Chapter 15: Staying Tonight

Lin Peishan finally snapped, "Get out of my sight. Now!"

Ye Chenghuan shrugged. "Just a suggestion. No need to blow a fuse." The slap of his slippers faded down the stairs.

Lin Peishan picked up her documents but couldn't focus. She tossed them aside, massaging her temples as turmoil churned in her chest. Yet her stomach felt warm, oddly comforted.

Ye Chenghuan glanced at the clock downstairs. Too early for bed. With his ethereal wife lost to paperwork, he changed clothes, bid Aunt Wan farewell, and stepped into the night.

The sea air carried a briny tang. A meteor streaked across the horizon as he tightened his collar and slid into the BMW 535.

The city pulsed with neon life, night owls just beginning their revelry. After a short drive, he parked outside the Enchanting Bar by Spring Lake.

Stepping inside felt like trespassing into a maiden's boudoir. He loved the Baltic Sea breeze of its music, the smoky cocktails, and the way shadows clung to corners.

He chose an inconspicuous seat—yet still caught the eye of Ding Xiang, the bar's sultry owner, sipping wine at the counter.

"Old friend. Back for another round?" She glided over, her voice honeyed rum.

Ye Chenghuan pointed to the wall plaque: "Drunk Only Once in a Lifetime." "An excellent motto. But exceptions exist here. Know why?"

"Do tell." Her crescent-moon eyes crinkled.

"Your liquor intoxicates better than most."

Ding Xiang's laugh shimmered. "Good wine deserves good patrons. For you, tonight's tab is on the house."

"What if I ask for a kiss instead?"

She flushed, recalling his previous boldness. "Earn it with another surprise."

He tossed a stack of bills on the table. "Tonight, everyone drinks on me."

Ding Xiang arched a brow. "Either fortune favors you… or a certain beauty does."

"Money's fleeting. When I have it, I share the joy."

"You live freer than any man I know." She raised her voice: "Friends! Tonight's rounds are courtesy of this gentleman!"

Cheers erupted. Ye Chenghuan basked in their gratitude, sipping his whiskey with practiced ease. The liquor burned a velvet trail down his throat.

"May I join you?" A voice like silk brushed his ear.

He opened his eyes to a familiar face—a woman in a crimson sweater dress, her figure sinuous beneath the dim lights. Chestnut curls framed smoky eyes and a sly smile. Recognition dawned: the woman from the Shangri-La Hotel incident.

She adjusted her scarf, all grace. "Care to buy me a drink?"

"My pleasure. What's your poison?"

She eyed his glass. "The same."

He snapped his fingers. "A Virgin for the lady."

The cocktail arrived, flawless despite lacking his personal touch. She clinked his tumbler. "Zhou Jie. Pleasure's mine."

"We've met before."

Her smile dimmed. "Tonight's for drinking, not memories."

"Shouldn't you be buying me drinks?"

She pouted. "You shower strangers with generosity but deny me? Fine. Farewell, cheapskate."

As she turned, he sighed. "For you, exceptions apply."

Zhou Jie reclaimed her seat, downing the Virgin in one gulp.

"Since you introduced yourself—"

She pressed a finger to his lips. "Keep your mystery. I prefer it."

His grin widened. "Here to get drunk, I see."

"Cheers to that!" She drained another glass.

He winced as she ordered a dozen Chivas Regal. When he lit a cigarette, she plucked it from his lips, inhaling deeply. "Harsh… but intriguing. Like you."

Strauss's C Minor waltz swelled. Ye Chenghuan leaned back, savoring the haze. "A word of advice: tipsy is alluring. Sloshed? Repellent. Check your reflection often."

"I want you unsettled."

"Careful. I might think you're seducing me."

She leaned close, cleavage brushing his arm. "Congratulations. You've cracked the code."

"Do I get a prize?" His breath warmed her neck.

Blushing, she whispered, "What if the prize… is me?"

"Only a fool would refuse."

Zhou Jie drank relentlessly, her porcelain skin flushing rose.

"Trying to drown something?" Ye Chenghuan nursed his own glass.

"Worried I'll bankrupt you?"

"I'm worried for you."

Her hand froze mid-pour. "Now you're the seducer."

"Objections?"

"None."

Their banter turned heads, their chemistry palpable.

"How about a game?" Ye Chenghuan produced a coin. "Guess heads or tails. If you win, I drink three."

"And if you win?"

"You drink one."

She scoffed. "Boring. Raise the stakes: you win, I drink three. I win…" Her lashes lowered. "…I leave with you tonight."

The air thickened. "Why?"

Her smile held secrets. "Why not?"

The coin glinted, fate balanced on its edge.