Chapter 16: What Does That Have to Do with Me

An Ling’s appearance at the bar was a complete coincidence.

After leaving An Zhou’s place, neither she nor Jiang Mai were particularly hungry, so they had originally planned to go shopping.

But as soon as she saw the club, Jiang Mai couldn't move. With an excited expression, she pointed inside and said, Let’s go check it out! I heard the male models in there are drop-dead gorgeous!

An Ling looked at her blankly. Am I crazy?

She had just been involved in an incident at a bar a few days ago. There was no way she was going back so soon.

Jiang Mai patted her shoulder with a serious expression. We’re not here to cheat on anyone, so what are you afraid of? Besides, you’re going to divorce Shen Linyan sooner or later. Then we’ll take the money and find some male models of our own. We’re just here to check out the market value.

The going rate? What on earth is that supposed to mean?

An Ling couldn't win the argument and sighed helplessly. Fine, but only on the first floor. We’re not going to the second floor.

Although she had been in the news, the photos had been blurred. Few people in the outside world knew what the wife of the Shen family looked like, and even if they saw her, they wouldn't necessarily recognize her.

As long as they didn't run into anyone from their social circle, it wouldn't be a big deal.

But even if she did run into them, it didn't matter. She was face-blind and couldn't recognize anyone anyway. She would just ignore them.

Take right now, for example.

An Ling stared at the man for a few more seconds. When she really couldn't recognize him, she gave up.

As long as the other party didn't actively look for trouble, she wouldn't bother them.

But why did he feel so familiar?

She withdrew her gaze thoughtfully as Jiang Mai's voice reached her ears. What are you looking at? I just took a peek, and those male models seem alright. This bar handles things pretty quickly too; that man who was causing trouble was already kicked out.

Nothing, An Ling replied with a yawn. Shall we go back? I want to sleep.

Okay, Jiang Mai nodded.

Just as they were about to leave, a hesitant male voice suddenly sounded from behind them.

An Ling?

An Ling closed her eyes in despair. She suddenly had a bad premonition.

To run into an acquaintance on the first floor... she felt like her villainous second female lead buff was starting to kick in.

Turning around, she saw a few young men standing behind her.

They were dressed in trendy, flashy clothes. The leader had platinum-blonde hair, a leather jacket, tight jeans, a clinking metal chain around his neck, and a lip piercing.

When he saw An Ling's face, a look of surprise appeared on his wild face, but a trace of calculation quickly flickered in his eyes.

He walked closer with a smile. It really is you! What a coincidence. My friends and I were just planning to grab a drink.

Without waiting for An Ling's reaction, he suddenly shouted to the group behind him as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Sister An is here today, so it's her treat! Everyone, drink as much as you want! We can even go to the second floor later!

His followers were startled at first, then immediately cheered. Whoo! Sister An is the best!

Brother Long really does have the best connections!

Following Brother Long was definitely the right choice! He knows so many rich people!

The young man known as Brother Long snorted disdainfully and raised an eyebrow. Of course! You’ll get plenty of perks following me! Do you think I’m just anybody?

Jiang Mai frowned and leaned closer to An Ling’s ear, whispering, Who is this guy?

Good question. Because she didn't know either.

Where did these flashy punks come from?

An Ling looked them up and down expressionlessly, then turned to Jiang Mai. Let’s go.

Seeing An Ling turn to leave, the boy was stunned and instinctively reached out to grab her. Hey, don't go!!

But before he could touch her, An Ling dodged his hand.

The boy froze for a moment, then turned to look at his excited followers. He frowned and lowered his voice.

An Ling, what are you doing? Are you giving me attitude? Didn't you want to find out about Brother Shen's likes? If you help me out this time, I'll tell you.

Brother Shen? His likes?

An Ling looked at the boy's face for a moment, then narrowed her eyes and suddenly burst out laughing.

Ha, I remember now.

Over the past two years, the System had used many methods to pursue Lu Jingshen, including trying to suck up to the group of fair-weather friends around him to find out what he liked.

This Huang Long in front of her was one of them.

However, compared to the other wealthy children, this Huang Long was just a street hoodlum. In the original story, Lu Jingshen had deliberately befriended such people while playing the part of a weakling to hide his true power.

In order to get information from him, the System had given this man many benefits, basically giving him money whenever he asked and providing unconditional support.

What a bunch of lunatics.

She sat back down with a smile, her face full of anticipation. Will you really tell me what Brother Shen likes this time? No lies?

Huang Long thought to himself, As if! He just wanted to use this excuse to milk her for more.

But his voice sounded sincere as he promised, Of course! I’ll tell you everything!

Hearing this, the woman's eyes instantly lit up.

But then, she showed a suspicious and worried expression.

I don't believe you. What if you lie to me again? I've helped you so many times before, and you never told me.

Tsk, how troublesome.

The veins on Huang Long’s forehead pulsed as he forced a smile. I won't lie to you. Don't worry, Sister An.

An Ling thought about it and suddenly smiled. How about this? I can treat everyone, but you have to have them put it on your tab first. Once you tell me what he likes, I'll settle the bill for you.

Damn, why is this woman so difficult today? Was it because he had lied to her too many times and she was on guard?

He remained cautious. What if you don't pay me after I tell you?

The woman blinked in shock, as if she couldn't understand why Huang Long would even suggest such a thing.

This small amount of money is just pocket change to me. Why would I hold out on you? Besides, I've helped you so many times before. When have I ever not paid?

Hearing this, Huang Long frowned. He looked at the eager followers behind him and thought back to all the times An Ling had picked up the tab in the past.

He bit his tongue and said, Fine! But wait a second, let me tell them.

These rich people were so stingy, haggling over such a small amount of money. Since it was being put on his tab anyway, he would just say he was the one treating them. Why even mention this woman?

An Ling’s eyes slowly curved into a smile. Of course. Go ahead and tell them.

As soon as Huang Long turned away, the smile on her face vanished instantly. She turned her head and gestured to the bartender.

The bartender bowed respectfully. Miss, is there anything I can help you with?

Please open a few bottles of your most expensive wine.

An Ling curled her lips and rested her chin on her hand, pointing at Huang Long’s back. She spoke slowly.

Put it on that man's tab. He said he’s buying a round for the whole house.

The bartender glanced over and nodded. Understood.

The bartender walked over to Huang Long.

After he whispered something, the crowd over there went silent for a moment, then erupted into cheers.

Holy shit! Brother Long is the man!

Oh my god!

Is this for real?! Brother Long, you’ve got some serious bank!

Brother Long, you’re so cool!

Amidst the chorus of praise, Huang Long’s smile was strained. As soon as he turned around, his expression darkened, and he gave An Ling a questioning look, asking what she meant.

The woman blinked innocently, smiling with pure kindness as if telling him not to worry.

Jiang Mai sat next to her, looking like she was enjoying the show. She raised an eyebrow and said, Playing this big? What if he can't afford it later?

Can't afford it?

An Ling tilted her head and smiled with curved eyes.

Then what does that have to do with me?

She took a sip of her wine, her gaze surreptitiously flickering toward the second-floor railing. It was empty now.

Had that man left?

An Ling looked away.

It didn't matter. As long as it wasn't Shen Linyan, she was fine. There was no way a man like him would ever set foot in a place like this.

Five minutes later, the announcer's voice boomed through the bar's speakers on the first floor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some great news! Tonight's tab is on Boss Huang. Everyone, have a blast!"

Cheers erupted throughout the bar.

Only Huang Long looked grim as he walked over. "Alright, I'll tell you Brother Shen's preferences now."

But the woman suddenly raised a hand to cut him off. "Wait a second."

His eyelid twitched, and a sense of impending doom washed over him.

"Wait for what? You’re not going to add more conditions, are you?"

Fine, even if she did, he’d just have to suck it up. Damn it, he’d take the hit this time.

An Ling merely smiled without a word. She stood up languidly and smoothed out her dress with practiced ease.

Only when the security guards arrived did she blink, offering a smile that looked perfectly innocent.

"You didn't really think I was going to be the one treating, did you?"