Watching him walk away, Xiang Wan clutched at her stomach, aching with hunger, and resignedly headed for the elevators. The rooftop of the Meng Hui Suo was an open-air pool. In weather like this, Xiang Wan had expected it to be cold, but when she pushed open the door, her eyes fell upon a dazzling crowd of handsome men and gorgeous women. The club's most beautiful hostesses were all here, and the sight of them, fully dressed, brought a single word to Xiang Wan's mind: debauchery. The chill in the air was instantly forgotten. Not daring to stare, she lowered her head and scanned for a place to start cleaning, just as a voice called out, “Hey, you—the cleaner. Come take these empty bottles and bring us a new round.” She was the only one there in a cleaner’s uniform. Xiang Wan looked up toward the voice and saw a long table by the pool littered with an impressive row of empty wine bottles, reds and whites jumbled together. Licking her lips, she picked up an empty crate and walked over, her movements quick and efficient as she began clearing the bottles. She was only halfway done when someone tossed a volleyball into the pool, sending a sheet of water splashing up. Startled, Xiang Wan instinctively took a step back and bumped into someone behind her. A delicate “Oh!” was followed by an immediate complaint. “You’re filthy! Watch where you’re going!” Xiang Wan turned to see a woman in a short white skirt. A flush crept up her cheeks as she stammered, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…” “What’s a cleaner even doing over here? Could you even afford to pay for my dress if you ruined it? God, you’re just bad luck…” The small commotion caught the attention of a man lounging on a sofa by the pool. He glanced over at Xiang Wan, catching a glimpse of her downcast profile. Amidst the neon lights and lavish party, her features seemed almost delicate. He raised an eyebrow and spoke up. “What’s going on?” Hearing his voice, the woman who’d been bumped instantly put on a wronged expression. She turned to him, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Pei Shao, you won’t believe it. This cleaner got my dress dirty…” “Oh?” Pei Song’s eyes swept over her with a suggestive smirk. He chuckled. “It’s just a dress. Make her pay for it. You, cleaner. Come here.” Xiang Wan knew her luck had run out. She couldn't afford to offend anyone here. Squeezing her eyes shut for a moment, she walked over. As she drew closer, Pei Song’s eyes seemed to light up. He set down his glass and sized her up with amusement. “Cleaning lady, you dirtied her dress. That means you have to pay for it.” Xiang Wan froze, her eyes flicking to the girl’s dress. It was designer, from a brand far beyond her means. “I can’t afford to pay for this with my salary,” she admitted, “but if you’re willing, I can have it cleaned for you after the party.” Perhaps surprised by her directness, Pei Song’s interest only grew. His fox-like eyes narrowed into slits. “Since you can’t pay for the dress… why not pay with yourself? An even trade, wouldn’t you say?” His voice wasn’t quiet. Heads began to turn as people sensed a spectacle. Pairs and small groups started watching them. After leaving prison, she only owned a few sets of work uniforms to her name; underneath this one was only her underwear. She knew he was deliberately trying to humiliate her, and her face turned pale. “What? You’re not happy to trade that rag you’re wearing?” “She’s no fun, Pei Shao. Won’t even take off her clothes…” “Ooh, let’s see it! Take it off!” A wave of jeering laughter rippled through the crowd. Xiang Wan clutched the collar of her uniform, a slight tremor running through her. Just as she was about to raise her hand, a large, warm hand suddenly settled on her shoulder. She froze, her body drawn back against a familiar chest. A faint smile played on He Hanchuan’s lips, but his phoenix eyes were glacial. He arched a long, dark brow, his entire presence that of a king at the apex of his power—arrogant and magnificent. Xiang Wan tilted her head up, her gaze landing on the perfect line of his jaw. She couldn't help but swallow. The curve of his lips was alluring, but the words that emerged were as sharp as a blade. “What’s this? Since when did Pei Gongzi develop an interest in this kind of trash?” This kind of trash… Xiang Wan lowered her head. “Now, Mr. He, don’t be like that,” Pei Song said. “We’re all just here having a bit of fun. What else is there to do?” “Fun, is it? I see…” He Hanchuan let out a low laugh. Before anyone could process what was happening, there was a loud splash. The man who had been taunting Xiang Wan was sent flying into the pool with a single, brutal kick. Xiang Wan stared, utterly stunned.