Pink crop top, pink shark leggings, kneeling on both knees, leaning forward… butterfly back, wasp waist, peach hips… Zhou Yu snapped a highly seductive side-profile yoga photo and posted it on her short video account.
Caption: "If you yearn for an extraordinary life, why fear the storms and challenges?"
Classic.
The playbook from the socialite training class, a textbook fishing tactic, executed effortlessly.
In Jiang Beicheng's eyes, her game was honestly a bit amateurish, almost laughable.
But the comment section was buzzing with excitement.
"Who's this talking about?"
"I'm not just watching for free—I'll give you a like."
"Money makes everything better."
"What if she chases me?"
"Little miss, can I take care of you? I'll cook you soup with my ribs."
"…"
There was no denying that Zhou Yu's figure was top-tier.
Otherwise, Jiang Beicheng wouldn't have spent so much money on her.
The photo didn't quite capture the real thing.
That softness and bounce couldn't be conveyed through a picture.
Only someone like Jiang Beicheng, who had experienced it firsthand, could truly understand.
He was now curious about which big sucker would take the bait and pick up where he left off.
…
"You're moving too fast!"
Zhou Yu had just posted the video when her roommate and close friend, Li Xingying, walked out of the bedroom and spoke.
Zhou Yu turned around, looking at Li Xingying with confusion, not understanding what she meant. She laughed, "You don't actually think there was real love between me and Jiang Beicheng, do you?"
Li Xingying said, "Whether there was real love between you two is none of my business.
I just think Jiang Beicheng treated you pretty well before, spending so much money on you. Now that he's going through his toughest time, you shouldn't be so hasty, openly fishing like this.
He follows your short video account. If he sees the photo and caption you just posted, he might feel upset."
Zhou Yu got up, walked over to Li Xingying, and smiled, placing both hands on her shoulders. "My dear sister, we've already broken up. Do I still need to care about my ex-boyfriend's feelings?
I need to keep living the life I want.
Not to lecture you, but you should ditch that travel video account of yours. You've been at it for half a year and barely made any money. Let me bring you into my circle, show you the thrill of raking in easy cash.
What do you say?"
Li Xingying shook her head. They couldn't see eye to eye. She turned and went back to her room.
"I'm meeting a friend for lunch tomorrow, someone in the catering business, quite influential. Want to join us?" Zhou Yu called out.
Li Xingying waved her hand dismissively and closed the bedroom door.
Sitting at her computer, she stared at the travel video she was editing and got lost in thought.
Living under the same roof, jealousy between women was inevitable.
After graduation, both chose to chase the internet's gold rush, but they took different paths. Li Xingying had poured her heart into her travel vlog for over half a year, investing so much money with barely any return.
In contrast, Zhou Yu had walked out of the socialite training class and straight into Jiang Beicheng's arms, spending money like it was water.
Designer bags, luxury jewelry adorning her body, attending all sorts of galas, salons, and lavish party dinners.
No comparison, no pain.
When Zhou Yu flaunted her lifestyle, Li Xingying had briefly entertained the idea of taking Zhou Yu's path—making quick money and indulging in material pleasures.
But she suppressed those desires.
She believed a woman in this society needed to build her own career.
She couldn't just become a man's plaything, moving from one to the next.
Sinking deeper into that darkness.
Of course, she also wanted to meet a man who could support and encourage her both emotionally and materially.
But that person hadn't appeared yet—or rather, she didn't have enough chips to attract someone like that.
After all, she didn't have Zhou Yu's jaw-dropping curves and perky assets.
Li Xingying shook her head, realizing she was overthinking again. She snapped back to reality and hurried to finish editing her latest travel video.
After posting the video, she picked up her phone and opened her chat with Jiang Beicheng.
Their conversation history was still stuck three months ago, from when she repaid him.
Half a year ago, when she started her travel account, she was strapped for cash. This kind of short video content required heavy upfront investment.
At the time, Zhou Yu and Jiang Beicheng were dating, and she had joined them for a few meals.
Jiang Beicheng had shared some of his travel experiences with her and lent her 300,000 yuan to start her venture.
She was incredibly grateful to him. But considering Zhou Yu's relationship with him, she never privately met him for meals. When she repaid the loan, she only sent a few words of thanks over WeChat.
Zhou Yu's rush to find her next target today made Li Xingying uncomfortable.
Putting herself in Jiang Beicheng's shoes, he had just gone through the grief of losing a loved one. As his girlfriend, even if there was no real love, Zhou Yu should've taken it slow instead of immediately fishing for someone new. After all, she had taken so much from him.
Breaking up in the morning and openly fishing online by night felt like a slap in the face.
In a caring tone, Li Xingying sent Jiang Beicheng a WeChat message: "You doing okay?"
Jiang Beicheng, sipping tea, glanced at his phone and frowned slightly. He hadn't expected Zhou Yu's friend to message him.
He appreciated the concern and replied politely.
"Doing alright! Thanks!"
Just as he was about to put his phone down, another WeChat notification chimed.
Li Xingying had sent him 50,000 yuan.
"I don't have much, but I hope this can help you out in a pinch. Things will get better! [Smile] [Smile]!"
Jiang Beicheng was momentarily puzzled by her move.
From the perspective of a socialite's playbook, this could be the tactic of a high-end player.
Not the low-end sob stories—like a sick father or a dropout brother—to prey on a man's sympathy.
High-end players play the investment game, targeting someone and offering warmth. They comfort you emotionally and physically, and they're generous materially, even spending their own money on you.
Some might even take out loans to buy you gifts.
They do their homework, picking gifts that hit right at your heart.
These players are detail-obsessed, always finding ways to bring surprises and comfort into your life.
Their goal? To make you believe they're all in for you. Once you're hooked, you'll willingly open your wallet for them.
And you won't stop.
Li Xingying probably wasn't that kind of player. She and Zhou Yu were on different tracks. The girl had talent—great writing, compelling captions—just lacking opportunity.
If she had heard about his current situation from Zhou Yu, she wouldn't be transferring money with an investment mindset.
No need to even think about it—Zhou Yu had likely painted him as utterly worthless.
To be fair, without the system, Jiang Beicheng might've described himself the same way.
Having lingered too long in a world of indulgence and excess, everything seemed to lose its authenticity.
Maybe Li Xingying was just genuinely concerned for him.
He had lent her 300,000 yuan to start her business, so her returning the favor now made sense.
It showed the girl had a grateful heart.
Jiang Beicheng replied: "I appreciate the gesture. Wishing you the best too."
Seeing his reply, Li Xingying guessed he didn't care much for the 50,000 yuan. A lean camel is still bigger than a horse—he probably wasn't at the point of needing handouts.
"No problem…" Li Xingying thought for a moment and continued, "Free tomorrow? Want to grab a casual meal? I've always wanted to thank you in person.
And I'd love to talk about my travel vlog, get some of your advice."