‌Chapter 27 What Lovers Do

Aunt Wan peeked out from the kitchen, gazing at the empty living room. "Ai, what's wrong with these two? Are they husband and wife or sworn enemies?"

By the time the city lights flickered to life, Ye Chenghuan hailed a taxi and returned to Euphoria Bar. The moment he stepped inside, three glimmering beauties waved at him. He slid into their booth with a smirk. "What'll you have?"

"You promised us the best cocktails," Zhu Lingling chirped.

Ye snapped his fingers. A waiter materialized. "Four Flaming Passions."

The waiter, recognizing Ye, hurried off. Soon, four glasses of blue-hued liquor appeared. As the waiter reached for a lighter, Ye stopped him, pulling out a box of matches. He struck one, igniting the drinks. Pale blue flames danced atop the azure liquid, casting an eerie glow over their faces.

"Flaming Passion is the union of angel and devil," Ye murmured, handing the matches back. "Never use a lighter—it taints the aroma. Peachwood matches only. Remember that."

The waiter scratched his head sheepishly. "Another lesson learned, Mr. Ye."

"Flaming Passion… how fitting." The applause came from Ding Xiang, who glided over in a crimson mermaid gown, her smile as intoxicating as the bar's finest reserve. She offered her hand elegantly. Instead of shaking it, Ye bowed and brushed his lips against her knuckles. Her eyes flickered with surprise.

"Who are these beauties?" Ding Xiang glanced at the trio.

Zhou Jie, Tang Yan, and Zhu Lingling sat frozen, awestruck by the bar owner's legendary allure.

"Colleagues," Ye introduced. "Zhou Jie, Tang Yan, Zhu Lingling. This is my friend, Ding Xiang."

Ding Xiang appraised them with a feline gaze before whispering to Ye, "Upgraded from one to three, I see."

"Pure professional camaraderie," Ye said innocently. "Would I ever play the field?"

Ding Xiang's laugh rippled like aged wine. "Mr. Ye's friends are mine. Drinks are on the house tonight."

Ye feigned reluctance. "You're too generous."

"Unless you refuse my friendship."

Three hulking men barged in, scanning the room before muttering to Ding Xiang. Her brow furrowed imperceptibly. "Understood," she said coolly, raising her glass. "Enjoy your evening."

As she turned to leave, Ye grabbed her wrist. "Trouble?"

Ding Xiang's smile wavered. "Nothing."

"Need help?"

Their eyes locked. For a heartbeat, something unspoken passed between them. "Just entertain your guests," she said, slipping away.

Ye sank back into the booth, distracted. Ding Xiang's eyes had screamed one word: Danger.

Tang Yan waved a hand in front of his face. "Huanhuan! Smitten already?"

Zhou Jie checked her watch, pouting. "You're five minutes late. How should we punish you?"

"Family matters," Ye deflected. "Forgive me?"

"Not a chance!"

Ye grabbed his glass. "Three penalties, then." He downed three shots consecutively, then three more. "To teamwork!"

When he reached for a ninth, Zhu Lingling snatched his glass. "Save some for us!"

Zhou Jie lifted her drink, cheeks already flushing. "Nine for nine. Welcome aboard." She drained her glass, then eight more, her composure cracking with each swallow.

Zhu Lingling gaped. "Jie! You never drink!"

"Special occasion." Zhou Jie's gaze lingered on Ye. "Flaming Passion… perfect." She took another gulp, coughing violently.

Ye steadied her. "Enough. You're drunk."

"Worried about me… or your liquor?"

"Always you."

Zhou Jie froze. "Let me drown tonight." Halfway through her next drink, she staggered outside.

Ye found her shivering by the lake, her silhouette etched against moonlight. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Cold?"

She leaned into his warmth. "Long Biao's dead."

"Really? How?"

"You didn't know?"

"Should I?"

Her laugh was bitter. "Thank you… for everything."

"For what?"

"That night… I'd planned to die."

Ye stiffened. "Your sister—"

"You showed me life's worth living." She turned, eyes glistening. "I'll never regret what we did."

"Friends?" Ye teased.

"More." Her whisper hung between them. "I love you."

The words struck like lightning.

"But I won't marry you."

"Why?"

"You're the perfect lover… not husband."

Ye nuzzled her neck. "Shall we act like lovers, then?"

Zhou Jie pulled away, solemn. "Love doesn't mean I'll be your toy."

"Never." He traced her jawline. "You're my oasis… the sandbar where this wanderer rests."

She studied him, then sighed. "You're dangerously good at this."

"Did it work?"

Her kiss answered him.

Back inside, Tang Yan and Zhu Lingling lay giggling on the bar. "Company rules… no drinking!" Zhu Lingling hiccupped.

Ye groaned. "Why break them now?"

"Blame the boss!" they chorused.

By midnight, he herded them into taxis, Zhou Jie's parting smile lingering in his mind. As their cars vanished, he lit a cigarette, exhaling toward the neon sky.

Somewhere in the shadows, a match flared—Ding Xiang's crimson gown flashed before dissolving into darkness.

The game had just deepened.