Chapter 183: Going to the Bar

Chapter 183: Chapter 183: Going to the Bar

Chloe York took the bag. Listening to the saleswoman’s words, an inexplicable sense of satisfaction suddenly surged in her heart.

This satisfaction didn’t come from buying designer goods, but from shattering someone else’s prejudice. Slapping the faces of those who had looked down on her felt absolutely amazing.

When she left, the two saleswomen specifically walked her out and waved goodbye, as enthusiastic as if they were old friends who had known each other for years.

Chloe smiled and turned to walk into another store.

This time, no one underestimated her. The saleswomen in the store immediately greeted her and respectfully asked what she needed. Chloe picked out a classic monogram bag and a silk scarf, paying with the same crisp efficiency. By the time she walked out of the shop, she was carrying three luxury shopping bags.

When she emerged from the mall and got into a taxi, the driver subconsciously glanced at her with surprise in his eyes—such a young girl, yet everything she bought was designer.

Upon returning to her place, she put the designer bags in the same area as her jewelry. Valuables belonged together.

The next day, as soon as she entered the classroom, Wendy Winters grabbed Chloe’s arm. "Chloe, come with me to a bar after school today, will you? I’ve never been to one, and I’m super curious about it."

Chloe frowned instinctively at her words and shook her head in flat refusal. "No way. I have no interest in places like that. They’re too noisy."

She had always preferred quiet environments. Besides, bars had never left a good impression on her; they simply weren’t her kind of scene. She had planned to turn the offer down without a second thought.

But Wendy wasn’t about to give up. She tightened her grip on Chloe’s arm. "Oh, come on, Chloe, just this once, please? It’s not even a regular bar; it’s a lounge. I heard the atmosphere is really nice. It’s not chaotic or loud at all. We’ll just sit for a bit, have a little drink, and relax."

Chloe remained unmoved. She tugged at her arm, trying to pull free. "Go by yourself if you want to. I’m not going. I’m much more comfortable staying at home."

"It’s no fun going alone! Just come with me~" Wendy let go with one hand, instead grabbing Chloe’s sleeve and giving it a gentle shake, her face full of pleading. "My best Chloe, the sweetest Chloe in the whole world, just say yes this once. I promise we’ll only stay a little while. I absolutely won’t take up too much of your time, and I definitely won’t let you feel uncomfortable."

Seeing Wendy’s clingy, adorable demeanor, Chloe’s initial resistance softened a bit, though she still didn’t give in.

"I really don’t want to go. I’m not used to places like that." Chloe’s tone had softened considerably, lacking its previous resolve, but she held her ground.

Sensing this, Wendy doubled down. "Just think of it as keeping me company. I really don’t dare go alone. Just take pity on me! Besides, you’ve never been, so it wouldn’t hurt to experience it just once. Consider it broadening your horizons. It’s not like I’m asking you to go regularly. Just this once, okay?"

As she spoke, she gently swung Chloe’s arm, staring at her friend with sparkling eyes.

In truth, Wendy had wanted to go since high school, but going as a minor wasn’t exactly a good idea. She had suddenly remembered the promise she made back then—that she would visit a bar once she was in college. Now that she had a friend to go with, she felt she had to make it happen no matter what.

Chloe found herself helpless against Wendy’s pestering. Since her friend was whining and begging so earnestly, keeping her company just this once didn’t seem too inappropriate.

"I really don’t know what to do with you." Chloe looked at her helplessly, her tone tinged with compromise. "Just this once. And we’re leaving after a little while. We can’t stay long."

At these words, Wendy’s eyes immediately lit up, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face. "I knew you were the best, Chloe! Don’t worry, don’t worry, I promise I’ll be good. We’ll only stay a little while, and I’ll follow your lead completely!"

After school, Wendy couldn’t wait to drag Chloe to the bar.

Actually, Chloe had also suddenly remembered the Physical System’s claim that she could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. This was the perfect opportunity to test if it was true.

Just as they rounded the street corner, a familiar figure approached them. With his tall, straight posture and handsome features, it was Evan Shaw.

Evan obviously spotted them too and quickly walked over. As if asking casually, he said, "It’s so late. Where are you two going?"

Wendy was the fastest to react. "We’re going to a nearby lounge to sit for a bit and relax."

The moment she finished speaking, Evan’s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of concern entering his eyes. "To a bar? It’s too unsafe for two girls to go to a place like that at night."

Wendy, however, brushed it off, waving her hand. "It’s just a lounge. The atmosphere is really quiet. It’ll be fine."

"No matter how quiet it is, it’s still a bar. There’s a mixed crowd at night. I can’t help but worry with just the two of you going." Evan seemed to think for a moment before making a decision. "How about this? I happen to be free, so I’ll go with you, and then I’ll walk you both back later."

Actually, Chloe wanted to say there was no need for him to go to such trouble. After all, they were only going to stay for a little while, and she wanted Evan to go about his own business if he was busy.

But someone else answered faster than her.

Wendy’s eyes brightened upon hearing Evan’s offer. She sneakily winked at Chloe and readily agreed. "Sure, sure! With Campus Prince Shaw here to protect us, we’ll feel much safer!"

She just knew Evan and Chloe were a perfect match. Look at them, even the way they spoke was almost identical. They both thought bars were dangerous and worried about safety. Plus, this Campus Prince was definitely afraid something would happen to Chloe; that was the only reason he offered to go together. She figured that if it had just been her, the guy probably would have walked away without even saying hello. However, she could clearly see the dynamic now: Chloe might not have any feelings for Evan, but Evan definitely had feelings for Chloe.

Evan gave a slight nod. Walking on the outside of the pavement, he quietly shielded the two girls as they headed toward the lounge.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the destination. Pushing the door open, they were greeted by warm yellow lighting and soft music. It indeed lacked the noisy chaos of a regular nightclub; the environment was quite elegant.

The three of them had just found an empty window seat and sat down when Ethan Prescott noticed them.

Ethan never expected Chloe to actually come to a bar. Even if it was a lounge, it was still a bar, and there could still be danger! More importantly, she had actually come with Evan. He wondered if they were really getting along so well now that they were coming to bars together.

The more Ethan thought about it, the more stifled he felt. He downed the alcohol in his glass in one gulp, immediately stood up, and walked toward the trio.

By this time, the three had each ordered a drink. Wendy was sipping hers cautiously, unsure of her own alcohol tolerance, while Evan and Chloe were drinking at a leisurely pace.

"Chloe, what a coincidence!"

Hearing Ethan’s voice, Chloe furrowed her brows. She wondered why she had to run into him here.

Evan’s expression also soured as he wondered what Ethan was doing here.