Chapter 51: You, Su Bai, a mere internet celebrity, dare to compete with me in looks?

The staff member from the CCTV station responsible for registration looked at Yang Mengke, who followed behind Yang Liuqing, with a hint of surprise.

“Miss Yang, it’s rare to see you here in person!” he exclaimed.

Yang Liuqing responded cheerfully, “I just finished recording a program and had nothing else to do, so I thought I’d drop by.”

Hearing this, the staff member glanced at Yang Mengke once more, as if trying to memorize both her face and name.

When registration was over, Yang Mengke left the scene with Yang Liuqing, drawing astonished gazes from everyone present.

“Who is she, with such an impressive background? Even Yang Liuqing is personally escorting her.”

“But this girl, Yang Mengke, is certainly worthy of the honor. That air, that beauty—she’s the finest I’ve ever seen.”

The man had barely finished speaking when a girl sneered, “Ha, there goes another sycophant! She didn’t even spare you a glance, and you’ve already surrendered.”

“She’s just a pretty face, nothing more. This is a search for a host, not a vase. Without ability, she’ll be eliminated all the same.”

“Exactly. In this industry, isn't personal merit what matters most? What’s the use of just a pretty face?”

Someone, unable to hold back, muttered, “Heh, now that someone’s prettier than you, suddenly personal merit matters, huh?”

“Wonder who’s always dolled up like a showpiece, desperate for everyone to see them?”

“Times change, don’t they?”

No sooner had he finished than an uproar erupted among the women: “Who do you think you are? Watch your mouth…”

Yang Mengke herself had no idea that by simply walking through the room without saying a word, she had already stirred up a storm.

What would happen when she arrived in person?

As others argued, only Zhao Hongbing narrowed his eyes, watching the departing figure of Yang Mengke with keen interest.

With Yang Liuqing present, Zhao Hongbing decided to bide his time. But after they left, he made his way directly to the main entrance.

Even if he didn’t know where she was headed, she’d have to exit through the main door eventually.

So he waited outside, convinced that the girl named Yang Mengke would appear soon. Even if she was acquainted with Yang Liuqing, she couldn’t possibly wait upstairs for her shift to end—this was not some ordinary place.

A man trailing behind Zhao Hongbing joked, “So, Bing, you’ve got your eye on her already?”

Zhou Yanfeng knew well that Zhao Hongbing’s sole purpose in coming here was to chase women.

As one of the most notorious playboys in Beijing’s circles, Zhao Hongbing had long tired of celebrities and university students alike.

Now, his sights were set on television anchors.

He’d originally taken a fancy to a few attractive girls at the registration desk, intending to make his move. But the moment he saw Yang Mengke, his plans changed entirely.

He prided himself on having met countless women, but none possessed the unique air that Yang Mengke did.

“With Bing on the hunt, what girl wouldn’t fall into his arms? Looks like tonight you’ll be burning the midnight oil with her!” Zhou Yanfeng teased.

Zhao Hongbing slapped him playfully. “Nonsense. This girl is different from all the others.”

“Just look at her ethereal poise—you can tell she’s unworldly, untouched by the dust of experience.”

“If she were as easy as you say, she wouldn’t radiate that kind of purity.”

“This one will take at least ten days, if not half a month, to win over.”

Zhou Yanfeng looked at him in disbelief. The girl was beautiful, but he hadn’t expected Bing to hold her in such high regard.

“Come on, Bing, isn’t that a bit much?”

“With your charisma, won’t she give in right away?”

They laughed and joked, waiting outside.

“Fengzi, bring my Ferrari over! Before she gets to know us, we need a bit of flash to set the scene,” Zhao Hongbing instructed.

Zhou Yanfeng looked even more surprised. In all his years in Beijing, Bing had never needed such props to pick up women.

Who would have thought that an unknown girl could make Bing treat her so seriously?

Bing was in high spirits, anticipating a pleasant encounter with Yang Mengke. But suddenly, his expression darkened.

To his surprise, the girl he’d been thinking about emerged, arm in arm with a man.

“Could she have a boyfriend?” the thought flashed through Zhao Hongbing’s mind.

But Zhao Hongbing was not one to back down from adversity. Over the years, he’d broken up more than a few couples for the sake of women he desired.

As Yang Mengke appeared, he stepped forward, extended a hand with gentlemanly grace, and said, “Hello, Miss Yang Mengke! I’m Zhao Hongbing—we met earlier at registration. May I introduce myself?”

Yang Mengke frowned at the sudden approach. She had no recollection of seeing him before—there had been many people present, and she hadn’t paid attention to any faces. The man’s attempt to shake hands right off the bat made her uncomfortable.

She was not accustomed to shaking hands with men so casually.

With a polite smile, she nodded at him. “Hello.”

Then, taking Su Bai’s arm, she attempted to move past Zhao Hongbing.

His face fell immediately. It had been many years since anyone had dared to snub him so openly.

A cold smile touched his lips. “Leaving so soon, Miss Yang?”

Su Bai, already displeased by the man’s forwardness, grew even more annoyed at his harsh tone.

Turning with Yang Mengke to face him, Su Bai forced a smile and asked, “Oh, hello, sir. How exactly would you like us to leave?”

Until now, Zhao Hongbing hadn’t paid attention to the man accompanying Yang Mengke. But now, he recognized him—wasn’t this the Su Bai who had been making waves online recently?

Realizing who Su Bai was, Zhao Hongbing let out a mirthless laugh.

“Well, well, who do we have here with such charm? So, you’re the internet celebrity everyone’s talking about! Isn’t that something!”

“Honestly, Miss Yang Mengke, your taste is questionable. Why settle for a nobody internet celebrity?”

“He was delivering takeout just a month ago.”

“What were you thinking, choosing a delivery guy?”

At that moment, a red Ferrari screeched to a stop in front of them.

Zhou Yanfeng got out, respectfully announcing, “Bing, your sports car is here! Would you like to drive, or shall I chauffeur you?”

He caught himself and chuckled, “With such lovely company, I’d only be a third wheel. I’ll call a cab.”

But seeing the look on Bing’s face, Zhou Yanfeng realized something was amiss. Glancing at Yang Mengke, he noticed her holding a man’s arm. Looking closer, he recognized the man—Su Bai, the famous online influencer.

Suddenly, Zhou Yanfeng understood why Bing was so upset.

“What now, Bing? Even a minor celebrity dares to challenge you these days?”

“No need for you to get involved, Bing. I could have one of my boys deal with this so-called influencer in no time.”

Zhao Hongbing glared at Su Bai, then turned to Yang Mengke with a smile.

“Miss Yang, don’t listen to my friend’s nonsense. I’m a gentleman.”

“But Miss Yang, won’t you introduce the gentleman beside you?”