Chapter 140: This Is the Crown Prince's Turf

Shen Chutang nibbled on a small cake. "Did they give a reason?"

Ye Pianpian fumed, "They are just jealous of my beauty!"

Shen Chutang turned directly to Zhao Xiangyu. "You tell me."

"The truth is, the person in charge of that venue is one of Pianpian's romantic rivals. She's refusing to rent it out on purpose."

Shen Chutang’s curiosity was piqued. "No way, a romantic rival? Ye Pianpian, when did you start having romantic rivals?"

Ye Pianpian denied it instantly. "Impossible! There’s no such thing!"

Shen Chutang looked at her with feigned resentment. "How long have you been abroad? Has our relationship become so shallow that even Zhao Xiangyu knows about your rival, but I don't?"

"That—that’s not even a thing yet! It doesn't count as a rival. Don't listen to Zhao Xiangyu’s nonsense! Anyway, didn't you say we were going out for food and fun? Come on, let’s go!"

Ye Pianpian hurriedly pulled Shen Chutang away, changing the subject.

After a wild afternoon of fun, they happened to pass by a fashion exhibition hall. Ye Pianpian couldn't help but sigh, "This is the place. The venue I wanted to rent."

Shen Chutang took a look. "Let's go inside and take a look. Maybe they’ve changed their minds."

Although Ye Pianpian enjoyed a good reputation abroad, she was relatively unknown to the general public in her home country. As she planned to develop her career domestically, she needed to break into the market and boost her profile, which is why she had hoped to make a splash with this fashion show.

Everything had been prepared, yet they were missing this final piece of the puzzle.

Hearing Shen Chutang’s suggestion, Ye Pianpian couldn't resist walking in.

The venue was in a prime location, and many renowned designers had held exhibitions there. Securing a show in this space served as a stamp of approval for any designer.

"Ye Pianpian, I must say, you have quite a thick skin. We already told you this venue wouldn't be rented to you, yet here you are, sneaking back in."

Ye Pianpian turned to see a woman with short hair walking toward them. She wore a tailored suit and trousers, looking every bit the high-powered career woman.

Ye Pianpian retorted, "There are no signs posted saying outsiders aren't allowed, are there?"

Dong Tong sneered. "Oh, you’ve really reminded me. I’ll have someone put up a sign immediately: 'Ye Pianpian and dogs not allowed.'"

Ye Pianpian’s fiery temper flared; she wanted to rush over and give the woman a piece of her mind.

Zhao Xiangyu hurriedly held her back, whispering, "Don't be impulsive! Don't be! This venue belongs to the 'Crown Prince' of the Beijing social circle."

Dong Tong nodded. "That’s right. Since you know this is the Crown Prince’s territory, I suggest you don't cause trouble. Who do you think you are? Why would the Crown Prince ever agree to rent this venue to you?"

Shen Chutang spoke up languidly. "I thought this place belonged to you, given how arrogant you are. Turns out you're just taking advantage of someone else's authority."

Dong Tong looked at the girl with disdain. "Heh, if I don't agree to the lease, you can forget about holding a show in this exhibition hall ever!"

Shen Chutang looked at her fearlessly. "And if the Crown Prince himself agrees, will you listen or not?"

Dong Tong laughed even more smugly. "Why would the Crown Prince ever grant a request from nobodies like you? If the Crown Prince actually agrees, I’ll hand over the hall without a second thought!"

Shen Chutang had lied last time she told the Shen family she didn't have the Crown Prince's contact information. At the black market auction, the Crown Prince had left her his contact details, but because she wasn't sure who he was or what his intentions were, she hadn't reached out—until now.

Seeing Shen Chutang pull out her phone, Ye Pianpian felt uneasy and whispered, "Tangtang, do you really have the Crown Prince's number?"

Shen Chutang nodded. "I suppose I do."

Dong Tong’s face was twisted in mockery; she wanted to see how long they could keep up this act.

Shen Chutang pressed the call button. It rang for a long time, but there was no answer.

Strange, was he busy?

After the call disconnected automatically, Dong Tong finally lost her patience. "Alright, stop the play-acting. We don't even see the Crown Prince once a year; you think you can see him? You even have his number? What a pipe dream! Security, throw them out!"

Ye Pianpian, realizing they were at a disadvantage, pulled Shen Chutang toward the exit. "Forget it, let’s go!"

Watching Ye Pianpian’s retreat, Dong Tong’s tone became even more grating. "Of course, if you get down on your knees and beg me, maybe I’ll be in a good enough mood to agree."

Zhao Xiangyu was furious. "Who do you think you are, asking us to kneel? I’d rather offer you incense for your funeral!"

Dong Tong was incensed. "What did you say!"

Just then, Shen Chutang’s phone rang. It was a callback from the Crown Prince.

Shen Chutang answered immediately. "Five million. I need a favor."

The man didn't correct her tone. "What favor?"

"A friend of mine wants to rent an exhibition hall, but the person in charge is giving her a hard time and refusing to lease it. I was wondering if you could help?"

"I understand."

The call ended abruptly.

Dong Tong scoffed. "You could at least make the acting more convincing. The Crown Prince called you back? If you’re so capable, why hasn't the Crown Prince ever called me?"

At that exact moment, Dong Tong’s own phone rang.