We Are Clearly More Attractive Than Cranes

"Wanning is here." Li Qingxue looked toward the approaching figure and waved with a smile.

Hearing the voice, Lin Wanning quickened her steps with a bright smile. "It's my first time coming here—I thought I'd gotten the wrong place."

As she spoke, she handed fruit teas to Hu Yuying and Li Qingxue. "Brought these on the way."

"Thanks x2."

"You two are too polite." Lin Wanning's usually cool expression softened with amusement. "Try them and see if you like the flavor."

The three strolled through the park, forming a unique and graceful sight.

"This park is huge."

"There’s a bench up ahead—let’s sit for a bit."

Under the shade of the trees, the three sat on the bench, sipping their fruit teas while admiring the scenery and chatting.

Li Qingxue sent their online store’s design drafts to a friend via QQ.

"Alright, now we just have to wait." She shook her phone, showing Wang Rui’s "OK" sticker.

"Should we practice filming now? The setting here is perfect." Lin Wanning felt a flicker of excitement.

This was her first time venturing into business, and she took it seriously.

"Let’s give it a try?" Li Qingxue exited QQ and switched to her phone’s camera mode.

Hu Yuying glanced around—luckily, there weren’t many people nearby—and nodded eagerly.

"Who goes first?"

The three exchanged glances before settling on rock-paper-scissors—whoever lost would go first.

"Wanning, this isn’t working." Li Qingxue paused the recording and frowned. "You need to move a little."

"How?"

Lin Wanning hesitated.

She’d performed in competitions before—she had strong stage presence and never shied from the spotlight.

But back then, she’d just stood center stage and sang. Moving naturally on camera? That was new.

Li Qingxue’s eyes suddenly lit up—she was full of ideas. "How about this: walk away from the camera, then turn back with a smile—"

"Huh?" Lin Wanning blinked, then turned to glance over her shoulder at Li Qingxue. "Like this?"

Hu Yuying chimed in softly, "Qingxue, maybe you should demonstrate first?"

"Fine." Li Qingxue handed her phone to Hu Yuying and stepped forward. "Ready?"

"Ready." Hu Yuying aimed the camera while Lin Wanning leaned in to watch.

On screen, Li Qingxue walked forward with light steps. After a few paces, she spun around playfully, strands of hair brushing her fair cheeks. Her lively eyes sparkled as she flashed a peace sign, her smile blooming like a flower.

Watching her, Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning burst into laughter.

Li Qingxue pouted. "Hey! I’m setting an example here—you can’t laugh at me!"

She lunged at them, tickling their sides until they were all breathless with giggles.

After the playful scuffle, they huddled together to review the footage.

The video captured Li Qingxue’s earlier performance—vibrant, youthful, and full of life, as if all the beauty in the world had gathered around her in that moment.

Li Qingxue grinned at her own reflection, only to snap back when she noticed the other two watching her with amused smiles.

Realizing she’d been caught, she feigned indignation. "Oh, so you’re making fun of me now?"

"Wanning’s turn next—then it’s my turn to laugh at you!"

Knowing she wasn’t actually upset, Lin Wanning stood and recreated the move.

She walked forward, then turned gracefully. The soft sunlight melted the usual coolness from her delicate features, leaving only radiance. Her lashes lifted gently, her eyes warm as autumn water, and her lips curved into a tender smile...

Once the clip played back, all eyes turned to Hu Yuying.

"My... my turn." Hu Yuying took a quiet breath, grateful no strangers were around to witness her nerves.

"Here I go."

After a few steps, she turned slowly, slender fingers tucking wind-tossed hair behind her ear. Her lips parted in a faint, enchanting smile—both coy and sweet.

Three takes, three distinct styles—each lovely.

With the right outfits, the results would’ve been even better.

They propped the phone on the bench and tried filming all three together, but it didn’t turn out as well as when one of them held the camera.

"If only Long Aotian were here," Li Qingxue murmured absently, then froze, sneaking a glance at Hu Yuying and Lin Wanning.

Neither reacted—as if it were obvious. If Long Aotian were here, everything would fall into place.

"What’s wrong, Qingxue?" Hu Yuying asked gently, noticing her dazed look.

Meeting her smile, Li Qingxue shook her head. "Nothing."

"Let’s go find him?" Lin Wanning suggested. She hadn’t seen him all day.

"Mm." Hu Yuying nodded.

With both in agreement, Li Qingxue had no choice but to follow.

From a distance, they spotted a crowd gathered by the roadside, watching a crane at work in the alley.

At the front stood a man with arms crossed, posture straight, eyes fixed on the machinery as he spoke to someone beside him.

Even without hearing the words, his expression said it all: See that? That crane? I called it in...

That man could only be Long Aotian.

"Qingxue, Wanning... is that crane really that fascinating?" Hu Yuying whispered. Back in Haivan City, Long Aotian had often paused to stare at excavators or bulldozers.

Sometimes, he’d stop mid-step, unable to tear his eyes away—or if he did, he’d glance back repeatedly, as if tracking where the machines were headed...

Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning shook their heads. They didn’t get it either. They were far prettier than any construction vehicle, yet Long Aotian had never stared at them like that.

Hu Yuying pulled out her phone, snapped a photo of him, and sent it.

Then she kept watching.

Long Aotian patted his pocket, swiped his screen open, skimmed the message—then went back to the crane.

A beat later, he checked his phone again, scanned his surroundings, and sighed. After a conflicted glance between the crane and the trio, he finally walked toward them.