The wooden beauty of Young Master Sheng(216-220)

Chapter 216: Arrogance with Favoritism


"Isn't she the female artist your company signed?"


"Mingmei, it seems you've brought her to the wrong place. This should be for socializing in the limelight. Here, we just gather, arrange some flowers, have a meal, enjoy wine, and chat."


The woman who spoke had a beautiful appearance and a slightly coquettish voice. She had been smiling the whole time, as if joking.


Gu Mingmei disliked this heiress from the Song family the most. She liked to be sarcastic, but the problem was that she always wore a smiling face, making it difficult for people to confront her directly.


Compared to her elder sister, who was arrogant and domineering, this younger sister played tricks in a more insidious manner.


"Xue'er, Chenchen was personally invited by Mrs. Sheng. Are you dissatisfied with Mrs. Sheng?" Gu Mingmei questioned.


Song Xue'er's face changed slightly but quickly adjusted to a smiling expression. "No, no, it's just a misunderstanding. I'll know better if Mingmei tells me."


Although she had never seen Jiang Chenchen, she had heard her name.


This woman was quite cunning, being picked up by Sheng Mingsi and brought back home. Then, she clung to him persistently. Her elder sister, Xian Yan, even went to Sheng Mingsi's residence once and returned in a sorry state.


Originally chosen by Mrs. Sheng to become Sheng Mingsi's future wife, she was directly kicked out and removed from the list of candidates.


Was it because the woman in front of her was cunning, or was her elder sister just too foolish?


After pondering for a moment, Song Xue'er walked towards Jiang Chenchen. With a delicate voice, she said, "I heard you were picked up by Young Master Sheng. Are you homeless?"


Her words drew the attention of other girls, and they guessed her identity.


Which debutante in the capital didn't covet the position of Mrs. Sheng? Sheng Mingsi's high status and noble, handsome appearance made many women's hearts flutter.


Sheng Mingsi had always been indifferent to women, so no woman had the opportunity to get close to him. Although it was regrettable, why did this woman get to act pitiful and be picked up by him?


Looking at Jiang Chenchen's expressionless face, appearing cold yet harmless, she seemed clueless about what she was doing.


The hostile gaze increased.


Gu Mingmei frowned, wanting to say something to help Jiang Chenchen defuse the situation.


However, Jiang Chenchen spoke first. Facing the person in front of her, she said, "I have a home, Ah Si's home. It's my home."


Song Xue'er, glanced at by her cold gaze, felt an inexplicable chill. The more Jiang Chenchen maintained this calm expression, the more it conveyed a sense of contempt.


"You, you were just kindly picked up by Young Master Sheng. How can you have the nerve to say his home is yours?"


"Yeah, Young Master Sheng just took pity on you and gave you shelter. If you know how to be grateful, that should be enough. You don't have to be so shameless, right?"


"That's right. Most people with a bit of understanding would have moved out by now."


These attack-like words were all spoken with a friendly and smiling demeanor, appearing as casual remarks.


But each sentence was like a knife, not giving anyone a chance to breathe.


Jiang Chenchen faced those gazes, her expression calm.


No one could see much turmoil on her face.


Gu Mingmei couldn't bear it. "Hey, what are you doing? Ah Si won't appreciate you pointing fingers at her!"














Chapter 216: Arrogance with Favoritism


Gu Mingmei's direct defense caused the expressions of those women to change.


"Mingmei!"


"You're too biased. Is this how you treat the vulnerable?"


"Yeah, maybe it's easy to trigger everyone's protective instincts towards the vulnerable. She can't fake it, right?"


These words, both overt and covert, were all aimed at belittling Jiang Chenchen, as if she had used some means to stay by Sheng Mingsi's side.


"You!"


Gu Mingmei threw the glass of red wine that the waitress had handed her to the ground, and the crisp sound of shattered glass silenced the malicious voices.


"You're giving me a headache with all your quarreling. I can't even hold the red wine steadily! This isn't a marketplace; it's a high-end private club. Can't you speak more decently?"


"Mingmei, why are you so partial? What we said is not wrong!"


Song Xue'er, looking pitiful, said with a grievance. The hem of her beautiful white dress was stained with red wine, making it look dirty.


Gu Mingmei handed her a handkerchief and said, "Because Ah Si likes her. Isn't that clear?"


Song Xue'er's hand trembled as she took the handkerchief. "How... is that possible?"


The debutantes present were shocked. They couldn't believe that Sheng Mingsi would like her. Sheng Mingsi never liked women, and they preferred to believe that Jiang Chenchen had seduced him with some scheme.


Meanwhile, the focus of the discussion, Jiang Chenchen, felt that they were dragging on too much. She spoke to Song Xue'er, "Come here."


She walked toward the corner of the window.


Song Xue'er looked over with a sideways glance. "What are you doing?"


She felt that Jiang Chenchen's eyes were too cold just now, making her uncomfortable.


But was she, the second miss of the Song family, afraid of her?


So, she walked towards her.


The two spoke in the corner by the window, and everyone could only see their side profiles with their backs turned.


Gu Mingmei was a bit worried. After all, Jiang Chenchen couldn't match her in playing tricks!


However, a painful cry came from that side. Song Xue'er suddenly retreated, her high heels causing her to almost fall.


She held one hand with the other, her face pale with pain. She angrily accused, "What are you doing?! How dare you break this young lady's wrist!"


This statement caused an uproar among the onlookers not far away.


Jiang Chenchen actually broke her wrist without saying a word?! Is this person insane?!


Gu Mingmei obviously hadn't anticipated this either, but seeing Jiang Chenchen show no emotional fluctuations, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She was truly ruthless!


She had heard a few times before that Jiang Chenchen was highly skilled, but seeing it with her own eyes was different. She had broken Song Xue'er's wrist, which could be a significant matter.


Song Xue'er continued to scream and refused to approach. When she acted just now, she was truly ruthless and frightening.


Ignoring all the eyes on her, Jiang Chenchen just looked at her calmly. "You didn't believe me just now. Now you can call Ah Si and see if he will help me settle this matter for you."


Song Xue'er, flushed with anger, couldn't say a word.


Others were also shocked. They didn't expect her to have heard all the words just now, and she was using this incident to prove it!


To settle a matter involving a member of the Song family with Sheng Mingsi's influence wasn't an easy task!


But she dared to do it directly, showing absolute confidence that someone could help her. That person was undoubtedly Sheng Mingsi!


Sheng Qinghua finally arrived and learned about the recent disturbance. However, she didn't reprimand anyone. Instead, she said to Jiang Chenchen, "Are you being arrogant due to favoritism?"











Chapter 217: The Game


Under the oppressive gaze, everything around became quiet, and the atmosphere turned heavy. No one dared to breathe loudly.


Facing Mrs. Sheng's gaze, Jiang Chenchen seemed to confirm, "Does this count?"


This response sent chills down everyone else's spines. Wasn't she being too arrogant in front of Mrs. Sheng?! Did she really think she could be arrogant because of favoritism? Do you not realize your own status? Who are you facing?!


Others were all waiting to see a joke.


Gu Mingmei felt the oppressive atmosphere and wanted to ease the tension.


But Mrs. Sheng had already spoken.


"Of course, it counts. You can leave now."


She pointed her finger, pointing at the seemingly wronged Song Xue'er!


Others were astonished. What? Wasn't Jiang Chenchen supposed to leave?!


Song Xue'er, thinking that Mrs. Sheng had helped her vent, was surprised to see Mrs. Sheng's gaze landing on her.


She stood still in disbelief, her face slowly turning green. "Are you asking me to leave?!"


"Yes, it's you."


Mrs. Sheng glanced coldly at her and said to others, "For those who are here, I hope you understand to put away your little tricks. I find it very uncomfortable, and any tricks are nothing but clowns in front of me. Understand?"


Everyone immediately straightened up. They all knew Mrs. Sheng's status and methods. This was a warning! No one should think of playing tricks in front of her!


Song Xue'er was infuriated but couldn't offend Mrs. Sheng. The humiliation of being scolded and embarrassed in public made her face even more awkward. However, despite this, she didn't dare to offend Mrs. Sheng. She tried her best to please and admit her mistakes, fearing being kicked out of this circle of socialites!


Mrs. Sheng, seeing this, didn't harshly reprimand her. Instead, she said to her, "You can leave to go to the hospital to check your injured wrist. Mingmei, accompany her."


Song Xue'er immediately looked grateful. "Thank you, Mrs. Sheng"


However, Gu Mingmei knew that her mother wasn't trying to reconcile anything. She never indulged anyone; she just wanted to get rid of her!


She looked at Jiang Chenchen, feeling a bit worried. She didn't know what Mrs. Sheng was planning. Did she want to separate her from Sheng Mingsi?!


Knowing that her mother's decisions were unchangeable, she took Jiang Chenchen aside. "Be careful. If you sense anything wrong, call Ah Si, okay?"


Jiang Chenchen nodded. "Okay."


Gu Mingmei didn't want to burden her with unnecessary psychological pressure, so she didn't say more and left with Song Xue'er.


The broken glass and stains in the hall had already been cleaned up.


Mrs. Sheng asked everyone to come over and started today's theme: flower arrangement. She didn't give any specific instructions; everyone could follow their own aesthetic.


Jiang Chenchen arranged flowers for the first time, without much technique, just casually combining colors and flowers.


The atmosphere was still harmonious. Some girls approached to offer advice, trying to please her.


The long table in the hall was filled with flowers.


After the flower arrangement, Mrs. Sheng instructed someone to collect the bouquets. "One of these bouquets will be personally delivered to Mingsi by the winner at the final victory."


This announcement surprised the debutantes. So, today was a competition!


Suddenly, the atmosphere became lively. Discussions and excitement gradually filled the air. Most of them were excited, regretting that they should have made the bouquet more attractive earlier!


Mrs. Sheng continued, "Of course, if anyone doesn't want to participate in this formal game, you can voluntarily withdraw. Now, all the autonomy is still in your hands."


"But once the game starts, you have to follow the rules."


She sat at the top with a dignified and graceful demeanor, surveying them all.


None of the debutantes present wanted to leave. This represented an opportunity. If the so-called game resulted in a win, it meant becoming Sheng Mingsi's official girlfriend, approved personally by Mrs. Sheng!


So, did it mean that this girl in Sheng Mingsi's house wasn't favored by Mrs. Sheng and needed to undergo a fair competition?


"Mrs. Sheng, what kind of game is it?" asked a girl with a pointed face, excited and curious.


"Xiao Qiu, you'll know in a while."


Mrs. Sheng asked everyone to sit down. The long table was cleared, and the waitresses brought out delicious dishes.


"After lunch, we will formally begin, and I will have my assistant explain the rules to you."


After saying this, she left.


Now, only they were in the hall, and it didn't feel as constrained. They began discussing what kind of challenge or game it might be.


"Shh, keep it down. These surveillance cameras in the hall might have recorded our reactions. Mrs. Sheng is observing us from the other side. She might have started testing us from this moment."


This statement instantly silenced everyone.


The meal was eaten gracefully and calmly, as if they were in a high-end restaurant. No one spoke.


Jiang Chenchen was the most relaxed. She didn't know what test Mrs. Sheng had in mind, but since she was here, she would go with the flow.


After the meal, Mrs. Sheng did not reappear. Her assistant announced, "You will embark on a three-day cruise. Mrs. Sheng has prepared the most delicious food and the most comfortable luxury suites for you. You don't need to do anything but maintain your best state. On the last day when you return, Mrs. Sheng will make the selection, and the most suitable girl to present flowers to Sheng Mingsi will be chosen."


"From now on, hand over your communication devices. There will be phone communication in the rooms on the cruise, but you cannot contact the outside world. So, if anyone still wants to withdraw, you can do so immediately."


"But what if we need to inform our parents?"


"Please rest assured; Mrs. Sheng has already arranged it."


One girl still wanted to inform her parents and made a call. Her parents asked her to seize this opportunity and perform well.


Seeing that no one wanted to withdraw, the assistant collected everyone's mobile phones.


"Now that you have all agreed, lunch is finished. Please follow instructions and take the bus to the cruise ship. The game officially begins."


Some girls were in a particularly good mood, filled with anticipation, as if it were a pleasant trip. Even if they didn't succeed, it was still an opportunity.


Meanwhile, some people were already calculating. In this game without rules, what criteria would determine the winner?


Jiang Chenchen was probably the one with the least reaction. Regardless of the game, turning into a competitor made her passive, and the decision-making power lay in Mrs. Sheng's hands.









Chapter 218: Cruise


Just before they were about to depart, Mrs. Sheng arrived.


Sitting at the head of the long table in a noble posture, she spoke, "I hope to see an outstanding girl who will become Mingsi's future wife. Could she be among you?"


The debutantes exchanged glances and finally fixed their gaze firmly on Mrs. Sheng.


It seemed like everyone was quite confident.


Mrs. Sheng's gaze swept over Jiang Chenchen, and she had noticed the ring on her hand. It was a limited pre-sale luxury brand ring. Besides the one Sheng Mingsi gave her, who else could it be from?


This was made clear for her to see, but no matter what, she needed to pass the test.


No one could be an exception.


The game began.


The assistant arranged them onto the bus in order and drove to the harbor. During the journey, the assistant explained all the arrangements for luggage and clothing. Each of them was given a room key card and some coins.


They were each given only a modest sum of a thousand in spending money.


At the same time, a reminder was given, "There are more than just fifteen of you on this cruise. There are other tourists from various countries. So, be cautious of your safety."


"But three days, is this money enough?"


These debutantes were used to extravagant lifestyles, and now this mere thousand seemed ridiculously inadequate.


The assistant explained, "You don't need money for food and drinks; these are provided for free on the cruise. If you want to buy other things, you'll need to use the coins. This is also one of the tests – how you manage your money."


Although they grumbled a bit, no one dared to voice their complaints, fearing it might be recorded as well.


"Any objections?"


When the assistant handed the money to Jiang Chenchen, she asked specifically.


Jiang Chenchen looked at her, "Is there a library on the ship?"


"Huh?" The assistant hadn't expected her to ask this question, but considering her appearance, it seemed to fit her mysterious character. "Yes, there's a reading room. The ship has almost everything; please rest assured."


Jiang Chenchen nodded, "Good, thank you."


The other girls overheard their conversation. Some who preferred a quieter environment thought staying in the room for three days might be safer. This cautious approach didn't have any active bonus points and couldn't stand out.


They thought about it but found it unlikely.


The girl named Xiao Qiu lightly pushed Jiang Chenchen and whispered, "At this point, you still have the mood to read? Aren't you nervous?"


Jiang Chenchen returned from gazing out of the window in a vacant state and looked at her, "Nervous about what? There are no judging criteria, and you can't predict the results. Take one step at a time."


"You and Mr. Sheng, are you..."


"Right now, we are the same as all of you."



Xiao Qiu wanted to ask more, but didn't know what to ask. She had already said enough, and quickly thought of what happened to Song Xueer. She felt it was better not to provoke her.


At the harbor, the assistant led them onto the ship. The cruise ship was luxurious and massive, both from the outside and inside. The captain greeted them at the entrance.


"Welcome aboard the Royal Nebula Cruise. We look forward to you enjoying three delightful days and nights."


The old captain, dressed in uniform, had a gentle demeanor.


The assistant nodded and smiled at him, showing the tickets, then led the fifteen girls into their cabins, instructing them to check the prepared luggage and other items.


"From now on, your time is at your disposal."


Not everyone was on the same floor or adjacent rooms; it was random. Jiang Chenchen had a suite on the tenth floor, and coincidentally, Xiao Qiu was in the room next door.


Xiao Qiu was a bit surprised. "Hey, it seems like we're quite fated?"


"Yeah."


Jiang Chenchen politely nodded to her and used the room key card to enter.


The suite was indeed spacious and well-decorated, with a view of the endless blue sea from the window.


There was a small bookshelf near the sofa, containing some magazines and newspapers.


Sitting on the sofa, Jiang Chenchen flipped through a magazine. One of the covers featured Sheng Mingsi, dressed in a suit, looking formal and aloof, with a somewhat impatient expression, as if he was posing for a photo. His facial features were excellent, and his appearance exuded an excessive sense of forbidding and cold indifference.


Jiang Chenchen looked at the cover with a somewhat conflicted feeling. It seemed different from the person who confronted her last night. The Sheng Mingsi in front of her was cold but extraordinarily patient, displaying a gentleness within the coldness, especially when he kissed her; it was exceptionally warm.


Suddenly, looking at a magazine cover, she was reminded of the kiss from last night, and inexplicably, her ears heated up.


She reached out to trace his eyebrows, smiling faintly.


She picked up the magazine, looked at the content briefly, and then put it down. However, instead of returning it to the small bookshelf, she stood it upright as if Sheng Mingsi were right next to her.


Next, she took out today's newspaper and started reading about the international situation.


There was a prominent article about a country, Country A. The prince of Country A had gone missing, and a mysterious figure appeared on the outer wall of the castle on the night of his disappearance. Only a side profile photo was available, taken by someone passing by capturing the night scene. It was not intentionally taken but happened to be captured by someone taking a night view photo.


Country A was currently searching for the prince's whereabouts and the identity of the mysterious person.


Jiang Chenchen looked at the side profile photo of the person standing on the outer wall, almost certain that this was the strange youth who appeared in the underground morgue of the private hospital!


As if unconsciously, he possessed extraordinary willpower and strength. When she was able to drain his energy and press him back into the compartment of the morgue, others might not have handled the situation as well.


He seemed prone to violence, regardless of whether the other party had malicious intentions, he would take action.


Zhan Chen had said he was brought back from a forested place. Was he really some kind of synthetic being?


Did he escape on his own, or did Zhan Chen let him go?


Regardless of which one it was, it was full of danger.


That was definitely a dangerous individual. Could Zhan Chen really control that dangerous youth?


Putting down the newspaper, as there was no phone, and she couldn't contact anyone, she saw a telephone in the room. Should she try to make a call?


She walked up to the telephone, but before she dialed any numbers, the phone rang.


Looking at the incoming call display, it was just a string of numbers, an unknown number.


She picked up the receiver.










Chapter 219: Blond Foreigner


"At midnight tonight, meet on the third-floor deck."


A slightly deep voice uttered these words, then hung up.


Hearing the beep from the receiver, Jiang Chenchen hesitated for a moment. The person on the other end had a foreign accent; did they dial the wrong number? She hesitated for a moment, then dialed back. However, this time, a different, crisp male voice answered. It wasn't the person from before; she was certain.


"May I ask where the gentleman who just called went?"


"That gentleman has already left."


"But it seems he dialed the wrong number."


"Huh? I don't know him; he borrowed my phone. Let me check in front. If I don't find him, I apologize."


"Oh, thank you."


"I'll hang up now."


As the call was about to end, Jiang Chenchen suddenly asked, "Wait, can you describe what the gentleman looks like? Maybe I know him, or perhaps I couldn't hear clearly on the phone."


"Oh, that guy, he's a blond foreigner, wearing sunglasses, tall, and he should be a crew member in uniform."


Hearing this description, Jiang Chenchen was sure she didn't know the blond foreigner. Moreover, this was her first time on a cruise, and it was impossible for her to know any crew members on the ship.


After hanging up the phone, she didn't think much about it and sat by the window, staring at the sea, lost in thought.


Soon, someone knocked on her door. Jiang Chenchen went to open it, and it was Xiao Qiu outside.


Xiao Qiu seemed to have reapplied her makeup and changed into a dress, looking very beautiful and eye-catching.


Standing outside the door, she invited Jiang Chenchen to go out for a stroll. Jiang Chenchen thought that she might encounter the crew member, so she nodded and went downstairs with her. They went to the restaurant for afternoon tea and had some snacks.


The waiter, a handsome young man, frequently glanced at them, smiling warmly.


Xiao Qiu originally wanted to chat with him, but seeing Jiang Chenchen drinking tea and reading a book with such seriousness, she felt that she was too strict, perhaps currently undergoing an assessment.


"What are you reading?"


"The magazine in the restaurant, just casually looking."


Jiang Chenchen flipped through the magazine and showed it to her. "It's about food, looks delicious."


Holding her coffee, Xiao Qiu took a glance. "I saw you ate quite a bit for lunch. You really love to eat; aren't you afraid of gaining weight?"


"Huh?"


Xiao Qiu: ?

What kind of reaction is this? Isn't it too hypocritical for a girl not to be afraid of gaining weight?


She felt that Jiang Chenchen was a boring person with nothing interesting to talk about, so she stood up. "I'll go to the bathroom."


After she left, the handsome waiter also left.


There were many tourists on the ship, and during this late afternoon time, many people were holding wine glasses, enjoying the sea and the evening sky on the deck.


Jiang Chenchen could see the deck from her seat. After flipping through the magazine about food, she shifted her gaze to the sea, which had taken on a layer of sunset glow. The beautiful scenery made her forget why she came here; it was as if she was just here to completely relax.


Time seemed to pass for quite a while, and Xiao Qiu hadn't returned.


Jiang Chenchen retracted her gaze and looked at the empty seat opposite her. Had she already returned to her room?


There was no sign of the waiter in the restaurant either. Jiang Chenchen beckoned another waiter. "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?"


The waiter pointed his hand. "Go out, not far, walk that way, there's a public restroom."


"And the young man who served just now?"


"Hmm, it seems she's not here; maybe she went to the kitchen."


Jiang Chenchen nodded, "Thank you."


Then she paid in cash and said to the waiter, "If the girl who was with me just now comes back here, tell her I've returned to my room."


After giving instructions, she left the restaurant, searched the bathroom but didn't find anyone.


She gave up.


Perhaps she went off to play on her own after leaving the restaurant; after all, nothing much would happen on this ship, given the surveillance everywhere.


Jiang Chenchen went to the deck to look at the scenery. As night fell, the lights on the ship shimmered everywhere, different from the daytime, full of romance and enchanting charm.


She leaned against the mast on the deck, and many men came to strike up conversations, of various age groups. Seeing her distant attitude, many of them left awkwardly.


Jiang Chenchen blew in the sea breeze, her thoughts somewhat scattered.


It seemed like there were memories of a deep blue sea, surging waves, and a huge creature rising from the deep sea. What kind of creature was it? It seemed vague, without a clear image.


Why did such memories suddenly flash through her mind, making her feel surprised?


Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as someone next to her leaned on the railing and vomited loudly, attracting her attention.


The person was a middle-aged man, retching for a long time. After wiping his mouth with a tissue, he turned to her apologetically, "Ah, sorry about that. I always get seasick every time I take a boat. It's really embarrassing."


"No problem."


Jiang Chenchen was about to leave, but the man opened up, "Miss, where are you from? Are you alone?"


Jiang Chenchen stood still, "Just from here, with a friend."


"Oh, is this your first time on a boat? You don't seem seasick at all. Young people have good constitutions." The man sighed, "I used to be healthy when I was young, but couldn't handle it anymore after a lot of drinking and smoking. My body couldn't take it."


"Does smoking really harm the body?"


"Of course, it damages the lungs and respiratory system. It's clearly written on the cigarette box, but no one can quit."


The man sighed again.


Jiang Chenchen fell silent at the sound. Sheng Ming Si often smoked, even though it was harmful to the body. He couldn't quit, could he?


Her thoughts wandered again.


Her father didn't smoke, and her mother didn't either, but there were cigarettes at home, and the ashtray in the living room had cigarette butts.


She used to care about these things, but tonight, on the deck, memories suddenly flashed back. Actively recalling, it seemed that every month on the 2nd, the ashtray in the living room would be full of cigarette butts.


That day must have had guests, but she had never seen them.


This memory seemed to stop in the year she was six, stopping a month before the big fire.


It was in July, and there were no visitors on the 2nd. The big fire happened on the 23rd. Why didn't that unknown guest come?


Did he know everything in advance, or was there another reason?


Jiang Chenchen suddenly felt a headache as she tried to recall something too distant, something that was taxing on her brain.


She felt a bit unsteady, holding onto the railing, her face turning pale, sweat forming on her forehead.


But why did she remember such crucial information now?


She regretted it a bit. The man beside her thought she was unwell, so he gave her a motion sickness patch, "Miss, do you get seasick? Is this your first time on a boat? Try this; it might help."


Jiang Chenchen took it from him as he handed it over enthusiastically, saying thank you. However, her mind was contemplating – was this really her first time on a boat?











Chapter 220: Transaction on the Deck


She had no childhood memories of traveling by sea. She played by the seaside but had never been on a boat; this should be her first time.


But why did she now have a strong and chaotic memory of having been on a boat before?


It was like the strange sight of the sea she had witnessed earlier, as if she saw a colossal creature surging out of the churning sea!


"Hey, miss, you seem unwell. Do you want to sit down and rest?"


Jiang Chenchen snapped back to reality, looking at the middle-aged man. She gratefully said, "Thank you, I'll go back to my room and rest for a while. I'll be fine. I don't need the motion sickness patch for now. Thank you."


She returned it to the man and then left the deck with a pale face.


On the way back to her room, she encountered several familiar faces—those socialites who had come here together. They were all dressed beautifully for the enchanting night.


Jiang Chenchen returned to her room, sat down, drank a glass of water, and found ice cream in the small fridge. It surprised her, but temporarily sweeping away the previous confusion and distress, she happily ate an ice cream. After that, she planned to take a bath and sleep early.


She planned to go to the deck on the third floor around midnight to see what was going on with the person who dialed the wrong number.


Around eight o'clock, someone knocked on her door.


Jiang Chenchen, who was about to fall asleep, got up upon hearing the sound, thinking it was Xiaoqiu. However, it was a waiter standing outside with a trolley of dishes and food.


"Miss, your dinner."


"I didn't order dinner."


The waiter, thinking he had made a mistake, confirmed the room number and looked up at her. "But we did receive your request, that's why we brought the meal."


Jiang Chenchen found it strange; she hadn't called for meal delivery, so whose request was this?


"Maybe it was a mistake; I didn't make such a request."


The waiter thought for a moment and said, "Miss, it's possible that your friend placed the order for you. I'll check which room number called and, if you decide to have the meal, I'll deliver it for you."


"No need, I don't want to eat for now."


"Okay, then."


The waiter didn't insist, scratched his head, feeling strange, and pushed the cart away.


Jiang Chenchen stood outside the door and looked around, finding nothing unusual. Then she closed the door.


Perhaps, as the waiter said, they delivered the meal to the wrong room. She waited for a call from the front desk; when it came, they confirmed that the call had come from her room.


Jiang Chenchen felt a strange sensation listening to the phone.


Was there someone else in the room?


Besides her.


Because she had definitely not made the call for the meal. It must have been someone else...!


She checked the room thoroughly—behind the curtains, inside the wardrobe, behind the sofa barrier. Finally, only the bed remained.


That large bed, and beneath it, hidden in the darkness. If the person was not there, then she hadn't found anyone, and someone might have entered while she was away.


What was the purpose of doing so?


Jiang Chenchen walked toward the bed, bent down, and looked underneath. It was pitch black, empty, and devoid of anyone.


In other words, the room was safe at the moment, and she was the only one there.


She wasn't sure if it was a test from Madam Sheng or some other reason. She reported it to the front desk because there was no surveillance inside the room, only monitoring the corridor outside. However, due to the layout of her room, it was in a surveillance blind spot.


If someone deliberately approached, hugging the wall, they could avoid the cameras.



During her absence, there were many people, including tourists and service staff, coming and going. In the surveillance footage near her room, there were eight people, perhaps from the opposite room.


They all appeared normal.


So, it was impossible to determine who had entered, and there was indeed a record of a meal request on the phone card machine during the time she left the room.


But how did they enter without a key card!?


It felt suspicious to her. On this ship, it seemed like more than just a simple test.


However, she didn't apply for a room change. The more abnormal and mysterious it was, the more inexplicable problems arose. Since she was here, she decided to see what was going on.


She locked the door, checked every nook and cranny in the room, and found a miniature camera above an air conditioner. She removed it by hand and crushed it underfoot.


Indeed, someone had been inside.


Why were they monitoring her?


Was this surveillance camera arranged by Madam Sheng? Or was there another reason?!


She couldn't confirm, but she wanted to check the location of the midnight call tonight. Perhaps there was a connection between the two.


She had already fallen asleep, and below, the dance party, banquet, and entertainment were still in full swing.


She woke up at 11:50 at night, having slept for only an hour and a half. Without hesitation, she got up, washed her face, and changed her clothes.


As she left, she took a strand of hair, clipped it in the lower part of the door crack. If someone intruded, it would be noticed, and she also added a layer of ash inside the door; footprints would be left if someone entered.


She went down to the third floor. Drunk men still tried to strike up conversations, but she ignored them all.


Someone deliberately approached due to alcohol intoxication, and she responded with a blunt rebuke.


After pushing away the last drunken man, she glanced at the time on his wristwatch.


It was past midnight.


Approaching the entrance to the deck, she could feel the night wind hitting her face. The sea breeze carried a salty scent and a faint fishy smell, entering her breath.


This place was different from the lively noise inside, appearing very quiet. Looking around, she could see a few people on the deck enjoying the night.


The deck lights were dim, swaying with the night wind. Whether someone was lurking in the dark corners was unknown.


Jiang Chenchen stepped onto the deck, subtly scanning with her eyes. She didn't see the blonde crew member in uniform.


Had he not come yet, or did he know he had dialed the wrong number, so he didn't come?


Her gaze finally settled on a man sitting at a round table, wearing a black hat with the brim lowered, covering most of his face. He wore a black trench coat and looked quite large.


On the table was a black suitcase, and the man lowered his head, smoking and fiddling with his phone.


Jiang Chenchen didn't stare for too long, just glanced, and walked to the other side, hiding in the darkness.


She didn't overtly stare at the deck entrance but leaned against the railing, her profile resting on the railing. Her hands supported her gaze, allowing her to naturally switch between the sea and the entrance.


The bulky man lit another cigarette, seeming somewhat impatient.


Suddenly, he seemed to receive a call. After answering the phone and holding the suitcase, he left the deck.


Seeing this, Jiang Chenchen prepared to follow. However, she witnessed a blond foreign man entering instead of the bulky man.