The evening glow draped the sky like brocade, and a cool, damp breeze brushed against Chi Yuzhou.

The road he walked was nearly empty. Though his feet moved forward, his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

Rent, living expenses, and the cost of that medicine... Once paid, his upcoming salary would dwindle to almost nothing.

Basic necessities barely covered his living costs. To satisfy his cravings? The leftover pennies wouldn’t stretch that far.

The problem was glaringly clear.

He was desperately, achingly short on cash.

Chi Yuzhou sighed softly and slipped familiarly into the corner restroom.

Minutes later, the person who emerged looked utterly transformed.

Anyone glancing in would assume he’d been inside all along.

Yet the subtle Mystic Ring on his finger and his school uniform confirmed this striking figure was still Chi Yuzhou.

His long bangs were casually tousled—neat but not stiff—revealing a face that had stayed hidden at school.

The setting sun caught a tiny earring on his earlobe, glinting softly. His aura carried a cool detachment, edged with lazy ease.

Merely walking the street, his refined features drew frequent glances from passing female students.

But they kept their distance, content to admire from afar.

Chi Yuzhou continued onward. At the top of a slope, the view opened wide.

An endless sea stretched before him.

Just minutes ago, money worries had weighed on him. Now, a relaxed, easy smile touched his eyes.

This was the burden of freedom, after all.

If freedom felt like this, he truly, deeply looked forward to the days ahead.

He’d run halfway across the country on a whim. If that woman still caught him now? Well, she’d earned his respect.

For now, he’d savor this freedom.

As the streets grew busier, Chi Yuzhou ignored the stares. One thought filled his mind:

*Hope today’s tips are generous. Otherwise, those dream meals will slip further away.*

...

A quiet street held few shops. Yet one stood out: "Full Moon Night."

Potted plants and flowers flanked its brown facade, blending elegantly with the walls.

The sign was dark, making the place unassuming for now.

As dusk deepened, the bar’s night lights glowed uniquely along the road.

Inside, a faint, soothing fragrance lingered. The decor radiated calm.

Behind the counter, two men leaned against the liquor cabinet, polishing glasses for the opening.

One had silver streaks at his temples—mature yet magnetic. The other was young, his neutral expression bordering on aloof.

Soon, the older man spoke to his companion:

"Yuzhou, turn on the lights."

"Got it."

Chi Yuzhou set down his glass, walked to the entrance, and flipped the sign’s switch.

Light flooded out. He didn’t rush back inside. Instead, he watered the potted plants by the door.

Gazing at the dim streetlights, memories surfaced.

When he first arrived in Yinyun City, his escape money had nearly run out.

Just as he’d resigned himself to fate, Heng Li—the owner of this lounge bar—had stepped in.

He’d even offered Chi Yuzhou a decent job.

Freedom tasted sweet today, and he owed it all to Uncle Heng Li.

The bar’s uniform was simple: an oversized black shirt.

As Chi Yuzhou returned to the counter, Heng Li mentioned stepping out briefly.

*Probably for a smoke.*

Soon, the newly opened bar welcomed its first guest.

A woman in office wear, fresh from work, entered the quiet space.

Chi Yuzhou stood alone behind the counter, a book in hand. He set it aside smoothly, offering a faint, professional smile. His voice was cool but not cold:

"What can I get you?"

"... "

A stranger—at least to him. Her stunned stare didn’t surprise him. He knew that look well.

His expression stayed neutral as he asked evenly:

"Shall I recommend something?"

"Y-yes, please."

She blinked, startled by his suggestion.

After asking her preferences, Chi Yuzhou moved with fluid grace, mixing her drink under her watchful eyes.

Moments later, he slid a glass toward her. A lime slice perched on the rim. The liquor layered like liquid art.

"What’s this called?" she asked.

"Glimmer."

A hint of warmth flickered in his eyes as he added:

"It’s mild, moderately strong. Perfect for soothing a long day’s stress."

Undeniably, even his drinks were beautiful.

The woman lifted her glass but didn’t look down. Her gaze locked with his, as if tasting more than alcohol.

The liquid cooled her throat, smooth and refreshing.

Surprise lit her eyes. The ice had been added last, yet the drink was perfectly chilled—enhancing every sip.

This far exceeded her expectations. She was already hooked on the place.

After all... a secluded bar with a stunning, coolly elegant bartender? She’d happily drink tap water here daily.

Leaning forward, she asked softly:

"Um... are you seeing anyone?"

Chi Yuzhou’s eyes deepened with unspoken emotion. He replied:

"I think... perhaps I am."

At her confused look, his gaze grew tender. He lifted his hand, showing the Mystic Ring clearly. His voice stayed calm:

"You might not believe this, but I’m trying to recover lost memories."

His fingers brushed the ring with quiet longing.

"All I know is, whenever I see this ring, a faceless figure appears in my mind. Those memories must matter deeply. Otherwise, why would I feel this ache every time I look at it?"

"Maybe... someone out there is waiting for me to remember."

The woman rushed to comfort him:

"I’m sure you’ll get your memories back!"

"Thanks."

Her words drew a subtle, genuine smile from him, softening his entire presence.

Watching his fleeting vulnerability, she cursed her clumsy tongue. *If only I knew what to say...*

But she stayed silent, sipping slowly—a quiet companion in the gentle music.

Chi Yuzhou waited patiently as she finished her drink.

Peaceful warmth filled the space until Heng Li returned to the counter.

Perfect timing. The woman set down her empty glass, paid, and left.

As Chi Yuzhou cleared the counter, he spotted the extra cash tucked under her glass.

He’d expected nothing less.