A faint click went unnoticed.

Qiujie Zhuo naturally recognized the bar manager’s niece before her.

The two women sat side by side. Though the air seemed calm, an unspoken rivalry hummed between them.

Behind the counter, Chi Yuzhou appeared oblivious, polishing wine glasses with quiet focus.

That’s just how idle bartenders are.

Qiujie Zhuo’s previously flirtatious gaze gradually dulled. She simply watched Chi Yuzhou sip his drink.

Hengqinghuai refilled her coffee cup and continued savoring it.

Qiujie Zhuo glanced at the woman beside her. This wasn’t the first time she’d appeared whenever Qiujie tried to charm Chi Yuzhou.

*Occupying such a prime spot yet doing nothing. What’s she even thinking?*

Qiujie rarely had free time thanks to her job.

Meeting someone she genuinely liked—and actively pursued—only to face interference was frustrating.

But... she wasn’t in a hurry anyway.

Both women’s gazes drifted toward Chi Yuzhou behind the counter.

The only difference lay in the meaning behind their eyes.

Yet Chi Yuzhou remained unaffected. His movements stayed steady as he polished already spotless glasses.

Even without Hengqinghuai present, facing Qiujie Zhuo alone wouldn’t trouble him.

If a woman like her could easily sway him, he’d have been devoured long ago.

Working in a bar with his looks required skill. Otherwise, his mouth would be full of fishhooks tossed by women—

At least a dozen from Qiujie Zhuo alone.

*What even is her job? She never acts quite proper around me.*

But that was manageable.

Chi Yuzhou stole a glance at Qiujie. Her eyes seemed glazed with wine, fixed on him with dreamy intensity.

Just then, her voice floated over—light yet clear:

"Yuzhou, do you like girls who drink?"

For a heartbeat, the sparse crowd fell silent. Every ear strained for his reply.

Hengqinghuai remained undisturbed, calmly sipping her coffee.

The quiet shattered as Chi Yuzhou answered:

"I don’t dislike it."

His expression softened slightly, lending sincerity to his words. He continued:

"In those hazy, fragmented memories... she seemed to like wine too."

"Though I can’t be certain."

A wry, almost pitiable smile touched his lips.

Reactions to his reply varied instantly.

Most sighed inwardly—his heart was already claimed.

Qiujie Zhuo’s hand paused mid-sip. Annoyance flickered in her eyes before hardening into resolve.

Hengqinghuai showed no reaction. Instead, she watched Chi Yuzhou’s slender fingers polish the glasses with quiet appreciation.

*He’s handsome everywhere.*

Unseen by others, Chi Yuzhou’s lowered gaze hid thoughts utterly unlike his fleeting softness.

*Asking this now?*

*If I said I hated drinkers, how would I make money when everyone stops ordering?*

*And this "amnesia buff"... seriously useful.*

*Too useful. Love using it.*

By human standards, he wasn’t just amnesiac—he also had a forgotten "first love."

Technically, he wasn’t lying.

That woman *was* a "baiyueguang" in every sense.

*Oh, I mean genuinely unforgettable.*

......

As night deepened, most patrons left. No one drank to the point of collapse—

Adults maintained decorum over casual drinks.

Except the woman now slumped face-down on the counter, utterly still.

Hengqinghuai had left twenty minutes prior. Qiujie Zhuo, seemingly sober earlier, had collapsed after one more glass.

The bar manager had stepped out for a call and hadn’t returned.

Soothing music played for the two remaining figures: Chi Yuzhou and the drunk woman.

*Just part of the job.*

Chi Yuzhou gently nudged Qiujie’s arm. "Ma’am, are you alright?"

"Mmm..."

She lifted her head, cheeks flushed deep crimson from wine.

"Yuzhou... call me a cab, okay?"

"Your phone."

He took the phone she offered, swiftly booking a ride.

After returning it, Qiujie lay sideways, tracing her screen with a finger. Her voice slurred:

"Yuzhou... is my phone broken?"

"No."

"Then why can’t I see your contact?"

"......"

Chi Yuzhou fell silent.

He studied her expression, searching for cracks in her act.

He knew she was faking—but had no proof.

Truth and lies blurred together.

He’d seen her drink far more and walk away perfectly fine.

As he pondered how to call her out gently, a car horn sounded outside.

*Perfect timing.*

"Your ride’s here. Going home?"

"Mm... okay."

Qiujie stood—then immediately swayed toward him.

Chi Yuzhou stepped back smoothly, catching her arm to steady her while keeping distance.

She pressed closer, relentless.

*Sigh. This is why women are trouble.*

He sighed inwardly. *Consider it extra service for that generous tip.*

*All part of the job. All part of the job.*

Supporting her to the door, he felt her warmth seep through two layers of fabric.

*Is she running a fever too?*

He helped her into the cab, subtly prying her hand off his wrist when she tried to pull him in. She mumbled her address.

"Take cold medicine later."

"Huh?"

Under her confused stare, he signaled the driver to leave.

The moment the car moved, Qiujie’s drunken haze vanished. She shot a sharp glance at the rearview mirror.

The driver instantly straightened, focusing on the road.

Qiujie recalled leaning against Chi Yuzhou.

Clothed contact had been faint, but their fingers brushing—his icy touch against her flushed skin—had been startlingly clear.

Especially when her own pulse felt restless.

An inscrutable smile curved her lips. Her narrow, captivating eyes gleamed with the thrill of a new game.

Her first genuine crush remained unmoved by her tricks—as if utterly immune to women.

*But that’s what makes it intriguing, isn’t it?*

Though she still wondered why he’d told her to take cold medicine. Her health had always been perfect.