The look in his eyes was one of scrutiny and wariness.
For the first time, Mingyue noticed how calm Cheng Qing's gaze was when he looked at her.
This made Mingyue realize, far more clearly than infatuation or resentment, that Cheng Qing seemed to truly no longer care about her.
But I don't believe it.
***
Seeing Zhao Baibing approach, Cheng Qing composed herself and asked with a smile, "Sister Bai, are you trying to steal our team's thunder?"
Zhao Baibing smiled and said, "No, no, I just came here to rest for a bit."
Cheng Qing didn't say whether she believed it or not, but only told Luo Xi and Mu Xue to stand further away: "It's not that I don't believe Sister Bai, it's just that these points are related to the quality of life for the next week, so it's always better to be careful."
Zhao Baibing wasn't unhappy. On her way here, she had seen people discussing how to deal with Cheng Qing, and the two teams had formed an alliance.
Before they even set off, they turned against each other, betraying one another and fighting amongst themselves.
Therefore, there's no doubt that Cheng Qing is wary.
Mingyue, on the other hand, frowned slightly, as if she had made up her mind, and took a step forward: "How about we consider forming an alliance?"
Seeing Mingyue approaching, Luo Xi couldn't help but step forward to block Cheng Qing: "We can't form an alliance."
Mingyue looked at Luo Xi and asked, "Why?"
Losi spoke frankly: "Your fighting strength is too weak. It's not worth it for you to ally with us."
That one sentence left Mingyue speechless.
Mingyue, who was being pursued closely, turned pale and then flushed.
[Hahaha, Losi's comment is so blunt!]
Look at how aggrieved Mingyue looks.
Who would have thought she would give such a direct reason?
Zhao Baibing, watching from the other side, saw Luo Xi bouncing around in front of Cheng Qing and her eyes darkened—now's the time!
If Cheng Qing has any weakness, it's only Luo Xi! Zhao Baibing believes that taking down Luo Xi means taking down Cheng Qing.
With that thought in mind, she charged forward first.
Cheng Qing had been observing, and when she saw Zhao Baibing coming over, she naturally reached out and wrapped her arms around Luo Xi's waist, pulling her into her embrace and turning around to hug her to the other side.
Losi was completely dazed throughout the entire process. Before she could even react, she felt the strong hand on her waist withdraw. It had brushed against her side, sending a jolt of electricity through her.
Zhao Baibing, who was ahead of Cheng Qing, failed to succeed and immediately retreated to a safe position, still able to laugh and tease, "I've heard that you're particularly agile, but today I've truly witnessed it."
After moving Losi behind him, Cheng Qing stood in front of him again, and Zhao Baibing dared not try to get past him easily.
Hearing Zhao Baibing's words, Cheng Qing smiled slightly: "That's a compliment. Everyone has their own strengths. I'm just a bit more athletic."
Zhao Baibing immediately smiled and said, "You're being too modest! It's more than just a little bit!"
Mingyue frowned as she listened to their conversation. Cheng Qing used to be someone who didn't like sports at all. However, it was clear, both on the show and now, that Cheng Qing actually had a very good athletic ability.
After Zhao Baibing finished speaking, Cheng Qing laughed and said, "It's just a little bit."
"Don't be modest, Teacher Cheng, your fighting skills are off the charts! I heard that you took down Liu Yonghe in 10 seconds! Now, look at those male guests, which one dares to come over?" Zhao Baibing said, while looking for a breakthrough.
Upon hearing her words, Cheng Qing was not arrogant, but said, "That's not how it works. They really didn't come. Isn't it Sister Bai who came?"
Zhao Baibing paused, then thought: That makes sense! Those stronger than me don't dare to provoke this guy, so why should I rush to challenge Cheng Qing?
Sigh, it's all Losi's fault. The moment Losi appeared, she looked so easy to bully, making people want to attack her.
There's a rabbit and a wolf. If you want to catch the rabbit, you have to defeat the wolf first.
Zhao Baibing glanced at the gentle and polite Cheng Qing, then at Luo Xi, the rabbit, who was baring her teeth and claws behind her, and silently swallowed her anger.
"How about we have a one-on-one match?" Mingyue's gentle voice suddenly interrupted.
Cheng Qing smiled and shook her head, refusing.
Zhao Baibing laughed, "Even old classmates say such things, and you're not even giving them any face?"
Cheng Qing asked with a smile, "Comparing won't do me any good!"
That's true. This place was originally occupied by Cheng Qing. If we lose, we lose. If we win, there's no benefit to it either!
Mingyue chuckled, then looked at Luo Xi: "You don't dare?"
Cheng Qing was taken aback, immediately realizing this was a provocation. And Luo Xi, in particular, was extremely sensitive to provocation. Not to mention, even if others' words could make Luo Xi refrain from retaliating, Ming Yue's words would definitely have a different effect on her.
When rivals meet, their eyes blaze with hatred.
Sure enough, before Cheng Qing could turn around to stop Luo Xi, Luo Xi roared, "You think I'm afraid of you? What a joke!"
Mingyue smiled slightly: "Shall we bet?"
Luo Xi chuckled and was about to agree when she saw Cheng Qing frown and gently shake his head.
Losi took a completely different approach, her tongue practically cramping, before finally replying, "...Dream on."
【Amazing! Amazing!】
Indeed, it's impressive that they knew to hold back!
[Teacher Cheng didn't say anything, yet he understood? Are they an old married couple or something?]
Mingyue: "..."
Author's Note:
I'm so sleepy, I can't keep going, I'm going to sleep now _(:з」∠)_
Goodnight, everyone! Get some rest too!
Chapter 103
Mingyue spoke these words with the intention of provoking Luo Xi, despite being an insignificant person.
Despite having little status, he still said such unpleasant things, so he was naturally prepared for it.
She wanted to fight Losi, win or lose.
If she really had to give a reason, it would probably be that she was unwilling to accept it! She was unwilling to be neglected by Cheng Qing, and she was also unwilling to have Luo Xi replace her in Cheng Qing's heart.
Before participating in the show, she watched all the previous episodes of "Best Partners". From them, she realized two things.
One thing is that Losi is very easily provoked, sensitive, and suspicious.
Secondly, Cheng Qing is very gentle. Being with Cheng Qing means receiving all her gentleness, care, and pampering.
Losi and Cheng Qing haven't officially confirmed their relationship yet, but Cheng Qing has already accepted all her flaws, and his doting affection has made Losi a better person.
Cheng Qing in this state could even overshadow Luo Xi's brilliance.
While watching the show, Mingyue wondered if she would have gotten a Cheng Qing like that if she had agreed to Cheng Qing's request back then.
If one can receive such favor, it seems that even if one's career is unsuccessful... it doesn't matter.
However, when she rejected Cheng Qing, she knew that Cheng Qing was good to her and that he would dote on her in everything after they got together.
But she never looked back at Cheng Qing behind her because true love born of poverty... is cheap!
Even now, Mingyue sees this view of love as the truth. However, after same-sex marriage was legalized, Mingyue found a successful girlfriend, only to be cheated on by her.
Expensive love is often difficult to protect.
This outcome led her to give up her current job and enter the entertainment industry.
She'd made a complete mess of her life, and while she'd occasionally think of Cheng Qing, she'd never considered going back to her. Even if she was doing poorly, she was still better off than Cheng Qing selling goods on the street!
Mingyue has only been in the entertainment industry for two short years. Considering her age, she was already considered old when she entered the industry.
Therefore, it is extremely difficult to stand out.
To put it bluntly, Mingyue was older when she entered the entertainment industry than Luoxi is now.
However, in terms of seniority, he is far inferior to Losi. Not to mention, their status in the industry is worlds apart.
Such a stark contrast and such a huge gap would be unbearable for anyone.
Besides, Mingyue is a person with extremely strong self-esteem. Because she looks down on Cheng Qing's honesty and integrity, what does it matter if they are truly in love? She disdains them.
But now, Cheng Qing has entered the circle that she could never climb into, and is doing very well. The genuine feelings that she once disliked and was impatient with, Cheng Qing has given to another actress.
Mingyue suddenly felt unbalanced.
It was both a matter of self-respect and a sense of unwillingness to accept defeat. Mingyue didn't want to lose, and even if she did lose, she didn't want to lose so badly.
Therefore, she wants to compete.
Regardless of winning or losing, she wanted Cheng Qing to know that she, Ming Yue, was not inferior to Luo Xi.
Having pieced together her shattered emotions, Mingyue looked at Luo Xi and offered a hook: "I have a photo of Cheng Qing when she was 18. Do you want it?"
The air seemed to freeze, and sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, dappling everyone's bodies.
A gentle breeze caressed their faces, ruffling their hair and skirts. Amid the rustling of the leaves, Losi blinked, a sudden pang of sadness gripping her heart.
She knew this was a past she and Cheng Qing could never make up for. Cheng Qing and Ming Yue's past was something Luo Xi could never be a part of.
"How about this as a reward?" Mingyue's bright eyes curved slightly, as if filled with a clear spring. She believed that Luo Xi would accept it.
Cheng Qing: "..." Are you kidding me? Does this look like a reward to me?
Losi accepted the challenge expressionlessly: "Fine!"
Cheng Qing: "..." This is... capricious.
Zhao Baibing: "...Oh, weaknesses are mutual, I understand."
Wow! It's starting! It's starting! I'm so excited!
[Teacher Cheng, you're such a femme fatale! Look at the mess you've made!]
[Aaaaaaah, our princess is working so hard, it's rare for her, we have to win!]
[I also want to see photos of Teacher Cheng when he was 18 years old; he must have looked so young!]