Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
At that moment, Lu Chen returned from the restroom. Upon entering the private room, several girls surrounded him.
“You must be Jiayi’s fiance. Let me raise a toast to you!”
“We’re counting on you to take good care of Jiayi in the future. Here’s a toast to you.”
Lu Chen was preoccupied with Fang Yuan’s situation, but he still maintained his gentlemanly demeanor. He didn’t turn anyone down and graciously accepted each glass.
Of course, Fang Jiayi was aware that these girls were trying to get closer to Lu Chen, but she also knew that, given Lu Chen’s family background, he wouldn’t have any interest in them. Therefore, she chatted openly with the others and didn’t take it to heart.
After some time, the private room’s door was suddenly flung open. A mischievous young man entered with a few companions.
“Oh, it’s Brother Hao!” Li Shan recognized him and promptly placed a bottle of liquor in front of Xu Hao. “You’re late. You have to be penalized with a bottle!”
Other students joined in, cheering, “One bottle as a penalty, Brother Hao. Cheers!”
Xu Hao grinned and glanced over everyone, boldly fixing his gaze on Fang Jiayi. He had heard about her reuniting with her biological parents, but he didn’t expect her to undergo such a transformation. Seeing her in that figure-hugging strapless dress made him miss her a bit.
Xu Hao and Fang Jiayi had been classmates in the past. He had a conceited nature and enjoyed putting on airs. He dropped out of high school in his second year to mingle in the world, as his family had a bit of wealth.
With a bottle of liquor held in front of him, Xu Hao wore an impish grin. He raised his head and downed the entire bottle. The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
“1’11 take charge of tonight’s celebration,” he declared, tossing the empty bottle aside, which was swiftly caught by someone.
Li Shan teased him, “You’re late. Jiayi’s fiance already paid five million yuan and booked a high-end private room. He’s covering all the expenses for the night.”
Upon hearing the five-million-yuan figure, Xu Hao gave Lu Chen a cold, scrutinizing look. Among all those present in the private room, he was the only one exuding the most outstanding aura. He was probably Jiayi’s fiance.
“Hello, my name is Lu Chen.”
Although Lu Chen had reservations about this somewhat unruly young man from the moment he saw him, they were all Jiayi’s classmates. Lu Chen still rose courteously and extended his hand for a greeting.
However, Xu Hao paid him no heed and instead exclaimed loudly, “Did you hear that? Jiayi’s fiance is footing the bill. Order whatever you like. Eat, drink, and take whatever you want!”
Upon hearing this, Xu Hao’s friends promptly summoned a waiter and specifically selected the pricier items from the menu.
“Xu Hao…” Fang Jiayi tried to offer a gentle reminder, hoping he’d show some restraint.
To her surprise, Xu Hao stared at her brazenly and wore an impish grin. “Are you calling me by my full name now?”
Lu Chen found their conversation rather peculiar. At that moment, Li Shan stepped in to mediate. “Xu Hao, today is a celebration for Jiayi’s second-place win in the Piano Competition. Let’s raise our glasses and toast Jiayi, alright?” She firmly placed a glass of wine into Xu Hao’s hand and signaled to him with her eyes to tone down his behavior.
“Jiayi’s fiance, isn’t it? Since Jiayi secured second place, wouldn’t it be fitting for you to have two more drinks?” Xu Hao downed his wine in a single gulp and waited for Lu Chen’s response.
“Brother Lu Chen…” Fang Jiayi grew somewhat anxious.
Ignoring her, Lu Chen lifted his glass gracefully and downed it in one go.
In comparison, he displayed more refinement and poise than Xu Hao. The girls in the room regarded him with admiration and affection.
Xu Hao continued to consume more alcohol, but Lu Chen refused to show weakness. He drank a few more glasses, partly to alleviate his unease over Fang Yuan’s situation.
Xu Hao grabbed another bottle of wine.
Lu Chen intended to follow suit, but Fang Jiayi gripped his arm. “Lu Chen, that’s enough. I’ve understood your intent. Please don’t drink any more. How will I get back if you become too intoxicated?”
“Men should enjoy a drink,” Xu Hao declared with arrogance, scrutinizing the young man in front of him. “To make today even more enjoyable, I’ve brought along some companions…” He clapped his hands, and seven or eight elegantly dressed women promptly entered the room.
“Master Hao, you’ve finally let us join! We’ve been waiting so long that our waists ache. You need to give the ladies a massage.” The women surrounded Xu Hao and playfully cajoled.
Xu Hao waved them off. “1 have a friend who is engaged. I invited you here today to test her fiance…”
“Is this the handsome gentleman? I wonder if he prefers someone sweet or a little feisty?”
Seven or eight women surrounded Lu Chen.
“Xu Hao, you’re taking this too far!” Li Shan spoke up immediately.
Fang Jiayi clung tightly to Lu Chen’s arm. “Keep your distance from my fiance!”
“I need to use the restroom.” Lu Chen couldn’t endure the situation any longer, but his upbringing compelled him to maintain his composure and not lose his temper..
