Chapter 9 - The Supporting Villain Is Raising a Cub Online

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

And, as I said before, if you wish to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon to get early access to all the translated chapters.

"How About We Spend the Night Together?"

 

In the outskirts, the night settled in with an unusually deep silence.

 

Tan Qing quietly slipped out of his home, wandering along the suburban road for quite some time without finding any lively spots to amuse himself.

 

He came to a stop before a road sign, studying the words inscribed upon it, lost in thought.

 

Before he could arrive at a conclusion, the last bus of the Beijing line rolled up, its lights illuminating the night.

 

The bus looked like he had seen better days. The driver leaned out, cheerfully asking, "Hey there, handsome! Are you getting on?"

 

Tan Qing turned around and inquired, "Where is this bus headed?"

 

"To the city center!" replied the driver.

 

Tan Qing pondered for a moment. "Does it pass by the bar street in the city center?"

 

The driver gave Tan Qing the name of the station.

 

Tan Qing hopped onto the bus, tossing in the last of his spare change and settled into a seat close to the driver.

 

The late-night bus was nearly empty.

 

After a moment of driving, the driver initiated a conversation: "Out for some fun at this hour, huh?"

 

Tan Qing gazed out at the increasingly bright lights beyond the window, beaming with excitement. "Yes! Just looking for a bit of liveliness."

 

The driver shook his head, chuckling. "Ah, you young folks have so much energy! Just be careful, kid; some drinks can lead to quite the mess, you know—might end up suffering from kidney failure*!"

 

[T/N: The phrase "腎虧" (shèn kuī) literally translates to "kidney deficiency." In traditional Chinese medicine, it refers to a condition where the kidneys are not functioning optimally, often associated with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and low energy. In a colloquial or humorous context, saying someone might "end up with kidney deficiency" after drinking too much can imply that they may experience negative effects from excessive partying or drinking, particularly regarding their vitality or sexual energy. It's a lighthearted way to warn someone about the consequences of their actions.]

 

The driver's late-night banter was quite the wake-up call.

 

Tan Qing, who had initially felt sleepy, found his fatigue dissipating. He stood up with a grin and retorted, "Uncle, that's not quite right! What if it's me making others suffer kidney failure?"

 

The driver, probably of a certain age, didn't give it much thought and casually replied, "Well, that would make you a target for gossip as someone who's gay, wouldn't it? Young man, let me give you a word of advice—this crowd swims in deep waters, far too murky for ordinary folks like us to dive into!"

 

Tan Qing's curiosity for gossip was always in full bloom. "Oh? How deep could these waters be?"

 

At that moment, they hit a red light.

 

The driver halted the bus, leaned closer, and lowered his voice conspiratorially. "I've heard some stories from my wife about the shenanigans among the rich. They can get quite wild."

 

Seeing Tan Qing's intrigued expression, the driver continued, "You know, folks like the president of Shengjing, Rong Sheng, or that Yan Jianbai whose family got rich through smuggling—they're said to swing both ways. And just recently, that Jin Yanxiu who won Best Actor. The tabloids are buzzing with rumors about him being gay."

 

Tan Qing was left speechless.

 

He couldn't help but reflect on his own experiences from earlier that day in Shengjing, shaking his head at the driver. "Uncle, I can't speak for others, but I've met Rong Sheng in person—he's as straight as a steel rod!"

 

After speaking, he slyly added, "You wouldn't believe how much Rong Sheng likes to gaze at a pretty girl's assets… sigh, but I appreciate that too."

 

Though sadly, no beautiful ladies had shown interest in him.

 

And certainly, no dashing gentlemen either.

 

Moreover, he was the one who truly swung both ways.

 

After all, in the depths of his solitary training, concepts like gender and time had become mere illusions.

 

Yet, human society still seemed more appealing.

 

Here, there was much more to explore and a multitude of ways to enjoy oneself.

 

Tan Qing finally reached his destination.

 

With a mixture of novelty and excitement, he hopped off the bus at his stop, taking the driver's advice and walking further in, traversing through the dark alley until he reached the bustling heart of the bar street.

 

He adjusted his glasses, which served as a disguise, and casually selected the most upscale establishment that caught his eye.

 

Just as he was about to step inside, his gaze landed on a sign at the entrance.

 

Beer on sale.

 

688 yuan for a set.

 

Tan Qing was momentarily taken aback.

 

His wallet once again reminded him of his humble status.

 

Poverty can make one hesitant.

 

Yet...

 

Yearning gives rise to courage.

 

Tan Qing only hesitated for ten seconds at the entrance before finally walking in with his head held high.

 

He feigned familiarity and casually made his way to the counter, plopping down with a carefree demeanor.

 

Even though he wore oversized glasses, his good looks were undeniable.

 

Especially as he settled on the counter, the colorful lights danced around him, illuminating his fair skin and outlining the delicate contours of his profile from his nose to his lips, and down to his slender neck.

 

The bartender approached from behind the counter, asking, "What would you like to drink, sir?"

 

Tan Qing tilted his head, flashing an alluring smile. "Can I ask you a question?"

 

As the rainbow lights from the stage shone upon him, his delicate features stood out strikingly.

 

With the low reflectivity of his glasses, his eyes sparkled with innocence and clarity behind the lenses.

 

He possessed a beauty that surpassed many stars who had graced this bar before.

 

The bartender instinctively swallowed hard, stepping forward to pour Tan Qing a glass of soda. "Call me Roy. What's on your mind?"

 

Tan Qing accepted the soda, held in a wide-mouthed glass, with unreserved gratitude.

 

Through the shimmering drink, his hands appeared delicate and fragile.

 

As if they were pinned down, obediently complying without a chance to escape.

 

Tan Qing took a sip of the soda, scrunching his nose in distaste before placing the glass back on the counter, contemplating for a moment before saying, "I want to ask—if I order a drink but can't pay, what happens then?"

 

Roy was momentarily taken aback.

 

Having worked in this field for many years, he had encountered those unable to pay before but had never met someone who inquired so brazenly.

 

With hands clasped earnestly, Tan Qing continued, "Will I get beaten up?"

 

The frail figure sitting at the counter was clad in a thin trench coat, with the jacket slightly open, revealing a hint of his collarbone.

 

Roy retrieved a tall glass from behind the counter, skillfully performing a trick before leaning closer, teasingly whispering, "Little beauty, let me buy you a drink tonight. After we finish, why don't you come back to my place, sound good?"

 

Tang Qing propped his chin on his hand, looking intently at Roy across the counter, as if he were genuinely contemplating, "Hmm, how old are you?"

 

Roy was taken aback for a moment, his gaze meeting Tang Qing's bright, clear eyes.

 

Those eyes held no trace of malice, just a sprinkle of curiosity.

 

It didn't seem like a flirtation; rather, it felt like a sincere search for answers.

 

Under that gaze, Roy grew increasingly restless, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "You'll find out how old I am soon enough. Don't worry, I'm really good at this. I promise I won't hurt you."

 

Tan Qing's eyes flickered, neither consenting nor declining.

 

His gaze wandered around the bar before returning to Roy, who was surrounded by various bottles of liquor on the counter.

 

Roy had just finished mixing a Bloody Mary, the vibrant red, nearly orange, hue swirling in the elegant glass, adorned with a sprig of mint, which he presented to Tang Qing: "Want to give it a try?"

 

Tang Qing nodded obediently.

 

Roy coaxed, "So, how about spending the night together?"

 

As Tang Qing took the glass from Roy, his pinky accidentally brushed against Roy's hand: "I need to think about it."

 

At that moment, the bar started bustling with activity.

 

Having only exchanged a few words with Tang Qing, Roy was suddenly called to help another customer.

 

Unable to detach himself from Tang Qing, he feigned annoyance, giving his hand a playful squeeze, teasingly saying, "Stay put, little demon. I'll come back for you later."

 

Then he hurried off to attend to the new arrivals.

 

Tang Qing sipped his drink, mumbling, "You're the little demon. I'm a great demon on the verge of ascension... Oh, this is really good."

 

The vividly colored cocktail quickly made its way down his throat.

 

It was Tang Qing's first drink since arriving at the bar, and he felt a pleasant buzz. Sitting there, dazed, he suddenly heard loud music echoing from not far away.

 

He turned toward the direction of the thumping electronic beats, noticing that the stage had just welcomed a new DJ, with a drummer settling into place.

 

The energy surged, and several garments were tossed aside by the dancers with teasing abandon.

 

Unknowingly or intentionally, one of those garments landed right in Tang Qing's lap.

 

The strong liquor was beginning to take effect, and Tang Qing squinted as he gazed at the stage.

 

One dancer, dressed in a super short skirt and a strapless top that highlighted her alluring curves, had her hair tied up in a high ponytail. She locked eyes with him, her gaze scorching.

 

Then, she smirked, playfully beckoning him with her finger.

 

This bar had its share of such flirtatious exchanges every night.

 

Tang Qing shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts, and finally noticed that quite a few people had accepted the dancer's invitation, moving closer to engage with the enchanting ladies.

 

The lights in the bar gradually dimmed, and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, losing its earlier sense of harmony.

 

The dancer who had tossed her garment to him was relentless, seemingly sensing his hesitation, and she yanked off a pink headband, tossing it in his direction.

 

Tang Qing: "…"

 

He found himself oscillating between the allure of beautiful women and his lack of dancing skills.

 

However, after a mere three seconds, he bit his lip and stood up.

 

He was a man, after all; even if he fumbled and stumbled, he couldn't miss the chance to be approached so directly!

 

The stage was separated from the dance floor by a decorative railing.

 

To reach the dance floor, he would have to pass through a row of booths behind the railing.

 

This bar was the largest on the street, not the preferred spot for the wealthy and powerful but a gathering place for the second and third generations.*

 

[T/N: This bar is not the favorite hangout for powerful and influential business owners. This suggests that the clientele is not necessarily from the highest echelons of society. It is a gathering place for the second and third generations of wealthy families. These individuals might be descendants of established families who are affluent but may not yet hold significant power or influence.]

 

Before Rong Sheng took over in Shengjing, he was famously known for his love of fun, and this bar was among his favorites.

 

Though he frequented it less these days, he still occasionally came with his former wild friends for a night out.

 

Earlier, while Rong Sheng was sitting at the counter, sipping his drink casually, inside the best booth, the sounds of flirtatious giggles from beautiful girls and the teasing responses from the accompanying young men mingled harmoniously.

 

After a few rounds, a familiar second-generation voice called out, "Hey, look at that guy walking by! Doesn't he look like Tang Qing?! Is he going to dance?"

 

"Damn, it really does look like him! No wonder he could get into He Mingyu's bed, he's so gorgeous!"

 

Rong Sheng's movements paused.

 

Tang Qing, feeling the effects of the alcohol, stumbled slightly as he walked.

 

He was just about to reach out for the dancer's hand—

 

When the door to the luxurious booth swung open.

 

Revealing Rong Sheng's enigmatic smile.

 

Rong Sheng looked at Tang Qing's flushed face and asked ambiguously, "Are you going up to dance?"

 

Tang Qing hadn't expected to run into Rong Sheng here. Rubbing his eyes and confirming that he wasn't imagining things, he nodded, slurring slightly, "Just playing around for a bit."

 

Rong Sheng chuckled, "Is it fun?"

 

Tang Qing blinked.

 

Rong Sheng laughed again, leaning closer to whisper in Tang Qing's ear, "There are reporters lurking outside."

 

"If you go up, tonight's headline will read—'Tan Qing Caught in a Scandalous Night with a Bar Dancer, Spicy Dancing All Night Long.'"

 

Tang Qing: "…"

 

Author's Note: Mini-theater:

Rong Sheng: I heard you think I'm straight?

Tang Qing: Sigh… nowadays, a man can bend just like that.

Author: With so many love rivals mentioned in this chapter, do you feel privileged?

He Mingyu: Heh.

Ji Yan Xiu: Director, hello! I'm a dual-award-winning actor, begging for more scenes [sincerely slipping you cash].

Author: I'll make it happen right away.

He Ming Yu: ...

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