A gentle night breeze carried the scent of tea into the room. Qin Jia tore her gaze from the window and suggested to Lu Tingzhou, who sat deep in thought at the table: "There's a shopping street across the street—let's go take a look. Maybe walking will spark ideas."
Lu Tingzhou nodded, stood up, and put on his coat. They walked side by side, with bodyguard Shiwu following silently behind. The street stretched long, colorful signs shimmering under the night sky. They passed several food shops first, but Qin Jia was still full from dinner and had no desire to enter.
"What do you like to eat? I'll buy it for you," she asked.
"I don't eat snacks often—let's keep looking," Lu Tingzhou replied indifferently.
They wandered for dozens of meters, passing shop after shop without stopping. Qin Jia glanced back, thinking: This problem must be really tough if he's this uninterested in shopping.
A few steps later, she spotted a popular store where couples streamed in. "Shall we go in?" she pointed excitedly.
Lu Tingzhou followed her gaze to the billboard: "Diamonds have a price, but true love is priceless." His heart skipped a beat—was this a veiled confession?
His thoughts were cut short by her sigh: "Never mind, budget's not enough. Rings are beautiful, but not suitable for friends."
Lu Tingzhou suppressed his emotions, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Qin Jia," he called softly.
She turned, eyes bright: "Hmm?"
"I know what I want."
Qin Jia's face lit up. His gaze drifted down to the koala charm on her tote bag. "This?" she guessed.
He hummed. They headed straight for a high-end jewelry store, where Qin Jia searched the shelves. "No koalas—other animals okay?"
"Your choice," he said.
She picked up an orange cat charm. "Cute, right?"
Lu Tingzhou glanced at the charm, then at her, and nodded. She checked the price: 84 yuan. With their 800-yuan budget, there was plenty left. "Do you want anything else? We still have money."
Lu Tingzhou grabbed another identical orange cat. "Two of them."
"Redundant?" Qin Jia raised an eyebrow.
"I like even numbers," he said seriously. "Besides, two cost 158—lucky number." He handed one to her.
Qin Jia hung hers back, "I already have one."
Lu Tingzhou silently retrieved it. "Take it anyway." She shrugged and agreed.
After giving the gift, Qin Jia headed home. On the way, she received a WeChat transfer of 800 yuan from colleague Lin Luxi—repayment for the "kind friend" who'd helped earlier. Thinking of their gift-giving experience, she transferred the remaining 532 yuan to Lu Tingzhou: "We agreed on 800 yuan for a return gift; you only spent 158. Here's the rest—friends should keep accounts clear."
Lu Tingzhou sent a question mark, then replied: "No need. Are you free this weekend? Come shopping with me to use the rest."
Qin Jia Luna: "Going to Yuncheng with colleagues for a jewelry competition—busy."
L: "Buy me some local specialties? For colleagues." He transferred 6,000 yuan, asking her to buy 6,600 yuan worth and ship it back.
Qin Jia accepted the money, staring at her WeChat balance in a daze. Lately, luck seemed to follow her—coupons, unexpected transfers, endless money. She hoped it would last. As drowsiness hit, she leaned back in the car seat: "Shiwu, wake me when we're home."
Friday Night
Qin Jia packed a small suitcase for her two-day trip. A knock on the door revealed Shen Yushu carrying two evening gowns. "Bring these—light and elegant. The competition is streamed online; you represent Zhenyuan, can't be careless."
"I'm helping showcase jewelry, not competing in a beauty pageant," Qin Jia laughed.
"Clothes complement gems—better to have more," Shen Yushu insisted. She noticed the suitcase and added: "Ah Ling will accompany you secretly. Shiwu will be with you openly—I won't let what happened with An Jun happen again."
Qin Jia nodded, suddenly grinning: "Then let's take more dresses—you help me choose!"
The Next Day, Yuncheng Convention and Exhibition Center
The 35th JWA International Jewelry Competition kicked off. Sponsored by luxury brands, it featured three rounds (5→4→3→final ranking) with online streaming and voting. The most popular work would win a fashion week spot.
Backstage in Lounge 5, Lin Luxi rushed in, anxious: "Qin Jia, everyone brought three models—we only have us! I'm so nervous, I want to quit. If I get eliminated first, the company will laugh at me."
Qin Jia patted her back gently: "Trust your jewelry. I have backup." She asked about the theme—"Outdoors, Nature"—then made a call.
Soon, a cool woman (Ah Ling) arrived with two large suitcases. Lin Luxi stared in shock at the row of high-end dresses: "Does your family own a clothing store?"
"Just pick your jewelry—let's match," Qin Jia smiled, grabbing a green dress.
Meanwhile, Yucheng Central Hospital
Qin Zongming stared at his medical report—chronic stomach and thyroid issues, plus a newly discovered locust flower allergy. He'd been away on business for over a month, and the family atmosphere felt alien: Shen Yushu avoided him, his daughter seemed strange, and even Butler Sun talked back.
"Steward Sun!" he called, but no response. He stormed into the living room to find everyone wearing headphones, watching a live stream.
"Jewelry competition?" he frowned. "When did you get into this?"
"Miss is competing—Madam asked us to vote," Butler Sun replied, moving his chair away.
"Project it on the TV," Qin Zongming demanded.
As the stream played, he scoffed: "She's never won first place—this is a waste of time." Butler Sun stuffed a mung bean cake in his mouth to shut him up.
By the third round, the camera cut to Qin Jia. She wore a rose-pink strapless tulle dress, gemstones adorning her neck, wrists, and ears. Her fair skin glowed under the lights, ethereal as a princess. The live stream flooded with comments: "Goddess!" "Most beautiful partner!"
Qin Zongming silently pulled out his phone, voted twice, then transferred 1 million yuan to Qin Jia—more than the 500,000-yuan first prize.
Yuncheng Convention and Exhibition Center
Lin Luxi hugged Qin Jia, tears streaming: "Thank you! This is my first first place—means everything to me. I'll split the 500,000 prize with you!"
Qin Jia nodded, smiling. They also won the online popularity award, which Lin Luxi insisted Qin Jia keep as a souvenir.
Before leaving Yuncheng, Qin Jia remembered Lu Tingzhou's request. "Where to buy local specialties?" she asked.
"Qingle Street—authentic and affordable," Lin Luxi replied. They drove there, and Qin Jia went on a shopping spree—carrying large bags and ordering boxes of snacks for Shiwu to haul.
"Why so many?" Lin Luxi gasped.
"For a friend—he's giving them to colleagues," Qin Jia explained. She browsed the handicraft section and picked up two felt lucky cat figurines—one for Lu Tingzhou.
Monday Morning, Zecheng Technology
Secretary Lin dragged his tired body into the company, only to be stopped by security: "Mr. Lu's packages have arrived—please sign."
He pointed to a small box, but the security guard shook his head, gesturing to a mountain of boxes in the corner. Secretary Lin's drowsiness vanished; he called colleagues to help move them upstairs.
When Lu Tingzhou entered his office, he found his employees sweating profusely. "Why so many Yuncheng specialties?" he asked casually.
"For you to eat," he replied. The team perked up, unpacking and sorting the snacks—until they found two money trees, two lucky cats, and two Pixiu statues.
"Are these for us too?" someone asked.
"Mine—put them in my office," Lu Tingzhou said, picking up a felt lucky cat and toying with its paw.
Secretary Lin hesitated: "Mr. Lu, is the company in trouble? Why all the fortune items?"
Lu Tingzhou smiled, his eyes softening: "Company's doing great. You wouldn't understand even if I told you—just focus on work."
Secretary Lin scratched his head, confused, but didn't dare ask more. Lu Tingzhou stared at the lucky cat, a faint smile lingering on his lips—this was the best "local specialty" he'd ever received.