The nightclub bar reeked of cloying perfume. Under dim lights, bodies writhed wildly in the dance pit, liquor splashing onto floors and collars—no one cared in this lawless revelry.

Yet into this den of hidden currents hopped a little white rabbit.

Ji Yueyi sat crammed in the darkest corner, watching scantily clad dancers writhe nearby. She tugged her hoodie tighter, discomfort washing over her like a tide. Just breathing the air—thick with sweat, alcohol, and cheap cologne—made her stomach churn. She’d never wanted to come here. But…

"Ji Yueyi, why aren’t you drinking?"

"C’mon, don’t be rude!"

Her classmates kept shoving refilled glasses at her. Yueyi took a tiny sip, then offered a shy smile to the group. "I don’t handle alcohol well. Really."

"And… aren’t we underage? This place—"

The girls rolled their eyes. In the shadows, their disgust for Ji Yueyi was plain: *Who does this country bumpkin think she is?*

But when they glanced back at the man seated at the head of the table, their resentment vanished. He’d organized this gathering—to seduce this naive village girl.

*Why does he want her when we’ve thrown ourselves at him for months?*

Their jealousy turned vicious. They pressed drinks on Yueyi relentlessly.

"Oh, I heard from the teacher—you got the scholarship again this semester!"

"We must celebrate!"

Yueyi froze. She’d expected the scholarship, but how did *they* know first? As another glass was thrust into her hand, she sighed quietly and took another small sip. Her glistening eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

She wasn’t sure about the scholarship anymore. But if she refused to hang out with them, they’d sabotage her studies. Even teachers couldn’t stop that…

"Alright, alright," Wu Fan called from across the table, clapping softly. His voice turned gentle. "If Xiao Yue doesn’t want to drink, don’t force her. I’ll drink with you."

"Aww, what a gentleman, Wu Da Shao!"

"Ji Yueyi! Toast to Wu Gongzi!"

Yueyi turned her face away, staring blankly at the dance floor as if she hadn’t heard. Wu Fan’s eyes flashed with fury before smoothing back into polite calm. He gathered all the glasses before Yueyi, setting them before himself. "All mine," he declared, rolling up his sleeves. "No bragging—but all of you combined couldn’t outdrink me."

"No need."

Yueyi took a deep breath and stood. She placed each bottle back before her own seat. Her voice was flat.

"If I finish these… can I leave?"

Silence fell. Everyone turned to Wu Fan. A vein pulsed at his temple. Humiliation burned behind his carefully maintained mask.

*Fine. You refused the offered wine? Then I’ll force the penalty wine down your throat.*

Wu Fan didn’t stop her. He leaned back, watching with predatory amusement, waiting for the moment she’d collapse—helpless.

Yueyi swirled her glass. Amber liquid danced around ice cubes, their crisp clinks swallowed instantly by the club’s roar.

*Hah…*

She gritted her teeth, ready to gulp it down fast—better not to taste the bitterness.

She’d already planned her escape if she got drunk. But then—a chime-like voice cut through the noise behind her.

"Hey! It’s today’s shy food-delivery girl!"

"Fancy meeting you here!"

Yueyi turned. A girl in an ill-matched tracksuit grinned at her. Yueyi’s mind scrambled until she spotted the signature violet bob. Recognition hit—and her face flushed crimson.

*Phew. Almost didn’t recognize her with clothes on…*

Mu Yue Ran hadn’t noticed the girl’s fluster. She plopped down beside Yueyi, leaning in close with sparkling eyes. "Remember me?"

Trapped, Yueyi yanked her hoodie up to hide her burning cheeks. Her gaze darted away. "Mm. The… the triple-spicy fire noodles lady."

"Exactly!" Mu Yue Ran beamed. She grabbed a fresh glass, filled it, and clinked it lightly against Yueyi’s. "Such a coincidence! Let’s drink together."

Before Yueyi could reply, the other girls hissed for this stranger to scram. Wu Fan waved them silent. His eyes locked onto both girls. He’d wanted Ji Yueyi for weeks. And this newcomer? A hidden gem. Her clothes were tasteless, but his experienced eye saw past that.

*One bird in hand is good… but two? Even better.*

"No worries," Wu Fan said smoothly, fingers steepled. "Guests are welcome. Though…" His smile turned sharp. "If you pass out, we won’t carry you home."

Yueyi tugged Mu Yue Ran’s sleeve. *She doesn’t know what she’s walking into. I can’t drag her down with me.*

*Pfft.*

Mu Yue Ran laughed. With lazy grace, she filled large glasses, then placed tiny shot glasses at their rims.

"Don’t be so sure of yourself," she murmured, her voice like velvet. "You’ve got… little to boast about."

Under Wu Fan’s blazing glare, she pushed the shot glasses into the larger ones. The liquids swirled, merging into a deep blue liquid—like a maiden’s gaze.