Ji Xiangchen, confident in his handsome looks, demeanor, and social skills, believed he was well-equipped to befriend socialites like Gu Ranran and Ming Xue, hence his invitation to the birthday party.
He adjusted his tuxedo, lifted his wine glass, and with an air of assumed sophistication, stood up and walked towards Qin He.
A girl accompanying Ji Xiangchen called out, "Ji Xiangchen, where are you going?"
His eyes flickered. He put on a serious expression. "Shen Yilin and I are also friends. There are always rumors circulating at school. I want to ask Miss Qin about it and, if possible, ask her to clarify things."
"Ji Xiangchen, you're so brave to go directly ask Miss Qin of the Qin family?" the girl exclaimed, a hint of admiration in her voice. She then cautioned, "Forget it. That's Miss Qin of the Qin family. I heard she's quite imperious. What if you offend her?"
Ji Xiangchen adopted a righteous stance. "We are students of Qing University. Even though we're at this banquet, we shouldn't fear power and wealth. We must have our own opinions and live up to our identities, possessing the caliber and confidence of university students!"
These noble words immediately earned him looks of admiration from the girls.
"Ji Xiangchen really knows so much and is so courageous."
"Actually, I've always felt he should be the campus heartthrob of Qing University. Shen Yilin is like a mute, only possessing a handsome face."
Ji Xiangchen, holding his wine glass, slowly walked towards Qin He, who was seated in a corner.
Qin He was sitting, looking at her phone, chatting. She had just sent a message to Di Shishi.
There were too many people and too much chaos today. She felt uneasy, especially with Ming Xue present. What if something dangerous happened?
Qin He had asked Di Shishi to come help. As soon as she sent the message, she heard a very polite voice by her ear.
"Hello."
Qin He looked up to see a handsome young man. However, his affected maturity and the slight tremor in his wrist as he swirled his wine glass...
She curved her lips. "Hello, who are you?"
"I'm a student at Qing University, Ji Xiangchen," Ji Xiangchen said with a smile, using what he thought was his most gentle voice. "I'm also a friend of Shen Yilin."
"Oh, a friend of Yilin's."
Qin He treated Shen Yilin like a younger brother and thus showed some warmth towards his friends.
Even though she didn't want to be disturbed, she still smiled at Ji Xiangchen. "Please, sit."
Ji Xiangchen sat opposite Qin He with great elegance. Out of politeness, Qin He chatted with him for a few brief moments before returning her attention to her phone.
Ji Xiangchen hesitated for a few seconds before speaking. "Miss Qin, I've heard some gossip at school. I believe this gossip is very detrimental to Yilin's future development. Rumors are just rumors, but their power and impact are immense, and they are the hardest to clarify."
Qin He was a little puzzled. Why was this person telling her this? Was he concerned about Shen Yilin?
"Personally, I treat Shen Yilin as my younger brother. And in a professional capacity, Shen Yilin is currently my assistant. Don't worry about this matter, I will handle it. Thank you for your concern for Yilin."
Ji Xiangchen scoffed inwardly. The way she called him "Yilin" so familiarly, where was the pretense of treating him like a younger brother?
But—
Ji Xiangchen discreetly observed Qin He. From a distance, this Miss Qin had appeared poised and graceful. Up close, her face was stunningly beautiful and exquisite, her star-like eyes seemed to possess a spiritual aura, and her nose was small and perfectly shaped.
His heart began to burn with desire.
He heard that this Miss Qin had been divorced and was now single. If he could outperform Shen Yilin, perhaps he could even become one of Miss Qin's lovers? And if he advanced further, maybe he could even become a son-in-law to the Qin family!
The Qin family! In Qingcheng, they were a prestigious clan of equal standing to the Gu family! If this were to happen, it wouldn't just be saving him decades of struggle. The pinnacle he could achieve after lifetimes of effort wouldn't even compare to a fraction of the wealth the Qin family could let slip through their fingers!
Ji Xiangchen smiled. "Miss Qin, actually, Shen Yilin and I are studying the same major. We're about to graduate soon and I've been considering where to intern. I wonder if your live-streaming studio needs any talent in photography?"
Qin He's eyelids twitched. She looked up at him.
Ji Xiangchen's lips curved into a smile. He reached up and swept a strand of hair from his forehead.
Qin He's eyes cleared. A hint of mockery flickered in her heart. She now roughly understood the intentions of this young man approaching her.
She lowered her gaze, appearing indifferent. "I only stream occasionally; it's a hobby, not really a studio. One photographer is enough."
Ji Xiangchen gritted his teeth and smiled. "Then why don't Shen Yilin and I compete? Miss Qin, perhaps you could consider us based on whose photography skills are more impressive?"
Qin He tapped on her phone, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Are there different levels of photography skills? The short videos Yilin shot for me, I found them very satisfactory. Both the composition and lighting were handled exceptionally well."
Ji Xiangchen felt that if he didn't make himself clearer, this Miss Qin might not understand his subtle hints. He leaned closer to Qin He, his voice laced with ambiguity. "Photography requires a certain amount of physical strength. If we were to shoot outdoors, one would have to carry a lot of equipment—" He then lowered his voice, adding with a husky, breathy tone, using what he believed was his most seductive voice, "My stamina is excellent, Miss Qin. You could test it out—"
Qin He released her phone and let out a laugh. "Are you really Shen Yilin's good friend? What kind of good friend tries to steal their brother's job?"
"Friends are friends. As for work, naturally, it goes to the most capable," Ji Xiangchen said suggestively.
Qin He nodded. "Alright. Since you want to compete with Shen Yilin for the position, shouldn't you get his consent first?"
Ji Xiangchen's heart burned. "Miss Qin, why don't I take a few photos for you now? You can see my craftsmanship and skill?"
Qin He's gaze was deep and meaningful as she asked, "Take a few photos?"
"Yes, but there are too many people here. How about we go to that corridor over there to take them?"
Qin He followed Ji Xiangchen's gaze to a secluded corridor, likely leading towards the restrooms. A realization dawned on her, and she felt a wave of nausea. It seemed Qing University didn't screen its students' moral character well!
Seeing her hesitate, Ji Xiangchen assumed she didn't appreciate the intimacy of the restroom and chuckled. "I heard the back garden is also open. Or we could take photos in the back garden, the moonlight is quite beautiful right now."
Qin He let out a cold laugh. "No need. I've already told Shen Yilin about your intention to compete for the position. You two can discuss it and then come back to me."
"What do you mean you've told Shen Yilin?!"
Ji Xiangchen was stunned!