Waterbound Love - Chapter 11

Soon, someone from the Wei Family came to pick up Wei Qingqian. The person was Wei Wen, Wei Qingqian’s uncle, and Du Bai’s elder brother Du Xing’s betrothed. This connection left Du Bai somewhat bewildered-was it a coincidence or a conspiracy?

Though Wei Wen also hailed from the political scene and grew up in the same region as Du Bai, they were from different generations. Wei Wen and Du Xing were close friends, so Du Bai had met Wei Wen a few times, but they weren’t very familiar. Naturally, Du Bai didn’t know him well, but she had heard some stories about him. He was seven years older than Wei Qingqian, and they shared a strong bond.

Wei Wen gave Du Bai a very negative feeling, despite his attractive appearance. His good looks were different from Wei Qingqian’s; he had sharp features, and a faint scar on his forehead did nothing to mar his handsome face. Instead, it added a sense of steady authority.

Du Bai vaguely felt that he was somewhat gloomy. He didn’t show it, but she had that impression.

Master was out for a walk, so Du Bai received them. After some casual and indistinct small talk with Wei Wen, Wei Wen wisely took Wei Qingqian and left. As they were leaving, Wei Qingqian angrily told Du Bai that he would never call her “Aunt,” earning a scolding from Wei Wen, leaving Du Bai utterly confused.

By chance, she caught a glimpse of the fleeting tenderness in Wei Wen’s eyes, causing a headache she couldn’t explain. She hoped she had misread it. She had the constant feeling that she had forgotten something, but whenever she tried to think of it, a fog of confusion filled her mind. Unable to remember, she decided to let it go, not realizing that these things would later become a significant source of pain for her.

Without Wei Qingqian’s company, Du Bai was growing bored and almost rusting away at home. She missed that little troublemaker who provided her with entertainment.

Fanyang was similar to Jingqiu, with robust phoenix trees standing tall along the streets. Whether it was a subjective difference in mood or an actual variance in species, the trees brought different feelings in the two places.

The phoenix trees in Jingqiu seemed to be nearing their blooming period. Those scenes of holding hands and embracing seemed to fade away, just like rose-colored bubbles lingering faintly in the depths of memory.

Closing her eyes, she stopped paying attention to the scenery fading past the car window, much like the vague, blurred images in her memory.

Entering the “Peng House” pool hall. Unlike other places, bets could be placed here on just about anything. The owner seemed to have connections, making the local police turn a blind eye.

Du Bai took her membership card and headed straight to the VIP area on the second floor.

The first floor was the regular area, cheap and populated by a mixed crowd, including students and small-time hustlers.

The second floor was the VIP area, with many private rooms around the edges to minimize disturbances. The central hall was generally reserved for expert matches or events, rarely used on normal days.

The third floor was the commercial area, featuring private rooms specifically for business negotiations. However, as business deals were usually conducted at golf courses, this area was rarely used for its intended purpose. Instead, it became a place for nouveau riche and morally bankrupt second-generation wealthy individuals to bring women and show off, keeping the third floor from becoming completely deserted. What exactly went on there was anyone’s guess.

Today, it seemed there was a big event. Not many people were playing in the private rooms; instead, they gathered around a central table to watch. Du Bai had long passed the age of enjoying such excitement and was uninterested. She was walking toward her private room when she caught a glimpse of Wei Qingqian, pale-faced and anxious, holding a cue stick.

Raising an eyebrow, she thought this kid seemed to be everywhere. She decided to walk over and grabbed someone to ask what was going on. The person, too engrossed in the match, wasn’t too happy about being interrupted but quickly backed down at the sight of the authority emanating from Du Bai.

As it turned out, Qin Yulong had bullied one of Wei Qingqian’s classmates, and Wei Qingqian had come to confront him. Qin Yulong was involved in the underworld, making him on a completely different level than Wei Qingqian, and a physical fight almost broke out. Fortunately, Wei Qingqian was smart enough to know he couldn’t win a fight and decided to settle it according to the “Peng House” rules-at the pool table.

They were playing snooker, and Wei Qingqian, confident in his skills, didn’t realize Qin Yulong was a master. He soon discovered that Qin Yulong was currently the third-ranked player in the “Peng House.”

Du Bai curved her lips into a smile, her almond-shaped eyes radiating a cold detachment. Probably only Wei Qingqian thought the stakes were fair.

The match followed a best-of-seven system, and Qin Yulong had already won three games. Judging by the current situation, this game would most likely determine the outcome, and the boy would be done for.

Paying close attention to Qin Yulong’s playing style, she lightly brushed her eyelid with her middle finger, smiling slightly, noncommittal. She originally didn’t want to interfere; after all, the boy needed some toughening up. But upon seeing Wei Qingqian’s despondent face, his knuckles white from gripping the cue but still holding his back straight, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Well, he was just a kid after all. He shouldn’t have to endure such disheartening setbacks.

Qin Yulong had already scored 36 points, leaving no doubt about the likely outcome. Perhaps too arrogant, he deliberately missed an easy shot, clearly trying to embarrass Wei Qingqian.

It was Wei Qingqian’s turn. He walked toward the table as if going to his execution, back straight, each step a dance on razor-sharp blades, so excruciatingly painful. Halfway there, Du Bai intercepted him.

An unexpected wave of joy surged through Wei Qingqian, but considering the situation, he bit his lip, pale-faced, urging Du Bai to leave. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of her.

With a confident, almost mesmerizing smile, Du Bai’s glamorous eyes were full of assurance, causing Wei Qingqian to momentarily daze. Seizing the moment, she took the cue stick from him.

“What are you doing?” Wei Qingqian snapped out of his trance, frowning at Du Bai.

She just smiled, steadfastly gazing at him. The reflection of her enchanting eyes in his bright ones was breathtaking. Walking forward, she whispered in his ear, “Trust me,” as she passed by.

Wei Qingqian felt a rush of blood as if his brain had exploded, his senses still reeling from the warm breath she had just exhaled by his ear. Strangely, he felt a profound sense of peace.

“Are we playing or not?” Qin Yulong yelled impatiently. He was so close to victory he could taste it, and the delay was making him anxious. Seeing Wei Qingqian’s delicate skin and finely chiseled features, Qin Yulong thought he was a pretty-boy troublemaker, making him itch with agitation.

Du Bai glanced at the pool table and sighed inwardly. It seemed like arrogance could really backfire. Coming here was definitely not the smartest move.

“Play? Absolutely, let’s play! How about I play against you?” Du Bai said, planting the cue with one hand while leaning her full weight against the table with the other. She stood nonchalantly before Qin Yulong, facing off.

Qin Yulong didn’t take Du Bai seriously at first but quickly realized there might be more to gain here.

“I’m betting against him; why should I play with you?” he retorted.

Du Bai smiled, her eyes narrowing slightly, exuding a lazy charm intertwined with infinite allure. “If I lose, both of us will entertain you tonight. How about that?” As she spoke, she casually brushed her fringe to the side. Despite her androgynous outfit, her half-closed eyes radiated elegance and irresistible charm, each movement filled with grace and seduction. Qin Yulong found himself captivated, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Seeing his reaction, Du Bai’s smile deepened. “If I win, you will leave us alone. How does that sound?” Her voice was soft, like a lover’s whisper under the moonlight, making it hard for anyone to refuse.

The conditions were incredibly tempting for Qin Yulong-adding another beauty to the mix for free. But being a Hall Master required more than just courage; it required cunning. This woman’s confidence made him wary, as he couldn’t gauge her true skill. For a moment, he hesitated.

Noticing his reluctance, Du Bai decided to up the ante. She elegantly reached into her pocket, pulling out a bank card after a suspenseful moment. She handed it to Wei Qingqian.

Confused by her actions, Wei Qingqian stepped forward to take the card, his expression perplexed. Listening to Du Bai’s instructions, his eyes widened with shock. After seeing her reassuring nod, he relaxed his furrowed brow and walked out.

Due to Du Bai’s presence, no one stopped him, though one of Qin Yulong’s men followed him at his signal. Du Bai smiled, urging everyone to be patient, which kept Qin Yulong from losing his temper. She seemed to possess an aura that compelled people to follow her lead.

With all eyes on her, Qin Yulong couldn’t spare a moment to ponder further. He was caught in a tug-of-war, unsure whether to agree to her terms.

Before long, Wei Qingqian returned, dragging a bag behind him. He glanced at Du Bai and handed the bag over, his cheeks still flushed from running.

Du Bai opened the bag and revealed stacks of RMB bills. She casually tossed the bag and its contents onto the pool table.

“If you agree, we’ll start the game. Your wins from the previous three rounds will stand, but this round will begin anew,” she said crisply and decisively.

Noticing the conflicted look on Qin Yulong’s face, Du Bai smiled slightly. She knew if she made that condition, Qin Yulong would have no worries.

“But I have one condition: replace the 15 red balls with black ones, and switch the black ball with a red one,” she said, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she looked steadily at Qin Yulong. “Do you agree?”

“Why?” Qin Yulong questioned, puzzled. He had been playing pool for years and had never seen such a setup.

Du Bai maintained her smile, though it now carried a hint of bitterness. “I just don’t like red,” she replied, pointing at the money on the table. “You can have all the money on the table, win or lose. If you choose not to play, the money is yours, and we’ll leave.”

Initially, Qin Yulong wavered, but Du Bai’s words made him think she was merely bluffing. He still believed he had the upper hand. Moreover, he had never heard of any pool master with such a peculiar preference. Little did he know, Du Bai had anticipated this perfectly. He wouldn’t feel content letting them go without a challenge.

Mulling it over and spurred by the prospect of winning ten thousand more plus having two beauties as his prize, Qin Yulong made a hasty decision and agreed. Winning another round seemed like an easy way to pocket the cash and claim his prizes.

The match began, and almost everyone present sided with Qin Yulong. Some even openly placed bets on how quickly he could defeat Du Bai. Du Bai remained unfazed, smiling indifferently as if she hadn’t noticed. Meanwhile, Wei Qingqian couldn’t hide his anger. He took out fifty thousand RMB and slammed it down, betting it all on Du Bai’s victory, earning him disdainful looks from those around him.

Du Bai raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Wei Qingqian’s actions. Did this reckless kid truly believe in her without any sense of danger?

Wei Qingqian, perhaps too impulsive, broke into a sweat watching Qin Yulong score 36 points and continue. He walked over to Du Bai, poked her, and whispered, “Do you even know how to play?”

Du Bai glanced at him, feeling a bit playful. “Didn’t you call your uncle to come save us just now? I’m counting on you.”

Wei Qingqian’s face turned beet red. He glanced around and, realizing it wasn’t a good time to get angry, leaned in and said through gritted teeth, “I thought you were confident because you were good. You didn’t tell me to call my uncle.”

“Oh my, how can you be so dense?” Du Bai teased him openly.

Her carefree attitude infuriated Qin Yulong, who felt utterly dismissed. Distracted, he miscalculated the strength of his shot, and the ball he aimed for bounced out, giving Du Bai a turn.

Qin Yulong had already scored 43 points. Du Bai scanned the table and noticed the remaining eight black balls (originally red). Her eyebrow arched, and a slight smile played on her lips. It was enough.

Du Bai picked a cue that felt just right in her hand. A long-forgotten feeling surged through her. Some things feel distant when left behind, but the familiarity snaps back the moment you return to them, like an old obsession.

With a smirk, she recalled the “Qianshi” cue, now nestled in a forgotten corner, a relic of her past glory in the game. She caressed the chalk on the cue and felt the comforting texture of the felt beneath her fingers. Her gaze turned sharp and focused, a stark contrast to her earlier laid-back appearance. Her graceful stance, holding the cue with her left hand, made Wei Qingqian envision her as a warrior unleashing her inner power.

If Du Bai knew Wei Qingqian was mentally chanting, “Shira, Shira, unleash your strength,” she might have been tempted to knock some sense into him with the cue stick.

Seeing Du Bai’s sudden shift in demeanor, Qin Yulong initially felt a twinge of concern. However, noticing she was holding the cue with her left hand, he felt reassured. Everyone in “Peng House” knew that using the left hand to play pool was considerably more challenging than the right. When done well, it demonstrated versatility and skill, but when done poorly, it was a liability. Furthermore, the required accuracy for left-handed shots was significantly higher.

Qin Yulong recalled that only the club’s top player used a left-handed cue. Although he had never seen this player, anyone who could push Young Master Zhao to second place and command such respect definitely wasn’t a woman. He wiped away some sweat, feeling like today was an emotional rollercoaster.

Du Bai struck the cue ball, sending it to the black ball (red ball) and pocketing it cleanly from a considerable distance. Qin Yulong dismissed it as a fluke. When he saw her lining up the next shot on the pink ball, he chuckled. The pink ball was close to the pocket but blocked by a black ball (red ball). To hit the pink ball without touching the black ball (red ball), both the force and the angle of the shot would need to be nearly perfect – something even he wasn’t confident about. If it were him, he would have played it safe with the brown ball, even if it only brought three points.

To his shock, Du Bai not only made the shot effortlessly but also positioned the cue ball perfectly for the next one. This clean and precise play was not a matter of luck; it was a test of both accuracy and skill in cue control. Suddenly, Qin Yulong felt anxious. Who exactly was she?

Seeing Qin Yulong’s astonished expression, Du Bai smiled. This was exactly the effect she wanted. Pressure could either ignite someone’s fighting spirit or crush their morale. Qin Yulong was clearly experiencing the latter.

From then on, Du Bai moved elegantly and confidently around the pool table. She smoothly navigated shots between black balls and pink balls, making either straightforward or tricky shots as needed. After clearing all the black balls, she seamlessly pocketed the yellow, green, brown, blue, and pink balls, accumulating 76 points. She then deliberately grazed the remaining red ball (black ball) without pocketing it.

Du Bai had won the game. Wei Qingqian, who had been holding his breath, exhaled in relief and rushed forward to embrace Du Bai, planting a kiss on her cheek. Only when he saw her astonished expression did he realize the awkwardness of his actions, blushing furiously and not knowing where to place his hands.

Du Bai raised an eyebrow. “Teasing people before you’ve even grown up, is it?”

Du Bai laughed softly. For once, Wei Qingqian didn’t have a retort to her teasing.

“We’ve definitely won,” Wei Qingqian said, trying to shift the topic and smiling at Du Bai to dispel his embarrassment.

“Not necessarily. Remember, only after absolute success can you celebrate.”

Seeing the seriousness in Du Bai’s expression, Wei Qingqian seemed to understand something, though still somewhat bewildered, and nodded.

“When I’m playing, take the opportunity to call your uncle to prevent any more trouble.” Taking the water Wei Qingqian handed over, Du Bai pretended to take a sip, and while no one was looking, she whispered this instruction in his ear.

A subtle sadness washed over her. It seemed times had indeed changed. She smiled faintly, though who could truly understand the bitterness hidden behind it?