Ch. 21The Clover Tavern / Let That Girl Go!
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ling Feng wakes up, cleans his home, and prepares to sell tea eggs. Before he leaves, Qiu Yun’er arrives and invites him to join her for a well-paying part-time job.
- Trusting Qiu Yun’er and moved by her statement that he is the only person she trusts, Ling Feng agrees to accompany her.
- They travel to Clover Bar, where Qiu Yun’er introduces him to the staff. Ling Feng accepts a one-day job serving drinks, despite preferring to spend his vacation relaxing.
- By evening, the bar becomes crowded and chaotic, with loud music, drinking, and wealthy patrons employing attractive drinking companions.
- Ling Feng notices Lin Ruoxi, a girl he previously rescued from thugs. She works at the bar to earn money for her mother’s medical treatment, though she does not recognize Ling Feng because he is not transformed.
- Lin Ruoxi is summoned to Private Room No. 1 to serve Li Juncheng, a wealthy and notoriously exploitative playboy.
- Li Juncheng reveals that he knows about Lin Ruoxi’s mother’s illness and attempts to pressure her into becoming his girlfriend by offering to pay the medical expenses.
- When Lin Ruoxi refuses, Li Juncheng orders her to drink a drugged beverage and touches her inappropriately.
- Realizing his intentions, Lin Ruoxi tries to quit and leave, but Li Juncheng’s men surround her. He reveals that the room is soundproof, the surveillance footage will be erased, and he believes no one can stop him.
Character Developments
- Ling Feng: Demonstrates reliability and compassion by agreeing to help Qiu Yun’er. Although reluctant to work at the bar, he remains observant and recognizes Lin Ruoxi from their previous encounter.
- Qiu Yun’er: Shows strong trust in Ling Feng and seeks his companionship and protection. Her affectionate behavior, including taking his hand, suggests growing closeness between them.
- Lin Ruoxi: Is portrayed as innocent but courageous and self-respecting. Despite needing money for her mother’s surgery, she refuses Li Juncheng’s exploitative offer and rejects the drugged drink, choosing to risk losing her job rather than submit to him.
- Li Juncheng: Is established as arrogant, entitled, manipulative, and predatory. He uses his family’s wealth and influence to exploit women and believes he is above the law.
- Ye Yiren: Is mentioned as being absent because she claims she is “saving the world,” hinting at her unusual or heroic activities.
Significant Themes
- Trust and companionship: Qiu Yun’er’s reliance on Ling Feng highlights the importance of trust and suggests a deepening bond between them.
- Abuse of power and wealth: Li Juncheng uses money, social connections, and intimidation to prey on vulnerable women.
- Integrity under pressure: Lin Ruoxi refuses to sacrifice her dignity despite her mother’s serious medical needs.
- Justice versus corruption: Li Juncheng’s confidence that he can erase evidence and evade consequences emphasizes the unequal power between him and his victim.
- Hidden identities and recognition: Ling Feng recognizes Lin Ruoxi, but she does not recognize him because she has only seen him in another form.
Character Interactions
- Qiu Yun’er persuades Ling Feng to work with her by appealing to their trust and mutual support.
- The bar staff warmly welcome Ling Feng and tease Qiu Yun’er about bringing her boyfriend.
- Ling Feng and Lin Ruoxi share an indirect connection through his earlier rescue of her, though neither openly acknowledges it in the bar.
- Li Juncheng attempts to control Lin Ruoxi through financial promises, intimidation, unwanted physical contact, and coercion.
- Lin Ruoxi openly rejects him and tries to leave, leading to a confrontation in which Li Juncheng’s men trap her inside the private room.