Luo City.
Midsummer.
The setting sun sprawls across the sea level, enveloping the whole city in a resplendent golden hue. It feels like a superheated steamer, with heat rising relentlessly, so intense that passersby wish they could run naked.
Tong Tong, drenched in sweat, peeks her little head out awkwardly from a corner.
There’s finally only one old woman remaining in the pharmacy, giving her a chance to present herself shamelessly.
With a tight grip on her fists, holding her breath, Tong Tong puffs up her chest and steps into the large pharmacy with incredible bravery.
"Condoms? Which kind would you like?" The pharmacy’s old woman glances scornfully at the still green Tong Tong, "Durex? Jissbon? Okamoto? Noss? Pink ones? Purple ones? Blue ones? Transparent ones,..."
"...." Tong Tong is taken aback, her small face changes color, a real eye-opener - so there is much to consider about these things?
Could it be that men can even dress up their part with these?
"Large size? Medium size? Small size? Extra small size?" Without batting an eyelid, the old lady continues her professional introduction as if boasting about her family treasures, "Regular? Thin? Ultra-thin? Ribbed? Dotted....."
With a vacant stare from Tong Tong, the old lady finally senses the awkwardness and stops. She casually picks a box: "Will this do?"
"Mm-hm." Swiftly passing a fifty Yuan note, Tong Tong snatches the box of Okamoto condoms from the old lady's hand with all her might. Her face flushed, she dashes out of the pharmacy.
Bai Guoer, who was standing outside the pharmacy, welcomes Tong Tong with a smile, “Look! Here's a photo of Qu Bai entering a private room at the restaurant.”
On the mobile screen, a blurry figure could be seen walking into a private room of the restaurant.
"Room number 2808?" Tong Tong's eyes light up. She chuckles, "Ok! I'll have some drinks to bolster my courage, and once the night falls, I'll head over to perform my 18-year-old adult ceremony, ha ha..."
.
Dragon Pavilion Grand Hotel.
In room 2808, a slender man dressed in a crisp white suit is standing by the window.
The last ray of the setting sun gradually descends to the sea level, casting a thin dark red halo on his handsome and aloof face, invoking an air of distance.
His trip to Luo City, not his choice.
The rhythmic knocking on the door breaks the quietness, followed by an astounded voice, "Young Master, it's dark already. Why haven't you turned on the lights?"
Unperturbed by the inquiry, Qu Yihong strolls to the wine cabinet, takes out a bottle of strong champagne, pours it into a crystal-clear high glass, and sips it leisurely as he squints at the delightful aroma.
He likes this lightly-smoky sensation...
Without waiting for a response, the door heralds a cautious whisper, "The Mistress mentioned that she has already spoken to the local experts and hopes that the Young Master could pay them a visit. If it's acceptable, I could ask them to come over now..."
"Assistant Yin, your bonus for this month will be halved," Qu Yihong leisurely sips his champagne.
"...Young Master, kindly consider that I never said anything."
Finally, tranquility resumes at the entrance.
Suddenly, the champagne in his hand seems to lose its flavor. Putting down the crystal glass slowly, Qu Yihong glances over the wine cabinet — an array of variety, yet none suitable for his current mood.
No sooner had he gained some peace, than footsteps from outside interrupted again, halting at his door.
"I said I do not need..." His disgruntled voice came to an abrupt stop.
He could clearly smell the faint scent of alcohol coming from the door. Without even looking, he knew the visitor wasn't Assistant Yin.
Even if Assistant Yin had the courage ten times over, he wouldn't dare to drink in the presence of the young master Qu, especially not while on a business trip.
Just who was this careless creature, daring to disturb his tranquillity?
Holding his aching head, Tong pupil looked dizzy at the doorplate on the door frame, extending his little finger and reading the digits one-by-one: "2—8——8."
He finally arrived, laughing inwardly.
Dear Qu Bai, just wait for this lady to take you down, hahaha...