Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Scheme

"Who was the one in my dreams, where is he tonight..."

"The one in my dreams, I remember your face..."

In front of the bar, Lin Yun was slowly sipping his Tears of Angel. Suddly, a beautiful melody washed over him.

Upon hearing this song, Lin Yun froze, th quickly stood up and looked towards the source of the song.

On the stage, there was a gorgeous girl in a dress, gtly dancing as if she were a lovely sprite, her lips parting to release the lovely tune.

"Qingqing..."

Lin Yun took in a deep breath.

The sprite-like girl on the stage was other than Xia Qingqing.

For the past week, he had be busy researching the Cosmic Trading System, and communicating with customers, thus only having called Xia Qingqing twice. He wanted to surprise her, so he had not revealed his work progress to her yet.

For the past few days, Xia Qingqing hadn't reached out to him either.

To think of all places, he ran into her here.

The Nightingale Bar was packed, so Lin Yun standing up didn't draw any particular atttion.

"Good—"

"Beautiful—"

"Haha, beautiful, is it me you're dreaming of?"

Xia Qingqing's singing was delightful and she was stunning, quickly drawing the atttion of many patrons. Many ev began hooting and trying to flirt with her.

Lin Yun frowned at those who were rudely jeering at Xia Qingqing.

He didn't fancy the way they were catcalling her.

"Brother Yu, it took great effort to get Xia Qingqing here, make sure to seize your chance..."

At that momt, a woman's voice was caught by Lin Yun's ears.

Someone was talking about Qingqing?

Lin Yun looked up and saw toward the voice, and saw a group of people about his age laughing and chatting not too far away.

"Don't worry, everything is well orchestrated." A good-looking young man replied with a confidt smile.

"If Xia Qingqing wasn't in urgt need of money, I doubt we could've lured her here, she never came to places like this before." One girl giggled. Based on her voice, she must be the one who had spok before.

"Hehe, why else did you think Xia Qingqing needed money so urgtly?" The man referred to as Brother Yu smiled igmatically.

"Brother Tiger."

Brother Yu included, the group quickly greeted. Their tones were full of respect.

"Hmm." The muscular man nodded.

"The girl on the stage, is she..." He glanced at the stage, but didn't finish his stce.

"Yes, it's her. Today, Brother Tiger will have to ld a hand quite a bit more." Brother Yu pleaded with a smile.

"You've got good taste, kiddo. But remember, don't let this get out of hand." Brother Tiger laughed.

"Brother Tiger can rest assured on that." Brother Yu nodded fervtly.

"Hm." Brother Tiger simply nodded.

"Xia Qingqing is coming down..."

Just th, one boy looked up to see Xia Qingqing descd from the stage. He hurriedly turned back to Brother Yu and Brother Tiger, informing them.

Lin Yun noticed that Brother Tiger glanced over at a few people not too far off and gave them a covert signal.

...

On the side of the stage, just as Xia Qingqing stepped down, she was stopped by a few unsavoury-looking young m.

"Oh wow, little lady, your singing is amazing. Care to join us for a drink?"

The leader flashed her a lascivious smile.

"Little lady, our Brother Snake admires you a lot. If you have a drink with him, he could introduce you to some of his director frids, let you become a big star."

"Sorry, I've already finished work and I'm about to head home." Xia Qingqing frowned, th she skirted a them and intded to leave.

"Not off work yet! It's just money! I've got money, you tertain me! Every song you sing I'll pay one thousand, afraid Brother Snake can't afford you?"" Brother Snake jeered lightly.

As he was about to reach out to grab Xia Qingqing's slder arm, a grin bloomed on his face as anticipation filled him.

No doubt, this girl was beautiful. Ev though he was putting on a show, he was thrilled at ev the prospect of touching her, let alone taking advantage.

Just to touch such a beautiful girl was more than worth it.

He intded to take full advantage of this situation...

"Crack—"

However, before Brother Snake had time for more lecherous thoughts, a hand like an iron claw clamped onto his wrist and abruptly twisted, snapping his arm. The sound of bones breaking resonated chillingly, making one's hair stand on d.

"Ah—" Brother Snake screamed in pain.