Her phone suddenly vibrated.
It was Chen Ziming’s call.
Finally, a smile touched her lips. She then stood up, bypassed everyone, and went to a quieter spot to answer.
It was too chaotic inside the bar, so she went to the entrance.
After answering, she imitated him and remained silent.
“Are you done with your exams?” his voice was a little low.
“No, I still have exams next week,” she replied.
There was a moment of silence on the other end.
Then, the man’s husky voice sounded, “It’s the weekend.”
“Mm? And then?” she asked, feigning ignorance.
“Su Yue.” He was clearly displeased, calling her name softly.
“Mm.” She deliberately didn't say what he wanted to hear.
Seemingly frustrated, Chen Ziming fell silent for a good while. Su Yue wasn't in a hurry; after waiting for his call for so long, she wouldn’t falter now.
He finally spoke, “Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.”
A triumphant smile spread across the girl’s face, and she stopped playing hard to get. She obediently told him the address.
“I’ll be there in five minutes. Wait for me at the entrance.” He checked the map; it was very close to the Yuluo Street police station.
Su Yue only then realized the proximity and prepared to go back to get her bag and clothes.
“Yo, isn’t this the beautiful lady from the table earlier?”
As she was halfway there, someone suddenly blocked her path. She was startled and realized it was the same group of men from before. They surrounded her, trapping her in the middle.
The bar had become crowded, and the noise was overwhelming. No one noticed the anomaly here.
“Move aside.” She frowned and sternly ordered them.
“You look even more beautiful when you’re angry.” They were clearly a bit drunk. One of them flirtatiously reached out to touch her face.
Su Yue dodged immediately, and they laughed at her reaction.
“Take her away?” She suddenly heard one man whisper a plan to another behind her.
The other didn't answer. Su Yue sensed danger and was about to shout when her mouth was suddenly covered.
The place was dimly lit, and they had surrounded her. No one noticed them.
They clearly intended to drag her out silently.
Su Yue grew scared. She looked at the man in front of her, and a sudden inspiration struck her. She raised her leg and kicked him in the groin.
“Aargh—”
The man who was kicked collapsed on the ground. The crowd stirred, and people finally noticed something was wrong here.
His companions were startled and, enraged, swung their fists before the onlookers could react.
Su Yue closed her eyes nervously.
But the punch didn't land. She heard the man opposite her cry out in pain, then fall.
Surprised, she opened her eyes.
Chen Ziming had knocked down the man who was about to strike, then rushed over, yanked away the man who was still covering Su Yue’s mouth, and punched him to the ground.
“You, don’t come any closer!” Two men remained, one of whom was the one who had plotted the scheme.
Chen Ziming’s expression was exceptionally cold and grim. He kicked him to the ground, not giving him time to speak further.
Only then did the surrounding people react, and Su Yue’s companions hurried over.
“Aren’t these those hooligans!” the dance class owner exclaimed.
“Yueyue, are you okay?” Several dance teachers and counselors found Su Yue and quickly surrounded her with concern.
Su Yue stood there, somewhat dazed. Chen Ziming had dealt with them so quickly that she hadn’t fully regained her senses.
The security guards arrived at this point. The remaining man, seeing this, became emboldened and shouted that Chen Ziming had hit his friend, and he was going to call the police.
Seeing Su Yue’s state, the crowd realized what had happened. Coupled with the dance class members scolding them for harassing her first, the man was quickly shamed into silence.
His companions were all still on the ground, groaning in pain and unable to get up. No one helped him.
“What’s going on here?” The security guard saw the fallen men and Chen Ziming, whose clothes were slightly disheveled, realizing he was the one who had hit them, and asked.
“You want to call the police? Go ahead,” Chen Ziming ignored the security guard, straightened his clothes, and looked coldly at the only man who was unharmed, speaking.
“How dare you call the police? Bullying a girl!”
“Truly disgusting!”
“Have you no shame? Hurry and film them and post it online!”
“Quick, call the police! Arrest all of them!”
A wave of jeers rose from the crowd, denouncing the men.