Peach Night

At night, a bar tucked away in a corner was still open for business. There were not many people inside, the music was soft, and there were no chaotic, flashing lights.

A resident singer sat on a chair, slowly strumming a guitar and humming a gentle tune, blending the melody into the wine glasses.

Clink, clink.

The sound of ice cubes hitting the glass rang out. A glamorous woman looked smilingly at the young girl mixing drinks in front of her. This is really good, Little Peach... pleasantly tipsy without burning the throat, and no nasty bitter taste.

Thank you, Peach replied.

This is the only place I can truly relax. You have no idea how complicated the entertainment industry is, sigh. The woman sighed and swirled the wine glass in her hand. It is too hard to make progress for a small actress like me without any background or connections. I cannot even land a decent role.

You will definitely succeed. All that glitters is gold, and your hard work will pay off, Peach smiled slightly, responding with maturity.

Ahaha, I hope so. I will drink to that chicken soup! After the woman finished her glass, two or three men sat down at the bar.

Welcome. Peach glanced over. After getting a clear look at the three men's appearances, she politely asked, Will you be having beer like last time?

Oh? Little sister, you actually remember us. I think we only came here once about half a month ago, one of the men said in surprise.

My memory is just alright, but you gentlemen are quite handsome, so it is easier to remember, Peach smiled.

Ahaha, aren't you a sweet talker. Give us some other drinks today.

Right away.

Little Lv, standing off to the side, watched Peach handle the customers with such ease and could not help but marvel at how capable she was.

By 2 AM, it was about time for Peach to go back and rest.

Are you alright? It looks like you have dark circles under your eyes, Little Lv asked, noticing the young girl's slightly exhausted spirit.

I am fine. Peach smiled.

Sister Fugui meant that you should not work so hard... Little Lv said. Do you have another job besides this one?

Yeah... but I want to properly repay Mother, Peach said. I... also want to give my younger sisters a place to settle down.

How can you keep this up? Your body will collapse first. Sister Fugui is not short on this bit of money. Little Lv crossed her arms, feeling helpless when Peach stayed silent. You can be really stubborn sometimes. At your age, you should just be enjoying campus life.

... Peach suddenly thought of the Light Music Club.

If I joined the Light Music Club...

I know. I will head back and rest now. Peach did not dwell on it further and shook her head.

Alright, get some rest early.

The bar was still open, but Peach naturally had to go back to sleep before her classes tomorrow. She usually only slept for five hours a day, but she had gotten used to this routine. Aside from feeling a little tired, it did not feel too bad.

Yawn— Peach let out a small yawn. She opened a can of soda water she took from the bar, rinsed her mouth with it, and swallowed.

She felt a bit more awake.

Little Boss, heading back? Two burly men chatting and smoking outside the door greeted Peach when they saw her.

Yeah, smoke less. Peach patted one of the burly men on the arm.

Hehehe, what are you saying? If we do not smoke, we will get too sleepy. The burly man leaned in close to Peach and chuckled. Standing at 1.89 meters tall, his towering height created a stark contrast next to the petite Peach.

Alright, see you tomorrow. Peach waved her hand and disappeared alone into the night, leaving behind a cool silhouette.

Watching her retreating figure, the burly man took a drag of his cigarette and said, Hiss, actually, Little Boss is quite cute. She used to be all skin and bones, but now she is much prettier and has some color in her cheeks.

Really? When she gets fierce, I feel like she is scarier than Big Sister. The other burly man seemed to recall something terrifying.

True... as expected of Big Sister's goddaughter. With all those assets, do you think Little Boss will inherit them in the future?

Hard to say... you might not know this, but some of the businesses are already completely managed by Little Boss. Do you really think she is just an ordinary teenage girl? Several big shots have already acknowledged her.

Sigh, it has not even been a year, and it is already like the seas changing into mulberry fields.

Idiot, that is called rapid progress.

Screw you, want to fight one on one?!

Damn, you think I am scared of you? Log in!

I am playing Li Bai. But you have to admit, Little Boss is pretty bad at video games.

...

Achoo!

Rubbing her nose, Peach felt a slight chill.

The four seasons in Haizhu City were generally hot, but this did not always apply to the nights. Aside from some muggy evenings, there were still some rather chilly nights.

I feel like someone is talking about me. My little sisters? Peach pulled her jacket tighter and casually glanced to her side. A homeless man was sitting at the street corner with a bowl placed in front of him.

When Peach walked by, the homeless man smiled at her. However, there was something bizarre about that smile. He seemed to be scanning Peach brazenly, and his dead-set stare made Peach frown involuntarily.

As an old village street, most of the surrounding residents were tenants. Plus, it was so late, making it somewhat unsafe for a girl to walk alone.

In the middle of the night... Peach ignored the man and walked straight past, acting as if he did not exist.

Clatter.

The sudden sound of a bowl being kicked rang out, exceptionally piercing in the night.

Peach felt a gust of wind behind her, accompanied by a faint stench, as if the person had not bathed in a long time.

The homeless man lunged straight at her!

... Peach stepped sideways, and the man stumbled, missing his target. Immediately after, she kicked him in the rear, sending him crashing to the ground in a face-plant.

Sigh. Peach sighed. She silently used a handkerchief to pick up a brick from the ground, her eyes gradually turning cold.

...

...

Arriving at the parking lot, Peach opened the trunk and took out a bottle of water to wash her hands. Her phone was wedged against her ear as she seemed to be making a call.

Yeah, that is pretty much it.

I am fine.

... After hanging up, she looked at her phone's wallpaper.

The lock screen was a group photo of her, her younger sisters, and her mother, while the home screen showed a group photo of Bai Yuyou and the others.

Light Music Club. Peach sat in the car, lost in thought.

Forget it... I do not think I am a good fit. Silently turning off the phone screen, Peach stepped on the gas, and the car drove off into the dark night.