C6 Treat You!

The stunning hostess sneakily glanced over with the corner of her eye before playfully draping her hand over Chen Zhixuan's shoulder and cooing, "Where did this handsome young man come from? So generous. Rest assured, I'll make sure you're happy arriving and even happier leaving today."

As she spoke, she teasingly leaned in with her crimson lips toward Chen Zhixuan, close enough to either kiss or start a fight.

"Could you speed it up, sister?" Fatty Zhang, having caught Han Qiuran's uneasy look, rose to his feet and wrapped his arm around the hostess's waist.

"Why the rush, big guy?" she quipped, leaning back into Fatty Zhang's embrace.

"Time's wasting, sister. Quick in, quick out," Fatty Zhang urged, nudging the hostess along.

"Just a moment, boys. I'll be right back," the hostess said, not lingering any longer. She gracefully exited the room, softly closing the door behind her.

"Maybe you guys should go ahead without me; I think I'll head back," Han Qiuran murmured, making to leave.

But Tang Wanli quickly grabbed her, pleading, "Qiuran, we're already here, why not stay and have some fun? Please, do it for me, okay?"

Tang Wanli was not ready to call it a night, especially considering the room's hefty price tag of 100,000 yuan. She wasn't about to let this chance slip away, even if it was just for the sake of a future anecdote.

"Xuanzi, look, the campus beauty is upset. Maybe we should let the lady be?" Fatty Zhang suggested.

He was aware that Han Qiuran was Chen Zhixuan's unrequited first love. But now that Chen Zhixuan had made it big, there might still be a chance for them.

Chen Zhixuan paused, then stood up, "Qiuran, why not stay a little longer? If those people come, just let Fatty Zhang handle it. I can't neglect his feelings just because of you two."

"Damn it, Xuanzi," Fatty Zhang started to protest, but a stern look from Chen Zhixuan silenced him.

"Come on, Qiuran, Xuanzi already suggested we just sit and relax, alright?" Tang Wanli didn't wait for Han Qiuran to respond before pulling her back onto the sofa.

Chen Zhixuan followed quietly and took a seat to the side, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. Han Qiuran had been the dream girl of his school days, an image he cherished. To win her over, he had nearly worn out his collection of love song lyrics just to pen one heartfelt letter.

Even after graduation, Chen Zhixuan clung to the hope of a chance with her, but that hope had since waned. It wasn't the allure of the system or newfound wealth that changed him, but rather the stark realization of his own identity and the chill of societal indifference in the years that followed.

"What's on your mind?" Han Qiuran leaned in and whispered to Chen Zhixuan, while Tang Wanli was distracted with her phone.

"It's nothing."

"Chen Zhixuan, I have a question for you. Will you answer it for me?"

"Of course, ask away."

"I heard your car is worth millions?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"You haven't done anything illegal, have you?" Han Qiuran's voice carried a hint of urgency.

Chen Zhixuan looked up sharply, his eyes filled with disappointment.

Their gaze was interrupted as the door swung open and the head hostess strode in, followed by a trail of stunning women.

The hostess made herself comfortable beside Chen Zhixuan and chirped, "Hey there, little brother, is this the company you were expecting?"

Han Qiuran bit back her explanation upon seeing the unfolding scene, her eyes casting a wary glance at the newcomers.

"Everyone, stay put. And you, stay as well," Chen Zhixuan instructed calmly.

The mood shifted with Han Qiuran's words, and any desire to continue the festivities vanished.

"Alright," the hostess said, clapping her hands, prompting the women to gather around.

"Head over there, and you—stay," Chen Zhixuan gestured dismissively.

The women, sharp as they were, caught on quickly and flocked to Fatty Zhang's side.

Fatty Zhang was feigning composure, but within ten seconds, he caved and surrendered.

The mood was polarized; one side was abuzz, while the other was steeped in awkwardness, leaving even the seasoned beauty in charge at a loss for words.

"I need a smoke," Chen Zhixuan announced, rising to leave the private room.

"Count me in," Fatty Zhang blurted, unable to take it any longer, and trailed after him.

He had imagined that a room costing over 100,000 yuan a night would be extraordinary, but it turned out to be much like any regular club—just with prettier girls and more upscale decor and service.

Under normal circumstances, he might have lost himself in the revelry, but not today, not with a lady present. He owed it to Chen Zhixuan to maintain a certain decorum.

At the corridor's end, Chen Zhixuan pulled out a lighter and an unopened pack of Five Elements Inn cigarettes.

"Want one, Fatty?" he offered, extending a cigarette to Fatty Zhang.

"Mr. Xuan, you're still smoking these?" Fatty Zhang grinned, coming closer and expertly sniffing the cigarette.

"It's a piece of our past, isn't it?" Chen Zhixuan said with a laugh, though tinged with a hint of sadness.

He inhaled deeply and exhaled a perfect smoke ring.

"Xuanzi, what did Ms. Han say to you?" Fatty Zhang asked, leaning against the wall and puffing away.

"Nothing much. Just asked if I'd done anything illegal. Seems like she's hinting I should turn myself in," Chen Zhixuan replied with a wry tone.

Fatty Zhang didn't respond, just took several long drags on his cigarette.

When the cigarette was half-smoked, Fatty Zhang inhaled deeply and said, "Xuanzi, I was beginning to wonder if you'd really done something illegal. But now, I'm not so sure."

"Why's that?"

"Because of this." Fatty Zhang toyed with the cigarette butt and gave Chen Zhixuan a meaningful look.

"You're something else," Chen Zhixuan said, shaking his head in resignation.

Fatty Zhang's poor academic performance wasn't due to a lack of intelligence; he simply wasn't interested. But when it came to other areas, his IQ and EQ were top-notch.

"Have you given up on pursuing Han Qiuran?" Fatty Zhang asked as he snuffed out his cigarette.

"I'm not sure. I'm really frustrated and can't pin down how I feel right now," Chen Zhixuan admitted.

"Listen to your heart. Remember back in school when you were after Han Qiuran? I teased you about being a toad lusting after swan meat. Despite my advice, you went ahead and wrote that love letter. It's no different now. Deep down, you've already got your answer, right?" Fatty Zhang murmured softly.