Chapter 22: The Swimsuit Party

Temporarily setting aside that elusive, ethereal feeling, Qi Yan and Li Ruoke stepped out of the car, only to find that the young master Yang had personally come out to welcome them, as he had already been notified by phone.

At this moment, Yang Han had changed into his swimwear, draped in a white shirt as he walked out, his arms covered in intricate tattoos. If he were wearing sunglasses, he’d look just like a boss.

“So punctual! I was worried you might have trouble finding this place,” Yang Han greeted them first. As he came closer, Qi Yan could clearly see a gold-edged Buddha amulet hanging from his neck, its visage concealed, likely meant to ward off petty misfortune.

Li Ruoke teased with a bright smile, “Looks like we’re actually late; so many luxury cars are already parked. I almost feel embarrassed arriving by taxi.”

“Hehe, come on in. Most people are here already, so let’s enjoy ourselves tonight! My friends have been pestering me for days, asking about the Buddha amulets—I don’t know as much as you do. Come inside and explain it to them,” Yang Han said, leading the way and politely greeting Qi Yan.

Once inside, the scene was truly exquisite and grand, yet full of style.

It was a three-story standalone villa, its white walls complemented by open-air balconies. With all the outdoor lights switched on, it was brightly illuminated even as night fell. The courtyard was laid out perfectly flat, complete with flowerbeds and stone sculptures. But the main feature was the spacious swimming pool right by the main entrance—square and wide enough for dozens to play together.

Not only that, but there were barbecue grills, sun umbrellas, beach chairs, rows of colorful bottled cocktails, and all sorts of rare imported spirits.

There weren’t many guests; counting Qi Yan and Li Ruoke, there were seven in total—four men and three women, all vibrant and energetic, clad in high-end swimwear and chatting merrily by the pool.

Qi Yan and Li Ruoke went inside to change into their swimsuits, placing their valuables with their clothes. Qi Yan considered leaving his amulet behind as well, but changed his mind. This wasn’t the kind of place with lockers like a bathhouse; everyone’s belongings were simply left on the sofa in the first-floor living room. Should someone happen upon his dark amulet and pick it up out of curiosity, who knew what might happen?

For safety, he kept it around his neck. It couldn’t be damaged, even if it got wet.

Everyone gathered outside, grilling, drinking, playing games. Once Qi Yan and Li Ruoke had changed, they hurried to join in. Their purpose tonight wasn’t just fun—it was also to expand their network of high-end clients.

Although Li Ruoke wasn’t particularly voluptuous, her figure was captivating, with not a trace of excess. Even after removing her makeup, she looked far more striking than any internet celebrity. Her features were delicate, but her brows carried a hint of cunning, making it clear she was a clever girl.

Qi Yan was already thin, and the swim trunks he’d bought seemed a bit large, hanging loosely.

As for Li Ruoke’s Bichon Frise, she carried it everywhere to avoid losing it.

At three minutes to eight, the sky wasn’t fully dark yet, but the party officially began.

Li Ruoke wasn’t focused on playing; under Yang Han’s guidance, she went to greet and introduce herself to these wealthy strangers.

The most dazzling figure at this small gathering was undoubtedly Yang Han’s girlfriend, Cheng Ziyue.

A classic beauty—tall, fair, and elegant, with long flowing hair and a stunning figure, she wore a pink bikini and carried herself with grace. When she greeted them, her manner was calm and refined, lacking the airheaded playfulness often seen in privileged girls; she was rather courteous.

She was the first to approach Qi Yan and Li Ruoke. “When Yang Han told me, I thought you’d be a middle-aged man. I didn’t expect the Buddha amulet expert to be such a handsome man and beautiful woman. Are you two a couple?” she asked.

Li Ruoke quickly explained with a laugh, “No, no, we’re just business partners.” She then joked with Yang Han, “You really have an eye for beauty, Yang Han. Is this a real-life prince and princess?” With that compliment, she spared herself the need for further flattery.

Yang Han turned his gaze to Qi Yan, whose dark amulet was clearly visible against his chest. “Hello, may I ask what kind of Buddha amulet you’re wearing? It looks so unique.”

Qi Yan hesitated briefly, having brought his amulet out after changing. He hadn’t expected anyone to ask, so he improvised, “This one? Haha… it’s nothing special, really. The truth is, when it comes to Buddha amulets, the type and appearance aren’t important. Sincerity is what matters.”

Li Ruoke, worried they’d linger on Qi Yan’s dark amulet, quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. “Come, let’s drink! If you’re interested, I can explain the different types of Buddha amulets in detail. There’s so much variety, it’s impossible to cover in just a few words.”

Yang Han, as the host, hurried to welcome them. “Yes, yes, eat and chat as you like. Have you two eaten yet? There’s barbecue over there—help yourselves. Tonight, just relax; there are plenty of empty rooms. If you’re tired, pick any place to sleep until tomorrow afternoon.”

They already knew they’d be staying here tonight; it was far from the city, and though most drove, there would be plenty of drinking. Fortunately, the villa was spacious—seven people were nothing; even twenty-seven could stay.

The only unattached man present was Du Zhou, short and dark, wearing triangle swim briefs and carrying a bit of extra weight, unremarkable in appearance but cheerful in temperament. He was keenly interested in Buddha amulets, and after confirming Qi Yan wasn’t Li Ruoke’s boyfriend, he eagerly pulled her aside, peppering her with questions. “I heard Yang Han bought all seven of his amulets from you, right? I’ve been wanting one for ages. They’re so popular these days, but I don’t know much about them. Can’t tell real from fake, and wasting money isn’t the worst—what matters is getting one that really works. I’ve had terrible luck this year, let me tell you…”

Li Ruoke hadn’t expected them to be so eager; she’d planned on getting acquainted before pitching her wares. “No worries. Like my colleague said, the most important thing with Buddha amulets is sincerity. Of course, you can’t expect immediate results—it’s a gradual process. As for authenticity, you needn’t worry at all. All my amulets are genuine, blessed by Thai monks and brought directly from temples. There are all sorts: the Concealed Face, Somdej, Elephant God, Medicine Buddha, Anti-Curse… It depends on what kind of fortune you’re seeking.”

Li Ruoke spoke passionately and confidently about her business. With Yang Han as the connector and in such a relaxed setting, it was much easier to promote her amulets.

“If you want to know about their effectiveness, ask Yang Han—he’s bought plenty from me.”

Yang Han, carrying a few bottles of light cocktails, chimed in helpfully, “They work really well. Otherwise, how would I have won Xiaoyue’s heart so easily?”

Cheng Ziyue smiled, joking, “Oh, so you got a peach-blossom amulet and that’s why I fell for you? Sounds like I was lured into it!”

Everyone smiled knowingly, saying nothing more.

At this point, one of the other couples—a tall, sunny young man named Wang Yudong—whether intentionally or not, suddenly asked, “Hey, Miss Li, do you sell dark amulets too?”