Chapter 10: Star Whisper Bar (Another update will be released tonight)

In the end, Hua Tianyu was assigned to the lobby, tasked with maintaining order at the elevator alongside a security guard named Cui Quan.

It was about three in the afternoon, and the lobby was not crowded. Cui Quan chatted idly with Hua Tianyu. “Brother, from now on we’re partners. Our shift isn’t too bad—just a bit tougher than the others.”

“Tougher? So you came straight in from patrol outside to help keep order in the lobby, without a break?” Cui Quan wasn’t one of those who’d mocked Hua Tianyu in the security office earlier; he’d barely had time for a drink of water before Cheng Feng sent him, along with Hua Tianyu, to the lobby.

“You’ve got a sharp eye, brother! There are three kinds of security jobs here. First, the ones who patrol and stand guard without rest. Second, the ones who sit in the monitoring room all day. Third, the ones who just hang out chatting and playing mahjong with Cheng Feng, doing nothing.” Cui Quan gave a sheepish grin. “I’m not much—just the first kind…”

Hua Tianyu frowned slightly, catching a glimpse of Cheng Feng hurrying over, bent at the waist and calling out as he ran, “Hua Tianyu… Tianyu… Brother Yu!”

With each call, his tone grew more familiar.

Hua Tianyu stood quietly, waiting for him to speak.

“Brother Yu, Director Wei just called. She asked me to check if her car keys were left with you?” Cheng Feng wore a fawning smile.

Hua Tianyu gave a knowing chuckle, saying nothing.

Receiving no answer, Cheng Feng felt a light tap on his shoulder. He watched as Hua Tianyu fished a Meirenbao car key from his pocket and pressed the elevator button.

Watching Hua Tianyu’s retreating figure, Cui Quan asked cautiously, “Brother Cheng, am I about to lose my partner again?”

Once the elevator doors closed, Cheng Feng stubbed out the cigarette he’d just lit with force.

“Get lost.” That was his only reply to Cui Quan.

After returning the keys and exchanging a few teasing words with Wei Xueying, Hua Tianyu checked the time, said his farewells, and left Swan Tower.

He was still thinking about Lin Lin. Until now, he hadn’t seen her, and Xiong’s request weighed heavily on his mind.

He was to meet Tian Li in the Upper North District.

The Upper North District, compared to the rest of Shangjiang City, was where the slums clustered. Yet, for all its poverty, it lacked none of the city’s entertainment venues. In fact, it boasted more bars and clubs than most places.

When Tian Li appeared, her hair was still a vibrant red, though she’d traded her heavy makeup for a lighter touch that only made her already striking features more exquisite. Her walk, however, was slightly odd. Hua Tianyu grinned knowingly and went over to support her by the waist.

Though Tian Li had flirted with men for money before, she’d always maintained her boundaries—hardly letting any man touch her. In the Upper North District, she was something of a formidable figure.

She hadn’t expected Jiang Yong to use such despicable means against her last night.

Now, with Hua Tianyu’s arm around her waist, her steps grew unsteady. But before she knew it, her own hand had slipped around his waist, and she threw him a provocative glance.

Hua Tianyu let out a soft chuckle. This woman was intriguing, no doubt about it.

Star Whisper Bar was one of many in the Upper North District—not large, nor particularly luxurious, but notable for its clientele: boys and girls barely past eighteen. Youthful charm was its main appeal.

When Hua Tianyu and Tian Li arrived at the entrance, he immediately sensed something was off. A crowd of young men and women clustered by the door, their faces a mix of confusion and panic.

Yes—panic.

Tian Li didn’t seem to notice. She boasted to Hua Tianyu, “See this place? Star Whisper Bar! Isn’t it beautiful? Cool, right? This is my turf!”

Smack! Hua Tianyu gave her a light pat on the left side of her rear, smiling, “Try that introduction again.”

Tian Li bit her lip and amended, “Uh… This is Lin Lin’s and my turf!”

Smack! Another light pat, this time on her right. “Once more, with feeling.”

The two playful swats left Tian Li weak in the knees. If Hua Tianyu hadn’t been holding her up, she might have collapsed. Her gaze grew sultry, her voice quivering slightly, “It’s… it’s Tian Bro’s woman’s turf!”

Hua Tianyu smiled but ignored Tian Li’s obvious submissiveness for now. Narrowing his eyes, he studied the group at the door, his voice thoughtful: “If this place ever has trouble, Tian Bro will sort it out for you.”

“Lili, you’re here!” A girl in ripped jeans called out from the crowd.

“Qiao Rui, why aren’t you all inside?” Tian Li asked, surprised.

Qiao Rui cast Hua Tianyu a glance, assuming he was Tian Li’s latest catch. She was puzzled that Tian Li would be so close with him—usually she kept her distance from men. But now wasn’t the time to talk about it. She wanted to speak privately, away from the man.

She pulled Tian Li aside and whispered, “Something happened inside just now!”

At these words, Tian Li’s submissive air vanished. Her knees steadied, her back straightened, and she tossed her red hair with a surge of confidence. “Tell me, who’s got the nerve to cause trouble in my place?”

Qiao Rui shook her head. “I don’t know them. Some blond guy came in with a dozen people and started smashing things, then kicked all of us out. My friends and I were just catching our breath out here when we saw you.”

“Blond?” Tian Li immediately thought of Jiang Yong. That scum had blond hair, didn’t he?

“Yeah, and the funniest thing—he could barely walk. They actually carried him inside!” Qiao Rui had been amazed: it was the first time she’d seen someone so battered still eager to party.

But what happened next had caught her completely off guard.

“It’s definitely Jiang Yong!” Hua Tianyu, blessed with keen hearing, had caught every word, especially since Tian Li made no effort to keep her voice down.

Qiao Rui glanced at him, surprised at his sudden interjection, but said nothing. Tian Li didn’t seem to mind—Qiao Rui was just a regular at Star Whisper Bar and knew Tian Li well, so she took no offense.

“I was just looking to settle scores with him over last night. Let’s go!” Tian Li gritted her teeth, preparing to charge in.

Hua Tianyu caught her by the arm. “I told you earlier—if this place has trouble, Tian Bro will handle it. If Jiang Yong doesn’t know his place, I’ll make sure he learns.”

“You’re my woman. Remember that. I’ve got your back.” With that, he strode in ahead of Tian Li.

Qiao Rui was momentarily stunned. Was Lili really serious this time? What kind of man could tame her? Still, she had to admit—this one was actually pretty handsome!