One of the male models even got down on one knee in front of Chi Yuchu, tilting his head back to drink from the cup she poured.
Shu Hua felt completely uncomfortable watching. She let out a small “eh” and quickly looked away. Don’t stare, don’t stare…
Unable to tolerate the scene, she quietly moved to the far corner of the sofa, feeling like she had needles on her back.
The other models weren’t idle either. Somehow, they produced several black lace ribbons to blindfold themselves, then started moving their bodies to the music—actions extremely suggestive.
Shu Hua felt goosebumps rise all over her body. She didn’t feel like she was in a VIP room at a bar anymore; it was more like she’d accidentally walked into some bizarre Spider Web Cave. Everything felt wrong, and all she wanted was to leave immediately.
A delicate-looking male model noticed her sitting alone and approached with a gentle smile. “Sister, sitting alone is boring. Want some drink? I’ll keep you company.”
Shu Hua immediately waved her hand, leaning back. “No, thank you.”
“Don’t be shy,” the model leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Do you… want to feel my abs? I’ve been working out a lot lately.” He glanced suggestively at his abdomen.
Shu Hua felt her scalp tingle and shook her head repeatedly. “No, no, you can admire them yourself.”
She disliked unfamiliar people getting close, and physical contact was an absolute no-go. Except for extremely close family and best friends, she was very resistant to anyone touching her. Only soft, affectionate girls could get away with it.
Finally unable to stay any longer, Shu Hua walked over to the half-drunk Chi Yuchu and tugged at her. “Yuchu, that’s enough, you’ve had plenty to drink. Time to go home. Come on, I’ll take you back—there’s wine at home too.”
Chi Yuchu hugged the bottle and shook her head. “I don’t want to go… the house is empty…”
“Listen, it’s already late. Come another day, okay?” Shu Hua coaxed gently.
“Nooo…” Chi Yuchu pouted, drunk eyes misty, still acting spoiled.
Shu Hua had no choice. She gave a subtle look to two nearby models, signaling them to help lift Chi Yuchu.
Chi Yuchu reluctantly stood up, swaying unsteadily. Her entire weight pressed against Shu Hua. Wearing heels, Shu Hua staggered under her, unable to support her alone.
Just then, Ding Lun finished handling things downstairs and arrived at the doorway.
“Alun!” Shu Hua shouted, as if seeing a savior, “Come help! Lift Yuchu, she can’t walk.”
Ding Lun looked at the messy room and the models, furrowed his brows, and glanced at the intoxicated Chi Yuchu. Hesitating, he said, “Miss, this…”
“No problem. We grew up together. If you don’t lift her, I can’t manage either,” Shu Hua urged.
Chi Yuchu seemed to sober up slightly, squinting at the tall figure at the doorway. She murmured, “Alun? You’re here too…” She tried to stand on her own, but collapsed again.
Ding Lun’s eyes fell on the flushed, tear-streaked, alcohol-scented woman. He averted his gaze, remaining professional: “Apologies, Miss Chi.” Then he bent down, one hand under her knees and the other around her back, lifting her steadily in his arms.
Chi Yuchu instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her hot cheeks into his chest, warm tears soaking his shirt. She mumbled softly, “Alun… I’ll never like another man again… all men are liars…”
Ding Lun was Shu Hua’s family’s butler’s son and her personal bodyguard—quiet but absolutely reliable. Sometimes Chi Yuchu joked that he had no feelings, cold as ice.
Feeling the warmth and wetness of her body against his chest, Ding Lun tensed for a moment but maintained his stoic expression, tightening his hold on her as he walked steadily out.
Shu Hua quickly grabbed her and Chi Yuchu’s bags and followed, breathing a long sigh of relief.
Finally, they could leave this hellish place.
They descended the stairs, passing through the still-noisy first-floor hall. Shu Hua was looking down, sending a message to the driver, unaware of a group of men approaching.
It was Ji Zexu and a few friends, just finishing a dinner and moving on to drink here. Ji Zexu, in the middle, wearing a flashy pink floral shirt, was talking to his friends, momentarily not paying attention.
The two groups passed by each other.
Ji Zexu took a couple of steps, then suddenly stopped. He whipped his head around, eyes locking on the slender silhouette descending the stair corner and walking outward.
That profile… that figure… that aura…
What the hell?! Sister-in-law?!
He stared as Shu Hua and her group disappeared around the staircase corner. His brain couldn’t process it. How could his sister-in-law be here? And being carried by a bodyguard with a woman in her arms? That direction… it led from a VIP room…
He was still dazed when the 207 VIP room they had just exited opened. The ten male models filed out behind the manager and headed in another direction.
Ji Zexu’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
Ten male models?! From the same VIP room his sister-in-law had just exited?!
Third brother is doomed!!!
Instinctively, he reached for his phone to call Pei Yanzhou, but his fingers froze. How could he even say it?
“Third brother, I saw my sister-in-law come out of a VIP room with ten male models”? What if there’s a huge misunderstanding? And this place…
He decided to wait and see, but his mind was already lighting candles for Pei Yanzhou.
…
Shu Hua had Ding Lun drive Chi Yuchu home first. Once Chi Yuchu was safely inside, Shu Hua let Ding Lun return.
Although Ding Lun was officially her personal bodyguard, he also had his own responsibilities—she didn’t want to trouble him unnecessarily.
Chi Yuchu’s home had a live-in housekeeper. Shu Hua carefully instructed her to take care of Chi Yuchu, give her honey water to ease the hangover, and make sure she went to bed safely.
Once everything was arranged, Shu Hua left Chi Yuchu’s apartment and got in the car. Glancing at the time, it was already 11:20 PM.
This was the first time since her marriage that she was returning home this late.
For some reason, even though she had only gone to pick up her drunken best friend, done nothing wrong herself, she still felt a sudden, strong pang of guilt and her heart raced.
Pei Yanzhou was probably still at the office working overtime… he said he might stay there…
The car drove into the villa complex. As usual, the lights in the villa were on. Aunt Chen had probably gone to bed.
Shu Hua changed into slippers and tiptoed into the living room. She glanced around—empty. The study door was closed, no light spilling out.
She finally exhaled in relief. He really hadn’t returned yet.
With her nerves relaxed, exhaustion hit her all at once. Carrying her bag, she moved upstairs lightly, heading toward the master bedroom.
Grasping the doorknob, she pushed it open—
The room was dimly lit by a single floor lamp.
She instinctively stepped inside, just about to set down her bag, when the corner of her eye caught a shadow near the balcony. A tall, upright figure stood silently there.
Shu Hua froze.
Pei Yanzhou!
Oh no…!
He had somehow already returned. Dressed in dark gray loungewear, phone in hand, the faint glow from the screen lit up his impassive profile. It seemed he had just finished a call, standing there with a heavy gaze fixed on her.
Their eyes met.
Shu Hua’s mind went buzz. Blank. Her first instinct wasn’t to greet him—it was to—run!