8:00 p.m., S City Financial and Trade District.
The night was cool as water, yet it could never cool the neon excess of this place. Along the river, towering buildings blazed with light, and every gust of evening wind carried the refined scent of expensive perfumes.
A silver Lamborghini tore through the streets like an arrow through the sky, stopping in front of a skyscraper that seemed to pierce the clouds. The door opened, and a handsome young man with the tips of his hair tied in a short bundle stepped out.
Snow-white wireless earbuds in his ears, one hand casually in his pocket, he closed the door behind him.
“Er Ge, I’m here. Uh, are you done yet?”
The young man tilted his head toward the top floors of the building. Lights spilled from every window, dazzling and opulent—but still nothing compared to the brilliance of the young man’s upturned face.
“I’m downstairs, at the main entrance… hey, brother!”
He raised his hand and waved toward the figure emerging from the building in the distance.
The approaching man was tall, long-legged, exuding an extraordinary aura. Just by standing there, the two of them drew many curious eyes.
Next to the car, Lian Qing opened the passenger-side door, resting a hand on it as he waited for the man to approach.
“Er Ge, why are you at Jinmao? I thought you’d be at Yuntu.”
“Some family matters. Already taken care of.” Pei Yusheng’s voice was low and magnetic. He stopped beside the car. “Shall we go? You driving?”
“I’ll go. Huating is close.”
Lian Qing smiled, eyes sparkling. “Such a short distance, barely enough to show off your driving skills.”
Pei Yusheng patted his shoulder, and they both got into the Lamborghini, which once again sliced through the night.
The car’s screen lit up, filling the cabin with gentle music. Outside, the city lights blurred into lines, and with the sunroof open, a soft breeze flowed in, calm and pleasant.
Lian Qing drove, but he kept catching glimpses of the man beside him. The passenger’s profile was handsome and sharp, radiating a detached, almost military-like poise.
Normally, Lian Qing drove with one hand on the wheel, but seeing Pei Yusheng, he put both hands on it out of reflex.
Though the Pei and Lian families were unrelated by blood or marriage, Lian Qing had grown up with Pei Yusheng and heard countless rumors about his elder “Er Ge.” Others might take the gossip at face value; he never had.
Pei Yusheng’s relationship with his high-ranking father was far from warm, yet in some ways, the two were strikingly similar. Lian Qing, mischievous as a child, had always frozen in fear when Pei’s father was around. Even after growing close to Pei Yusheng, he still found himself instinctively self-reflecting in his presence.
Clearing his throat, Lian Qing asked, “Er Ge, you’ve been here over half a month now—how’s it been?”
Pei Yusheng drew his gaze from the city outside. “Fine.”
They exchanged a few casual words. Lian Qing glanced at Pei’s side profile, hesitated, then asked, “Er Ge, your insomnia… better?”
Pei Yusheng’s face remained unchanged. “Same as always.”
Seeing Lian Qing’s worry, he added, “I’m used to it. Nothing serious.”
“Old man recently saw a traditional doctor—used to be a national athlete, studied these things. Adjusted a bit for him.” Lian Qing tapped the steering wheel. “Not sure if your father tried him, but it worked—his temper’s better too. Want me to bring him to you?”
Pei shook his head. “No need.”
Seeing Lian Qing still concerned, he reached over and ruffled his hair. “He’s old, yet still doing fine.”
He was referring to Pei’s father. Lian Qing wanted to comment, but ultimately held back. Every family had its own difficulties.
Huating Club wasn’t far from the riverfront CBD, planted in a prime location. Their silver car stopped at the entrance. Though the doormen didn’t recognize them, they knew the limited-edition Lamborghini and treated them with proper respect.
Lian Qing tossed the keys to the doorman, and under a server’s guidance, they entered the club and into a private room. Many were already seated. At their arrival, everyone stood to greet them.
The Lian family had been a commercial powerhouse for decades. Their influence in S City was well-established. Lian Qing, one of the young generation’s standout figures, was naturally treated with deference.
The Pei family’s reputation needed no introduction. Even newcomers in the room knew the Pei name. As Lian Qing’s guest, Pei Yusheng commanded attention effortlessly.
After brief introductions, everyone took their seats. Lian Qing, who had just introduced Pei Yusheng, gave up the main seat—a rare gesture of respect. Observers naturally adjusted their opinion of the young Pei heir.
Huating’s dining and entertainment were lavish. The private room overflowed with fine food and drink. Attendees mingled, networking while Pei Yusheng—accustomed to such events—navigated the atmosphere with ease.
As dinner wound down, it wasn’t even 10 p.m.—still early for this group of young elites. They moved to another room within the suite, ready for other amusements.
The new room was fully equipped. Someone suggested karaoke. Lian Qing nodded, and a giant wall screen lit up. Servers brought tea and fruit plates. Alcohol was served by attendants, bottles uncorked with practiced precision.
The lighting dimmed, and after dinner, the group relaxed. Some grabbed microphones to sing, others consulted the floor manager to pick companions.
Most attendees were second-generation elites, some familiar with Huating and its high-quality hostess services. Some called friends, others picked from the floor manager’s roster. Eventually, the list ended up in Lian Qing’s hands.
He and Pei Yusheng approached, naturally uninterested in entertaining the Fang family. Lian Qing had especially poor relations with the Third Fang, so he had no interest in the staff.
Rolling dice in his hand, he ignored the roster. Coldly: “I don’t need one.”
The floor manager, tactful, stepped back. “And you, sir?”
Lian Qing glanced at Pei Yusheng. “Er Ge, will you pick someone?”
Pei’s gaze was fixed on another corner of the room.
He had been watching for some time.
Dim lights flickered with colored strobes, throwing objects into strange shapes, painting faces with dazzling colors.
Yet even in this chaotic lighting, Pei Yusheng spotted a figure immediately.
A server had just entered, slim, in standard black attire, a beautiful waistline still evident. The strobing light slid over him like a glimpse of treasure, then moved on, unwilling to let anyone else linger.
He stood by a high table, opening bottles with elegant, precise movements. His bangs fell lightly, softening his features. Even as he worked, his gestures and voice remained restrained, minimizing his presence.
Yet in the dim room, he radiated his own quiet light, drawing attention away from the uncorked bottles—one wanted to witness his work up close.
Pei Yusheng watched, initial surprise deepening into something more.
Those pale eyes, hidden in the shadows, resembled a predator lying in wait in the jungle.
Lian Qing’s question went unanswered. Curious: “Er Ge?”
Thinking Pei hadn’t heard, he repeated it.
Pei Yusheng continued to watch the server, then lazily adjusted his posture, crossing one leg over the other.
“I don’t need one either.”
The floor manager stepped back. Shortly after, the selected companions arrived, mingling with low, suggestive laughter in the music.
The slim server approached with a tray, ready to pour drinks.
Pei Yusheng and his party drew near. Amid the cacophony, he spoke casually, yet the words were precise, magnetic.
As if the prey had finally fallen into his trap.
“Tell me, does this club even hire minors?”