Chapter Fifty-Five

Night had fallen, and inside the bar, dazzling lights flashed while electronic music throbbed endlessly. Men and women of all kinds filled the place—some to unwind and chat over drinks, others in search of a night’s pleasure and indulgence.

He had been there for a while, yet Yi Yu, seated at the bar, still kept his hand propped against his forehead, a glass in his other hand, his gaze drifting lazily over the scene. His friend, Yang Xiaobei, who sat beside him, had already been approached and was now chatting and laughing with a man who claimed to be a fitness coach.

Many people had tried to strike up a conversation with Yi Yu, but none of them fit his ideal type. After exchanging only a few words, he would send them away.

“Xiao Yu,” Yang Xiaobei tugged at his sleeve, “this handsome guy wants to take us out for a late-night snack. Come with us.”

“No need, you two go ahead,” Yi Yu replied. He had no desire to play third wheel, and besides, he suspected his best friend only made the offer out of politeness—what she truly wanted was to be alone with this muscular man.

“Then I’ll head off first.” Yang Xiaobei patted Yi Yu on the shoulder, lowering her voice, “Don’t set your standards too high. The type you want? You won’t find them here. And if you do, they’re all pretending to be proper.”

“Go on, go on. I’ll have a couple more drinks and head home by myself. It’s not like I have to find someone for the night, unlike you.”

Yang Xiaobei shrugged, turned around, and left arm-in-arm with her new flame, grinning.

Yi Yu finished his drink and was about to leave when a man took the seat Yang Xiaobei had just vacated. The man wore a crisp white shirt, a gray-and-black checked tie perfectly knotted at his neck, and a suit jacket so impeccably pressed it was nearly free of wrinkles, now draped over his bent arm.

He looked like a corporate executive stopping in for some relaxation after working overtime.

Yi Yu took in the man—early thirties, refined and handsome features—and found himself sitting back down without realizing it.

The bartender slid the drink the man had ordered to his side. The man nodded at the bartender and smiled with polite elegance, “Thank you.”

Yi Yu’s gaze lingered.

“Give this gentleman a glass of the same,” Yi Yu said. The man turned toward him, puzzled, and Yi Yu smiled, “It’s on me.”

“Thank you,” the man replied with a soft laugh, seemingly pleased by the cheerful young man before him. “But that’s a strong drink, and I’ll be driving later.”

“No problem, I can be your driver.”

“Oh? Is this some kind of reward from the heavens for working late tonight?” The man’s conversational skill was evident—witty, with just the right touch of humor. Through their chat, Yi Yu learned the man was a lawyer, and not just any lawyer, but a star at the largest law firm in V City.

The man had an air of experience and composure befitting his status, every gesture marked by cultivated poise. His temperament was gentle and warm.

To Yi Yu, this kind of mature and witty man was like a fine wine—the more you savored him, the richer the taste.

And his emotional intelligence seemed far superior to that of You Hanzé.

Yi Yu quickly shook his head, cursing himself for thinking of the man who had once treated him like a paid escort at a time like this.

After almost an hour, the man was ready to leave. Yi Yu looped an arm around his, and the two left together, talking and laughing.

“You’re much more charming than those restless young men,” the man chuckled. “It’s rare to meet someone as engaging as you.”

Yi Yu affectionately shook his arm, “I feel the same. Let’s go to the park nearby and get some fresh air, talk a bit more.”

“Alright.”

Yi Yu had no intention of taking this man home tonight. It wasn’t often he met someone so much to his taste; he wanted to start with a date, some conversation, and maybe create a romantic atmosphere. He was tired of those nights spent hunting for flings in bars.

Now, he had a man pleasing to the eye to accompany him on dates. He had finally shaken off the influence of You Hanzé.

Damn it, why was he thinking of him again?

As the two descended the steps outside the bar, a black private car pulled up in front of them. The door opened, and You Hanzé stepped out.

Yi Yu glanced at him, tightened his grip on the lawyer’s arm, and prepared to walk around. But You Hanzé’s bodyguard quickly blocked his path, voice cold and firm, “Mr. Yi, Mr. You wants to see you.”

Yi Yu rolled his eyes, let go of the man’s arm, and said, “Uncle, wait a moment for me. I need to have a word with my friend.”

Yi Yu walked over to You Hanzé, hands shoved in his jacket pockets, his tone impatient, “What do you want?”

“I haven’t been able to reach you,” You Hanzé said.

“Oh, no surprise. I blocked your number.”

You Hanzé paused, then asked slowly, “I don’t understand. Why are you angry with me?”

“I’m not angry with you.” Yi Yu shrugged. “You’re overthinking.”

“But you blocked me.”

“Yeah. Is there a problem with that?”

You Hanzé was silent for a few seconds, as if unsure what to say next. After a moment, his gaze drifted to the lawyer waiting in the distance, and he asked coolly, “Who is that man?”

“Oh, him? We just met tonight,” Yi Yu replied, feigning enthusiasm. “He’s a lawyer—mature, steady, witty, and good-looking. He’s my ideal lover.”

Yi Yu watched You Hanzé’s face for a reaction, but that poker face remained as indifferent as ever. Disappointment welled up in Yi Yu’s chest.

Damn it!

What on earth was he expecting?