Wang Fan sighed helplessly and helped Dai Yuying into a nearby Lanzhou noodle shop.

The entire walk there, their bodies brushed against each other repeatedly, and the subtle, mature scent emanating from Dai Yuying made Wang Fan’s heart race—painfully pleasurable.

Dai Yuying’s pretty face flushed even redder, as if it could be squeezed to produce water.

Their entrance drew the attention of many diners, especially the men, whose gazes lingered shamelessly on the sexy, uniform-clad beauty.

Wang Fan finally settled Dai Yuying into a seat and exhaled in relief.

If he had to keep supporting her like this, he felt like he might collapse. The "painful pleasure" was far more painful than pleasurable.

"Boss, give me the most expensive beef noodles you’ve got, extra meat," Wang Fan said, catching his breath.

Pfft.

His words earned him a round of mocking laughter.

Who the hell tries to impress a girl this cheaply? Everyone was stunned. The most expensive noodles here couldn’t cost more than a few bucks. They felt sorry for Dai Yuying—bringing such a gorgeous woman to a dingy noodle shop? What a waste.

"Sorry, I haven’t found a job yet. I’m a bit tight on cash," Wang Fan said, ignoring the jeers. He wasn’t about to pretend he was rich when he wasn’t.

"It’s fine, I’ll treat you," Dai Yuying waved him off, finding him increasingly interesting.

Earlier, when she was leaning on him, he could’ve easily taken advantage—but he didn’t. And now, his straightforward, unpretentious attitude only made her respect him more.

Men like Wang Fan—honest and direct—were a rare breed compared to the hypocritical jerks who pretended to be gentlemen but were wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Then, Dai Yuying caught the key detail in his words, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"Wait, you said you haven’t found a job? I happen to know my company’s hiring security guards. Interested?"

"What? Really? I’ll take it!" Wang Fan blinked in shock before leaping to his feet, nodding vigorously.

For over a week, he’d been struggling to find work, experiencing firsthand the helplessness of rejection. He’d even considered taking a construction job—no degree required.

Now, Dai Yuying was offering him a position? He couldn’t be happier. Even as a security guard, it was better than hauling bricks. The irony? Even security jobs now required a degree, which pissed him off.

"Great. Be at Silverland Group’s HR office on the 10th floor tomorrow at 10 AM. Don’t be late."

Dai Yuying didn’t want to give him a chance to refuse—after all, he had rejected her lunch offer earlier. Now that he’d agreed, she sealed the deal without letting him backtrack.

"Okay, thanks, thanks!" Wang Fan was overjoyed, showering her with gratitude. This was like winning the lottery—a golden opportunity falling into his lap.

Though he’d only been back in Jinzhou for a week, he’d already heard of Silverland Group.

It was one of the top ten companies in the city, and even the security guards were well-paid.

Of course, getting hired wasn’t just about having a degree—it required skills and connections. That Dai Yuying could pull this off for him left Wang Fan ecstatic.

After their meal, they exchanged contact info and parted ways. Before leaving, Dai Yuying reminded him again: "Tomorrow at 10 AM, Silverland Plaza. Don’t be late."

With his job crisis resolved, Wang Fan felt lighter. No longer stingy, he decided to celebrate with a night out.

At 8 PM, Blazing Sun Rouge Bar was packed, the bass-heavy music pounding as young men and women danced wildly to the rhythm.

The women wore less and less, dressed sexier and sexier, the air thick with pheromones.

Blazing Sun Rouge was mid-tier in Jinzhou, frequented by young professionals, college students, and trendy types.

For some, this place was heaven—sexy white-collar workers, innocent coeds, and seductive young wives.

Wang Fan sat in a corner, drinking heavily while ogling the beautiful women around him. It was the most relaxed he’d felt since returning to Jinzhou.

"Sir, may I sit here?" cool voice interrupted his thoughts. Wang Fan was about to wave her off when he looked up—and froze.

She was 23 or 24, her flawless face untouched by makeup, like a masterpiece carved by the gods.

Her delicate, slightly upturned brows, sensual red lips, jade-like nose, and faintly smiling lips were all perfect beyond words.

She wore a black sheer top—conservative by the bar’s standards, but even that couldn’t hide her explosive figure.

Her waist was as slender as a willow branch, her legs long and perfectly proportioned, neither too thick nor too thin.

If Dai Yuying was a goddess he could almost reach, this woman was a celestial being—untouchable.

How could someone like her end up in a dive bar like this?

Without waiting for his response, she plopped down across from him and grabbed an unopened beer, popping it open with a bottle opener before chugging it like it was nothing.

Wang Fan gaped. This woman just drank a 38-yuan beer like it was tap water!

His mouth hung open as his wallet screamed in agony.

One bottle…

Two bottles…

Three bottles…

Four bottles…

Just as Wang Fan was about to protest, the woman finally stopped drinking—and then, to his utter disbelief, she threw herself face-down on the table and burst into loud, uncontrollable sobs.

What the actual fuck?!

Even Wang Fan, who rarely swore, couldn’t help but curse.

He lowered his head, looking pitiful. "Hey, miss, don’t cry… at least not here. If people see you crying on my shoulder, they’ll think I did something to you."

He had no choice—already, suspicious glances were turning their way.

After all, a woman this perfect must’ve been targeted the moment she walked in.

Wang Fan groaned inwardly.

"I will cry, I will cry, you bastards, every last one of you is scum, scum, waaaaahhh!"

And just like that, Wang Fan’s attempt to calm her down backfired spectacularly. She suddenly stood, grabbed his shoulders, and started bawling into his chest while clawing at his shirt.