Shu Hua was tall and shapely, wearing a short pink bandage dress. The square neckline perfectly showcased her delicate collarbones and a patch of fair chest, while the elastic fabric clung to her curves, emphasizing every contour of her figure. Her long, straight legs gleamed under the changing lights, blindingly white.
Her hair fell like a waterfall, healthy and shiny. She wore no makeup, yet her features and translucent skin looked even more refined. Most striking was the clean, pure aura around her—almost innocent—which made her completely stand out in a bar filled with heavy makeup and predatory glances.
From the moment she stepped inside, countless eyes were glued to her. Men stared with naked greed; women looked on with envy or jealousy.
Shu Hua frowned slightly, shielding her eyes from the harsh lights.
“Hey beautiful, all alone? Brother can show you a good time,” a young man in a Givenchy T-shirt and a Rolex Submariner on his wrist blocked her path, a self-satisfied smile on his face. “Wanna meet?”
Shu Hua stopped, frowning. “Sorry, no interest. Please move aside.”
The man’s smile froze. He hadn’t expected such a direct refusal.
Glancing at her clothes and bearing, he couldn’t pinpoint the brands, but the quality screamed wealth and upbringing. He decided she was probably a rich, sheltered “little white rabbit.” His smile deepened as he casually shook the Rolex on his wrist. “Don’t be so cold. It’s boring here alone. Let’s make friends, have a drink—on me.”
Shu Hua took a step back, frowning from the overwhelming scent of his strong Cologne. She glanced at his wrist, lips curling slightly, a teasing lilt in her voice: “Rolex, huh? Not bad.”
The man puffed up with pride.
Shu Hua continued slowly, almost lazily: “But I never wear a watch under a million.”
The man’s face darkened instantly, the humiliation and rage from being publicly humiliated by a girl hitting him at once. “What the hell are you acting all high and mighty for? Everyone here knows what’s up! You’re just here to fish for sugar daddies, huh? Don’t play games with me!”
Just then, the music shifted, lowering slightly in volume, making his shouting even more conspicuous. Nearby tables turned to watch.
Shu Hua’s smile faded. She lifted her chin slightly, voice tinged with light ridicule: “I don’t fish for sugar daddies, and I certainly don’t do charity. As for you…” Her eyes scanned him up and down. “You’re impressively poor.”
“You—!” The man completely lost it, fueled by alcohol and shame. He raised his hand to slap her!
Before his hand could land, a large, strong hand firmly grabbed his wrist, the force causing him to cry out in pain, frozen in place.
He hadn’t even seen the tall, cold man who had appeared at Shu Hua’s side.
Ding Lun—he didn’t even notice when he arrived—stood there, towering and muscular, a full head taller than the man, wearing a simple black T-shirt and pants, expressionless.
Shu Hua sighed lightly. “I don’t have time for pretend games. But…” She slightly turned her head, speaking quietly to Ding Lun, “Alan, it seems this gentleman hasn’t had enough fun. You can show him how to ‘play nicely’ and teach him some manners. But keep it reasonable.”
“Yes, Miss,” Ding Lun replied in a deep voice.
Shu Hua ignored the man’s cries and pleas, walking straight toward the stairs, fully confident Ding Lun would handle him.
Upstairs, room 207.
She opened the door to a blast of music and strong alcohol fumes. Chi Yuchu sat alone in the wide sofa, clutching a bottle, crying so hard her makeup was ruined, hair messy.
“Yuchu!” Shu Hua ran over, heart aching, and hugged her tightly. “Don’t cry, don’t cry. I’m here now.”
“Huahua… sob…” Chi Yuchu saw her and cried even harder, burying her face in Shu Hua’s shoulder like she’d found a safe haven. Between hiccups and sobs, she vented, “How could he do this to me… I was so good to him… bought him clothes, a car, watches… why would he cheat? And then he says I’m too controlling, always checking up on him… am I really that strict, Huahua?”
“You’re not strict, not at all. Our Yuchu is the sweetest, a little fairy,” Shu Hua soothed, patting her back gently.
“Exactly!” Chi Yuchu sniffled. “I’m his girlfriend—what’s wrong with checking up on him? I’m not even strict… He says I’m limiting his freedom—nonsense! Pure nonsense!”
Shu Hua, not one to curse, could only agree: “Yes, exactly… that’s wrong.”
“Let’s not waste tears on such a jerk. He’s not worth it.”
Chi Yuchu continued her rant: “And pretending to be some pure, innocent boy, when in reality he’s a sly old fox, who knows how many women he’s hooked up with!”
She lifted her teary, blurred eyes and suddenly asked, “Huahua, do you check up on your husband?”
Shu Hua paused, thinking. Honestly, she said, “He… mostly stays at the office, rarely goes to social events, and comes straight home with me. I don’t really have a chance to check.”
She was speaking the truth. Pei Yanzhou’s routine was almost painfully boring—work and home, nothing else.
“See! Pei Yanzhou is the real man! That jerk isn’t even human! Good for you!” Chi Yuchu downed another sip of alcohol. “The world doesn’t stop spinning for anyone! The next guy will be better, more obedient, more handsome!”
Just as she finished, the door to the VIP room was knocked and pushed open. A male manager in uniform and a professional smile entered, followed by a line of young men.
Tall, long-legged, dressed in fitted white shirts and black trousers, all with the trendy “puppy-face” look—fair skin, bright eyes, sunny smiles.
Shu Hua counted—exactly ten.
Chi Yuchu’s eyes lit up. She pushed Shu Hua aside, wiped her face, and pointed at the line of men. “How about it? Handsome, right? Heart racing? I’ve got the money—order them all!”
Shu Hua looked at the neat row of “puppy-faced” men, lips twitching slightly, forcing a polite yet awkward smile: “Uh… they’re… okay, I guess.”
“‘Okay’?!” Chi Yuchu dramatically yelled. “Girl, your standards are insane! Every single one of them would be snatched up immediately!”
Shu Hua compared silently in her mind.
These men were handsome, yes—but the kind of looks were shallow, just surface-deep, like beautifully wrapped gift boxes. Pei Yanzhou, however, had been forged by power and experience—his face was strikingly chiseled, his handsomeness ran through his bones, carrying a presence and charisma that could make people catch their breath with a single glance.
Honestly, she thought: “These male models aren’t as handsome as my husband. Pei Yanzhou is truly top-tier!”
In every way—appearance, physique, aura, and that commanding, mature charm—they couldn’t even compare. Not even a tenth of it.
Chi Yuchu rolled her eyes, giving a look that said, “You’re hopeless.”
She picked a few she liked, had them sit beside her, poured drinks, and started playing games. The models were professionals—sweet-talking, attentive, calling her “sister” with every word, maximizing her “emotional value,” and doing everything to cheer her up.
“Don’t be sad, sister. That kind of man isn’t worth it.”
“Sister, you’re too beautiful—he’s the unlucky one.”
“Sister, want a drink? I’ll feed you!”