Chapter 2: The Blue Note Club
One Month Later, Linghai City – Blue Note High-End Entertainment Club
Night had fallen, the city lights just beginning to glow. The streets were as bustling as ever, a constant stream of cars and people weaving through the neon blaze that painted the night with vibrant splendor. Within the city, some were lost in quiet contemplation, while others sought pleasure and revelry. On the first floor of Blue Note, the main hall pulsed with lively music and energetic dancing. Glasses clinked amidst the elegantly dressed men and women mingling, their laughter and banter filling the air. Not far from the stage, in a private booth, a man was drinking and carousing with several women.
“Young Master Rong, one more drink!” a woman purred, her fingers painted a deep crimson trailing over his body without the slightest regard for those around them.
“Come on, come on, who’s afraid of whom?” the man slurred, his narrow eyes squinting into thin slits. He grabbed his glass and downed it in one gulp before pulling the woman close, pressing his lips against hers and forcing the liquor down her throat. His hand squeezed her shapely rear as he laughed heartily. “So, how’s my drink? Good, isn’t it?”
The woman choked slightly from the sudden drink, coughing softly. Her fair fingers slid along his shirt collar, tracing a path down to his bare chest before settling provocatively, her voice a mix of coquettish complaint and playful reproach. “Young Master Rong, you’re so mean! You didn’t warn me beforehand. That’s not fair—I want compensation!”
“All right, all right, compensation!” The man pulled a thick wad of cash from his wallet on the table, stuffing it into her impossibly low neckline while fondling her abundant bosom. The other women, seeing this, began to show off their charms one after another, the scene steeped in decadent extravagance.
Amid the raucous clamor of the hall, a slender figure weaved through the crowd. She wore a white shirt, jeans, and canvas shoes—an incongruous freshness amidst the opulence and decadence, like a breath of clean air drawing many glances.
The drunken man who had been drinking with the women staggered to his feet, intending to head to the restroom. After a few unsteady steps, blurred-eyed, he caught sight of that alluring figure. He took a deep breath, squinted hard, and staggered toward her.
Chu Yitong moved swiftly through the crowd. Uncle Hai had said the person she was looking for would appear here tonight, but the throng was too dense, and the clues too scant. She had little confidence she would find him, but she had to try.
She had searched most of the hall already and hesitated whether to check the second floor. Glancing upward, she knew the private rooms above were inaccessible for inspection. Slowing her pace, she bit her lip lightly and lowered her head in thought, unaware of the man who had crept up behind her.
“Little beauty, come keep me company,” the man lunged like a starving wolf. Chu Yitong dodged with a swift sidestep, a sudden unease stirring within her, prompting her reflexive evasion.
She slowly turned around to face the drunken man. Handsome yet somewhat effeminate, dressed in designer brands that likely attracted many women’s attention, but his heart—she shook her head—she had no desire to engage with someone like him. She took a step to leave.
Unexpectedly, the man quickly blocked her path, shamelessly pleading, “Little beauty, I have plenty of money. If you agree to keep me company, I’ll give you whatever you want.”
His lecherous face was set with eyes full of vile desire, making her sick. Ignoring him, she stepped aside, but he persisted relentlessly, following close behind.
Chu Yitong halted, turned to him with an icy glare. “What do you want?”
“I want little beauty to keep me company!” The man’s eyes gleamed greedily as his hand reached out, attempting to grab her.