Chapter 16: Does He Deserve to Be Called a Man?

He flicked the coin with his finger. It spun rapidly on the polished table—heads for his victory, tails for Zhou Jie's. Regardless of the outcome, the night promised to unfold beautifully.

At the far end of the bar, five men perched on high stools. The one in the center stood out: long hair, leather pants, hiking boots, a sleeveless vest hanging open to reveal chiseled pectorals and intricate tattoos. His aura alone cleared the surrounding area, leaving a five-meter radius devoid of life.

Zhou Jie had captured his attention the moment she entered. Her face was devastatingly beautiful, her curves accentuated by a simple red sweater and leggings—a vision worth savoring.

"Brother Long, got your eye on that one?" a lackey slurred, leering.

The man called Brother Long stroked his meticulously groomed goatee. "A rare gem. None of those trashy girls compare."

Another thug smirked. "Why bother with games? Just take her."

Brother Long elbowed him. "Fool. Women like her require… finesse."

As the coin began to wobble, a hand slammed down, trapping it.

Ye Chenghuan glanced at the intruders, then calmly sipped his drink as if nothing had happened. Zhou Jie arched a brow at the two strangers now flanking their table.

"Bartender! The finest whiskey—on us!" The thugs ignored Ye Chenghuan entirely.

Amber liquid filled fresh glasses. "Drinking alone, beauty?"

Zhou Jie purred to Ye Chenghuan, "Trouble's found you."

He swirled his ice. "Your trouble, not mine."

"It'll become yours soon enough."

"See that legend over there?" one thug jerked his chin toward Brother Long. "He wants you. Be honored."

Zhou Jie's sweetness evaporated. "I'm occupied."

The lackeys slammed the table. "Brother Long's offering a privilege! Other bitches beg for his bed!"

"Idiots!" Brother Long shoved them aside, oozing charm as he took their seat. "Forgive these savages. Let me properly invite you for a drink."

Zhou Jie tilted her head toward Ye Chenghuan. "Ask him."

Brother Long's smile faltered. "Who's this?"

"My man."

A derisive snort. "Him? A man?"

Zhou Jie's gaze sharpened. "More than you'll ever be."

Brother Long leaned closer. "Drink with me, and I'll show you what a real man is."

She turned to Ye Chenghuan. "Stay silent, and I'll leave with him."

"Your choice." He didn't look up.

Betrayal flashed in her eyes. "You truly don't deserve the title."

Brother Long seized her wrist. "Let's go. I'll educate you."

"Release me." Her voice could freeze hell.

"Or what?" He licked his lips.

Ye Chenghuan set down his glass with a click. The crystal shattered instantly, liquor pooling like blood.

"I planned to let you slink away." He rose, shadows carving his smirk. "Now? You'll stay."

Brother Long exhaled smoke, nodding to his lackey. "Don't kill him."

The thug named Fire Chicken swung a bottle at Ye Chenghuan's skull—

==‌CRACK!‌==

Shards rained down as Fire Chicken flew backward, smashing a table unconscious.

Three remaining thugs charged.

"First," Ye Chenghuan caught a fist, twisting it until bone pierced skin, "she goes only if willing."

A blade aimed at his ribs—snatched mid-thrust. "Second," he drove the knife through White Wolf's palm, pinning it to the table.

Two skulls cracked together under his grip, bodies crumpling.

He hauled Brother Long up by his collar. "You aren't fit to call yourself a man."

Urine soaked the thug's pants. "P-please…"

"Enough."

Ding Xiang materialized, her glare freezing Brother Long. "Release him. For me."

Ye Chenghuan dropped the whimpering man. "Teach your dogs manners."

"Out!" Ding Xiang snapped. Brother Long fled, shooting a venomous glance over his shoulder.

Ye Chenghuan traced Zhou Jie's jawline, breathing her perfume. "Our game remains unfinished."

"Not here." Her smile reignited.

He tossed car keys and a bill to the gawking valet. "Park it."

The BMW's curves gleamed under lobby lights. "Welcome, sir," a hostess bowed.

Ye Chenghuan swatted her rear. "Forgotten me so soon?"

The hostess flushed, recognizing the former security guard now draped in luxury and beauty.

In the elevator, he pulled Zhou Jie close, lips grazing her ear. "May I taste something of yours…"

Her breath hitched. "What?"

"Your lipstick."

He claimed her mouth before the doors opened.