After hanging up the phone, Gu Xuanze went straight home. Gu Xuanhao wasn’t home again, and right now, he didn’t have the mood to deal with his playful younger brother, feeling that something about Yu Li was rather suspicious.

The whole situation was just too strange. Since no one seemed to be bothering Yu Li, who exactly was he supposed to be dealing with at such a remote bar on a secluded street? And why, on the same day, was he showing off his relationship with Lu Youze so openly? Gu Xuanze felt there had to be some connection between the two, but he still had no idea what it could be.

Gu Xuanze poured himself a drink. He rarely drank at times like this, usually just having a sip, but now he needed to calm his mind. If this situation was related to Lu Youze…

The thought formed, and he couldn’t help but focus on it, even though logic told him it didn’t make sense. Yu Li had Lu Youze as a powerful ally, which would certainly help his future career. How could he possibly want to go after him?

But when it came to Lu Youze, Gu Xuanze wouldn’t allow any risks. Even if there were a thousand reasons why it was impossible, he’d still take extra precautions.

He thought for a moment and then called Gu Xuanhao. The second young master of the Gu family was probably out playing in some bar, and when he answered the call, it was as if he had been caught doing something wrong.

However, Gu Xuanze didn’t scold him like usual but instead “hinted” to Gu Xuanhao to be careful and keep an eye on Lu Youze.

Of course, he also reminded Gu Xuanhao to get home early.

Gu Xuanze kept the matter in his mind and couldn’t be at ease without personally verifying it.

The next day, as expected, the media was all over the news about the couple’s display of affection from the night before, and their names were trending one after another. It was truly an amazing spectacle.

Originally, Bai Yuan had asked if he wanted to do something to steal Yu Li’s spotlight, but Gu Xuanze had rejected the idea. He didn’t have time for that right now; his focus was on what might happen at that small bar tonight.

Gu Xuanze arrived at the bar half an hour earlier than the time Li Yuyu and the waiter had mentioned.

To avoid drawing too much attention, he had purposely changed into clothes that better suited the bar’s atmosphere and chose a secluded spot, at least ensuring no one would be looking his way.

Half an hour later, Lu Youze walked into the bar.

Although he had disguised himself, his aura still clashed with the atmosphere of the bar. Whether it was the lighting or people being too absorbed in their own “happiness,” no one paid much attention to his sudden arrival. But the moment Lu Youze appeared, Gu Xuanze noticed and recognized him. It seemed he had underestimated Yu Li; this person was more complicated than he had thought! He would need to investigate Yu Li’s background properly. However, these matters could wait. The most important thing right now was Lu Youze.

What exactly did Yu Li want to do with Lu Youze?

Gu Xuanze couldn’t take his eyes off Lu Youze for even a moment. It seemed like Lu Youze wasn’t very fond of the bar, but his mood still seemed good. He sat down in front of the bartender, who seemed to say something after confirming Lu Youze’s identity, and Gu Xuanze saw Lu Youze’s expression shift, with the good mood disappearing instantly.

Gu Xuanze saw the bartender prepare a drink for Lu Youze and hurriedly stood up to walk toward him. After speaking with the bartender, Lu Youze’s mood seemed to have become unstable. He reached for the drink the bartender handed over and was about to drink it without even looking at it, but Gu Xuanze stopped him.

Seeing Gu Xuanze, Lu Youze’s face turned even darker, and he shook off Gu Xuanze’s hand, coldly saying, “Get lost.”

“Mr. Lu, I suggest you don’t drink this,” Gu Xuanze said softly. He glanced at the bartender, who looked upset that his plans were interrupted and seemed a bit guilty. Gu Xuanze took note of his appearance, thinking he would settle this later.

This place was full of all kinds of people, and both he and Lu Youze were public figures. If things got too loud, it would cause trouble.

“Gu Xuanze, give me the drink,” Lu Youze was clearly in a foul mood now. “I’ll do whatever I want, it’s none of your business.”

The commotion between the two had drawn attention from other customers in the bar, and some were even whispering. Given Lu Youze’s fame, it was inevitable that someone would recognize him. Gu Xuanze just wanted to get Lu Youze out of there as quickly as possible. He didn’t want any negative press about him.

“Mr. Lu, I need to talk to you. Can we go somewhere else?” Gu Xuanze asked.

“I don’t have anything to say to you,” Lu Youze replied coldly, reaching out to grab the drink from Gu Xuanze’s hand.

Gu Xuanze knew Lu Youze wouldn’t be in a good mood and that if he said the drink was probably spiked, Lu Youze wouldn’t believe him. He decided to pour the drink out, although this might make Lu Youze dislike him even more.

But before he could, Lu Youze, taking advantage of Gu Xuanze’s distraction, grabbed the glass from him. He looked at the bright red liquid with a complex expression, almost a bit sad, then suddenly started laughing. Gu Xuanze was stunned by that smile, feeling a suffocating pain in his chest. By the time he snapped back to his senses, Lu Youze had already drunk the whole glass.

Gu Xuanze silently cursed himself for not being careful. He sat down next to Lu Youze and began observing him carefully. Lu Youze didn’t seem to be affected at all. He just seemed tired, leaning on the bar with his eyes closed, unsure if he had actually fallen asleep or was just resting.

Seeing that Lu Youze seemed fine, Gu Xuanze finally let out a small sigh of relief.

The bartender tried to take the cup back, but Gu Xuanze quickly grabbed it.

“I think this cup is quite nice,” Gu Xuanze said to the bartender. “Can I take it with me?”

“Sir, it seems we don’t have that kind of policy here,” the bartender said with a forced smile.

“I think you should ask your boss,” Gu Xuanze replied expressionlessly.

The bartender’s expression changed, and just as he was about to speak, his phone rang. He glanced at them and walked away to answer the call.

“It’s me. Have you arrived?” the bartender’s voice gradually faded. “Don’t worry, it’s a good catch. You won’t regret it, definitely a bargain for you…”

“Gu Xuanze, you should leave,” Lu Youze suddenly spoke after the bartender left.

“President Lu, you don’t seem to be feeling well,” Gu Xuanze said. “Let me take you home.”

“No need.” Lu Youze suddenly stood up and started walking out. His back was to Gu Xuanze, and his voice seemed to quicken. “Don’t follow me.”

With that, he left the bar without looking back.

Gu Xuanze hurriedly followed.

Unlike the lively bar, the outside was eerily quiet. The streetlights, which had flickered yesterday, were completely broken today, and only the weak light from the bar allowed them to vaguely make out the figure. Gu Xuanze didn’t dare to get too close, staying at a distance.

While following, he called Ye Xing, asking him to get there as quickly as possible, ideally within twenty minutes. Though it was a bit unreasonable, Ye Xing should be able to handle it.

Lu Youze didn’t walk far; he sat on the stone steps nearby, looking into the distance, lost in thought.

The night wind was cold, and Gu Xuanze saw Lu Youze huddling up, not sure if it was because of the cold or something else.

Gu Xuanze hesitated for a moment, then was about to offer his coat to Lu Youze when Ye Xing arrived.

Apparently, Lu Youze had been sitting there for almost twenty minutes without realizing it.

He didn’t seem to be acting strange. Could it be that he had overreacted? Perhaps the drink wasn’t spiked after all?

“Young Master, did you call me here just to watch you daydream?” Ye Xing teased, glancing at Lu Youze from a distance, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Gu Xuanze quickly snapped out of his thoughts and subtly positioned himself in front of Ye Xing.

“Ye Xing, take this to Dr. He. I need to know the results as soon as possible.”

Ye Xing had intended to tease him more, since opportunities like this were rare, but seeing Gu Xuanze’s expression, he held back.

He took the cup from Gu Xuanze’s hand. “Got it. But are you sure Dr. He can handle it? I know someone better.”

“No need. Dr. He can handle it.”

“Alright.” Ye Xing didn’t argue. “I’m off then.”

After taking a couple of steps, he turned back to look at Gu Xuanze and teased, “Good luck, Young Master.”

With that, he left with a flourish.