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The incident had stirred up quite a storm. If taken to higher authorities, disciplinary action was inevitable.
After the initial surge of bravery wore off, Ying Jing began to regret his actions. He wished he hadn’t resorted to violence. He could have simply waited for his diploma and then gone abroad for further studies—everyone would’ve been happy.
What a miscalculation!
The more he thought about it, the more certain he became that he was in deep trouble. With trepidation, Ying Jing sought help from his family.
Of course, he didn’t have the guts to tell his parents. Instead, he confided in his older sister.
Ying Jing’s older sister, Ying Chen, was five years his senior and held a managerial position at a state-owned enterprise. She was decisive and assertive. After navigating through layers of connections, she managed to resolve the issue effortlessly.
Ying Jing escaped without any formal reprimand, not even having to write an apology letter.
A day later, Ying Chen called him. Her message was concise: “Next time, if you don’t win the fight, don’t bother coming back.”
Ying Jing: “...”
“Do you need more living expenses?”
“No,” Ying Jing replied honestly. “I went to that project meeting and bought a suit—it cost me fifteen hundred yuan.”
“Wasteful,” Ying Chen chided. “You’ll wear it less than twice a year. Why not rent one from a bridal shop?”
Ying Jing refused outright, muttering under his breath, “Bridal shops are only for wedding photos.”
Her laughter echoed through the phone. “If you’re not focused on your studies, what are you thinking about all day?”
Ying Jing stayed silent, pulling a face at the empty air as a form of protest.
After exchanging a few more words, Ying Chen excused herself for a meeting.
No sooner had the call ended than a text notification popped up. Ying Jing opened it to find a balance update from the Construction Bank—his sister had transferred him three thousand yuan with a note: Eat something good and remember to drink milk every night.
Ying Jing rubbed his face, feeling grateful. Having an older sister was truly a blessing!
Half of his emotional gloom was blown away by the wind, and suddenly, things didn’t feel so bad anymore.
However, Professor Lizi Zhou seemed to ignore him completely. Since that day, Ying Jing had become invisible in his class. There were no more scowls or harsh glares, just a bland indifference that erased his presence entirely.
Pfft, pfft, pfft!
Ying Jing shook his head, thinking to himself, Why should I care about his feelings? As long as I don’t fail the course, that’s all that matters.
The human body is like a stringed instrument—when one string loosens, the whole system becomes slack and begins to decline.
Ying Jing’s earlier enthusiasm and passion had been extinguished by waves of cold water. He returned to his starting point—or rather, sank into an even more indifferent state. The brilliantly conceived project proposal, which once showcased his talent and ingenuity, was tossed aside and left untouched.
Any class he could skip, he skipped.
For classes with slightly higher difficulty, if they coincided with NBA live broadcasts, Ying Jing would ask Qi Yu to cover for him during roll call.
As for after-school activities, there was no question—every evening, Ying the Great could be found on the basketball court.
Qi Yu couldn’t help but ask, “Are you planning to go pro and join the NBA?”
Fresh off a full-court game, it was already late autumn, cool and crisp. Ying Jing, clad in an orange jersey, held a popsicle in his mouth, a ring of cream around his lips. “Starting tomorrow, I’m going to eat four bowls of rice per meal.”
“Why?”
“To grow taller. Longer legs look better in pants.”
“…”
Seeing that it was still early, Ying Jing suddenly suggested, “Let’s go out and have some fun. It’s Saturday tomorrow anyway.”
Qi Yu hesitated. “It’s already so late. Where do you want to go?”
“A bar.” Ying Jing was excited. “I haven’t been in ages! Oh, ask your girlfriend where she is—we can go wherever she is.”
Qi Yu’s girlfriend, Gu Jinjin, worked in liquor sales and didn’t have a fixed location; she traveled to different venues.
This reasoning left Qi Yu with no room to object.
As they left, Qi Yu shook his head at Ying Jing’s retreating figure. “Hobbies ruin ambition.”
________________________________________
The nightlife in the Guomao area was just as vibrant as its daytime hustle.
C.V Bar had just opened, and securing this prime location was no small feat. Naturally, the place was packed with people coming to show their support. After finishing her afternoon meetings, Chu Ning had dinner with Wei Qilin from Ming Industrial. Coincidentally, the bar’s owner was a mutual friend of theirs—a young man known by the somewhat over-the-top nickname of Little Sixth Master.
Though called “Master,” he wasn’t old at all—in fact, he was a few years younger than Chu Ning, with a social circle that was a mix of all sorts.
Chu Ning invited Guan Yu along. Little Sixth was meticulous and reserved the two best private rooms for them—one for the men to play cards and another for the women to drink and sing. Guan Yu dragged Chu Ning onto the dance floor. The music pulsed, and the throng of bodies swayed like flower buds bursting into bloom in spring—free and unrestrained.
Guan Yu was ecstatic. “Domestic bars are the best! So many handsome guys!”
In the dim light, Chu Ning gave her a gentle push, causing her to stumble backward into a punk guy with a tattooed arm.
Guan Yu let out a playful whine and turned to apologize with a smile. “Sorry about that.”
Their eyes met, and after a quick exchange of glances, they naturally embraced. Guan Yu draped her arms around his neck while the young man wrapped his arms around her waist. The music shifted to a faster rhythm, and their bodies moved together in a sultry, seductive dance.
Several men tried to approach Chu Ning during the night, extending their hands toward her. But with subtle, graceful steps, she evaded them without drawing attention. After a few minutes, she grew bored and returned to the private room alone.
There were other companions inside. Seeing Chu Ning enter, Little Sixth asked with a grin, “Sister Ning, did you have fun?”
Chu Ning gave him a thumbs-up.
Little Sixth was thrilled and leaned in conspiratorially. “There’s more coming.”
He made a phone call. “Send them in.”
The door opened, and a line of figures entered.
“Wow!” The women gasped with excitement.
About ten young men stood in a row, hands clasped behind their backs. Each was around 185 centimeters tall—some had a boy-next-door charm, others exuded testosterone-fueled masculinity, and a few wore rimless glasses and suits, exuding an aura of restraint.
Little Sixth gestured. “Put some effort into it—make the ladies happy.”
These were all carefree youngsters. The women, bold and uninhibited, teased playfully, “Does ‘happy’ mean anything goes?”
The room erupted in cheers and table-slapping.
Chu Ning sat in a corner of the couch, detached from the revelry.
“Sister Ning,” Little Sixth leaned in with a smile.
Chu Ning snorted. “Immature brat.”
Used to her sharp tongue, Little Sixth shrugged it off. With a mischievous tilt of his chin, he indicated one of the men. “I picked this one especially for you.”
It was the restrained type with rimless glasses.
“Does he remind you of anyone?” Little Sixth hinted suggestively.
“What do you mean, ‘remind’?” Chu Ning leaned forward and speared a kiwi from the fruit platter.
“Your first love.”
Those three words struck a nerve. Chu Ning bit her tongue in surprise, the pain bringing tears to her eyes.
Little Sixth’s thick eyebrows arched triumphantly. “I know you’ve always liked this type. What do you think?”
After enduring the sharp sting, Chu Ning replied indifferently, “Not interested.”
Little Sixth waved his hand, and the restrained gentleman approached with a glass of wine.
“Cheer up, Sister Ning,” Little Sixth patted her hand. “I haven’t seen you date anyone in the past two years.”
Little Sixth left. The restrained gentleman sat beside Chu Ning, emanating a faint scent of cologne.
“Drink?” His voice was smooth, like a midnight radio host’s baritone.
Chu Ning raised her eyebrows and accepted the glass.
Their glasses clinked, and she tilted her head back, downing the drink in one gulp.
Thoughtful as ever, he offered her a napkin. Chu Ning ignored it, leaning lazily against the couch. The curve of her chest accentuated her relaxed posture, inviting lingering gazes.
Chu Ning looked at him, the colorful lights reflecting in her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.
The man tucked away the napkin and leaned closer, intending to wipe the droplets of alcohol from the corner of her mouth. Just before contact, Chu Ning turned her head and avoided him.
“Hmm?” He murmured a delicate sound.
Chu Ning brushed her skirt and stood up. “I don’t need anything tonight. You’re free to leave.”
Stepping out of the private room, the heat and noise of the bar enveloped her.
Chu Ning sighed deeply. Little Sixth was only twenty-one—were kids these days really this wild?
She took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer. Lightly tipping her toes, she spun around on the stool. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar figure sitting in a booth to the right.
Her fingers paused on the glass. Tsk, it was him again.
________________________________________
On the small round table sat a dozen bottles of beer. Gu Jinjin, wearing her uniform and a pair of bunny ears, smiled brightly. “This is a great new product—superb taste.” She glanced around and whispered, “I’ll give you a discount.”
Ying Jing nodded. “Okay.”
Qi Yu was hesitant. “Will it still be expensive after the discount?”
Gu Jinjin shot him a warning glance and then turned to Ying Jing with a smile. “Not at all. This case will only cost you three hundred fifty yuan after the discount.”
Qi Yu gasped. “That’s still not cheap!”
Gu Jinjin’s gaze at her boyfriend was murderous.
Ying Jing shrugged it off. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it. We’ll finish it anyway—it’s not much.”
Using the excuse of needing to promote more products, Gu Jinjin left.
Qi Yu pulled out his phone. “Let me scan the QR code and check the price on Taobao.”
Beep A text arrived before he could proceed.
From Gu Jinjin: If you don’t take the money, you’re an idiot.
Qi Yu was torn, but Ying Jing had already hoisted him up. “Stop being so fussy. Tonight’s on me—let’s have fun.”
He dragged Qi Yu into the dance floor, joining the chaotic mass of dancers.
Chu Ning’s gaze followed him, and after observing for a while, she concluded that the kid had no rhythm. His movements were stiff, like someone scrubbing a bath.
Under the dazzling strobe lights, the senses easily wandered.
Chu Ning leaned back, resting her elbows on the bar counter, her legs crossed. Her high heels tapped lightly to the beat. This kid really did have a nice figure. Without his jacket, he wore a simple white short-sleeve shirt.
He was sweating, and the fabric clung to his body. His CK jeans, a classic cut, accentuated his long legs and toned backside.
Chu Ning’s gaze drifted away, and she took a sip of her drink, a faint smile curving her lips.
When she looked up again, two young men in sleeveless shirts and bleached hair had joined Ying Jing. Huh, with moves like that, he dared to challenge others? As they danced, the two young men seemed to whisper something in Ying Jing’s ear. He nodded and appeared ready to follow them.
Though not exactly dangerous, this place wasn’t entirely safe either.
They turned and started walking.
Chu Ning hesitated for a moment, set down her glass, and stood up.
The music exploded in her ears, the strobe lights blinding. Ying Jing felt dizzy, momentarily unable to see clearly. Then, he felt a firm grip—
Someone had grabbed him tightly.
He turned his head to find Chu Ning’s beautiful face inches from his own.
“You?” Ying Jing’s shock was unmasked.
Chu Ning led him out of the dance floor and back to the booth.
The dozen bottles of beer remained unopened. Chu Ning sat on the couch, saying nothing.
Ying Jing lacked her composure and spoke first. “Did you need something from me?”
Chu Ning glanced at him, unsure whether to confirm or deny.
Should she tell him that she intervened because she feared he might be led astray into drugs or robbery?
Her cautious nature, though admirable, sometimes caused unnecessary headaches. Chu Ning regretted meddling in something she could have ignored.
Of course, Ying Jing didn’t feel particularly grateful.
Her earlier blunt remarks had left a poor impression. His tone was deliberately mocking: “Have you changed your mind? Are you here to talk business with me?”
Her exaggerated, overly calculated question made Chu Ning chuckle. Ying Jing’s gaze shifted away from her pearl-white teeth, his indignation fading, leaving him disinterested.
The music transitioned, and the DJ switched to a classic English oldie.
Ying Jing suddenly said something, but Chu Ning didn’t catch it. “Huh? What?”
He leaned in quickly, shouting near her ear: “My project is awesome—I’m sure it can make you money too.”
The heat of youth rose to his neck, tickling Chu Ning slightly. She raised her eyebrows and responded lightly, “Oh, that cool, huh?”
Ying Jing deflated instantly. He grabbed a bottle of beer, skillfully cracked it open with his teeth and thumb, and took a long swig, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed.
Chu Ning relaxed, scanning the dance floor. She spotted Guan Yu nestled in the arms of the punk guy, heading to another booth to continue their adult games.
Suddenly feeling mischievous, Chu Ning nudged Ying Jing with her elbow.
“What?” Ying Jing set down the bottle.
The lights dazzled, the atmosphere intoxicating.
Chu Ning: “So young and already so money-minded.”
“…” That didn’t sound like a compliment.
“There,” Chu Ning pointed toward Guan Yu’s direction. “I’m here to meet a client—the woman in the red dress.”
Ying Jing looked confused, his expression asking, What does this have to do with me?
Chu Ning beckoned him closer. “How about a chance to earn some money?”
All Ying Jing could focus on was how good she smelled.
“She looks a bit like your first love. Go chat with her, drink with her. When you’re tired, go upstairs, book a room, and rest together—sleep or whatever.” Chu Ning’s words were provocative, igniting a flame of panic within Ying Jing.
His heart raced, surging to his temples. The earlier despair and hopelessness evaporated, replaced by a boiling fury that flushed his face red.
Ying Jing stared at Chu Ning, then instinctively tightened his grip on his chest while shifting his hips to the right, trying to distance himself from this offensive person.
Chu Ning couldn’t hold back a soft laugh.
She tapped the table, stood up, and stopped teasing him. “I’ll pay for the drinks. Don’t worry—you won’t have to sell yourself.”
As Chu Ning’s figure faded into the distance, Ying Jing felt a sudden impulse and quickly followed—
“Wait a minute.”
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