The two remained locked in a standoff for a moment.
Gu Chengyu glanced at the untouched cocktails on the table, then at the glass of strong liquor he had just downed. A punishing thought flickered through his mind.
He released his grip on her wrist and picked up the glass of "Moonlit Confusion."
"This bar isn’t just known for its male escorts—their sweet cocktails are good too," Gu Chengyu murmured, his voice low, rough, and laced with danger as he brought the glass closer to Su Qianqian.
"Let’s try something different. Here, have a taste."
The anger in his eyes had been replaced by something deeper, darker.
He needed her dizzier, softer—preferably enough to forget her earlier, unwelcome curiosity. It would also make it easier for him to deal with her.
Su Qianqian shrank back instinctively under his gaze, her voice small and hesitant. "I’ve already had some… I’m feeling a little lightheaded."
"Lightheaded?" Gu Chengyu arched a brow, his tone teasing. "After just a few sips? Little liar."
"Be good. Open your mouth."
His other hand, which had been resting on her waist, moved to pluck the straw from the glass and toss it onto the table.
Then, with one hand tilting her delicate chin up, he pressed the rim of the glass to her lips, leaving no room for refusal.
"Mmm…" Su Qianqian had no choice but to part her lips and take a reluctant sip.
Gu Chengyu watched her intently, his gaze shadowed.
He controlled the angle and pace, letting her swallow in small sips—enough to keep her drinking without choking.
Under the shifting lights, the slender curve of her throat looked fragile as she tilted her head back. Her small Adam’s apple bobbed with each swallow, her pink lips glistening with the remnants of the drink.
By the time half the glass was gone, Su Qianqian’s head felt heavier, as if wrapped in warm cotton. Her vision blurred slightly.
The earlier tension, embarrassment, and frustration seemed to melt away in the haze, leaving only a soft, pliant dependence.
Unconsciously, she nuzzled closer to Gu Chengyu, seeking his familiar warmth, a kitten-like whimper escaping her lips.
Gu Chengyu observed the change in her with satisfaction.
Those clear, almond-shaped eyes were now clouded with a dazed mist, her long lashes fluttering. The blush on her cheeks deepened, her slightly parted lips an unconscious invitation.
He set the glass aside, brushing his thumb over the trace of liquor at the corner of her mouth.
"Dizzy?" he asked softly, his voice gentler now.
"Mhm…"
Su Qianqian nodded faintly, her head resting against the crook of his shoulder, her voice sweet and muffled with sleepiness.
"Mr. Gu… I’m sleepy. Let’s go home."
Mission accomplished.
A glint of triumph flickered in Gu Chengyu’s eyes.
Perfect. Dazed enough. Soft enough.
He tightened his hold on the warm, pliant figure in his arms and swept a cold glare over the male escorts who were desperately trying to disappear, before landing on Qin Yuwei, who was doing her best to shrink into the background.
"Miss Qin."
"Thank you for your hospitality tonight."
"I’ll be taking her now."
Qin Yuwei stiffened at being addressed, waving her hands frantically with a strained smile. "Oh, Mr. Gu, you’re too kind! Of course, of course! Take your time! You can rest assured leaving Qianqian with me—"
"Wait, no! I mean, I’m completely at ease with you taking her!"
Her words tumbled out in a nervous jumble.
Inside, however, her thoughts were racing: Holy shit! The Young Master Gu is something else!
Getting her drunk like it’s nothing?
And ‘thank you for your hospitality’?
This is clearly a prelude to revenge!
Damn it, Qianqian, you’re on your own—I can’t even save myself here!
Then again, a pure little fairy like her is wasted on this playboy.
But even if she had a hundred lives, she wouldn’t dare say that out loud.
Gu Chengyu ignored her, scooping up the drowsy Su Qianqian, who was still nuzzling against him, and strode out without a backward glance.
The crowd parted automatically in his wake.
The lingering gazes that had been fixed on Su Qianqian now held nothing but envy and regret as they reluctantly looked away.
Her legs too unsteady to walk, Gu Chengyu swept her up into his arms and carried her out of the noisy bar.
Qin Yuwei watched their retreating figures and finally exhaled, slumping into the booth as if she’d just survived a near-death experience.
She eyed the half-finished cocktails on the table, then recalled the dark intensity in Gu Chengyu’s gaze and the ruthless way he’d made Su Qianqian drink. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head.
"Young Master Gu… definitely isn’t someone just anyone can handle."
"Good luck, Qianqian, my dear."
Silently, she lit a row of imaginary candles for her friend.
