Han Lele greeted Yu Antong, looking him up and down, "What you're wearing..."

The snug, high-end suit gave him a dapper look, but it wasn't suitable for a night out at a bar.

Catching Han's gaze, Yu Antong realized the issue, "Should I change?"

"Dressing so formally might restrict you from having fun," Han Lele started. But then, with a cheeky grin, he added, "But the more formal and reserved you look, the more people would want to approach you. If you go to the bar like this, you'll definitely attract attention."

Yu Antong insisted, "Never mind, I'll change."

He was going to the bar for a good time, not to draw unwanted attention.

"Alright then," Han Lele replied with a hint of disappointment, "Get in the car. Let's go shopping first."

Having picked an outfit, Yu Antong emerged from the changing room after trying it on.

He was adorned with a loose, black V-necked, satin-finished shirt. The garment was an unembellished black, save for a single red plum blossom embroidered at the waist that extended backwards, tracing the graceful contour of Yu's slender waist. It was an alluring and captivating design, igniting one's imagination.

With Yu's naturally fair complexion, the black fabric accentuated his smooth and milky skin. The V-neck design revealed his impeccably sculpted collarbone.

Han Lele was utterly entranced, feeling that this outfit was a perfect fit for Yu.

The outfit was completed with black tapered pants with the cuffs rolled up, paired with British-style ankle boots, revealing a hint of his slender ankles.

Han Lele realized that it wasn't just about the clothes; with Yu's strikingly handsome face, any outfit would garner attention.

Yu Antong glanced in the mirror and asked, "How does this look?"

A pressing concern suddenly crossed Han Lele's mind. While he was single and could party freely, Yu Antong was a married man.

Han Lele inquired, "Does your husband, Mr. Xing, know that I invited you to the bar?"

If Yu were to attract too much attention, would Mr. Xing spare him?

"Why ask now?" Yu Antong replied, preening in front of the mirror, relishing how dashing he looked in black, "I didn't tell him about the bar; I said I was going to celebrate a roommate's birthday."

Han Lele breathed a sigh of relief, "That's perfect then. Let's get this outfit."

Arriving early, the bar was sparsely populated.

Guided by Han Lele to the bar counter, Yu's gaze was drawn to a cocktail being expertly crafted by the bartender.

The transparent glass revealed layers of brilliant pomegranate red at the bottom, transitioning to a brighter, lighter orange hue at the top, reminiscent of a sunrise bathed in morning glow.

Vibrant and mesmerizing, Yu Antong was smitten.

Catching the eye of the stylish bartender, he inquired, "What's this called? Can I have one?"

The playful arch of his eyebrows, coupled with the bar's colorful lights reflected in his eyes, exuded an unintentional allure, a beauty he was unaware of.

Having spent years in the bar scene, the bartender recognized Yu as a first-timer, especially since he wasn’t familiar with this classic cocktail.

Such a pure and enticing beauty was rare.

Eager to seize the opportunity, the bartender flirted, "Like it? This one's on me. Add me on WeChat, and I'll tell you its name."

Yu Antong hadn't anticipated such a cheesy advance from someone who appeared so suave.

Comparing him to his own brother and husband, this bartender paled in comparison—shorter than Xing Lixuan, not as attractive, and certainly not as well-built. Yet, he had the audacity to ask for his WeChat.

Unconsciously comparing the man to Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong's disdain grew.

Glancing downwards, he picked up a drink menu from the counter, quickly spotting the cocktail, and responded, "Got it. It's called Tequila Sunrise. A fitting name. No need for a treat; I can afford it."

The bartender looked a tad disappointed, but not wanting to stir up any trouble, he handed the Tequila Sunrise he had prepared to Yu Antong. “Enjoy your night, beautiful.”

Han Lele, seeing that Yu Antong had instantly attracted attention, felt a pang of unease. He silently prayed that Mr. Xing from the Xing family wouldn’t find out that he had brought his wife to a nightclub.

Yu Antong took a leisurely sip of his drink. It tasted sweet and sour with a robust fruit flavor. The alcohol was faint, not quite satisfying his palate.

As more patrons began to fill the bar and a few started to dance, Yu Antong, with an eager glint in his eyes, asked Han Lele, “Should we join them?”

A nervous Han Lele responded, “Maybe we should stay here and enjoy our drinks for now.”

Yu Antong nodded. He was currently more intrigued by the colorful array of cocktails. Scanning the menu, he picked out one that looked appealing. “I'll have a Manhattan, please.”

The Manhattan, with its deep aromatic fragrance and sweet notes, was richer. After a sip, Yu Antong noticed two people settling down beside him. Initially indifferent, he overheard a snippet of their conversation.

The person further away spoke gently but with a hint of complaint, “Bai Ying, you know I don’t like places like this.”

The one next to Yu Antong, presumably Bai Ying, responded, “I just thought you've been down lately. Thought this might cheer you up.”

Bai Ying continued, “If you can't get over Xing Lixuan, just confess your feelings. Tell him you like him. Why suffer in silence and pine from afar?”

The one named Yun Qing replied, “Stop making things up. I told you I don’t like Xing Lixuan. Besides, he's already married.”

Han Lele caught wind of their conversation and glanced at Yu Antong.

Yu Antong felt the name 'Yun Qing' was somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere.

He signaled Han Lele to remain silent as he wanted to eavesdrop a bit more.

“Oh please, don't play coy with me,” Bai Ying said, “I was at Xing Lixuan’s wedding, and he looked so displeased throughout. Anyone could tell he was being forced into it!”

“Trust me,” Bai Ying continued, “They won’t last six months. I even heard him describe his ideal type: someone gentle, magnanimous, and understanding. Isn’t that just like you?”

Yun Qing seemed shaken, “Are you sure about that?”

“Why would I lie? I overheard it,” Bai Ying assured.

Bai Ying then recounted a time shortly after Xing Lixuan’s wedding when she was at a bar. Some of Xing Lixuan’s close friends, including Qi Jingyao, Bao Ji, and Wei Zhejun, were discussing the marriage.

Bai Ying recalled overhearing Bao Ji comment, “Time flies. Before you know it, Lixuan's already married.”

“That marriage won't last,” Qi Jingyao remarked, “Remember back in college when we got him drunk and pressed him about his type?”

At this memory, Bao Ji burst into laughter, “How could I forget? Thinking about it still cracks me up.”

“Exactly!” Qi Jingyao guffawed, “Lixuan said he likes someone gentle, sophisticated, independent, and not clingy. It’d be okay if he were talking about a woman, but he meant a man! Lixuan is definitely the steel-hearted straight guy of the gay community.”

yqxsw.org

Bai Ying recounted all of this to Shen Yunqing, while Han Lele and Yu Antong listened intently.

Pity reflected in Han Lele’s eyes as he glanced at Yu Antong, silently lamenting the injustice of it all.

"Our dear Tongtong is such a good person. That Xing doesn't know how to value him!"

Han Lele placed a hand on Yu Antong's shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Yu Antong drained the remaining drink in his glass and stood up, "Let's dance."

Han Lele followed, "You're just going to let it go? They clearly know you're married to Xing Lixuan and they're still after him. So shameless!"

Yu Antong replied, "Xing Lixuan is handsome and wealthy. There are plenty who covet him. They're just all talk. Am I supposed to confront every single one of them? It's not worth it."

He didn't mention one thing: the marriage between him and Xing Lixuan won't last long. So why worry? Just live in the moment.

Yu Antong imitated the dance moves of others on the dance floor, swaying and grooving with the slight buzz from the alcohol.

Before he knew it, he was pushed to the front near the stage where professional dancers, hired by the bar, danced. Someone reached out, inviting him on stage.

Fueled by the passionate rock music in the bar, Yu Antong accepted the offer.

Though his dance skills weren't as refined as the professionals on stage, his regular yoga made him flexible and coordinated. Combined with his good looks, he garnered screams from the crowd below.

In a slightly concealed private box on the second floor...

As soon as they met, Bao Ji began to console Xing Lixuan, "We totally get you. We know you're upset. Anyone would be if they were in an arranged marriage."

A well-rested and well-fed Xing Lixuan post-wedding, "Well..."

Wei Zhejun immediately chimed in, "We know you didn't want to marry. It's an unfortunate situation for the sake of the elders. Bro, you're suffering."

Xing Lixuan tried again, "Actually..."

Bao Ji cut him off, "No need to explain. We understand you! Marriage might be the tomb of freedom, but at least right now, with your brothers, you're still free. Let's drink!"

Qi Jingyao, who had picked up on some nuances, didn't stop the two clueless buddies, instead watching the drama unfold with amusement.

Xing Lixuan, with his glass in hand, "Are you done?"

Bao Ji, "..."

Wei Zhejun, "..."

Xing Lixuan, "Can I speak now?"

The two exchanged glances.

What's going on?

Something seems off.

The two nodded slowly, "Go ahead."

Xing Lixuan: "What I wanted to say is, I actually think marriage is quite nice."

"Excuse me?"

Bao Ji was utterly puzzled, "Wasn't this a forced marriage? So, you're enjoying it now?"

Xing Lixuan felt somewhat embarrassed. He turned and glanced below, but his gaze suddenly froze.

Qi Jingyao followed his gaze, "Isn't that your wife? Quite the wild one, isn't she?"

Xing Lixuan coldly huffed, watching the ultra-sexy Yu Antong in black on the stage.

Whose birthday is this again?

Xing Lixuan: "I'll be right back."

As soon as he left, the trio in the private box crowded together to peek at the first floor.

Qi Jingyao remarked, "This is getting interesting."

Three heirs from influential families, gossiping no less than any market aunties.

Yu Antong, lost in his dance, stiffened upon seeing the approaching tall man. He quickly jumped off the stage and found Han Lele, "Lele, doesn't that man look like my husband?"

Han Lele turned her head, "My God! That's not just a resemblance. That's definitely Xing Lixuan!"

Just as Xing Lixuan was about to reach them, a young man in white blocked his path, "Lixuan, what a coincidence to meet you here."

Yu Antong, who had thought of escaping, halted in his tracks.

That voice... It was Shen Yunqing who was speaking to him earlier. Suddenly, Yu Antong remembered, he's the male side character from the book who had an unrequited love for Xing Lixuan!

People having designs on Xing Lixuan was one thing, but now he was being blatantly flirted with right in front of Yu Antong. How could he bear that?!

From the second floor, Qi Jingyao leaned over the railing, "Wow, what a scene, what a scene!"

Click to download the best book-tracking app, many readers use it for audio reading!