Chapter 26: Impending Humiliation

Qin Xinxia’s expression shifted slightly.

This dress… it was indeed something she had made herself.

After leaving the clothing store that day, Li Tiantian had intended to take her to explore other designer boutiques. However, after witnessing Lin Xianxian spending money like water, Qin Xinxia felt it was unnecessary to shell out tens of thousands on a gown she might only wear once. Tens of thousands was an amount that took her several months—or, if she were lucky, at least a full month—to earn. That same sum could sustain her entire family for several months, if not more. Why should she spend so much on a dress she didn't even think was all that spectacular?

Moreover, she was skilled in garment construction. While not her primary major, she had completed a double degree in fashion design, her work had won international awards, and she was mentored by a highly renowned designer. With that thought, she abandoned the idea of buying a gown and chose to wear one of her own designs.

The protagonist’s design and craftsmanship were naturally top-tier. Qin Xinxia was confident that, aside from lacking a famous label, her gown was on par with any high-end brand. In fact, one could say it was a truly exclusive, custom-made piece.

When Shang Beiming came to pick her up earlier, he had stared at her, completely captivated. "Xinxia, you are simply stunning! Did you design this yourself? It’s beautiful—just like you, one of a kind."

Qin Xinxia had immediately stopped doubting her choice. Upon arriving at the venue, some had even asked which designer had created her custom piece. Deep down, Qin Xinxia felt a sense of smug satisfaction. To outsiders, had her own design reached the level of a high-end exclusive?

However, she soon realized the nature of those who approached her. Some had mistaken her for a young socialite and, upon learning she lacked a prestigious family background, promptly lost interest. Others already knew exactly who she was and were only there to curry favor. This latter group typically consisted of people from companies that relied heavily on the Shang family, often without even having a direct partnership. Even after she revealed that she had designed the dress herself, they continued to flatter her, with some even expressing a desire to commission her for custom work.

The former group, however, kept their distance once they found out the truth. Qin Xinxia had even overheard their whispers: "Coming to an event like this wearing a dress she made herself? Did Young Master Shang not make any arrangements for her?"

"What arrangements? Don’t forget, the Shang family doesn’t accept her; Young Master Shang is currently strapped for cash because of her."

"Without the Shang family’s approval... it’s hard to say if they’ll even get married, or how long it would last. Better not drag down our own status by associating with her."

"That Young Master Shang is still too impulsive. Even if he wants to promote his girlfriend's brand or help her start a company, there’s no need to be this hasty. Bringing someone into the circle for the first time, you can’t just let them dress so casually, can you?"

Qin Xinxia heard every word clearly, but her expression remained calm. So what if they looked down on her? At least she possessed the talent, didn't she? Yet, having been at the venue for half an hour, comparing the crowd surrounding Lin Xianxian to her own situation, Qin Xinxia felt a mix of disdain for their obsession with social hierarchy and a sharp, stinging sense of inadequacy. She saw clearly the gap between herself and Shang Beiming.

Of course, this did not mean she wanted to break up with him. If Shang Beiming could fight his own family for her, why couldn't she do the same? *Just wait,* she thought to herself, *one day, my brand will be famous all over the world!*

Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, Lin Xianxian approached her, immediately launching into a mockery. Seeing Lin Xianxian wearing the very dress she had tried on that day, Qin Xinxia dug her nails into her palms before slowly releasing them. Of the pile of clothes she had goaded Lin Xianxian into buying that day, this piece was actually the cheapest. Lin Xianxian would never normally wear something of this type or price point to such a banquet... yet today, she had deliberately chosen it. To match, she had even bought jewelry in the same color palette. She was so dazzling that it was impossible to look away; she was practically glowing.

*She must have done this on purpose!* Qin Xinxia bit her lower lip.

"So what? This is a dress I designed myself. Besides, you’re swiping someone else’s card, while I’m using my own money!" Qin Xinxia retorted. "Lin Xianxian, have you ever thought about money from the day you were born? Spending the money your parents worked so hard to earn, and now spending Shang Yang’s money—don't you feel ashamed? You’ve never earned a single cent of your own!"

An ordinary person might have felt ashamed at this point. Someone with Shang Beiming’s personality might have even turned around and gone to work to earn his own keep. Of course, the money he earned from his hard labor wouldn't even cover the cost of a single meal for him and his girlfriend. But both Shang Beiming and Qin Xinxia had been thrilled, even celebrating the fact that he was earning money through his own strength.

Lin Xianxian actually admired the idea of being self-sufficient. However, as a disposable cannon-fodder villainess, she offered a dismissive laugh, her expression arrogant and condescending.

"Luck is a part of one's strength. I was born luckier than you; my parents have money, and the husband I’ll marry in the future will have money, and they are all happy to provide for me. Why should I feel ashamed?" Lin Xianxian sneered. "Qin Xinxia, is it because Shang Beiming isn't generous enough, or because he’s incapable of supporting you, that you have to earn your own money? Tsk tsk, how pathetic!"

Qin Xinxia’s eyes blazed with anger. "Don't you dare insult Beiming!" she cried out indignantly. "Beiming believes in my abilities and respects me, which is why he doesn't take over every aspect of my life! At least when he earned 5,000, he spent every cent of it on me, unlike you—you’re just living off the pocket money Shang Yang gives you! You are nothing more than an accessory to Shang Yang, while Shang Beiming treats me as his everything!"

Lin Xianxian was nearly dying of laughter. "Are you trying to pull that classic line? Are we choosing between a man with a low salary who gives you everything, or a man with a high salary who only gives you a tenth of it? But the problem is, is Shang Beiming even the former?"

She pressed forward aggressively. "You and Shang Beiming both know he always has a backup plan. That 5,000 was just something he earned on a whim—the result of a little game. Of course he can give it all to you, because he knows that whenever he wants, he can have thousands upon thousands of such 5,000s."

Qin Xinxia was caught in the logic. Upon reflection, she felt that what Lin Xianxian said made sense, and she found herself at a loss for words.

[System: Host, mind your character setting! You’re overdoing it… As a villainous cannon-fodder, you should be completely illogical!]

*Fine, being unreasonable is easy enough.* Lin Xianxian felt a moment of exasperation, but she merely let out a cold huff. "Standing next to someone like you just lowers my standards! Let's go."

The group of socialites following her cast a disdainful glance at Qin Xinxia and left with mocking laughter.

"Wait!"