Chapter Forty-Five: Dance with Me

Gan Bingning felt the unfamiliar flutter in her heart, quickly patted her cheeks to clear her mind, and then lifted the vanity mirror inside the car, gazing at her own reflection in disbelief.

What had just happened? Why did it feel as though, for a fleeting moment, she had developed feelings for this man?

"Xue Tian'ai?" she called out tentatively.

But Xue Tian'ai continued to look out the window, giving no sign of acknowledgement. The setting sun painted his eyes with a peculiar hue.

"Xue Tian'ai, we're here. Time to get out. Still up for a drink?" Seeing him unresponsive, Gan Bingning felt herself drawn once more into the depths of his melancholy gaze. Hastily, she nudged him.

"Ah... oh..." Xue Tian'ai snapped back to reality, his deep, dark pupils quietly concealing a past that had once torn him apart.

Blue Moon Bay Bar was located at the heart of Dazhong Street—the most bustling area in all of Beiyang City. It occupied the very center, where foot traffic was at its peak.

Compared to grand commercial avenues like Taiyuan Street, the key difference was that, though Dazhong Street had its share of malls, they were not particularly large or well-known. Yet, its entertainment venues—karaoke bars, nightclubs, cinemas, and snack streets—were the most famous in the city.

Thus, Dazhong Street was also known as the Street That Never Sleeps.

Blue Moon Bay Bar not only boasted an enviable location, but its lavish decor exuded unrestrained luxury. The staff—all handsome men and beautiful women—only added to its allure.

Xue Tian'ai took in the bar's extravagant facade and sumptuous interior, unable to resist a note of admiration. "Not bad, not bad. This place is quite something."

"Right? You should know, this is one of my favorites," Gan Bingning replied with a self-satisfied smile, her usual managerial authority dissolving in an instant.

"Who would've thought? A bar-hopping, hard-drinking girl like you, and yet you're still a virgin," Xue Tian'ai remarked in surprise.

After all, for a woman so fond of drinking, the fact that she hadn't fallen victim to anyone was rather astonishing.

Gan Bingning blushed at his teasing, her cheeks burning. "Last time was just a fluke. I drank too much, was unfamiliar with that bar, got drugged—that's why it happened. And besides, I'm not a virgin anymore..." Her voice dwindled to a near-whisper by the end.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Our illustrious Manager Gan is no longer a delicate maiden. So, is that why you dragged me to a bar tonight? Planning to get me drunk and relive the thrill of taking advantage of me?" Xue Tian'ai quipped with irrepressible cheek.

Gan Bingning looked at him, momentarily lost. Was this the same man who, only moments ago in her car, seemed so broken and hollow-eyed?

Why did this man seem at once so close, yet so distant? It was as if he was encased in a wall of glass—visible, but always out of reach.

"Exactly. I want to get you drunk and have my way with you. What, are you scared?" Gan Bingning crossed her arms, pressing her soft curves together in a slightly provocative gesture.

"Tsk tsk, how come I didn't notice how generous your chest was that night? If only I'd known, I would've taken full advantage. What a pity," Xue Tian'ai's gaze was naturally drawn to her undulating curves.

Seeing his shameless stare, Gan Bingning could only sigh. "Still gawking? Are you going in or not?"

"Of course I'm going in. I'm looking forward to being seduced by you once you’re drunk," Xue Tian'ai replied, gripping her hand and pushing open the doors of Blue Moon Bay.

Strong, steady, and warm—that was the first sensation Gan Bingning felt when Xue Tian'ai took her hand. The warmth and strength seemed to travel from her fingertips straight to her mind, filling her with an inexplicable sense of security.

She returned his grasp, walking in with him.

On the dance floor, countless stylish men and women were swaying their hips with abandon, shaking off the fatigue and irritations of the day.

Xue Tian'ai, as if utterly at home, led Gan Bingning straight to the bar and found a relatively quiet spot to sit.

"Good evening, sir, miss. What can I get you?" A young, dashing bartender hurried over, addressing them with courteous deference.

To him, customers were gods. Service must always be impeccable—one never knew when a big tip might fall into your lap.

"I'll have a Bloody Mary," Gan Bingning said with a gentle smile, then glanced at Xue Tian'ai to see what he would order.

"A martini. Shaken, not stirred," Xue Tian'ai replied, returning the courtesy with a smile.

"Of course, sir and miss. Please wait a moment." The bartender bowed and went to prepare their drinks.

"I didn't expect you to know your way around a drink," Gan Bingning remarked, surprised by his request for a martini—shaken, not stirred.

Martinis weren't exactly mainstream, but they were highly regarded—not just because of James Bond, but also for their refined flavor. The distinction between shaking and stirring was a fine one, with shaking being the fastest way to bring the drink to tasting temperature, while stirring could spoil the flavor. Few people ordered martinis, and even fewer specified how they wanted it made. Gan Bingning was genuinely impressed.

"I may know how to drink, but I can't pay tonight. The bill's all on you, Manager Gan," Xue Tian'ai said, feigning a pitiful look.

"You expect me to believe a man who left me a wad of cash and booked a presidential suite is broke?" she replied, her eyes glimmering with intrigue.

"Do I look rich to you?" Xue Tian'ai gestured to his casual sportswear.

"You don't look it, but maybe you're the type to hide your wealth," Gan Bingning laughed. "I asked the front desk about that presidential suite. It's fifty thousand a night. Even as President Qin’s personal assistant, you couldn’t possibly make that much in a month."

"I really got the short end of the stick—rescued a damsel, spent a fortune… Tsk, tsk, that was a costly night. Your place must be gilded in gold, Manager Gan!" Instead of offering the answer she wanted, Xue Tian'ai launched into a wild, teasing rant.

Gan Bingning's expression darkened at his crude joke, her voice icy as she locked eyes with him. "You bastard. Would it kill you not to bring up that night? And what, you regret sleeping with me? For your information, that was my first time!"

Sensing her chill, Xue Tian'ai quickly changed the subject. "Ah, the drinks are here! Time to drink."

He grabbed his martini, took a sip, and smacked his lips. "This is good, but honestly, nothing beats our Northeastern baodaozi for flavor and kick!"

Gan Bingning had grown used to his outrageous banter, so she let his words slide, her mood quickly recovering. She lifted her Bloody Mary, swirled it in front of him, and said, "So, you help yourself to your drink without inviting the lady beside you. Are you really a connoisseur, or just plain rude?"

"My apologies for my rudeness earlier, beautiful Miss Gan. Would you do me the honor of sharing a drink with me?" Xue Tian'ai replied, raising his glass with a playful, devil-may-care grin.

"Just call me Bingning here. 'Manager Gan' sounds too formal and stiff," she said, clinking her glass lightly against his and taking a small sip.

"Then I’ll gladly oblige," Xue Tian'ai nodded. Then, with a roguish smile, he teased, "But Bingning, why do I get the feeling I’ve become the number one enemy of every man in this bar?"

Indeed, Gan Bingning had turned heads the moment she walked in—mature, seductive, her professional outfit accentuating every curve, from her striking figure to her shapely legs in sheer stockings. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, framing a flawless, peach-like face that seemed to emanate an inviting allure.

Many men had considered approaching her, but seeing her with such an attractive male companion, their confidence faltered. Their gazes, brimming with envy and resentment, fell instead on Xue Tian'ai.

"Oh? I think I’ve become the enemy of quite a few women myself," Gan Bingning laughed, mimicking his tone.

For every man on the prowl, there were women looking for adventure too—often wealthy socialites seeking a thrill. Xue Tian'ai, in his casual attire, was exactly their type: young, handsome, and seemingly not too wealthy. But spotting Gan Bingning at his side, their confidence evaporated as well.

After all, her professional attire was clearly high-end, her bag a luxury, and the casually displayed Mercedes key all marked her as a woman of means—beautiful and rich.

In this world, reality was simple: handsome men and lovely women made the perfect match.

"So, I guess we’re both objects of envy tonight?" Xue Tian'ai said, entirely unfazed by the glances from the wealthy women. After all, when he wore the mask of the Goddess of Light, the attention he received was even more fervent.

"Let me ask you—sitting here with me, are you afraid?" Gan Bingning asked, her smile both alluring and mysterious.

He responded with a smile, lowering his voice. "What do you think?"

"Your eyes show no hint of panic. So, no—I don’t think you’re afraid," she replied, turning away and downing the rest of her Bloody Mary in one gulp.

"In truth, I’m quite nervous—but with a beauty in front of me, I have to act brave!" Xue Tian'ai said, looking at her with mock seriousness.

"Then you’d better hold your ground!" she cheered him on with a playful gesture.

"But Bingning, you finished your drink without inviting the gentleman beside you. Are you really a connoisseur, or just plain rude?" Xue Tian'ai echoed her earlier words with a grin.

Gan Bingning burst out laughing, then stood up and extended a delicate hand in invitation.

"Well then, handsome gentleman, would you do me the honor of a dance?"