C29 Bars Selling Wine

"Is there any other way to make money besides photography? Preferably something quick," she said, not keen on further contact with Gu Qinian.

"Rob a bank?" Shang Yuvyuv quipped.

Ye Tian couldn't help but laugh and playfully slapped Shang Yuvyuv on the arm. "I'm being serious."

Shang Yuvyuv nodded. "If you need anything, just ask me."

Ye Tian rolled her eyes. "Your little savings? Even if I took all your dowry money, you'd be after me!"

Shang Yuvyuv burst into laughter, but her gaze on Ye Tian was tinged with sadness. "I'll keep an eye out for a part-time job for you."

They quickly moved past the subject and onto another topic.

The following week, Ye Tian didn't cross paths with Gu Qinian or Ye Ziyan. But the escalating online uproar was becoming harder to ignore. Shang Yuvyuv showed her a trending post – Ye Ziyan's fans were on a hunt for Ye Tian.

Yet, before the controversy could reach its third day, it was overshadowed by a new trending video.

An anonymous video surfaced, showing Ye Ziyan removing Old Master Ye's oxygen mask. The backlash was swift, with many fans turning against her.

The internet's opinion swiftly shifted to one side.

Ye Tian braced herself for the inevitable call from Gu Qinian, expecting him to demand a clarification. But this time, he didn't come to her.

To add to the drama, it was revealed online that Ye Ziyan had hired a private detective to dig into Ye Tian's life.

Ye Tian was taken aback. Could it be Gu Qinian?

She laughed off her naive thoughts. Gu Qinian wouldn't do that to Ye Ziyan, his "lifesaver." And what was she to him? Just a nuisance who had forced him into marriage.

Ye Tian sighed.

Then came an excited call from Shang Yuvyuv. "I was wondering why you were so calm. You were prepared all along! Anyway, I have two pieces of good news. Which do you want to hear first?"

Ye Tian chuckled. "The best one."

"It's got to be Kawase Yuki! They've said they understand the situation and are willing to give us another chance."

No wonder Shang Yuvyuv was so thrilled.

"What's the other piece of good news?" Ye Tian inquired.

With palpable excitement, Shang Yuvyuv sent over an address and a phone number. "Even better news? That would be Kawase Yuki's phone number and shooting location!"

Ye Tian muttered a curse under her breath in response.

"Okay, there's more. A bar is hiring bartenders, and the commission is quite substantial." She wasn't too keen on sharing this part-time opportunity with Ye Tian.

"Really?" As expected, Ye Tian's face lit up with excitement.

Reluctantly, Shang Yuvyuv provided the address.

"Ziyan, let's go. There's this new bar with amazing decor. You're feeling down, right? I'll take you out for some fun." Ren Yuanhua was indebted to Ye Ziyan for her past help and was determined to take her out to the bar.

Ye Ziyan, still fuming over the online video and unsure how to explain it to Gu Qinian, had also seen a significant drop in her fanbase. Eager for a distraction, she accepted Ren Yuanhua's invitation and headed to "Under the Night," donning a hat and mask for anonymity.

After visiting Old Master Ye at the hospital post-work, Ye Tian went to the bar to apply for the job. The bar manager was decisive, immediately scheduling her to start that evening. The potential earnings were all up to her.

But...

Ye Tian looked at the low-cut dress with a tinge of embarrassment, yet she steeled herself and slipped into it.

She had politely declined Shang Yuvyuv's offer to join her; somehow, being without familiar faces made the situation more bearable.

Carrying a tray of drinks, Ye Tian navigated the bar, her attractive appearance convincing many patrons to open their wallets.

"Hey, isn't that Ye Tian?" Ren Yuanhua elbowed Ye Ziyan.

Ye Ziyan looked up and confirmed it was indeed Ye Tian, clad in a revealing short dress and balancing a tray of drinks.

She scoffed internally at the sight. Was Ye Tian so desperate for money that she was now serving drinks?

A sly idea crossed Ye Ziyan's mind as she took out her phone and snapped a few photos. She was about to send them to Gu Qinian to expose this woman's lowly state, but after a moment's thought, she pocketed her phone instead.

"Why? She's done this to you, and you're not going to get back at her?" Ren Yuanhua was no fool; she could tell that the anonymous video was likely the work of Ye Tian. Even if it wasn't, it had already turned public opinion on its head.

Ren Yuanhua watched as Ye Ziyan hesitated over Gu Qinian's name and inwardly berated her for being foolish.

If Gu Qinian hadn't refrained from troubling Ye Ziyan, Ren Yuanhua wouldn't have bothered to lend a helping hand. She decided to gamble on whatever feelings Gu Qinian might have for Ye Ziyan.

Lost in thought, Ye Ziyan beckoned a ruffian over with a wave of her hand.

"Hey, what's this? Sister, you're all bundled up in a bar?" The ruffian tried to flirt as he reached for Ye Ziyan's wine glass.

"How about doing me a favor? Do it, and all this cash is yours." Ye Ziyan deftly avoided his grasp, her voice coquettish, her eyes filled with revulsion that the dim light of the bar concealed.

She pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket.

"What's the job?" The ruffian's interest was piqued by the sight of the money.

"See that woman over there?" Ye Ziyan pointed at Ye Tian.

"I don't do anything illegal," the ruffian chuckled, pocketing the money, though he was clear about his boundaries.

Ye Ziyan gave him a contemptuous glance, then changed her approach, "We live in a society governed by law. She stole my best friend's man, and I just want to settle the score. She's nothing but a tramp. Go give her a hard time, will you? It's not too much to ask, is it?"

The ruffian stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and then agreed readily.

As the ruffian closed in on Ye Tian, Ye Ziyan finally allowed herself a smile.

"Hey, little sister, selling wine?" The thug sidled up to Ye Tian, taking in her innocent aura. When he got a good look at her as she turned around, he was struck by her beauty.

Ye Tian's brow furrowed in displeasure, but she restrained herself and asked with a smile, "Looking to buy wine?"

The thug shook his head, lifting Ye Tian's chin with one hand and teasing, "How about buying you for the night? How much? I'd take good care of you."

If he managed to sleep with this woman, not only would he have the pleasure of her company, but he'd also get paid for it. Having both wealth and beauty at his fingertips, why would he ever refuse?

It seemed to be his lucky day, and not even the heavens could stand in his way.

The thug thought to himself with glee.

Ye Tian fought back the impulse to slap him and turned to leave, but someone grabbed the hem of her clothes, stopping her in her tracks.

"Where do you think you're going? You don't have to sleep with me. Just sing a song for your brother here. If it's good, I'll let you go," the thug said, eyeing Ye Tian from head to toe.

The onlookers burst into laughter, leering at Ye Tian. "Yeah, get up there and sing us a song. I'll cover your drinks for the night. How's that sound?"