Late at night, perhaps because it was already Friday, the usually quiet bar buzzed with unusual energy.

The warm ambiance drew mostly female patrons.

Several sat at the counter—some nursing solitary drinks, others gulping down liquor before loosening up under its warmth, confiding to friends:

"Ugh... listen, my clueless boss *always* schedules meetings right at quitting time. So annoying."

"Yeah, that’s seriously frustrating."

The bartender, a skilled listener, stayed silent throughout.

But the woman nodding along had already let her gaze drift to the bartender on the other side.

Behind the liquor cabinet, a younger mixologist focused intently, pouring whiskey and other spirits into a shaker with precise movements.

He wasn’t alone in holding attention—many eyes in the bar followed his every deliberate motion.

The perfectly blended cocktail poured into a glass, its color alone mesmerizing.

When he slid the finished drink to a customer, praise came as expected.

Chi Yuzhou kept his eyes lowered, his expression unreadable.

His clothes were simple, yet every gesture radiated elegance—sharp jawline, refined profile—as if even the bar’s soft lights favored him.

The women watched silently, none daring to interrupt.

They knew little about this bartender.

But that hadn’t stopped them from trying to flirt the moment they first saw Chi Yuzhou.

...Though rumors said this handsome mixologist had a "white moonlight"—a love so unforgettable, he’d kept her memory even after amnesia. The ring on his slender finger was proof enough.

A woman who lingered in his heart through amnesia must be irreplaceable.

All they could do was admire him quietly, savoring the drinks he made.

Chi Yuzhou emanated calm detachment, ignoring the blatant stares he knew so well.

He had no choice.

If his cash ran out, he’d be sleeping on park benches by day and scavenging trash bins by night—drifting without purpose.

Out in the world, you used what resources you had.

Without money, freedom was just a word. Selling his looks to earn extra? He’d accept that.

Besides, these women were far easier to understand than *her*.

As he polished a glass with graceful motions, his thoughts drifted beyond the bar’s walls.

*After shift, I’ll buy a little cake to treat myself.*

Strawberry or mango? He hadn’t decided when the doorbell jingled.

A new customer entered—and Chi Yuzhou froze mid-step.

Hua Qi had slicked his hair back like an adult, wearing a tailored suit.

The hairstyle looked slightly mismatched with the outfit.

He scanned the room nervously, searching for someone.

Spotting mostly women, his movements turned stiff.

When his eyes met Chi Yuzhou’s, even as another guy, he couldn’t hide his shock at the other’s striking looks.

Not finding who he sought, Hua Qi’s gaze snapped back—and locked onto Chi Yuzhou’s earring. His mouth fell open, speechless.

Chi Yuzhou watched Hua Qi’s silent performance.

He’d sent the invitation, but hadn’t expected Hua Qi to come so fast.

Or so late—nearly eleven.

Chi Yuzhou moved to a corner of the counter. Hua Qi sat opposite him.

"Chi... Yuzhou?"

"Hmm."

"!"

Facing this impossibly handsome man, Hua Qi’s shock deepened.

"You...? Me?"

"This’ll save trouble at school. Please keep it to yourself."

"Oh..."

Hua Qi glanced around. At least half the bar was watching them.

*Asking Chi Yuzhou for dating advice was a genius move.*

Working here so naturally—he must have mastered the art of handling women.

That aura only came from years in their midst.

He didn’t need to copy all his tricks. Just half that charm, and he’d never accidentally swim into someone else’s dating pool again.

"Soda okay?"

"Y-yeah."

Before Hua Qi could speak, a woman who’d been watching them approached, wine glass in hand.

"A friend of Xiao Yuzhou’s?"

"Classmate."

"I see."

Chi Yuzhou gave a quiet hum. Hua Qi nodded silently, shrinking into his seat.

He’d noticed this woman earlier.

She wasn’t as stunning as the goddess he’d seen with Chi Yuzhou that one time—but only just.

Especially those bewitching eyes. One glance, and you’d drown.

Hua Qi avoided looking directly.

Her gaze never left Chi Yuzhou as she continued:

"First time seeing Yuzhou with a friend."

"Hmm."

Chi Yuzhou studied Qiujie Zhuo’s beautiful eyes, noting her nearly empty glass.

He remembered her better than most regulars.

She’d started coming around when he first worked here, always requesting his cocktails.

"Refill?"

"No thanks. I’ve had enough tonight."

As if proving it, she handed him her glass—and "accidentally" brushed her knuckles against his hand.

When he didn’t react, she gazed at him with drunkenly lidded eyes, voice turning soft and sweet:

"Guess I’ll trouble little Yuzhou to send me home again tonight."

"I’ll call you a cab."

Chi Yuzhou turned away before she could reply, asking the manager for a car.

Qiujie Zhuo watched, undeterred by his coldness. Excitement practically radiated from her eyes.

*Men like this are worth the challenge.*

She’d see how long that amnesia-defying "white moonlight" could hold his heart.

Hua Qi sat frozen, trying to vanish.

He didn’t know their history, but the charged words hinted at something deeper.

The cab arrived quickly.

Qiujie Zhuo lingered only to glance back at Chi Yuzhou before leaving.

The tip she left was later handed to the manager by Chi Yuzhou.

*What reason wouldn’t I have to chase a man like this?*