"My phone's about to die. Can you grab a charger from the room for me?" Ning Yingxue asked abruptly.
Without thinking, I nodded and headed back. Bai Yishan was lounging on the sofa, the slap mark on his face fading slightly. "Why are you back? Boring out there?"
"Not really. Everyone's dancing." I began rummaging for a charger.
"Dancing's the best part! Holding a girl's waist, letting hormones fly… Say something flirty, and she'll let her guard down. Perfect for hooking up later," Bai Yishan said, playing the experienced seducer.
Before I could reply, he added with a chuckle, "Right, you're single—just sitting there play phone while others dance. Must be dull."
I forced a laugh. He wasn't wrong. If not for Luo Suohui ignoring Ning Yingxue, I'd be alone.
Bai Yishan cracked the door open, peeking out with a sigh. "Such a waste. So many beauties out there, and I'm stuck in this room."
I seethed inwardly. He already had three beautiful girlfriends and a new transfer student chasing him, yet he still lusted after more. Especially Zhang Yiyu, who tolerated his infidelity despite obvious disdain. And Ning Yingxue… once so independent, now clinging to Luo Suohui's indifference.
My hand paused. The old Ning Yingxue would never ask for help with something so trivial. She'd always been self-reliant, refusing to use her beauty for convenience. Had dating Luo Suohui changed her?
"Is women really that fickle?" I blurted.
"Ah, now that's a topic I can master," Bai Yishan reclined smugly. "Depends on the man. With my skills, even proud women fall in line. Take Li Luyou and An Zhishui—she's insanely jealous, and he's bending over backward. I'd dump her for that."
I nodded. An Zhishui's jealousy was unwavering, but she had the backing of her wealth. What about Ning Yingxue, whose monthly salary barely matched Luo Suohui's game spending? Did she still have the will to stay true?
"Forget it." I changed the subject. "You got a charger?"
"No."
But Bai Yishan couldn't let it go. "Luo Suohui's got it easy. Ning Yingxue's a commoner—no future with him. He's just playing, and she's delusional if she thinks he'll marry her."
My fists clenched. To him, beautiful girls were disposable toys. What about Zhang Yiyu, who loved him faithfully? Was she just something to toss when bored?
"He once asked me how to make her accept gifts. Can you believe it? I told him to buy expensive stuff—she's poor, so money works," Bai Yishan snickered.
Suddenly, it hit me. If Ning Yingxue were vain, she'd dress luxuriously. But she wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, no expensive watches or dresses. Luo Suohui would buy her anything, yet she refused. She was still the independent girl I knew.
I bolted out. Was getting a charger just an excuse to send me away? A sinking feeling grew.
From the second-floor corridor, I spotted Ning Yingxue on the dance floor—hand in Wang Hongxi's. The music slowed, lights dimmed. Couples drifted to shadowy corners. Wang Hongxi's hand slid from her waist to her hip, groping brazenly.
I froze, watching their movements grow bolder. Should I confront them? Drag Luo Suohui over? Before I could act, they vanished.
Recalling Bai Yishan's words, I wandered the villa restlessly, driven by a subconscious urge. At the top floor, I heard muffled sounds—moans, heavy breathing, and the slap of skin.
Heart pounding, I cracked the door open. The sight inside shattered my last hope.