Chapter 19 Another Best Friend is About to Arrive on the Battlefield
Chapter 19 Another Best Friend is About to Arrive on the Battlefield
Bei Weiwei looked somewhat dejected after being asked the question. She rested her chin on her hand and looked out the window at the bustling streets.
"I know the timing isn't good, but I'm afraid of missing out. Lulu, Chen Bo is completely different now. He's confident, talented, and handsome. Once someone discovers a man's strengths, he'll be snatched up very quickly. Lingyan is already in a good position. If I hesitate any longer, I might really miss my chance."
Zhao Lulu sighed: "So what do you plan to do? Just confront Lingyan and say, 'Ling'er, give me the man you picked up?'"
"How could that be!" Bei Weiwei said shyly. "I just didn't know what to do, that's why I came to you for advice. You're the most clever of the three of us, so please think of a solution for me."
Zhao Lulu leaned back in her chair, stroking her chin as if deep in thought, her expression suggesting she was plotting some earth-shattering conspiracy.
"First," she snapped her fingers, "we need to figure out Chen Bo's attitude towards Ling Yan. Is he really being tricked by her, or is he willingly cooperating with her in this charade? If it's the latter, then it means he's at least not averse to Ling Yan, and might even have feelings for her. That would make things much more difficult for you."
Bei Weiwei nodded: "I tested him, and he said that Lingyan helped him, so he couldn't just come and go as he pleased. But I think it's more out of gratitude than affection. And he made it very clear that he and Yueqing have nothing to do with each other anymore."
"When a man says it's okay, it usually means it is," Zhao Lulu said calmly. "But since he said that, let's take it as true. The next step is to discuss tactics."
She leaned closer to Bei Weiwei, her eyes sparkling: "What's your biggest advantage right now? It's your gentleness and thoughtfulness, your genuine affection for him, and your willingness to care for him when he was at his lowest point. Lingyan, that girl, has impure motives; she only took Chen Bo in to spite Yueqing. Chen Bo definitely knows that."
Bei Weiwei pondered, "So I have to play the genuine card?"
"Yes, but you can't be too direct," Zhao Lulu said. "Men, especially those who have just broken up, need healing and relaxation, not pressure. You can't just say 'I like you, let's be together' right away, that will scare him away."
"Then what should we do?"
"Such a gentle, subtle approach, sister!" Zhao Lulu said with a look of exasperation. "Continue to care about him, but don't be too obvious. Isn't he going to participate in 'Singer's Battle'? That's the best starting point. You can offer help as a friend. Don't you know people on music platforms? You can help him make connections, or even go to the recording of the show to cheer him on."
Bei Weiwei said dejectedly, "There are no tickets for the challenge match. It's all organized internally. Chen Bo's status isn't high enough. He only got the challenge qualification from Yue Qing. Her agent took Chen Bo there. He wasn't allowed to bring anyone with him."
"With your connections, getting a work pass shouldn't be difficult," Zhao Lulu rolled her eyes. "The key is to show up when he needs you, but don't put pressure on him. Let him gradually get used to your kindness and your presence. Once the competition is over and he's recovered, he'll naturally see how good you are."
Bei Weiwei was tempted by what she heard, but then another question popped into her mind: "What about Lingyan and Yueqing? They'll definitely find out."
Zhao Lulu said helplessly, "So what if they found out? Lingyan was just using Chen Bo anyway, what right does she have to object? As for Yueqing..."
She sighed, "To be honest, I think Yueqing's feelings for Chen Bo might be deeper than she realizes. The way she acted yesterday didn't seem like the reaction one would expect from an ex-boyfriend with whom they have no feelings."
"You mean she might have regretted it?" Bei Weiwei asked nervously.
"Most likely." Zhao Lulu nodded. "But the problem is, what's the use of regretting it? She was the one who initiated the breakup, and she was the one who wanted to go find Poet Lu. Now that she sees Chen Bo being picked up by Ling Yan, she's panicking? Too late! So Weiwei, there's nothing morally wrong with you pursuing Chen Bo. They've broken up, everyone's single, it's fair competition."
Bei Weiwei bit her lip: "But Yueqing is, after all, our best friend of so many years..."
"Plastic best friends," Zhao Lulu corrected. "Honestly, Weiwei, out of the five of us, only the two of us and Lingyan are truly close. Yueqing is closer to Li Man, but not to the three of us. Over the years, Yueqing has developed her own circle; don't you feel how she treats us?"
These words were quite blunt, and Bei Weiwei fell silent.
Indeed, as Xu Yueqing became more and more famous, the distance between her and them grew further and further.
They often arrive late or leave early at gatherings, and seem indifferent to their troubles and funny stories.
On the contrary, Zhou Lingyan, although sharp-tongued and argumentative, never refuses to help if someone asks for her assistance.
Needless to say, Zhao Lulu may seem carefree, but she is actually very loyal and sentimental.
"So," Zhao Lulu held Bei Weiwei's hand, "don't overthink it. Happiness is something you have to fight for. If you like Chen Bo, go for it. If Yueqing really considers you her best friend, she should bless you instead of clinging to an ex-boyfriend she's already broken up with."
Bei Weiwei's eyes grew clearer and clearer: "Lulu, you're right. I'm going to pursue Chen Bo, openly and honestly."
"That's right!" Zhao Lulu smiled, her eyes crinkling. "But remember, be bold strategically, but cautious tactically. Don't go head-to-head with Ling Yan; when that girl goes crazy, no one can stop her. You could... um, say hello to her?"
"Say hello?" Bei Weiwei asked, puzzled.
"It's about subtly telling her your intentions," Zhao Lulu said. "For example, next time you go to her house to see Chen Bo, you can half-jokingly say, 'Lingyan, if you're just using Chen Bo as a tool, remember to let me know when you're done. I'm still waiting to take over.' See how she reacts."
Bei Weiwei imagined the scene: "She would definitely roll her eyes and call me shameless."
"Let her scold me, it won't hurt me," Zhao Lulu said nonchalantly. "The important thing is to show her your attitude, to let her know you're not just playing around, but serious. If she still has any sisterly affection for you, at least she won't deliberately trip you up."
"What about Yueqing?" Bei Weiwei asked again.
Zhao Lulu thought for a moment: "Don't bring it up with Yueqing yet. Wait until she finds out and asks you about it before you confess. That way, it will seem like you didn't intentionally hide it from her, but just hadn't found the right opportunity to say it."
The two chatted for a while longer, discussing all the possible scenarios and countermeasures.
After finishing her afternoon tea, Bei Weiwei felt much more relaxed, and a smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you, Lulu," she said sincerely. "If it weren't for you, I might still be struggling with this."
"Don't mention it," Zhao Lulu waved her hand, her eyes darting around before she flashed a gossipy smile. "But speaking of which, what's so magical about Chen Bo that he's got all three of you wrapped around his little finger? Yueqing is still hung up on him after their breakup, Lingyan is willing to do anything to bring him home, and now you're joining the fray... Tsk tsk, three women vying for one man, I love this drama!"
Bei Weiwei blushed: "What do you mean by three women vying for one man? Don't put it so harshly. I just... don't want to miss out on the right person."
"I know, I know," Zhao Lulu said with a grin. "Don't worry, I'll be on your side. Just let me know if you need any help. I may not have many other skills, but I'm best at creating opportunities."
The two paid the bill and left the restaurant.
When they reached the parking lot, Bei Weiwei hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.
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