Chapter 6: No Visitors Allowed

Shang Yucheng had no patience for her coy act of innocence, and with a forceful grip, he pinned Liang Jinshang against the stall wall.

“Liang Jinshang, what kind of relationship would have people do this in a bathroom? Are you really that cheap?”

What kind of relationship? A fleeting affair? A one-night stand? Friends with benefits?

Liang Jinshang’s eyes glistened with unshed tears from the pain of being slammed. The way she frowned at him seemed frail and alluring. Yet, as soon as she spoke, her expression and tone carried the weary edge of someone who’d seen too much. “Isn’t that exactly the kind of relationship we have?”

Shang Yucheng’s lips curled with derision, and the next moment he pressed down hard.

Her breath was stolen away, and she struggled to keep up with him. Eventually, when her shoulder hurt too much from his grip, she couldn’t help but resist.

He eased back a little, sparks still flickering in his eyes, clearly unsatisfied.

But Liang Jinshang had no intention of finishing what they’d started in the bathroom, so her second kiss was perfunctory at best.

Shang Yucheng finally released her, making no effort to hide his displeasure.

She’d come to him, only to play hard to get—clearly, this woman overestimated her own worth.

Liang Jinshang saw his interest fade instantly; he turned and left the stall. Hurriedly, she said, “I… have a cold. I don’t want to pass it to you.”

The excuse was utterly unconvincing.

“This is the men’s bathroom. I don’t offer tours,” Shang Yucheng said bluntly, unzipping his trousers and gesturing for her to leave. “If you really have needs, wait for the next gentleman.”

Liang Jinshang, thick-skinned as she was, couldn’t bring herself to stay and watch.

Besides, she wasn’t nearly as shameless as Shang Yucheng imagined.

She had precious little experience dealing with men. Most of her energy over the years had been spent just surviving. The crude tricks she used to seduce Shang Yucheng now were all learned when she was young, frequenting cheap bars and nightclubs.

The men she observed there would have been called “patrons” in another era.

…

Liang Jinshang returned to the private room first. Zhao Xinghe quickly asked if she was feeling unwell, wondering why she’d been gone so long.

She shook her head and thanked him for his concern.

Zhao Xinghe’s eyes swept over her swollen, reddened lips, and for a moment, an unexpected depth flashed in his gaze. He smiled, saying he’d sing for her, and went to choose a song.

After a while, Shang Yucheng came back.

After instructing Shang Ao’er to head home early, he turned to leave for his own room.

Just as he was about to go, a group of girls gathered to toast him, thanking him for his generosity tonight.

Shang Yucheng gave them the courtesy, saying only, “Switch to juice.”

The girls obediently went to pour juice, and Shang Yucheng sat down in Zhao Xinghe’s recently vacated seat.

On the table, the glasses were all mixed together. Shang Yucheng couldn’t be bothered to ask for a new one; he simply picked up the glass Liang Jinshang had used and filled it.

These high school girls were clever, each taking turns to toast him.

Shang Yucheng drank several glasses in quick succession before they left, giggling.

He’d already had plenty to drink, and with the alcohol now kicking in, he couldn’t leave immediately.

Pinching his brow, Shang Yucheng leaned back on the sofa.

Around them, people sang and chatted noisily. His long legs bumped into Liang Jinshang, and he naturally ordered her, “Pour me a glass of water.”

She took the glass from his hand, noting her lipstick mark was still intact—Shang Yucheng had avoided the spot she’d drunk from.

She muttered, “Why drink from my glass? Aren’t you afraid of catching my cold?”

Without opening his eyes, Shang Yucheng replied, “If I catch it, a few sips of alcohol won’t make a difference.”

His voice, mellowed by drink, was lower and deeper than usual. Instantly, memories of their encounter in the men’s room flooded Liang Jinshang’s mind.

A thought struck her—

Perhaps Shang Yucheng hadn’t come here just to remind Shang Ao’er to go home early.

Sure enough, when the gathering ended and the group of high school students dispersed, Liang Jinshang offered to take him home. Shang Yucheng didn’t refuse.

It was late, and both had been drinking. To escort someone home, naturally, meant escorting them to bed.