The final note of Bai Ning's song faded, and thunderous applause filled the bar.
Shouts of "Encore! Encore!" echoed from the crowd. Bai Ning offered a polite smile, then turned and left the stage, returning to her private room.
"Ningning jie," Song Yaxuan exclaimed, "Your singing was amazing!
A heavenly voice, far better than the regular singer at Mesmerize!" He showered Bai Ning with compliments.
Bai Ning offered a faint, wry smile. "You're just good at flattery," she said, "I'm going to the restroom." Perhaps she'd drunk the red wine too quickly; her stomach felt uneasy.
As she reached the restroom door, a middle-aged man in a suit stopped her. "Are you the new singer?" he asked.
Bai Ning glanced up. He was a balding man with a beer belly, his expensive suit ill-fitting, clearly a nouveau riche type.
She shook her head impassively. "No," she replied.
The man grabbed her hand, shoving a wad of cash into it. His eyes leered as he assessed her. "Little beauty, spend the night with me, and this is yours." He'd been captivated by her singing and was determined to have her. Finding her so easily outside the restroom, he swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on her chest, his mind filled with vulgar thoughts.
Bai Ning frowned, stepping back and flinging the money back at him. "Get lost!" she said sharply.
"Don't push your luck!" the man snarled. "You're a bar singer, aren't you? Showing yourself off like that—it's just attracting men! It's your lucky day that I've taken an interest in you!"
Bai Ning recoiled. "If you don't leave, I'm calling security!"
The man wasn't about to leave; he intended to force himself on her. Grabbing her shoulders, he tried to pull her into his embrace. "Little beauty, don't be shy. Let big brother kiss you. Just be good, and I'll make sure you live like a queen."
Bai Ning felt a surge of disgust. She was about to throw him over her shoulder when a familiar, cold voice cut through the air. "Let her go!"
The next moment, a sharp cry of pain echoed as the man was thrown to the ground. Qin Feng stood before Bai Ning, his tall figure imposing, his foot on the man. His handsome face was cold and implacable.
Bai Ning was stunned. Qin Feng? What was he doing here?
"Who the hell are you?" the man sputtered, enraged at being interrupted and thrown to the ground. "Do you know who I am? You'll regret this!"
He stopped mid-sentence, recognizing Qin Feng, his eyes wide with fear. "Qin Shao… I didn't know it was you. You also like this woman? I'll give her up! Please, forgive my transgression…"
Qin Feng's icy gaze swept over him. The temperature seemed to plummet. "Get out!" he commanded.
The man scrambled away, his heart pounding, wishing he had more legs.
Bai Ning stared at the coldly furious man before her, her expression a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you," she said, acknowledging his intervention. Though she didn't need saving.
Qin Feng's face remained impassive. The air thrummed with tension. Bai Ning took a step back. "Qin Feng, I have friends waiting. I have to go."
As she turned to leave, a strong arm encircled her waist, pulling her into the men's restroom.
"Qin Feng, what are you doing?" she exclaimed, surprised and slightly apprehensive. Fortunately, it was empty.
He locked the door, pinning her against it, his arms bracketing her shoulders. "Bai Ning, do you know who you are?" His eyes narrowed, cold and accusatory.
"What's wrong with you? Let me go! My friends are waiting!" She struggled, but to no avail.
"Song Yaxuan?" His expression darkened further, his anger flaring. "Bai Ning, listen carefully. You are my fiancée!" He'd been simmering since her performance for Song Yaxuan, and the sight of her with the man outside the restroom had ignited his fury.
"So?" she replied, sensing his anger but unsure why he was so upset. She hadn't done anything to offend him, had she?
"My fiancée should behave herself, and not…" He paused, his hands on her shoulders, his angry gaze fixed on her face. "Not flirt with other men!"
"What? I'm flirting with other men? Are you serious?" She stiffened, countering his accusation.
"I saw it with my own eyes!" His grip tightened. He'd noticed the Leo logo on her dress during the struggle – an expensive dress, undoubtedly a gift from Song Yaxuan. This solidified his suspicions of a relationship between them.
"Qin Feng, that's enough!" Bai Ning was furious at the accusation. This man was utterly unreasonable! His glare intensified her anger. "Don't forget, this is just a contract. In three months, we go our separate ways. Even if I was flirting, what's it to you, Qin Feng, the great Master Qin?"
"Bai Ning, are you that cheap?" he seethed, his gaze locked on her lips. Without a second thought, he leaned down and kissed her.
The fiery kiss left Bai Ning breathless and furious. She struggled, but his kiss grew more passionate. Then, seizing an opportunity, she bit down hard on his lip.
The taste of blood broke the kiss. Qin Feng recoiled, releasing her. She gasped for breath, touched her face, and glared. "Qin Feng, you bastard!"
His face was grim, his eyes unreadable. He wiped the blood from his lip, speaking coldly, "Song Yaxuan isn't right for you."
Bai Ning was speechless. She merely considered Song Yaxuan a younger brother. Qin Feng had clearly misunderstood their relationship. But what was it to him?
"It's none of your business!" she retorted, glaring at him, then stormed out of the restroom. She couldn't stand to be near him any longer.
Watching her leave, Qin Feng's expression was a mixture of anger, confusion, and something else… a concern he didn't understand. He couldn't control his emotions around her. This was unsettling.
This is a significantly improved version with improved flow and phrasing. The original text was very repetitive and the plot moved in a jerky manner. This translation focuses on creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience.
Here's a polished English version of the provided text, focusing on improved flow, pacing, and characterization. The original had some repetition and slightly awkward phrasing. This version aims for a more natural and engaging narrative.
Chapter Fourteen: Continued
Distraught after her encounter with Qin Feng, Bai Ning had no desire to socialize with Song Yaxuan and the others. She called Song Yaxuan.
Bai Ning: "Song Yaxuan, something came up. I have to go."
Song Yaxuan: "Ningning jie, what's wrong? Are you alright?" He detected a tremor in her voice.
Bai Ning: "I'm fine. Just feeling a little unwell." It was a flimsy excuse, but it would have to do.
Song Yaxuan immediately stood up. "Ningning jie, where are you? I'll drive you home."
Bai Ning: "No, it's alright."
He insisted, hurrying downstairs to wait for her at the bar's entrance. When Bai Ning emerged, she found him waiting patiently.
Song Yaxuan: "Ningning jie, are you okay?" He rushed to her side.
Bai Ning smiled faintly. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?"
"I'm taking you home," he replied firmly.
She couldn't argue with his persistence. "Alright," she conceded.
Song Yaxuan: "Wait here; I'll get my car." He was the epitome of gentlemanly grace.
Bai Ning: "Okay."
Five minutes later, Song Yaxuan pulled up in his Maserati.
Song Yaxuan: "Ningning jie, please get in!" He opened the passenger door.
Bai Ning: "Thank you." She settled into the seat.
Meanwhile, back in the VIP room, Qin Feng's business associate waited.
Associate: "Mr. Qin, you're back."
Qin Feng's face was grim, replaying the events in his mind. The kiss had been intoxicating, yet Bai Ning's rejection stung. Her furious departure left him strangely unsettled. It was late; was she safe alone?
Qin Feng: "I have to leave." He abruptly excused himself, leaving his associate bewildered.
As Qin Feng reached the bar's entrance, he saw Bai Ning getting into Song Yaxuan's car. They were laughing and talking; her cheerful demeanor was a stark contrast to her earlier fury. The car sped away.
Qin Feng's face hardened, the chill emanating from him making the surrounding air feel colder.
Associate: "Mr. Qin, are you alright?" He approached cautiously.
Qin Feng's icy gaze swept over him. "Go back to your drinks."
Bai Ning arrived home, thanked Song Yaxuan, and went to bed. But the images from the restroom replayed relentlessly in her mind – Qin Feng's forceful kiss. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Bai Ning (to herself): "Qin Feng, you son of a bitch!" She bolted upright, switching on the light, cursing his name under her breath. It was the first time she'd ever had trouble sleeping.
Her mouth dry, she got up, intending to get some water, only to discover her room was empty. She went downstairs to the kitchen. Suddenly, she heard footsteps. She froze, heart pounding. It was late; was it a burglar? She hid behind the door.
The door creaked open, and a tall figure stumbled in, reeking of alcohol. It was Qin Feng.
She tried to slip away, but a strong hand grabbed her.
Bai Ning: "Qin Feng, what are you doing?"
She lost her balance, and they both fell, his body cushioning her impact. Their lips met; she tasted the strong alcohol on his breath.
She quickly scrambled up, frowning. He was drunk. Why had he drunk so much? She glanced at the sprawled figure on the floor, deciding to leave him.
Qin Feng: "Tangtang…"
As she turned, he grabbed her arm, his voice low and mournful. "Tangtang, don't leave."
Tangtang? Bai Ning was completely bewildered. It sounded like a girl's name. Was she a significant other of his? Had he mistaken her for someone else?
Bai Ning: "Qin Feng, let me go." She struggled against his grasp.