Boyfriend Always Thinks I’m a Little Pitiful Chapter 66

"Still not sure."

Xie Ci walked to the foot of the bed and looked at Fu Yicheng, "Was Chen Zhanpeng among the people who hit you?"

"Chen Zhanpeng? I don't know him." Fu Yicheng said while trying to recall, "It happened so suddenly, and the alley was so dark, I couldn't see clearly. I only remember Gao Yuan and that A Jian."

Gu Yufeng looked at his miserable state and chimed in, "Did your family check out that nightclub called 13?"

"My dad had people inquire about all the nightclubs and bars in that row. They all said there were no surveillance cameras in the back alley. My dad even went to check this morning, and indeed, there were no cameras."

Hearing this, Fu Yicheng was both frustrated and angry, cursing under his breath, "Gao Yuan has done this kind of thing before. He must have already scoped out the situation around there!"

With what he said, Xie Ci felt the situation was even more peculiar and mentioned what he had just heard from the manager.

"Whether it's true or not, we need to check it out first."

"Damn!" Jiang Chenyu cursed, "Isn't cooperating with the police investigation supposed to be a given? They're actually hiding the surveillance footage as a bargaining chip, making you work at the nightclub? That's shameless!"

Claiming there was no surveillance but telling Xie Ci there was, and even setting conditions, this was indeed strange. Gu Yufeng said to Xie Ci, "It's hard to say if they really have the footage."

A boy from Er Zhong asked quietly, "Can we tell the police and have them ask for it?"

After he asked, the whole room fell silent.

Under normal circumstances, of course, they could. But Gao Yuan had connections with the police, so sending them would be like alerting them to destroy the evidence.

Zhang Ruochuan gritted his teeth, "I'll go, I'll take the shift!"

Fang Size: "..."

You probably just want to get dumped again.

"No, no, no, let me go instead."

A group of boys was eager to take the shift at the nightclub.

Gu Yufeng chuckled, "You pretty boys going to a place like that would be eaten alive, not even leaving bones. Still want to go?"

The group of boys: "...?!"

Is it really that scary?!

Fu Yicheng pondered, "I'll have my dad send someone to negotiate. They probably want money."

"If they wanted money, they wouldn't have said there was no surveillance when your dad asked." Gu Yufeng glanced at Xie Ci, hinting, "Even if they have a motive, it's probably not for money."

Suddenly, Fu Yicheng's phone on the bedside table vibrated. He quickly picked it up, and everyone thought there was progress, only to see him speaking into the phone in a cutesy voice, "Baby, don't you feel sorry for me~"

Everyone simultaneously showed expressions of disdain.

Even in such a state, he could still flirt. Clearly, he wasn't hurt enough.

A nurse came in to check on Fu Yicheng's IV.

Fu Yicheng couldn't help but ask, "How long do I have to stay? Can I stay until the final exams are over?"

Nurse: "That depends on your recovery."

Fu Yicheng whined, "Sister, let me stay a few more days. Going back to take exams is too miserable."

Xie Ci couldn't bear to watch anymore and pulled Gu Yufeng away.

Compared to Fu Yicheng, Gu Yufeng was only unserious with him, much more pleasing to the eye.

Jiang Chenyu and the others followed them out, saying they wanted to go together.

"Having so many people won't help."

Xie Ci politely declined, "I'll let you know if there's any progress. You guys head back first."

Near the bar street, Robertson parked the car. Xie Ci unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to instruct Gu Yufeng, "Wait here for me."

Gu Yufeng disagreed, "If a fight breaks out, I can at least be a bouncer."

"I know you can fight." Xie Ci ruffled Gu Yufeng's hair, "But if you can avoid showing your face, don't. It's not beneficial."

The driver, Robertson, was shocked. The little guy dared to touch the young master's head?! If it were someone else, they'd be sent to fill the sea, right? How did this little guy survive until now?!

"Be careful." Gu Yufeng reminded.

Xie Ci found it amusing, "It's not like I'm going to infiltrate some crime den."

The nightclub wasn't open at noon, so the street was quite deserted.

Xie Ci had arranged a meeting with the manager of 13 over the phone.

As he passed a metal door, he looked up at the glass window above. There was a camera next to the flower pot on the windowsill, well-hidden.

From this angle, it could capture half the alley.

When Xie Ci entered the nightclub, a slightly chubby middle-aged man in his thirties was already waiting at the door. They briefly introduced themselves.

Seeing Xie Ci come over like this, Manager Lin was a bit surprised and gestured at his own face, "Aren't you afraid of being recognized without a mask?"

"Is my face that unsightly?" Xie Ci retorted.

Manager Lin chuckled, "Not at all. Have you thought about taking the shift?"

Xie Ci: "I'm not even an adult yet. If the school finds out I'm working at a nightclub, I'll get expelled. The risk is too high for me. How about naming a price?"

Manager Lin rubbed his hands, his smile becoming more intriguing, "Little Xie, I'm not trying to extort you. Why talk about money? The club is just too busy, and we need a little help."

"You know I'm underage, yet you still want me to help?"

Xie Ci's tone was calm, sounding purely curious, "Can't you find anyone else suitable?"

"Just happened to run into you."

Manager Lin gestured for him to go inside, "Besides, it's just for one night. I think you're perfect for it."

"How do I know you really have the surveillance I need?"

Xie Ci probed, "Give me the footage first, and I'll agree to take a shift."

Manager Lin smiled, "What if I give it to you and you don't come? My club isn't going anywhere. I'll give it to you right after your shift."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Ci turned to leave.

"Wait!" Manager Lin hurriedly called out, then pretended to be calm, "Let's go inside and discuss."

"It's just a few words, no need to bother."

Xie Ci's expression was cold, "I've already taken a step back. If you insist, then we have nothing to discuss."

Manager Lin's face stiffened, and he took out his phone, turning the screen towards Xie Ci, "Is this what you want?"

The screen showed surveillance footage of the alley, with Gao Yuan dragging Fu Yicheng into view and calling others to join in the beating.

The footage wasn't very clear, but Xie Ci still recognized Chen Zhanpeng.

Manager Lin put away his phone, "After the incident last night, the higher-ups ordered all footage to be destroyed. Giving you the video puts me at great risk."

"Higher-ups?"

Xie Ci questioned, "Do you know who the person being beaten is?"

Manager Lin was indifferent, "This place is full of rich kids. Fights happen all the time, nothing unusual."

Having asked this much, Xie Ci had learned what he wanted to know.

"Is it only if I work here for a day that you'll give me the footage of Gao Yuan beating someone?"

Manager Lin found his question odd and was wary, but nodded for the sake of the benefits, "Yes, just one night, and I'll send it to you immediately."

Xie Ci reluctantly agreed, "If that's the case, then I have no choice but to agree."

After their conversation, Xie Ci didn't stay long and left.

Manager Lin immediately edited a message about this and sent it to Xie Jinyan. After receiving a reply, he couldn't suppress his rising smile.

Xie Jinyan was a big client of the club. With this, not only this month's performance but the next half year's performance was secured!

A young man nearby approached, a bit worried, "Manager, if the video leaks and the higher-ups pursue it, what do we do?"

"You're still too young."

Manager Lin looked smug, "Who said I was going to give it to him?"

Xie Ci walked out of the alley and returned to Gu Yufeng's car. He took out his phone, which had been recording, and pressed stop to save it.

"I'm skipping evening self-study. Help me ask Lao Xiang for leave."

Gu Yufeng grabbed the phone to listen to the recording, a bit impatient, "He won't give you the video that easily. I'll ask Lin Ying for help, or we can just take the video by force."

"Evidence obtained through illegal means isn't admissible."

Xie Ci spoke calmly, "It's a small matter. He'll hand it over obediently."

In the evening, Xie Ci arrived at 13 on time, personally led by Manager Lin to change into work clothes.

A suit, with only a jacket for the top.

Facing Xie Ci's questioning gaze, Manager Lin explained, "All our employees dress like this. With your great physique, wear it confidently."

Saying this, Manager Lin handed him a mask.

"Wear it during work to avoid being recognized."

"Afraid of being recognized as Xie Ci or as a minor?" Xie Ci smiled lightly, leisurely pursuing the question.

Meeting his gaze, Manager Lin's heart skipped a beat, feeling like the kid had sensed something.

"Just worried you might be shy."

Xie Ci didn't respond, taking the clothes to the changing room.

Manager Lin went outside to call Xie Jinyan. Seeing Xie Ci come out, he quickly hung up, "Where's your mask?"

"No need."

Xie Ci buttoned up the suit jacket, "Aren't you just trying to make more money off my face? Hope you can handle this windfall."

He glanced at the message from Gu Yufeng, pushed past Manager Lin blocking the door, and headed to the nightclub hall.

Manager Lin's bad premonition grew stronger, vaguely feeling things might spiral out of his control, and hurriedly followed.

"Tonight's work, you have to follow my arrangements, or I won't give you the video."

"Sure."

Xie Ci said this but didn't stop.

Under the dim lights of the hall, shadows moved, with many young people swaying to the music. Most were sitting in booths, eating, drinking, and chatting. The noise in the space buzzed in Xie Ci's ears, but he was used to it.

In his past life, he had seen much more chaotic scenes during social events.

As soon as Xie Ci appeared, he immediately drew the attention of those around him.

His height was noticeable, with a well-proportioned physique, wearing a suit of good texture, his upper body bare, with muscle lines faintly visible under the jacket, and that exceptionally handsome face, comparable to a spotlight.

Some people whistled, forming groups to approach him.

But Xie Ci left first, not even acknowledging them.

"Isn't he a waiter at 13? So arrogant?"

"Looks like his uniform is for serving high-end clients."

"Rich people eat well."

"Looks so young, where did the boss find such a good catch?"

Xie Ci scanned the entire hall and immediately spotted Gu Yufeng sitting in the most edge booth, eating an orange. Ignoring all the scrutinizing gazes, he squeezed through the crowd and headed straight over.

Manager Lin followed behind, seeing some people holding up phones to film Xie Ci, yet Xie Ci seemed completely unconcerned about being exposed, puzzled and uneasy.

He clearly said at noon he was worried about being discovered and expelled, but now he didn't seem worried at all?!

His phone vibrated, and seeing it was Xie Jinyan calling, Manager Lin hurriedly asked Xie Ci to follow him.

"A big client has arrived, go entertain them."

Xie Ci didn't even turn his head, "Let them come see me."

Manager Lin's eye twitched.

What kind of attitude is this? One might think he's the boss, and his tone sounded like he knew who had arrived.

Xie Jinyan's seat was in the middle. After finishing the call, he saw Xie Ci and Manager Lin approaching from afar and smiled, "Look, the VIP has arrived."

Several people with Xie Jinyan held up bottles, cheering in agreement.

"Wow, the new young master looks good."

"Why wear so much? Isn't it hot?"

"With that body, dancing must look great, hehe."

Seeing Xie Ci approaching, Xie Jinyan's smile deepened as he looked over, "Later, let him go on stage and dance for you all."

When he first heard that Xie Ci was his uncle's son, he almost couldn't believe it. This high school student who dared to hit his friend at the Gu family gathering was actually his cousin.

But after calming down, he realized that Grandpa's attitude towards Xie Ci was indeed unusual, even casually giving away the newly acquired oil painting.

If someone like him returned to the Xie family, his own days would be tough.

Tonight, he wanted to make Xie Ci understand the gap in their status.

Manager Lin walked to the booth, bowing and smiling at Xie Jinyan, "Young Master, why didn't you go to the private room?"

"To watch the show, it's more lively with more people."

Xie Jinyan's gaze remained on Xie Ci, crossing his legs, pointing at his shoes, "My shoes are dirty, come clean them."

The people around him gathered to watch.

Xie Ci looked down at him, "These shoes are cleaner than your face. Do you only care about your shoes when you go out, not your face?"

"What kind of attitude is that?!"

Xie Jinyan was mocked, angrily shouting, "Get over here!"

"I've been polite enough to you."

After saying this, Xie Ci walked past the booth and left.

"Xie Ci!"

Seeing that he couldn't stop him, Xie Jinyan wanted to chase after him but felt it would be too degrading, so he instructed Manager Lin, "Go bring him back!"

Manager Lin quickly agreed, but in the blink of an eye, Xie Ci was gone.

Not getting his way, Xie Jinyan frowned and shouted to his companions, "Didn't you notify his class teacher? Why aren't they here yet?"

"They're at the door, Wei Zi went to get them, they'll be here soon!"

His companion chuckled excitedly, "Even the head of Yi Zhong's discipline office is here, this is going to be fun."

With so many people and dim lighting, halfway through, Xie Ci realized Gu Yufeng had left the booth, turning to look around for him.

A hand suddenly reached over from behind, wrapping around his waist. Xie Ci grabbed it, hearing Gu Yufeng's playful laugh in his ear.

"Who are you looking for, little guy? I'll help you find them."

This reminded Xie Ci of their first meeting in his past life.

After meeting Gu Yufeng at a banquet, he did some research and finally found the right opportunity half a month later to have a planned encounter with Gu Yufeng at a business banquet.

But plans couldn't keep up with changes. He was surrounded by some wealthy businessmen from Country D and could only watch as Gu Yufeng chatted happily with others. By the time he came to his senses, he didn't know where Gu Yufeng had gone.

He thought the plan was going to fail, but unexpectedly, while passing through a corridor to the restroom, he saw Gu Yufeng, who seemed to be looking for something.

The corridor was empty except for the two of them, a perfect opportunity.

He steadied himself, not hesitating, and approached with the elegance and composure he thought Gu Yufeng would like, "What are you looking for? I'll help you find it."

He still remembered the expression on Gu Yufeng's face when he looked over.

There was a hint of surprise, and his eyes seemed to light up, as if he was very interested in him.

At that time, all he could think about was—this person looks even better up close than from afar.

But thinking back now, this guy was probably pretending too, and he did it so well.

Xie Ci turned around, "Why are you running around?"

"Who told you to take so long—"

Gu Yufeng said, his gaze unconsciously sweeping over Xie Ci's chest, cursing under his breath, "Who the hell took your clothes?"

"They didn't give me any."

Xie Ci pulled him towards a corner, speaking seriously, "Later, I'll be doing a strip dance, no need to wear so much."

Gu Yufeng: "...You better be serious."

The two stood in a corner of the hall, looking towards Xie Jinyan's direction, seeing Xiang Haibin and the discipline head being brought over, seemingly having some dispute, and finally being invited to sit down by Xie Jinyan's people.

Gu Yufeng leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his expression slightly cold.

"How do you plan to handle this? Today's situation isn't something a thousand-word reflection can smooth over."

Xie Ci peeled an orange, handing a few segments to his mouth, "Watch the show first, wait for everyone to arrive."

Gu Yufeng opened his mouth to bite, "Who did you notify?"

Xie Ci looked around, seeing some staff seemingly looking for him, speaking unhurriedly, "Guess?"

Gu Yufeng: "What's the reward for guessing right?"

Xie Ci: "You tell me."

Gu Yufeng thought for a moment, "Go home and do a strip dance for me?"

Xie Ci: "..."

Over at the booth, Xie Jinyan was busy badmouthing to Xiang Haibin.

"I already sent someone to find him, but no matter how we persuaded him, he insisted on staying here to work."

"That's not possible."

Xiang Haibin sat upright, his expression serious, completely out of place with the surroundings, "Xie Ci promised me he wouldn't work anymore."

Xie Jinyan: "We all saw him, don't believe me, ask them?"

"Yeah, the manager brought him over just now, but he ran off. Who knows which rich lady he's accompanying now." One person said with a laugh.

Seeing Xiang Haibin's face darken further, Xie Jinyan felt pleased, feigning confusion, "Doesn't Yi Zhong have strict management? Can they tolerate students working in places meant for adults?"

The discipline head's face also turned sour, "Of course not, if it's serious, expulsion."

"So serious?"

Xie Jinyan couldn't help but laugh, "Then it's a pity for Xie Ci, he's about to graduate, and now expulsion—"

He was halfway through his sentence when he saw his companions winking at him.

Xie Jinyan turned his head in confusion, meeting Xie Hongguang's stern face, and was so startled he stood up from the booth, "Grandpa, why are you here?"

"Why am I here?"

Xie Hongguang lightly tapped his cane, speaking sternly, "If I didn't come, were you planning to encourage them to expel Xie Ci?!"

Having his intentions exposed and being scolded in public, Xie Jinyan immediately became unhappy, "It was Xie Ci who wanted to work, I didn't force him."

"You're still talking back?!"

Xie Hongguang's tone grew heavier, "How have I taught you usually?!"

Xie Jinyan was very dissatisfied, about to retort, when he saw Lin Manager bringing two police officers over, sensing something was off.

"Why call the police?"

Lin Manager's face was a bit grave, "I didn't call them."

"Then who—"

"It was me."

Everyone watched as Xie Ci approached them from the crowd.

Seeing Xie Ci's attire, both Xie Hongguang and Xiang Haibin's faces turned green on the spot.

"You, why are you dressed like this?" Xiang Haibin took a few steps over, looking closely, thinking he had mistaken him, "Xie Ci! Explain to me!"

After saying this, seeing Gu Yufeng was also there, Xiang Haibin was so angry he was trembling all over.

"Did you call the police?" The police looked at Xie Ci.

Xie Ci patted Xiang Haibin's shoulder, answering the police, "Yes, I'm a senior in high school, not yet an adult, and was coerced by the manager here to work at the nightclub, doing things a normal waiter shouldn't do."

"You're lying!"

Lin Manager's face changed drastically, vehemently denying and looking at the police, "I didn't coerce him, he volunteered!"

"You said, only if I work here and satisfy you, would you give me the surveillance footage."

Xie Ci spoke slowly, "I have recordings of all these words."

Lin Manager's eyelid twitched, finally understanding what the unease all night was about.

Xie Ci never intended to obediently exchange work for the footage.

From the start, he had dug a pit waiting for him to jump in!

With the head of the Xie family here and the police too, the commotion attracted everyone's attention.

Tonight, this matter had blown up.