In Tian Ye’s view, his identity was sometimes no different from those poor students and orphans, because they were all chess pieces in Tian Zi Xiong’s hands, just with varying weights and expressions. Certainly, Tian Ye had an extraordinary appearance, creating a whirlwind wherever he went. But to Tian Ye, this was all nonsense, noise. He hated that feeling – what joy could a bunch of foolish women bring him? Indeed, Tian Ye was incredibly skilled, winning major awards in various world competitions, but no matter how talented, wasn’t he still just being manipulated by Tian Zi Xiong?
Tian Ye continued pouring alcohol into his mouth, bottle after bottle. Empty bottles rolled off the bar onto the floor, creating loud crashing sounds, some shattering.
It was like a reverse current surging through this suspended world, always trying to struggle, to escape this dusty place, to be a little easier, a little happier.
But in this world, things are always contrary to expectations. What we want often can’t be obtained, while what we don’t care about can’t be shaken off. Finally, even that sole discordant sound is crushed in this vast world.
Chapter Forty-Three (2)
Tian Ye’s mind still displayed various expressions of his father, all previous impressions flashing through his heart. He raised his head from the bar, trying hard to open his eyes, wanting to carefully see his father, to see this world-famous person with multiple faces. However, no matter how Tian Ye tried, he couldn’t see clearly. His father’s face flashed too quickly, changed too hastily, always disappointing Tian Ye, always leaving him behind.
Tian Zi Xiong was essentially an almost perfect person. His so-called cruelty in business was called legitimate, his coldness before others was called dignity, his multiple faces were called flexibility. Many aspects were worth Tian Ye learning. Once, Tian Ye had even regarded his father as an idol, but in the process of looking up, he lost direction and was shattered.
Tian Ye was probably afraid of loneliness. His mother and Mei Yu had both left him, and the paternal love he once desperately wanted had betrayed him. Perhaps, for Tian Ye’s external development, he might even like that princess, but he truly disliked this method, this predetermined fate.
Alcohol, bottle after bottle, not knowing how much Tian Ye had drunk, only remembering the bar patrons coming in waves, leaving in waves, coming again, leaving again… This place won’t have any closing scene movie; everyone here is just a passerby, all seeking chaotic but clean air like wandering insects. No one truly wants to sink here all day. No matter how low a person is, their soul in reflection will always be pure. Even if he is now a notorious gangster, if given another chance, even to become the most ordinary worker or pedestrian, he would willingly change. The peace of the soul is what we must soothe throughout our entire life.
“Bang, bang…”
The massive sound of chairs and overturned wine bottles accompanied Tian Ye’s body, sitting on a swivel chair reaching for the farthest bottle on the bar, accidentally sliding to the floor. The bottle on the bar toppled, its liquid flowing along the edge onto the ground, soaking Tian Ye’s head and clothes. The alcohol sliding across his skin left a cold sensation, causing him to shiver involuntarily. Crouching on the ground, he allowed the spilling alcohol to wash over him, shaking his head, his face looking grotesque in the bar’s dim light. Yet, no one noticed him; perhaps everyone was already accustomed to it. The entire world continued its wild revelry.
Gritting her teeth, she shouted, “Let go, let me go!” With a sudden force, she pulled, causing the drunk Tian Ye to tremble, losing his balance and leaning forward, pressing Xiao Xiang behind him. Xiao Xiang was squeezed onto the bar counter by Tian Ye’s heavy body, the two pressed tightly together. Tian Ye was still unconscious, lying drunk, his body swaying on top of Xiao Xiang.
Xiao Xiang was breathing heavily, scared, but Tian Ye’s subtle masculine scent deeply intoxicated her. She unexpectedly forgot to break free from him. From behind the bar counter, Xiao Xiang stared wide-eyed at the man before her. His flowing hairstyle, crystal-clear blue eyes, high-bridged nose, thin lips, and handsome features completely captivated her.
Unable to resist the temptation, Xiao Xiang reached out and held Tian Ye’s head steady, stood on tiptoe, tilted her head, and kissed him. With her experience as a hostess, her technique was exceptional. She extended her tongue, touching Tian Ye’s mouth, exploring. Xiao Xiang closed her eyes, her heartbeat accelerating. She wrapped her arms around the still-intoxicated Tian Ye, pressing her body against him. After a while, she moved him aside, draped his arm over her shoulder, and supported his waist, guiding him toward her residence.
Leaving the bar, Xiao Xiang supported the still-drunk Tian Ye into a waiting taxi. She helped him to the back seat, laid him down, and then got in herself.
The taxi driver was a regular at this bar, almost always waiting by the roadside when not busy, so he was familiar with the hostesses. Seeing Xiao Xiang, he turned and smiled, “Oh, catching another one today? Your business is good. While your sisters are sharing the pot, you’re cooking your own small meal.” Looking in the rearview mirror at the unconscious Tian Ye, he added, “Wow, what a handsome guy. Xiao Xiang, you’ve struck gold.” Then followed a series of suggestive chuckles.
Xiao Xiang glanced at Tian Ye and snapped at the driver, “Why do you have so many opinions? Just drive.” The driver, understanding, immediately started the car. Her destination was no mystery to him, as he frequently went there.
After struggling on the stairs for a long time, Xiao Xiang finally carried Tian Ye to the third floor, reaching their accommodation. Xiao Xiang lived in a 100-square-meter old house shared with a female roommate, which was quite common here. Living alone was expensive, and having someone around was helpful.
Xiao Xiang supported Tian Ye to the door, leaning him against herself, one hand still holding his back, and then using the other hand to search for keys in her bag. It was already past midnight, and the stairwell lights were perpetually off.
Xiao Xiang spent a long time rummaging through her bag before finding the keys. She relaxed slightly and caught her breath, as Tian Ye was crushing her.
Xiao Xiang steadied herself, aimed the key at the keyhole, and was about to insert it when the door suddenly opened from the inside, by her female roommate.
The sudden opening of the door startled Xiao Xiang. She looked inside carefully and realized who it was. Quickly opening the door wide, she called out, “Help me!” Xiao Xiang maneuvered Tian Ye forward in the darkness, asking her roommate to help support him.
Inside the house, it was pitch black. Xiao Xiang shouted to her roommate, “Quick, turn on the lights!” They carefully moved Tian Ye to Xiao Xiang’s room.
Tian Ye was still drunk, mumbling incoherently but now just lowering his head and breathing heavily.
Her roommate said, “The power just went out…”
Xiao Xiang sighed, saying nothing, indicating they were accustomed to power outages. They managed to lay Tian Ye on the bed, with Xiao Xiang removing his shoes and covering him with a blanket.
Her roommate glanced at Tian Ye and laughed, “This guy’s quite fit. Picked up from a bar?” Then she turned to leave the room.
Xiao Xiang followed, giggling, “Yeah, he’s so handsome…”
Before she could finish, her roommate interrupted, seemingly tired of such talk.
Smoothing her hair from helping with Tian Ye, the roommate stood in the doorway, saying, “I was just about to go out. Impressive, bringing back such a handsome guy.”
