Chapter Eighteen: Melody Harbor

Jiang Yang pressed a hand to his face and said, "Cut it out. I’m going there for a reason, not for fun."

Chen Hao pushed his hand away and retorted, "What kind of business could there be with a bunch of pretty girls? Be careful, or I’ll tell your wife on you..." With that, he grumpily started heading back to his desk.

"Wait," Jiang Yang suddenly called out to him. "Forget it, let’s go together tonight."

Chen Hao’s face lit up with a knowing smile. "That’s my brother. Good fortune is meant to be shared, and so are the girls..."

Jiang Yang quickly interrupted, "Stop right there. I’ll take you, but you have to do me a small favor."

Chen Hao looked stunned. "What kind of favor?"

...

Melody Harbor was a fairly well-known bar in S City, popular among the youth.

When Jiang Yang had worked there, it was partly because he needed the money, but also because he quite liked the style of the place.

The decor was unique; the exterior resembled an open music box, making anyone who walked inside feel as though they had stepped into a world of melody, momentarily forgetting the stresses of the bustling metropolis.

However, its greatest draw was the weekly changing music themes, catering to the diverse tastes of its patrons.

Of course, some people didn't come just for the music and drinks—like Chen Hao.

"Bro, you really know how to pick a place for a side gig. You must have been feasting your eyes every day, right?" Chen Hao watched a beautiful woman in a revealing outfit walk through the entrance, his lips curling into an uncontrollable grin.

Jiang Yang didn't answer. Returning to this familiar setting, a sharp pain shot through his mind.

He hadn't taken his medication today, and his past memories seemed slightly clearer at this moment. He could vaguely recall that something very specific had happened here.

Chen Hao turned to see his expression and asked, "Are you alright?"

Jiang Yang rubbed his temples, his complexion easing slightly. "I'm fine. Let's go in. I'll introduce you to a pretty server in a bit."

Hearing about a pretty girl, Chen Hao’s small eyes lit up instantly. "Brother Yang, you’re a real one. If your wife calls later, I’ve got your back."

Just as they reached the entrance, Jiang Yang’s phone rang. He picked it up to see a video call from Wang Ruolan.

The timing of this "bed check" was impeccable; she called the moment he arrived at the bar. He exchanged a glance with Chen Hao and answered the call.

Judging by the background, she was out as well. She was wearing a white lace-trimmed blouse paired with a skirt, her impressive bust straining against the fabric, her hair pinned back.

Jiang Yang had never seen her in this office professional attire. If she had appeared before him like this in the past, he might have had the urge to tear her blouse off.

But now, he remained remarkably calm. Beneath that sexy, beautiful exterior, this woman might be far more complex than she appeared.

Ruolan didn't look pleased. Seeing the bar behind him, she asked in a cold tone, "Did you go to the bar by yourself?"

Fortunately, Jiang Yang had anticipated her check-in. He pulled Chen Hao over and said, "This is the bar where I used to work part-time. This is my colleague, Chen Hao. He’s the one who asked me to bring him here today."

As soon as Chen Hao saw Ruolan on the screen, his eyes went wide. "Wow... Sister-in-law is so beautiful. Don't worry, Sister-in-law, there’s no girl here as pretty as you. Jiang Yang definitely won’t mess around—if anyone’s going to mess around, it’ll be me."

Ruolan’s expression remained grim. "I don’t care why you went there, get back here right now!"

Jiang Yang chuckled. "I can't just ruin my colleague's night, can I? I promise you, I'll be back in an hour, okay?"

Ruolan’s face darkened, but she knew that with him miles away, getting angry through a screen was useless.

She suppressed her volatile emotions. She didn't want to fight with Jiang Yang, because if they had a falling out, she might lose this man forever—a reality she couldn't accept.

Finally, she relented, though her tone remained icy. "I want to see you back home in an hour!"

With that, she angrily hung up.

Chen Hao draped an arm over Jiang Yang’s shoulder. "Man, you’ve been hiding a treasure! A wife this beautiful and you didn't let anyone know? Afraid someone would snatch her away?"

Jiang Yang gave a wry smile. "She’s back at her parents' place, isn't she? I’ll introduce her to everyone when the time is right."

In truth, his feelings for Ruolan were complicated now.

She loved him—that much he could feel.

If only she weren't a mystery, and if only she hadn't fed him that strange medicine, he would have cherished this beautiful, gentle wife like a treasure in the palm of his hand.

But now, he didn't know how many secrets were hidden behind Ruolan. Perhaps some of those secrets could be found here at the bar.

He and Chen Hao entered the bar and sat at an empty table.

A girl wearing a beer-branded uniform, with a great figure and a ponytail, rolled over on roller skates, holding a tablet to take their order. She recognized Jiang Yang at a glance. "Jiang Yang! Rare guest, what brings you here?"

She wasn't strikingly beautiful, but she had a lively, adorable quality.

Jiang Yang raised an eyebrow. "What? I worked here for half a year, and now I can't come here to spend money?"

The girl tapped her tablet. "Of course you can. Put it on your tab, right? What will it be? I'll give you a 20% discount."

Jiang Yang’s mouth twitched. "Yao Tingting, don't try to cheat me. It's Friday, and drinks are 30% off before 9 PM. It’s only 8 o’clock—you’re only giving me 20%?"

Yao Tingting stuck out her tongue playfully. "Stingy, you won't even let me make a little extra."

"Wait," Chen Hao pressed Jiang Yang’s hand down, his lips curling slightly. "Tingting, was it? No discounts needed. Bring us two dozen of the most expensive beers, and order us the priciest snacks you’ve got."

As she entered the order, Yao Tingting laughed. "Jiang Yang, look how generous he is. Why don't you learn from him?"

Jiang Yang’s eyes widened. "Hey... Chen Hao, isn't this going on my tab?"

Before he could finish his protest, Yao Tingting had already swiftly processed their order on the tablet.

"Let’s not get hung up on the details. Beautiful, I’m Chen Hao, Jiang Yang’s colleague." Chen Hao extended a chubby hand toward Yao Tingting.

"Nice to meet you." Yao Tingting shook his hand politely.

Holding Yao Tingting’s delicate hand, Chen Hao couldn't take his eyes off her. He pulled out his phone and said, "You’re his former colleague, and I’m his current one. Since we have such a connection, how about we exchange WeChats and become friends?"

"Sure." Yao Tingting agreed readily.

Jiang Yang’s mouth twitched. How the hell did I unexpectedly become the bridge between you two?

After they finished adding each other on WeChat, Jiang Yang asked from the side, "Tingting, I came here today to look for Sister Su. What is her role here?"