Chapter 108: Picking Up Girls?

Xia Yu really didn’t want to stay any longer with Chen Shufen and the others, let alone live with them. If it weren’t for Zhao Sijie’s sake, he wouldn’t have allowed them to move into the villa at all. So, to make room for them, when Xia Yu sent Zhao Sijie and the others home, he didn’t bother returning to the villa.

“Xia Yu, you’ve really been a great help. I know my whole family’s behavior is terrible, and only you could tolerate it. Any other man would’ve run off by now,” Zhao’s mother said as they arrived home, still trying to comfort Xia Yu.

Xia Yu felt somewhat relieved and replied, “Auntie, you’re too polite. It’s no trouble at all—it’s what I should do.”

“You’re a good kid. No matter what they say today, don’t take it to heart. I’ve always supported you and Sijie being together,” Zhao’s mother smiled warmly.

Zhao Sijie blushed but was finally comforted by these words. After sitting for a while at the Zhao residence, Xia Yu stood up to leave. Zhao Sijie walked him down and gave him a firm kiss on the cheek, her face flushed as she said, “Brother Yu, thank you.”

“Heh, silly girl, what are you thanking me for?” Xia Yu rolled his eyes.

“Goodbye,” she said softly.

“Mm, remember to call me if you need anything,” Xia Yu nodded, got in his car, started the engine, and drove off.

Night had fallen, and with Chen Shufen and her family occupying the villa, Xia Yu had nowhere else to go. Just as he was thinking about staying at a hotel, his phone rang. Seeing it was Li Shen, he answered, “What’s up? Are you dragging me into acting again?”

“Damn, why are you still bringing up old stuff? I forgot about that ages ago,” Li Shen snapped.

“You’re quick to forget,” Xia Yu teased.

“Cut the crap,” Li Shen said proudly. “Don’t say I’m not loyal. To thank you for last time, I’m buying you drinks with today’s paycheck. Hurry over—I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Where?”

Xia Yu was just worried about having nowhere to go, so he agreed readily.

Fifteen minutes later, Xia Yu arrived at the Third Factory Bar on Tianlong Avenue.

This nightclub was well-known in Shen City. To the wealthy, it was considered low-class and beneath their notice, but it was popular among white-collar workers and young people, especially spirited young men and women who came from out of town to make a living.

Xia Yu parked his car and immediately spotted Li Shen standing outside the entrance.

“You come fast when you hear there’s booze,” Li Shen greeted, handing him a cigarette. “Let’s go.”

“Weren’t you supposed to straighten out and focus on work? Why are you back at the bar?” Xia Yu lit a cigarette. “Dead habits die hard, huh?”

“Damn, who cares about talking? There’s booze,” Li Shen boasted. “I’m doing this for you.”

“Tonight I invited the company vice president’s secretary and the receptionist out,” he said.

“I’m telling you, these two are the hottest girls in our company. I saved the best secretary for you—loyal, right?”

“So this is the surprise you prepared?” Xia Yu was speechless.

“Ha, pretending to be calm, but you’re secretly happy,” Li Shen teased. “I gave you the chance; now show off. Remember, don’t say you don’t have a job. Get the girls first.”

“Otherwise, once I find a girlfriend, I won’t be your single buddy anymore. You’ll be suffering alone.”

As they spoke, the two entered the lively bar.

The spacious hall was packed, vibrant with energy. Numerous spirited young men and women wildly danced in the DJ-lit dance floor as if possessed. Those at the tables swayed and bobbed their heads to the beat.

Li Shen led Xia Yu to a booth where two women were seated—both quite attractive.

Through Li Shen’s introduction, Xia Yu met the straight-haired girl named Lulu, who had an average figure but dressed stylishly and confidently.

The other was Chen Fei, with ordinary red, wavy hair. She was the vice president’s secretary, dressed provocatively in a black short skirt paired with stockings, wearing dark eye shadow. Her figure was fiery, exuding a mysterious, seductive aura.

After brief introductions, Xia Yu took a seat.

“That young man is quite handsome, but I wonder what he does for work,” Lulu whispered to Chen Fei.

The two appraised Xia Yu. First impressions were favorable—at least his looks passed muster. But his casual attire was a bit lacking, too informal, almost like a street bum.

“What do you think? Isn’t my buddy handsome? Didn’t lie to you, right?” Li Shen poured drinks, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, not bad,” Chen Fei nodded coolly but reservedly. “Xia Yu, what industry are you in?”

Li Shen quickly gave Xia Yu a warning look—don’t say you’re unemployed.

Xia Yu thought for a moment and replied, “Well... the automotive industry, or rather the driving industry.”

“Automotive industry? Driving industry?” The group looked confused. Lulu asked, “Xia Yu, those seem like two different jobs. Just tell us what you do exactly.”

“Oh, I’m a driver,” Xia Yu said.

“...”

Both women froze, and Li Shen almost spit out his drink.

Bro, what kind of answer is that? You’re supposed to sound employed with something impressive, not just say ‘driver.’ How can you attract girls like that? Nobody would be interested!

Indeed, Lulu’s expression soured slightly, thinking what a shame—such a handsome man is just a driver.

Chen Fei’s eyes showed disdain and disappointment. Li Shen had hyped him up as a handsome, warm, and outstanding guy, and she had allowed herself a small hope. Seeing Xia Yu in person, his looks met expectations, but his job was completely unimpressive.

No matter how good-looking you are, without hardware strength like money, you’re just a loser. Even the ugliest woman can find a man these days. For someone with Chen Fei’s looks, finding a handsome guy was no challenge.

The key was material status. Without money, you’re a nobody. Naturally, she had no interest in talking further with Xia Yu and shifted her gaze elsewhere, looking for rich second-generation heirs or successful men—those were her real targets.

Sensing the change in atmosphere, Li Shen knew it was hopeless. He gave Xia Yu a resentful look, then turned to chat with Lulu.

Li Shen and Lulu seemed to have a good rapport, exchanging flirtatious glances and hints of possible intentions.

Lulu caught Li Shen’s meaning and quickly said, “Being a driver isn’t bad. Your work must be quite flexible, and your driving skills must be excellent.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty flexible, and my driving’s okay,” Xia Yu replied, seemingly unaffected, taking a sip of his drink.

“Feifei, what are you staring at? Drinking with a handsome guy,” Lulu teased Chen Fei.

Chen Fei took a casual sip and scoffed, “What’s so great about driving? Just running errands for others, a low-level job not worthy of respect.”