To be so generous right from the start—he must be either incredibly wealthy or of high status.
After all, prices at this bar are far from cheap. To cover everyone’s tab takes real means, and as she listened to the fawning comments of the crowd, Jiang Wanyi grew even more curious about him. She hadn't heard of a figure like this in Hong Kong City before.
"Are you talking about Mr. Duan Helin? He is the head of the Duan Group, the biggest real estate tycoon in Hong Kong City. This entire commercial district belongs to the Duan Family," the bartender said, sounding genuinely interested as he overheard them.
Duan Helin?
Jiang Wanyi searched her memory. Of course, she had heard the name. In her past life, the Duan Family had eventually seized control of 70% of the real estate in Hong Kong City, becoming a true corporate titan. Duan Helin himself was a business legend, known not only for his keen foresight but also for his ruthless, decisive methods. She remembered that, in the later years, even the Li Family had to walk on eggshells to stay in the Duan Family’s good graces.
"Mr. Duan’s racehorse, Zhuifeng, won the International Equestrian Championship today. I heard the prize money was in the eight figures, which is why he’s being so generous and renting out the whole place," the bartender added, lowering his voice with a tone of admiration.
"No wonder he’s so grand, paying for everyone’s drinks like that," Liao Xiner gasped, nudging Jiang Wanyi with her elbow. "See that? *That* is what you call a wealthy powerhouse. What does the Li Family even count for in comparison?"
Jiang Wanyi swirled her glass and gave a cold laugh. "You’re comparing the Duan Family to the Li Family? Who are you trying to disgust?"
Li Lechuan couldn't measure up to a single strand of hair on Duan Helin’s head.
"President Duan is truly young and promising. You two picked the right night to come!" the bartender said happily, pouring them each a drink on the house.
Jiang Wanyi sipped her drink, ears pricked to the hushed discussions around her. According to the timeline of her past life, while the Duan Family was already a real estate powerhouse, they had not yet reached their peak. If she could find an opportunity to get to know Duan Helin and perhaps collaborate with him, it would make this second chance at life worthwhile.
"By the way, I heard Duan Helin is pushing thirty and still unmarried. Why don't you give it a shot? It would definitely drive that bastard Li Jinchuan insane!" Liao Xiner suddenly leaned in close, whispering mysteriously and winking at her.
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Jiang Wanyi quickly covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing. "What am I, to think I’m worthy of someone like him?"
She was a divorced woman with a child; she had enough self-awareness to know she couldn't reach that high.
"You’re beautiful, highly educated, and smart. I think you're a perfect match," Liao Xiner insisted. She had always felt that her best friend deserved the best the world had to offer. If it hadn't been for that snake Li Lechuan getting to her first, Jiang Wanyi clearly would have had a much better life.
"Enough, stop with the wild talk. All I want now is to get the divorce over with and take over the Jiang Family. Everything else is secondary." Jiang Wanyi cut off her daydreaming.
Liao Xiner pouted, swallowing the rest of her words.
Three rounds of drinks later, Jiang Wanyi felt a bit tipsy. She set down her glass and stood up. "I’m going to the restroom."
She wove through the noisy dance floor and turned into a quieter corridor. Suddenly, she heard a commotion ahead.
"Don't be so cold, handsome. A night like this is worth a thousand pieces of gold." A drunken woman was trying to press herself against a tall man, having already undone the top three buttons of her blouse. The view of what lay beneath was all too clear.
Jiang Wanyi couldn't help but gasp. That was… certainly bold!
This was Hong Kong City in 1998. Even though it was heavily influenced by the West and less conservative than the mainland, it was still 1998—was this woman really so shameless? Then again, wasn't that exactly what the men and women coming to these bars were looking for?
Jiang Wanyi shuddered, just wanting to use the restroom and leave.
Meanwhile, the man stood unmoved, even taking a few steps back. "Miss, please conduct yourself with dignity."
"Handsome, are you being so reserved because it's your first time here?" The woman’s sugary, high-pitched voice made one’s skin crawl.
Jiang Wanyi didn't want any trouble and kept close to the wall, intending to slip away. But as she glanced over, she realized the man was the very same one who had steadied her during her morning jog. She had to admit, the man’s face was truly handsome; no wonder the girl was so eager to throw herself at him.
"Darling, why are you here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you."
Seeing that the man was about to be overwhelmed, Jiang Wanyi stepped forward and linked her arm through Duan Helin’s, pushing the woman away from his chest.
"Who are you!" The woman, seeing her plans thwarted, turned sour.
"That’s exactly what I should be asking you. Who are you, and why are you pestering my boyfriend?" Jiang Wanyi asked coldly.
"He’s your boyfriend?" The woman froze, her drunkenness fading by half.
Jiang Wanyi feigned anger. "If you don't believe me, ask him!" As she spoke, she tilted her head up to look at Duan Helin.
A flash of amusement crossed Duan Helin’s eyes. It was the first time someone had dared to lie and call themselves his girlfriend in public. He remained silent, just watching her.
Jiang Wanyi felt a prickle of nerves and quickly looked away. She turned to the woman and frowned. "Miss, it’s not even summer yet. Don't you think your neckline is a bit too low?"
As she spoke, she pointedly looked down at the woman's chest. The woman turned bright red with embarrassment and hurried to button up her shirt.
"Sorry, I didn't know he had a girlfriend. My apologies." With that, she scurried away.
Once she was gone, Duan Helin said politely, "Thank you."
Jiang Wanyi waved a hand. "No worries, one good turn deserves another. You helped me last time, I helped you this time. I suppose we’re even now."
Duan Helin looked down at her, finally recognizing her face. "So, it is you."
"It’s fate that we’ve met twice, but you should be careful in bars like this. There are plenty of female alcoholics, and even more male ones. You’re so handsome, watch out—you don't want to get targeted. Men need to protect themselves when they're out, too," Jiang Wanyi lectured with the tone of someone who had seen it all. She couldn't help but worry; after all, the wealthy in Hong Kong City had all sorts of wild habits, and many played both sides of the fence. The handsomer you were, the more dangerous it got. Especially for a rare catch like Duan Helin—he was a prime target.
Duan Helin was left somewhere between laughter and tears. Just as he was about to explain, Jiang Wanyi checked the time and said hurriedly, "My friend is waiting. I’m off."
Watching her walk away, Duan Helin offered a rare, genuine smile.
"President Duan." His assistant rushed over, forehead beaded with sweat. "I apologize for being late. I’ll go deal with those two women for you right away!" In Hong Kong City, the idea that someone would dare call themselves the President’s girlfriend was simply unthinkable.
However, Duan Helin waved him off. "No need."