Chapter 124: A Rival in the Disco

On the distant horizon, waves surged and crashed against the shore, composing a magnificent symphony of the sea. Evening was fast approaching, and specks of red began to glow in the sky—the sunset was imminent. They say the most romantic thing in the world is to watch the sunrise and sunset with the one you love most, to witness the tides rise and fall, the rolling waves blending the sea and sky into one.

Several exhausted teenagers lay sprawled on the beach in an X shape, comfortably savoring a rare moment of leisure. Xiaolin and his friends had spent the entire afternoon playing on the shore, indulging in games that adults might find childish—like "Eagle Catches Chicks," hopscotch, and hide-and-seek. Yet this group, on the cusp of adulthood, reveled in these simple joys with unbridled delight.

“Today was so much fun, I honestly can’t remember the last time I was this happy,” said Shangguan Xue’er, eyes half-closed as she lay on the sand, basking in contentment.

“This has been the most interesting New Year’s Day I’ve had in years,” Zhang Zhenghao added wistfully. “Imagine if every Spring Festival could be like today—how wonderful that would be.”

“That’s impossible,” Xiaolin sighed. “We’ve already forgotten how to play many childhood games, and who can guarantee that every year we’ll keep a touch of that innocence?”

His words fell heavy, silencing the group. Indeed, as time passes and we grow older, our minds and skills expand, but along with these gains, we inevitably lose much—like the precious innocence of childhood, something we can never reclaim.

“Ah, enough with the heavy talk,” Xu Qing interrupted, ever averse to melancholy. “Come on, quickly, where should we go next?”

“Still want to play?” Wang Yuqing yawned, worn out after a day of wild fun, her spirit flagging slightly.

“Yu Qing, it’s the Spring Festival! If we don’t go all out now, how can we honor such a great holiday?” Xu Qing urged.

“How about we hit the disco?” Zhang Zhenghao proposed.

“Disco?” Shangguan Xue’er’s eyes lit up. She had never been before—her family forbade it, saying discos were for bad kids. But her curiosity was strong, and she wanted to see for herself.

“Sounds good, I’m in.”

“Me too,” Xu Qing agreed, enticed by the promise of fun despite never having been.

With the two girls on board, the boys quickly followed suit. Only Xiaolin’s expression turned pensive at the mention of the disco. He recalled his middle school days when he had snuck Ma Yunrou in—a thrill-seeker herself—into the club despite their age. He had helped her sneak in several times.

“I think I’ll pass,” Wang Yuqing said reluctantly. “That place... I’m not really into it.”

“Oh, Yuqing, what’s there to be afraid of? Is there a tiger inside? Even if there were, we have so many of us. We can protect each other—right, guys?” Shangguan Xue’er teased.

“Right!” The boys struck fierce poses, showing off their bravado.

“But still...” Yuqing hesitated.

“Come on, Yuqing. Don’t be a party pooper,” Shangguan Xue’er tugged her toward the car.

Seeing Shangguan’s insistence, Yuqing reluctantly nodded.

“Alright! Let’s go!” cheers erupted as they piled into the car, heading toward the city.

The Millionaire Disco was the most luxurious club in Donghai City, situated not far from the bustling city center. Its grand exterior, resplendent with a magnificent roof and ornate walls, inspired awe. As night fell, the colorful lights illuminated the building, transforming it into a dazzling palace of gold and brilliance.

“No way! I didn’t realize Donghai City had such a high-end disco,” Ye Hao exclaimed in genuine admiration.

“Of course! The Millionaire is the best disco here. My cousin and I come here often. Today, I brought his membership card. Let’s go in,” Zhang Zhenghao said, leading the way.

The moment they stepped inside, the thunderous beat of the DJ’s music shook their ears. The vast room, spanning hundreds of square meters, was filled with all sorts of equipment. Plush sofas formed small private booths, and the bar featured red round tables and tall stools. The dance floor occupied the center, flanked by two high stages. The entire hall was a symphony of flashing lights and swirling colors, a decadent spectacle. Young people writhed and twisted, pouring out their emotions in wild abandon. The disco was the perfect refuge for youth seeking release from loneliness.

“This is insane,” Shangguan Xue’er said, wide-eyed.

“So lively! Hey, Zhang Zhenghao, how do we dance here?” Xu Qing was visibly excited.

“See that dance floor? Let’s go there. If you know the steps, follow the rhythm. If not, just move with the music. Alright, brothers and sisters, let’s get this party started!” Zhang Zhenghao took the lead, stepping onto the dance floor and swaying with the beat.

The others soon followed. As Xiaolin moved to join in, Wang Yuqing suddenly grabbed his arm.

“Xiaolin, come sit with me over there. I don’t want to be in the middle of all this noise,” she said, her eyes hopeful. She disliked loud places.

“Alright, my hand’s still healing anyway, so I can’t dance,” Xiaolin fibbed gently.

Yu Qing’s face brightened with relief.

They found a slightly quieter corner—though in a disco, “quiet” was relative. Ordering drinks, they sipped slowly, watching Shangguan Xue’er and the others dance.

Suddenly, Xiaolin spotted a familiar figure amid the crowd: a captivating girl on stage, her body twisting and swaying so vigorously that her long hair flew wildly, catching the flashing lights and making her seem mesmerizing. A cluster of boys surrounded her, shouting excitedly. Nearby, a rotund, unsavory-looking man with small, sharp eyes appeared. Xiaolin’s blood boiled.

“Liu Zhibo,” he hissed through clenched teeth. The girl was none other than Ma Yunrou.

“What’s wrong, Xiaolin?” Wang Yuqing asked, noticing his grim expression but unable to hear his words over the music.

“Nothing, Yuqing. Wait here. I have some business,” he said darkly, striding toward Ma Yunrou.

Wang Yuqing watched him go, then glanced toward the stage, spotting Ma Yunrou’s familiar form. Surprised to see her there, she quickly sensed something was amiss from Xiaolin’s expression and hurried toward where Zhang Zhenghao was dancing.

Xiaolin reached Ma Yunrou, who was still lost in her wild dance, oblivious to his presence.

“Ma Yunrou!” he shouted angrily. Not calling her by her nickname showed just how furious he was.

Startled, Ma Yunrou stopped and turned, her face shifting through several expressions upon seeing him.

“Xiaolin, wait—I can explain. I was just...” she stammered.

But Xiaolin cut her off. “You told me you were going home for the New Year. Then why are you here? And who’s that with you?” He pointed at Liu Zhibo, his body trembling with anger.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Donghai’s young hero, Xiaolin. Didn’t expect you to come to the disco too,” Liu Zhibo sneered sarcastically.

Liu Zhibo despised Xiaolin, believing himself superior except for Xiaolin’s slightly better looks. Having once stolen Ma Yunrou from Xiaolin, he regarded Xiaolin as a hopeless bumpkin.

“If I were you, I’d regret those words,” Xiaolin warned, his eyes sharp as knives.

“What are you gonna do? Hit me with that bandaged hand?” Liu Zhibo laughed mockingly.

“Maybe,” Xiaolin said, narrowing his eyes and moving to strike—only to be stopped by Ma Yunrou, who grabbed him firmly.

“Xiaolin, let’s go outside to talk. Let me explain,” she urged, pulling him toward the exit. She had witnessed his fierce fighting before; despite his injury, she trusted he could handle Liu Zhibo.

Xiaolin shot a venomous glare at Liu Zhibo before following Ma Yunrou out. Moments later, Wang Yuqing arrived with Zhang Zhenghao’s group but was too late—they had already gone outside. Wang Yuqing looked around and noticed only the sleazy-looking man eyeing her.

“Hey, beautiful, what’s your name?” Liu Zhibo’s eyes lit up as he saw Wang Yuqing.

Before she could answer, Zhang Zhenghao charged forward, shouting, “Liu Zhibo, what do you think you’re doing?”