Host Club!

Ye Xuan stepped forward, his eyes immediately drawn to the woman lounging on the leather couch.

She wasn't the kind of beauty that inspired poetry or divine comparisons—she was flesh and blood, real and dangerous. The kind of woman who could bring men to their knees with a look, not because she was unattainable, but because she knew exactly how to use what she had.

Her dress clung to her body, crimson silk molded to curves that could ruin a man. The neckline plunged just enough to tease, revealing the smooth, generous swell of her chest, while the slit running up her thigh exposed flawless, creamy skin that disappeared beneath the folds of fabric. She crossed her legs with lazy elegance, one high heel dangling slightly as if she couldn't be bothered to keep it on.

Her lips, full and glossed with deep red, curved into a knowing smile, and when she tilted her head, the soft waves of her raven-black hair cascaded over her shoulder, framing a face that was both seductive and sharp. Her eyes—a deep, smoldering brown with flecks of gold—studied him with amusement, like she was already undressing every layer of his thoughts.

She tapped a perfectly manicured finger against the rim of her wine glass, the deep red liquid swirling inside like something forbidden. "So, you're the one Luo Wei keeps talking about."

Her voice was husky, the kind that stayed in a man's head long after the conversation was over. She shifted slightly, the motion emphasizing the curve of her waist and the subtle bounce of her chest, an unintentional yet practiced move that made it clear—she knew exactly how much power she held over men.

"Sit," she commanded, her gaze locking onto his, a smirk playing on her lips. "And tell me... what exactly does a man like you want in my club?"

Ye Xuan met the woman's gaze, his expression unwavering. "I don't have anything to lose at this moment and want to earn big."

The woman's lips curled slightly, a slow, knowing smile. She leaned forward, resting her elbow on the plush armrest of the velvet couch, her fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. "Bold. Most men stammer when they sit across from me. But ambition alone won't make you rich, sweetheart. What do you have to offer?"

Behind Ye Xuan, Wei Zhen—the phantom of a man who once seduced women like it was an art—chuckled lowly.

'Not bad, kid. Confidence suits you. But remember, charm is a currency too. If you can't make them want you, you'll never make it big in this world.'

Ye Xuan exhaled slowly, absorbing the words as the woman studied him.

"I can adapt. Learn fast," he said firmly. "Give me a chance, and I'll prove it."

She tilted her head, interest flashing in her deep, smoldering eyes. "You do have a certain... rawness. Not quite polished, but sometimes, men like that have their own appeal."

'See?' Wei Zhen murmured with amusement. 'She already finds you interesting. Women don't need perfection; they need presence. And right now, you're finally showing it.'

The woman set her glass down, standing up in one smooth motion. Her dress clung to every curve, the slit revealing a long, toned leg as she took slow steps toward him. She reached out, running a single manicured finger down the buttons of his shirt, stopping just over his chest.

"Fine," she said, voice low, almost purring. "I'll give you a chance. But if you embarrass me in my club, I'll make sure you regret it."

With a snap of her fingers, a well-dressed staff member appeared at her side. "Take him inside. Show him what he's getting into."

Ye Xuan swallowed, adjusting his collar as the staff led him toward a set of doors.

'Welcome to the real game, kid,' Wei Zhen murmured in his ear. 'Let's see if you have what it takes to survive.'

As Ye Xuan stepped into the lavish dressing room, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy filled his chest. The space was lined with mirrors, the warm glow of vanity lights reflecting off sleek suits and crisp shirts hanging in open wardrobes. Other hosts were present—men of different builds and styles, each radiating confidence as they adjusted their ties, styled their hair, and prepared for the night ahead.

One of them, a tall, well-groomed man with sharp features, smirked as he glanced at Ye Xuan. "New guy, huh? Fresh meat always thinks it's easy. You ever entertained a woman before?"

Before Ye Xuan could answer, Wei Zhen's amused voice echoed in his mind.

'Oh, this is going to be fun.'

Ye Xuan inhaled sharply. He wasn't about to embarrass himself, not after coming this far. He met the senior host's gaze, forcing a confident smirk. "Not professionally. But I learn fast."

The older host chuckled, rolling up his sleeves. "Fast learning won't save you if you can't handle them properly. Women expect more than just a smile and good looks."

'He's right,' Wei Zhen murmured, 'but you have an advantage they don't. Me.'

Suddenly, a flood of knowledge surged through Ye Xuan's mind. It wasn't just about looks—it was about timing, tone, and presence. The way a man should pause between words, how to hold eye contact just enough to make them curious, when to tease, when to pull away.

His posture adjusted naturally as he reached for a tailored shirt, his fingers moving with practiced ease. Wei Zhen's instincts were seeping into him.

As he buttoned up his shirt, he tested it out. He turned to another host, a young man fixing his cufflinks, and casually remarked, "Women don't want perfection. They want a man who can make them feel like the only one in the room."

The host raised a brow in surprise. "Not bad, rookie."

'Not bad?' Wei Zhen scoffed. 'Hah! If you follow my lead, kid, you'll be drowning in admirers before the night's over.'

Ye Xuan smirked. He could feel it now—the shift in himself. For the first time, he wasn't just following along. He was stepping into a world where he could truly take control.

The lounge buzzed with soft jazz, the air rich with perfume and fine liquor. As Ye Xuan stepped into the main hall of the host club, he could feel the shift in atmosphere—where men and women engaged in a subtle game of charm, desire, and unspoken expectations.

His friend, Luo Wei, nudged him slightly. "See that table over there? The manager assigned us to those two. One of them is new—so don't screw up."

Ye Xuan followed Luo Wei's gaze and spotted the pair of women sitting at a private booth. One was a familiar type—dressed elegantly but comfortably, a socialite used to the luxury of places like this. The other, however, was different.

She was a new face, and from the way she held herself, she wasn't entirely comfortable in this setting. She was breathtaking in a way that didn't need exaggeration—dark, silky hair cascading over her shoulders, a perfectly tailored dress hugging her curves, accentuating her full chest and narrow waist. Her long, slender legs were crossed, one manicured finger tracing the rim of her glass absentmindedly.

But what struck Ye Xuan most was the cool, unreadable expression in her eyes. She wasn't here for entertainment. She was here out of curiosity—or perhaps obligation.

'Oh-ho, now this is interesting,' Wei Zhen's voice hummed in Ye Xuan's mind. 'A woman like her? She doesn't fall easily. You're going to have to work for this one.'

Luo Wei led the way, flashing a charismatic grin as they approached. "Ladies, good evening. I'm Luo Wei, and this is Ye Xuan. We'll be keeping you company tonight."

The more social woman smiled easily, already used to the atmosphere. She gestured lazily toward her companion. "This is Ruolan. She's never been to a place like this before, so go easy on her."

Ruolan's gaze flickered toward Ye Xuan. She didn't smile, but she didn't seem particularly dismissive either. She simply assessed him.

Ye Xuan held back the natural urge to introduce himself too quickly. Instead, he met her gaze, relaxed into the seat beside her, and let the moment settle. Wei Zhen's guidance was already working.

'Don't chase. Let her come to you,' Wei Zhen murmured. 'Make her feel like she's the one curious about you.'

Ye Xuan reached for the bottle of wine on the table, pouring a small amount into a glass and sliding it in front of her. "A place like this can be overwhelming the first time. Take your time."

A small flicker of amusement crossed her face, almost imperceptible. "I wasn't aware I needed to be handled delicately."

Ye Xuan smirked slightly, leaning back. "Not at all. But it's always good to start slow before things get interesting."

Ruolan's lips curved slightly—not quite a smile, but close enough.

Luo Wei raised a brow at Ye Xuan but didn't comment. Instead, he turned his attention to the other woman, smoothly leading their conversation elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Ye Xuan remained with Ruolan, studying her reactions. He wasn't in a rush—because for the first time, he knew the chase was just beginning.