Xiao Qing, in her high heels, quickly approached and sat down next to Bai Lian.

    “Dr. Bai, I thought you weren’t coming.”

    Bai Lian smiled faintly, swirled his glass of red wine, and replied:

    “What made you think that?”

    “Well, honestly, I figured you would come. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have shown up either.”

    Xiao Qing gave a subtle smile and clinked her glass against Bai Lian’s:

    “But it seems Dr. Bai isn’t fond of this kind of atmosphere?”

    While everyone else mingled, Bai Lian had been sitting alone in the corner, sipping wine. His air of detachment made her think he disliked such parties.

    “Of course. Honest people like me aren’t used to noisy places,” Bai Lian said with a straight face.

    Xiao Qing nodded knowingly:

    “Ah, you’re right! I’ve never liked crowded spaces since I was a child!”

    “If it weren’t for you, Dr. Bai, I wouldn’t have come to this party at all.”

    But when you texted me earlier, you weren’t like this...

    Bai Lian’s gaze flickered oddly for a moment before returning to normal.

    No need to argue—I’d just contradict myself.

    His eyes drifted away from Xiao Qing to Lin Shuqing and Jiao Ran in the crowd.

    Hmm, the black braid is nice... but the little girl in white stockings isn’t bad either!

    Suddenly, Bai Lian sighed.

    “Dr. Bai, what’s wrong?” Xiao Qing asked, noticing his melancholic expression.

    Bai Lian shook his head:

    “I was just thinking... the Creator was too lazy to give me an extra eye when making humans. I can’t see everything.”

    Xiao Qing fell silent.

    【Gotta admit, Bai Shen, you sure know how to kill a conversation.】

    【Three beauties, one pair of eyes—how’s a man supposed to appreciate them all?!】

    【Hahaha, you left her speechless, Bai Shen! Masterclass!】@@@@

    【Guys, following Bai Shen guarantees a feast for the eyes!】

    Odd. Can you even get drunk here? Bai Lian wondered, feeling unaffected.

    “Dr. Bai, I must go. Until next time!” She checked her watch and stood.

    “Goodbye.” Bai Lian smiled and waved.

    At the door, Xiao Qing glanced back, winked, and晃了晃 her phone. Before he could react, she left.

    Bai Lian pulled out his phone. Several unread messages—all from Xiao Qing, sent moments ago.

    What’s she up to?

    He opened them.

    The first image showed slender legs sheathed in black stockings, half-shrouded in dim light.

    Mild.

    He scrolled down.

    The next revealed a lifted evening gown’s hem—

    Holy—!

    Bai Lian snapped the phone shut. Better save this for private viewing.

    Nearby, a blonde lolita had already taken Xiao Qing’s seat.

    “I advise you not to get involved with that woman. In this company, caution is key,” Jian Ran said coldly, arms crossed.

    “Is our leader... worried about a rookie like me?” Bai Lian feigned surprise.

    Jian Ran glared: “I just don’t want the team dragged down by idiots!”

    “If you say so, I’ll have to disappoint.”

    She stared, baffled. What’s wrong with him?

    “Die if you want—just don’t take others with you!”

    She stood to leave, every word straining her patience.

    “Wait!” Bai Lian called.

    Jian Ran paused. “What?”

    Bai Lian clutched his chest dramatically: “Leader, I’m just a rookie. Your harsh words... they wound me.”

    “And?”

    “Don’t you know how to heal a broken heart?”