whatever I can do."
Wu and Liu Wei stared at her.
Ding met their eyes, her voice steady. "Qian's men tried to hurt me. I want him stopped, too."
Wu sighed. *What have I gotten myself into?*
"Fine," he said, finally. "But we do this carefully. No heroics."
Liu Wei smiled. "Deal."
As they talked, Wu glanced at Ding, who was listening intently, her earlier shyness replaced by a quiet determination. *There's more to her than meets the eye.*
He just didn't know how much more.
Outside, the sun climbed higher, but inside the restaurant, a new plan was taking shape—one that would pit them against Qian Baoqing, a man who'd stop at nothing to win.
The struggle, Wu realized, was everywhere. And this time, they were all in it together.