Chapter 104: The Stage Lies Beneath One’s Feet

After a hectic day, Qiao Jiu ran into Liang Xiu Jin at the elevator entrance after work. Liang Xiu Jin was accompanied by his assistant, presumably on his way to meet Lu Fengzhou. Qiao Jiu stood quietly by the side without saying a word.

After a moment, Liang Xiu Jin seemed to remember something and suddenly turned to ask her, "Any plans tonight?"

"Yes," Qiao Jiu replied. "I arranged to meet Guan Wei. We're going out for a drink."

Liang Xiu Jin's expression flickered briefly before he nodded silently. They descended the stairs together and parted ways at the company entrance. Qiao Jiu hailed a cab.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw Liang Xiu Jin standing by his car, making a call. The other end apparently didn’t answer, and he grew visibly irritated, opening his car door with a rough motion.

Qiao Jiu twisted the corner of her lips, thinking all these men were the same.

She went home to eat first. It wasn’t until nightfall that Guan Wei called, saying her car was already waiting at the residential gate.

Qiao Jiu changed clothes and freshened up a bit before heading downstairs.

Their car drove to the entrance of the bar they had tried to visit last time but never did. The bar was thriving; even though it wasn’t too late, the parking spots at the entrance were all taken.

They parked a little farther away and walked over.

As soon as they entered the lobby, a waiter approached to ask if they had a reservation.

Guan Wei handed over a card she somehow acquired. "The usual," she said.

The waiter glanced at it, immediately smiling warmly and led them upstairs to a private room.

Once the waiter left, Qiao Jiu quickly asked, “Where did you get that membership card?”

“I borrowed it,” Guan Wei exhaled, “I wanted to see what kind of dragon this place was hiding.”

Not long after, the door to the private room swung open, and a group of men rushed in noisily.

Qiao Jiu's eyes went wide.

The room manager led a group of burly men inside, all shirtless. Some wore shorts, while others had only boxer briefs on. They lined up side by side.

This... this...

Qiao Jiu finally understood why Liang Xiu Jin didn’t want Guan Wei to come.

This was akin to the hostesses in Guan Wei’s bar, except here, the marginal entertainment staff were men.

Guan Wei chuckled softly, lowering her voice. “So that’s what it’s all about.”

She remained composed, pointing to two of the men, “Just these two.”

The waiter brought in drinks and snacks, and then the others left noisily.

Those two men sat beside Qiao Jiu and Guan Wei as soon as the door closed.

Qiao Jiu felt goosebumps rising uncontrollably, unable to stop her mind from replaying scenes she had seen in Guan Wei’s bar, only with genders reversed—much more overwhelming.

Guan Wei seemed completely unfazed. She raised her glass, gesturing for one of the men to pour her a drink. She scoffed, “That boss sure knows what he’s doing.”

Once the burly man poured the drink, she downed it in one gulp and said, “Put on some music. Can you sing? If so, sing me a song.”

The man, skilled in many arts, didn’t hesitate. He got up, turned on the music, and selected a love song.

Guan Wei acted like an old regular, unafraid, even pulling out her phone to film the man.

Qiao Jiu saw her send a post to her social circle. Post to social media? What was that about?

The man noticed Qiao Jiu seemed distracted and quickly poured her a drink. “First time here, beautiful?”

Qiao Jiu shrank back, “Stay away from me.”

The man laughed heartily, “Everyone’s like this the first time. Have some drinks; you’ll loosen up soon.”

Guan Wei put her phone down after posting. The burly man sang, and she listened with a dreamy expression, propping her chin on her hand.

In this situation, Qiao Jiu felt awkward running off halfway. She could only grit her teeth and stay, sipping her drink to deal with the man beside her.

Guan Wei’s phone vibrated several times, but she seemed oblivious, ignoring it completely.

After a while, Qiao Jiu was losing her strength. The drinking man’s tolerance was impressive; she was already dizzy, but his gaze remained clear, his complexion unchanged.

If this continued, she was afraid she’d be at a disadvantage.

She quickly moved to the nearby sofa. “I’m resting. Don’t come near me.”

Guan Wei hadn’t drunk much. She was mainly chatting with that man, though Qiao Jiu didn’t catch the details. She guessed Guan Wei was probably trying to recruit someone.

Qiao Jiu leaned on the sofa armrest, feeling woozy.

She wasn’t sure how long had passed when the man approached with a piece of fruit, his voice syrupy to the point of being cloying. “Beautiful, had too much? Eat some fruit to clear your head.”

Qiao Jiu waved him off, “Go away.”

The man chuckled, ignoring her refusal, leaning in slightly. “You came to a place like this, how come you’re still so reserved?”

His breath reeked of alcohol, making Qiao Jiu want to vomit.

Still somewhat sober, she snapped, “You—”

Before she could finish, the man yelped twice as someone grabbed him by the neck and hoisted him up.

Squinting, Qiao Jiu turned to see who it was, uncertain if she was imagining things. “Lu Fengzhou?”

She glanced back at Guan Wei’s side. Liang Xiu Jin stood nearby, his expression much like Lu Fengzhou’s.

Guan Wei lounged on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, her expression indifferent, showing little reaction.

Qiao Jiu straightened up, looking again at Lu Fengzhou.

He still held the man by the back of the neck, perhaps gripping tightly, as the man groaned in pain.

But Lu Fengzhou seemed to have guessed the situation. “Bro, they came here to spend money. We don’t even know if they’re single; this has nothing to do with us.”

With a flick, Lu Fengzhou released the man, who staggered back several steps. The man Guan Wei had been cozying up to also retreated to the side. The two men exchanged a glance and both backed away.

Though dizzy, Qiao Jiu pieced things together.

Guan Wei’s social media post was surely meant for Liang Xiu Jin.

Liang Xiu Jin and Lu Fengzhou had engagements tonight. Knowing she was with Guan Wei, they brought Lu Fengzhou along as well.

Good. Very good. The stage was once again set at his feet.

Qiao Jiu wobbled as she stood, nearly staggering.

Lu Fengzhou hastily reached out. Qiao Jiu leaned into him, looking up through blurry eyes. “Lu Fengzhou, you’re here playing host too?”

She laughed twice, “Tell that guy to scram. He’s so ugly, I’m about to throw up the drinks I swallowed. How much do you charge for your services?”

She patted herself, searching for her wallet. Finding none, she stumbled to the sofa, grabbed her handbag, pulled out her wallet, and handed a card to Lu Fengzhou. “Not much, all my cash. Is it enough?”

Lu Fengzhou looked down at the card in her hand. After a few seconds, he raised his hand and took the card. “Too much.”

Qiao Jiu giggled, “Then let’s make it permanent. I’ll take care of you.”

Lu Fengzhou nodded, “Alright.”

Qiao Jiu glanced at Guan Wei, pointing at Liang Xiu Jin. “He’s decent looking too. You take care of him.”

Lu Fengzhou gripped her wrist firmly, pulling her close into his embrace. “Let’s go.”

Qiao Jiu whined, “Where to?”

“Home,” Lu Fengzhou said.