The Big Shot’s Girlfriend Is a Demoness chapter 24

Qin’s Pastry Shop. Despite its plain name, it was a renowned and well-established old brand within Huaxia. 

Qin’s Pastry Shop has been passed down for a hundred years in Huaxia, following traditional artisanal techniques and selling authentic Chinese-style pastries. 

This aspect was quite uncommon in the present day.

Amidst the dominance of Western-style desserts and the waning popularity of Chinese-style pastries, many people leaned towards Western treats, while traditional Chinese pastries were increasingly overlooked. Especially among the younger generation where they were not particularly well-received. 

Therefore, numerous Chinese pastry shops have embraced the trend by switching their traditional techniques to Western ones and incorporating Western-style innovations. Paradoxically, this shift led to a significant increase in sales. For instance, if traditional mooncakes were not popular, they would introduce ice-skin mooncakes, ice-cream mooncakes, fruit-filled mooncakes, and so on. 

However, Qin’s Pastry Shop was different. They stayed true to tradition. No matter how the trends outside changed, they stood firm and unwavering. Moreover, with a legacy spanning over a hundred years, they consistently sold the same select items year-round.

While other establishments pursued innovation, Qin’s Pastry Shop completely disregarded the strategy of introducing new products. The last time they launched something new had been a decade ago; they were truly an oddball in the pastry industry. 

Fortunately, Qin Group had a secret recipe in their hands. While their signature pastries might appear old-fashioned, they were undeniably delicious. Coupled with the branding of being a century-old establishment and an upscale presentation, they garnered favor from those who held tradition in high esteem.

Qin Group’s ability to expand traditional pastry shops across the entirety of Huaxia naturally showcased its exceptional business acumen.

The higher management was well aware of the weaknesses of traditional pastries. Even if they knew their products were good, if they couldn’t evoke a desire in others to purchase and savor them, they naturally wouldn’t generate profits.

Consequently, Qin’s dedicated extra effort to their advertisements each year. Whenever a new advertisement was released, it would dominate trending topics for an extended period, even earning the playful moniker of the ‘advertising company held back by making pastries’.

The Qin’s advertisement department’s choice of Luoxi was based on her performance in the videos – that irresistible pull that unconsciously tempted people’s taste buds and wanting to eat alongside her was the primary factor. 

Of course, her appearance was a bonus, a significant one.

For this advertisement shoot, Qin Group opted for an ancient architectural site featuring grand gates, spacious courtyards, pavilions, and towers, all within one location.

This site was a protected scenic area, and Qin Group invested considerable effort to secure it for the shoot.

The approved filming time was limited, so once Qin Group received the approval, they swiftly finalized the advertising contract with Luoxi and began arranging the scene.

While the historical building was well-preserved, the items in its interior have been all removed, giving it a somewhat empty feeling. Naturally, this wouldn’t translate well on camera, so they needed to add some items inside.

However, careful consideration was required for what to add. New items might not blend seamlessly, and low-quality replicas would significantly diminish the overall quality on the camera.

Qin Group lived up to its century-old reputation as a well-established brand. Its advertisement department submitted an application and the higher-ups, attaching great importance to this commercial, granted access to their collection of vintage items for use as decorations, some of which were particularly valuable.

These items couldn’t be solely entrusted to the staff below, so on the day of the shoot, Qin Ran brought them along himself.

Before arriving, Qin Ran thought that Li Na would pester him to come as well. However, upon learning that Qin Ran would be present for the entire shoot, she simply smiled and didn’t bring up the topic again.

Qin Ran found this aspect of Li Na particularly comforting. 

She was beautiful, sensible, considerate, and never too overwhelming in her efforts to please him. Among all the girlfriends he had, she was the one who pleased him the most.

As Qin Ran watched the workers moving things, he thought that it might be time to settle down with Li Na. However, it was a bit tricky on his grandfather’s side. The old man seemed to dislike Li Na’s type.

Using his grandfather’s words, Li Na was simply lacking in grace. While she was undoubtedly beautiful, her beauty lacked refinement. She didn’t possess the demeanor of a well-bred young lady, and even her hobbies were unpresentable.

Qin Ran felt that his grandfather’s demands were too rigid. In this day and age, things were different from the past. Who still kept their daughters hidden away in their boudoir these days?

Li Na enjoyed shopping, buying things, collecting designer handbags, playing mahjong, and doing beauty treatments. It was all perfectly normal. 

While these interests might be considered somewhat unrefined, about eighty percent of wealthy housewives were like this. Qin Ran saw nothing wrong with enjoying these things. It was better than needlessly stirring up trouble and making a fuss all day long.

In the middle of staring, a staff member approached and called out to him: “Mr. Qin, Miss Tang has arrived.” 

Tang Luoxi had arrived?

She was quite punctual. 

Qin Ran raised an eyebrow, signaling the staff to arrange for Luoxi’s makeup and styling.

He wasn’t overly eager to meet the rumored beauty. Given his status, there was no reason for him to take the initiative. Once the newcomer knew he had arrived, they would naturally come over to greet him.

So Qin Ran carried himself with a certain arrogance and waited. He waited until the workers had carefully placed the props, and the staff finished adjusting the scene lighting. Yet, he didn’t see the newcomer coming over to ‘greet’ him.

Qin Ran: “…”

No wonder Batian Entertainment was so run-down and poor. They were so inept at training their people. It would be a miracle if they didn’t go out of business.

The youngest son of the Qin family has been given the cold shoulder by Luoxi. He suppressed his anger and thought, could this be a case of playing hard to get?

Quit acting like a little white flower!

Qin Ran wasn’t fond of such tactics. He had been mildly intrigued by Luoxi initially, but now he was utterly fed up.

Feeling bored, he found an empty chair and sat down. Slightly irritated, he took out his phone and messaged Li Na.

‘I think your company is not far from going under. Are you really not considering switching companies?’

On the other end, Li Na was out shopping. She had just picked up a new handbag when she received the message.

She glanced at it and her red lips curved slightly.

Even if Qin Ran’s messages didn’t explicitly mention Luoxi, Li Na knew for sure that Qin Ran had been given the cold shoulder by her.  

Tact and social skills were completely absent in Tang Luoxi. Li Na noticed this while guiding Luoxi into becoming acquainted with the entertainment circle. Rather than calling that child naive, it was more accurate to say that she hadn’t been exposed to these things and didn’t seem to be bothered. 

In Li Na’s opinion, Luoxi wasn’t really cut out for the entertainment industry.

Luoxi lived freely, her temperament was too carefree, and she was so innocent. A girl like this needed to be cherished and doted on. Qin Ran, however, was the complete opposite; he was the young master who should be fawned over.

So, even if Qin Ran was intrigued by Luoxi’s rare beauty, Li Na wasn’t worried. After all, with Luoxi’s looks, if Qin Ran showed no interest whatsoever, she would begin to question his sexual orientation.

This was a form of mutual appreciation between the opposite sexes, similar to how though she had a boyfriend, she still enjoyed looking at handsome guys. When she saw a guy with an eight-pack and long legs that boasted the golden ratio, she couldn’t even walk straight.

However, appreciation was one thing, while jealousy was another. The most crucial point was that she knew, after a close interaction with both of them, that these two individuals with mismatched energies were unlikely to spark any kind of chemistry.

As for whether Qin Ran might be bewitched and attempt to force himself upon Luoxi… given her understanding of Qin Ran, the chances were so slim that they were practically nonexistent.

If, by any chance, it did happen…

Li Na recalled the strength Luoxi exhibited when schooling those two D-listers. 

Um, she hoped that Qin Ran wouldn’t have such an impulse; otherwise, he would definitely be the one getting beaten up.

Li Na put down the bag and signaled the shop assistant to wrap it up for her. Only then did she free up her hand to send a reply to Qin Ran: ‘I’ll consider job hopping when the company really goes under.’ 

Qin Ran made a wry face upon receiving the message. 

That pretty much implied she wouldn’t be switching companies. If he didn’t know for certain that Li Na had no personal relationship with Boss Feng from Batian Entertainment, he might have thought that she was reluctant to part with that man. 

It was clear that by switching to another company, she would have better prospects. To say the least, she could afford to buy a few more bags, right?

Yet, over all these years, even as Batian Entertainment’s situation deteriorated, she would rather shop less than mention leaving. Her unwavering loyalty to Batian Entertainment truly baffled outsiders.

Qin Ran didn’t inquire about the reasons, but he knew deep down that the person named Feng at Batian Entertainment was the one to whom Li Na felt indebted. 

Back then, that Feng guy had pulled her out of that wretched home of hers and even elevated her to a B-list artist. Li Na had retained this kindness in her heart.

She might not voice it, but it didn’t mean she hadn’t taken any action.

It was really difficult to discover this side of Li Na just by her looks. Qin Ran only found out after his grandfather’s strong opposition and conducted a background investigation on her.  

This particular trait of hers made him find Li Na very adorable. Giving up a better future just for that bit of kindness, she was truly both silly and charming. 

Qin Ran’s lips curved unconsciously, and he began to engage in an idle chat with her. When he learnt that she had purchased another handbag, he playfully teased: ‘Does your house have enough space left?’

Li Na quickly responded: ‘Let’s put it at your place for now.’

Qin Ran: ‘Well then, would you like to keep your person at my place too?’

Li Na on the other side was stunned for a moment. This message carried a deeper meaning. She tentatively replied: ‘Are you proposing?’ 

Qin Ran responded, ‘Yes, are you opposed to it?’

Li Na was a bit taken aback. While she and Qin Ran had discussed marriage before, the topic eventually disappeared from the conversation due to his grandfather’s strong disapproval and his indecision.

What’s gotten into him today?

Did Luoxi’s actions have such a strong impact on him?

However, this wasn’t the time to delve into this. If it really worked out, she would give Luoxi a generous red envelope later. 

Li Na typed rapidly.

‘Is this how you propose? It’s not romantic at all.’

Qin Ran: ‘Then what’s your idea of a romantic proposal?’

Li Na: ‘At the very least, there should be a large bouquet of roses, nicely arranged heart-shaped candles, and you should kneel on one knee while presenting a big-carat diamond ring.’

Qin Ran chuckled. Li Na’s response was quite characteristic of her.

Unrefined, yet unrefined in a straightforward and adorable way.

He replied: ‘Alright, just wait.’

Li Na pushed a bit further: ‘The diamond should be big!’

Qin Ran: ‘Don’t worry, it will be big enough to buy you a room full of handbags.’

Li Na sent a kissing emoticon, conveying her joy and signaling that she didn’t want to further chat with him. She was ready to resume her shopping spree.

Satisfied, Qin Ran put his phone away. After chatting with Li Na for a while, the frustration from earlier had dissipated, and his mood had significantly improved. 

As he lifted his gaze again, the youngest son of the Qin family asked lazily, “Is it not done over there yet?”

Women could be quite a hassle, taking so long just to do their makeup.

A staff member replied, “Because there are several different styling options, the director is still deciding which one to choose.”

The script for the advertisement had been decided long ago, but there were three versions of the model’s styling, each of which was suitable and presented a different style.

Ever since finding out that Tang Luoxi would be the model for the commercial, due to her extraordinary beauty, the director had been torn between the three options.

Each one looked pretty good, and they were all equally appealing. The director really wanted to shoot every one of them! 

Qin Ran frowned impatiently.

An observant staff member suggested, “Why don’t you help the director make a decision?”

Qin Ran glanced at him and nodded confidently, “Alright.”

***

As the shooting location was set in this traditional mansion, there were plenty of vacant rooms, one of which has been tidied up to serve as a makeup room. There was also a small adjoining room on the inside, which happened to be suitable for the models to change clothes.

At this moment, Luoxi was tucked away in a small room, avoiding the make-up artists and others. She coiled Little Golden Dragon into a fried dough twist and whispered menacingly: “If you dare to mess up here, I’ll tie you into a knot so tight you won’t be able to untangle yourself.”

Little Golden Dragon whimpered.

You scoundrel, haven’t you been doing that already? Don’t think fried dough twist is any easier to untangle than knots! 

It sobbed in grievance, “I don’t want to either, but that guy is making a fuss today, ugh…I feel like throwing up.”

Luoxi: “….Endure it a bit longer.”

“I can’t hold on much longer… bleurgh.”

Little Golden Dragon appeared to be in great discomfort. The skeleton placed within its space seemed to be acting up without any apparent reason. The domineering presence it had managed to restrain over the past few days suddenly surged forth again today.

Moreover, it surged with unusual intensity, causing turmoil in its space. It wanted to spit out the skeleton, but Luoxi wouldn’t allow it.

This place wasn’t safe, with many people and prying eyes. If a skeleton suddenly appeared, it would definitely scare people to death.

If it weren’t for the fact that it couldn’t stray too far from Luoxi’s side, it would have already rushed to a safer location to spit out that scourge.

Oddly enough, the Little Golden Dragon was rejected by the Law of this world because it was an outsider. If it went beyond a few meters from Luoxi, the Law would detect it almost immediately and treat it with heavenly thunder. 

Back then, Little Golden Dragon landed on a shipwreck at the bottom of the sea, and the reason it wasn’t struck further was due to the vessel having a concealing spell set by the skeleton and because the skeleton was a person of great merit. This was why the Law let it off the hook for the time being. 

However, Luoxi, who was also an outsider, simply disguised herself into a human shell using her power, and she was out of trouble. 

Not only was she spared from getting struck by lightning, but she also managed to dodge the watchful eyes of the Law. As long as her shell didn’t crack, staying by her side automatically made the Law turn a blind eye. What was the logic behind this?! 

The Law shouldn’t show such favoritism and base everything on looks, should they?!

Little Golden Dragon grumbled. Despite racking its brain, it still couldn’t wrap its head around it. Feeling immensely envious, it could only conclude in the end – this must be some secret technique of the Sirens. 

The Siren clan had held many mysteries; humans in Asmana have been tirelessly researching for thousands of years and still haven’t fully understood this race. 

Because of this, the Little Golden Dragon completely dropped its other schemes and became a well-behaved leg-hugging dragon. 

“Hang in there a bit longer. I’ll figure out a way to slip out. Spit it outside.” Luoxi turned her head slightly, plotting how to sneak out.

After all, this place was a protected area, and ordinary folks hardly had a chance to get in.

Today, the Qin Group borrowed this place as a filming location, and there were a good number of people here. If it was spat out here, the skeleton would definitely be discovered by the staff, and it would be difficult for her to retrieve it. She also didn’t know how the Qin Group’s staff would deal with the skeleton. 

If it was spat outside and was unfortunately discovered by someone, she could at least call the police, considering it as turning it over to the country.

As for the descendants of the skeleton… the country surely had some capable individuals who could notice some anomalies, right? 

Luoxi got up and was about to slip away while holding the Little Golden Dragon.

But it was too late. The Little Golden Dragon let out a ‘blargh’ sound, its twisted body trembled. Mr. Skeleton was spat out. 

Because it was being held by Luoxi, it could be considered as being in mid-air.

Mr. Skeleton was forcefully expelled in mid-air, and with a crisp ‘thud,’ he dropped to the ground, producing a clear clattering sound. 

The sound was deafening, sending shivers down the spine.

Once the Little Golden Dragon was done throwing up, it felt refreshed. It even made an effort to poke its head out and look, “Did it shatter? Break into pieces?”

Serves you right! 

Let that troublemaker have a taste of its own medicine!

Luoxi: “… It didn’t break. It’s pretty sturdy.”

Neither the Siren nor the dragon found this scene to be very bizarre. In a cramped and dimly lit compartment, a stark white skeleton lay sprawled on the ground. A person as beautiful as if she had walked out of a painting was squatting beside it. She reached out her hands to lift the skeleton and even gave it a pat to brush off the dust.

“What happened? Why was there such a loud noise…”

Qin Ran pushed the door open and entered. What he saw was this scene right in front of him, and he suddenly fell silent. 

White bones, dim and hazy lighting, a woman in a long dress trailing on the floor…

The youngest son of the Qin family was so frightened that he almost jumped out. His complexion instantly drained of color, and his lips quivered slightly.

Qin Ran was afraid of ghosts, scared of those eerie things, especially afraid.

Witnessing this sudden scene, he nearly believed the old mansion was haunted, displeased that they were using the property for filming, and the souls of those who had been dead for hundreds of years had come out to protest!

If he hadn’t recognized the woman’s face when he turned around to run, he might have actually fled.

A familiar face, astonishing beauty, Tang Luoxi.

Damn, what’s with this woman? She scared the hell out of me!

Qin Ran forcibly suppressed his fear, maintaining the fragile dignity of the youngest son of the Qin family. 

Realizing it wasn’t a female ghost, he calmed down a bit, “What are you doing!? Do we have skeletons as props today?”

Their family’s commercials had taken such a creative turn?

A stark white skeleton appearing in a food advertisement? What a dark idea!

Luoxi: “…”

Luoxi was also startled. Noticing that only Qin Ran was there, she was pondering how to trick this guy.

Qin Ran felt something under his foot, he looked down and moved his foot. 

“What’s this?”

A small book, a bit worn, and somewhat… familiar?

Qin Ran bent over to pick it up and flipped through it.

Upon seeing the familiar handwriting, a chord in his mind was struck, and he exclaimed in surprise, “…Great-grandfather!?”

Wasn’t this book the same one from the photo he’s been seeing since he was little? It was said to be a family heirloom that disappeared along with his great-grandfather. His grandfather would often nag about it, saying that no matter how much money the Qin family made, they were still missing the family heirloom. This content belongs to thehlifestyle.com, if you see this translation elsewhere, it’s been stolen!

Qin Ran didn’t think much of it. It was just a worn-out book, not some precious antique. Using it as a family heirloom would be shameful.

Even though he looked down on it, he couldn’t ignore his own grandfather’s enthusiasm. He had seen that old black-and-white photo countless times, and the calligraphy left behind by his great-grandfather was etched in his memory.

The book in front of him really resembled the cherished ‘family heirloom’ his grandfather often mentioned.

Luoxi with a poker face: “…”

Very good. The descendant of Mr. Skeleton has appeared. As expected, the prohibitions in the book didn’t restrict descendants linked by blood. Since he could pick it up and flip through it, there was no doubt this guy in front of them was related to the skeleton.

Little Golden Dragon: “…”

F*ck, no wonder that blasted skeleton has been making such a fuss today. It turns out it sensed a blood-related descendant!

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