The eight male models politely took their seats, engaging in witty and humorous banter as they worked to liven up the atmosphere.
Qin Yuwei was clearly a seasoned pro, chatting animatedly with one of them about music.
Meanwhile, the sunny, cheerful one was introducing Su Qianqian to the bar’s signature cocktails with a warm smile.
His voice was deep and pleasant, and he leaned in slightly closer, the faint scent of his aftershave making Su Qianqian—already a little tipsy—feel even more lightheaded.
The complimentary snacks and drinks that came with the male companionship were quickly served.
“This ‘Moonlit Daze’ has a refreshing taste with a hint of cool mint. Would you like to try it?”
The sunny model smiled, leaning forward slightly as he casually draped his arm over the back of the couch. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing glimpses of well-defined pectoral muscles.
Qin Yuwei, watching from the side, nudged Su Qianqian with her elbow and mouthed silently, her eyes twinkling mischievously: Go on, touch him! What are you afraid of? Test the waters!
Bolstered by alcohol and a petty desire to get back at Gu Chengyu, Su Qianqian’s heart raced wildly.
As if possessed, her fingers trembled slightly with curiosity and nervousness as she reached toward the tantalizing contours just inches away…
Just as her fingertips were about to make contact, a large, well-defined hand suddenly clamped around her slender wrist, stopping her in her tracks.
“Ah!” Su Qianqian gasped in shock, jerking her hand back like a startled rabbit.
Her panicked gaze shot up, instantly locking with a pair of phoenix eyes dark with fury.
Young Master Gu? Gu Chengyu?
What is he doing here?
Her foggy mind cleared in an instant.
She thought he wouldn’t find out—yet here he was. Oh no…
I’m doomed!
Gu Chengyu stood beside the booth, his tall frame casting an oppressive shadow under the dim lighting.
He was still wearing the same black dress shirt from the meeting room, its top two buttons undone to reveal the sharp lines of his throat, paired with matching tailored trousers.
His handsome face was expressionless, but the tight press of his lips and the faint twitch of a vein at his temple betrayed the storm of anger he was holding back.
His grip on Su Qianqian’s wrist was unrelenting.
“Su. Qian. Qian.”
His voice was dangerously low, each word gritted out between clenched teeth.
“You’ve really grown bold, haven’t you? Sneaking off to a place like this behind my back? And daring to order these… things?”
Su Qianqian shivered under his scolding, her wrist aching from his grip.
He had never been this harsh with her before.
Her large eyes blinked rapidly, welling up with tears in an instant, her expression pitifully aggrieved.
Qin Yuwei was equally stunned.
She clapped a hand over her mouth, barely stifling a gasp.
Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
Gu Chengyu?!
The untouchable Young Master Gu of S City?!
As the awkwardly positioned adopted daughter of the Qin family, she had never been part of the elite inner circle, but she’d known since childhood just how terrifying these top-tier young masters could be.
Especially this one—even her brother, Qin Yu, had to tread carefully around him.
This is bad, this is really bad! How is Su Qianqian connected to someone like him?!
Qin Yuwei instantly shrank into herself, not daring to make a sound.
Her eyes darted between Gu Chengyu, the wrist he was gripping, and the eight frozen male models.
Her mind was a chaotic scroll of thoughts:
[Damn, this is a full-blown battlefield! So intense!]
[Qianqian, you’re on your own, girl.]
[I’m not abandoning you, but there’s just no helping it right now, wuwu…]
[But judging by the looks of it, this little fairy has Young Master Gu wrapped around her finger?]
[Gu Chengyu seems furious, but it’s more like he’s… jealous?]
Wait—jealous?
Qin Yuwei’s thoughts took a sharp turn.
She knew exactly what kind of man Young Master Gu was—just look at her brother, Qin Yu.
With their power, wealth, and influence, they claimed to need outlets to relieve stress, but in truth, they were simply indulging in the worst of male entitlement.
At their core, they were all domineering young masters who saw women as playthings.
She had spent her whole life avoiding them.
But if he was jealous… that meant he cared about Su Qianqian. That was rare.
Her girl wasn’t losing out here—whatever crumbs Young Master Gu let slip from his fingers were more than most people could earn in a hundred lifetimes.
Meanwhile, Gu Chengyu’s chest tightened at the sight of Su Qianqian’s teary-eyed expression, his anger laced with an unwelcome pang of guilt.
She’s the one acting wronged now?
What does she have to be upset about?
If anyone should be aggrieved, it’s me!
