Chapter 584 : A Captivating Gaze
"This interview seems to be taking longer than usual~" Ling Ning said softly, watching the two still engrossed in conversation.
Hearing Ling Ning's comment, He Miao Miao turned and replied, "Can't be helped. I'm planning a big feature on my dear Qin Qing this time. I'm sure it'll attract a lot of attention. And of course, with Ling Ning on the cover, it's bound to be even more successful~"
Ling Ning nodded, indicating she understood.
Just then, Ling Ning noticed that He Miao Miao's assistant seemed a bit uncomfortable, as if enduring something.
After a moment's thought, Ling Ning slowly suggested, "Um... Sister Miao Miao, you've been talking for quite a while. Why don't we take a ten-minute break before continuing? I'll make some coffee for you."
"You're right. That sounds good. Thank you."
Hearing He Miao Miao's words, Tang Ying's expression suddenly relaxed. She whispered to He Miao Miao, "Sister Miao Miao, I need to use the restroom."
"Mm."
With He Miao Miao's approval, Tang Ying stood up, ready to leave the office. However, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, seeming to have forgotten something.
"The restroom is straight down the hall to the right after you exit," Ling Ning said quietly.
"Th-thank you."
Watching Tang Ying rush out as if her bottom was on fire, Ling Ning chuckled softly. Her guess had been correct. He Miao Miao's assistant was indeed too shy. Perhaps some training at a maid café would help her improve. Even better, handing out flyers in public might really do the trick.
As Ling Ning served the coffee, He Miao Miao suddenly asked, "Ling Ning, what do you think of my assistant?"
"What do I think? She seems quite good, but her flaws are a bit too obvious."
"I know what you mean. We'll have to see how it goes slowly. I have high hopes for her though," He Miao Miao sighed lightly.
As they were chatting, the office door opened again, and Tang Ying returned. Feeling the three pairs of eyes on her, Tang Ying's movements suddenly became stiff.
As she sat down, a cup of coffee was suddenly placed in front of her. Tang Ying instinctively turned her head to see Ling Ning smiling at her.
"No need to be so nervous. Have some coffee and relax."
"Th-thank you."
Tang Ying looked at the coffee in front of her. To be honest, she rarely drank coffee because she disliked bitter things. But since Ling Ning had served it to her, how could she not drink it?
Seeing Tang Ying's apprehensive expression, Ling Ning chuckled, "Don't worry. This coffee has milk and quite a bit of sugar added. It shouldn't be too bitter."
Hearing Ling Ning's words, Tang Ying looked at her in surprise, as if asking how Ling Ning knew her taste.
"I just asked Sister Miao Miao earlier."
"Eh!?"
He Miao Miao took a sip of coffee, revealing a knowing smile as if she hadn't heard Ling Ning's words. "Ling Ning, your coffee-making skills have really improved~"
"Thank you for the compliment."
With Tang Ying's return, the interview resumed.
After glancing at them briefly, Ling Ning sat back on the sofa and zoned out watching them.
Some time later, with He Miao Miao's cheer, the interview finally concluded. Even Qin Qing's face showed rare signs of fatigue, likely due to the numerous and varied questions.
After the interview, He Miao Miao didn't rest but sat next to Ling Ning, smiling as she said, "Ling Ning, about this issue's cover... do you think we could shoot it here?"
"I don't mind, but I'm on work hours now. For any commercial collaboration, I'd need to ask my boss," Ling Ning said, glancing at Qin Qing.
Without hesitation, He Miao Miao went to Qin Qing's side, smiling sweetly, "My dear Big Sister Qin Qing, could you lend me your Ling Ning for a bit~"
"Big Sister? Am I that old? Well, I guess there's nothing more to say then," Qin Qing said expressionlessly.
"When did I become Qin Qing's property?" Ling Ning complained helplessly.
Hearing Ling Ning's words, before He Miao Miao could react, Qin Qing spoke first: "You became mine when you signed the contract~"
Ling Ning suddenly felt at a loss for words in response to Qin Qing's statement.
"My dear Sister Qin Qing, I misspoke. You're not old at all, and this is your company. If Ling Ning does the photoshoot, she'll be wearing clothes designed by your company. Isn't that free advertising for you?" He Miao Miao pleaded.
Qin Qing nodded slightly, "While that's true, without something more substantial, it's hard for me to agree~"
As Qin Qing's long-time friend, He Miao Miao easily caught her meaning. She sighed helplessly, "Fine, I get it. How about I treat you and Ling Ning to dinner tonight?"
"Tonight won't work. I'll only be free tomorrow~"
"Tomorrow it is then!"
"Well, that's settled nicely. Ling Ning, you can go with your Sister Miao Miao~" Qin Qing said cheerfully.
"Understood~"
Having scored a free luxury dinner, Ling Ning's mood brightened considerably.
Tang Ying followed behind Ling Ning, her eyes shining as she gazed at Ling Ning's back. A live photoshoot? She had always wanted to see one, and now she'd get to witness Ling Ning's photo session on her first try. It couldn't be more perfect for her.
Changing clothes and applying makeup, Ling Ning wished she had known He Miao Miao would drag her into a photoshoot this afternoon. She wouldn't have removed her makeup earlier. Reapplying it now wasn't the most pleasant experience.
Tang Ying sat in the photo studio. After a while, she saw Ling Ning appear before her in full costume, looking completely different from earlier.
Sensing Tang Ying's gaze, Ling Ning turned her head slightly, giving Tang Ying a gentle smile and a flirtatious look. Whether it affected Tang Ying or not, Ling Ning couldn't tell.
However, Ling Ning had clearly underestimated herself. That one look sent Tang Ying into a state of shock. Her mind was now filled with thoughts about what Ling Ning's captivating gaze could have meant.