“Cheating in a relationship is just like having an affair during marriage,” Luo Shuishui said, her expression showing not a hint of anger—just a faint trace of displeasure.

“Ah… right.” Lin An finally realized he’d been tricked. He hadn’t expected Luo Shuishui to pull such a quirky little move. They kept walking side by side.

“My bad.”

“We’ve already broken up. Since *I* invited you out, of course I’m not blaming you, Lin An. It’s just… your relationship with Su Yuejin doesn’t seem exactly casual?”

“Mm.” Lin An gave a vague reply. He had to keep what happened between them locked tight—it was Su Yuejin’s privacy. Not something to brag about.

“I never expected… Lin An, you’re such a bad boy.” Luo Shuishui twitched her nose slightly. Hopping beside him, she stepped carefully on the pavement tiles in a clumsy, endearing way. “Lin An, which quiet bar should we go to?”

“A calm spot with great cocktails. A bit pricier, though.”

“Mm-hmm, no worries! I’m treating.” Luo Shuishui tilted her face up slightly. They reached the curb, hailed a taxi, and settled into the back seat. Lin An gave the address. She sat at a comfortable distance—not too close, not too far.

The bar wasn’t far. Bars aren’t nightclubs—they come in types. This one specialized in cocktails, expertly mixed. They sat in a dimly lit corner booth. Two lilies stood in a vase on the table.

Lin An ordered her a Mojito. She glanced around curiously, eyes scanning every detail. He simply listened to the soft piano melody nearby.

The drink arrived quickly. She took a tiny sip. Her eyes lit up.

They chatted about cocktails. Lin An knew just enough—he dabbled at home sometimes. Luo Shuishui listened quietly, gaze fixed on his eyes, hanging on every word. So obedient.

After two drinks, her cheeks flushed pink. “No more for me,” she said. Lin An offered to take her home. She nodded. Stepping outside, the hem of her skirt swayed gently in the breeze.

Lin An smoothed a stray strand of hair from her face. Luo Shuishui stared into his eyes, dazed for a heartbeat—then let out a soft chuckle.

He saw her home by taxi. She waved goodbye. Ten o’clock. Xu Qinghuan had texted earlier—*not home*—but Lin An knew exactly where she was.

This time, he truly did.

His suggestion to visit that bar wasn’t random. The moment he and Luo Shuishui entered, his eyes locked onto Xu Qinghuan in the corner—and the woman across from her. He gave nothing away.

After dropping Luo Shuishui off, he doubled back.

The bar’s vibe was perfect for quiet drinks and talk, not dice games or shot challenges. He spotted Xu Qinghuan still wearing his oversized white T-shirt—hugging her curves, effortlessly casual, paired with hot pants.

Across from her sat a slender-waisted, long-legged woman, early twenties, light makeup. Nine out of ten for looks, nine for figure. Strikingly pretty—but her expression held a hint of aggression.

Xu Qinghuan chatted softly with her. Occasional laughter drifted over. She hadn’t noticed Lin An earlier—the booth was shielded by partitions.

Their glasses were nearly empty. Xu Qinghuan had maybe two drinks; the other woman, more. As they stood, the woman’s hand slid possessively around Xu Qinghuan’s waist.

Xu Qinghuan subtly brushed it off. The hand returned.

Lin An set down his glass and walked over. Xu Qinghuan froze. The other woman stiffened.

“Had enough?” Lin An stood before Xu Qinghuan.

She instantly looked like a scolded child, head bowed. “An’an… how did you…?”

“Why *can’t* I be here? Time to go home.”

He took Xu Qinghuan’s hand. The woman arched an eyebrow. “And you are?”

“Her older brother.” Lin An grinned, flashing perfect teeth.

“Brother? Qinghuan never mentioned you.”

“Huh? Maybe she just didn’t want to. Our bond’s… complicated. We only share it with close friends.” He ruffled Xu Qinghuan’s hair, gripped her hand. “Say goodbye. We’re leaving.”

Xu Qinghuan waved with resigned sweetness. “I’ll head out first, okay?”

The woman was still processing. Her plan: get Xu Qinghuan tipsy, claim she couldn’t go home alone, suggest the hotel next door—*we’re both girls, no big deal*.

But… intercepted? Annoyed, she chased after them—only to see the elevator doors close.

Inside the elevator.

Lin An glanced at Xu Qinghuan. “So *that’s* the yuri friend you mentioned?”

“Yeah. She invited me. I need her help soon… had to bond a little.” Xu Qinghuan counted on her fingers with a sigh.

“Afraid she’d drag you to the hotel if you got too drunk?”

“Hehe~ Haven’t I already been ‘claimed’ by my dear older brother?”

“So next time I ask where you are—reply. No reply means I worry. Worry means bad mood. Bad mood means I find Su Yuejin… and feel better. Cycle repeats.”

Xu Qinghuan’s eyes turned icy. She pinched his ear. “I give you freedom and you take *miles*?”

“Yep. Exactly.”

Lin An stayed calm. Xu Qinghuan shot him a fierce glare. “Fine, fine! I’m not a kid. I know how to protect myself. But… I’ll text next time.”

“Good.”

Lin An snorted lightly. They stepped out, hailed a cab. He knew she wasn’t drunk—they both respected their limits. Outings meant max sixty percent. Right now? Two or three tenths. Just a blush. Adorably so.

Home. Xu Qinghuan kicked off her shoes, held out her hands. “Your turn to help me bathe today.”

She said it with pure, unshaken innocence.

…

Late night. Lin An returned to his room. Xu Qinghuan was probably still up doing… private things. He’d pretend not to know.

He felt restless. An itch deep inside.

Why had Luo Shuishui suddenly invited him? She didn’t seem like the type to stay close after learning he wasn’t a “good boy.”

Maybe, as she said—they’d never shown their real selves. So they still didn’t truly know each other.

But Lin An knew: Luo Shuishui was a good kid. She didn’t like him anymore.

Unlike Su Yuejin, she wasn’t starved for love. Breakup meant breakup—no strings. Today? Maybe she just wanted to try a drink.

Su Yuejin, though… complicated.

Lin An had spotted patterns: clear signs of emotional neglect, self-harm tendencies (confirmed today), even hints of masochism.

He traced the roots: family? Childhood trauma? Her high school persona—provocative clothes, bold talk—but actually a virgin, never dated. Easy to see.

Why play “bad girl”? Rebellion? Seeking validation? Or pure self-punishment?

Still, she had limits. That night, only his harmless vibe made her approach. Chance played a part. But now… he’d crossed the line. Virginity—precious to any girl—was gone.

Would she cling to him? Or, once he vanished, twist inward with self-blame… or resentment toward him?

Lin An didn’t want that. But he needed help.

He stood, walked to Xu Qinghuan’s door. Almost knocked—then just turned the knob.

A soft glow inside.

He glanced, closed the door, waited a minute, then reentered.

A pillow flew straight at his face.

“IS KNOCKING *THAT* HARD?!!!”

“…My bad. I’m stuck. Help me.”

“What now? Another puzzle?”

“Su Yuejin. Analyze her with me, Xu Qinghuan. *Be useful.*”

“…” Xu Qinghuan rolled her eyes.