Life is short and weary; let us drink our fill while we may.

Of course, Bai Haonan couldn’t make it, and Yu Jiali only agreed to let him sit nearby so she could observe other people’s outfits and makeup. “Actually... it’s just a bit sexy, nothing unusual, right?”

Bai Haonan analyzed for her, “The key is the femininity. See when she looks back, she always twists her shoulder the other way first—that makes her look really flirtatious, doesn’t it?”

Yu Jiali, being a woman herself, needed Bai Haonan to point out the crucial details. “Ah! It really is. But this should be called coquettishness—you made it sound a little too blunt.” She even tried to imitate it secretly, suddenly realizing there was a reason no one liked her.

Bai Haonan chuckled, “Keep watching her. She keeps glancing left and right, and isn’t she checking out the men? See that? How many times has she done that? She can’t help but reach to adjust her bra neckline, pulling it up or down—it’s all flirtatious, trying to attract attention. And twisting her upper body like that increases the range of motion to catch eyes. This one’s easy—just pay money and you get her!”

Yu Jiali was amazed, “That obvious?”

Bai Haonan looked down on her, “You’re still young and not bad-looking. Hurry up and get your figure in shape. You were just lecturing me on how one should live life, so why haven’t you taken care of yourself? I guarantee, if this woman stripped and took off her makeup, none of her features would match up to yours!”

Yu Jiali took another hard look, especially at the other woman’s pencil skirt and long legs in high heels. Ignoring the thought of stripping naked, she still felt a little insecure. “Her... butt is really perky.”

Bai Haonan, as always, said, “Squats! Change to a gym, combine fly movements and the Smith machine for squats. If that doesn’t work, I’ll pay for your plastic surgery!”

Yu Jiali encouraged herself, “Okay! But I want to stay natural...” Then she had a sudden idea. “Let’s make a bet: I’ll get myself in shape and become this pretty and radiant, and you put your heart into making your gym business thrive!”

Bai Haonan gave a sly smile, “Aren’t you just taking advantage of me on both counts?”

Yu Jiali couldn’t stand his lecherous vibe and quickly raised her glass. “I won’t be blind; I’ll evaluate everything calmly! So, how long should the deadline be? Half a year?”

Bai Haonan casually clinked glasses and took a sip of his beer, “I never plan that far ahead. I just want to live happily and freely right now.”

Yu Jiali seemed to have her own plan, not pressing him, and poured him some more beer. In fact, they only ordered half a dozen small beers. She had wanted more food but Bai Haonan vetoed everything except a plate of figs, which was their dinner.

He noticed Yu Jiali’s appetite was a bit too good; it needed to be controlled.

So, the girl, carrying a slight hunger, kept raising her glass. Bai Haonan saw she could hold her liquor and didn’t stop her. After nine o’clock, the bar business picked up, tables filled up quickly. Bai Haonan started feeling restless, but Yu Jiali acted oddly.

“Let’s change places. Let’s go... to a nightclub?”

Bai Haonan was surprised. “Why? You want to see if I really know my stuff?”

The girl, cheeks flushed from drink, had an idea. “I’ve pretty much felt everything here. Since I’m in a good mood tonight, I want to see what kind of temptresses are the most alluring. I’ve been curious for a long time. And you’re the best person to go with, right?”

Bai Haonan had no scruples. “Which kind do you want to see?”

Yu Jiali’s expression looked a bit enchanting in the sultry bar light, mainly because of her drunken gaze. “The kind you men like the most. I want to see what kind of fox spirit is truly seductive.”

Since there was no chance to pick anyone up here, Bai Haonan wasn’t reluctant. He had some money in his pocket and could come anytime. Nodding, he escorted Yu Jiali out. Fortunately, with his tall, imposing figure, Yu Jiali had plenty of space to walk through the crowded bar and even casually reached back to hold his hand.

Outside, the air and sound felt completely different. Yu Jiali sighed, handed her purse to Bai Haonan, then tied up her hair, biting her hairpin with a smile as she mumbled, “Someone just said I’m pretty!”

Bai Haonan wasn’t afraid to burst her bubble. “In the dark? They must have been mistaken. Besides, you’re wearing a black dress, only the neckline is a bit eye-catching.”

Yu Jiali wasn’t angry, just puzzled. “You encouraged me before, now you’re mocking me?”

Bai Haonan explained, “I encouraged you because your facial features are really good, just a bit chubby because of family reasons. You can definitely fix that. The mockery is because you’re not quite there yet. You need a strong, urgent desire—anger at discrimination and ridicule—to motivate you to keep losing weight, not just complacency.”

Yu Jiali tied her usually loose, smooth mid-length hair up on top of her head. “Old Bai, you understand all the logic about exercise and fitness. Why can’t you apply it to life and work? Broaden your perspective!”

Bai Haonan walked toward his little white car, feigning weariness. “Broaden it? I can only be responsible for myself. Society is like a lifetime of darkness, just like this night. The nightlife’s the only place to find some fun.”

Yu Jiali glanced back at the dazzling nightlife and jogged to catch up. “You’re driving after drinking?”

Bai Haonan was confident. “I know my limits!”

Yu Jiali firmly disapproved and pulled at him. “Let’s just take Ada out for a walk. We can find a place nearby. Worst case, call a taxi or have my driver come get us.”

Bai Haonan opened the passenger door for Ada to hop in, and the girl’s hand naturally hung on his arm and didn’t let go. Bai Haonan smiled and raised his arm to gesture, and Yu Jiali casually said, “A little drunk, dizzy!”

He laughed, “Some people have to come out to sell themselves, some play for thrills. You don’t want to mix with me or that other girl. You should find an honest guy.”

Yu Jiali still held his arm. “Ah, people are so different. You’re shameless and vulgar but straightforward. I really enjoy seeing these things with you. My job and life are routine and stressful enough. It’d be sad to find a boring, passionless guy. At least find someone you like, right?”

Bai Haonan helped Ada into the car. Yu Jiali petted the dog to comfort it. When they turned around, Bai Haonan looked around casually, picking a high-end club inside a large building with its distinctive sultry lighting. “Remember, we just play for a bit and then leave. I can’t really enjoy this scene.”

Yu Jiali was already getting excited. “Let’s go! My treat!”

Bai Haonan had never experienced this. “A girl actually hiring escorts for me? Well, okay!”

The whole process felt strange. Whether it was the young masters arranging private rooms and ordering drinks and snacks, or the madam bringing out row after row of glamorous beauties for selection, all eyes landed on Yu Jiali’s face. Such a wholesome-looking girl didn’t fit in this world at all.

Bai Haonan indiscriminately ordered a busty one for himself, while Yu Jiali knew she could keep switching if unsatisfied. She politely picked one each time. The madam confirmed she really wanted a group and was delighted to meet a big spender.

So by the time Yu Jiali was satisfied and stopped, the small private room that was supposed to hold three or four was packed full—about ten girls including the madam and Yu Jiali, with Bai Haonan the only man. This once again set a new record for Haonan: one man and many women, though today’s reason was unusual.

But it didn’t matter much to him. He could still drink and hold hands with his own girl, but soon Yu Jiali, riding her buzz, called him over to join their fun—tipping, drinking, chatting, and asking how they did their makeup!

Indeed, Yu Jiali had picked girls who were well made-up, some curvy and similar to her. This lady had come to this pleasure district to learn makeup!

Bai Haonan could only laugh and sit aside drinking and singing. In the end, the waitress sang several songs with him.

The girls had an easy night, drinking two dozen beers and several bottles of foreign liquor with tips. They were happy to see the guest off and eager for the next round. Bai Haonan helped the knowledge-packed Yu Jiali downstairs.

“You’ve been to so many beauty salons. Hiring a proper makeup artist is cheap. Why come here to learn from a bunch of escorts?”

Yu Jiali hiccupped cutely, fitting her current chubby look. “It’s about knowing your enemy. Men all come here. I want to observe and understand. Plus, I rarely trust authorities. Makeup artists always push their products, hyping them up. It’s better to hear simple, straightforward, useful experiences.”

Bai Haonan scoffed, “Men come here for novelty. If they changed wives every day, would they still come?”

Yu Jiali tried to glare but still teased, “You just want to!”

Unexpectedly, Bai Haonan shook his head. “I don’t. Never thought about finding a wife first. There’s no such thing as forever.”

Yu Jiali insisted, “There is! My grandparents and parents!”

Bai Haonan wanted to say something but held back, feeling strange. “That woman sitting next to you at dinner was your mother? She doesn’t look rich at all!” He was already being polite. Her demeanor was like a hard-working rural woman, completely at odds with Yu Jiali’s wealth.

Yu Jiali nodded. “Mom’s very traditional, devoted her life to family. She taught me traditional things too—makeup was just some skincare. Dad told me not to please others... but maybe you’re right. I should please myself.”

Bai Haonan, who believed in pleasing oneself, glanced back at the nightclub’s atmosphere with some reluctance. He planned to send this girl home quickly and maybe find some prey to play with himself.

But that small hope never came to pass.