Deep into the night, neon lights set the river city ablaze, within which countless men and women lose themselves in life’s intoxicating dreams, mired in the bustling noise and chaos.
"Sir, here's your 'Flaming Red Lips'."
In the night club of River City, Gu Yuan placed the tray of drinks on the low table. Her clear voice did not stand out amid the glare of lights and cacophony surrounding her. She politely smiled and prepared to walk away.
"Um, miss, why not join us for a drink, what do you say?"
The man in the floral shirt unexpectedly blocked Gu Yuan's way, his eyes revealing notable intent, roving her body inappropriately, and his teasing invitation was out of line.
"I'm sorry, sir, I'm currently working and can't drink. Please understand."
Gu Yuan tensed and instinctively stepped back to maintain a safe distance, responding politely.
"Working? We are the customers here. Keeping us company and helping us enjoy our time - isn't that your job? If you do a good job, you won't miss out on the tips, hm."
He moved a few steps closer again, leaning in to sniff her neck, his face filled with suggestive intent. The scene aroused whistles from those sitting behind.
"Sir, you've had too much."
With a stern face, Gu Yuan instinctively reached out to push the man away, only for him to lose his balance, and stumble backwards. His head hit the edge of the neighboring round table with a thud, overturning the drinks on it.
The man sitting at the corner table frowned, his face darkening. His pitch-black eyes were so intense they seemed like undiluted ink.
"Throw him out!"
The harsh rasp seemed to come from far away, pressing on everyone's nerves.
Half an hour later, Gu Yuan stood at the entrance of the club, sighing dispiritedly.
Unexpectedly, her job of half a month was yet again in jeopardy.
She stroked her face, feeling the burning sensation from the fight. The man she had accidentally knocked down and his friends did not let it go, causing chaos in the bar hall.
If it was not for that man... She guessed that she would not have been fortunate enough to walk out of the bar unscathed.
In her memory, that man would always sit in the corner of the bar, drinking alone with just a single order each time. She had never served him, but his intervention was most likely because the fight disturbed his peace.
Taking up work in such a place was a necessity for her, considering the imminent need to pay her college tuition. The wage at Night Bar was quite appealing and she needed to work just one summer to cover her costs.
But now…
In the midst of her thoughts, her phone in the bag rang. Picking it up, she glanced at the caller ID and pursed her lips, a bit reluctant to answer. But then thinking of her tuition...
"Hello...Mom..."
"Don’t call me mom, I am not your mother."
Before she finished speaking, she was immediately interrupted. Gu Yuan clinched her fist tightly, bitterness flashing in her eyes, "Understood, Mrs. Gu."
"Hmm, return quickly, I have something to tell you."
Looking around, Gu Yuan could tell the distance to the Gu residence. She asked cautiously:
"Does your matter need urgent attention? I have to go to school later, I..."
"What, my words do not count now? Get back here immediately, or don’t even think about setting foot in the Gu house again."
The voice on the other side was bundled with anger, supercilious and dictatorial. With that said, the call was cut off abruptly.
