Though everyone knew Guo Xiang was just boasting, they still listened with great interest.
After a few drinks, the atmosphere at the table grew noticeably livelier.
The boys’ faces flushed red as their chatter became more animated, their tall tales flowing freely without hesitation, as if they were all big shots in the county.
"Brother Xiang, if we mention your name when we go to KTV, will it work?"
Guo Xiang immediately straightened his back and thumped his chest. "Absolutely! Drop my name, and you’re golden! I’m not kidding—my cousin’s uncle’s nephew’s neighbor knows Niu Ben! Whether it’s at a KTV or anywhere else in Wushui County, if you run into trouble, just come to me. One word from me, and it’s settled!"
He even gestured dramatically, as if he really had that kind of influence.
Liu Yutong sat quietly nearby, holding a glass of orange juice, a faint smile on her lips as she listened to their banter.
Noticing she hadn’t said much, Guo Xiang picked up a beer and wobbled over to her.
His face was flushed from drinking, but his eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "Class Belle Liu, why aren’t you drinking? How about a toast? I’ll drink to you!"
Liu Yutong looked up and smiled softly. "Thank you, but I don’t drink. I’ll stick with my juice."
Though disappointed, Guo Xiang didn’t push it.
Trying to appear gentlemanly, he grinned. "Alright then, I’ll finish mine—you take your time."
With that, he tipped his head back and downed the beer in one go.
Liu Yutong watched, then raised her glass and finished the last of her juice before setting it down gracefully.
Guo Xiang, pleased by her gesture, launched into another boast. "You’re awesome, Class Belle Liu! If you ever need anything taken care of in Wushui County, just say the word—I’ll handle it for you, no problem!"
"I’m not exaggerating—wherever I go, even the big shots give me face..."
Once again, he brought up Niu Ben, the notorious underworld boss of Wushui County.
Liu Yutong knew exactly who Niu Ben was.
A well-known local tyrant, but she also knew that in six months, he’d be sent to prison and eventually executed.
All his businesses—nightclubs, KTVs, supermarkets, restaurants—would be seized and auctioned off, leaving him with nothing.
Of course, she kept this to herself, simply watching Guo Xiang spin his tales.
Once the meal wrapped up, they hailed a few auto-rickshaws and headed to Caesar KTV.
Despite all his bragging, Guo Xiang had actually managed to book one of the biggest VIP rooms—the 888 suite.
The second round was even rowdier than dinner.
The dimly lit room pulsed with deafening music, the table laden with beer, fruit platters, and soft drinks.
As the night wore on, even the shyest classmates loosened up, belting out off-key songs into the microphones, the energy growing wilder.
Liu Yutong and Yu Xin sat on the right couch, chatting with two other girls.
At some point, the door swung open.
Guo Xiang walked in with a stranger—a man in his mid-twenties wearing a checkered shirt, the collar slightly open to reveal a chest tattoo. His swagger screamed "gangster," and not just any gangster—one with clout.
Guo Xiang, slightly tipsy, introduced him. "This is my big bro—Crazy Dog Brother! He’s the one who runs this KTV!"
Turning to Crazy Dog Brother, he added, "These are my classmates. We’re having a reunion—hope you’ll show us some love."
Crazy Dog Brother hadn’t planned to bother with a nobody like Guo Xiang. He’d only agreed to make an appearance because Guo Xiang recognized him in the restroom and name-dropped one of his associates, all while being obsequiously respectful.
He’d intended to just pass through, knowing Guo Xiang only wanted to show off in front of his friends.
But when his gaze swept the room, his eyes lit up—especially when they landed on a girl in a blue dress. The sight of her delicate beauty left him momentarily stunned, and his demeanor instantly warmed.
After a quick round of greetings, Crazy Dog Brother made a beeline for Liu Yutong’s group.
"Hey there, beauties! Having a good night? You’re all Guo Xiang’s classmates, right?"
"Tell you what—I’ll have some drinks sent over. Enjoy yourselves!"
As the saying goes, you don’t slap a smiling face.
Though Liu Yutong could sense the hunger in his stare, she still politely thanked him.
Crazy Dog Brother didn’t linger, exchanging a few more words before leaving the VIP room.
The tension eased the moment he was gone. Most of them were instinctively wary of gangsters like him.
"Brother Xiang, you’re insane! You actually know guys like Crazy Dog Brother!"
"Yeah, isn’t he one of Niu Ben’s top men?"
Guo Xiang basked in their admiration, a smug grin spreading across his face.
He waved a hand faux-modestly. "That’s nothing… Crazy Dog Brother and I go way back. We’re like family!"
Between more boasts, he kept drinking. And when the complimentary drinks and fruit platters arrived, the party kicked into even higher gear.
Meanwhile, in the 999 suite…
Crazy Dog Brother sat with his lackeys and a few heavily made-up women, drinking and playing dice.
But his mind was fixated on the fresh-faced girls from the other room—especially the one in the blue dress. Her elegance and beauty had left an imprint he couldn’t shake.
"It’s been ages since I’ve played with such pure little things," he muttered, licking his lips.
He didn’t even notice when one of the women tried to clink glasses with him.
A lackey nudged him. "Brother, she’s toasting you."
Snapping out of it, Crazy Dog Brother raised his glass halfheartedly and drained it.
Then he abruptly stood. "Let’s go crash their party."
"What about them?" A lackey jerked a thumb at the women.
Crazy Dog Brother waved dismissively. "Tell them to scram."
Without another word, he strode out.
