Chapter Sixty-Nine: Jia City (3)

If you ask what most young people like to do after dinner, many would probably say they enjoy having a drink to relax.

Left to his own devices and feeling bored, Gu Zhiheng wandered toward the nearest bar.

It had to be said—the Mo family's businesses really were everywhere. No matter which direction you turned, their establishments were always close at hand.

“Mr. Gu, this way please.” The hostess greeted him politely but didn’t disturb him further.

Gu Zhiheng grabbed a bottle of liquor and strolled leisurely inside. Only after entering did he begin to regret his decision; the place was far too loud and chaotic. The air was thick with the scents of perfume, alcohol, cigarettes, and the pungency of sweat.

Trying to avoid the crowds, Gu Zhiheng made his way toward the back, hoping to find a quiet seat. He also took the opportunity to glance around, checking the feng shui of the place—one never knew what kind of unclean things might linger in such a raucous spot. Bars were truly a mix of all sorts, a den of demons and monsters; perhaps he’d find some small matter to occupy his time.

“Hey, handsome, want to have a drink together?” A heavily made-up woman sidled up to him, and Gu Zhiheng was instantly put off.

Damn, she was really unattractive! Even thick foundation couldn’t hide the flaws, yet she still had the audacity to approach him. He lost his appetite for drinking.

“No, thank you,” he declined flatly, continuing deeper into the bar.

He had just spotted an intriguing target. It looked like he’d found something to do tonight.

He walked slowly toward a beautiful woman sitting in the corner. In just a few minutes, more than a dozen women had tried to strike up a conversation, but Gu Zhiheng was unmoved, turning each away with cold indifference.

The woman in the corner was definitely not ordinary—in fact, she was not even human.

“Care for a drink together?” Gu Zhiheng went straight to the point, addressing her directly.

He was never one for beating around the bush; no matter the matter, he was always blunt and straightforward.

“That’s hardly just one drink, is it?” she replied with a playful smile and enchanting eyes—her beauty was truly something rare.

Even Gu Zhiheng had to admit that the woman before him was breathtakingly beautiful.

“Just as you like, no need to stand on ceremony,” he said, taking a swig from his bottle and raising an eyebrow, signaling it was her turn.

“You’re welcome to sit. This booth is mine alone, no need to be formal,” she replied politely, her beauty only accentuated by her poise.

Her figure was exquisite, her skin smooth and flawless as porcelain. Lips red as cherry, teeth white as jade, features delicate as a painting—words seemed insufficient to capture her allure.

She was so stunning it felt unreal, a beauty that almost seemed illusory.

“Is there something on my face?” she asked, her gaze fixed on him. This man was striking—more stunning than anyone she’d ever met, even surpassing the most popular boys at her school. Compared to him, the others paled into insignificance.

“No, you’re beautiful—so beautiful you seem unreal, like someone from a painting,” Gu Zhiheng replied honestly. The woman before him truly possessed such extraordinary beauty.

“What brings you out drinking alone? It’s not very safe at night, you know. There are plenty of bad people around!” he teased, wearing a mischievous grin that gave him an air of casual irreverence.

“You’re joking, aren’t you? Bad people are no match for me—they’d be the ones getting beaten,” she answered with a gentle smile, her words belying her soft demeanor.

“My name is Wu Xiaowen, I’m twenty-two, a junior at Jiacheng University,” she introduced herself, her every gesture captivating.

The Wu family? The Wu family of Jiacheng? The same Wu family that was at odds with both the Gu and Mo families? Wasn’t that the family of the old golden pheasant, Wu Song, from Wumei Mountain?

“I know a thing or two. I’m actually quite familiar with your grandfather—no need for such formalities,” Gu Zhiheng replied, accepting the drink Wu Xiaowen handed him and downing it in one gulp.

Since they were all old acquaintances, he saw no need to involve himself further. She wasn’t just any ordinary girl, and it was best to mind his own business—especially since the Wu family had a long-standing grudge against his own.

“Head home early tonight, and best let someone pick you up. Be good, and listen, okay?” With those words, he took his bottle and left her booth.

Time to find another target; there was no need for him to meddle here.

“Hey there, all alone?” A drunken man stumbled up to him, raising his glass.

“Brother, I’m straight—not interested, thanks,” Gu Zhiheng said, stepping aside to dodge the man’s outstretched hand.

He was starting to think he was out of luck this year—first that annoying Jun Luan, and now this guy tonight.

Did he really look that un-straight? Come on, his lack of interest in women was only because his sister claimed he had some sort of emotional recognition disorder. But that didn’t mean he was gay, did it? This was just absurd.

“Hey, I just want to have a drink, man. I’m straight too, damn it,” the guy replied, rolling his eyes and moving closer.

Was this guy blind? He was a tough, burly man—how could he possibly look like he wasn’t straight?

“Alright, alright, have a seat and let’s have a drink,” Gu Zhiheng said. He’d originally wanted to spend time with a girl, but this guy had intercepted him. Still, it didn’t matter—the man had someone with him, which might make for an interesting story. Who knew, he might even uncover some earth-shattering secret.

It was a pity, though—he’d have to save chatting with the girl in the distance for another night.

“Hey, man, you know people—could you help me get rid of the guy hanging around me?” Despite his drunkenness, the man’s mind was still clear.

“Let’s talk outside—too many people here, don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble,” Gu Zhiheng said, helping the man to his feet as they headed out of the bar.

“Settle the bill first, don’t think you can drink for free!” At the door, Gu Zhiheng pulled the man back, gesturing for him to pay up.

“Why are you looking at me? I’m broke. If you help me, you pay!” Gu Zhiheng muttered to himself—what a tightwad.

The man fished out a wad of cash from his bag, slapped it on the counter, and dragged Gu Zhiheng out.

Gu Zhiheng called back to the cashier, “Keep the extra as your tip. If it’s not enough, put it on my tab.”

Then he let the man pull him outside, heading somewhere more secluded.

“Alright, spit it out. If you’ve got something to say, say it!” Gu Zhiheng shook off the man’s hand with a look of disdain, standing a meter away.

“Brother, please, help me—get this guy off my back, will you?” The man suddenly broke down, nearly falling to his knees.

“You have no idea—he’s my girlfriend’s ex. My girlfriend and I only got together after he died.” The more the man spoke, the more agitated he became, clinging to Gu Zhiheng’s arm.

“What’s that got to do with me? How the hell am I supposed to help you with this?” When it came to matters of the heart, Gu Zhiheng was completely at a loss.