After Marrying the Villain with Seven Personalities [Transmigration into a Book]) - Chapter 4

“Hey! Hey! Why are you harassing people?” “Damn it, are you sick?!” “I’m going to call security!” …

The dance floor suddenly became noisy. A new DJ track was mixed with many female voices shouting in surprise and complaint, creating an exceptional commotion.

Xu Linqiu opened her eyes and saw, under the blinding colorful lights, a man holding a wine bottle, his clothes disheveled, stumbling around, laughing, and reaching out everywhere in the crowd.

His gray suit was stained with wine, his face flushed crimson, and his bloodshot eyes gleamed.

The skirts of several women were jokingly yanked twice by him. They all ran away in disgust. The man saw everyone avoiding him wherever he went, raised the bottle, took a few swigs, and suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“You bastards, go ahead and call security! I’ve been enduring this long enough!”

“Get your new boss out here for me! What kind of damn rules are these? I’m the young master of the great Cui Financial Group! I can smash this pathetic place with money! And you’re telling me you need mutual consent to book a room, huh?! And I get reported just for touching a leg?!”

“Last time, I only brought a little bit of white powder, and your boss didn’t even show her face. She just sent a bunch of dogs to sue me! It caused me to be grounded for so long! Today, I’m waiting right here to see what kind of celestial being has such airs!”

He scanned the room. Seeing that everyone around him dared only to be angry but not speak, keeping far away, he laughed even harder.

Suddenly, his gaze swept over a figure that stood out distinctly. His eyes lit up. He walked toward her, his eyes lingering on the woman’s long legs.

Xu Linqiu was startled and frowned in disgust. She quickly tugged Shi Ji, who was still immersed in the music, to walk out.

Shi Ji finally opened her eyes and followed her confusedly, only to hear a drunken, taunting male voice behind her.

“Beauty, why the rush? I never knew a beauty like you existed. How about we get acquainted?”

Shi Ji turned around and recognized the prodigal son of the Cui family, Cui Guan, who had ruined countless young girls.

It was this scoundrel who had fought with the staff at Hong Xun last time and injured her.

Seeing his disgusting face, clearly intent on harassing Linqiu, Shi Ji couldn’t help but stop, wanting to settle all scores, new and old.

But a figure swiftly dashed past from behind, quickly approaching Cui Guan.

Xu Linqiu, pulled to a stop by Shi Ji, turned around just in time to see a waitress in a maid uniform kick the man hard before he could react.

The overhead lights shone on her voluminous, curly hair as it swayed with her movement, creating golden ripples. The cruel force of her kick felt as if it had also struck Xu Linqiu’s heart.

“You stinking bitch!”

Cui Guan fell to the ground, clutching his aching chest. Realizing what happened, he quickly tried to stand up.

Xu Linqiu felt an urge to go over and help, but then she saw the maid instead bend slightly, swiftly snatch the wine bottle from the man’s hand, and smash it violently onto his head. Immediately after, she ground her foot heavily into the man’s body.

The crisp sound of the bottle shattering was masked by the intense music and shouts, seemingly making the atmosphere even more heated.

A flash of amazement appeared in Xu Linqiu’s eyes.

Cui Guan was pressed firmly to the floor, clutching his splitting headache. Bright red blood slid down his cheek. He heard a buzzing sound like bees around him and a cold, chilling sneer.

“I don’t think you want to keep those eyes.”

Then, the cold, hard sole of a shoe pressed onto his eyes. The intense pain abruptly sparked a vicious rage in his heart. He gasped for air and struggled, only to receive an even harder kick.

Xu Linqiu stared at the back in front of her. The fitted maid uniform was sexually provocative, yet influenced by the scene she had just witnessed, it now seemed to her to carry a fervent cruelty.

She lowered her gaze slightly. Vivid colors flooded her heart, transforming into a strong urge to express herself, making her fingers feel restless.

It felt like a long time since she had felt this way.

She curved her lips, slightly clenched her fist, and lightly rubbed her palm with her fingertips, glancing at the reflective glass shards on the floor, which looked like colored glaze.

Shi Ji, standing beside her, whispered in awe, “This waitress is too fierce.”

The surrounding crowd gradually drew closer. Many waiters and security guards circled the dance floor, yet for some reason, they remained motionless.

Remembering something, Xu Linqiu frowned, keenly observing the struggling movements of the man below. She quickly pushed Shi Ji away a few steps, rushed over, pulled the waitress into her arms, and took a step back.

Cui Guan’s attempt to grab the glass shards and throw them at the woman’s legs missed. His entire body ached, making it impossible to stand up, so he could only endure the severe pain and scream insults.

The vile words were unbearable to hear.

The warmth in her arms felt heated. The woman’s body seemed to have frozen, feeling quite rigid.

Xu Linqiu quickly released her waist, thinking she was stunned by the profanity. Instead, a slightly soft female voice, carrying a hint of cold sharpness, suddenly reached her ear.

“Throw him out. The boss has seen enough. I believe he now knows what kind of celestial being I am.”

The staff surrounding the dance floor saw their boss wave her hand and immediately swarmed forward to carry the man away.

“Take me to the hospital! Or you’re all finished!”

“You just wait!”

Cui Guan’s struggling voice faded into the distance, and the music on the dance floor gradually softened.

“Please move aside, everyone. This area needs to be cleaned up.”

“Boss Hong, I’ve heard your bartending skills are superb, and you’re so elusive. Now that I’ve finally run into you, could you mix me a Blue Ocean?”

“Certainly.”

Many men and women gathered around. Xu Linqiu realized that the woman in front of her must be the boss of Hong Xun.

Lost in thought, the woman suddenly turned around. Beneath the feather mask, her lips were beautiful and sensual. Her willow-leaf eyes were long and slender with slightly upturned corners, and her gaze was seductive.

“Thank you, and I apologize for startling you. Would you like to have a drink? It’s on me.”

Her voice now seemed to melt into one’s bones, yet it wasn’t cloying, but very comfortable.

“We will, we will!” Shi Ji suddenly pulled Xu Linqiu’s arm, signaling friendly acceptance.

The woman smiled at her again. The inner corner of her eye hooked slightly downward, and the gentle curve of her lips made her appear soft and elegant again.

Xu Linqiu watched her turn and walk toward the bar, and was suddenly startled when Shi Ji patted her shoulder.

“Stop staring! Hurry up and grab a seat.”

Shi Ji dragged her to the front, occupying a spot on the far right of the bar with sheer willpower.

Every move the woman inside the bar made exuded a sensual, captivating quality, especially while wearing the maid uniform. A pair of delicate, pale hands grasped a smooth stem glass under the bright lights. Her skin was fair, and her movements were swift and beautiful.

Deep blue was mixed little by little into the white liquid. The liquor shimmered with ripples, and the aroma of wine permeated the air.

When she wasn’t smiling, she gave people a sense of bright composure. When she smiled, the corners of her lips curved slightly, and her willow-leaf eyes were long and tempting.

Xu Linqiu repeatedly met her gaze, which seemed to sweep over her casually, carrying a smile.

Xu Linqiu propped her chin on her hand, slightly narrowed her eyes, and smiled back, staring at her openly.

The soothing music played inside the bar was delightful.

She saw the woman’s earlobe slowly flush a delicate pink under the lights, as if transparent.

It was very intriguing, and there was always a sense of familiarity.

After watching for a while, Shi Ji’s smiling voice reached her ear.

“Did you get a good look? Do you like her?”

Xu Linqiu nodded subconsciously. Realizing her action, she didn’t refute it but turned back to Shi Ji and smiled. “Looking at her makes me feel a sudden urge to pick up my paintbrush again.”

“That’s perfect! Think about it, she’s the boss of Hong Xun, and you’re a rising artist. How compatible are you! I knew from the way she fought just now that she’s definitely the CEO type. When you think about it that way, you’re even more compatible!”

The music on the distant dance floor became loud again.

Shi Ji felt that this Boss Hong looked familiar, but after searching her mind for a long time, she couldn’t find anyone who fit the description.

She must have met her at some dance party before, Shi Ji thought, finally setting her mind at ease. She leaned in close to Xu Linqiu’s ear, encouraging her enthusiastically, “If you like her, go for it! Don’t suppress your feelings.”

“I think so too.” Xu Linqiu couldn’t help but narrow her eyes. In this slightly tipsy atmosphere, she rarely tried to conceal her attraction. “Should I go ask her for her contact information?”

“Vulgar.”

“You should be straightforward with her.”

“Is that so?” She smiled, tapping the bar counter with her fingertips.

The two people not far away seemed to create a magical, intimate atmosphere around themselves.

“Boss Hong, we really can’t figure out your working hours! We come here every day just craving your drinks. Do you own more than one shop and run back and forth?”

The woman shifted her gaze, relaxed her hand that was cramping from gripping the glass, and slightly curved her lips. “Not at all. I only have this one establishment.”

“Then is it because you have too many family matters? Or perhaps a very clingy partner?”

The customers in front of the bar became interested and continued to ask her questions, laughing.

“I have no family,” she lowered her head, casually pouring the last bit of red into the drink.

A faint pink foam rose in the clear liquid, then slowly melted into the surface, releasing the aroma of the wine.

She picked up the stem glass and walked slowly toward the right side of the bar. She gently shook the slightly pink liquid before placing it in front of Xu Linqiu.

Xu Linqiu’s gaze shifted from the swirling liquid, meeting the woman’s slightly curved eyes. The corners of her eyes drooped, showing a hint of sadness.

“Nor do I have a partner.”

“Ah, how could that be?” Sounds of disbelief came from the side.

She turned and slowly walked back to her original spot, beginning to mix the next drink.

“My parents passed away when I was young. I got used to being alone, and I’m also afraid that if I confessed to the person I like, they wouldn’t want me.”

She smiled faintly, but everyone present could sense her low spirits and began to console her.

“How could someone as outstanding as Boss Hong not be good enough for anyone?”

“I think that person must either be blind or simply not worthy of you.”

Indeed, anyone who wouldn’t be attracted to someone this captivating must be blind.

Xu Linqiu thought, taking another small sip of the drink.

It was mellow and smooth on the palate, with a slight spicy kick, but extremely delicious.

She leaned her head toward Shi Ji and whispered, “She seems to have someone she likes.”

“So what? That doesn’t stop you from liking her and making the first move,” Shi Ji looked eagerly at the drink in Xu Linqiu’s hand, then excitedly added, “Besides, isn’t she exactly the ‘pitiful yet passionate’ type you used to like? Orphaned, sexy, and tough—she’s practically the perfect image!”

Those were just conditions Xu Linqiu had randomly made up to placate Shi Ji.

Xu Linqiu couldn’t help but smile. Looking up, she saw the boss of Hong Xun bringing another drink over.

The color was more vibrant than red wine.

Boss Hong placed it in front of Shi Ji, curved her lips, but looked at Xu Linqiu.

She pointed to the drink in Xu Linqiu’s hand, then pointed to the drink Shi Ji was eagerly starting to consume, and said softly, “This drink is called Ambiguity.”

“And this one is called Rival in Love.”

Shi Ji: “???”

She opened her eyes wide, swallowed the throat-burning strong liquor, and instantly felt its effects. Her cheeks were flushed crimson. After a few seconds, she suddenly gave a thumbs-up. “Delicious! It lives up to the name Rival in Love; it’s truly fierce!”

Xu Linqiu looked at her, her eyes crinkled in a smile, and praised the drink. “It’s very delicious. Thank you.”

“Mhm.”

The woman’s willow-leaf eyes curved slightly, bright and stunning under the lights.

Xu Linqiu watched her return to her place, seemingly mixing another Rival in Love—the passionate red mixed into clear liquor, the two colors blending beautifully.

She loved this color, especially as Boss Hong’s movements were so pleasing to the eye, swift yet soft.

Unknowingly, Xu Linqiu drank quite a bit of Ambiguity. Not being good with alcohol, she felt slightly tipsy.

Her gaze followed the maid-dressed woman back and forth. Turning her head, she noticed several empty stem glasses piled up in front of Shi Ji. Shi Ji was leaning crookedly on the bar counter, propping her chin on her hand, still clutching a glass of wine.

“Boss Hong is such a kind person! She bought me so many drinks~”

“Mhm,” Xu Linqiu nodded slowly. The sound of a smooth, rhythmic dance song from the dance floor faintly reached her ears.

“May I have this dance?”

She looked up. A slender, delicate hand appeared before her, the palm slightly red.

The boss of Hong Xun pursed her lips, her eyes widening, the corners slightly upturned, watching her with a hint of nervousness.

Shi Ji suddenly patted her shoulder. Xu Linqiu moved her gaze away and turned her head, missing the fleeting shadow of resentment that crossed the woman’s eyes. She only saw Shi Ji, her eyes glazed with drunkenness, slowly bracing herself and standing up.