Chapter 14: An Atmosphere Thick with Hormones

After reading the reply, her expression relaxed, and she felt refreshed and clear-headed. Without hesitation, she wrote back to accept the job offer. In the letter, she clearly outlined her salary expectations and other terms before clicking send.

She stood up and pushed open the window, letting the gentle breeze caress her face, her mood growing ever more pleasant.

From then on, Song Xixi shut herself away, spending her days holed up in her room, typing away at the computer. Her fingers danced swiftly over the keyboard, lines of code appearing one after another on the screen. The space around her was piled high with reference materials; sometimes she would pause in thought, other times she rifled through documents to verify details. When hungry, she ordered takeout, often eating a few bites before diving back into work.

A month passed like this. Finally, Song Xixi stretched and relaxed her muscles. After loosening up, she checked her bank account and, seeing her balance had doubled, raised an eyebrow with a proud smile.

Yet her gaze landed on the invitation from Dake Group on the computer screen, and her brow furrowed again. The offer to become their Chief Information Officer was truly a rare opportunity. It meant stepping out from behind the scenes into the spotlight—but also meant bidding farewell to her freedom, facing a myriad of complicated challenges.

Song Xixi tapped the desk lightly, deep in thought. To go or not to go—the two thoughts wrestled within her heart.

Just as she was struggling with the decision, her phone suddenly rang. She picked it up to see Ye Chunxi’s name flashing on the screen and answered immediately.

Before she could speak, Ye Chunxi’s enthusiastic voice came through: “Xixi, it’s your birthday today! Do you have any plans?”

Song Xixi froze for a moment, surprised by how quickly August had arrived. She had been so immersed in work that she had completely forgotten her own birthday.

Sensing her friend’s silence, Ye Chunxi immediately guessed she must have been too busy to remember. So she took the initiative to invite her: “There’s a really popular new bar in the East District! The atmosphere is amazing, and I hear the bartenders make the most incredible cocktails. How about we go and have some fun? You’ve been working so hard lately; you deserve a break.”

Song Xixi frowned slightly, hesitating. She was never one to enjoy noisy places, especially bars. Yet, since it was her birthday, maybe she should let herself relax. She softly agreed, “Okay, what time shall we go?”

Ye Chunxi’s joy was immediate: “Haha, I knew you’d say yes! Let’s meet at eight tonight. The bar’s called ‘Nightfall Moments.’ I’ll be waiting for you at the entrance.”

...

After hanging up, Song Xixi leaned back in her chair and sighed softly. Tonight, she would have a proper birthday celebration.

Evening came quickly. She tidied herself up simply, choosing a minimalist black slip dress and applying light makeup. She hailed a cab and headed toward the “Nightfall Moments” bar in the East District.

Ye Chunxi was already waiting at the entrance when she arrived. Seeing Song Xixi, she excitedly grabbed her hand. “Xixi, you finally made it! I’ve been waiting for ages. Come on, let’s go inside.”

As soon as they stepped in, the boisterous and lively atmosphere hit them. Dazzling lights flashed across the dance floor, and the thumping music made hearts beat in unison. People writhed freely to the rhythm, laughter and clinking glasses blending into a chorus of nighttime revelry.

Song Xixi frowned slightly, feeling the environment was a bit too loud for her comfort.

Noticing her unease, Ye Chunxi leaned close and shouted over the noise, “Xixi, let’s head over to that booth and sit for a bit. We can have a drink and get used to it.”

Song Xixi nodded and followed her to a relatively quieter booth. They had barely settled when a waiter approached to take their orders. Ye Chunxi expertly ordered two signature cocktails.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the bar, a pair of eyes subtly glanced their way.

After sitting for a while, Ye Chunxi leaned in and whispered, “Xixi, I’m going to the restroom. You just relax here for a bit.”

Song Xixi nodded, picking up her cocktail and taking a gentle sip. The slightly sour yet sweet liquid slid down her throat, bringing a measure of calm. Her gaze began to wander casually around the bar, taking in the other patrons.

Suddenly, distant noise of commotion reached her ears. The sound grew louder, prompting her to turn in curiosity.

Her mouth parted slightly in disbelief.

Ye Chunxi appeared like a triumphant queen striding ahead, followed by four men whose physiques could only be described as perfect specimens of masculinity. Their upper bodies were bare, muscles subtly outlined, exuding raw virility.

They approached the booth.

Ye Chunxi’s face beamed with pride and excitement as she called out loudly, “Surprise! Xixi, happy birthday! Your gifts have arrived!”

Her voice rang clearly over the raucous bar, drawing many curious and envious glances. Some even whistled and cheered, the scene instantly bursting with energy.

Song Xixi felt her face flush hot, the heat spreading from her cheeks to her ears. Her eyes darted back and forth between Ye Chunxi and the four handsome men. Her best friend really knew how to make a scene—how could she possibly handle such a grand gesture?

Ignoring Song Xixi’s stunned and embarrassed expression, Ye Chunxi grabbed her hand.

“Xixi, you’ve graduated from university but never been in a relationship. Tonight, let these guys keep us company and have some real fun.”

Song Xixi blushed deeply, whispering, “Chun, this surprise is... a bit too much! I’m not worthy of it.”

“No way! When it’s time to indulge, you’ve got to go all out and enjoy.”

She then gave the handsome men a knowing look.

They immediately understood. One of them bent slightly forward, flashing a charming smile and extending his hand to Song Xixi.

“Beautiful lady, happy birthday! How about a dance with me?”

Song Xixi furrowed her brow and glanced at Ye Chunxi.

Ye Chunxi, sitting comfortably in the booth, was playfully pinching one man’s arm with one hand, while poking another’s abs with the other, clearly having the time of her life.

Song Xixi rubbed her forehead. Though she had never been in a relationship, her experience with intimacy was quite extensive—thousands of encounters wouldn’t be an exaggeration. So these little touches were nothing new.

But right now, it was rather awkward.

Just as she was about to politely decline again, the music in the bar suddenly stopped, as if someone had pressed pause. The lively atmosphere froze instantly. The cheers and whistles vanished without a trace, leaving the bar eerily silent.

A group of people in sharp suits with solemn expressions approached.

Even Ye Chunxi looked stunned, still holding onto one of the men’s arms, dumbfounded in place.