Lu Xiaoxiao looked utterly adorable in her outfit today.
She wore a white blouse paired with a black pinafore skirt, a cute butterfly bow at her collar, crisp white Mary Janes, and lace-trimmed white socks.
Her figure was fantastic, and the dress carried a subtle, tantalizing edge—her chest strained against the fabric, full and rounded. Her jet-black hair was tied into twin tails that draped over her shoulders, giving her a lively, playful vibe.
Yet her aura was cool and aloof, a striking contrast.
“How did you manage not to get hit by a car?” Lu Xiaoxiao held her beer and took a delicate sip.
“No idea. Maybe it doesn’t count if it’s not on purpose.” Lin Cheng took a big swig from his own bottle.
“…I drank too much last night.” Lu Xiaoxiao turned her face away.
“Yeah, I get it. Nothing happened last night.” Lin Cheng’s words sounded perfectly understanding, but for some reason, Lu Xiaoxiao felt an inexplicable awkwardness.
It was like there was this vague resentment bubbling inside her, with nowhere to go. She chugged another big gulp from her beer, set the bottle back on the table, and turned sideways to watch the crowd in the bar, refusing to look at Lin Cheng.
Lin Cheng’s gaze softened as he watched her profile and the flutter of her lashes. Her cheek looked soft and fragrant.
“Alright, alright. Any songs you want to hear? Time for me to get to work.” Lin Cheng stood up. Lu Xiaoxiao replied, “Nothing in particular.”
He made his way to the stage and gave his usual opening spiel before launching into his classic folk tunes. The bar buzzed with energy, the small stage bathed in bright lights. He sang several songs, then set down his guitar for a break. But just then, a woman stepped onto the stage.
The bar fell silent for a split second, then erupted in cheers like a tidal wave.
“May I borrow this guitar?”
The woman in the black maxi dress stood tall before him, her posture ramrod straight. The skirt hem brushed her calves, revealing slender ankles adorned with an anklet, perched on nude high heels. Her fully dyed red hair was pulled into a thick ponytail over one shoulder.
She was strikingly tall—nearly eye-level with Lin Cheng in those heels. Her words were polite, but her voice carried a chill, more command than request.
The cheers from the crowd swelled louder and louder. Lin Cheng didn’t want to hand it over, but refusing now would make him seem like a total killjoy.
“Who are you?” Lin Cheng asked, irritation clear in his tone.
“I’m Jiang Lingxue.” She answered softly, her eyes fixed earnestly on him. Memories blurred a bit—it had been half a year since they’d last met, counting today.
Their previous encounter had ended in a spat after a couple of rounds, parting on bad terms.
Lin Cheng clutched the guitar and stepped closer to hand it over. But as he turned to leave the stage, a hand gently caught his wrist.
He looked back.
The superstar idol gazed at him impassively and extended the invitation.
“Want to sing a duet with me?”
The audience’s eyes burned with envy and jealousy, but Lin Cheng didn’t hesitate. He glanced at her pale, slender hand and replied coolly, “No thanks.”
Jiang Lingxue released him, settled into the chair with the guitar, and sat down.
Lu Xiaoxiao’s eyes sparkled faintly.
She wasn’t much of a stan, but she’d listened to Jiang Lingxue’s songs now and then. They were genuinely good. The woman’s voice was a gift from the heavens—cool with a subtle allure that always left you itching for more.
Lin Cheng quietly poured her another beer. The bar’s energy had hit fever pitch. Jiang Lingxue sat calmly amid the noise, brow serene, and leaned toward the mic with her crimson lips. “You’re all so loud. Shut up.”
To everyone’s shock, the crowd actually quieted down.
“Isn’t this chick an idol? Who talks to fans like that?” Lin Cheng grumbled. Lu Xiaoxiao replied flatly, “Jiang Lingxue’s whole persona is the unapologetic wild child. You think she has few haters?”
Lin Cheng had no comeback. He propped his cheek on his hand and turned his gaze to the stage. Fine, her vocals had improved a ton—way better than before.
Her most seductive feature was that breathy, feline purr during… well, only he’d heard that.
The bar was hushed now, her voice the only sound echoing through. In a daze, Lin Cheng recalled countless dusky evenings from memory: the girl lounging by the window at home, guitar in lap, singing coolly.
…Usually naked!
She finished the song to thunderous applause.
“Break time.” Jiang Lingxue stayed seated, mic in hand, gazing out at the crowd. Nearly every eye was on her—except from the darkest corner, where that man’s gaze never lingered. Across from him sat a pretty girl, her figure balanced and tall.
The man stood, moved to sit beside the girl, his back to Jiang Lingxue. Soon, they were chatting and laughing. She playfully punched his shoulder with tiny fists.
Jiang Lingxue’s grip tightened on the mic.
“That’s weird.”
“What is?”
“You don’t seem interested in her at all.”
“I don’t follow idols.”
“But she’s gorgeous.”
“Just a smidge less than you.”
Lu Xiaoxiao froze for a few seconds before recovering. She huffed lightly, not embarrassed in the slightest. “Good eye.”
Lin Cheng clinked glasses with her. Having someone to drink with in this world was pure bliss.
“Notice anything?” Lin Cheng asked suddenly.
“Hm?”
“Your tolerance sucks.”
He clearly remembered seeing her wasted at least three times: their first meeting, carrying her to the hotel that night, and yesterday. So these last two might count as him taking advantage.
“Low tolerance is great. A little booze and you’re out. Isn’t that the point of drinking?” Lu Xiaoxiao shot back righteously.
“Makes sense. One more, then. Can’t take advantage if you’re not drunk.”
“Drop dead.” Lu Xiaoxiao glared at him. Somehow, his hand had slipped around her waist, drawing them close.
“You still owe me that perfume you promised,” Lin Cheng reminded her.
“Add me and send your address. I’ll buy it.”
Lin Cheng met her proud eyes and grinned.
“Give me a kiss, and I’ll add you.”
“No way. I still haven’t settled the score for you vanishing this morning.”
“You told me not to wake you when I left.”
“Then why didn’t you wait till I woke up?”
“I thought you wanted me gone.” Lin Cheng sounded aggrieved.
“I didn’t.” Lu Xiaoxiao’s lashes lowered, muttering unhappily. But then it hit her—had she just handed over all the control again?
Weird.
She wasn’t even sure if she loved him, so why fight for the upper hand?
They had to lean in close, lips to ears, to hear over the noise. Her waist was still in his grasp, his warm breath tickling her ear. She wasn’t used to it.
But she didn’t hate it.
Damn, why was she flashing back to last night? Being coaxed into holding her legs up, calves pressed to her shoulders—that mortifying position had left her gasping.
The first time, her memory was hazy: just pain fading into pleasure. But last night? Crystal clear.
She’d nearly blacked out.
“Whatever. Your tone made it sound like you were done with me and wanted me out early so I wouldn’t disturb your sleep.”
“If you say so.” Lu Xiaoxiao eyed him coolly.
Lin Cheng leaned toward her cheek. “One kiss and you’re forgiven.”
“Close your eyes,” Lu Xiaoxiao said abruptly.
Lin Cheng blinked, surprised. He’d just wanted to see her blush—the proud girl flushing was fun. But now the tables had turned.
Still, he closed his eyes.
Jiang Lingxue’s soft singing drifted from the stage. Lin Cheng sensed Lu Xiaoxiao drawing near, heard her whisper, “Don’t open them.”
He obeyed, lashes trembling. Soon, her fingertips tilted his chin just so. Then warm lips met his. Before he could savor the sweet taste, she pulled away, leaving only a faint warmth behind.
“So perfunctory,” Lin Cheng whined.
“So many people…” Lu Xiaoxiao mumbled.
He opened his eyes to her snowy cheeks tinged pink, a hint of smugness returning. “You’re blushing.”
“Not everyone’s got skin as thick as yours.”
“Only kids think thick skin is bad.” Lin Cheng pulled out his phone and scanned her QR code, sending the friend request.
The message popped up: “Hit me up when you’re bored at night. I’m a responsible guy.”
She zeroed in on it. He hadn’t typed while she watched. She turned. “Is this your copy-paste for adding girls?”
…It was the cheeky line from when he’d added Xu Wanyue last time.
Lu Xiaoxiao stared him down. Lin Cheng’s eyes darted away. After a few seconds, she turned back with a cold smirk, tinged with self-mockery.
“I thought you were too proud to ever add a girl first.”
“Uh…”
“No need to explain.” Lu Xiaoxiao’s tone was flat. “It’s not like we just met.”
In his view, her lashes drooped slightly. But he had no idea what to say.
Lu Xiaoxiao’s mind was a jumble.
Only now did it hit her—this guy was a total sleaze. Sugar baby to rich women, cruising on his motorcycle to pick up naive girls. A real jerk. So why had she pinned any hopes on him?
Weird. This wasn’t the pure connection she wanted.
But it had always been a mess anyway.
