Were all the rich second-generation kids this abstract these days?
Rong Huai’s expression was incredibly complicated at that moment, but he couldn’t be bothered to point it out. He merely flashed a polite fake smile and gave a perfunctory response: “Like this.”
Fu Zheng ummed in acknowledgment again.
There was that feeling of responding to everything out of sheer awkwardness, pretending to be in the middle of a conversation with someone else to seem busy.
And he really was pretending to be busy.
Busy with everything except letting his gaze drift back to Tao Zhi.
They lingered in that awkward silence for several minutes until Fu Zheng’s mind cooled a bit. Only then did he remember what came next.
“Uh, how much?” Fu Zheng’s expression was still unnatural.
He picked up his forgotten phone again. The screen showed the post-game defeat screen, but he didn’t care at all. “Should I transfer via WeChat?”
“Sure.” Rong Huai said, “Total of 13,888.”
Fu Zheng: “?”
Fu Zheng immediately lost his composure. “How much?!”
“13,888.” Rong Huai repeated.
But after saying it, his expression turned puzzled.
Because the two people in front of him both looked shocked.
Fu Zheng’s voice had risen in pitch, and Tao Zhi’s eyes widened in utter shock.
What kind of clothes were these? How could they be this expensive…?
Tao Zhi’s movements as he tugged at his skirt grew even gentler, afraid of damaging it.
“Any questions about the price?” Rong Huai explained to them. “This covers the full outfit plus styling and makeup for today.”
“Oh, right.” He paused, then added, “I don’t rent out clothes here, by the way.”
Fu Zheng: “…”
Fu Zheng: “I know.”
Even if Fu Zheng was broke, he wouldn’t have Tao Zhi wear rented clothes. That would be too humiliating.
He was just glad he’d had the foresight to hold back half the money earlier. Otherwise, if he couldn’t pay today, it really would’ve been embarrassing.
Embarrassing in front of the idiot, no less.
Something he absolutely wouldn’t allow.
At least he’d saved face this time.
Fu Zheng quickly transferred the money to Rong Huai.
The payment notification chimed, and Boss Rong finally showed a genuine smile. “Thanks, Second Young Master. Come again next time.”
“…” Like hell I could afford to come back.
Fu Zheng gripped his phone, staring at the balance on the screen with a gloomy and bewildered expression.
A few seconds later, he took a deep breath and called Tao Zhi to leave together.
–
Tao Zhi really wasn’t used to wearing women’s clothes.
The outfit wasn’t comfortable, and the short skirt kept riding up when he walked, making him feel like he was about to flash everyone.
And maybe it was psychological, but he swore passersby were staring at him. From the shop to the underground parking lot, his expression was unnatural as he clutched his skirt, taking tiny, cautious steps behind Fu Zheng.
Fu Zheng was preoccupied with money troubles and didn’t have time to mind him. They didn’t speak the whole way until they got in the car, when that weird feeling finally eased for Tao Zhi. Only then did he belatedly remember the most important thing: “Where are we going now?”
Fu Zheng told him a name.
Tao Zhi looked blank, clearly not recognizing it.
“A club. Fu Si Heng’s friend is throwing a party there tonight, and he’s attending.” Fu Zheng wasn’t a patient person. Normally, he wouldn’t bother answering Tao Zhi’s every question so politely.
Though his politeness was just deadpan responses.
But that was polite enough already.
Tao Zhi even felt a bit flattered, slowly replying with an “oh.”
Fu Zheng ummed again and started the car.
But right away, he heard Tao Zhi ask another question.
“So, what am I supposed to do once we’re there?”
“Seduce him,” Fu Zheng answered.
“?”
“…”
“Uh… how do I seduce him?” Tao Zhi asked again.
Fu Zheng: “?”
Fu Zheng: “…”
Tao Zhi: “0.0”
Tao Zhi: “Ah…”
The SUV had just pulled out of the parking spot when it stopped. Fu Zheng turned to look at Tao Zhi.
Tao Zhi was looking back at him.
They stared at each other, wide-eyed.
Fuck.
Fu Zheng was stumped. He hadn’t thought about this at all and froze in place.
Tao Zhi hadn’t thought about it either and froze along with him.
The silence stretched a full five minutes.
“Seduce means seduce. Talk to him, chat, get him interested in you, make him like you. That’s it.”
After all, Tao Zhi was actually a guy. Trying any physical seduction would backfire the moment they got in bed. They’d have to play the pure love route with Fu Si Heng.
Fu Zheng thought he’d explained it clearly, but Tao Zhi still didn’t get it.
He wanted to ask more, but by then, Fu Zheng had started the car again.
He was driving—busy. No time to answer. Let Tao Zhi figure it out himself.
“…”
Fu Zheng didn’t even know himself, yet he’d dumped this impossible task on him. Despite feeling grateful toward Fu Zheng for a week, Tao Zhi couldn’t help but inwardly gripe that he was really too much.
–
Today was a private gathering among friends, held at Blue Smoke Bay, an upscale membership-only club.
