Chapter 2:
Zhao Lusi and Yang Mi had been friends since the day Lusi entered eighth grade. They bonded quickly, becoming inseparable almost overnight. Many students had tried to befriend Yang Mi before, only to be coldly rejected. When Zhao Lusi appeared and suddenly became her closest friend, jealousy and hatred followed.
But Lusi barely cared.
She was the "I don't give a damn" kind of girl.
Yang Mi shared the same attitude, which only strengthened their friendship. Together, they were intelligent, bold, and unstoppable.
Still, Lusi wanted something different.
She believed they should live independent lives and not interfere in each other's affairs unless one of them asked for help. Yang Mi never truly understood this until Lusi finally opened up about her deepest secrets and future plans. Even then, Yang Mi couldn't stop herself from worrying.
Zhao Lusi had lived in Northern China all her life. She was born into an international business family—the famous Zhao family, known for their successful global enterprises.
She was the only daughter, surrounded by two overly protective brothers, a caring mother, and a loving father.
Yet, at the age of fourteen, she chose to leave home.
She wanted to explore the world on her own.
Despite her family's strong objections, they eventually agreed—on one condition: she would work for everything she needed. No privileges. No shortcuts.
Though she was an heiress, Lusi refused to depend on her family's wealth. She wanted to grow through her own struggles and achievements.
She was determined to live life her own way.
And she didn't want anyone—especially Yang Mi—interfering.
She had told her best friend bluntly.
But Yang Mi was too stubborn to listen.
"I'm sorry," Yang Mi said softly during lunch.
Lusi had ignored her the whole day after the incident in the morning.
"I didn't mean to," Yang Mi continued. "I swear, I didn't plan it."
She took Lusi's hand.
"I just feel that your habit of carrying everything alone has to stop. You have a sister now. You have me."
She smiled warmly.
"You're the bravest, strongest, most unique, and most beautiful girl on earth. I'll never watch you suffer alone. If you're in trouble, we'll face it together—because I know you'd do the same for me."
"I don't regret what I did."
Lusi stared at her for a moment, then smiled.
"Stubborn girl."
"Call me whatever you want," Yang Mi replied proudly.
"I love you," Lusi finally said.
Yang Mi screamed happily and hugged her tightly.
"Shhh! Keep it down. Everyone's watching," Lusi whispered.
"I don't care," Yang Mi laughed. "How about an outing and sleepover? Hmm?"
She winked.
Lusi raised her brows. "Seriously?"
"Come on! I know somewhere nice."
"Fine. When?"
"Tomorrow night."
Another wink.
The next night, a taxi stopped in front of a luxurious five-star club. The place buzzed with music and people.
Yang Mi and Zhao Lusi stepped out, dressed in short dresses and heeled boots.
"I can't believe you brought me to a nightclub," Lusi complained.
"It's not a nightclub," Yang Mi laughed. "It's just a nice place."
She dragged Lusi inside.
"Lord, save me," Lusi murmured.
"You shall be saved," Yang Mi replied playfully.
A dark car soon stopped outside the club.
The driver's window rolled down.
Fang Heng stared at the entrance for a moment before rolling it back up and stepping out.
He reached for his phone and dialed a number.
"She's inside, Boss," Li Jun's voice came through. "You have to go in and meet her."
Fang Heng ended the call and entered the club.
As he scanned the crowd, he noticed two young girls sitting on a lounge, holding drinks.
They looked like students.
Too young for this place.
"Wasted," he muttered.
"Mr. Fang."
He turned to see a beautiful woman with soft features approaching him.
Inside, Yang Mi and Zhao Lusi sipped apple juice while chatting. Soon, they joined the dance floor.
They laughed and danced freely.
Lusi, still giggling, suddenly noticed a man sitting in a corner with a woman. He was handsome—calm, mysterious, and striking.
She found herself staring.
"Lu Lu!" Yang Mi called.
Lusi snapped out of it.
"Whoa, he's handsome," Yang Mi teased.
"Silly," Lusi laughed. "Let's take one shot of tequila before we leave."
"Hmmm… okay."
"Just one shot did this to you?" Yang Mi sighed, supporting a drunk Lusi as they waited for their taxi.
"Lusi, wait here. I'll use the restroom before it arrives."
"Hmmm… come back soon, baby," Lusi giggled.
She bent to remove her heels—but slipped and fell.
"Ouch! It hurts!" she cried.
A hand stretched out toward her.
She looked up.
It was the man from inside.
She took his hand, stood up—and accidentally fell into his arms, hugging him tightly.
Fang Heng froze.
How bold, he thought.
"So warm… hmm… nice cologne," Lusi murmured.
"Excuse me…" Yang Mi rushed over.
"Lusi!" she called, pulling her away.
"I'm so sorry," Yang Mi apologized. "She's drunk."
"School girls… in a place like this at night," Fang Heng said calmly.
"Interesting."
"Interesting," Lusi mimicked lazily.
"Our cab is here. We'll leave now," Yang Mi said, smiling nervously.
She carried Lusi on her back and left quickly.
"Zhao Lusi… Yang Mi," Fang Heng murmured.
Just then, his phone rang.
"Mom," he answered.
"Don't ask. I'm not going again."
"Why?" Madam Fang asked.
"You're thirty-three. I want grandchildren. When will you get married?"
"I'm not the only child," he replied. "You have daughters too."
"End of discussion. Good night."
He ended the call.
And looked back at the direction the girls had gone.