Valentina and Jiang Ningzi moved to a set of chairs nearby. As Valentina sat down, eating her dessert, she explained, "I was just helping with the clothes. I have nothing else to do, so really, there's no need for payment.""You're too naive. If you don't charge, they'll take you as free labor, endlessly asking you to make qipaos, and might even sell the ones you've made.""No... that can't be!"Jiang Ningzi took out a long, slender cigarette from her clutch, held it between her fingers, and lit it. Her movements were both wild and beautiful. She raised her hand, placing the cigarette between her red lips, the small flame creating a graceful arc."Just listen to me.Want one?""Sure!" Valentina replied, almost involuntarily.Jiang Ningzi smiled, her tongue flicking at her lip, and handed the cigarette to Valentina.Valentina took the cigarette, flicked the ash with practiced ease, and then placed the half-smoked cigarette to her cherry-pink lips, tilting her head slightly, inha
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