Chapter 23—Once Again Trending at the Top

Jiang Ning left with an air of ease, leaving behind only Gao Tiange and Bai Zehan, both in a wretched state from their ordeal.

“Zehan, are you alright?” Gao Tiange, her eyes filled with venom, glared after Jiang Ning’s departing figure. Hearing the man’s labored breathing, she rushed over to help him up.

Bai Zehan looked up weakly at Gao Tiange, but the next second, his eyes rolled back in his head.

Gao Tiange’s makeup had completely smeared, and with her distressed expression, she was the very image of a vengeful ghost.

“Don’t scare me! Zehan, wake up!” She shook his face, desperate to rouse him. They’d be leaving the island soon.

Bai Zehan slumped against her, unconscious, his drenched hair dripping pitifully.

Slap—

Bai Zehan jerked awake. “Jiang Ning, you wretch, you hit me again!”

His furious voice was full of energy, not at all like someone who’d just fainted.

A flicker of guilt crossed Gao Tiange’s eyes. Supporting him, she whispered, “Zehan, I’m sorry, it was me. You wouldn’t wake up, so I thought…”

“Oh, it was you, Tiange. It’s fine. By the way, where’s that wretch Jiang Ning? I never expected that ungrateful woman to have such strength!” Bai Zehan’s eyes, bloodshot and vicious, swept over Gao Tiange.

Silently, she cursed him for being useless—couldn’t even handle a woman. “She got away. I never thought she’d be so difficult. The way she looked just now, like a demon out for blood.”

The two fell silent. Their plan had seemed flawless, yet now, defeat was bitter on their tongues.

“Go wash your face.” Bai Zehan’s gaze lingered on her smeared makeup, a trace of disdain in his eyes.

They composed themselves as best they could and returned to the shore, faces calm, hearts pounding.

“Well, aren’t you two eager? Teacher Gao’s makeup is a mess,” Qi Jun said, arms folded, his tone full of implication.

Gao Tiange shot him a glare, then pressed Gao Minglang, “Director, isn’t the plane here yet? My schedule is packed, I have another event this afternoon!”

Gao Minglang grinned at the cameraman, giving a thumbs-up before answering, “Don’t worry, Teacher Gao. The helicopter will be here any moment—you won’t be delayed.”

As he spoke, a helicopter swooped in.

“Alright, dear viewers, our first live broadcast is truly over now! See you next time!” Gao Minglang waved at the camera, then called everyone onto the helicopter.

“Director Gao! What’s going on? Didn’t you say the livestream was over already? Why only now?” Gao Tiange shrieked, pointing at the camera, her expression both stunned and anxious.

Gao Minglang offered an apologetic smile and boarded the helicopter without a word.

Bai Zehan patted her back gently, comforting her. “Tiange, don’t worry. I didn’t see any cameraman just now—they probably didn’t catch us. Come, let’s get on.”

Still shaken, Gao Tiange nodded.

After a two-hour flight, the helicopter landed on the rooftop of the most luxurious hotel in the capital, the Star City Hotel.

“Esteemed guests, the second season of ‘Traveling Love’ has come to a successful close. I must go arrange the third season; you’re free to go as you please.” Gao Minglang left with the crew, the eight guests following behind.

“Jiang Ning! Jiang Ning!”

An Lan, dressed in a jumpsuit with a chic, short haircut, ran excitedly to Jiang Ning amid the others.

“My darling Ning Ning, I missed you so much! Did you suffer at all?”

Jiang Ning found herself swept into An Lan’s exuberant hug. Helpless, she patted An Lan’s back. “What could possibly happen? Everyone was very nice.”

“Heh, who is this Jiang Ning anyway, acting so prim and proper, shouting and carrying on—it’s so annoying!” Fu Jiaojiao had never seen Jiang Ning so intimate with anyone before, nor had she met this woman.

“She’s my agent, An Lan,” Jiang Ning replied coolly, casting Fu Jiaojiao a sidelong glance. Her icy beauty took on a mocking edge. “Who’s truly the most unruly and loud-mouthed here? Don’t you know yourself?”

“You! Teacher Cheng, look how aggressive she is—do you really like someone like that?” Fu Jiaojiao turned to the cold, imposing man beside her.

She knew Jiang Ning was ruthless and vengeful, but she didn’t believe the woman would dare hit her in public.

Jiang Ning’s brows knitted, her dark eyes narrowing. “Fu Jiaojiao, your repulsive scheming is disgusting.”

An Lan burst out laughing. “Xiao Ning, I’d thought Miss Fu’s behavior on the show was just scripted, but she’s genuinely insufferable!”

“Shut your mouth! Without authorization, no one can access the Star City Hotel’s rooftop. How did you get up here?” Fu Jiaojiao jabbed a finger at An Lan, unafraid of being ridiculed.

Gu Beicheng’s entire presence was ice-cold, his face clouded with anger. “An Lan, take Jiang Ning and go home.”

An Lan curled her lips into a mischievous smile, then dragged Jiang Ning toward the elevator.

Inside, Jiang Ning glanced at the man’s face, catching his gentle smile.

Gu Beicheng turned, his gaze chilling as he looked at Fu Jiaojiao with utter disgust. “Noisy.”

Just then, another elevator opened. Several men in black suits approached Gu Beicheng, bowing in unison. “Sir.”

He nodded. “That woman in the floral dress likes to linger on the roof. Let her stay till evening, then send her away.”

Everyone was stunned—wasn’t Cheng Beigu just a regular ski coach? Why did he carry such an aura of power? Was this for Jiang Ning’s sake?

“Damn, Teacher Cheng, you’re actually an undercover big shot! Wait for me, I’m coming with you!” Qi Jun shamelessly followed Gu Beicheng, undeterred by his intimidating aura.

“Are you coming or not?” Qi Jun called to Bai Zehan and the others, holding the elevator.

Bai Zehan and his group shook their heads in silence. Even a fool could tell that anyone with the privilege of using the VIP elevator at the Star City Hotel had an extraordinary identity.

“Teacher Bai, I’m scared. Can you wait for me?” Fu Jiaojiao, cornered by two security guards, cowered and pleaded.

Bai Zehan frowned, thinking how foolish she was. “Jiaojiao, I’ve got things to do. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

Without waiting for her reply or heeding her desperate pleas, he boarded the elevator with Gao Tiange, Song Xiao, and the others.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ning and An Lan left the hotel.

“Lanlan, do you know Gu Beicheng?” Jiang Ning suspected there was more to their relationship.

An Lan, hands on the wheel, shot her a glance. “Relax, I’ve known Gu since we were kids. Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m not interested in him.”

Jiang Ning caught the undertone, cleared her throat, and looked away. “Don’t misunderstand, there’s nothing between us. It’s all for show.”

“No need to explain. There’s nothing shameful about feelings between a man and a woman. If you end up with Gu, you’ve struck gold. He’s been single since birth. I’ve never seen him this close to any woman.”

An Lan had been binge-watching “Traveling Love” and shipped Cheng Beigu and Jiang Ning hard—the domineering CEO and the C-list actress; the perfect novel romance.

Jiang Ning gazed at the city lights flashing by.

“Forget it, I’m done explaining. Lanlan, just take me home.”

“Which home? The apartment Bai Zehan rented for you?”

An Lan frowned, annoyed. “Jiang Ning! How many times have I told you, Bai Zehan is a jerk. I’ve seen him with different sugar mamas at various parties. He’s not a patch on Gu!”

“There you go again about Gu Beicheng. We’re just acting. His grandfather is my fan—Gu is just helping him chase stars. There’s nothing between us.”

“As for Bai Zehan, I know he’s vile. I’m just going to pack my things from that place.”

An Lan sighed, giving Jiang Ning a sidelong look. “As long as you don’t get hurt.”

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the apartment Bai Zehan had rented for Jiang Ning.

“Your…luggage. That bastard really isn’t a man!” An Lan muttered.

Jiang Ning just smiled, bending to pick up her belongings strewn at the door. “At least I don’t have to pack inside. He’s already done it for me.”

“But still, he could have some decency! How could he just toss your things out? Come stay at my place. It’s big, and I’m lonely. You can keep me company.”