New Zealand was a travel destination that Li Xingying had longed for, and it could also be said to be the best spot for every video blogger to check in at.
She had prepared a lot of itineraries, eagerly anticipating the day she could set out.
The reason she hadn't departed yet was due to concerns about safety and money.
After the pandemic, New Zealand was no longer the world's safest country it once was; the government had even tolerated the occurrence of many security issues.
As a girl traveling thousands of kilometers away, safety would be hard to guarantee.
Additionally, New Zealand was a high-consumption country. Even a special forces-style group tour would cost over 30,000 RMB. If she wanted to deeply experience and feel New Zealand's landscapes and culture, the expenses would exceed 50,000 RMB.
With her current income level, she had to consider whether the investment would balance out with the returns.
When Jiang Beicheng invited her to go to New Zealand together, she was extremely tempted—even a bit excited.
She yearned for that place so much.
She was even more eager for this New Zealand trip to produce high-quality videos and stunning copywriting, attracting even more attention.
"Thank you for the invitation, Young Master Jiang. You've seen the world, so traveling with you should be very relaxing!" Li Xingying smiled.
"Just don't get lost," Jiang Beicheng said.
Such a reassuring sentence.
"Can you give me some time to think about it?" Li Xingying asked.
She truly didn't want to miss this opportunity.
But there was a slight hesitation in her heart.
On this trip, the travel buddy might very well turn into a "bed buddy."
Two adults traveling abroad together—who knows what might happen?
Emotions could surge, and before you know it, they might end up rolling in the sheets.
Moreover, Li Xingying knew Jiang Gongzi's style of doing things. If she went with him, he definitely wouldn't let her spend a single penny.
Riding on his food, lodging, and entertainment... all high-end consumption. If he got in the mood and made certain requests, would she agree or not?
Li Xingying felt she needed to think carefully about whether she could accept the outcome of the two of them getting intimate during the trip.
Jiang Beicheng could guess what Li Xingying was thinking. In fact, he really just needed a travel buddy to chat and bullsh*t with on the self-driving road.
As for needs in that department, adult men and women were often creatures that followed their emotions. When the atmosphere hit, things would happen naturally.
After spending the day with her, this girl Li Xingying was indeed pretty good.
Especially that little fiery temper she showed when standing up for him—Jiang Beicheng kind of liked it.
Now, looking at her, she seemed more and more attractive.
"If you want to go, hurry up and apply for your visa. Mine will be approved soon," Jiang Beicheng instructed.
He had an Australian visa, so getting the New Zealand one was much easier.
"Mm-hmm, whether I go or not, I won't keep Young Master Jiang waiting too long," Li Xingying nodded.
"Young Master Jiang, I have one more question I'd like to ask you."
"No need to be so polite—just say it. My views and opinions might not be the standard answers you're looking for."
He was clearly so worldly and insightful, yet so humble. Being around a man like this was really comfortable.
Li Xingying increasingly felt that her sister Zhou Yu was too foolish. "Young Master Jiang, what do you think about online bashing?"
"Have you been bashed online?"
"No, but sometimes when I see those abusive comments, it really upsets me. I still don't know how to handle it."
"Are there a lot of those kinds of comments?"
"They've been increasing lately."
Jiang Beicheng smiled. "That means you're a travel blogger with great potential. Keep at it, and there will be good results."
Li Xingying looked at Jiang Beicheng in confusion, not understanding what he meant.
Jiang Beicheng said straightforwardly: "Maybe the people cursing you are organized.
"Fellow competitors? Or the MCN they're with? The evil in this society often comes from educated people, from capitalists, from vested interests.
"If it were just ordinary people venting their emotions, would they keep chasing you to curse?
"I think that kind of person must be a nutcase!"
Li Xingying was amused and nodded repeatedly. "I get it now, Young Master Jiang."
Hearing Jiang Beicheng's words made her suddenly see the light.
There weren't that many cynical ordinary folks; they were just the group led astray by public opinion, victims used as traffic tools by capitalists.
They weren't the ones benefiting; the forces manipulating them from behind were.
She shouldn't agonize or doubt herself over those remarks.
What she should do is become stronger.
"Actually, the most valuable thing about you, Young Master Jiang, is your insight and awareness. It's a pity Zhou Yu doesn't know that," Li Xingying praised.
"That's the most comfortable thing I've heard in the last two months," Jiang Beicheng laughed.
Li Xingying placed her right hand over her chest. "From the bottom of my heart."
"The position of the heart should be a bit higher—that's the chest," Jiang Beicheng teased.
"Hahahaha, Young Master Jiang, you're so naughty! Beat you, beat you!" Li Xingying gestured with her hands.
The two chatted as they walked, returning to the Harley flagship store.
Jiang Beicheng put on his helmet, mounted the bike, and said goodbye.
"See you, Young Master Jiang." Li Xingying waved with a smile.
Watching Jiang Beicheng ride away, scenes from youth literature flashed in her mind.
People who worked with words were like that—liking to draw emotions from their surroundings.
Even more so, fantasizing about scenes they hadn't experienced.
At this moment, in Li Xingying's mind, she was already sitting on the back of Jiang Beicheng's Harley motorcycle.
Snapping back to reality, she shook her head and smiled.
Undeniably, after today's interactions, she had developed a trace of admiration for Jiang Beicheng.
She envied his lavish spending without a second thought, liked his roguish charm, and admired his insight and awareness.
How could such a man be as worthless as Zhou Yu had described?
On the drive home, Li Xingying's mind was filled with fantasies of traveling to New Zealand with Jiang Beicheng.
The greatest joy in life is the unknown.
The unknown fascinates and beckons.
When she got home and opened the door, Zhou Yu was leaning sideways on one end of the sofa, turning her head to look at her.
The two locked eyes.
Zhou Yu's emotions were written all over her face.
Today, not only had she failed to latch onto a new big shot, but after Jiang Beicheng exposed her identity, she had also been lectured and scorned by Zeng Haifeng.
She was holding in a breath of anger, waiting for Li Xingying to return.
Seeing Zhou Yu in that state, Li Xingying didn't speak to her and headed straight to her bedroom.
"Don't you have anything to say to me?" Zhou Yu suddenly said. "When did you and Jiang Beicheng get together?"
That word "get together" sounded particularly cutting
.
Li Xingying's happy mood from the day instantly vanished. She turned back and said, "Jiang Beicheng and I are just friends right now. During the time you were dating him, I was completely clean with him.
"Even if something happens between us in the future, what does it have to do with you?
"Do you even remember what you said?"
Zhou Yu stared blankly at Li Xingying, not expecting this girl to be so fierce today. Sisters usually had minor squabbles, but this was the first time she'd seen Li Xingying lose her temper so badly.
What kind of love potion had Jiang Beicheng fed her?
"I have no objection if you want to get together with Jiang Beicheng," Zhou Yu shot back. "But why did you two have to ruin my good thing?"
"What good thing?" Li Xingying walked over with her phone. "Is Zeng Haifeng your 'good thing'? Do you even know what kind of person he is? And you're rushing to throw yourself at him."
She tossed the phone to Zhou Yu.
Zhou Yu looked baffled, picked up the phone, and glanced at it. It was news about the young master of Chaoniu Hotpot—Zeng Haifeng—forcing a minor internet celebrity to have an abortion and committing domestic violence.
It had even trended on the local hot search.
After reading the news, Zhou Yu was completely dumbfounded.
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If you happen to notice any errors, typos, or inconsistencies in the text, please don't hesitate to leave a comment. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help me improve the story. Together, we can make it as polished and enjoyable as possible!
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