Transmigrating Into A Sadistic Novel And Becoming A Master Of Painting Rosy Pictures - Chapter 111

The winter night was exceptionally cold. This lounge was owned by people in their social circle, located in the expensive city center.

Profit wasn’t the main goal; it was about enjoying themselves. It had saunas, bars, massage parlors, mahjong rooms, and game rooms—everything.

Shang Qinghui sat on a fabric sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window. Although there was an outdoor viewing platform, the cold weather had moved the viewing area indoors.

From her seat, she could see the H City night view. She gazed at the distant lights, the howling north wind in her ears. Nearby was a crackling fireplace, radiating warmth, a stark contrast to the outside cold.

A beautiful server carefully brought her a cup of hot cocoa. Shang Qinghui had just taken a sip when her guest arrived.

Meng Weixin, seemingly unafraid of the cold, was dressed provocatively in a one-shoulder fitted knit dress and a trench coat; her scarf was more for decoration than warmth.

“Qinghui, sorry I’m late,” she said, smiling and sitting opposite Shang Qinghui.

Shang Qinghui had invited her at 9 pm; it was only 8:40 pm, but Meng Weixin seemed oblivious.

Shang Qinghui didn’t respond; she gestured for a server to take Meng Weixin’s order. After ordering, Meng Weixin took off her coat, smiling at Shang Qinghui, “Why did you invite me out tonight?”

Shang Qinghui’s cute round face showed no expression; her usually innocent look made Meng Weixin uneasy. Shang Qinghui held her cup, her index finger lightly tapping the side, as if testing the temperature.

“Perhaps you should return to France.”

Meng Weixin’s smile froze. After a moment, she asked casually,

“What’s wrong? Want to go to France with me? Okay. I know France well; I can be your guide…”

Meng Weixin couldn’t continue.

Shang Qinghui looked at her, calmly watching her performance. Even her sweet appearance couldn’t hide her inherent arrogance as a Shang family member.

Some people are born with privilege; their bearing and authority are innate and can’t be learned.

Under Shang Qinghui’s gaze, Meng Weixin felt speechless.

“Stop. I don’t want to be too harsh, but you shouldn’t use such underhanded tactics.” Shang Qinghui said calmly.

Meng Weixin was silent. She wasn’t sure what Shang Qinghui meant; she didn’t dare answer, fearing it was a trap.

Shang Qinghui seemed to know what she was thinking, listing, “Marco’s deep sleep, the teacher not counting the students, the judges wanting to disqualify them… is it not your doing?”

Meng Weixin’s smile vanished, “Qinghui… I thought we were friends. Why… is it because of Bian Yingning?”

“I remember your relationship wasn’t good. Are you defending her? Forget it; without her, your family would still be the top family in H City!”

Shang Qinghui scoffed, “This is my business; what does it have to do with you?”

Meng Weixin’s face turned pale, “Why are you helping her…”

“I’m not helping her, and it’s not about her,” Shang Qinghui interrupted, impatience evident in her eyes.

“I just can’t stand these tactics. Besides, after I graduate, Haicheng University will be my alma mater; I won’t let you ruin its reputation.”

Shang Qinghui denied doing this for Bian Yingning, saying she simply disliked Meng Weixin’s actions.

“I don’t want our school to be embarrassed internationally because of you.”

“Don’t you know? I’m a good person.”

Meng Weixin could only think, “Unbelievable.”

It would have been better if Shang Qinghui had said she was doing it for Bian Yingning; at least she could have gotten angry and argued.

Now, Shang Qinghui was using Haida University’s reputation to pressure her, talking about good and bad people; she felt stifled.

…

Shang Qinghui didn’t know why Meng Weixin had such animosity towards Bian Yingning. Perhaps Meng Weixin was simply unpleasant; everyone would be angry with her.

Or perhaps the Meng family wanted to return to H City; the Bian family was a powerful force; she needed to deal with them to return.

Or maybe it was jealousy.

For a small competition, she had gone to such lengths to win. She had her roommate drug Marco, bribed judges. If Marco didn’t come, they would be disqualified.

If he came, three judges were on her side, and another was bribed. It was two against four; even if they competed, the result wouldn’t be fair. She was well-prepared.

But she overlooked the most important factor—Bian Yingning. If things had gone as planned, it would have been simple.

While picking up Marco, Shang Qinghui noticed something was wrong. She had someone test Marco’s food and drinks from the previous night, even checking their room for smells.

Unsurprisingly, they found sleeping pills in Marco’s water cup. Marco’s roommate was initially tight-lipped, but the mention of murder made him talk.

After Meng Weixin left, Shang Qinghui held her cocoa, staring out the window.

Did Bian Yingning suspect anything? She probably did, but why… did she do nothing?

Was she disdainful?

Why did Shang Qinghui rush to solve this?

For the school’s reputation!

Because she was a righteous girl!

Shang Qinghui drank her cocoa in one gulp, putting down the cup forcefully; she took a napkin to wipe her mouth, preparing to leave. Touching her lips, memories flooded back.

Her lips, ears, waist… the feeling of warmth and touch emerged from the depths of her memory, as if she were still in that restroom, drunk, “fighting” with someone. She remembered pulling Bian Yingning’s hand to her chest.

…Could she really do that?!

“Damn!” Shang Qinghui felt restless, slamming the table and storming out. The sudden change in temperature made her shiver; her teeth chattered. The cold suppressed her inner heat.

Bian Yingning was terrible; knowing she was drunk, she had… done things to her!

Worse, Shang Qinghui didn’t remember; Bian Yingning certainly did.

She only remembered because Bian Yingning mentioned it at the gala.

Once, she had been assaulted in a restroom, but she had no memory of it.

Hypocritical, cowardly, despicable…

Shang Qinghui muttered curses.

“Achoo, achoo——”

Bian Yingning, at her desk, suddenly sneezed several times; she pulled her coat tighter, muttering, “It’s really cold.”

…

Meng Weixin returned to France, claiming a family emergency; she forfeited the second round.

“Why so urgent?” Zhang Zhizhi asked Bian Yingning.

Bian Yingning was only momentarily surprised; she remained silent, considering the possibilities.

“Didn’t she valued this competition? I can’t believe she forfeited,” Zhang Zhizhi sighed.

“Perhaps… a family emergency,” Bian Yingning said softly, taking a piece of paper and writing.

Zhang Zhizhi leaned closer.

“Withdrawal application… you’re not participating either?”

“Not enough people; there’s only one round left.”

Without team pairings, Shang Qinghui wouldn’t need to translate.

“Why withdraw? There’s only one round left,” Zhang Zhizhi asked anxiously, trying to stop Bian Yingning.

“No need.”

“No need?”

“Mm-hmm.” Bian Yingning quickly finished the application, “I wasn’t interested in this competition; I only participated because the teacher asked. The nature of the competition has changed; winning or losing doesn’t matter… it would be unfair if I continued.”

“Unfair? How?” Zhang Zhizhi didn’t understand.

Bian Yingning smiled, “It’s unethical to beat up babies.”

Zhang Zhizhi: “…” She meant they were babies.

“If you want to call me a baby, just say it; no need to imply it.”

Bian Yingning: “…” Was this using magic to defeat magic?

There was another reason. It was almost the end of the semester; the company needed to do year-end reviews; she needed to study for exams; she was too busy.

She didn’t enjoy the competition; she’d rather study.

She didn’t expect her withdrawal to anger someone.

Since Shang Qinghui and Marco had visited the café, Bian Yingning found it pleasant; she came here to study since the library was full.

Soon, an angry figure rushed in and stood before her.

Bian Yingning looked up, meeting Shang Qinghui’s fiery gaze.

“…What’s wrong?”

“Why didn’t you participate in the competition?” Shang Qinghui asked angrily.

Bian Yingning blinked, “You wanted me to participate?”

“I’m asking why you didn’t! Did you even consider me?!”