YMW CH 8

Huh???

Chu Zijian merely entertained the thought but wouldn’t dare say it aloud in front of Cen Wu. Instead, slinging his arm around Cen Wu’s shoulder, he led him into the bar. “Come on, Second Young Master, my treat tonight!”

The original host was generous. For instance, at gatherings like this or trips to clubs, as long as Xie Shangjing wasn’t around, he would cover all the expenses.

Naturally, Chu Zijian and the others followed him for such perks. However, no one was naive; even the original host wouldn’t stand for being used. Therefore, they occasionally treated him in return.

Meanwhile, Cen Wu tensed up, his beautiful eyes widening in panic above the mask.

As night descended, neon lights flickered outside one of Huaijing’s most luxurious bars. The moment they reached the entrance, the pounding music and bustling crowd painted a vivid scene of indulgence and excess.

“Second Young Master,” Chu Zijian, clearly a regular, led Cen Wu to a reserved booth. After they sat down, he asked, “What do you feel like drinking tonight?”

Almost immediately, a perceptive waiter approached, bowing as he handed Cen Wu a drink menu. “Please take a look.”

“I…” The circular booth offered some comfort. Finally, Cen Wu’s flushed lips moved, though his voice still trembled. “Just water, please.”

After all, a high school student had no business drinking.

He dreaded facing his parents at home, reeking of alcohol. It would be a disaster.

Although his parents pampered the original host—buying an entire bar wouldn’t faze them—Cen Wu wasn’t their biological child. Therefore, he preferred to stay out of trouble.

“…?”

The waiter almost thought he’d misheard.

Lan Ye was one of Huaijing’s top bars. In fact, Cen Wu often came here with Chu Zijian. They’d always splurged on champagne towers, acting as if money burned a hole in their pockets.

So, what changed? The Cen family wasn’t bankrupt.

Without asking further, the waiter took back the menu and bowed. “Very well. Please wait.”

20 minutes later, Cen Wu finally calmed down. Consequently, his mind was sharp again, and he began scanning the bar for Xie Guilan.

Chu Zijian hadn’t organized a large gathering. Nevertheless, even when it was just them, they usually had a great time.

Tonight, though, Cen Wu was quiet, glancing around as if searching for someone.

As a loyal follower, Chu Zijian realized something. Waving a waiter over, he whispered briefly. After a quick nod, the waiter left.

Focused on his search, Cen Wu didn’t notice anything until several stylish, minimally dressed men approached and sat close on either side.

Cen Wu: “…”

Cen Wu: ???

The man on his left was good-looking, around 27 or 28, with sharp eyes and pale skin. His slicked-back hair and flashy burgundy suit, accented by a silver necklace, exuded an intense cologne.

“Second Young Master,” the man smiled, pouring Cen Wu a drink. “Not dancing tonight?”

Huh?

Still dazed, Cen Wu turned to see the younger man on his right pouring another drink.

This one, barely in his twenties, wore a black tank top that highlighted well-defined muscles—the kind that would go viral online. Leaning closer with a playful tone, he whispered, “I messaged you last night, but you ignored me. Is horse riding more fun than me?”

Huh??

Cen Wu suddenly remembered. This face was familiar; it was the first message he’d opened last night, and the guy’s abs had kept him scrolling until 3 AM.

Wait, this guy’s voice was unexpectedly soft!

Meanwhile, Chu Zijian shifted casually. Before Cen Wu could react, more men and women crowded in, though mostly men.

Chu Zijian smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Second Young Master, some new faces are here tonight. I asked the manager to send them over.”

Huh???

Cen Wu’s pale cheeks flushed deep red. His lashes fluttered, and he tried to escape, but the crowd hemmed him in. Too many legs, too many hands—no way out.

Where was the fun, carefree novel scenario? Why were there so many guys?!

Trapped between them, he felt like he’d fallen into a spider’s web.

He’d come to relax but now looked disheveled, flushed, and teary-eyed—as if he were the one being overwhelmed.

Just as he neared breaking point, Cen Wu glimpsed a familiar figure through the swirling lights.

!!!

Xie Guilan approached in the bar’s uniform: a white shirt and black vest. His black trousers accentuated his height and long legs.

Under the flashing lights, his pale skin looked cold and stern. His narrow eyes seemed out of place in the lively scene.

Noticing someone staring, Xie Guilan turned and met Cen Wu’s tearful gaze.

Cen Wu: Help me. Please help me…

Xie Guilan’s eyes darkened, glancing at the men around Cen Wu with disdain.

Frivolous. Shameless.

Everyone in Huaijing knew Cen Wu loved adding contacts, refusing to consider anyone without abs.

Xie Guilan despised him and often avoided him. He’d seen too many of the young master’s flirty encounters.

Even tonight’s new models knew the drill.

Anxiously, Cen Wu looked at Xie Guilan but accidentally locked eyes with a nearby model—a handsome, nervous newcomer. His ears turned red as he quickly handed over his phone, pretending to be shy. “Second Young Master, should I scan you, or do you want to scan me?”

Cen Wu: “…”

Not what I meant.

Without changing expression, Xie Guilan walked away, leaving Cen Wu speechless.

No mercy at all.

Finally, Cen Wu retreated into the corner. Despite the crowd, no one dared touch him.

In the original story, the Cen family’s power was immense. Nearly half of Huaijing’s businesses were connected to them.

No one would dare take advantage of Cen Wu.

To catch Cen Wu’s attention, the models relied on their looks or found ways to show off their abs, hoping his gaze would linger on them for even a second.

Surrounded by overly friendly men, Cen Wu felt dizzy and overwhelmed. He withdrew into himself, pulling his mask back on. Now, even his pale, delicate chin was covered, leaving only his striking, slightly flushed eyes visible.

His eyes had a unique shape: the inner corners curved sharply, while the outer corners lifted subtly. When he lowered his gaze, the line of his eyes extended naturally, exuding a cold, distant vibe.

Cen Wu’s social anxiety came in stages. At first, he might blush and stammer, but when it hit hard, he’d shut down completely. His expression would freeze, turning icy and aloof. Despite his young age, this aura made him untouchable, even on set.

“Second Young Master…” The male model next to him hesitated, deciding against refilling Cen Wu’s glass. Instead, he clammed up, staying quiet.

Cen Wu had only come to the bar because he was worried Xie Shangjing might cause trouble for Xie Guilan. Now, it was almost 10 PM, and there was still no sign of Xie Shangjing. It seemed he wouldn’t show up after all.

Just as he was debating whether to leave, a heated argument broke out above the loud music.

Cen Wu turned his head and saw that it was happening at the table where Xie Guilan had been delivering drinks.

“Second Young Master, isn’t that Wang Yue?” Chu Zijian had noticed too and followed Cen Wu’s gaze.

Cen Wu recognized the name. Wang Yue was also a rich kid, but his family was a newly wealthy one that had made their fortune in mining before expanding into entertainment. They were rolling in money but weren’t exactly respected by Huaijing’s old-money elite. The original Cen Wu hadn’t associated much with him.

In the novel, Cen Wu only met Wang Yue much later. By then, Xie Guilan had returned to the Cen family but remained emotionally distant from Cen’s parents and refused to join the family business. Instead, he’d started his own entertainment company and challenged Wang Yue directly.

Of course, Wang Yue lost miserably. Unwilling to accept defeat, he later tried to frame Xie Guilan with a staged accident.

But that was far in the future. Right now, Cen Wu was puzzled. Could there already be bad blood between Xie Guilan and Wang Yue?

“Second Young Master,” Chu Zijian nudged him, eyes wide. “Look! Do you see that?”

“I… I see it.” Cen Wu swallowed hard.

Chu Zijian frowned. “What exactly do you see?”

Cen Wu stammered, “H-his fists… They’re clenched.”

Xie Guilan wore the bar’s black leather gloves, so his hands were hidden. However, his rolled-up white shirt sleeves revealed his forearms. Even in the dim light, from a distance, Cen Wu could imagine the veins bulging on his pale arms.

He looked fierce. Dangerous.

Cen Wu knew Xie Guilan could probably take down three guys with one punch—and maybe even three Chu Zijians.

Chu Zijian: ???

Chu Zijian opened his mouth to say more, but Cen Wu was already pushing through the crowd, heading straight for Xie Guilan.

“Second Young Master!” Chu Zijian swore under his breath about Xie Guilan being a magnet for trouble and rushed after him. “Wait up!”

In the VIP section of the bar, Wang Yue lounged on the sofa, his arms stretched out along the backrest. The lighting from below cast shadows on his face as he bit down on a cigarette, his jaw tense, a smirk threatening to turn into a snarl.

The floor was littered with broken glass and spilled wine.

Xie Guilan stood nearby, tall and imposing, his dark eyes cold as ice.

Just as Wang Yue was about to explode, a soft, slightly nervous voice interrupted.

“W-what’s wrong, Yue?” Cen Wu approached with Chu Zijian, the crowd parting like the Red Sea as they passed. Cen Wu smiled awkwardly. “Why the sudden anger?”

Honestly, he had no idea what was happening. He’d just wanted to get through the dance floor quickly. The sudden attention made him cringe inside, but now he had to play it cool.

Positioning himself slightly in front of Xie Guilan, Cen Wu subtly shielded him. He felt a chill as Xie Guilan’s piercing gaze bored into the back of his neck.

What now, big guy? I didn’t do anything to you…

When no one was looking, Cen Wu gently squeezed Xie Guilan’s wrist in reassurance, his own heart finally settling.

He had to admit, standing next to Xie Guilan made the air feel clearer, free of the overwhelming scent of cologne and sweat.

Nothing beat being near the main character—someone strong, reliable, and, most importantly, not flirting with him.