Chapter 56 - Fashion Show
Probably because Jing Lihua had realized that he was not just a mere doctor, but someone with a strong background, she was tolerant towards him. "Mr. Li, it's late, don't you think you should leave?"
"I appreciate the hotpot and your concern, but I'm a married woman and having a man at my place so late at night won't be appropriate."
"I'll see you tomorrow." Li Zhiqiang strode out.
Jing Lihua sighed and slouched down on the couches. She contemplated the methods to get rid of that crazy man who intended to 'steal her'. Avoidance was not an option. Maybe if she acted badly in front of him...
Early in the morning Jing Lihua walked out of her room and headed for the elevator. The elevator lady directed for the tenth floor. Once Jing Lihua stepped out of the elevator, she spotted some familiar faces. At some distance, Su Lanfen had just climbed down from the upper floors. A group of paparazzi rushed from all sides and surrounded her like bees. None of them even hinted at the scandal. She looked quite satisfied being the center of attention. "How much she had paid to shut them up?" Just a glance and Jing Lihua realized. It was also not uncommon for celebrities to hire paparazzi to make them look good. With a smile, she walked away to meet with Zhao Liying.
Zhao Liying excused herself from the guests who were gathered around her. "Xiao Hua, so are here so early. Not any other buyer is here yet."
"There wasn't anything else to do. I woke up early." Jing Lihua smiled at her. "Besides I'm not here for my business. It was just an excuse to come here. I'm here as your friend; to cheer you up."
"Did you hear? There are rumors that the tycoon of Hong Kong will be attending."
Jing Lihua ears perked up. "You mean the President of Li empire?"
"Yes." Zhao Liying looked excited. "He has only shown up in a few high-class galas before. So the rumors might not be true. And this event is relatively less important for a person like him. However, even the rumors have put the management team under extreme pressure." The organization including the whole building that was going to host the fashion show was under the Li empire. So when the ultimate boss decided to show up, the employees would surely be panic-stricken.
That 'Devil' was obviously an immortal in the realm of mortals. He was from an entirely different level. So he wouldn't have time to pay her any heed. Even though he helped her, Jing Lihua didn't think she would matter to him much. He wouldn't probably even remember her name. But if she had a chance, she would surely like to get some answers.
"Zhao Liying, you have to be careful today" Jing Lihua's eyes became serious. "You must know about Su Lanfen and her company. They are notorious for exploiting underhand tactics. After the recent scandals, they would want to salvage her. And for their purpose, they won't hesitate to employ any method to make her competitors look bad."
That was one of the other reasons Jing Lihua had agreed to come to this fashion show. She hadn't visited the fashion show in her last life so she wasn't aware of exact details. But Zhao Liying had undergone an accident and failed to appear making her disappoint millions of fans.
"I know."
Jing Lihua chattered around with different people and guests. It was a way to make new acquaintances. Because soon, she would open a new mall and she would need to host products of different designers at her place. Even though Jing Lihua was here for Zhao Liying, that wouldn't stop her from reaping all the advantages.
She had enlisted some names before coming to Hong Kong who would be attending the fashion show. Jing Lihua skillfully exchanged numbers with them all. Jing Lihua couldn't settle the uneasiness in her heart. After excusing herself, she headed for Zhao Liying's dressing room to check on her. In the corridors, she was lost.
"Excuse me. Do you know where is Zhao Liying room?" Jing Lihua asked politely from a random person. The woman looked up from her phone, fixed her thick glasses, and frowned.
"Another fan? This is no place for the public. How did the security let you in.?" Disdain flashed across her eyes. "Come on, let me take you out." The woman tried to grab Jing Lihua.
Jing Lihua stepped back. Her expression became cold. The woman was being rude.
"I'm Zhao Liying friend."
"That's what they all say. Now shut up and..."
"Yang Mi!" A loud voice rang from the back and shook the woman. She quickly reverted her attitude to a reverent one.
"Manager Chen, this fan found her way here. I was merely guiding her way out..."
"You were being disrespectful again."
Yang Mi gnashed her teeth and apologized to Jing Lihua and rushed away from there before the manager could berate her any further.
"Come with me, Xiao Jing." Ignoring the woman, Chen Li called Jing Lihua with a smile.
"Uncle Chen, how came the more time that passes, the more handsome and young you look?" Jing Lihua laughed.
"Don't try to butter me up. Tell me what you want." Chen Li was a wise man.
Jing Lihua sighed and glanced into the room where Zhao Liying was being surrounded by a group of makeup artists. "Just look over Zhao Liying"
"You don't need to ask that from me."
"It's not about that. I've information that Su Lanfen company is planning something. And they will do all that requires to make her unable to attend."
Quickly Chen Li's eyes looked in the direction Yang Mi to where Yang Mi had walked away. Jing Lihua followed his gaze. "I had my suspicion. Thanks for confiding me, Xiao Jing. I'll be careful. Our Zhao Liying is lucky to have a friend like you."
Jing Lihua chattered with Uncle Chen for a while but didn't go in. She didn't want to disturb Zhao Liying. After making sure Zhao Liying would be safe, Jing Lihua decided to leave when they announced that the show would be starting soon. But something unexpected awaited her.