Xie Qian noticed Song Xi’s subtle reaction and teased her with a laugh.
"Well now, are you jealous already? If you want to, try working a little harder. Who knows, maybe Lord Shang is in a good mood today and will give you a chance."
Song Xi was so terrified she didn't dare say a word. She lowered her head and played dead.
Xie Qian found Song Xi’s spineless behavior off-putting. She had been quite bold earlier, hadn’t she? She’d turned into a coward far too quickly. Finding her boring, he turned his attention back to Gu Lishang.
"I heard you moved her into that villa of yours in the suburbs, the one you keep for your dogs? Isn't that just hiding a mistress in a golden house?"
"The old man’s doing."
Gu Lishang swirled the wine in his glass, his expression indifferent.
Song Xi gripped the wine bottle in her hand so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She hadn't realized that Sister Liuer being taken to the villa was because of what happened that night. So, Gu Lishang thought Sister Liuer was her?
Song Xi didn't dare dwell on it. With things as they were, it was better to keep pretending she knew nothing. That night had been nothing more than an accident, and she had never intended to get anything out of Gu Lishang anyway. Sister Liuer had been so good to her; she couldn't cause her any trouble over this.
Xie Qian curiously pressed on, "Why didn't you bring your little canary along to have some fun?"
"I don't find it interesting."
Gu Lishang’s answer surprised Xie Qian, who immediately teased him with a grin, "No way, Lord Shang. Among all us friends, you always look the most upright. What’s this? It turns out you’re the biggest scumbag of us all? Bored of her after just one night?"
"Perhaps."
Gu Lishang’s tone remained flat, but he drained his glass in one go. He usually only took a sip or two when he drank, but this time, he finished half the glass at once.
Xie Qian suggested, "Since you’ve already played the part of the scumbag, take a woman home tonight. Be even more thorough about it."
Gu Lishang raised his eyelids, his gaze toward Xie Qian full of disdain.
"Not necessary."
"Look at you, always acting so cold and aloof."
"I’m afraid of catching something."
"I'm clean!"
"How do you know I was talking about you?"
"Pfft—!"
Xie Qian was so incensed he could have spat blood on the spot. Gu Lishang really knew how to twist the knife; every strike was right on target.
The party didn't end until Xie Qian was thoroughly drunk. He was carried out by two bodyguards, still rambling and teasing Gu Lishang even as he was hauled away.
"Lord Shang, if you’re actually interested in her, just ask her name! We’ll find her again next time we come to play!"
Gu Lishang ignored Xie Qian’s drunken nonsense. Instead, he pulled a stack of cash from his wallet and placed it on the table.
"A tip for you."
He stood up and left without a backward glance, never even asking for her name.
Song Xi didn't even have time to say "thank you," but she gathered up all the money on the table without a hint of pretense. She had done more work than her position required today, so this pay was rightfully hers! She couldn't help but sigh at how generous Gu Lishang was—he had given such a thick stack for a tip!
Once the people in the private room left, the noisy atmosphere faded into silence. The servers began clearing up with their heads down, and Song Xi joined them in the work.
-
In a deserted corner around the corridor bend outside the changing room, Sun Xiaoyu had already finished her shift early, retrieved her phone, and secretly dialed Huang Liuer’s number.
It took several rings for the other side to pick up.
Sun Xiaoyu began with a smile. "Long time no see. Hope you’ve been well."
On the other end of the line, Huang Liuer gave a contemptuous huff. If not for Sun Xiaoyu’s persistence, she wouldn't have bothered answering at all. They were both long-term employees who had joined the entertainment complex in the same batch; there had always been friction between them, and they couldn't stand each other. Huang Liuer knew that nothing good ever came from a call from Sun Xiaoyu.
"Say what you have to say, and make it quick."
"Fine, I’ll be blunt."
When Huang Liuer didn't respond, Sun Xiaoyu continued on her own. "I’ve learned your little secret, so how do you plan on buying my silence?"
"Don't try to scam me, you bitch. It won't work."
"Heh, you’re so lucky. Who would have thought the Gu family would be the ones to take you away? They all think you slept with Lord Shang, right? I heard it all today when I was delivering drinks to the private room."
"So what if you know?"
"I don't just know that. I also know something else: the person there that night wasn't you."
Huang Liuer paused, her breathing hitching. The riches and status before her were something no one could refuse.
"Do you have proof?"
Sun Xiaoyu smiled confidently. "Of course I wouldn't run my mouth without proof. I was on shift that night too, and I saw it all. You got drunk and passed out in an empty room. I even secretly took an ugly photo of you sleeping; it’s still on my phone."
"You...!"
Huang Liuer was nearly exploding with rage. She had thought she was well-hidden and would never be discovered, never imagining she’d be so unlucky as to be spotted by a wretch like Sun Xiaoyu.
"So, what do you want?"
"Sister, now that you’ve climbed the social ladder to enjoy such luxury, you can’t forget your old friends. I’m a bit short on cash lately—how about you give me two million to spend?"
"Two million? You really are daring! Where would I get that kind of money!"
"You’re living in a wealthy household now; that should be pocket change to you, right? After all, if I tell Lord Shang about this, forget about enjoying your riches—the act of deceiving him alone would be enough to cost you your life several times over. I’m actually helping you right now, get it?"
-
3:00 AM.
Song Xi returned to the breakroom and counted the tip Gu Lishang had left—a full 1,600. The shift manager had also immediately distributed the commissions from the private rooms, giving her over 8,000. Having made nearly 10,000 in a single night, Song Xi felt like she’d wake up smiling even in her sleep.
With this, she would be able to pay back the money she owed Huang Liuer soon.
She changed out of her work clothes and stepped out of the entertainment complex, seriously considering what kind of late-night snack she could treat herself to on the nearby food street to celebrate. When she looked up, she saw a Maybach parked by the roadside, standing out conspicuously.
Gu Lishang was standing beside it, smoking.
A cigarette was held between his well-defined fingers, the tip glowing. The streetlamp light hit his face, making his sharp, handsome features look even more sculpted. He looked just like a breathtaking oil painting.