Burning Desire (1V1H) - Episode 7: Taking Advantage

Episode 7: Taking Advantage 

As the group finished the last round of tripe, steam still lingered over the table. The waiter brought two complimentary beers from the couple’s combo. They placed them on the table. 

“Here are your event beers. Enjoy your meal,” 

The waiter said cheerfully. 

Han Mengyi opened a beer. She poured for herself and Shen Yue. Since both men had to drive, drinking too much wasn’t wise. So she asked the waiter to take one bottle back. 

Shen Yue wanted to refuse. But Han Mengyi’s persistent coaxing wore her down. She relented. She agreed to just one glass. 

Han Mengyi sipped her beer. She chatted about recent anecdotes—from the flashy, gold-wearing scallion pancake vendor at the neighborhood entrance to the delivery guy who resembled her kindergarten crush. She even mentioned buying new underwear for Jin Yan. 

“Mengyi, you’re drunk. I told you not to drink so much,” 

Jin Yan coughed. He cut off the topic. 

“No more. Let’s go home.” 

“I’m not drunk!” 

Han Mengyi giggle. She was swaying. She grabbed the beer bottle. 

“One more glass. I can handle it!” 

Jin Yan snatched her glass. He held it high. Han Mengyi huffed. She tried to grab it but failed. She gave up, collapsed into his arms, and soon snored softly. 

Jin Yan smiled helplessly. He supported her against him. As he left, he glanced at Huo Cheng. 

“I’m taking my girlfriend home. Shen Yue’s in your hands. It’s late, and a girl taking a taxi alone isn’t safe.” 

Huo Cheng didn’t reply. He only nodded faintly. 

Shen Yue frowned. She pulled out her phone to open the ride-hailing app. The screen showed an estimated wait time—over 35 minutes. 

She stared at it for two seconds. Her breath paused. She then silently locked the screen. 

“Ready to go?” 

Huo Cheng glanced at her subtly. 

Shen Yue’s tone was cool. 

“I’ll wait for a car.” 

Huo Cheng’s lips curved slightly. 

“No cars.” 

“…” 

“I’m driving,” 

Huo Cheng said. He dangled his keys. His voice was lazy. 

“Or do you want to wait another thirty minutes?” 

Shen Yue pressed her lips. She was silent for a moment before muttering, 

“Thanks for the trouble.” 

Huo Cheng stood. His smile was faint. It was as if he’d anticipated this. But he didn’t move. He looked down at her. 

“Not coming?” 

Shen Yue got up. She adjusted her jacket. Her expression was aloof as she followed him out of the shop. 

Without the flush on her cheeks, no one would’ve guessed she was slightly tipsy. 

The skewer shop buzzed with voices. The spicy heat lingered in their noses as they left. But outside, a cool night breeze tightened her skin. She stood under the awning. Her long legs were straight. She looked even more slender in the chill. 

Huo Cheng stood beside her. His gaze subtly lingered on her. His brow furrowed slightly. But he said nothing. 

“Wait here,”

He said flatly. He then headed to the parking lot. 

Minutes later, a black Audi pulled up. Its sleek lines and subtle metallic sheen glowed coldly under the lights. It was bold yet distant, just like its owner. 

Shen Yue stood still. She watched the car stop before her. 

The window rolled down. Huo Cheng rested one hand on the steering wheel, the other lazily on the window frame. His profile was sharp in the night. 

“Waiting for me to open the door?” 

Shen Yue walked over. She reached for the back door. But she found it locked. From the driver’s seat, Huo Cheng’s teasing voice came. 

“Treating me like a chauffeur?” 

She paused, saying nothing. Her mind was slowed by alcohol. She didn’t overthink. She opened the passenger door and got in. 

The car was quiet. It was filled with a crisp whiskey scent mixed with a hint of leather. It was much like Huo Cheng—cool, restrained, yet dangerously intoxicating at times. 

She buckled her seatbelt. She blinked slowly. She tilted her head to look at him. 

“Thanks for driving me.” 

Huo Cheng’s one hand was on the wheel. He glanced at her. His lips barely curved. 

“Drunk? Being so polite with me.” 

She didn’t respond. Huo Cheng’s sidelong glance caught her. 

“Lousy tolerance.” 

Shen Yue’s lashes fluttered as she looked at him. Her eyes were still misty. 

“Yeah, or I wouldn’t have let you take advantage.” 

“Take advantage?” 

Huo Cheng seemed surprised she’d admit that night so boldly. His tone was light. It was almost emotionless, with a playful lilt. 

“Yeah, I did take quite a bit of advantage.” 

Shen Yue closed her eyes. She felt the car’s temperature rise. She bit her lip, her voice softer. 

“Huo Cheng, don’t you have anything better to do?” 

Huo Cheng chuckled lightly. The black Audi glided into the night. The window reflected her faintly flushed profile. 

“I’m driving you home, and you’re snapping at me?” 

Shen Yue wondered if this Huo Cheng was the same aloof, cool guy from the university’s online rumors. 

This Huo Cheng was clearly a fake!