Chapter Forty: A Sudden Change in Attitude

Loading...

For ordinary people, entering an unfamiliar environment for the first time inevitably stirs up certain fears. Restlessness, anxiety, and concern over uncontrollable events are common reactions. In truth, whether it was the self-service at Amethyst or a place like the Film Bar, Qin Anyi was stepping into these realms for the first time; in his eighteen years prior, he had never encountered anything even remotely similar.

Yet Qin Anyi’s heart remained tranquil, untouched by the unease that unfamiliarity usually breeds. Though only two days had passed since he acquired the Qilin, its influence on his psyche had taken root so deeply, it could almost be called foundational. Both his approach to matters and his attitude toward them had undergone a profound transformation.

“Film Bar, Night Tide, and Weiwei are the three most famous spots in Changqing. My husband knows one of the big bosses here. Tonight, I’ll show you the world—don’t stay cooped up at school all the time, you’re about to turn into fossils,” Lu Feifei said, arm linked with Zhao Yang as she led their group of four to the entrance of the Film Bar. She turned back with an air of pride, as if the person Zhao Yang knew was some extraordinary figure.

Wei Dong and Pan Weiwei both wore expressions of displeasure, while Qin Anyi maintained his usual gentle smile. Wei Dong’s annoyance stemmed from Lu Feifei’s grating personality; Pan Weiwei, on the other hand, was simply indignant on behalf of Yang Chengming. The mere mention of Lu Feifei inspired her dislike.

Places like bars only come alive after nine or ten at night, where the stimulated and the seekers of nightlife gather, their excitement fueled by alcohol. It was just past seven now, so the Film Bar was far from bustling, and patrons were few.

Lu Feifei and Zhao Yang entered first, followed by Qin Anyi and the others. Their arrival immediately drew attention, largely because all six possessed striking appearances.

Even now, recalling it made Wei Dong shudder with disgust. After such a vile experience with picking up drunken strangers, he had never taken up that business again.

“Why are you so knowledgeable? Have you done it yourself?” Pan Weiwei eyed Wei Dong with suspicion.

“No, not at all! I only heard about it from others. I rarely come to places like this, and picking up random women off the street is filthy—what if you catch something?” Wei Dong waved his hands emphatically, unwilling to admit anything of the sort.

Pan Weiwei’s distaste for such matters was palpable. If she ever learned of Wei Dong’s chaotic past, she’d surely condemn him outright.

Led by Zhao Yang and Lu Feifei, the four soon reached a dimly lit corner of the bar. The boisterous shouts of men and the coquettish laughter of women drifted over. A large sofa occupied the space, with a row of scantily clad women and unruly men sprawled across it. The dim lighting obscured their faces.

Yang Chengming walked beside Qin Anyi, and upon entering the bar, instinctively grabbed his hand, clinging tighter as the atmosphere unsettled her.

“Brother Fei, I brought a few friends over to greet you. We’ll head to another area in a bit,” Zhao Yang said, bowing at the sofa’s edge.

“Oh? Feifei is here too, and brought quite a group—three men and three women, not bad. The guys should hit the dance floor, and the girls can stay here and get acquainted. Since we’re all friends tonight, enjoy yourselves—I'll cover everything,” a voice, slurred with drink, called out.

“Uh, Brother Fei, that might not be the best idea. They're all here for the first time and not familiar with the place. I don't want to dampen your mood. Maybe we should find a spot on our own,” Zhao Yang replied, embarrassment coloring his tone.

“Not familiar? All the more reason to get acquainted! A couple of drinks and everyone’s friends—what’s the problem? Zhao Yang, just take your friends to the dance floor, there are plenty of hot girls in there. Feifei and the other two ladies, I’ll look after them, no worries. By the way, the girls from Changqing First are really top notch,” the drunken voice grew increasingly lascivious.

Yang Chengming shrank against Qin Anyi, as though his shoulder could shield her from harm.

“Brother Fei, really, it’s not necessary,” Zhao Yang continued, bowing and smiling awkwardly, clearly at a loss.

Lu Feifei had insisted he call Brother Fei for a fun night, but Zhao Yang knew exactly what kind of man Brother Fei was. If given the chance, he would never pass up an opportunity to take advantage of Lu Feifei. Yet he couldn’t ignore his girlfriend’s wishes, so he reluctantly agreed.

He hadn’t expected Brother Fei to be so blatant so soon.

“What’s this, Zhao Yang? Are you disrespecting me?” The lascivious voice suddenly grew louder. A man stood from the sofa and slammed his hand on the table.

Zhao Yang’s knees buckled and he bowed even lower, stammering, “No, no, I wouldn’t dare disrespect Brother Fei. We’ll do as you say. Feifei and the other girls will stay with you.”

“Are you serious, Zhao Yang? Lu Feifei is your girlfriend, so if you agree, fine. But what about me and Yang Yang? We barely know you! What gives you the right to make decisions for us?” Pan Weiwei exploded at Zhao Yang’s absurd compliance. They had come to have fun, not to be paraded.

According to Yang Chengming, Qin Anyi was quite capable in a fight. With him present, they shouldn’t suffer any losses, so Pan Weiwei didn’t hesitate to voice her outrage.

“Well, well—fiery temper in the new girl. I like it,” the man from the sofa belched and shoved Zhao Yang aside, swaggering toward Qin Anyi’s group. He squinted drunkenly in the dim light, scrutinizing Qin Anyi’s always-smiling face, which seemed oddly familiar.

He stared a while longer, then abruptly realized who Qin Anyi was. The shock sent a chill through him; sweat instantly beaded his forehead and most of his drunkenness vanished. His expression shifted to one of obsequiousness as he bowed deeply and said, “Well, this is quite a coincidence. What brings you here?”

His rapid change in demeanor left everyone around baffled.

Zhao Yang and Lu Feifei could only stare wide-eyed...