After dinner, Ginny Deng wasn't satisfied and, as usual, dragged me and Ella Li, Tilly Ouyang, to the bar. She said she wouldn't get married and that bars and nightclubs would be her second home.
"Come on, what's a man? Look around, aren't they all here?" She shook her drink and raised her chin, urging us to see the various men coming and going in the bar.
If I had Ginny Deng's attitude of treating men as nothing, I wouldn't have had insomnia and nightmares last night.
I even dreamed that I married Hugh Pei, except my face was replaced by Lila Wei's. Hugh Pei, who had always been cold and emotionless, was suddenly gentle to "me," with eyes that could drown someone.
What else could this be besides a nightmare? Just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable all over.
"Zoe, the dance you performed at the bar last time was so sexy, can you do it again today?" Ella Li suddenly laughed mischievously.
"Right, didn't that guy Hugh Pei take you away afterward?" Ginny Deng's eyes sparkled, "Men are just disgusting; they don't appreciate their home flowers but are attracted to wildflowers. Once the home flower turns into a wild flower, they get unhappy again."
Tilly Ouyang, however, had a different focus and said, "That girl that day must be the college student Hugh Pei was chasing, right? She really looks pure. Isn't that what's trending these days? I think she fits that mold perfectly."
After I left with Hugh Pei that day, there were still a bunch of friends left in the bar, along with Lila Wei. I had no idea what happened afterward, except that Lila Wei called and texted Hugh Pei.
"Pure desire, my foot!" Ginny Deng scoffed, "What use is character if she's involved with a married man? She didn't set boundaries. Coming to the bar to drink, she clearly wants to play the green tea role."
"Don't say that," I took a sip of my drink and forced a smile, "Don't you know what kind of person Hugh Pei is? Lila Wei is just an ordinary college student; she can't resist his powerful grasp."
Ginny Deng put down her glass, grabbed my face, and stared at me with wide eyes, "Zoe, how can you speak for a mistress? It doesn't matter whether she's forced or willing; this is just immoral!"
Tilly Ouyang added, "Right, we should be lenient with ourselves but strict with others!"
I couldn't help but laugh at the two of them. They didn't know my current mindset. For things that are destined, I didn't want to get too entangled. Going all out to achieve a comeback would only lead to serious issues, possibly an early death.
While we were chatting and drinking, a familiar voice suddenly appeared behind us, "What do you want to drink? It's on me."
We all turned back in unison to see that Lucas Lu, dressed like a flamboyant butterfly, was conspicuously trying to pick up women at the bar counter.
"Then you should drink with her!" The woman clearly looked like an experienced one in fishing for rich men, her voice coy.
"If you get drunk, I can't be responsible!" Lucas Lu didn't notice us and was intent on flirting.
"When you're drunk... just arrange a sleeping place for me, alright?" the woman laughed flirtatiously.
Just as the two were locking eyes, preparing to drink and have fun together, Ginny Deng, from out of nowhere, shouted, "Lucas Lu! Didn't you just get treated for impotence? Aren't you supposed to abstain for three months?"
This shout startled Lucas Lu so much that he almost dropped his drink. His face showed anger as he scanned for who insulted him. When his gaze landed on Ginny Deng, his anger turned into fear.
The woman, upon hearing Ginny Deng's words, showed a look of suspicion and disdain. After glancing at Lucas Lu's lower body, she scoffed and turned to leave.
Ella, Tilly, and I couldn't help but laugh. Ginny Deng was truly bad.
Although Lucas Lu was terrified, when it came to his manhood, he still stepped up to us, pointing angrily at Ginny Deng, "You tigress! Don't come here spreading rumors and ruining my reputation!"
"Lucas Lu, do you remember I said I'd hit you every time I see you?" Ginny Deng stood up, her presence commanding despite being shorter than Lucas.
Lucas took two steps back and stammered, "W-what do you want to hit me for? I have no grudge against you..."
Ginny Deng raised her hand as if to hit him, and Lucas pitifully covered his head, "Try hitting me, don't think I won't! My dad can introduce you a 150-pound widow to marry—"
His voice cut off abruptly, as if he realized he had said the wrong thing.
Indeed, Ginny Deng's expression changed dramatically as she grabbed Lucas Lu by the collar, "Damn it! That bald donkey was someone your dad introduced to me?!"
"Who told you to hit me before?" Lucas Lu said, clearly feeling justified.
"I was hitting you, you little brat!" Ginny Deng was furious, slapping Lucas Lu back and forth. Lucas scared, took off running, and Jake Fu appeared just in time to stand in front of him.
Both Lucas Lu and Jake Fu were in City A, meaning only Hugh Pei and Lila Wei went to another city.
My heart sank.
"Miss Deng! Beautiful Miss Deng! Please calm down; Xi Cheng is still young and doesn't think before he speaks. Let's overlook it this time." Jake Fu tried to mediate.
"Damn it, if Zoe asked her dad to introduce you to a 150-pound widow, what would you do?" Ginny Deng questioned Jake Fu, hands on her hips.
Jake Fu glanced at me, likely imagining himself in my shoes, and immediately expressed a willingness to go all out with me!
Ginny Deng pointed to Lucas Lu behind him, "Then step aside; I'm sending him flying today."
Jake Fu actually stepped aside, and without protection, Lucas Lu ran for his life. Ginny Deng didn't hesitate and sprinted after him. In the chaotic bar, they began their game of cat and mouse.
Half an hour later, Ginny Deng returned, clearly relieved and in a good mood.
Having enjoyed the show, I got up to use the restroom. When I came out, a man stopped me. He had a refined demeanor, wore glasses, and gently asked, "Miss, would you like to have a drink with me? I'm aware this might be a bit forward, but I've been watching you."
Was he hitting on me?
I was about to refuse, but for some reason, I found his voice and demeanor very pleasant. He
seemed to be around my age, so having a drink and chatting should be fine.
"Sure." I smiled slightly and sat beside him.
Seeing the situation, Ginny Deng winked at me and made a "go for it" gesture.
I turned my gaze back; the man introduced himself, "I'm Yan Zijun, what about you?"
"Just call me Miss Xu." I didn't want to give a stranger my full name.
"Miss Xu, nice to meet you." Yan Zijun smiled warmly.
As we drank and chatted, it became evident that strangers often have less to talk about. Especially in a setting where men and women successfully flirt, many quickly steer the conversation toward romance. However, Yan Zijun had good manners and didn't say anything inappropriate.
Suddenly, Yan Zijun asked, "Are you single?"
I froze, my mind racing with thoughts of what my husband, Hugh Pei, was doing at that moment. Was he out shopping with Lila Wei or were they already in bed whispering sweet nothings?