Chapter 23: If You Take It Seriously, You Lose

"So, how about we find a place to sit and have a few drinks after work?" Qin Hao suggested.

Zhao Qiping was still hesitating, so Qin Hao continued to persuade him.

"It's not like we know each other; I don't even know your name. Even if you make a fool of yourself, your social circle won't find out. You know, when you're under pressure, you have to learn to release it, otherwise, you'll be like a balloon—the more you blow, the bigger it gets, until you eventually pop."

Zhao Qiping fell silent for a moment, then suddenly extended his hand to Qin Hao. "Zhao Qiping."

"Qiu Yan."

"Wait for me to change my clothes."

The car was excessively quiet during the drive, until Zhao Qiping suddenly asked out of curiosity, "Aren't you even a little curious about why I was in that state just now?"

Taking advantage of the time spent waiting for a red light, Qin Hao gave a mischievous side-glance and a smirk. "I'm the type of person who can't stand seeing people suffer. As for you, if you're looking for a trash can to dump your problems in, you've got the wrong guy. You'd better keep it bottled up, otherwise, if I get too excited, I might cause a car accident—and the passenger seat is the most vulnerable place for accidents to happen."

Zhao Qiping was nearly driven to internal injury by the remark and snapped back, "You're so boring! You're the one who dragged me out to teach me how to release stress, and now you're refusing to help. You know, this kind of behavior is quite malicious."

Qin Hao burst into laughter and then shrugged. "It's not like you're a girl, and I'm not gay. For that kind of delicate emotional labor, you'll have to find a female Bodhisattva to help you. I'm not interested."

"Nonsense. Where am I supposed to find a female Bodhisattva?" Zhao Qiping curled his lip.

Qin Hao winked and smacked his lips. "The Western Paradise, of course. Tsk tsk, what a shame this car doesn't fit the theme. If I had known, I would have brought a BMW. Sit tight, Master Tang."

When they arrived at the venue, the deafening music thumping in his ears left Zhao Qiping speechless. He shouted at Qin Hao, "Is *this* your Western Paradise?"

Qin Hao smiled. "Have you read the original *Journey to the West*? Isn't the Western Paradise exactly this scene of dancing demons? What, is Master Tang afraid?"

"Get lost! You're the Master Tang. What about now?" Zhao Qiping rolled his eyes.

Qin Hao looked at Zhao Qiping playfully. "Don't tell me this is your first time at a nightclub?"

"Pfft, as if. I'm known in the underworld as the Little White Dragon of the Waves... Hey, what kind of look is that?"

Ignoring Zhao Qiping's bragging, Qin Hao walked straight toward the central VIP booth. Seeing a high-profile customer arrive, a waiter rushed over immediately.

"Sir, how may I help you?"

Qin Hao pointed at Zhao Qiping and then pulled out a black card. "My friend is in a bad mood today. Let's start with a 'Divine Dragon Set'."

"Understood, I'll arrange that right away. Please wait a moment, gentlemen."

Zhao Qiping hadn't paid much attention initially, but when he saw a row of sexy girls in revealing outfits walking toward them, carrying various drinks and fruit platters amidst exploding sparklers, he realized this was no ordinary night.

"This 'Divine Dragon Set' isn't cheap, is it?"

Qin Hao patted his shoulder. "Look, the female Bodhisattvas are coming. Don't be timid. We're out to play; just have fun."

Zhao Qiping saw that they had indeed become the center of attention in the entire club. Everyone was casting curious glances at them. With such high spending and two young, handsome men without female companions, it was hard not to attract the attention of the young ladies.

"Hey, handsome! Isn't it boring for two men to just drink? Shall we join you?"

The nightclub lighting was dim, but Zhao Qiping could roughly make out the beauty of the two girls in front of him. Despite their heavy club makeup, their looks and figures were excellent—the kind that could easily score an eighty.

Qin Hao reached out and pulled one girl down to sit beside him, his hand skillfully resting on her slender waist. The girl coyly leaned her head onto Qin Hao's shoulder.

Zhao Qiping watched, stunned, while the other girl naturally sat down beside him. Seeing Zhao Qiping's evasive gaze, she suddenly let out a flirtatious laugh.

"Handsome, is this your first time at a nightclub?"

"How is that possible? I was just lost in thought," Zhao Qiping said stubbornly, stiffening his neck. As he spoke, he tried to mimic Qin Hao by putting his arm around the girl's waist.

The girl, however, leaned in and whispered teasingly into his ear, "Then... why is your hand shaking?"

"I... what if I have Parkinson's?"

"Parkinson's isn't a minor issue; it needs treatment. I have a nickname that can cure all ailments. When the party is over, I'll help you treat it slowly."

Zhao Qiping had never been stimulated like this before and nearly lost his composure. Fortunately, the girl