Chapter Sixty-Eight: Successfully Entering the Game

Her hands trembled as she typed, searching for his basic information and schedule, but the useful details were scant. Disappointment crept in, yet she was relieved to learn he owned a bar called “Illusion.” She could try her luck working part-time there, hoping for a chance encounter.

Yes, a plan had begun to take root in her heart. She wanted to steal Jiujiu’s necklace and impersonate her to reunite with Mo Ziyuan. After all, the girl had never revealed her real name, naively confiding everything as if there could truly be such pure souls in the world.

Lin Yuexin’s face twisted suddenly with resentment and jealousy.

“Besides, why is it that you always meet powerful men, and I only encounter scoundrels? Is my fate only to attract vulgar admirers? Since you lack neither wealth nor suitors, this Mo Ziyuan should be mine.”

“I want to experience what it’s like to be cherished by a powerful man too. Happiness is something you have to pursue yourself, isn’t it?”

...

The girl stood in the doorway, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Go on, go on—let everything unfold as I have imagined.

In the days that followed, the girl distinctly noticed Lin Yuexin’s increased busyness: gone early, back late, rarely seen.

So, it’s finally happening?

Her efforts were finally rewarded: one evening, Lin Yuexin at last met the long-awaited Mo Ziyuan. The encounter unfolded with all the drama of a Cinderella meeting her prince, strengthening her conviction that she was destined to marry into wealth.

Night at “Illusion” Bar.

The late-night bar was a den of temptation, its dim lights, deafening music, and restless, shifting neon creating an intoxicating haze. The glittering, multicolored drinks sent ripples through the hearts of the helpless, the despondent, and the exhilarated alike, unleashing their inhibitions. Some surrendered to the music, dancing wildly, shouting with abandon; others sat leisurely, swirling wine in their glasses. In the center of the dance floor, girls of every kind swayed their alluring bodies, long hair swirling in the air, an ambiguous atmosphere drawing everyone deeper into intoxication.

“Waiter, a brandy.”

“Hurry up, don’t dawdle.”

…

In a shadowed corner near the entrance, a man with glazed eyes shouted impatiently.

“Yes, coming, please wait a moment.” The reply came from Lin Yuexin, now working part-time at “Illusion.” She wore a look of innocence, her makeup fresh and pure, playing the part of a clean, beautiful university student. On closer inspection, her every word and gesture bore an uncanny resemblance to Jiujiu.

Indeed, she had gone to great lengths to meet Mo Ziyuan and win his affection, imitating Jiujiu’s mannerisms and deliberately putting on an act, though she could never quite capture the effortless sincerity of her previous life.

Once the drink was ready, Lin Yuexin hurried over and respectfully placed it on the table.

“Sir, your drink.”

“Why are you so slow...”

The man grumbled, but when he looked up, he was momentarily stunned. Though he had been with many women, he’d never had a pure university girl before. She was indeed beautiful—her skin white as porcelain, eyes clear and shining, lips soft and pink, utterly captivating. A lecherous glint instantly appeared in his eyes.

“You work here as a waitress?”

“Yes, sir.” Lin Yuexin felt a surge of disgust at his expression, but she couldn’t afford to lose this job. After all the begging it took to get this opportunity, she couldn’t risk ruining her chance to meet Mo Ziyuan. At the thought of him, she forced a gentle smile.

The man, emboldened by her smile, couldn’t help himself. He grabbed her fair hand and began to stroke it.

“Such delicate hands—what a waste as a waitress. Why not come with me? I’ll make sure you live in luxury.”

Lin Yuexin immediately pulled her hand away, answering in alarm, “No, thank you, sir. I’m quite happy working here.”

On the surface, she appeared anxious, but inside, she sneered. Go with you? Trash—you're not even a speck compared to Mo Ziyuan. A toad lusting after a swan.

“Hmph, refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit? Don’t blame me for being rude.”

The man, enraged by her resistance, yanked her onto his lap, seized her chin, and forced liquor into her mouth. Terrified by his crude assault, Lin Yuexin struggled desperately, but the difference in strength was too great. Liquor spilled from her chin, soaking her blouse and revealing a delicate curve. The sudden glimpse of beauty dazzled the man, and in that moment's distraction, Lin Yuexin managed to break free.

Shaken and terrified, she staggered backward. She dreamed of rising above her station, of conquering Mo Ziyuan with her untouched purity—how could she allow herself to be sullied by this filth? Seeing the man’s eyes glued hungrily to her chest, his throat working as he swallowed hard, she clutched her clothes tightly, a small creature ready to fight for its life.

Step by step, she retreated, until she suddenly collided with someone. Dazed, she turned—and saw the very person she had longed for. She barely suppressed her excitement and immediately clung to his arm, tears of despair streaming down her cheeks as she put on the fragile, innocent beauty of a girl forced into a corner, hoping to win Mo Ziyuan’s sympathy.

Caught off guard, Mo Ziyuan was initially displeased, frowning as he looked up at her. Her looks stirred nothing in him—no one could compare to his precious little kitten. He was about to look away disinterestedly when his gaze fell upon the necklace she wore. His pupils contracted sharply; he seized her arm, his eyes suddenly cold and laced with tension and fear.

“This necklace—where did you get it?”

“What are you doing? Let go—don’t take my necklace!” Lin Yuexin feigned anxiety, as if the necklace were a priceless treasure.

Noting her distress, Mo Ziyuan’s gaze softened slightly. He restrained himself and asked again.

Was she the Jiujiu from his childhood?

“Where did you get it?”

“I don’t know. I just know I’ve worn it since I was little. I’ve forgotten…”

The girl before him looked genuinely confused, her manner authentic, not at all like she was lying. Yet something about it unsettled him. Still, even if it was a lie, he couldn’t just let it go.

“Take her away. Clean her up.”

“Yes, sir.”

Watching the girl leave with his men, Mo Ziyuan’s dark eyes filled with suspicion. “Find out everything about her.”

“Yes, Master,” came the respectful reply.

After showering and changing into clean clothes, Lin Yuexin was led to an opulent room. As she entered, she was momentarily dazzled by the brilliance of the crystal chandelier. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before her: plush, exquisite carpets underfoot, famous antique paintings on the walls, the entire room steeped in the dignified grandeur of English decor. This scene shattered her previous notions about wealth—so this was the world of the rich. How she longed to possess it.