Chapter Thirty-Four: A Romantic Encounter at the Bar

Aside from Xiao Qian, Nie Yunyang had never accompanied a woman on a shopping trip. Back in the day, knowing he preferred quiet, Xiao Qian had spent most of their time together with him in a small grove.

At that time, Nie Yunyang and Xiao Qian were the envy of the entire campus, a celestial couple—though, unfortunately, they eventually parted ways for various reasons.

Most women share similar interests, such as a love for beautiful things. If a handsome man gives them a bouquet of roses, he might win a sweet kiss; if it were an unattractive man, he could present them with ninety-nine roses and still risk being accused of sexual harassment.

Nie Yunyang had spent five or six hours accompanying Yin Min around the Hengxin Shopping Mall and its surrounding areas. Having bought quite a few things, her mood had finally lifted.

By the time Yuan Wei was about to arrive, they were sitting in a restaurant called "99 Jianghu Cuisine" to rest. Nie Yunyang felt physically drained, more exhausted than if he had run ten kilometers, while Yin Min appeared exceptionally excited, having acquired new clothes, pants, and cosmetics.

"I was just about to go see a movie with a few girls, but the moment I got your call, I dropped everything and rushed over," Yuan Wei grumbled as he stepped out of his car.

Ever since Nie Yunyang had left for Zhen'an, Yuan Wei had been on edge, worrying about him constantly. Fortunately, his friend had returned safely; otherwise, Yuan Wei would have been the one preparing his funeral. During this time, Yuan Wei had invited Nie Yunyang out several times, but Nie had always been tied up, leaving Yuan Wei feeling quite frustrated.

Nie Yunyang picked up the teapot, poured a cup for Yuan Wei, and smiled. "I finally had some free time today, so I called you out for a meal."

"At least you have some conscience, knowing I was hungry." Yuan Wei sat on the stool and downed the cup in one gulp.

Nie Yunyang couldn't help but laugh. "I've really been too busy lately. I'll take you to KTV another day to relax."

"That's more like it." Yuan Wei didn't hold a grudge. He turned to look at Yin Min. "So, this beauty who turns heads wherever she goes is your younger sister, Yin Min, right? No wonder you kept her hidden—you were afraid I'd try to woo her."

"Hello, Brother Yuan Wei," Yin Min said with a smile.

That sweet voice immediately wiped away all of Yuan Wei's resentment. He nodded and said, "I was in such a rush to leave that I forgot to bring a gift. I'll make it up to you next time, Brother Yuan. If you can't reach your brother, just call me anytime."

"Thank you, Brother Yuan Wei," Yin Min replied.

Nie Yunyang took charge of ordering the food: spicy crayfish, fresh lettuce, braised eel, and spicy river snails—all signature dishes of the establishment. Once the waiter served them, the three began to feast.

After they had eaten their fill, Nie Yunyang dropped Yin Min off at Chongqing University before heading with Yuan Wei to Revolucion Cocktail.

Revolucion Cocktail was one of the most famous nightclubs in Chongqing and a frequent haunt for Yuan Wei. As a regular, the owner had already arranged a prime spot for him. On the way to the bar, Yuan Wei had invited two women—a model and a nurse.

The model had once dated Yuan Wei for a while, but after he discovered she was two-timing him, he kept his distance, occasionally sharing drinks or playing billiards. She was a quintessential Eastern beauty with delicate features and a tall, slender frame. Having her by his side made him look good, as she was far superior to the superficial women usually found at bars.

"Has the matter with the Mu family come to an end?" Yuan Wei asked.

Nie Yunyang sipped his cocktail. "Not yet, but it’s close."

"I've heard quite a bit of news," Yuan Wei continued. "Sun Yufan was very interested in Xinhai Technology, but he disappeared without a trace. Brother, don't tell me you don't know anything about that?"

As a second-generation wealthy heir, Yuan Wei had no trouble gathering intelligence.

Nie Yunyang clinked glasses with Ye Rong, the woman sitting beside him, and chuckled. "I'm just a nobody. How could I possibly be involved with such a powerful figure?"

"Brother, do I not know who you are?" Yuan Wei pressed. "You'd better not mess with Sun Yufan. He has the Wei family backing him, and the Wei family is no joke—even my old man turns pale at the mention of them."

Powerful people with deep family roots usually weigh the consequences of their actions carefully and avoid offending other major players. The real danger lies in the "lone wolf"—someone with nothing to lose who, when pushed to madness, will disregard everything. Even if it were the heavens themselves, they would try to break a leg off it.

In Yuan Wei’s mind, Nie Yunyang was exactly that type of person—someone who didn't fear the consequences. That was why he worried that Sun Yufan’s disappearance was linked to him.

By now, the club was packed. Men were belting out songs on stage, and women were dancing wildly on the floor, showing off their graceful figures in a seductive display.

"Brother, what are your plans for the future? You don't intend to stay at the Mu family and live off them forever, do you?" Yuan Wei asked.

Nie Yunyang looked thoughtful. "No rush. I'll plan for the future once the Mu family situation is settled."

Alcohol has a way of going to one's head; some men can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, while others lose their inhibitions. Yuan Wei pulled the model onto the dance floor. Seeing this, Ye Rong invited, "Young Master Nie, would you like to dance a waltz with me?"

"No thanks, you go have fun," Nie Yunyang replied.

Ye Rong, dressed in a white shirt and a pencil skirt, seemed to guess his thoughts. "I rarely come to places like this. I was just in a bad mood today and came to vent. You aren't allowed to laugh at me."

"Heartbroken?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Ye Rong shook her head. "No, just some trouble at work and at home. I'm feeling restless."

"You aren't married yet, are you?" Nie Yunyang asked.

Ye Rong gave a slight smile. "Why must one marry a man? I think living alone is quite fine."

"I don't know much about work matters, but as for family troubles, nine times out of ten it's about being pressured to get married," Nie Yunyang said.

Ye Rong was stunned. "Young Master Nie, you're quite sharp."

"Just a wild guess, don't take it to heart," Nie Yunyang said.

Ye Rong leaned over, whispering into his ear, "I'm in a bad mood today. If you're capable, take me away—a park or a hotel would do."

"Cough, cough. Sorry, my wife is waiting at home. Once I finish this drink, I have to go back and change my son's diaper," Nie Yunyang said.

Ye Rong froze. She detested men who were married but still came out to fool around.

Nie Yunyang stood up. "Remember to tell Yuan Wei that I had something to do and left first."

Without waiting to see if Ye Rong heard him, he walked out of the club.

Half an hour later, Yuan Wei returned to the table with the model and asked, "Where's my brother?"

"He left! Went home to change a diaper!" Ye Rong said, sounding irritated.

Hearing this, Yuan Wei couldn't help but laugh. Ye Rong realized she had been played—usually, men were the ones hitting on her, only to be rejected. Tonight, she had been the one bested by Nie Yunyang.

After Nie Yunyang left Revolucion Cocktail, he was driving back toward Jinke Jiuquhe when Tan Weibo called, his voice urgent. "Yunyang, Han Fucheng has been taken out..."