Chapter 70

 

The year 2000 was a time of flourishing cultural and entertainment industries, with singers of different styles emerging from both domestic and international markets. As a result, karaoke rooms across the country—so long as they were legally operating—were making a fortune.

Some of the most popular high-end KTV venues even required reservations one or two days in advance.

This was true in both the small city like Yicheng and big metropolis like Haigang.

Ming Xi and Cai Ni had been to karaoke rooms in Yicheng before. The places they went to were budget KTVs mainly serving students. The rooms were flashy but worn down, with aging walls plastered full of pop star posters. The only feature that truly created a festive atmosphere was a rotating disco ball hanging from the ceiling. Once switched on, multicolored lights scattered in all directions, bathing the room in exaggerated, hazy brilliance and filling it with lively, joyful energy.

Haigang was a major city. The karaoke venue Liang Jiancheng arranged this time was located in a high-end business district and was clearly designed in a typical corporate luxury style. From the audiovisual equipment to the private room décor, everything radiated extravagance—there was even a faint sense of decadent, money-soaked indulgence.

For example, the ambient lighting in the private rooms was far more sophisticated. Upon entering, immersive neon lighting spread out in all directions, sometimes flickering like red flames, sometimes turning serene and dreamlike like a quiet ocean.

The shifting light brightened and dimmed with the music, creating a breathtaking effect.

There was even a dedicated attendant in the private room who helped hang up their coats.

Ming Xi took off her own coat as well. Since she was meeting up with friends today, her outfit underneath was youthful and fashionable. Beneath her overcoat were low-rise jeans and a sleeveless knitted turtleneck top. The room was well heated, and even with her arms bare, she didn’t feel cold. Haigang’s economy was booming, and the city’s prosperity showed in how boldly people dressed. Even in the middle of winter, at least indoors, it was easy to spot girls in shorts, miniskirts, and spaghetti-strap tops—sexy and eye-catching everywhere.

Currently, various cultures from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea were flooding into the mainland, influencing not only the style of popular songs in karaoke rooms but also the fashion choices of young people. For example, this year, influenced by America’s “pop princess” Britney Spears, low-rise pants were all the rage.

Today, Ming Xi and Cai Ni were both wearing the same low-rise flared pants, but Cai Ni added an exaggerated metal chain belt, a typical style for today’s young fashionistas.

Cai Ni’s top was a pure red round-neck crop shirt, equally form-fitting.

When the streets were already filled with girls dressed in bold, open styles, Ming Xi and Cai Ni’s outfits were hardly excessive. At least in a KTV setting, they looked completely normal—simply showing off the natural vitality of youth.

Ming Xi’s sleeveless knit top even leaned toward an office-lady aesthetic. It was one of the most common styles worn by women working in Haigang’s cubicle-filled offices.

But since they had come to sing, not to sit at a desk, what one wore didn’t really matter. What mattered was singing to their hearts’ content.

This wasn’t just Ming Xi’s idea; Cai Ni had already selected ten songs, and Dezi was about the same. Facing two microphone hogs, Ming Xi chose a different strategy—she selected English songs and Cantonese tracks.

Only with these songs could Cai Ni not compete with her.

Ming Xi had a natural talent for languages. Especially after entering foreign trade, she dealt with English almost every day. Her spoken English had already been good to begin with, and after memorizing product terminology twice, she could recall it perfectly. The same applied to English songs—after listening a few times, she could sing them smoothly.

Ming Xi wasn’t much of a celebrity fan, but once a song became popular, it spread through streets and alleyways alike.

For example, Britney’s “Baby One More Time.”

This was also the first song Ming Xi sang tonight.

Ming Xi had a relatively calm and composed personality. When singing fast-paced English songs like this, she wasn’t as exuberant or cute as Cai Ni. At most, she lightly nodded her head to the beat, putting on a slightly cool expression. Occasionally, when Cai Ni pulled her in for interaction, she would casually flick her hair and toss her a flirtatious glance.

Confident, light, and cheerful…

This was the aura Ming Xi was giving off at this moment. Back in Yicheng, burdened by family issues and debt, she had restrained that confident, radiant side of her personality. Now she had a job and friends. She was like a wild red-crowned crane that had finally taken flight from the reeds. Beautiful and proud, the crane possessed elegance rivaling a swan’s, yet was even more agile and light. Its pure white feathers gleamed, its wings wide and powerful, its posture graceful in flight, and its long tail feathers brilliant and flowing.

And atop its head was a striking, captivating patch of crimson red.

Young people of this era—especially those brave enough to leave small towns and fight for a future in big cities—were full of passion and vitality. It was as if they carried endless energy and enthusiasm within them. Society was not yet burdened by overwhelming information anxiety or harsh moral judgment. Instead, people were guided more by pop culture, and this atmosphere permeated different youth circles.

Halfway through Ming Xi’s performance of “Baby One More Time,” the attentive Boss Liang quietly pushed open the private room door.

Ming Xi subtly lowered her voice slightly, then tilted her head, pretending not to notice Liang Jiancheng, and continued singing, maintaining the rhythm all the way to the end.

“Baby, baby, one more time…”

Why were foreign lyrics always so bold and passionate?

Ming Xi sang easily and cheerfully. When the song ended, she behaved like a shy Chinese girl, slightly bowing toward her friends. Sorry for the poor performance!

The Yicheng friends immediately burst into enthusiastic applause.

Standing at the doorway, Liang Jiancheng naturally joined in as well. Even though he was reluctant, he still shifted his warm and well-mannered gaze from Ming Xi to everyone in the room, saying, “I’ve ordered some fruit platters and snacks for you, they’ll be here in a bit.”

“Thank you, Brother Liang.” Dezi picked up a can of cola from the table and tossed it directly at Liang Jiancheng, shouting cheerfully, “Brother Liang, catch!”

The cola flew through the air and landed steadily in Liang Jiancheng’s hand. He didn’t open it immediately, but instead went to Ming Xi, his “best friend,” and naturally said to her, “Merry Christmas Eve.”

Ming Xi suddenly remembered Lin Han saying that Liang Jiancheng sang very well. She took the initiative and asked, “Want to sing one? I’ll queue a song for you.”

Liang Jiancheng actually smiled reservedly and shyly, and said to her, “I came over here precisely because I didn’t want to embarrass myself.”

Oh, was that so?

Liang Jiancheng said he didn’t want to sing because he didn’t want to embarrass himself, that’s why he came to find them. She thought he wanted to hang out with them.

The next song was a duet by Dezi and Cai Ni.

Although Ming Xi was disappointed that Liang Jiancheng didn’t want to sing, she didn’t show it. Dezi and Cai Ni were singing happily when the private room door was pushed open. Servers carrying fruit platters and snacks entered in an orderly line and placed five or six small dishes on the table.

Before leaving, they bowed politely to the group.

Last year, when Ming Xi had started working, she already felt like a mature adult. Now, sitting in an entertainment venue, she felt not only grown up, but also like a seasoned member of society.

When Liang Jiancheng opened his can of cola, Ming Xi naturally clinked her drink against his.

“Merry Christmas Eve.” She was replying to what he had said earlier.

Liang Jiancheng smiled and sat down next to her with ease. He was already used to being part of her Yicheng friend group. Now, sitting next to her, he wasn’t talking to her, but rather chatting with Han Junjun.

Ming Xi was wearing a sleeveless top, generously revealing her two porcelain-white arms. Because of her clean temperament, even with her long curly hair and red lipstick, she didn’t give off any air of vulgarity—only a neat, slender elegance.

Ming Xi picked up a preserved plum from the fruit plate. Just as she did, Liang Jiancheng, who was talking to Han Junjun, reached out his hand to her, his long, shapely fingers beckoning her.

Ming Xi placed the plum in his hand.

“Thanks.”

In return, Liang Jiancheng peeled a few pistachios for her and naturally handed them to her.

Liang Jiancheng liked sour things; with a preserved plum in his mouth, the neon lights flickered, casting dappled shadows across his handsome features. The atmosphere between the two of them felt more like lovers than ordinary friends. Not far away, even if Junjun didn’t want to admit it, he finally understood what Dezi had told him: stop thinking about Ming Xi—staying friends would last longer.

Han Junjun felt a sour ache in his heart, as though he himself had swallowed the preserved plum Ming Xi had handed to Liang Jiancheng.

Just then, Ming Xi handed the whole plate of preserved plums to Han Junjun, worried that he might not be able to reach them, and said, “Junjun, here…”

Han Junjun sighed quietly, “Ming Xi, just give me some pistachios instead.”

Liang Jiancheng handed the whole plate of pistachios to Han Junjun on Ming Xi’s behalf.

“Thank you, Brother Liang…”

“You’re welcome. Don’t eat too much, don’t get sore throat.”

Smart people often spoke with hidden meanings, but Han Junjun was straightforward and simply took it as concern.

On the table, Dezi’s phone began buzzing. The caller ID showed three characters: “Liu Xinjun.”

Dezi and Cai Ni were still singing, Ming Xi picked up the phone and gestured to Dezi. He put down the microphone, quickly ran over, picked up the phone and answered.

Cai Ni naturally stopped as well.

Liang Jiancheng turned around and pressed the mute button on the wall.

The private room suddenly fell quiet, leaving only Dezi’s voice on the call: “Brother Liu… you’ve arrived? Okay, I’ll come pick you up in a moment…”

Ming Xi stood up immediately, pointing to herself.

Dezi understood at once and changed his tone even more enthusiastically: “Haha, Ming Xi says she’ll come pick you up. Brother Liu, why don’t you wait in the lobby!”

Ming Xi stood straight. Liang Jiancheng slightly raised his head, and their eyes met.

Liang Jiancheng didn’t know who this Liu Xinjun was, but judging from Yang Kangde’s attitude and Ming Xi’s reaction, this person didn’t seem simple. When she stood up just now, Ming Xi had clearly taken a deep breath, as if preparing to face something important.

Unexpectedly, before he could even offer to accompany her, Ming Xi asked him first: “Liang Jiancheng, could you come with me to meet someone?”

Liang Jiancheng didn’t hesitate at all. He didn’t even nod—he simply stood up.

Before leaving the private room, Ming Xi put her coat—which had cost her several thousand yuan—back on.

Liang Jiancheng followed behind her. The two walked down the long hallway toward the elevator. Ming Xi took the initiative to explain, her tone calm and concise: “This man is my father’s creditor. My father owes him two hundred thousand yuan and wants to use me as collateral.”

Liang Jiancheng listened, his brows furrowing slightly, his gaze thoughtful and deep, before looking directly at Ming Xi.

Ming Xi suddenly tilted her head: “Liang Jiancheng, you understand the law better than I do. My father’s debt has nothing to do with me, right?”

Liang Jiancheng answered concisely: “Right.”

This one word seemed to give Ming Xi complete confidence and trust, and she gave a nonchalant yet slightly cheeky smile.

With one hand in his pocket, Liang Jiancheng asked casually: “So, are we going to confront this creditor now?”

Liang Jiancheng had always known that Ming Xi’s family was in debt. Last year at Jinxin Winery, he had heard about Ming Xi’s family situation from Boss Jin, and he understood why she had fled Yicheng in the first place.

Legally, the debt indeed had nothing to do with Ming Xi. But in real society, creditors often targeted children to collect money. Many times, law was law—but social reality and unwritten rules still existed.

If the creditor had chased her all the way to Haigang, things were even less simple.

At this moment, Liang Jiancheng was already mentally prepared to repay the debt for his “friend.”

“How can it be called ‘confront’? I’m not that capable. The other person is a big shot in Yicheng’s underworld. Boss Liang, can you please help me out later?” Ming Xi’s eyes were bright and clear as she proactively made her request.

She was astonishingly calm. Liang Jiancheng couldn’t see the slightest trace of nervousness in her. Even without him backing her up, he felt Ming Xi had enough ability to face that creditor herself.

However—

“Sure, I used to run with rough crowds too, don’t worry,” Liang Jiancheng joked.

Ming Xi lowered her eyes slightly, looked at her shoes, and slowly spoke her thoughts: “I know this debt has nothing to do with me. But I ran away from Yicheng because of it. When I left, I didn’t have the ability to solve the problem—I could only avoid it. The creditor still has my ‘contract of sale,’ which I know has no legal basis, but it always makes me uneasy. I haven’t dared to go back to Yicheng. Next year, I want to go back openly and spend the New Year at Cai Ni’s house…”

That was why Ming Xi planned to go downstairs to meet Liu Xinjun. The private room was too noisy to talk business properly.

The elevator opened, and Ming Xi walked in, followed by Liang Jiancheng. Ming Xi turned around, her bright eyes landing on Liang Jiancheng’s handsome and composed face.

Two hundred thousand yuan was pocket change to him.

To her now, it wasn’t an especially terrifying amount either. With her current savings, she could pay it off.

“Liang Jiancheng, I want to pay this money back,” Ming Xi said.

Liang Jiancheng looked at her. He didn’t stop her, only saying, “Ming Xi, if you’ve made up your mind and don’t feel bad about the two hundred thousand, I’ll support you.”

Honestly, it wasn’t about feeling bad over the money. She simply didn’t want to repay Ming Decheng’s debt at all.

Unfortunately, she carried the surname Ming.

If two hundred thousand could buy closure—

Then it wouldn’t be a loss.

That was why she had asked Liang Jiancheng to come downstairs with her. When it came to money matters, she needed a reliable and formidable witness by her side.

As the elevator descended, even standing inside, they could faintly hear the sound of karaoke drifting in—voices belting out songs at the top of their lungs, piercing straight into Ming Xi’s and Liang Jiancheng’s ears.

“If money can buy freedom and dignity, then it truly shows its value, right?” Ming Xi suddenly said. Her expression was indifferent, her eyes resolute, and her posture full of quiet pride.

Liang Jiancheng agreed, a knowing smile spreading across his face.

He felt extremely honored that he was the one to say those words, on the forum, under the pseudonym Jiangliu Dadao.

The elevator slowly came to a stop in the lobby. As the double doors opened, Liang Jiancheng took a step back, maintaining the composed demeanor of a companion: “Boss Ming, please.”

What made Liang Jiancheng especially gentle and appealing was his instinctive consideration toward women—graceful without being cold, attentive without being excessive.

Having someone like him by her side was seriously flattering.

Ming Xi smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping across the lobby, immediately spotting Liu Xinjun striding arrogantly, followed by five or six underlings behind him.

Ming Xi: …

She honestly hadn’t expected that when Liu Xinjun said he was traveling, he would bring five or six lackeys along with him.

It wasn’t cold on Christmas Eve. Liu Xinjun wore a black leather coat, while his followers were dressed in eye-catching, colorful outfits. Standing in the lobby and looking around, the group was flashy, loud, and impossible to ignore.

Ming Xi had been full of confidence just moments ago. Now she had to take another breath to steady herself.

Without hesitation, she quickened her pace and walked forward calmly.

Liu Xinjun already knew Ming Xi was coming down to meet him. Today, he had come specifically to see the “little white flower” beauty he’d been missing. But the person who approached him was a bright, glamorous, tall, modern city girl.

He was momentarily stunned. It had been a year since he last saw her. Was this Ming Xi?

Where had that stubborn, unyielding, intelligent, bright and honest yet slightly aloof short-haired Ming Xi gone?

Liu Xinjun froze, staring intently at Ming Xi, carefully studying her features. She still looked like Ming Xi, only more beautiful. Probably because of makeup—red lips, white teeth, jet-black hair, snow-pale skin. A dazzling beauty.

But…

Liu Xinjun’s once fervent heart suddenly stiffened and cooled. At fist it was awkward, and then still awkward—basically, it was just awkward.

…It must be the leather coat and wig making him too hot!

Without another word, Liu Xinjun stripped off his coat and tossed it to one of his underlings. He exhaled heavily, cursed under his breath, and finally spoke: “Ming Xi, you… you’ve been hiding from me for a whole year!”

Ming Xi smiled apologetically, not in a hurry to speak.

Back then, she had avoided Liu Xinjun for self-preservation. Now she not only had the financial ability to repay the debt, but also the means to protect herself. Most importantly—she wasn’t stupid.

She knew that in some ways, Liu Xinjun was indeed a “good person.”

“You’re my family’s creditor, of course I have to avoid you.” Ming Xi said with a light smile. Then she tilted her head and glanced toward an empty booth nearby. “Brother Liu, shall we talk business first before going upstairs?”

Liu Xinjun was a gangster—there was no denying that. Even when pretending to be respectable, his tone was still crude. Especially after noticing the refined-looking man standing behind Ming Xi, his male competitiveness immediately flared up. “What do you want to talk about, money or love?”

Ming Xi frowned slightly. Her expression remained beautiful and cool as she replied slowly and clearly: “Of course—money.”

Once they settled the money, everything else could be friendship.

She lifted her chin slightly and gestured again for Liu Xinjun to move toward the booth.

Liu Xinjun sensed Ming Xi’s determination to repay the debt, and her commanding presence made him visibly unhappy.

Those two hundred thousand yuan were the only leverage he had over her—the only thing he could use to threaten or restrain her. He didn’t lack money at all. To be honest, he didn’t want Ming Xi to repay it. Yet tonight, although he was the creditor who had come looking for her, he inexplicably lost the upper hand.

Especially in front of the silent observer standing behind Ming Xi—he was already at a disadvantage.

Putting on a tough guy air, Liu Xinjun raised his hand and signaled for his underlings to wait outside. That gesture alone restored some of his authority and made him look considerably more imposing.

Then, Liu Xinjun looked at Liang Jiancheng behind her and spoke in an even more arrogant and thuggish tone: “Little Ming Xi, you’re my fiancée! I’ve been waiting for you to come back in Yicheng, and look at you? You don’t give me any face at all! You even found yourself a pretty boy in Haigang!”

Pretty boy? Who’s the pretty boy? Ming Xi’s eyes flashed slightly. Liang Jiancheng? Ming Xi was shocked!

Wasn’t that a little too disrespectful?

No, no—it wasn’t disrespectful at all…

Originally, Liang Jiancheng had been standing behind her in a calm, observant posture, face serious, stance tall and composed. Like that, he gave Ming Xi plenty of presence and confidence.

However, Liu Xinjun’s use of the term “pretty boy” inexplicably tickled Liang Jiancheng’s hidden funny bone, and he couldn’t help but chuckle.

With this laugh, Liang Jiancheng instantly turned into someone who looked unreliable, awkward, and prone to cracking up at any moment—a “pretty boy” who couldn’t be taken seriously.

Of course, even while holding back laughter until his face turned red, “pretty boy” Liang Jiancheng was still undeniably handsome.

“Brother Liu, hello. My name is Liang Jiancheng.” He extended his hand to Liu Xinjun, greeting him in an extremely “pretty boy” manner—polite, restrained, and elegant.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the large private room, the employees of Xinghai were singing and dancing enthusiastically. Everyone realized their boss was missing and immediately asked his assistant, Mark, where he was. They urged him to hurry up and call him back to sing karaoke, a holiday perk they absolutely couldn’t miss.

Mark maintained a forced, fake smile, guessing that his boss was probably showing off in front of Miss Ming right now.

Ahem.

Probably… that’s how it is!

No, your boss is currently downstairs in the lobby—playing the role of a “pretty boy.”

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