Chapter Fifty-six: The Lottery

Shen Jin's expression darkened instantly, his eyes narrowing as he fixed a cold gaze on Sang Yijia, wondering whether she was genuinely upset or simply trying to attract his attention.

But Sang Yijia's reaction was too intense, her eyes full of disdain.

Shen Jin clenched his fists, all the more determined to confront her after the show ended; he was resolved to see through Sang Yijia's pretense of aloofness.

Lu Wenchuan furrowed his brow, glanced at Shen Jin, and gently wrapped his arm around Sang Yijia's waist. "Let's go," he said softly.

"Mm," Sang Yijia replied, offering no further explanation.

Lan Qing watched the two of them walk away, so angry she gritted her teeth. When she turned to look at Shen Jin, his face was expressionless, as if nothing had happened at all.

Yan Ningsi giggled, pulling Bian He out of the living room. "Come on, let's see what vegetables are growing behind the courtyard."

"Hey," Bian He protested, following reluctantly, "I wanted to watch the drama unfold."

"What's there to see?" Yan Ningsi glanced back, clicking her tongue and shaking her head. She glanced at the camera, then whispered to Bian He, "Shen Jin definitely did something just now."

Wasn't that obvious? Bian He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Instead of speculating about others, you should be thinking about how to pursue Zhuang Fei after the show."

That afternoon, the two of them had run into Zhuang Fei while acting as good luck mascots. Bian He could tell, despite Zhuang Fei's tall stature, he was a soft-hearted prince at heart.

Yan Ningsi snorted, "I have my own methods."

"Wouldn't it be better if I help you?" Bian He continued, stroking his chin. "Men understand men. With my assistance, you'll have twice the results with half the effort."

Yan Ningsi stopped, eyeing him suspiciously. "What's in it for you?"

"Well, what do you want?"

"Heh," Bian He draped an arm over Yan Ningsi's shoulder. "It's nothing, really. You know, I've just invested in a small web drama lately."

"None of the theme songs, ending songs, or inserts have been decided yet." Bian He's smile grew more mischievous.

Yan Ningsi quickly brushed off his arm and stepped back three paces. "Are you extorting me?"

—

After leaving, Sang Yijia thought they would walk, but to her surprise, the production team had prepared a car. Seeing the small luxury vehicle before her, Sang Yijia turned to Lu Wenchuan. "Is this another arrangement by your friend?"

A Maybach?

Lu Wenchuan raised his brows slightly and admitted, "Yes."

"Get in," he said, opening the passenger door for Sang Yijia to enter first, then going around to the driver's seat.

It was Sang Yijia's first time in a Maybach; curiosity compelled her to glance around, and she immediately felt the comfort of the seat.

Luxury cars truly earned their reputation.

This was far superior to the ten- or twenty-thousand-dollar cars she had bought before.

Lu Wenchuan glanced at Sang Yijia after getting in, then started the car.

—

On camera, the Maybach gradually faded from view, and the audience slowly recovered from their surprise.

[Was that car real just now?]

[If it wasn't real, did you think it was a toy?]

[Wait, what?]

[What exactly is Lu Wenchuan's background?]

[Give me all the information about this man in one minute!]

The segment director was bewildered, but managed to follow after them. Looking at the Maybach ahead, then at their own minivan, he felt a pang of envy.

What was worse, the crew hadn't had time to install cameras in the car, meaning whatever Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan did or said inside couldn't be recorded.

The director was deeply frustrated.

As evening approached, the ancient town grew quieter, though many still strolled the streets.

Lu Wenchuan found a spot to park and then accompanied Sang Yijia to the hotel.

Coincidentally, today was the hotel's tenth anniversary celebration; upon entering, guests could participate in a lottery.

As soon as Sang Yijia and Lu Wenchuan entered, a staff member approached with a box. "Good evening, sir and miss."

"Today is our hotel's tenth anniversary. Every guest is entitled to a chance at the lottery."

"Would you like to try your luck, miss?"

Sang Yijia glanced at the box and nodded. "Alright."

"Please, miss, just take a slip from inside," the staff member said, observing their attire and the camera crew behind them. She tactfully kept her explanation brief.

"Miss, our grand prize is one hundred thousand yuan in cash. The first prize is fifty thousand in cash, the second prize is a three-year membership card. You can enjoy a fifty percent discount at all our chain hotels for three years."

"The third prize is an eight-thousand-eight-hundred-eighty-eight yuan voucher."

Sang Yijia didn't linger, randomly picked a card.

The staff didn't take it from her, instead asking Sang Yijia to open it herself.

The camera zoomed in; Sang Yijia glanced at the card and slowly opened it before the lens.

[What is it?]

[It's definitely just a "thank you for participating" card.]

[I've seen these tricks before.]

Lu Wenchuan was also curious, but he waited patiently.

Sang Yijia opened the card. At first glance, she suspected it was fake. "The grand prize?"

"Did you arrange this?" Sang Yijia turned to Lu Wenchuan, incredulous.

This segment wasn't in the original story; the protagonists were supposed to go straight to their private dining room.

Lu Wenchuan was startled, then laughed. "It's the hotel's anniversary. How could I arrange it?"

"Is this your hotel?" Sang Yijia asked suspiciously. She couldn't shake the feeling that Lu Wenchuan wasn't ordinary, but she still couldn't recall his true identity in the novel.

Lu Wenchuan shook his head. "Shengchuang does own hotels, but not this one."

"...," Sang Yijia doubted him.

The staff explained, "Miss, this really is our tenth anniversary celebration."

"Congratulations, miss, you've won the grand prize. Would you like the money transferred or in cash?"

[Wow! Cash!]

[Gosh, what luck is this?]

[Which hotel is this? Can I still join the lottery?]

[I'm heading out right now! Wait for me!]

[A lemon spirit passes by quietly...]

[Lemon spirit + 1008611+]

Sang Yijia hadn't expected to earn a hundred thousand yuan with a random draw at dinner. It felt unbelievable. "Your hotel is truly generous."

"Yes," the staff replied sincerely.

Sang Yijia thought for a moment, then raised her gaze, her dark eyes reflecting the staff's face. "Please donate the money to the welfare institute."

"They need it more than I do."

[?????]

[That was so sudden.]

[I was already imagining how I'd spend it, and Sang Yijia gave it away without blinking...]

[I really am poor.]

[You're not alone.]

[A hundred thousand yuan is not a small amount... I'm so envious...]

However, the money didn't entirely belong to Sang Yijia. She turned to Lu Wenchuan, seeking his opinion. "What do you think?"