ATLT Chapter 1

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(1)

Chu Yi spent 50,000 yuan to bail out his former colleague and roommate, Dai Yanyan, from detention.

Dai Yanyan casually put his hands in his pockets and kicked a small stone underfoot. “I’ve made up my mind—I’ll go find my godfather.”

Chu Yi hesitated, wanting to ask if he had really thought it through. But then he realized that he himself was still lost and had no right to question others.

Dai Yanyan smiled at Chu Yi. “Once I get the money from my godfather, I’ll pay you back. Our lease still has six months left—you don’t need to refund my rent. Consider it my birthday gift to you. When the lease ends, you can move somewhere smaller for yourself.”

Chu Yi hummed in response, then added, “No rush, I still have money on hand.”

Dai Yanyan counted on his fingers, listing their former colleagues’ whereabouts. “Xiao Chang went off with that rich woman in Shenzhen. Wangzai said he’s enrolling in a vocational school to learn hairdressing. Xiao A claims he’s becoming an influencer, but I think he’s actually chasing after the owner of that influencer agency… What about you, Chu Yi? Any plans?”

Chu Yi shook his head. “Not yet.”

Dai Yanyan smirked. “I thought you’d go find that Zhang guy…”

Chu Yi forced a smile but said nothing.

(2)

After parting ways with Dai Yanyan, Chu Yi took the bus home.

The apartment they rented was close to their workplace, and the rent wasn’t cheap. The neighborhood was bustling, especially at night—neon lights flashing, luxury cars passing by, and people dressed in extravagant outfits. It was obvious that it wasn’t a “respectable” place.

And indeed, it wasn’t.

Chu Yi and his colleagues worked at a high-end nightclub, known for its attractive young male hosts. Hosts—also known as male companions, gigolos, or simply escorts.

Officially, the club claimed that its hosts only provided entertainment and companionship, nothing physical. But in reality, Chu Yi was the only one foolishly sticking to that professional boundary.

Despite being the most handsome among them, he was also the poorest.

He was poor, but he worked hard to save money. While others squandered their earnings on indulgence—sometimes even selling their bodies for quick cash—Chu Yi was frugal. Though his income wasn’t high, he tried to save a little every month.

Finally, he had saved up a solid 100,000 yuan.

And then, overnight, he lost his job.

A government task force had been sent to the city, cracking down on corruption, drugs, and illegal activities with an iron fist. Fortunately, Chu Yi had been off-duty that night, so he wasn’t caught. But most of his colleagues were arrested, forced to either pay their own bail or wait for someone to bail them out.

Dai Yanyan was among the last to be released. After much internal struggle, he finally called Chu Yi for help, borrowing money to get himself out so he could clean up and go see his godfather.

Chu Yi had met Dai Yanyan’s godfather before—a wealthy businessman named Jia. It was said that Jia had built his fortune with the help of his ex-wife, only to cruelly abandon her once he achieved success. He then married a young, beautiful woman to boost his social image. However, Jia had diverse tastes—he was interested in both men and women. When he visited the nightclub, he took a particular liking to Dai Yanyan and, despite their 15-year age gap, shamelessly took him in as his “godson.”

Chu Yi himself had been propositioned by many wealthy clients but always found ways to refuse.

Drinking and laughing? That was part of the job.

Showing off his abs? Fine, as long as they paid.

Letting clients cop a feel—for the right price? Okay.

But going any further? Absolutely not.

Only once did he make an exception.

A group of wealthy second-generation heirs had booked a private room, and Chu Yi was called in to entertain them. Among them was a familiar face—someone who had visited multiple times and always leered at him with predatory eyes.

To avoid that man, Chu Yi deliberately sat next to a stranger—a guy who seemed detached and reserved. He figured this guest wouldn’t cause trouble.

That guest turned out to be Zhang Linghao.

Reportedly the son of a high-ranking provincial official, Zhang had recently returned from studying in the UK. His friends had thrown this party for him.

Chu Yi, sticking to his professional ethics, raised his glass in a toast. “Happy birthday.”

One of the familiar clients smirked and nudged Zhang. “Hey, Zhang, this is the ice-cold flower I told you about. He’s never toasted me before!”

Zhang Linghao glanced at Chu Yi indifferently, showing no reaction.

Another guest chimed in, sucking up to Zhang. “What? I thought you were the real ice-cold flower here!”

The familiar client teased Chu Yi. “What’s this? You’re into Zhang but not me?”

Chu Yi smiled diplomatically. “I’m just toasting the birthday boy.”

Zhang Linghao lazily lifted his glass—filled with sparkling water. “Thanks. I don’t drink, but I’ll toast with this.”

A client who doesn’t drink?

Chu Yi felt even more reassured.

This must be a rare gentleman—someone just here to humor his friends. He probably wouldn’t return after tonight.

Since Zhang wasn’t drinking and likely wouldn’t become a regular, Chu Yi didn’t bother upselling expensive drinks. Instead, he simply made casual conversation, played some drinking games, and even sang a heartfelt (if slightly off-key) rendition of Happy Birthday.

Surprisingly, his earnest performance managed to liven up the room.

(3)

Chu Yi never expected Zhang Linghao to return.

Half a month after that birthday party, Zhang showed up at the club again.

By then, Chu Yi had learned who he really was—the eldest son of the vice-governor, wealthy and powerful, someone even the nightclub owner wouldn’t dare offend.

What shocked him even more? Zhang Linghao actually ordered alcohol.

Although he mostly bought drinks for his friends, he himself took a few sips of Long Island Iced Tea.

The liquor was quite strong, and even Chu Yi could only handle two glasses. Seeing Young Master Zhang drink half a glass, he thought to himself, Does he really take this as iced tea? Doesn't he know this liquor has a strong aftereffect?

Half an hour later, Young Master Zhang stood up, his eyes hazy with intoxication. "I'm going to the restroom."

Out of professional responsibility, Chu Yi followed and supported him. "I'll take you there."

The club's corridor was dimly lit, and the two of them staggered through several twists and turns before reaching the lavishly decorated restroom entrance. Suddenly, Zhang Linghao turned around and pinned Chu Yi against the wall. "Hey, handsome, how much for a night?"

Chu Yi was momentarily startled by his unexpected move but quickly composed himself upon realizing that Zhang Linghao wasn't even taller than him. Smiling, he humored the drunken guest. "Young Master Zhang, this is a respectable establishment. We don’t offer overnight services."

Zhang Linghao grinned as well, his face inching closer until his lips were nearly brushing against Chu Yi’s chin. "I heard that as long as the price is right…"

Chu Yi suddenly felt a surge of irritation but suppressed his anger and cut him off curtly, "Go find someone else."

But Zhang Linghao refused to back down. He suddenly leaned in and kissed Chu Yi on the lips before bursting into triumphant laughter. "Hahaha! I kissed you!"

Chu Yi wanted to push him away, but behind them was a massive mirrored wall. If Zhang Linghao lost his balance and crashed into it, the mirror might shatter. That would be incredibly expensive to replace, and worse, if this guest—who came from a powerful background—got hurt, Chu Yi wouldn't just lose all his money; his personal safety might also be at risk.

Pinned against the wall by Zhang Linghao’s weight, Chu Yi looked at their reflection in the mirror, bodies pressed closely together. He thought, Fine, it's just a kiss, no big deal. I'll just charge him extra when we get back.

Zhang Linghao, still amused, leaned in once more and started kissing him again.

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