**Chapter 40: A Rare Beauty in the Mortal World**

In just a few seconds—
The previously low viewership of the livestream skyrocketed to its peak—

**”It’s Qin Mang! Ahhh!”**
**”I’m going crazy, what did I just see?! I casually opened a random reporter’s livestream backstage at the premiere and got served a huge scoop!”**
**”Is that her boyfriend? Is it, is it?”**
**”It must be! Why else would the reporter be told to delete it?”**
**”What were they doing just now? Kissing, hugging, or was he lifting her up?!”**
**”OMG, am I the only one who thinks Qin Mang is insanely hot? It’s the first time seeing her face up this close—absolutely stunning! She looks like she’s about to toss those paparazzi out to feed the sharks!”**
**”Not the point! The point is—who’s that man?!”**
**”…”**

Moments later, the livestream abruptly ended.
Someone with quick reflexes managed to record the entire thing.

**Backstage Rest Area**

Fu Yuan never expected that a simple touch-up would turn into such a massive news story.

Atong blamed herself. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault. I should’ve stayed with Sister Mang.”
She had gone to get an ice pack for Qin Mang’s eyes, thinking it might help reduce the redness before she went on camera.
Qin Mang always demanded perfection, especially when it came to her looks.
Red eyes didn’t match her style as a proper heiress.

But now wasn’t the time for blame.
If anyone *were* to be blamed—

Fu Yuan glanced at the man reclining lazily on the single sofa, his features cool and aloof.
**He** was the real culprit.

No one else dared confront him—except Qin Mang, who was fuming.
**”Did you do that on purpose?”**
**”You must be jealous that I’m about to become a superstar in the entertainment industry!”**
**”Sabotaging me on purpose!”**
**”I didn’t think you were such a scheming bastard!”**

As always, Qin Mang’s vocabulary for insults didn’t go beyond “scheming bastard.”

Since she had practically dragged him into the makeup room earlier, He Lingji remained patient today and let her vent.
He gently twisted open a thermos with his clean, elegant fingers, blew on it, and held it to Qin Mang’s lips.
**”Your voice is getting hoarse.”**
**”Drink something to soothe it before continuing.”**
Wouldn’t want her to lose her voice before she cried her heart out back home.

Qin Mang glared at him with her sharp, black-and-white eyes.
She *got* the implication behind his words!

Seriously—he was still thinking about *that* at a time like this?!

**Damn it!**

The next second—
He Lingji turned to Cong Zhen with his usual calm demeanor and issued a crisp order:
**”Start PR. Immediately.”**

Meng Ting exhaled in relief. “Phew, thank goodness.”

He zoomed in on a screengrab of the video on his tablet. “Most of President He’s face was blocked, and his front wasn’t caught on camera. It’s not unrecoverable.”

Because the paparazzi was too flustered and shaky, and Qin Mang had reacted quickly to cover most of He Lingji’s face with her hand, the blurry video only showed his sharp jawline and clean side profile.

But before that, the camera had briefly caught him holding her and the two of them talking.

The PR team moved quickly.
They redirected the narrative and buried the harmful rumors about Qin Mang.
After all, this was a golden opportunity for rival camps to stir up drama and throw shade.

As for the final decision—
It still lay in Qin Mang’s hands.

Most popular celebrities would pretend nothing happened unless the news blew up or the man’s identity was exposed.
It all depended on whether the artist was willing to go public.
There were pros and cons to either choice.

**Knock knock.**
There was a timid knock at the door.

A staff member asked cautiously, “Um… Teacher Qin, are you still doing the interview?”
**”It’s about to begin.”**

Before Fu Yuan could say no—
Qin Mang took a sip of the warm water He Lingji had handed her.
Her red lips looked more hydrated.

She stood up first, lightly adjusted the black shawl draped over her arms, and walked out.
**”Yes. I’ll do the interview. Just the chance to clear things up.”**

Why should *she* feel guilty and hide? It’s not like she did anything wrong.
She was never one to run away.

Meng Ting, knowing her temper all too well, got up in a panic, terrified she might do something irreversible.
**”W-Wait! How exactly are you going to clear it up?”**

Qin Mang turned back and shot a glare at someone, then sneered:
**”What else? I’ll just admit it.”**

**”That scheming bastard really lucked out.”**

**Interview Segment**

Everyone assumed that after such a scandal, Qin Mang would avoid the press and sneak away.
To their surprise, not only did she show up—she was the **first** to walk onto the stage, calm and composed.

She even took the mic and looked directly at the now-silent crowd of reporters, her voice soft and clear:
**”Any questions?”**

After all, the movie premiere was still the main focus. She added:
**”Only one personal question allowed. The rest must be about the film.”**

Her move completely stunned the reporters.

Two seconds of awkward silence later—
A young journalist at the front reacted quickly:
**”Teacher Qin, who is the man trending on the hot searches?”**

That’s how entertainment reporters operate.
Instead of asking *what’s your relationship*, they ask *who is it*.
If you ask about the relationship, the answer might just be “a friend” or “a family member.”

Qin Mang, dressed in a stunning, elegant cheongsam with red lips and black hair, her glamorous looks radiant under the lights, held the mic with her delicate fingers.

She heard the question and smiled, not flustered at all about being caught in a dating scandal.
Instead, she boldly declared:
**”We were practically kissing. Who else could he be?”**

**”He’s my man.”**

Those last five words echoed powerfully through the speakers, reverberating in all directions, making sure no one missed it.

Meng Ting silently covered his face.
**He knew it.**

> **#QinMangGoesPublicWithRomanceAtPremiere**
> Crushed all other hashtags and shot to the top of trending.
> \#1 on the hot search.

**”Is Qin Mang crazy? She’s not even made it big yet and she’s going public?”**
**”Career fans turning anti now.”**
**”No matter how pretty, she’s got a terminal case of love brain.”**
**”Let’s dig, dig, dig—first wild herbs, then his kidneys\~”**
**”LOL, her speech was peak love-brain energy. Big beauty should focus on her career, not some guy. Open your eyes—does he even match up?”**
**”Sis, with your face, kissing anyone is a downgrade! Wake up!”**
**”Qin Mang fans in collective meltdown.”**

Most fans were devastated.
To them, Qin Mang was supposed to shine brightly, unique and dazzling on the awards stage—
Not get distracted by romance.

Still, a few casual viewers or rational fans said:

**”Am I the only one who thinks the guy looks kinda hot? Blurry, but he’s way taller than Qin Mang, and that jawline is killer! I study sculpture—his proportions are *perfect* (whispers).”**
**”Let’s shake hands—I didn’t dare say it either…”**
**”Qin Mang is too cool. Publicly owning it? I love her even more!”**
**”She’s not a minor, who cares if she dates? You want her to wait until she’s old to find love?”**
**”When you’re in love, who doesn’t want to be young and reckless? Once you’re old, you can’t even be wild if you tried!”**
**”Bro, you’re being sus. But I have no proof.”**
**”Let’s focus on the acting.”**
**”She didn’t cheat, didn’t get caught with a sugar daddy. What’s the scandal here?”**
**”How do you know it’s not a sugar daddy? There were rumors she had a backer.”**
**”With that jawline and those hands? No way he’s old…”**
**”Could he be… shrimp-type?”**
**”Gasp… could it be a male celeb at the premiere?”**
**”!”**

**Back at the Lakeside Manor**

Qin Mang lay lazily on her bed, scrolling through Weibo.
As long as He Lingji’s face wasn’t exposed, she didn’t care about going public. It just meant fewer suitors throwing her business cards.

Besides, she never liked lying to fans—
She had never pretended to be single.

She scrolled through netizens’ wild guesses like she was watching a drama.
They guessed everyone—from the male lead and second lead of *Dreams of Old Beijing* to every male celeb at the premiere—
Except He Lingji.

After all, the media didn’t even dare point a camera in his direction.
He was always low-key. Even attending the premiere was done discreetly.
Very few people knew he was even there.

She didn’t care about the rest—
But!

Saying she had bad taste? That was crossing the line!

**Shrimp-type, my ass.**
Her He-ge was obviously **fairy-type!**

She had agreed to the arranged marriage at first sight just because of that face.
If she was going to marry someone eventually, might as well choose someone clean, good-looking, and rich.
He Lingji was the crème de la crème. He met all her standards.

So she refused to back down.

**Qin Mang V:** *”My taste is impeccable! If he wasn’t a rare beauty, I wouldn’t even look at him.”*

**”Wait—this is the first time I’ve heard someone describe a man as ‘a rare beauty in the mortal world.’”**
**”LOL. Does your man know how you’re introducing him to the public?”**
**”Hahaha I can’t—classic Miss Qin!”**
**”Of course! Only our heiress would dare to speak and act so boldly!”**

Thanks to Meng Ting’s habit of calling her “Miss Qin,” her fans had also started using it affectionately.

**“Oh my god, if even someone as stunningly beautiful as Qin Mang is called a ‘worldly enchantress’, then how handsome must this man be?”**
**“Maybe it’s just love being blind?”**
**“I don’t believe it—no photo, no truth!”**
**“If he’s really that handsome, why not show his face?”**
**“Unless there’s a frontal photo, I’m not buying it!”**
**“Pfft, the more ordinary people are, the more confident they act\~”**

Qin Mang glanced at the so-called “worldly enchantress” who had just come out of the bathroom. Her slender white fingers leisurely typed a reply:
**Qin Mang V: Provocation won’t work. What’s mine, stays hidden.**

The next second, her phone rang sharply.
It was Meng Ting, who had noticed the little troublemaker causing a stir on Weibo again.
**“Please, Ancestor, stop touching your phone!”**
**“It’s such a beautiful moment—spend some quality time with President He, will you?”**
**“I’m begging you!”**
**“Stop clapping back at netizens!”**
**“Once the movie is out, people will shift focus to your work.”**
**“Right now we have to endure. We can’t afford to fight back yet!”**
**“Actors without works… are really in a humble position.”**

But asking this young lady to be humble? Impossible.

Qin Mang sneered, “Who’s having a romantic moment with him?”
As she spoke, the corners of her eyes lifted slightly, giving a sideways glance at the man walking toward the bed. She tilted her exquisite chin and drawled,
**“President He\~ the guest room is your destination tonight.”**

He Lingji bent down slightly,
**“Planning to back out?”**
**“Who agreed to anything with you?”**
Qin Mang was firm in denying it.

But instead of getting angry, He Lingji laughed. He was used to Madam He going back on her word.
Still, he had more than one way to make her cry.
And he wasn’t one to forget grudges. The screenshot Ruan Qizhuo had sent him earlier—of her Weibo post—had triggered a dangerous glint in his eyes.

**“He Lingji, you’re a beast!”**
He Lingji responded smoothly,
**“A worldly enchantress needs to live up to the title. Madam He, in which area—on or off the bed—is your husband most outstanding?”**

Qin Mang: “…”
**“I was… complimenting you.”**
So why hold a grudge?

Qin Mang refused to admit her own twisted sense of humor.
**“Mm.”**
He Lingji nodded calmly,
**“Then allow me to prove that your compliment was spot on—with action.”**

That night, Qin Mang’s voice turned hoarse—not from shouting, but from crying.
President He always kept his word.
So all that filled Qin Mang’s mind was—

**Forget “celestial being.”
He was a beast in human form.**

After netizens realized they couldn’t dig up any real info about Qin Mang’s boyfriend, things finally quieted down.
Especially when—

On the first day of its release, *Dreams of Old Beijing* surpassed 100 million yuan at the box office.
On day two, it passed 200 million.
Day three, over 300 million.
The film skyrocketed in popularity, sweeping the internet. Qin Mang’s acting was once again the focus of attention.
Everyone had once been dazzled by her beauty—and underestimated her talent.

Nobody cared about those gossip rumors anymore.
All that peachy scandal?
It meant nothing in the face of absolute talent.

Qin Mang had a busy Spring Festival. The vacation she had planned fell through.
Fu Yuan insisted she capitalize on the momentum: pack the schedule, increase media content—
All to divert attention from the news on the day of the premiere.

The film’s popularity kept soaring—
Even the elite housewife circles were hooked.
Including Madam He, who watched *Dreams of Old Beijing* videos on loop every day. She knew the script by heart.

The elegant living room that once displayed antique oil paintings—
Now featured a massive framed poster from the film.

A young woman in cool black tactical gear, slender fingers toying with a silver handgun, lips curled in a seductive smirk—dangerous and bewitching beauty incarnate.

Madam He loved that poster the most.
She even requested the original print.

When Lou Tingdai came to visit for the New Year, it was the first thing she saw.
The striking poster completely clashed with the mansion’s classic decor.
She was stunned for a moment, then quickly composed herself.
**“Happy New Year, Auntie.”**

Madam He put down her iPad and beamed at her, waving her over.
After some small talk,
She noticed Lou Tingdai glancing at the poster now and then.

Smiling, Madam He asked,
**“You think that poster of Mangmang is beautiful too?”**

Lou Tingdai replied,
**“I’m a bit timid. Miss Qin’s expression with the gun scares me.”**
**“You’re brave, Auntie.”**

**“Hahaha, it just shows how good our Mangmang’s acting is.”**
Madam He praised her without reserve.

She wasn’t concerned at all.
She even explained the plot of the poster to Lou Tingdai enthusiastically.

Lou Tingdai: “…”

She had no shortage of patience—especially when dealing with Madam He.
Even if the person being praised was the woman she disliked most.

Eventually, when Madam He finally stopped gushing,
Lou Tingdai found a chance to bring up the earlier incident about her background being exposed on the He Group forums.

**“I didn’t want to doubt Miss Qin… but the people who knew about this were all those I trust most.”**

Of course, she meant Madam He’s family.

Then, as if realizing she’d gone too far, she softened her tone,
**“Auntie, maybe Miss Qin has a misunderstanding about me…”**

Her fingers clenched in her palm as she forced herself to hold back tears—
Looking so fragile and pitiful it was heartbreaking.

**“You know me, Auntie. I’m well aware of my position. How could I possibly think inappropriate thoughts about President He?”**

**“What position or status? We’re all just people—there’s no such thing as high or low.”**

Madam He had watched her grow up, step by step, from a small mountain village to the capable woman she was now.
She was proud—and sympathetic toward her background.

However—

**“Mangmang definitely didn’t do it. She’s like her uncle—if she holds a grudge, she’ll deal with it on the spot. She doesn’t play petty mind games.”**

Madam He fussed with the fresh flowers flown in that day.
She didn’t mean anything by it, but to Lou Tingdai, it sounded like an insult—
As if she were saying Lou was scheming.

Seeing Lou lower her eyes,
Madam He, thinking she was just sensitive, patted her hand.

**“Mangmang and the others will be here for dinner soon. If there’s a misunderstanding, clear it up face to face.”**

…

Naturally, Qin Mang had come with He Lingji this time.
But as soon as they arrived, He’s father stopped him at the door.
**“Lingji, come to the study.”**

He responded but didn’t move.
Instead, he turned to look at Qin Mang, who was nervously tugging at his sleeve.

She hadn’t joined him on New Year’s Eve due to work.
If his uncle found out, she was definitely in trouble.

Yet, strangely, the He family hadn’t insisted on her returning that night.
She’d even wondered if they were ready to give up on the Qin family—
And let He Lingji marry someone more obedient.

A thin layer of snow had fallen the night before,
Weighing down the wisteria vines.
The morning sun was bright and soft, painting the ancestral courtyard like a poetic dream.

At that moment,
He Lingji looked down.

The girl clutched his sleeve pitifully, like a little white lion abandoned in the snow.

His lips curved slightly.
**“Don’t worry. Mom won’t blame you.”**

Thinking of the last time they were here,
His tone took on an amused edge,
**“Go to the living room. There’s a surprise.”**

**A surprise?**
Qin Mang lifted her lashes, unconvinced.
She had a feeling he was up to no good.

But this time, He Lingji wasn’t teasing her.
There really was a surprise.

Lou Tingdai got up like the hostess and greeted her,
**“Miss Qin, please have a seat.”**
**“Auntie is in the kitchen.”**

At the mention of that, her expression faltered briefly.
Madam He had suddenly remembered a dish Qin Mang liked and gone to add it to the menu.

Qin Mang looked at the figure standing by the black leather sofa.
Her beautiful eyes lifted slightly—
Her thoughts already beginning to wander.

**Could it be that the He family really prepared a backup Mrs. He?**

Qin Mang might not be the one who posted on the He Group’s employee forum, and she didn’t know Lou Tingdai’s identity either. Seeing her sit here calmly as a distinguished guest, she assumed Lou’s family must have some connection with the Hes.

Plus, Lou’s position in the He Group’s upper management was unknown.

Naturally, suspicions arose.

But when her gaze unintentionally swept to the large poster above the black leather sofa, her red lips suddenly curved upward.

She smiled.

**So this is the surprise.**

As for Lou Tingdai—

(*The text here seems garbled or corrupted. It likely intended to describe Lou’s mood or expression, possibly something like “Lou’s expression turned cold/stiff.”*)

“Miss Lou, with that attitude of yours, someone who didn’t know better would think I’m the guest at *your* house,” Qin Mang said bluntly.

Lou Tingdai hadn’t expected Qin Mang to be so direct.

She choked slightly.

Taking a gentle breath, she forced herself to stay calm—especially in front of Qin Mang.

**Just a brash, brainless woman.**

Lou smiled again, “No wonder Auntie praises your acting skills.”

“Indeed.”

“Your acting really is superb.”

At first, Qin Mang didn’t catch the sarcasm—after all, the compliment sounded quite sincere.

So she replied politely, “Thank you.”

Lou’s newly forced smile stiffened again for a second.

“Can you stop pretending to be clueless?”

“Daring to post on the employee forum to slander my background—now you don’t dare admit it?”

Qin Mang’s dark, crystal-clear eyes flashed with confusion.

She looked at Lou Tingdai as if watching a fool perform.

“What employee forum? What background?”

Her beautiful, striking face was filled with innocence. “What’s wrong with your background?”

What Lou hated most was this false innocence—pretending to be pure-hearted and clear-cut in love and hate while being scheming underneath.

Seeing her refuse to admit it and still sprinkle salt on her wound, Lou couldn’t help but bite her lip and sneer coldly:
“Yes, I’m low-born. But you? If you weren’t born a rich heiress, how could you ever match up to President He?”

In her heart, He Lingji was like a god—meant to remain high above the mortal world, admired by all, cold and indifferent. Regardless of noble or humble origin, he viewed everyone as ants, looking down on the masses.

**And now—**

He had been tainted by an actress from the dirty entertainment industry like Qin Mang.

**Why?**

All because of the Qin family.

If Qin Mang were a nobody, how could she have pulled a god from his pedestal?

If He Lingji had always stayed high on his pedestal, she wouldn’t have dared harbor even the slightest desire.

But now, for a woman with nothing but beauty, he had broken that pattern.

Qin Mang finally caught on and looked at her with a half-smile.

Even the young girl holding a gun in the giant poster above seemed to look down on her.

Just as she was about to speak—

A cold, distant voice suddenly rang out:

**“The world is lowly—only she is worthy.”**

Qin Mang suddenly looked up. A man in a black coat walked over slowly, cold and noble. His thin lips parted slightly:

**“True nobility comes from the heart.”**

**“So does lowliness.”**

As he said the last four words, He Lingji’s gray-blue eyes swept past the now-pale Lou Tingdai without a trace of emotion.

**Who he meant—was obvious.**

Qin Mang leaned lazily on a pillow, propping her chin with a smile at He Lingji.

**President He was 2.8 meters tall today!**

**Totally qualified to join the dinner table.**

She was just about to praise him—

When He Lingji’s meaningful gaze landed on her.
“Get up.”

“Huh? Why…”

“I’m tired.”

Qin Mang acted spoiled as if no one else were around.

He Lingji’s usually cold voice softened a little, “Dirty.”

“Have them change the sofa before you sit.”

**Dirty?**

Lou Tingdai, who had reached the door, nearly tripped.

Her face was full of self-mockery.

Yes.

Her background would always be dirty.

Qin Mang looked at He Lingji’s cold and ascetic side profile and suddenly wanted to tease him. She reached out and poked his wrist bone—like a piece of art.

“Hey\~”

“So our President He knows my noble heart so well\~”

“Then do you know the path to a woman’s heart…”