Chapter 8: Will the Dance Floor Collapse? (This chapter has been revised)

Shen Qing sat upright, guessing at Yu Fei’s thoughts, and found them rather amusing.

“Qingqing, there are just over ten days left until school starts in September. The coursework in your third year of high school is intense. In a few days, I’ll hire a tutor for you.”

Shen Qing was seventeen this year, a month or two older than Yu Min’er. She had grown up in Jiang City, where education and the economy lagged behind. Anyone could guess what her grades were likely to be...

The crucial point was that Yu Fei had heard Shen Qing often skipped class, and her grandfather, being elderly, paid her little mind.

“No need. With my grades, hiring a tutor would just be a waste of money.” Shen Qing didn’t even look up, busy playing her game.

Yu Fei frowned in silence.

The driver in front sighed deeply.

The old master’s daughter really couldn’t compare to the young lady.

“I’ll get some textbooks for you, and have your sister lend you her notes to copy. The summer review sessions for third-years ended long ago. If you don’t understand something, ask your sister at home these next few days.”

“My mother only ever had me. Where would I get a sister?” Shen Qing turned to Yu Fei, her eyes glinting with mockery.

Yu Fei’s brows knitted together tightly, his voice low and tinged with anger. “Qingqing.”

The girl withdrew her gaze and returned her attention to her phone.

Seeing this, Yu Fei suppressed his frustration and spoke patiently, “Qingqing, I know things have been hard for you. Your grandfather is gone, but I will take good care of you. I hope you can...” Let go of your prejudice against Min’er and Jiaxuan.

“I’ll be moving out in a few days.”

Yu Fei was stunned for several seconds before responding, “You...move out? Where could you possibly go?”

Shen Qing grabbed the pink baseball cap beside her. “I’m just letting you know, that’s all.”

With that, she pulled the cap down to shield her face, leaving only a delicate chin exposed.

Yu Fei opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing.

Where could a little girl like her go? Work a job?

The driver dropped them off near Star Plaza. Shen Qing got out of the car, her figure tall and slender, her long legs drawing many eyes.

Yu Fei watched the direction she left, rubbing his aching temples. “Turn around. Back to the office.”

*

“Eggy!” Xia Mang strode into the private room in towering heels, her fiery red dress accentuating her curves.

Shen Qing rubbed her temples and responded quietly.

“What brings you to Fancheng?” Xia Mang plopped down beside her, unconcerned with her image.

“Got a new guardian, so I transferred here.”

“Oh.” Xia Mang didn’t press further.

She’d known Shen Qing the longest out of everyone in Tiangou, and was familiar with her family situation.

“What’s going on with the Luo family?”

At the mention of business, Xia Mang immediately straightened up. “Boss checked into it. It’s a shipment of contraband, but the Gu family hired some international muscle. Nothing to worry about.”

“Eggy, you stirred up the Gu family’s main player back in Country M. This time, they’ll be ready for you.”

Shen Qing scoffed, licking her lips, and Xia Mang found herself momentarily dazed.

What a deadly charm!

“If I were that easy to catch, I’d hardly deserve my title as master thief.”

“Don’t get cocky. Your skills are decent, and your hacking’s not bad, but compared to Brother Long...there’s still a gap. Long Aotian has vanished without a trace. If he were here, Boss wouldn’t be so worried.”

Shen Qing said nothing.

“Eggy...”

“Are you hooked on that name?” Shen Qing shot back.

Xia Mang grinned sheepishly. “It’s just, we’re talking business. I’m used to calling you that.”

Shen Qing said nothing.

“Let’s eat, my treat!” Xia Mang picked up the menu and did a double take.

Good heavens!

A plate of stir-fried greens cost 299!

She glanced at Shen Qing, who was still absorbed in her phone. “Sweetie, tell me—how’d you come to pick such an expensive place?”

Shen Qing lifted her gaze, one eyebrow arching gracefully.

“I tried it yesterday. The food’s good.”

Xia Mang’s eyes widened. “Did you rob a bank?”

Shen Qing shot her a look, then picked up the menu and started ordering. “One drunken chicken, drunken shrimp, and a portion of Golden Leaves...”

“That’s enough, that’s enough.” Xia Mang hurried to stop her.

“It’s not even mealtime yet. The two of us can’t finish that much.”

At prices like these, you couldn’t leave for less than several thousand per meal!

*

After a few drinks, Xia Mang pulled Shen Qing up. “Come on, sis will show you a good time!”

Shen Qing slapped away the hand draped over her shoulder.

“Not going. I’m still underage.”

Xia Mang: ...You’re out there fighting gods and monsters, but you remember you’re not of age?

“Come on, just for fun! You fleeced me today, might as well go all the way!”

“Eggy, Qingqing—”

“Fine, lead the way.” Shen Qing stood up.

Xia Mang grabbed her purse. “Let’s go, I’ll take you for a spin in my new car!”

“Haven’t you been drinking?”

“Shh!”

*

The red sports car pulled up on a deserted street.

“Nightfall?” Shen Qing eyed the shabby signboard, the whole street reeking of poverty.

“Is this really that place everyone online says charges tens of thousands for a single drink?”

Shen Qing frowned. It really was rundown.

If you danced in here, the floor might just cave in...

Xia Mang grinned wickedly. “There’s more here than meets the eye. Come with me.”

With that, she led Shen Qing through a side door, down a dark corridor, and pushed open a door. Inside, dazzling lights flashed to the beat of dynamic music, and the dance floor teemed with young men and women.

Confronted with such a lively scene, Xia Mang felt truly alive.

“Qingqing, go grab a seat over there. I just spotted a handsome kid.”

“Don’t you like your Brother Long anymore?” Shen Qing pinched Xia Mang’s waist.

“You!” Xia Mang shot her a flirtatious glance and sashayed into the crowd. In less than a minute, several young men had surrounded her.

Shen Qing looked away, unable to bear the sight, and headed for a chair in the corner. A few people tried to strike up a conversation along the way, but she ignored them all.

Nightfall Bar was large inside. The central dance floor alone was half the size of a basketball court, with a viewing gallery on the second floor overlooking the scene below.

“Miss, may I buy you a drink?”

Shen Qing frowned. “No, you may not.”