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the impression of being carefree and nonchalant, as if nothing bothered him. It seemed like any serious matter would become a joke in his hands. But today, his aura reminded Lin Meng of Rong Ling's fu...Wandering aimlessly, like a walking corpse, she strolled down one street after another. When tired, she would find a place to rest. After sitting for a while, she would get up and continue walking. The streets were bustling with people, full of excitement, but she felt like she was walking through a scorching desert. Everything around her was hot, yet her heart was parched.

Look at the people around you, even if they are in a hurry, they still have a goal. But she, she can't find a way forward at all!

Look at those uncles and aunties, grandpas and grandmas, carrying some simple food, ambling home with a faint smile on their lips. Although they may be poor, they still have a home to go to. But what about her She has nowhere to belong. When she goes back, she'll definitely be taken to "dinner," a feast of rich dishes, perhaps even abalone and bird's nest. But such extravagance can't stir up even a shred of joy in her!

Night fell, growing deeper and deeper, but there was no wind.

A summer night is like this, stifling and sweltering.

She had sweated all day long, and without eating anything for the entire day, she felt an emptiness in her stomach. She could feel the pangs of hunger, but she just didn't want to eat. Eating would give her energy, right But what energy was she saving it for! Even though she was exhausted, she stubbornly wanted to keep walking. Perhaps, by traversing this dark night, and reaching the end of it, waiting for the darkness to pass, she could welcome the dawn of a new beginning!

Who knows!

She smiled sheepishly.

Time had lost all meaning for her!

Even on the hottest night, it was still cold. As midnight approached, the chill became more pronounced. In a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, with legs heavy from exertion, Lin Meng looked up at the pitch-black sky and suddenly felt exhausted!

Longing for redemption, longing for the sun after the rain, it was as unreal as a fairy tale she had seen as a child! She made countless pleas to all sorts of deities, but now she was still wandering the streets, still down on her luck like a beggar!

Well, that's about it!

The dim street was deserted, with few people around and even fewer passing cars. Perhaps this was the time when all sorts of demons and monsters came out to play. She wanted to just destroy herself, to vanish from this world, but a sliver of rationality remained, or perhaps it was fear of being dragged into a dark alley by some man and raped!

So, she helplessly picked the road with neon lights. Then, she saw it—the stairway to heaven at night!

The night sky is cool as water, lying down and watching the Weaver Girl and Cowherd stars!

A very intriguing name, accompanied by a silvery glow, shimmering like stars in the sky. Tonight, the clouds were thick and heavy, covering the sky with no stars or moon. This loneliness pierced Lin Meng's heart at that moment. When she narrowed her eyes to look again, she saw a large sign hanging outside this shop of unknown nature. In the bright light, it was very clear.

Our shop is officially opening today! All purchases made by our customers today will be completely free!

"All expenses waived..."

Lin Meng mumbled to herself, if everything was waived, then maybe the accommodation fee would be waived too She didn't want to go home today! Let her skip it for just one day.

She swayed in and the men and women surrounding her, of all ages, stared at her with surprise.

Although her complexion was pale at the moment, due to not having eaten in a day, she looked somewhat anemic. However, this did not detract from her beauty. She was still a stunning girl. As soon as she entered this newly opened bar, she easily attracted the attention of all the men and women present, naturally including the bartender, Ah Zhou!

A Zhou saw the young girl and frowned. His gaze was always piercing, able to guess a person's identity and status from their appearance. The young girl looked like a middle or high school student.

"Lisa, come here!"

Bartender A Zhou called over the female attendant Lisa, gesturing for her to greet Lin Meng who seemed lost like a lamb. A Zhou was not only the bartender here but also a shareholder. He didn't want any unnecessary trouble for his newly opened hotel on its first day, although, no one had ever dared to cause him trouble!

Lisa giggled softly, twisting her slender waist as she went to fetch Lin Meng. Lin Meng, with eyes half-closed, allowed himself to be led to the bar by Lisa without any resistance. Lisa winked at Ah Zhou and sauntered away, her alluring hips swaying invitingly.

A Zhou looked at the girl lying on the bar counter, docile as a little rabbit, her hands placed neatly. At first glance, it was the kind of behavior one would expect from a student council member. He chuckled softly: "Little sister, this isn't a place for you!"

That coaxing tone, isn't it just like soothing a little sister

However, A Zhou was quite startled by the woman's appearance. He couldn't believe that on his very first day of opening his shop, he would encounter such a girl who was as beautiful as an immortal. Her hair was like clouds of ink, her face as white as snow, her eyebrows were willow-like, and her eyes were moist and glistening, just like the fairies in Mr. Liao Zhai's writings.

"Hee hee," Ah Zhou chuckled softly. Just now, he thought this girl resembled a fairy, but now, he found her more like a fox spirit. It was the unintentional allure and laziness she exuded that was too captivating. It seemed like she already had someone. This kind of charm wasn't something an inexperienced girl could possess. What piqued his curiosity was how her "owner" could bear to let her roam around. His hotel was relatively legitimate, without those shady dealings. If she had ventured into another bar today, she might have been devoured tonight, not even a bone left.

Lin Meng hummed softly, feeling utterly drained. She had originally felt full of energy as she walked, capable of continuing until the end of time. But once she started working, exhaustion set in; her legs ached and she no longer wanted to move.

A Zhou couldn't help but chuckle at her languid appearance. The bartender, however, was unhurried as he mixed drinks. In a short while, several brightly colored cocktails were ready in his hand. He smiled faintly and presented the drinks to the guests.

This girl was definitely a magnet. Within a minute of sitting down, she had the customers' attention, especially the male ones, who kept flocking to the bar. Ah Zhou couldn't help but think about getting this girl to work at his own place as a bartender. With her charisma and looks, business would surely boom. But then he thought of his boss's icy face, and quickly abandoned the idea.

Although the boss is ruthless and will stop at nothing when necessary, he still abides by the law. He would definitely not allow openly employing underage girls. However, I heard recently that the boss himself broke the law knowingly and brought in an underage girl. They say she's very beautiful, I wonder if she can compare to the girl in front of me!

Azhou was daydreaming, thinking about how he usually mixed drinks quickly.

Lin Meng was somewhat attracted by A Zhou's craft. The multicolored liquor in the transparent glass deeply captivated her. So, she extended a finger and pointed.

"Is it free!" she asked. Her young, slender fingers swayed in the dim lighting of the bar, making her skin appear particularly alluringly white.

Before Ah Zhou could speak, a man with ulterior motives piped up, "It's free."

"Oh!"

Thus, Lin Meng ordered a cup.

At this point, it wasn't about being underage or not. The bar was just opening today and wasn't really making money anyway. Having underage girls drink there wasn't a big deal. Ah Zhou was someone who always scoffed at the law, if Lin Meng wanted it, he'd get it for her!

A Zhou's skills were pretty good. The wine he made was very sweet, not spicy at all, and the alcohol content wasn't high either. A Zhou thought the little girl was just curious and probably came in because she saw the words "Free" outside. He let her try a taste. But he obviously misjudged her. This girl drank cup after cup. Although he specially made her a drink with a lower alcohol content that wouldn't get her drunk easily, it couldn't stand against Lin Meng's relentless drinking. Besides, Lin Meng had never drunk before. In no time, she became tipsy. Her face was flushed, her eyes were hazy, and she looked like a beautiful drunk woman, making the men around her with ulterior motives stare straight at her.

Lin Meng had drunk too much. Looking at the colorful cocktails in Ah Zhou's hands, she started to giggle uncontrollably. She stretched out her white arm, giggling dizzily, and reached for the drinks. Ah Zhou blocked her several times. Seeing Lin Meng, who was intoxicated and acting more like a child, he suddenly felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. What kind of little imp had he invited in!

"Sister, tell big brother, where is your home! Big brother will send you back!"

Alright, considering how pretty this little girl is, he'll be generous and get her a driver to take her home.

Lin Meng frowned, her intoxicated brain subconsciously resisting the word "home."

"Home!" she huffed, displeasure coloring her voice. "I... I don't have a home, I... I don't... want... to... go... home!"

Mumbling to herself, she pursed her ruby red lips.

A male customer nearby couldn't help himself and took a few steps to Lin Meng's side.

"Hehehe, little beauty, since you don't want to go home, why not come to my place"

A Zhou's expression turned cold, naturally seeing the malice in the man's heart. But since the visitor was a guest, and it was his first day of business, now was not the time for him to make a move.

Lin Meng shook his head, vaguely seeing a strange face. His head became even more dizzy.

"Who... who are you!"

The man chuckled slyly and replied, "I'm the one who brings you home!"

"I... I won't go home, I... I won't go back!" Lin Meng waved her hands forcefully, shouting out loud.

Now, everyone who had paid attention to her knows that this pretty little girl is drunk. At this point, if a man doesn't make a move, what kind of man is he!

A few men nearby exchanged glances and started to get up from their seats, looking like they were going to come over and try to take her.

A Zhou saw this, frowning. He thought to himself, "This woman is truly a calamity. Though young, her power remains formidable. It seems I must deploy my men sooner than expected!

Just then, a somewhat youthful-looking boy rushed out, reaching out to grab Lin Meng's shoulder with no hesitation. The young man who had been trying hard to lead Lin Meng away saw this and immediately became displeased.

"Who are you!" It's not like there's a first-come, first-served rule for committing crimes. This girl started it; the later arrivals have no right to take over.

Gu Jianxi let out a cold smile, pulled Lin Meng into his arms, and raised his chin slightly, which already had an air of aloofness. He said coldly, "I am Gu Jianxi, this woman is mine. What, do you want to fight me for her!"

Gu Jianxi!

The man's face changed slightly. Anyone who has spent some time in the world of alcohol and entertainment knows that this generation's young master, Gu Jianxi, is not to be trifled with. His father and grandfather are high-ranking officials in a certain military region, certainly not ordinary people! This kid himself is quite capable, his skills are excellent. It is said that once, he single-handedly taught three hoodlums a lesson. There's even talk of a well-connected bar that somehow angered Gu Jianxi, this young master. Gu Jianxi immediately threatened to destroy the bar, and within a few days, the bar closed its doors for good. This generation of people involved in the alcohol and entertainment business all know that sixteen-year-old Master Gu Jianxi is not someone you want to mess with. If you dare to provoke him, be prepared to be destroyed!

"Heh heh…" The man chuckled twice and took a step back. "I didn't know it was your people, my apologies, my apologies!"

Gu Jianxi let out a cold snort. Although this boy was only sixteen, the same age as Lin Meng, his experiences wandering society since childhood had made him look much more mature than his actual age. He stood at 1.8 meters tall with a sturdy build, honed from countless brawls and fights. His wheat-colored skin was tanned by running under the sun. He didn't look like a boy anymore; he seemed like a little adult. Especially certain unintentional movements and glances that appeared even more ruthless and imposing than some adults, making people truly underestimate him at their peril.

That man saw that Gu Jianxi didn't seem to be very angry, and hastily scurried away. Now was the time to run, why wait any longer. As for those other men who were eager to make a move, when they heard Gu Jianxi announce his name, they wisely stopped in their tracks. Those who should sit down continued to cling to their cold benches, and those who should leave continued to do so.

Gu Jianxi tightened his jaw and, with a wolf-like fierce gaze, coldly scanned the entire audience. Only after ensuring that no one dared to mess with the girl in his arms did he retract his gaze. Lowering his head, he looked at the girl lazily leaning against him, and Gu Jianxi felt a surge of joy in his heart. After all, he was still only sixteen years old. Despite his mature appearance, sometimes his happiness and anger were not perfectly controlled.

This girl, when she first entered school, he was very moved. But because they were in the same class, he saw her usual solitary behavior and indifference to those boys who confessed to her, and seeing that she studied so well, he gave up the idea of asking her to be his girlfriend.

Although the school beauty is pretty, she's not suitable for him. The kind of girl he wants is someone fun and easygoing, who can just part ways amicably. Girls like her, who are both smart and beautiful, probably have some airs and pretenses, unwilling to hang out with "bad students." He doesn't want to put in the effort to pursue Lin Meng either. It's always been you walking your sunny path and me crossing my own bridge.

So, Gu Jianxi's several buddies found it quite puzzling and asked him, "Brother Xi, you see the new school flower from your school is in your class. Such a good opportunity! Why don't you try to get her!"

Gu Jianxi's answer was: "Trouble!"

Such a good girl, he might be able to get her, but if they break up, she'll probably cry, make a scene, and even try to commit suicide. He doesn't have time for that kind of drama with girls like that. It's better to find someone who can play along and have fun!

But, honey, look what he missed!

This girl, she's actually smoking and drinking, and she even went to a place like that bar, where all sorts of people mix! But it turned out, after wandering around for a bit, she was on the same way as him. That day when he saw her smoking, that somewhat detached but very alluring posture had already captivated him. Afterward, he wanted to get closer to her, but she always kept a cold face and ignored him. After school, he found it really strange how she seemed to enjoy not having evening self-study, making it hard for him to catch up with her. But now...

Gu Jianxi chuckled, "Look, didn't it fall into his hands after all This... is his anyway, he can't escape it!"

He looked at the girl in his arms with even greater joy, finding her both obedient and delicate. He couldn't help but lower his head and kiss her on the lips. The tender touch was so beautiful that his heart skipped a beat. Having kissed her today, he finally felt that all those days of longing were worth it.

"Come with me!"

Gu Jianxi was really smitten with her. This girl, who embodied the softened contradictions, was unprecedented in his life, igniting an unprecedented flame in his heart. That day, seeing her smoking in the dim alleyway, when he called out to her, she slowly turned her head. Through the swirling smoke, her hazy gaze pierced his heart. At that moment, he vowed to himself that he would win her over!

Lin Meng was dazedly helped up, feeling herself being led away. She instinctively reached out and pushed, looking up at him, but she couldn't make out his features.

"Who are you!" she asked, her voice slurring slightly from the alcohol.

Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, like black butterflies dancing lightly. It was truly beautiful.

Gu Jianxi suddenly felt like he had found a priceless treasure. He desperately wanted to hold this soft girl in his arms forever. He lowered his head and gave her another kiss, the sweetness lingering in his heart. He was ecstatic, feeling that this trip out tonight was totally worth it, so freaking worth it!

"Lin Meng, my name is Gu Jianxi, and I'm in the same class as you. We are classmates!"

Ancient... strong... prosperous...

Three words, they danced in her mind, swirling for a long time, until even Lin Meng, who was completely drunk, felt like there really was such a person!

"Oh... ancient..."

She mumbled softly, taking deep steps and shallow steps, walking very unsteadily. Luckily, Gu Jianxi was holding her arm. She squinted her eyes, with a flushed face from being drunk, and a cute silly smile, being dragged away by Gu Jianxi.

Gu Jianxi couldn't help himself. Seeing her silly smile, so adorable, he walked a few steps closer and leaned down to kiss her. His heart was filled with joy, he felt lightheaded, like his whole world was complete just because she was there. He didn't care about anything else; he was happy! The girl in his arms was soft, warm. Holding her, watching her silly grin, listening to her drunken mumbles, it seemed to melt away the ice that had been weighing on his heart for so long!

Just like that, he laughed uncontrollably and hugged her as they walked out. As they neared the door, the patrons who had been watching them in the bar couldn't help but sigh. Such a beautiful girl was finally taken by someone.

Unexpectedly, a gust of wind blew at that moment, rustling the wind chime hanging by the door. With a crisp "ding ding dong dong," a group of people walked in. First came two burly men in black suits who stood at the entrance. It seemed like they were welcoming some important person or perhaps providing protection.

Then, two dazzling young men walked in. When I say dazzling, it's because the two were exceptionally handsome. Simple short sleeves and jeans on them somehow gave off a feeling of recklessness mixed with handsomeness. The young man also didn't follow any rules. His hair was dyed as he wished, his ears had piercings, and around his neck and hands hung some skull-like pendants, all very alternative and cutting-edge outfits. Such an outfit would often make people feel too frivolous or immature, but these two young men did not have that feeling at all. Instead, they gave off a sense of neutrality, maturity, and recklessness, and even more so than the youthful passion and vigor!

Two young people laughed and leaned their heads together, as if saying something to the person behind them. Judging by their appearance, the person behind them seemed to be of high status.

When the person in the back finally stepped into the light, all the men present instantly felt ashamed of themselves!

Unlike the two young men before him, whose attire was casual and carefree, the man behind them wore a meticulously tailored three-piece suit. His jacket was impeccably pressed, without a single wrinkle visible. From afar, it was clear that it was an expensive garment. The man stood tall with an imposing presence that radiated power. Even from a distance, one could feel the weight of his gaze pressing down upon them.

The man's face was sculpted with breathtaking beauty, a kind that would make others envious to death. His eyes were indifferent, his expression cold, betraying someone accustomed to power and high positions, one who wasn't easily approachable. The man slightly raised his long sword eyebrows, glancing casually around the bar. Though seemingly unintentional, anyone caught in his gaze felt a chill emanating from those lonely and icy eyes, a hint of chilling sharpness that made them involuntarily stiffen and shiver.

It is rumored that this bar has a deep background, with a big shot pulling strings behind the scenes. Everyone speculates that it must be this person. If it really is him, then this "Tianjie Yesi" bar will probably be unaffordable for ordinary people like us in the future! Besides, on the opening day, the drinks are free. Other bars have done this before, but there's no other place in J City that would dare to serve such high-end liquor and let guests drink freely!

What a generous gesture!

The crowd gasped, looking at the man of unknown identity with even more reverence!

Yu Xu, who was walking in the front, smirked. He proudly patted his head of bright gold hair and said to his elder brother, "Big bro, how is it I did a pretty good job with this bar, right!"

The awe-inspiring man, however, was just being disrespected!

He scanned the bar, nodding lightly in approval!

Yet suddenly, those eyes that bore a hint of sharpness saw something they absolutely shouldn't have. That familiar figure, even that familiar small face, were recognizable even if turned to ashes!

He slowly narrowed his eyes. The face that was about to break into a smile instantly darkened, becoming ashen and emitting a chill aura with a hint of killing intent.

Yu Xu was stunned, his body stiffened. He thought to himself, "Could it be that I've made a mistake" He hurriedly followed Rong Ling's gaze. When he saw the girl who shouldn't have been in this place, his mouth gaped open into an 'O' shape, looking quite comical and unable to close again. In his heart, he involuntarily uttered a Buddhist phrase: "Amitabha Buddha, female donor, please take good care of yourself!"

Rong Ling remained motionless, which greatly surprised Yu Xu. He had expected his older brother to rush forward with murderous intent and give the young man a good beating. Suddenly, he realized that such impulsiveness was more in line with his own style. As for his older brother, he was always inscrutable, silent as a mountain at critical moments, making it impossible for anyone to guess his actions!

However, Rong Ling stood still, and naturally, he remained motionless as well. Thus, the group of people found themselves blocked at the doorway.

Rong Ling looked at Lin Meng, who was clearly drunk and leaning against someone else's embrace, with cold eyes. A surge of immense disappointment suddenly welled up in her heart: This was the girl who kept saying she would be obedient, yet in such a short time, less than a day, she had changed completely, falling into another person's arms! Was this being well-behaved Was this what she meant!

In my heart, there is a cold rage. I truly wish I could go back and give that strange kid a good beating. I would also like to break his unruly, indecent hand that was resting on the girl's waist in two, making him see what it means to touch his woman. But suddenly, I feel a sense of disappointment so profound that I just want to stand by and watch.

Gu Jianxi naturally saw the sudden appearance of the line of men, especially the one in the middle, who was particularly noteworthy. He instinctively felt that the man in the middle was extremely dangerous and a very difficult person to deal with; it would be best never to become enemies with him. If it were another time, Gu Jianxi would definitely try his best to get closer to this man and make friends. After all, "heroes cherish heroes," only those with great ambitions could easily find similar companions among the crowd. But today—no!

Guo Jianxi shook his head. Today, no matter how big the person or event was, it couldn't compare to the little girl in his arms!

He felt the man's sharp gaze on him, afraid that he had also noticed the girl in his arms. He hastily reached out and covered Lin Meng's face. He was a smart man and didn't want to get into unnecessary trouble.

As he watched, Lin Meng took step by step, closer to Rong Ling. Just as he was about to brush past him and walk out the door, Rong Ling suddenly moved. Unable to control himself, he took a big step to the side, extending his powerful arm and forcefully pulled Lin Meng from Gu Jianxi's arms, tugging him harshly into his own embrace.Lin Meng’s dizzy head felt a jolt. He looked up, mumbled unhappily, and let out a faint breath of alcohol. It was clear he wasn’t completely sober. Rong Ling, with his cold face, ignored it.

But Gu Jianxi became anxious and angry.

"Who are you! What do you think you're doing to my woman!"

He suddenly shouted, reached out his hand, and was about to pull Lin Meng back. But he was stopped by two burly men in black who blocked his way.

Rong Ling's eyes darkened deeply, and those familiar with him knew he was angry, and not mildly so. Who dared to provoke him at this time would be courting death.

"Your woman!" Rong Ling let out a cold snort. "When did she become yours I have no idea!"

Gu Jianxi was speechless for a moment, having a bad premonition. Could this person also know Lin Meng! He glanced at Lin Meng, who was softly nestled in Rong Ling's arms, her delicate face revealing an alluring pink blush. He felt heartache and unwillingness, but under Rong Ling's powerful aura, she still stubbornly straightened her neck, clenched her jaw, and glared at him with danger in her eyes.

"Who are you State your name!"

Rong Ling narrowed his eyes, looking at this seemingly well-connected boy who dared to bark orders. Anger surged within him. After a cold snort, he lowered his head and wickedly pressed against Lin Meng's lips, punishing her with a bite, relishing the low whimper that escaped her.

What are you doing!

As soon as Gu Jianxi let out a bellow, widened his eyes, and clenched his fists ready to strike, Rong Ling raised his head. His gaze was sharp as he glared at Gu Jianxi with an icy coldness before letting out a low, chilling hum.

"I'm her man! Who are you"

This is it!

Gu Jianxi's heart was burning with anger, but his biological instincts told him that the man in front of him was someone he couldn't provoke at will. Seeing Rong Ling hug Lin Meng tightly, his heart felt a mixture of anger and resentment.

"You say he's her man, what evidence do you have!"

Rong Ling narrowed her eyes, the coldness in her gaze intensifying.

"Want to see the evidence Follow me!"

He was truly furious. If he didn't give this boy, and this disobedient little woman in his arms, a good lesson, he wouldn't be able to contain his anger.

After saying that, he picked up Lin Meng in one hand and turned his head to order Yu Xu: "Lao Si, find me a quiet private room!"

Yu Xu raised an eyebrow in agreement, his gaze fixed on Gu Jianxi's eyes with a strange and unreadable glint.

He led the way at the front, with the rest of the group following behind. Gu Jianxi was determined to walk side by side with Rong Ling, but he couldn't stand Rong Ling's improper actions towards Lin Meng while having his back turned. Every time he tried to get closer to Rong Ling, he was stopped by two men in black. It just so happened that he maintained a distance of about three steps from Rong Ling.

Lin Meng felt like she was being held up, but the hazy alcohol in her brain made it difficult to figure out what was wrong. She instinctively struggled for a moment.

"...let go..."

She mumbled softly, extending her small hand and pushing randomly in the air, but only met with some air.

Rong Ling looked at her, his brows furrowed tightly. This disobedient little woman was simply courting death. If he hadn't come here to support her tonight, after seeing what happened, would she even have a way out!

Fuming with anger, he tightened his grip on her, squeezing her tightly.

She struggled uncomfortably, her mouth opening and closing as if in complaint. Her arms and legs kicked wildly, listlessly, like a shrimp out of water. Rong Ling was too lazy to pay her any attention, letting her thrash about as she pleased. Let's see how she manages to clean up this mess after he's done with her!d by the sudden news. The carefree smile with which she had just rejected him seemed impossible to utter again. But was she simply going to agreeBefore Lin Meng could speak, Ruan Chenghui immediately...