38: Chapter 38 I Want to Repay You

The RV drove smoothly through the night in Jingzhou City.

Su Bai leaned back against his seat, watching the streetlights flash past the window.

The city night was bustling and noisy, with neon lights casting mottled reflections on the glass.

Yin Suwan sat across from him. She had already taken off her mask and hat, revealing her delicate little face.

She took off her coat, revealing a form-fitting black knit dress underneath. The low-cut neckline showed off her fair collarbones.

“Boss, you haven't eaten yet, have you?” she asked, her voice soft, with that characteristic Korean lilt.

“No.”

“Then shall we go grab something to eat?” She leaned forward slightly, anticipation in her eyes.

“The hotel I'm staying at has an open-air restaurant. The food is great, and it's very private, so no one will bother us.”

Su Bai glanced at her.

Hotel?

Very private?

Put together, these words sounded a bit suggestive.

But on second thought, it was just a meal. It was nothing.

“Alright,” he agreed.

Yin Suwan smiled, her eyes curving into two crescent moons.

Twenty minutes later, the RV pulled up in front of a five-star hotel.

The bellhop stepped forward to open the door. Su Bai got out of the vehicle and looked up at the grand building.

The glass curtain wall gleamed in the night, and the outline of the rooftop terrace was faintly visible at the very top.

Yin Suwan put her mask and hat back on, then slipped her arm through his as they walked into the lobby.

The two of them walked through the magnificent lobby and took the elevator straight to the top floor.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a wide, open space.

It was a revolving rooftop restaurant with a minimalist yet luxurious decor.

Massive floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city's nightscape, with the lights of the distant Jingzhou TV Tower flickering in the night sky.

Because it was winter, the outdoor terrace was closed, but the window seats still offered the best views.

Yin Suwan had clearly made arrangements beforehand, as the server led them straight to a booth in the furthest corner.

The location was secluded and highly private, with no other guests around.

The server presented the menus. Yin Suwan took one and expertly ordered a few dishes.

Su Bai leaned back in his seat, gazing at the distant night view.

“Boss.”

Yin Suwan called out softly.

He turned his head and saw her holding the wine list, her eyes shining as she looked at him.

“Care for a drink?”

Su Bai nodded and asked,

“Don't you have any plans tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow is my day off,” she blinked,

“And since it's so rare for me to see you, I wanted to have a drink with you.”

Su Bai thought about it and nodded.

The wine was served quickly. The server opened it and let it breathe for a bit.

Yin Suwan poured the wine herself, her movements elegant and measured.

“Cheers,” she said, raising her glass.

Su Bai raised his glass and clinked it gently against hers.

The wine was rich and slightly astringent upon entry.

The two chatted as they ate.

Yin Suwan talked about her recent schedule.

Her new brand endorsements, the variety show she was recording next month, and her planned new dance videos.

Su Bai listened, occasionally nodding or offering a bit of advice.

She seemed exceptionally happy today, talking much more than usual.

Su Bai spent most of the time listening, occasionally giving a brief response.

Before they knew it, they had finished the bottle.

After a few drinks, a flush gradually spread across Yin Suwan's cheeks.

Her Chinese wasn't very good to begin with, and after drinking, it became even clumsier. She stumbled over her words with a heavy Korean accent.

But she smiled happily, her bright eyes never leaving Su Bai.

“Boss...” She raised her glass again. “One... one more drink...”

Su Bai looked at her.

Her gaze was already somewhat unfocused, and her hand holding the glass trembled slightly.

“You're drunk,” he said.

“N-No...” Yin Suwan shook her head, but the motion made her sway.

“I can still drink...”

Yin Suwan's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes grew increasingly hazy.

Her voice grew softer and softer, and she would occasionally space out, as if lost in thought.

“That's enough,” Su Bai said, putting down his glass.

“I'll take you back to rest.”

Yin Suwan nodded and stood up, her steps somewhat unsteady.

Su Bai supported her.

She leaned against him, her body as soft as putty.

“Can you walk on your own?” Su Bai asked.

As soon as the words left his mouth, her head slumped to the side and she collapsed back onto the seat.

Su Bai: “...”

He set down his glass, stood up, and walked over to her side.

Yin Suwan's eyes were closed, her cheeks crimson, and her breathing steady.

She seemed truly drunk.

Su Bai sighed.

He helped her up, letting her lean against him. One of his arms wrapped around her waist, while his other hand supported her arm.

“Where's your room key?”

Yin Suwan opened her eyes groggily, glanced at him, and then closed them again.

Her hand fumbled in her bag for a long time before she finally pulled out a key card.

Su Bai took the key card and helped her out of the restaurant.

The elevator went down, arriving at the floor where her room was located.

He swiped the card to open the door and helped her inside.

The room was lit with warm-toned lights, and the air was filled with a faint scent of perfume.

A large bed occupied most of the space, and outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was the city's night view.

Su Bai helped her to the bedside and laid her down.

He helped her take off her high heels and pulled the blanket over her.

Just as he was about to get up and leave—

A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Yin Suwan lay on the bed with her eyes closed, but her hand tightly gripped the corner of his shirt, refusing to let go.

“Oppa...” she whispered, with the slurred tone of someone drunk.

“Don't go...”

Su Bai stood there without moving.

“I... I've been waiting for this day... for a long time...” her voice was halting.

“I don't have... any other intentions... it's just...”

She opened her eyes and looked at him.

“Could you stay with me for a little while?”

There was no drunkenness in those eyes.

They were clear and bright, filled with a trace of anxiety and anticipation.

Su Bai's expression darkened.

“You're faking it?”

Yin Suwan's body stiffened slightly.

She sat up in bed. The blanket slid down, revealing the exquisite curves outlined by her black knit dress.

Her hair was slightly messy, and her cheeks still bore a post-alcohol flush, but her gaze was perfectly clear.

“Uh... I...”

The room fell silent for a few seconds.

“You know,” Su Bai's voice was flat,

“I don't like it when people lie to me.”

Yin Suwan's shoulders trembled slightly.

“I just... wanted to keep you here a little longer,” her voice grew softer, laced with panic.

She couldn't go on.

Su Bai looked down at her.

Her fingers gripping his sleeve turned white from the strain, her eyes filled with dread and pleading.

A glistening tear even clung to her eyelashes.

“Boss,” she took a deep breath, as if making up her mind.

“I want to repay you.”

Su Bai didn't say anything.

“I don't want any official status,” she looked up, meeting his eyes.

“I know we belong to different worlds. You have your own life and your own circle, and I'm just an artist you signed.”

“But you gave me everything. I really... really want to repay you.”

She let go of his wrist and knelt on the bed, looking up at him.

“Let me, just this once,” she said tremulously,

“Is that okay?”