Shu Wan had assumed Lin Zechen knew Ji Sihan well, but it was Ji Liangchuan who had made the introduction. Clearly, Lin Zechen hadn’t arranged this get-together simply to introduce her to some friends. He was after a project from Ji Sihan. Still, that was a small mercy. Negotiating a project would take time—time she could use to figure out an escape. At the thought, the tension that had held her body rigid finally began to ease. Just as she let out a quiet breath, Lin Zechen, beside her, jerked his chin in her direction. "Drink it." Shu Wan could no longer feign ignorance. She picked up the glass and downed it in one go. She rarely touched alcohol. Ji Sihan had disliked the smell of it, so she had made a point of abstaining completely. The sudden shock of hard liquor burned her throat, bringing tears to her eyes. Seeing this, Lin Zechen quickly wrapped an arm around her, patting her back to help her catch her breath. Ji Sihan’s icy gaze settled on the arm wrapped around Shu Wan. Through her blurry, tear-filled vision, Shu Wan thought she saw a murderous glint in his eyes. But when her sight cleared, there was nothing but his usual cold, detached indifference. A bitter smile touched Shu Wan’s lips. He only saw her as a substitute, someone who had never truly mattered. What was she even hoping for? Once Shu Wan had recovered, Lin Zechen kept his arm around her and addressed Ji Liangchuan. “She’s new to this scene, can’t really hold her liquor. My apologies.” Ji Liangchuan smiled without a word, but the woman beside him suddenly flared up. “What the hell is that supposed to mean, Mr. Lin?!” Lin Zechen arched a brow, his tone mild. “I wasn't talking about you, ma'am. Why are you so worked up?” Being called ‘ma’am’ made the woman explode. “I’m way younger than you! How dare you call me ma'am?” “You might be younger, but you sure look older. What am I supposed to call you, little sis?” “You—!” The woman was struck speechless. She stomped her foot, then turned and tugged on Ji Liangchuan’s sleeve, her voice turning whiny. “Liangchuan, look at him! How could he say that to me? He’s horrid. Let’s not hang out with him. Let’s go.” Ji Liangchuan, ever the good-natured one, patted her hand. “An Yan, you know what the young master is like. He didn't mean anything by it.” But An Yan wasn’t having it. She might be the top girl at the club, but now that she was with Ji Liangchuan, she refused to hear phrases like ‘new to this scene.’ She knew she couldn't win against Lin Zechen, but taking it out on his woman was another matter entirely. “Fine, I won’t stoop to your level. We’re all here to have a good time, after all.” “But just sitting around is getting a little dull. Why don’t we play a game?” At the mention of a game, everyone in the room perked up. “What kind of game?” An Yan produced several decks of cards and placed them on the table. “We team up and play cards. Whoever loses has to take off an item of clothing.” “Interesting.” Lin Zechen would never turn down such a titillating prospect and agreed instantly. The other lechers in the room were even more eager. Worried that Ji Sihan would be uncomfortable, Ji Liangchuan leaned toward him. “Second Brother, they tend to play pretty wild. If you don’t want to…” Before he could finish, Ji Sihan took the cards An Yan offered him. “How do you play?” Ji Liangchuan froze. His Second Brother had always despised places like this. Yet today, just because Lin Zechen had mentioned a woman who resembled Miss Ning, he had agreed to come. Not only had he shown up, but now he was patiently preparing to play a game with them. This was completely out of character. An Yan was also stunned that the famously aloof Ji Sihan would be so agreeable. A wide smile bloomed on her face. “It’s simple. I’ll teach you.” After explaining the rules, An Yan had everyone draw lots to form teams. Shu Wan sat僵 on the sofa, at a complete loss. She was trying to figure out how to refuse when An Yan, as if reading her mind, spoke first. “Everyone who’s here has to play. Surely Ms. Shu wouldn’t spoil our fun?” At her words, all eyes in the room turned to Shu Wan. She felt intensely uncomfortable under their stares, as if her refusal would make her a killjoy. She couldn’t afford to offend anyone in this room. She had no choice but to participate. Seeing that she was being sensible this time, An Yan finally let the matter drop.