Chapter 18: A Walk Together?

As the glasses were repeatedly raised and set down, the atmosphere in the S booth of Shangmei Bar grew increasingly lively.

The tempo of the music slowed slightly but still carried a strong rhythm.

The drinks on the table gradually ran low. Several of them felt a slight buzz from the alcohol, which only made them more relaxed.

At this moment, Wang Zhen sat beside Liu Yuting, his face flushed faintly from the wine.

The distance between them had noticeably shortened, their shoulders nearly touching.

Though he hadn’t taken the initiative like Li Yan, it was clear he was already in the right mood.

Liu Yuting did not resist his closeness; occasionally, she would lightly nudge Wang Zhen’s arm with her elbow, laughingly teasing him about “betraying teammates” in the game just now.

Wang Zhen gradually gained confidence.

Initially somewhat reserved in such settings, Li Yan’s encouragement and the environment had helped him regain his self-assurance.

He wasn’t overly direct, occasionally engaging Liu Yuting with low-voiced jokes or casual gestures, striking a balance between not being intrusive and not appearing distant.

Liu Yuting had her own calculations.

While she did not feel a strong attraction toward Wang Zhen, she recognized that he was not frivolous. Plus, with his family running a supermarket, he seemed like a decent choice.

She did not reject their interaction and, when Wang Zhen tentatively moved closer, she sometimes used subtle gestures to make the atmosphere more natural.

Elsewhere, Shen Qingyue was completely nestled in Li Yan’s embrace.

After their recent kiss and intimate contact, her emotions had fully relaxed.

A faint blush lingered on her cheeks, her eyes slightly glazed, yet a barely perceptible smile played at the corners of her lips.

She did not consciously adjust her posture but willingly leaned closer to Li Yan, allowing one of his hands to rest around her waist.

Li Yan sat composedly on the sofa.

His hand rested naturally on Shen Qingyue’s waist, making no further moves but gently tracing the curve of her waistline.

The gesture seemed casual but carried a reassuring strength.

Shen Qingyue didn’t resist; rather, she seemed to actively merge into his embrace.

They occasionally exchanged whispered words; her voice was soft, tinged with a hint of coquettishness.

Li Yan’s replies remained calm, laced with mature humor, yet so dependable.

---

Xiaomei and Yueyue observed this scene with clear understanding.

They were tactful, refraining from interrupting this unfolding intimacy.

Instead, they conscientiously picked up the empty bottles on the table, calling a waiter to replenish the drinks and rearranging the fruit plates and glasses with thoughtful care.

Meanwhile, some still rolled dice at the table, mostly for the sake of merriment, with the real focus no longer on the game.

Wang Zhen’s voice occasionally rose, mingling with Liu Yuting’s crisp laughter.

They drew ever closer, even beginning to exchange hushed conversations, as if isolating themselves from the rest.

Shen Qingyue leaned against Li Yan, lifting her gaze to him.

Under the lights, her features appeared even more delicate, and her eyes held an unmistakable tenderness.

She bit her lip lightly, seeming about to speak but shyly hesitating.

Li Yan looked at her, a faint smile curving his lips, his tone low and gentle.

“Something wrong? Had too much to drink?”

Shen Qingyue shook her head softly, voice barely above a whisper.

“No, it’s just… tonight feels quite special.”

Her words carried a tentative note, but more so an unconscious sense of reliance.

Li Yan said nothing further, simply tightening his hold, pressing her body closer.

His gaze was calm, yet inwardly he knew the evening’s plan was unfolding exactly as intended.

All before him was but a carefully orchestrated part of his composed design.

The bar’s vibrant atmosphere persisted, the crowd in the dance floor reveling under the lights.

Within this little sanctuary of the S booth, emotions intertwined and the mood intensified, immersing everyone in their own feelings.

Alcohol and hormones combined to make this night especially enchanting.

The drinking session neared its end; the table’s bottles were nearly empty, dice cups and glasses scattered haphazardly.

Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting conversed as if reluctant to part, occasionally accompanied by soft laughter.

Shen Qingyue was entirely nestled in Li Yan’s arms, her cheeks flushed faintly, her gaze drifting between dreamy and tender.

Li Yan glanced at his watch; it was nearly one in the morning.

He gently patted Shen Qingyue’s waist, his voice low but gentle.

“That’s enough for now. Let’s rest. Tomorrow, everyone can take it easy.”

---

Li Yan hadn’t stayed out this late in a long time and felt somewhat tired himself.

Rising, he naturally supported Shen Qingyue, offering her subtle steadiness.

She obediently stood, still clinging to him with a hint of reluctance.

Xiaomei and Yueyue, seeing this, discreetly summoned a waiter to settle the bill.

The bar’s checkout process was always efficient; soon, the waiter returned with the bill, bowing slightly as he handed it to Li Yan.

“Brother Yan, tonight’s total is 36,500 yuan.”

Li Yan glanced over the bill, confirmed the amount, then pulled out a bank card, handing it over with a nod.

“Add 500 each as a tip. Thanks.”

The waiter smiled broadly, nodding repeatedly.

“Thank you, Brother Yan. We look forward to your next visit!”

After settling the bill, the group exited Shangmei together.

The night breeze, cool and gentle, dispersed the lingering heat from the evening’s revelry.

Wang Zhen and Liu Yuting walked ahead, clearly engrossed in conversation and standing close.

“Yuting, did you have a good time today?” Wang Zhen asked tentatively, sincerity in his tone.

Liu Yuting smiled softly, her eyes warm.

“Yes, very much. Thanks for your hospitality. Let’s meet again when there’s a chance.”

Her words carried a reserve that surprised Wang Zhen, yet he sensed this night might just be a promising beginning.

Xiaomei and Yueyue followed behind discreetly, maintaining a respectful distance from Li Yan.

They knew well the goal had long been achieved: Shen Qingyue’s feelings for Li Yan were evident, and Li Yan had rewarded them handsomely.

Others gradually dispersed, leaving only Li Yan and Shen Qingyue.

Beneath the dim streetlights, Shen Qingyue leaned against Li Yan, her steps languid.

Her long hair was gently lifted by the night breeze, revealing a delicate profile, her eyes shaded with complex emotion.

“Shall we take a walk?” Li Yan’s voice was calm, steady, his gaze locking with hers as if peering directly into her heart.