Chapter 71: Nightlife

That evening, they arrived outside a nightclub near Jiuyanqiao.

Night had fallen, and at the entrance, slender waists and long legs filled the doorway. Students, influencers, and young professionals streamed in, dressed provocatively. The scent of perfume lingered in the air.

“My goodness, it’s so fancy here,” Zhuang Jiayi whispered beside Zhang Yang, her curiosity obvious. It was clear she had been a well-behaved girl for years, yet the nightclub scene fascinated her.

Zhang Yang admired the long legs for a moment before noticing a BMW hardtop convertible arriving a little late.

The driver was a handsome, confident young man who clearly came from wealth-starting with a car worth hundreds of thousands.

In the passenger seat was the campus beauty Zhuang Jiayi had mentioned. Her figure was impressive, though her expression was cold. Honestly, not Zhang Yang’s type; he didn’t understand the attitude.

As he watched from a distance, Zhuang Jiayi’s grip suddenly tightened on his shirt.

“Zhang Yang…” she whispered softly.

Looking down, he saw her delicate white hand clutching his sleeve. It was obvious she felt a bit out of place in this unfamiliar setting.

“Let’s go,” Zhang Yang said with a smile, gently pulling her forward toward the security at the entrance.

Just as they were about to enter, someone called out to Zhuang Jiayi from behind.

“Jiayi, my boyfriend reserved a table. Remember to come sit later,” a slender-legged girl said, smiling.

“No need, I just want to feel the atmosphere,” Zhuang Jiayi shook her head repeatedly.

“You won’t get the vibe without a reserved table,” the girl said, glancing at Zhang Yang before looking away. “Alright, I’m heading over first.”

She passed by Zhang Yang, and not far off, her boyfriend and a few friends followed in a loud, conspicuous group.

“Let’s go, Zhang Yang,” Zhuang Jiayi whispered, tugging his arm.

Zhang Yang nodded, and together they entered the club.

Without a reservation, there were naturally no tables available at this time. But they hadn’t planned to sit anyway-they just wanted to experience the atmosphere, sip drinks, and chat at the bar.

Inside, Zhuang Jiayi’s wide-eyed curiosity showed clearly. The lights were dazzling, the music dynamic, many hot girls in revealing outfits, and plenty of wealthy men spending lavishly.

“Zhang Yang, look at that girl on your left! Legs exposed halfway up!”

“And the one in front with pink hair-it actually looks amazing, so fairy-like!”

Zhuang Jiayi led Zhang Yang to the bar.

They each ordered a drink, and as she sipped carefully, she pulled him along to watch the beautiful girls.

Watching girls with another man wasn’t unusual, but with a naturally pretty girl like Zhuang Jiayi, chatting animatedly while observing, Zhang Yang suddenly found himself seeing her in a new light.

“Why are you staring at me?” Zhuang Jiayi asked innocently, holding her drink.

“First time in a nightclub?” Zhang Yang asked, a little incredulous.

“Of course,” she replied confidently, meeting his gaze. “Absolutely true.”

Zhang Yang looked into her clear eyes and had to believe her.

Night deepened, and the club filled with more people, the atmosphere rising in waves.

Zhang Yang noticed a nearby table where the campus beauty and her boyfriend sat, surrounded by young people cheering.

“Li Ge, open a Dragon Set for us!”

“You guys are just making noise, not paying, right?” the beauty said, defending her boyfriend and scolding the crowd.

“Alright, alright, let’s show you a proper one,” her boyfriend said, signaling the staff.

Soon, the server returned, excitedly announcing: “Table three, Dragon Set, one order.”

“Li Ge’s awesome!”

“Li Ge’s the real deal! Today we’ve seen it all!”

Everyone around blushed with pride; the campus beauty’s expression suggested subtle satisfaction.

Zhang Yang watched with interest, occasionally clinking glasses with Zhuang Jiayi.

Soon, the long-used Dragon Set made its rounds. Though old, it was still impressive.

“Wow, making a full round,” Zhuang Jiayi exclaimed, eyes sparkling.

“Wonder if he’s opened them all,” Zhang Yang thought. Many were just for show; only a few fully opened each bottle. From a distance, he noticed that particular table had opened just one.

Huh? Why is the campus beauty coming over?

“Jiayi, come sit with us!” she invited, prideful, wanting to share her moment with more people.

“No, I’ll just stay a bit longer and then leave,” Zhuang Jiayi shook her head.

“Why stand at the bar? Come sit with us,” the beauty said, glancing at Zhang Yang.

“I really won’t go,” Zhuang Jiayi insisted, firm despite her earlier admiration.

“Let her be,” Zhang Yang said, finishing his drink with a laugh. “No need to force it.”

“Who are you?” the beauty asked, frowning at Zhang Yang.

He was about to explain they were strangers, but his arm warmed suddenly.

“This… this is my boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? Didn’t know that,” the beauty said skeptically, then laughed. “Fine, join us for drinks and meet people.”

Zhuang Jiayi looked up at Zhang Yang.

“I’m not going,” he shook his head.

“Neither am I,” Zhuang Jiayi followed, shaking her head.

“Alright, alright, fine. You’ve got a table and don’t want it, just standing here,” the beauty muttered, turning away.

After they left, Zhuang Jiayi blinked, sipped her drink, and met Zhang Yang’s gaze.

“Sorry for making you stand here with me,” Zhang Yang smiled.

“You’re the one accompanying me. Weren’t you planning not to come?” Zhuang Jiayi laughed softly. “Besides, I like it here-quiet, drinking a little, watching the crowd, still checking out the girls, right, Zhang Yang?”

“True, but standing at the bar too long gets tiring,” Zhang Yang said, waving over a busy server girl.

“Yes, what can I do for you?” she stopped with a smile.

“Any chance of a table now?” Zhang Yang asked.

“Sorry, it’s impossible today. Tables are all full. Next time, book earlier and I’ll add you on WeChat,” she apologized.

“What about the front row by the DJ?” Zhang Yang asked, pointing.

“That’s reserved for VIPs by our boss,” she said apologetically.