Chapter 16: The Hunter and the Prey

Both of them silently nodded in approval: this was indeed Li Yan’s style—low-key yet measured.

Watching the wine list swiftly arranged, Shen Qingyue found herself growing even more appreciative of Li Yan’s composure.

She slightly tilted her head and whispered to Liu Yuting, “He seems especially familiar with this kind of setting.”

Liu Yuting swallowed nervously as she watched the bottle of Blue Label placed on the table, her heart stirring with mixed emotions.

Though she was a regular at bars, she had never occupied such a seat, let alone witnessed this level of spending.

At that moment, she became even more certain that Li Yan was on a level far beyond her reach.

At the table, the clear golden hue of Kaige champagne shimmered softly under the lights, mingling with the rich aroma of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Hennessy VSOP, swiftly igniting a lively atmosphere.

Li Yan sat at the head of the table, holding a glass, his gaze calm yet commanding the entire room.

He lightly tapped the glass, drawing everyone’s attention. “Come on, feel free to relax and don’t be so reserved. Since you’re here, unwind a bit, have some drinks, and play some games.”

As everyone raised their glasses, Li Yan leaned over and quietly said to Wang Zhen, “Liu Yuting seems to enjoy having fun. Take the initiative, chat about light topics, and don’t be too nervous.”

Wang Zhen nodded. Although still a bit uneasy, he understood this was an opportunity.

Taking a deep breath, he turned toward Liu Yuting and casually said, “Yuting, you’re quite familiar with bars, right? You must come here often?”

Liu Yuting’s lips curved into a smile as she replied, “I guess so. I’ve come a few times with friends before, but this kind of seat tonight—this is a first.”

Her tone was light, but her eyes subtly flicked toward Li Yan.

She knew clearly that her place this evening was all thanks to Li Yan.

As for Wang Zhen, she was still cautious, but having heard his family ran a supermarket and was relatively well-off in Luzhong City, she did not mind getting closer.

Seeing the mood warm up, Li Yan casually picked up the prepared dice cup and dice from the table, flashing a slight smile. “Let’s play a game—liar’s dice. Everyone knows it, right? If not, you can learn as you play; the rules are simple.”

He shook the dice cup lightly, the crisp clatter sounding skillful and natural.

With the dice cup’s rhythm rising and falling, the atmosphere grew increasingly spirited.

Shen Qingyue gradually settled into the moment, a faint blush blooming on her cheeks from the slight intoxication.

Several times Li Yan challenged her to reveal her dice, and she found he always seemed to win effortlessly—a controlling power that both vexed and impressed her.

Liu Yuting was laughed at often by Wang Zhen and even took the initiative to drink on his behalf, making the scene even more harmonious.

The music in the bar grew louder and more impactful; the strong, rhythmic drums echoed throughout the space, elevating the atmosphere to a new height.

Though the S VIP booth was somewhat quieter, it could not mask the powerful vibrations of the background music.

The clatter of dice cups gradually ceased, replaced by light-hearted conversations and laughter among the group.

Shen Qingyue sat beside Li Yan, fingers lightly swirling a pale pink fruit cocktail.

Her cheeks, tinted by the wine, accentuated a newfound charm beneath her otherwise cool demeanor.

Her gaze lingered softly on Li Yan, a faint, elusive smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

The bar’s lights danced over her snow-white, slender thighs; her smooth skin seemed especially radiant, the hem of her dress casually resting on her knees, revealing subtle, alluring curves.

Li Yan leaned against the back of the sofa, one hand holding his glass, the other resting casually on the armrest, his entire posture relaxed.

Noticing Shen Qingyue’s gaze, he turned his head slightly, lowering his eyes to her with a faint, subtle smile. “What’s wrong? Lost a few rounds and feeling sore about it?”

Shen Qingyue chuckled softly and leaned closer to Li Yan, her fresh, elegant perfume quietly enveloping them.

She placed her glass on the table, turning her head gently to whisper by his ear in a soft, low voice, “Who’s feeling sore? I was just letting you win, alright?”

The music was loud, so her voice was almost pressed against his ear, warm breath brushing his skin with a hint of moisture.

They were so close they could almost hear each other’s breathing.

Shen Qingyue’s bold yet elegant gesture had her slender waist nearly touching Li Yan’s body.

Li Yan’s lips curled into a slightly playful arc, his gaze calm and mature.

He did not rush to respond but naturally reached out, resting his hand on her waist.

Her waist was slender and soft; through the thin fabric, the warmth of her skin was almost palpable.

Li Yan’s movement was perfectly natural, as if it were the most casual gesture, his face still serene.

Feeling the touch at her waist, Shen Qingyue trembled slightly but did not pull away.

She turned her head a little, her eyes carrying a hint of coquettishness mingled with excitement.

Still close to Li Yan’s ear, her voice softened further: “Are you getting too cocky? Next time, I’ll make sure you lose even worse.”

Li Yan glanced at her, smiling faintly, his tone calm yet teasing: “I’ll look forward to that, but… I rarely lose.”

His deep, steady voice carried a confidence that made Shen Qingyue’s heart skip a beat.

He made no further move nor showed impatience—just gently tightened his hold on her waist, drawing her in slightly, the gesture so natural it seemed utterly ordinary.

Shen Qingyue’s heart stirred.

She knew her closeness tonight had not been rejected by Li Yan, which secretly thrilled her even as a subtle nervousness arose.

Li Yan’s composure and calm made her feel as though she were exploring an unknown territory—one that was irresistibly enticing.

Lowering her head slightly, she took the chance to lightly brush her fingers over his arm, slowing her voice: “Li Yan, are you the kind of person who never takes anything seriously?”

Li Yan raised an eyebrow, smiling faintly. “That depends on who it is.”

His ambiguous words stirred ripples in Shen Qingyue’s heart.

At this moment, the roles between hunter and prey shifted so swiftly it was hard to discern.

Nearby, Xiaomei and Yueyue deliberately enlivened the mood, occasionally tossing playful jabs that were light enough not to disrupt the relaxed atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhen seized the chance to chat more congenially with Liu Yuting.

Between the dice cups and clinking glasses, the night was gradually ignited by lights and laughter.

Li Yan remained cool and composed, but he knew the evening’s arrangement was steadily falling into place.

He glanced at Shen Qingyue beside him, the smile on his lips deepening just a touch, though it went unnoticed by others.

Those who hold victory firmly often understand best how to wait for the other to make the first move.