Chapter 93 Reality Never Slapped You Before?

After a month of wilderness survival, it finally ended. As the crew’s bus slowly drove into the brightly lit city, Lu Er was moved to tears.

He couldn’t even begin to describe how much he missed a soft bed, a hot shower, and his Song Jingmo.

Every day, they barely managed to chat after work over weak signals, which did nothing to ease the ache of longing.

Back at the hotel, he immediately sent Song Jingmo a message to let him know he was safe—only to be swept into the styling room to prepare for tonight’s Fashion Bazaar gala.

The venue glittered with starlight, glasses clinking in toasts.

Lu Er wore the latest deep-blue velvet suit from a luxury brand, which made his skin look even paler than snow.

His cherry-blossom-pink short hair shone brilliantly under the lights, making him look like an exquisite nobleman straight out of a fantasy world.

At the center of the ballroom, Lu Er was forced to entertain a few industry big shots trying to flirt, but his mind had already flown to Song Jingmo in his white coat.

Ye Qingge appeared in an elegantly cut white off-shoulder gown, with the hem sprinkled with tiny diamonds, like a fairy under the moonlight—cool yet captivating.

As soon as she entered, many people came forward to greet and toast her.

Lu Er watched from afar. Ye Qingge was indeed very beautiful tonight, but her refined, cold beauty couldn’t compare to his Song Jingmo’s pure and restrained charm.

As he secretly compared them, he suddenly noticed that Ye Qingge seemed unwell.

Several times, she instinctively turned her head and covered her mouth, showing clear signs of nausea.

When another man holding a wine glass approached her, Lu Er couldn’t stand it. He walked over in a few strides and stood in front of her.

Wearing a flawless smile, he said, “Mr. Wang, Qingge is feeling a bit unwell. I’ll take this drink for her—what do you think?”

Without waiting for a response, he took the glass and drank it all in one go, his actions decisive and clean.

After sending Mr. Wang away, Lu Er leaned down and asked softly, “Are you okay? You look so pale. Do you want to go to the hospital?”

Ye Qingge forced a shake of her head, her voice weak: “Maybe it’s the food tonight, plus the wine—I feel a bit nauseous. Sorry for troubling you.”

No sooner had she spoken than she clutched her mouth and retched, cold sweat appearing instantly on her forehead.

“I’ll help you to the restroom.”

Seeing this, Lu Er didn’t bother with appearances. He held her arm, half supporting, half carrying her toward the restroom.

He was puzzled—everyone else had the same hotel-prepared food, so why was she the only one affected?

After reaching the women’s restroom door, Lu Er waited outside, anxiously asking, “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?”

Leaning against the wall, Ye Qingge took a breath and shook her head. “No need, just rest for a bit.”

Seeing her insist, Lu Er didn’t press further. He was about to wait for her to come out so he could escort her back to her seat when a sarcastic voice sounded behind him.

“Oh? Already inseparable from your new partner?”

Cong Jinyue’s eyes flicked between Lu Er and the women’s restroom, his tone sour enough to pickle cucumbers. “So protective… don’t you worry that Dr. Song will get jealous?”

Lu Er ignored him, just wanting to wait for Ye Qingge.

But Cong Jinyue wouldn’t let up. He leaned closer, lowering his voice, dripping with malice and confusion: “I really don’t get it—what’s so good about that Song Jingmo?”

“A nearly thirty-year-old old man—how can his stamina or energy compare to mine? What do you want from him? His age? His lack of showers?”

Cong Jinyue went on and on, increasingly ridiculous, a smug superiority written all over his face. “It’s not too late to change your mind. Be with me, and I guarantee you’ll be happier than with that old man.”

“Cong Jinyue, shut the hell up!” Lu Er spun around, his eyes instantly freezing like sharpened ice.

Song Jingmo was his bottom line. No one could disparage him.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

Cong Jinyue was briefly intimidated by Lu Er’s gaze, but quickly puffed his chest up again. “He’s just a poor doctor! Can one month of his salary even buy you a single outfit?”

Lu Er’s chest heaved with anger. “Even if he had nothing, I’d still like him.”

“Thirty years old, so what? Mature, steady, and charming—ten thousand times better than a twenty-something who just spews nonsense!”

Cong Jinyue got angrier. “Besides that face, what does he have? Compared to me, is he even worthy?”

“Whether he’s worthy or not isn’t up to you!” Lu Er’s fury blazed. “He’s far superior to a trash like you who got famous through money!”

“Who are you calling trash?” Cong Jinyue flushed red, hitting a nerve.

“You. Who else?” Lu Er shot back without hesitation.

The two were on the verge of blows, arguing fiercely, drawing the attention of everyone around.

When Cong Jinyue continued sneering, “Song Jingmo is an old man, useless,” Lu Er was finally pushed past his limit.

He stepped forward and slapped him hard.

“Smack!”

A crisp, resounding slap landed squarely on Cong Jinyue’s shocked face.

The entire hallway fell silent.

Lu Er shook his slightly numb hand, staring coldly at the stunned Cong Jinyue covering his face.

His tone dripped with mockery: “So ordinary yet so confident. Reality never slapped you before, huh? That’s why you can’t see your true worth?”

“Lu Er… you hit me?”

Ye Qingge, stunned by the sudden violence, turned even paler. She couldn’t care about her discomfort and quickly grabbed Lu Er’s arm, hiding from the cameras: “Stop, let’s go.”

Seeing Cong Jinyue’s cowardly expression, Lu Er knew dragging it out wouldn’t look good. He glared at him sharply.

After leaving a warning—“One more insult, I’ll slap you every time I see you”—he supported the still-shaken Ye Qingge and turned to leave the scene of trouble.