Burning Desire (1V1H) - Episode 11: Gin Fizz

Episode 11: Gin Fizz 

Huo Cheng strolled into the underground parking lot. One hand was in his pocket. He spun his car keys before unlocking the car with a click. 

He planned to drive to Whisper, a bar co-owned with friends. Last night, Ji Chi tagged everyone in the group chat. He boasted about new cocktails and insisted they show up to support and name them. As a shareholder, Huo Cheng only contributed funds for operations. He visited just once on opening night and occasionally checked profits. 

He opened the car door. Sunlight was filtering through the window onto the leather seats. As he sat, his peripheral vision caught something in the gap beside the driver’s seat. 

He frowned. He reached over to pick it up—a high-end brand lipstick. 

The silver case had faint scratches. It was clearly well-used. His gaze lingered on the soft rose shade on the label. His brow was slightly raised. 

Only one woman had been in this car. 

He pulled out his phone. He then snapped a photo of the lipstick. His finger lingered on the shutter for two extra seconds. The simple image carried a hint of suggestive warmth. 

He sent the message and started the engine. He leaned back lazily in the seat. 

Shen Yue was browsing Ji Huayu’s public case files while nibbling an egg-stuffed pancake. She saw the notification. She lowered her eyes, opening the chat. 

On the car’s leather seat lay her all-too-familiar lipstick. It was angled to show the scratch from her keys. It was her favorite shade. A rosy hue with a subtle glossy sheen. 

[On purpose?] 

She paused. She checked her bag, then her jacket pockets. 

Gone. 

She typed back: 

[Sorry, I dropped it by accident. When can I pick it up?] 

Huo Cheng’s reply came minutes later— 

[Tonight, 7 p.m., Whisper.] 

[Don’t be late.] 

He even helpfully sent a map route. 

She stared at the message. She almost laughed in exasperation. Of course she knew Whisper—the recently opened bar. It was low-key but with great ambiance and tasty drinks. 

She hadn’t planned to go to a place like that. Especially after… that incident. 

Shen Yue finished her breakfast irritably and went home. Should she just abandon the lipstick? But wouldn’t that make her seem guiltier? 

Yet… he appeared in her dream last night. And she felt she couldn’t face him. 

A slip? Clearly, he was testing her reaction. 

Devious. 

Worse, she seemed to have stepped right into his blatant trap. 

Shen Yue avoided the thought all afternoon. As the sunset spilled golden light, she convinced herself it was just to retrieve her lipstick. No big deal. 

Before leaving, she hesitated at her wardrobe. In the end, she chose a gray off-shoulder sweater and dark pants. She slung a small black bag over her shoulder before taking a taxi. 

Rush hour traffic delayed her. She fixed her hair and pushed open the bar’s door. The lights slanted softly. The bar counter glowed with warm amber. Two steps in, she spotted Huo Cheng in the crowd. 

He leaned on a high stool in the corner. A glass of untouched whiskey was by his hand. 

Sensing her gaze, he looked up. He smirked at the approaching Shen Yue. 

“The little student who lost something, you’re thirteen minutes late.” 

His voice was low. It blended with the crowd. 

Shen Yue stopped two steps away. She maintained her cool demeanor. 

“Traffic. I’m here for it.” 

“The lipstick?” 

Huo Cheng swirled his glass. He hooked a finger to slowly pull the lipstick from his pocket. He then placed it leisurely on the counter. 

“Take it.” 

She reached for it. But he suddenly pressed her hand down. 

“In such a hurry? Won’t have a drink with me?” 

Shen Yue couldn’t pull her hand free. His palm’s warmth sent a current from her skin to her heart. She struggled but failed. She forced patience. 

“You know I can’t handle alcohol.” 

“Then, as an apology for being late?” 

His tone was light. But he lingered on the last syllable. Like a whisper in her ear. 

Shen Yue’s temple twitched. She yanked her hand back. But before she could speak, the bartender approached. 

Huo Cheng turned. He ordered, 

“One Gin Fizz, low alcohol.” 

Shen Yue glanced at him. 

“Gin Fizz?” 

“Don’t worry, it won’t get you drunk.” 

His gaze lingered briefly on her bare shoulder. His tone was unhurried. 

“You’ll like it.” 

Shen Yue mumbled an acknowledgment. Soon, a clear, slightly cloudy cocktail with bubbles arrived. The glass was rimmed with fine condensation. It carried a faint lemon scent. 

Her fingers lifted. She grasped the glass. Her lips barely curved. The first sip brought a refreshing citrus tang and a light gin flavor. The alcohol was subtle. Bubbles and lemon blended perfectly. They swirled crisply on her tongue. 

“How is it?” 

Shen Yue didn’t speak. She only nodded. 

“Not bad, it seems.” 

He chuckled. He raised his glass to clink hers lightly. 

Shen Yue sipped. She adjusted to the slight alcohol. It was when Huo Cheng leaned closer, voice low. 

“So obedient? 

I thought you’d refuse to drink, given the precedent.” 

Shen Yue’s eyes snapped to him. Her ears were flushing. Her gaze was tinged with flustered anger. Huo Cheng laughed at her reaction. 

He leaned back lazily. His eyes were on the glossy sheen at her lips. He subtly licked his back teeth. 

A feisty kitten—would she cry again if pushed too far? 

His smile grew. 

“Forgot to mention. As a storage fee, besides this drink, the rest… I’ll collect with interest later.”