Being exposed like that, Fu Yang could only rub his nose awkwardly. "You two are just determined to ruin my image in front of my sister-in-law."
Just then, the bar's music changed abruptly, the rhythm becoming more intense. The lights in the center of the dance floor flashed wildly, and the atmosphere instantly became lively.
After pouring another round of drinks with the girls from the Atmosphere Group nearby, Shen An began to liven up the atmosphere.
It was Xu Yan's first time at a booth in such a top-tier bar.
She looked at the understated yet luxurious-looking bottles on the table.
She leaned in curiously toward Jiang Churan and whispered, "Ranran, what kind of wine are these? They look expensive, but they're not as pretty as the ace of spades from last time, which was all shiny and golden."
Jiang Churan followed her gaze, shook her head slightly, and said softly, "I don't know what these are either, but they do look quite special."
Although they spoke softly, Jiang Cheng, who was nearby, overheard them.
"This bottle is a Macallan Lalique 55-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, a limited global release with a rich and complex flavor. This one is Billecart-Salmon 'Cuvée Nicolas François' Champagne, with fine bubbles and an elegant fruit aroma. The one next to it is Dom Pérignon P3 Rosé Champagne, at its third peak of flavor with very rich layers. However, these wines are quite niche; most people wouldn't recognize them..."
Most people coming to a bar wouldn't really understand the significance of ordering these kinds of drinks.
Thinking of this, Jiang Cheng casually raised his hand and said to Brother Long, "Brother Long, bring out a few more sets of the ace of spades—the full collection."
Brother Long, who had been standing quietly to the side, immediately bowed and replied, "Certainly, Young Master Jiang. I'll arrange it right away!"
Hearing this, Xu Yan hurriedly waved her hands in embarrassment. "No need, no need, Big Boss. We were just talking. These drinks are already great..."
Though she said that, a secret sweetness welled up in her heart because of Jiang Cheng's sudden thoughtfulness.
This feeling of being valued and cared for was like a tiny electric current passing through her heart, making her cheeks flush slightly.
Her gaze toward Jiang Cheng softened unconsciously.
Jiang Cheng waved his hand as if it were nothing.
"It's fine. Order whatever you want to drink. We're out to have fun tonight; as long as it's lively, it's good."
His gaze swept over everyone in the booth. "Everyone, feel free today. Just do whatever makes you happy."
Shen An immediately chimed in with a laugh, "Did you hear that? Brother Cheng has spoken—today is all about having fun! Brother Long, hurry up and liven things up!"
Seeing this, Xu Yan showed a grateful and relaxed smile, saying sweetly to Jiang Cheng, "Thank you, Big Boss!"
Soon, servers filed in carrying sets of colorful ace of spades champagne—gold, pink, green, purple... like a rainbow instantly lighting up the booth.
The crystal-clear bottles reflected dazzling light under the hazy glow.
In stark contrast to the previous understated whiskies and champagnes, the atmosphere of the entire booth instantly became more fervent and flamboyant.
"Wow! The full set of ace of spades! That's so cool!"
"Young Master Jiang is so generous!"
Shen An timely raised a glass of freshly poured pink ace of spades with fine bubbles and shouted, "Come on! A toast to Brother Cheng! We must enjoy ourselves to the fullest tonight!"
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses. The crystal glasses clinked crisply under the hazy lights, and the atmosphere was instantly pushed to a climax.
Once the colorful bottles of ace of spades were placed on the table, they immediately became a perfect backdrop for photos.
The three girls—Jiang Churan, Shen Shuang, and Xu Yan—hardly needed to discuss it. They huddled together in tacit agreement, naturally using Jiang Cheng and the row of dazzling bottles as a backdrop, and began taking photos from various angles with their phones.
Some leaned toward Jiang Cheng making playful peace signs, while others clinked glasses together, their faces brimming with excitement and joy.
"Wow, look at them. Aren't they cold? They're actually just wearing underwear," Shen Shuang said, pointing at several beauties in bikinis standing in the corner.
"They probably are. Look, their legs are crossed while they stand," Jiang Churan agreed in a low voice.
Seeing the innocence in their eyes, Shen Shuang clicked her tongue and shook her head, saying cryptically, "Do you know why they're keeping their legs squeezed tight?"
"Why?" the two girls asked in unison.
"Because they're afraid that if they take a step, water will start flowing down..."
"Ah... that..."
"Shuang Shuang... you..."
Amidst the excitement, Shen An's gaze casually scanned the other booths, enjoying the feeling of being the center of attention.
His gaze wandered aimlessly among the booths, passing over faces that were either excited or intoxicated.
When his gaze inadvertently swept over the ideally located Booth E, he didn't pay much attention at first.
He only felt that the silhouette of the figure sitting in the main seat, surrounded by people, looked somewhat familiar.
He subconsciously lingered for a few more seconds.
It was those few seconds that made him feel more and more that something was off.
He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward instinctively, trying to see the person's face more clearly through the flickering lights and the crowd.
As the person turned his head, a familiar face came clearly into view.
"Holy shit..." Shen An couldn't help but curse under his breath, his voice full of disbelief.
Jiang Cheng, hearing the commotion, turned to look at him. "What's wrong? Seen a ghost?"
Shen An suddenly snapped out of it and pointed toward Booth E, his tone filled with shock. "No... Brother Cheng, look over at Booth E! The one sitting in the middle... why does he look so much like Xu Zhi!"
"Xu Zhi?" The name caused everyone in the booth to freeze for a moment.
Hearing this, Shen Shuang also frowned and stared intently in the direction Shen An was pointing.
After identifying him for a moment, her expression darkened, and she said in a low, certain voice, "Damn, it really is him."
After saying this, Shen Shuang's expression flickered unnaturally as she glanced at Jiang Cheng and Jiang Churan.
After all, the first time Jiang Churan came to a bar, she had faced Xu Zhi's intimidation; it could only be said that it was lucky Jiang Cheng was there at the time.
Otherwise, there was no telling how much trouble Xu Zhi would have caused for Jiang Churan by now.
Their movements and frequent glances, combined with the attention brought by the ace of spades earlier, seemed to have caught the attention of those at Booth E.
Xu Zhi also looked over, following the source of the gazes.
The moment his eyes met Jiang Cheng's and the others', the laughing and talking expression on his face instantly froze.
His pupils constricted slightly; he was clearly very surprised to see Jiang Cheng here.
Seeing this, Shen An immediately turned to ask Brother Long, his tone laced with obvious dissatisfaction, "Brother Long, what's going on? Didn't you say Booth E was reserved? Turns out it's Xu Zhi and his lot?"
Having spent years in such environments, Brother Long had already discerned from their tones and expressions that they were at odds with Xu Zhi.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face as he hurried to explain in a low voice, "Young Master Shen, it's true that Young Master Xu and his group booked it a few days ago... We're just following the rules here..."
On the other side, after a brief moment of shock, Xu Zhi quickly forced a stiff, somewhat fawning smile and raised his glass toward Jiang Cheng from a distance.
Seeing this, the corner of Jiang Cheng's mouth curled into an almost imperceptible, playful arc.
However, Jiang Cheng did not raise his glass in response; he simply looked away indifferently, as if he had just glimpsed an insignificant passerby.