13: Disagreement

When Wu Gao saw Shen Qian, his face immediately turned incredibly sour. He hadn't expected to run into this guy again today. It seemed his guess was correct; this guy definitely had designs on Xin Yao.

The two of them hadn't done anything all day. In the morning, Xin Yao said she hadn't slept well and wanted to catch up on sleep, so he could only continue to hang around the internet cafe. Poor guy, in the heat of summer, he even had to shower there.

After finally coming out, he actually encountered the person he least wanted to see.

"Over here!"

Seeing Shen Qian, Liu Xinyao was so happy she almost jumped for joy.

The girl was dressed very strikingly today, wearing a gray polka-dot slip dress inside and a small black jacket outside. The curves that weren't very noticeable yesterday were clear at a glance today.

Shen Qian observed silently. This girl had put in some thought; after all, her proportions hadn't seemed this substantial when he saw her yesterday.

"Hi, Wu Gao, we meet again. Xin Yao, you look very beautiful today."

When he called out the name "Xin Yao," Wu Gao felt like he was about to explode. This was the first time in his life he had hated someone so much, but the key was that he couldn't find any fault with this person.

"Let's go. Like I said, I'll buy you a drink. When I was heading out today, the hotel butler mentioned there's a Quiet Bar nearby that's quite good."

"Sorry, we don't go to bars."

Just as the girl was about to agree, Wu Gao couldn't hold back anymore and spoke while suppressing his anger.

"Huh? Was I not clear? I said a Quiet Bar; it's different from a regular bar."

"It's fine even if it's a bar. We're all adults, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"Xin Yao! How long have we known him? You can't trust this kind of person!"

Wu Gao spoke very bluntly, not even avoiding Shen Qian.

"What are you saying! Shen Qian is a friend, how can you speak about him like that!"

Liu Xinyao hadn't wanted to go out with Wu Gao today, but he insisted on following. What could she do? Now that he was saying such things, Liu Xinyao was practically fuming.

"It's no big deal, no need to argue. Wu Gao is right; when you're away from home, you really do need to be careful. Even though this is Shanghai, there are still plenty of different schemes out there."

"So, let's go to the Quiet Bar. Wu Gao, you'll be responsible for keeping an eye on me. If I try anything bad, you can just step in and save the damsel in distress."

These words were perfectly chosen. Shen Qian felt there was truth to the saying that people slowly become what they hate. For instance, right now, in order to be a scumbag, he was working hard to play the part of a total 'green tea' manipulator.

Wu Gao was so choked up he couldn't even speak. He was so angry his lungs felt like they would burst, yet he didn't know exactly what he was angry about.

The three arrived at the Quiet Bar. Just as Shen Qian had said, the environment was excellent. The dim lighting sketched out an ambiguous atmosphere. There weren't many people, and a few foreigners were drinking nearby.

"Everyone, what would you like to drink?"

Shen Qian took the menu. It was his first time in a Quiet Bar too. The different drinks had all sorts of strange names, and they weren't cheap, ranging from 60 to 100 per glass.

Even though his net worth was now nearly a million, he still felt that 60 to 100 for a drink wasn't cheap.

"I'll have a glass of this. Also, bring me a glass of whatever your shop's specialty is. What kind of drink is suitable for girls?"

"For girls, I recommend a metropolitan. It's sweet and sour, and many girls like it."

"Then a metropolitan for this girl. Take a look and see if you want anything else."

As Shen Qian spoke, he handed the menu to Liu Xinyao.

The girl frowned slightly at the prices. At 60 to over 100 per drink, it wasn't cheap for most students.

"It's fine. You can order everything on the menu if you want. I said it's my treat."

At that moment, the girl felt like her heart had been struck again. The words 'Prince Charming' circled in her mind once more.

"Is this Irish Coffee also an alcoholic drink?"

"Yes, miss. If it's your first time, the alcohol content might be a bit high. Since you already have a metropolitan, I recommend trying a Cuba Libre or a Mojito. They have lower alcohol content and a better taste."

"Then, what is your specialty?"

"A specialty mix, the Wheel of Fortune..."

"I'll take that one."

Before the server could finish the description, she settled on that drink. She liked the name. In her mind, the gears of destiny had begun to turn the moment she met Shen Qian.

"Wu Gao, are you sure you don't want a glass?"

Shen Qian looked at Wu Gao again, who was clearly resistant to communicating with him.

"Sorry, excuse us for a moment."

Seeing Wu Gao like this, Liu Xinyao glared at him and walked out.

"Okay."

Shen Qian could probably guess what would happen next. They would likely have an argument—no, it shouldn't be called an argument; it should be a one-sided scolding of a simp.

"Wu Gao, Shen Qian was kind enough to treat us to drinks. Can you not act like this? We're out to have fun, who are you throwing a tantrum for!?"

As soon as they left the Quiet Bar, Liu Xinyao said angrily.

"Xin Yao, that guy named Shen is clearly not a good person. We just met for the first time yesterday, and today is only the second time, yet he brings you to this kind of place."

"What kind of place? It's just a Quiet Bar to have a little drink, not that kind of bar. You saw the environment just now; was there anything even slightly out of line?"

"But... but I still feel he's not a good person. He—he's after you!"

"So what if he's after me? Tell me, what's wrong with that? Even if he is after me, he's polite. Has he done anything out of line?"

"Can you not be so sensitive? Do you have any idea how much you're suffocating me? Am I some kind of possession of yours? Yes, we grew up together, but that doesn't mean you get to control me like my parents, do you understand?"

"If you continue like this, then you should just go back first."

"I'm sorry, Xin Yao, I was just too concerned about you. I won't do it again."

Hearing him say such things made Liu Xinyao feel inexplicably irritated. Clearly, he was the one interfering with her life and choices, yet in the end, it was as if she was the one being ungrateful.

"I don't need your concern. What exactly is our relationship? You're so concerned about me, am I your Child Bride? Or do you think I'll definitely be your wife in the future, so you have to keep a tight leash on me now?"

"I didn't mean it like that..."

"Just leave. Go back first."

"But what if you get drunk..."

"It's only two drinks, I won't get drunk. Go back, Wu Gao, don't force me to hate you."

She turned and walked a few steps, then looked back.

"If you stay here and follow me in secret, then we will never see each other again."