After Transmigrating, I Joined a Dating Show with the Fake Heiress Actress - Chapter 28

Bai Man pulled out her phone and made a call. “Tell President Xu I can help him secure that land,” she said. Without waiting for a response, she hung up.

 

She had called the secretary of Tiansheng Group. When researching Suzhou earlier, she had kept the number, anticipating she might need it. Shangguan Yu’s family’s conglomerate, Shunyang, dominated half of Suzhou’s market. To maintain its dominance, Shunyang had been aggressively suppressing other groups.

 

Tiansheng Group, which Bai Man contacted, harbored a deep-seated grudge against Shunyang. Despite Shunyang’s relentless suppression, Tiansheng Group had remained resilient, proving its formidable strength. Shunyang coveted the land and was determined to acquire it; securing it would further solidify Shunyang’s position in Suzhou.

 

Whether driven by profit or personal vendetta, Tiansheng Group had no desire for Shunyang to acquire the land and had been openly and covertly competing with Shunyang for it. The bidding conference for the land was scheduled for next month, representing Tiansheng Group’s only remaining opportunity.

 

Securing that land would not only reshape the Suzhou market landscape but also deal a significant blow to Shunyang. Therefore, the Tiansheng Group would undoubtedly spare no effort and seize every opportunity.

 

Now that she was delivering this opportunity to their doorstep, the Tiansheng Group had no reason to refuse.

 

Of course, this was only part of the gift. The other part was ensuring Shangguan Yu paid for her actions.

 

As dawn broke, everyone was already up and busy with their tasks.

 

Unlike the dedicated sales street, Wetland Park lacked access to electricity. Song Jie’s solution was to insulate the ice containers with an extra layer of foam.

 

When the orchard owner heard about their need for foam, he immediately instructed his workers to deliver several pieces, resolving the ice storage issue.

 

With the ingredients prepared and packed into the trunk, the group finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Bai Man didn’t join them in the car. “You guys go ahead,” she said. “I’ll catch up later.”

 

Su Qingwan stopped walking. “What are you going to do?”

 

Bai Man glanced at Shangguan Yu, who was getting into the car, and declared with conviction, “Call the police.”

 

Those two words startled Liu Heng so much that he jumped out of the car. “You’re going to call the police?” he asked, scratching his head. “About yesterday’s incident?”

 

Shangguan Yu froze in place, a hint of panic flickering in her eyes. Bai Man was going to call the police? What about her…?

 

Yu Meng, having also heard the word “police,” reached out and patted Shangguan Yu’s shoulder, urging her to remain calm.

 

Yu Meng’s reassurance had some effect. Shangguan Yu regained her composure and calmly got into the car.

 

Bai Man observed Shangguan Yu’s reaction, letting out a soft hum as she began to walk away.

 

Su Qingwan and Director Xu, who had finally snapped out of his daze, hurried after her. Before Su Qingwan could speak, Director Xu said earnestly, “Let’s not make a fuss. Yesterday’s incident didn’t really affect you, so let’s just drop it.”

 

Bai Man chuckled softly. “I was going to,” she said, glancing at Shangguan Yu’s car, “but some people just can’t resist pushing their luck.”

 

Su Qingwan followed her gaze, understanding dawning in her eyes. After a moment’s thought, she declared, “I’ll go with you.”

 

“No need. You go with them. I’ll catch up soon.” With that, Bai Man resumed walking.

 

To save time, she hailed a taxi by the roadside and arrived at the police station within minutes.

 

After explaining her purpose, she pulled out her phone—one of the few items the Production Team hadn’t confiscated—and showed the officers a photo of the Auntie.

 

A male officer, still munching on an apple, approached and peered at the phone screen. He pointed at the photo. “I know her. Her name is…” He paused, trying to recall. “Zhang Shufen. She used to be in my patrol area. She’d constantly get into petty arguments with people over trivial matters. I warned her repeatedly, but she never learned. Now she’s gone and started staging accidents for money.”

 

Bai Man stood up from her chair and addressed the officer. “If this is her first offense, I’m willing to give her a chance to explain her motives. If she does, I won’t press charges.” She paused before adding, “Otherwise, she’ll have to deal with my lawyer.”

 

She glanced at her wristwatch. “The show’s still filming. I’ll leave this matter in your capable hands. Farewell.”

 

As she left, the two officers exchanged glances. The male officer quickly finished his apple, put on his cap, and hurried out.

 

Bai Man arrived at Wetland Park by car. After walking just a dozen meters, she spotted a crowd gathered under a distant sunshade. Tourists were clustered around two small tables, each filling their plates with their choice of fruit and glistening, translucent sago pearls. Word of the self-service stall had likely spread, drawing visitors from all corners of the park.

 

Everyone was very conscious of order, lining up voluntarily, scanning QR codes to pay, and then starting to make their own fruit platters.

 

A few hundred meters to the left of this self-service stall, another booth had been set up, still offering ring toss, fruit, and strength games, all eagerly awaiting participants.

 

Su Qingwan, who had been glancing over frequently, immediately rose from the swing set and hurried toward Bai Man when she saw her arrive.

 

Hearing footsteps, Bai Man turned to see a girl in a light green dress, her hair styled in a shoulder-length cascade, gently lifting the hem of her skirt as she approached step by step.

 

The slanting sunlight seemed to gild the girl in a radiant glow, dazzlingly bright.

 

In that moment, a corner of Bai Man’s resolute heart crumbled, though she herself didn’t realize it. Her gaze toward the girl carried a hint of tenderness.

 

She stepped forward to meet her.

 

Su Qingwan, slightly out of breath, grabbed Bai Man’s hand and asked, “How… how did it go?”

 

Bai Man pulled a tissue from her pocket and carefully wiped the sweat from Su Qingwan’s brow as she replied softly, “The police happened to know the person. They’re probably looking for him now. Once they have a conclusion…”

 

Su Qingwan only saw Bai Man’s cherry lips moving, but she couldn’t quite make out the words. Her attention was entirely focused on Bai Man’s gentle wiping of her sweat.

 

Each touch was exceptionally careful and tender, as if handling a precious treasure.

 

So, am I Bai Man’s treasure?

 

The thought had barely surfaced when a mocking voice echoed in her mind: Su Qingwan, wake up! You stole eighteen years of Bai Man’s life. The fact that she no longer hates or despises you should be enough reason to burn incense in gratitude. To think she might cherish you, treat you as her most precious possession—don’t delude yourself.

 

Yet Bai Man truly was kind to her, a kindness reserved solely for her.

 

What if it’s all a ploy? Using tenderness to steal your heart, then crushing it mercilessly underfoot. You know better than anyone that Bai Man is capable of such cruelty.

 

She shook her head. No, Bai Man wouldn’t do that.

 

Bai Man withdrew her hand and asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

Her voice snapped Su Qingwan out of her reverie. Avoiding Bai Man’s gaze, she turned away, her tone strained. “Nothing. Let’s go. They’re waiting for us over there.”

 

Sensing Su Qingwan’s reluctance to talk, Bai Man didn’t press further. She followed Su Qingwan to the seaside.

 

To be precise, it was a large lake. Sunlight danced across its surface, making the water shimmer and sparkle. Fearless seagulls preened their feathers along the shore, some soaring low over the water, while others rested in the shallows. Tourists snapped photos, but the birds remained undisturbed, calmly posing for the cameras.

 

Seeing this, Su Qingwan felt a surge of excitement. She turned to Bai Man and asked, “Could you take some photos of me, please?”

 

Bai Man couldn’t refuse. “Sure.”

 

With Bai Man’s agreement, Su Qingwan carefully lifted her skirt and walked toward the rocky cliff. She paused as she passed the seagulls, afraid of startling them. When she realized they wouldn’t even spare her a glance, she relaxed and approached the cliff.

 

Bai Man casually snapped a photo with her phone, but the result was unsatisfactory. She began experimenting with different angles.

 

After several attempts, she finally found the perfect technique.

 

The photos captured Su Qingwan’s gentle yet alluring charm. In one, she gazed into the distance; in another, she spread her arms to embrace the gentle breeze; in another, she crouched down, lightly touching the lake’s surface while a few lazy seagulls kept her company. Each shot was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

Liu Heng, who had rushed over, spotted the photos on Bai Man’s phone as he approached. “Ms. Bai, I never knew you were so good at photography!” he exclaimed in surprise, straightening his posture. “You can’t play favorites, Ms. Bai. How about taking a couple for me too?”

 

Hearing this, Song Jie covered his forehead with his hand. How could this guy be so dense? he thought. He knows Su Qingwan is special to Bai Man, yet he’s using her as an excuse. He’s beyond hopeless.

 

Bai Man put away her phone and turned to point at the photographers in the distance. “They’re the professionals.”

 

“They’re busy filming and don’t have time for me, unlike you.”

 

Seeing the impatience in Bai Man’s eyes, Liu Heng immediately shut up and slunk off to the side, crestfallen.

 

In contrast to Liu Heng’s disappointment, Su Qingwan couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face. Bai Man truly treated her differently.

 

She relished this feeling of being favored, even greedily wishing it could last forever.

 

Hiding her secret thoughts, she approached Bai Man. “Let me take a few photos of you too!”

 

Bai Man firmly refused. “I don’t like having my picture taken.”

 

Disappointment flooded Su Qingwan’s eyes and face as she muttered softly, “I was hoping for a photo with you.”

 

“It’s not entirely out of the question.”

 

Hahaha, this is hilarious! Bai Man, where’s your stance now? Didn’t you hate taking photos?

 

I’ve figured it out—Bai Man is a total hypocrite. But I love this kind of hypocrisy! It means I get to enjoy her special treatment all to myself.

 

The romantic vibes are getting stronger every day. I’m dying to know what happened between Su Qingwan and Bai Man last night. Judging by Liu Heng and Zhang Jiale’s reactions, something definitely went down. Ugh, the cameraman is so annoying! They always mess up the crucial moments. We need a new cameraman ASAP!

 

DIY fruit cups? How did they even come up with that idea? Why didn’t I think of it? DIY isn’t just about adding whatever you want—filling the cup yourself is so satisfying!

 

Am I the only one who noticed how gorgeous Su Qingwan and Bai Man’s dresses are today? I checked their outfits from last episode, and they’re completely different. This time, it’s all about elegant simplicity. I’m now convinced Bai Man is planning to launch her own brand.

 

Seriously? I’m definitely going to stalk the launch! I love minimalist styles—they look good on everyone.

 

Looks like I’m the only one waiting to see what happens after Bai Man reported the incident to the police. If the Young Master really ordered this, Bai Man’s going to make him pay. This is going to be good.

 

 

At the stall, Shangguan Yu turned her head, her eyes filled with envy as she watched the tourists enjoying themselves nearby.

 

Yu Meng refilled the fruit that had been knocked over and sat down beside her. “I can manage here alone. Go have some fun.”

 

“But I want to stay with you, Mengmeng,” Shangguan Yu pouted, puffing out her cheeks. “It’s all the Director’s fault! Why does he care so much about money? Other dating shows just let the guests go on dates. What’s this even supposed to be?”

 

Suddenly remembering something, she shifted closer, clutching Yu Meng’s arm and whispering, “Mengmeng, do you think that woman might—”

 

Yu Meng cut her off. “Just remember: you don’t know anyone here. That’s all you need to remember.”

 

Shangguan Yu immediately understood. As long as she denied everything, no one could prove anything against her. Even if the Auntie pointed her out, without evidence, it would mean nothing.

 

A wave of relief washed over her. Thank goodness I paid in cash.

 

Yu Meng counted the day’s earnings. Combined with yesterday’s, they were still 800 yuan short of their goal. She was confident she could earn that amount. She raised the price from 1 yuan per ring to 3 yuan, and 10 yuan for all three. With the increasing number of tourists visiting the area, she hoped to earn the remaining 800 yuan within the next two or three hours.

 

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Bai Man and her friends’ roadside stall. From the moment they set it up, there had been a steady stream of customers.

 

She had to admit, Bai Man had a knack for this. It was a shame her ideas were so small-scale, unworthy of the commercial world. Otherwise, how could she be so helpless when it came to the Hengjie Garment Factory crisis?

 

Bai Man, who had just finished taking group photos with Su Qingwan, was completely unaware of these thoughts.

 

As Bai Man put her phone away, she saw Liu Heng and Liu Yue waving at them. Beneath Liu Yue and the others lay camping mats provided by the Production Team.

 

As she approached, she realized they had even brought fruit—mostly cherries and watermelon—and a variety of drinks, including cola and beer.

 

Su Qingwan gasped, covering her mouth in shock. “Where did you get all this?”

 

Liu Yue stood up and handed yogurt to Su Qingwan and Bai Man. “We didn’t bring any of this. Director Xu prepared it. He said the sunset here is beautiful and we shouldn’t miss it.” She added, “Director Xu also brought a barbecue grill and ingredients. He said if we’re interested, we can grill while watching the sunset.”

 

Bai Man’s lips twitched slightly. Since filming began, how many barbecue meals had they already eaten?

 

Zhang Jiale waved his hand, indicating he couldn’t stand it either.

 

It wasn’t that he disliked barbecue, but the high calorie count meant he’d have to add two hours to his workout routine.

 

Director Xu, who had been wandering around, approached them with a mysterious air. “Really? The ingredients this time are different from before.”

 

Liu Heng’s interest was immediately piqued, and he scrambled up from the camping mat. “What is it?”

 

Wen Yi, who rarely spoke, chimed in, “If I had to guess, it’s durian.”

 

“Ew…”

 

Everyone groaned in unison. After all, durian’s pungent aroma wasn’t for everyone.

 

“Alright then, you’re free to make your own arrangements. Just remember, lunch is on you,” Director Xu said, settling onto another camping mat with his legs crossed, gazing at the shimmering lake.

 

Upon hearing they had to arrange their own lunch, Liu Heng let out a bear-like roar of protest.

 

“Stop whining. There’s a grill over there,” Song Jie pointed across the lake. “I heard from the security guard that there’s a lake stocked with fish. We could buy a couple.”

 

“The cost will be deducted from your mission budget,” Director Xu interjected.

 

Liu Heng clenched his fist at Director Xu. “You’re ruthless.”

 

As soon as Song Jie and Liu Heng left, Zhang Jiale suggested, “Why don’t we play ball? I saw they’re selling them over there. I’ll go buy one, and we can all play together.”

 

Liu Yue scoffed, “That’s not as fun as playing cards. Losers have to wear sticky notes.”

 

“I like that idea! You guys wait here, I’ll go get the cards. No one’s backing out now—everyone has to play!” With that, Zhang Jiale dashed off.

 

Bai Man paid little attention to the conversation, continuing her leisurely stroll along the lakeside.

 

Su Qingwan immediately followed.

 

She tried to mimic Bai Man’s stance on a rock, but failed to notice the moss covering its surface. She stumbled forward, nearly falling.

 

Fortunately, Bai Man reacted swiftly, pulling her back in time.

 

Still shaken, Su Qingwan only realized after calming down that she was pressed against Bai Man’s chest in an intimate embrace. Without even looking up, she could hear Bai Man’s rapid heartbeat.

 

“Your heart’s beating so fast,” she remarked truthfully.

 

Bai Man gripped Su Qingwan’s hand tightly, veins bulging. How could it not be racing?

 

Su Qingwan’s warm breath, filtered through her acetate clothing, brushed against Bai Man’s skin. Her head, still slightly unsteady, unconsciously rubbed against the soft curve of Bai Man’s chest. Already flustered by the woman in her arms, this only intensified her turmoil. To remain unmoved in such a situation would have made her a true Liu Xiahui—a paragon of virtue.

 

Su Qingwan finally realized she had asked a foolish question. Tentatively, she lowered her foot and slowly lifted her head from Bai Man’s embrace.

 

When her cheek brushed against something soft, her face burned. She hadn’t expected Bai Man, who looked so slender, to be so well-endowed.

 

She tried to ignore her pounding heart, reluctant to leave Bai Man’s arms.

 

Even though Bai Man hadn’t done anything, Su Qingwan felt her gaze burning against her skin, scorching her heart. The sensation intensified when her fingertips brushed against Bai Man’s warm flesh, making her heart pound like thunder.

 

Bai Man noticed Su Qingwan’s discomposure. She saw the blush spreading across Su Qingwan’s cheeks, reaching the tips of her ears, and her flustered gaze darting around.

 

So, I’m not the only one whose heart is in turmoil, she thought.

 

A faint smile curved Bai Man’s lips as she reached out to steady Su Qingwan by the waist, intending to help her down.

 

But the moment her hand touched Su Qingwan’s waist, Su Qingwan recoiled like a startled bird, stumbling backward.

 

Bai Man had to use some force to pull Su Qingwan back, wrapping her arm around her waist. Before she could speak, Su Qingwan pushed her away, turned clumsily, and fled.

 

Watching Su Qingwan’s retreating figure, Bai Man once again doubted her own judgment.

 

Was Su Qingwan’s reaction a rejection of her? What did Su Qingwan feel about Yu Meng…?

 

The thought that Su Qingwan might be rejecting her for Yu Meng or someone else fueled a wildfire of jealousy in her heart.

 

How dare Su Qingwan tease her again and again, only to abandon her so casually?

 

A flicker of rationality reminded her that Su Qingwan wasn’t that kind of person. There must be other reasons for her hesitation, perhaps lingering wounds from the original owner’s past actions.

 

Su Qingwan, having fled, didn’t dare stop until her body reached its limit. Clutching her chest, she gasped for breath, her heart pounding in her throat. Heaven knew, when Bai Man’s arm had circled her waist, her heart had nearly leaped out of her chest.

 

It was in that moment that she realized she had fallen for Bai Man.

 

She couldn’t let herself love Bai Man. What if Bai Man’s kindness was just a ploy to deceive her? What then…?

 

No, she couldn’t bear such an outcome.

 

Bai Man could mock her, but she must never trample on her sincerity. That was her absolute bottom line.

 

Livestream Chat:

 

Tsk, I’m getting a “wife-chasing hell” vibe here. Bai Man, your road to winning Wanwan back is going to be long and arduous!

 

Honestly, you deserve this. You bullied our Wanwan so much before. It’s only right that she won’t accept you now.

 

I think Wanwan’s doing the right thing. She’s clinging to her last shred of clarity. If this is all Bai Man’s act, Wanwan would be completely devastated.

 

Ah… you guys are overthinking it. Bai Man’s sincerity doesn’t seem fake. After years in the entertainment industry, Su Qingwan should be able to see through any act.

 

The person above clearly hasn’t been in a relationship. There’s a saying: “Once bitten by a snake, fear the rope for ten years.” Besides, Bai Man’s change has been too sudden. Any normal person would be suspicious, okay? Rather than entrusting your heart to someone you can’t trust and having it trampled on, it’s better to keep those feelings hidden and preserve your dignity.

 

Oh my god, I almost wanted to throw the entire political system at Bai Man just now. The way she looked at Wanwan was absolutely devastating. If it were me, I would have crumbled long ago.

 

 

Bai Man received a call from the police station. After informing Director Xu, she brought the photographer to the station.

 

With the police’s permission, the photographer accompanied Bai Man to the conference room.

 

The once arrogant Zhang Shufen stood up tremulously at Bai Man’s arrival. “Don’t sue me,” she pleaded. “I’ll tell you everything.”

 

The police had just explained the consequences to her. Faced with irrefutable evidence, she would inevitably lose in court and face substantial compensation claims.

 

She had quickly researched online and discovered that celebrities demanded exorbitant amounts for emotional distress damages.

 

Her entire scheme had only earned her five hundred yuan. To risk paying tens or even hundreds of thousands in damages for such a paltry sum was clearly not worth it.

 

Bai Man had anticipated Zhang Shufen’s reaction. She pulled out a chair and sat down. “Just tell me why you did it, and I’ll let it go.”

 

Zhang Shufen nodded and recounted the entire story.

 

It turned out that Shangguan Yu had encountered Zhang Shufen arguing with someone and winning while she was away. Impressed, Shangguan Yu approached her.

 

Zhang Shufen figured that causing a scene at a stall would earn her five hundred yuan—easy money. Without hesitation, she agreed.

 

According to Zhang Shufen, Shangguan Yu wore a mask when she approached her. Having watched a lot of television, Zhang Shufen grew suspicious. As Shangguan Yu left, she secretly snapped a photo. Though the face wasn’t visible, the clothing, hairstyle, and distinctive silhouette clearly identified Shangguan Yu.

 

Having obtained the answers they sought, Bai Man and the cameraman left the police station, and the entire scene was immediately broadcast live.

 

The cameraman had initially planned to pull a fast one by cutting the live stream midway through, but Bai Man caught on and even threatened to record the rest herself using her phone. To protect the Production Team’s reputation, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue filming.

 

Viewers who had been glued to the live stream exploded into a frenzy after hearing Zhang Shufen’s testimony.

 

“I knew it! She’s utterly shameless, resorting to such tactics.”

 

“If you can’t handle losing, just admit it! Using such low-class methods is pathetic. What’s wrong with Yu Meng’s eyes? How could he let such a creature become his fiancée?”

 

“Am I the only one who thinks those two are a perfect match?”

 

“Now we have concrete proof! The trolls spamming Bai Man’s live stream were Shangguan Yu’s doing all along. After all, she’s a repeat offender!”

 

“Why is the Production Team keeping someone like her around? Just to disgust us? @ProductionTeam, kick her out immediately!”

 

“Stop daydreaming. Remember who her family is—a powerful conglomerate. The Production Team wouldn’t dare cross them.”

 

“Ah… Bai Man, I’m rooting for you to crush her!”

 

“There’s an old saying: ‘You can’t bend an elbow against a thigh.’ A bankrupt garment factory heiress versus the young mistress of a financial empire? She doesn’t stand a chance.”

 

 

Half an hour later, at Wetland Park, Shangguan Yu stood before Yu Meng’s stall.

 

This was already the nth time Shangguan Yu had noticed tourists pointing and whispering about her. Realizing something was wrong, she quickly pulled out her phone and found the live stream.

 

The live stream was flooded with comments, not only cursing her but also dragging Yu Meng into the fray. A quick search revealed that her scheme to cause trouble yesterday had been exposed.

 

The hand holding her phone trembled slightly, her expression darkening. Bai Man, you and I are sworn enemies.