Chapter 227: Chapter 227

Hua Xiaomo went upstairs, her heart still pounding uncontrollably. Through the window, she saw the car outside had left, but her longing didn’t pause for even a moment. She couldn’t help but look at the butterfly-pin camera in her palm; it had grown hot from her tight grip. That enchantingly beautiful butterfly looked extremely delicate, making it impossible for anyone to detect its sinister nature. Amber’s lovely eyes also darkened, her expression unreadable.

「The Qi Imperial Court the next day.」

Qi Longbing came in carrying a shopping bag, a look of utter satisfaction on his face.

The woman in black at the office desk quickly looked up at him. "President Qi, good morning!"

Qi Longbing looked at her. Today, she was once again in her black swan-like ensemble. Her black shirt, however, was different from the previous one; this time, it was an exquisite Court style. Moreover, pinned to its pocket was a very delicate butterfly pin, looking quite beautiful—just like her, always exuding an enchanting, captivating magic power. Her short hair looked soft and full, and her beautiful face, set against the all-black attire, appeared strikingly pale.

Beautiful. That one word was the only adjective that came to mind.

Soon, Qi Longbing, smiling gently, placed the bag in front of her. "Yours. You forgot it in my car yesterday."

"Uh..." Hua Xiaomo was stunned. Then, seeing the packaging, she instantly realized what it was.

She was so flustered! How could she have forgotten this? Inside were three sets of expensive ready-to-wear lingerie Wen Yajun had given her.

The bag had clearly been rewrapped; someone had obviously gone through it.

Hua Xiaomo’s face flushed instantly. She didn’t dare look at Qi Longbing and mumbled, "Thank you."

"No need to be polite. They’re your things... It’s only right that I looked after them for you. Xiao Mo, have you thought about where you’re taking me in a couple of days?" Qi Longbing looked at her, his face full of anticipation.

He could hardly wait for that third day to arrive—the day she promised to tell him if she liked him.

Yes, he was eagerly waiting. Considering she had already prepared three sets of lingerie, he imagined it would be an utterly enchanting and unforgettable night.

「The night of the third day.」

Hua Xiaomo sat in Qi Longbing’s sleek black Ferrari as he drove through the city towards a secluded spot known as The Dark Reef.

It was called The Dark Reef, though it wasn’t a place frequented by those outside certain circles.

When Qi Longbing drove up to the place and saw the nightclub named Lovebay, his eyes narrowed slightly.

"Xiao Mo, is this the place you were talking about?" Qi Longbing asked, looking curiously at the girl beside him. Why choose this place for a date when so many other options were available? It wasn’t that he considered it low-class, just that... he wasn’t accustomed to dates in nightclubs. He preferred more elegant, quiet venues—places with a unique tranquility.

"Let’s get out. This place is quite nice, and I’ve already reserved a spot," Hua Xiaomo said with a gentle smile.

Seeing the beauty in black beside him smiling so captivatingly, he felt almost intoxicated by her. "Alright then. Let’s stay here."

Qi Longbing courteously opened the car door for Hua Xiaomo. Then, gently guiding her by the shoulder, he walked with her into Lovebay.

Hua Xiaomo’s gaze subtly brushed across Qi Longbing’s handsome face, a hint of slyness and coldness lurking deep in her eyes.

Now that I’m here, there’s no reason to back down. The die is cast...

Success or failure... it will all be decided tonight.

Unconsciously, Hua Xiaomo fiddled with the butterfly-shaped pin fastened to the front of her blouse.

This was no ordinary pin, oh no...

I’m sorry, Qi Longbing, but we should have been two parallel lines that never intersected.

Just as Qi Longbing led Hua Xiaomo into the bar, an unlicensed motorcycle taxi also pulled up nearby.

After collecting the fare, Wen Yajun was about to leave when he unexpectedly saw the luxury car parked not far from the bar.

Huh, isn’t that President Qi’s car? How did it end up here? Wen Yajun wondered, thoroughly perplexed. Read full story at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⁂𝕟𝕖𝕥

It turned out that if he had nothing else to do at night, he would ride his motorcycle out as an informal taxi, picking up and dropping off young people frequenting bars, earning some extra cash on the side.

He never expected to see President Qi’s car here, of all places!

Wen Yajun looked up at the Lovebay bar, thought for a moment, then stowed his helmet, locked his motorcycle, and followed them inside.

Meanwhile, as Qi Longbing led Hua Xiaomo into the bar, they found themselves surrounded by an array of flamboyantly dressed young men.

Some sported alternative styles, others more conventional attire, but all their eyes gleamed with a knowing light. Many of them were quite young, their eyebrows artistically shaped and their lips a captivating red.

As the two walked in, dozens of bright eyes simultaneously turned towards them. Most of the gazes lingered on Qi Longbing’s face, making him feel distinctly uncomfortable...

It was like a pack of wolves on the prairie suddenly encountering a lost lamb.

Seeing this, Qi Longbing frowned slightly and halted, his arm around Hua Xiaomo tightening instinctively.

He had already noticed that everyone here was male; apart from Hua Xiaomo beside him, there wasn’t a single other woman present.

Lovebay? So it was *that* kind of bar...

"What’s wrong? The private room I booked is inside," Hua Xiaomo reminded him pointedly.

"Xiao Mo, you... why would you like a place ..." Qi Longbing trailed off, not finishing his sentence. But his deep blue eyes betrayed his discomfort and a hint of annoyance. He hated this feeling of being stared at, knowing all too well the filthy thoughts running through their minds.

Hua Xiaomo smiled knowingly, having easily discerned his thoughts. "President Qi, it’s just a bar. Don’t you think it’s more interesting and thrilling here compared to those high-end places you usually take me to?"

"That’s true..." Qi Longbing chuckled, his eyes shining brightly. So, she was looking for excitement! Indeed, discussing love and romance in a bar was certainly unconventional and thrilling enough.

Just then, a handsome, red-haired foreigner carrying what looked like a bottle of champagne approached them. "Hi, Xiao Mo! Here’s the champagne you asked for." He then handed it to Hua Xiaomo.

"Thank you, Jess!" Hua Xiaomo took it. This bottle... Zhou Xiyang had prepared it for her, with prior instructions for Jess to deliver it.

Qi Longbing, standing nearby, watched Hua Xiaomo and the red-haired foreigner interact familiarly, an inexplicable shadow clouding his eyes.

"Xiao Mo, is this your boyfriend? He’s really beautiful!" Jess exclaimed, looking at Qi Longbing in admiration.

"Uh, haha! Is that so? I think so too," Hua Xiaomo responded with a laugh, seeming completely unconcerned by the stares of others.

However, all of this would likely end tonight. A flicker of unease settled deep within her heart, carefully concealed.