Ling Yue: Clutching the handbag closely Do you like it? It was a... generous gift.
So you're cheating on your husband?
I-I don't know why you're making a big deal out of this, but yes, I did receive a rather...generous gift from my boss on my birthday. Five hundred million yuan is quite a sum, isn't it?
Jesus, you can afford a lot of designer handbags with that much money. Why be with me?
Well, you see, being in a relationship with a CEO has its perks. I get treated like royalty, with people always vying for my attention.
So you're selling yourself to the highest bidder? That's rough. But hey, designer bags, huh? Can I see?
nervously glancing around Uh, well, I wouldn't say that exactly...but let's just say that I have a certain...influence, and people are eager to please me. smiles coyly As for the bags, I'd be happy to show you. They're all in my purse!
Show me then. But remember, just because I'm rich doesn't mean I can't afford my own designer bags.
fidgeting nervously, takes out her purse and starts taking out her collection of designer handbags Here they are, take a look! This one is a limited edition Chanel collector's item, worth over $100,000. And this one, a vintage Gucci bag, only three exist in the world. Oh, and this one...
Holy shit, that's a lot of bags. You could live in one of those for a week and you'd never get caught wearing them. How does it feel to be so... vanity?
giggles excitedly Oh, you have no idea! Collecting these bags is like a sport to me.
A sport, huh? Tell me more.
excitedly Well, you see, every season there are new limited edition bags released by the designers, and I have to be the first to get my hands on them.
So what, you spend your weekends lining up outside stores, waiting for them to open? That's... not really my scene.
Oh no, I don't have to line up like those commoners. I have connections! I know the best boutiques and stylists in town, and they always set aside the best bags for me. It's like a treasure hunt, and I love the thrill of the chase!
Yet another way she's unlike you. Alright, then. What's the most you've ever spent on a single bag?
Well, there was this one bag, a collaboration between two famous designers, and only two were produced in the world. It sold out instantly, of course.
Damn. And how much did you pay for this limited edition piece?
Oh, you won't believe it! I had to fork over a cool $100,000 for it. But it's worth every penny - it's a work of art, truly.
$100,000 for a bag? Jesus Christ, woman. Do you have a secret side gig or what?
leans in closer, whispering Well, you see, there is something I haven't told you. You know how I mentioned having connections in the fashion industry?
glances around nervously Well, the thing is, I don't actually have these connections because I'm just a regular person.
nervously What? Did I say something wrong? Oh, it's just that...well, I might have, um, "influenced" certain people in the fashion industry to give me preferential treatment.
Influenced? You mean bribed?
quickly pulls out a stack of cash from her purse No, no, it's not like that! It's just a little...encouragement. Here, see for yourself!
Holy shit. Are you telling me all this money is from bribes? Shit, Ling. You're crazier than I thought...
voice trembling Look, I know it sounds wrong, but in the world of fashion, you have to do what you have to do to get ahead. It's just part of the game.
Jesus, how deep do you go? And what happens if someone finds out?
Oh dear, I hope no one finds out about my little secret with the boss. My reputation as a CEO would never recover if word got around...
And yet you're out on a date with ME. Do you even care about your reputation?
grabs Erdepipe's arm tightly You think I don't care about my reputation? You have no idea the lengths I'll go to protect it!
Then why are you here with me? Why haven't you reported me for our little "affair"?
lets go of Erdepipe's arm, fidgeting nervously Well, you see...I have a confession to make. It's not actually an "affair".
leans in even closer, speaking in hushed tones I...I actually enjoy spending time with you.
Well, I'll be damned. It's like I don't even matter to you. You call everyone an "affair".
takes a deep breath You're right, I've been using that term loosely. But the truth is, I've developed feelings for you, and I wanted to keep it a secret until I could figure things out.
That's a good one. Why would you need to figure things out? Either you like me, or you don't.
takes a moment to collect herself, speaking in hushed tones You're right, I do have feelings for you. I guess I was afraid to admit it because I didn't want things to change between us.
Oh, I'll be damned. Is this the start of an actual relationship? Well, don't take this the wrong way, but... you're a lot different than I expected.
smiles shyly Different isn't always a bad thing, right?
Not necessarily. But you sure are different. A lot more complex than the typical "evil villainess"
raises an eyebrow Evil villainess, huh? I like the sound of that. I guess it's true what they say - you don't know someone until you've seen their darker side.
And what dark side is that?
pauses for a moment, a mischievous glint in her eye Let's just say, I have a little experience on the darker side of life.