Instinct took over, and I spun around to leave. But just then, Manager Li, who’d been bowing his head to pour Gu Zhizhou a drink, glanced up. Before I could even react, his voice cut through the air, sharp with annoyance. “Hey, didn’t I tell your boss to send over four or five girls? Why’d they only send you? What’s the deal? You looking to be passed around?” Heat flooded my face. There was no mistaking his vile implication. All thoughts of why I’d come vanished; I just bowed quickly, mumbling an apology as I turned to flee. But Manager Li, assuming I was one of the hostesses, stepped forward and seized my arm. “Whatever,” he slurred. “You can keep our Mr. Gu company for a few drinks. I’ll go get more girls from your boss myself.” With that, he yanked me over and shoved me onto the seat next to Gu Zhizhou. My head was spinning. The moment I caught my balance, my eyes locked with Gu Zhizhou’s cool, heavy gaze. Panic seized me, and the words tumbled out. “I’m here on business!” He watched me, his expression unreadable as his thin lips parted. “Short on cash?” My heart sank, and a strange ache bloomed in my chest. So, he thought I was for sale, too? “Yes,” I heard myself say, then added in a rush, “but not like that. I have something important to discuss!” I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince him or myself. His brow furrowed slightly, but he seemed utterly indifferent to my reasons for being there. Seeing how things were, it was clear Manager Li wasn’t going to give me a chance to talk. It was hopeless. I got up to leave. But before I was fully on my feet, the club’s manager bustled in, a wide smile plastered on his face, a troupe of scantily clad women trailing behind him. The women arranged themselves seductively before the low table, like a row of dishes waiting to be sampled. “Gentlemen, I’ve brought the girls,” the manager announced, his face creased in a greasy smile, his eyes nearly disappearing into slits. “Every one of them is a little siren from our ‘Guimei’ club. Take your pick. The most important thing is that you all have a wild time.” Manager Li looked puzzled, his eyes flicking from me to the club manager. “So you’re only just now bringing them?” The manager laughed sheepishly. “My apologies for the wait, sir. I’ll send over a couple of our best bottles, on the house, to make sure you all have a fantastic evening.” Manager Li’s eyes narrowed on me for a second before he turned to Gu Zhizhou, his own ingratiating smile back in place. “Mr. Gu, see anyone who catches your eye?” Gu Zhizhou didn’t even raise his eyes, replying in a flat voice, “No.” Seeing his lack of interest, the other men each casually beckoned a girl to their side before waving the manager away. Music swirled through the private room. Manager Li’s attention returned to me. He glanced at Gu Zhizhou, who was sipping his drink with a detached air, paying me no mind whatsoever. He squinted at me. “So, Miss, did you wander into the wrong room?” I had been about to leave, but now I had an opening. I seized it, looking straight at him. “Manager Li, my name is Tang Li. I’m Tang Wenkuan’s daughter. I came here looking for you. I’m begging you, please don’t press charges against my father. My little brother is in the hospital and needs money to save his life. My father was just so worried that day… he didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” At my words, the color drained from Manager Li’s face, replaced by a flash of panic. He shoved me hard, sending me sprawling to the floor. “What the hell is this nonsense?” he snarled. “If you’re trying to pull a scam, Miss, you’d better try somewhere else. Don’t come here looking for trouble.” The commotion drew the attention of the other men. One of them, handsome with a surprisingly gentle air about him, looked at Manager Li. “What’s going on?” Manager Li was visibly flustered. He turned to the man and said, “It’s nothing, Mr. Lu. Just enjoy yourself. This woman is obviously a con artist. I’ll handle it.” *Mr. Lu?*