Upon hearing the compliment, Rose's cheeks flushed slightly. She bit her full lips and, with a hint of self-pity, said, "What's the use of being beautiful if some people only come to see me once in a while and even arrive late on my birthday?"
Facing the alluring woman in front of him, William felt a surge of desire, especially as she looked at him with those captivating eyes, showing no hint of rejection. However, his strong will quickly suppressed this burning feeling, and he returned to his calm demeanor, smiling. "I don't drink, and I'm not good at making small talk or entertaining women. Besides, I spend all day at my stall and don't have much free time."
Rose glared at William with a mix of resentment and coquettishness. "Don't give me that nonsense about your stall. What's so great about selling lamb skewers? You work yourself to death and don't make much money. If you're really desperate to earn, come be my housekeeper. I'll pay you a hundred times more than you earn selling skewers!"
William smiled wryly. "Rose, what man becomes a housekeeper?"
"I've told you so many times, call me Rose. Do I look old to you?" Rose pouted, glaring at William with a hint of playful frustration.
William had to relent. "Alright, Rose, my mistake. I just really enjoy my current life and don't plan on changing jobs for now."
Rose, unwilling to give up, continued, "If you won't be my housekeeper, then be my bodyguard. Or work as a manager at the bar. I only occasionally oversee things myself; usually, I let others handle it."
Hearing this, William felt a bit moved. He knew this woman genuinely cared about him, but he had his reasons. From the moment he first met Rose, he had decided to keep their relationship at a distance.
"Forget it, Rose. I like selling lamb skewers. There are many good people at the market." William lowered his head and took a sip of water, not wanting to continue this topic.
Seeing William's stubbornness, Rose sighed in frustration, her pretty nose wrinkling as she muttered under her breath, "It would be great if you could be my man..."
She didn't realize that even though she whispered, William heard her clearly. However, he knew he had to pretend he hadn't heard a thing.
Despite Rose's stunning face and figure that radiated irresistible charm even in the dim bar light, no one dared to linger their gaze on her for long. New customers who curiously asked about her were typically told, "Drink your drink and don't court death."
Feeling a sense of defeat, Rose circled around to the bar counter and sat next to William. Pouring herself a glass of whiskey, she also poured one for William, giving him a reproachful look. "Stubborn mule, I know you're difficult. But, since you won't stay by my side, could you at least have a drink with me on my birthday?"
William hesitated. He could drink, but alcohol often disrupted his thoughts, bringing up memories he preferred to keep buried. He needed to stay calm, and alcohol was like poison to him.
"Alright, but just one glass." Feeling a bit guilty, William didn't want to disappoint Rose too much, so he agreed, hoping a small glass wouldn't have much effect.
Rose's face lit up with joy, her smile like the sun breaking through clouds. In the dim light, her face glowed with an ivory sheen that made William's heart flutter.
"Cheers."
After their glasses clinked, William unhesitatingly downed the cold liquid.
Rose giggled, suddenly leaning forward and pressing against William's chest, her breath warm on his skin. "You know, it's been over ten years since I celebrated my birthday. No cake, no candles, no gifts, no party... But having a drink with you, a man who doesn't understand romance, makes me feel very happy."
Her voluptuous body pressed against his, and William could clearly feel the soft, elastic sensation against his thigh, bringing a rush of pleasure.
Looking down slightly, he could see the pale skin of her thighs peeking through the slit of her cheongsam, her curvaceous legs ending in fiery red high heels. The visual impact stirred his male hormones intensely.
Just as William was struggling to control his reaction, Rose slowly straightened up, giving him a sly smile like a fox who had succeeded in her plot. "Well, my little man, it seems you've got quite the stamina."
William smiled wryly, understanding exactly what Rose meant. She had been assessing him even while she approached.
"You look like you can't sit still. I'll go entertain the guests. If you don't want to stay long, you can leave." Rose gracefully left her seat and walked towards the crowd of patrons.
The bar's patrons were well aware of the allure of their charming boss, but none dared to overstep. It was well known that Rose had a complicated background, so she mingled with the guests effortlessly.
Despite her warm smile, Rose's extraordinary presence commanded respect, making most men wary of getting too close. So, no one dared to push their luck.
Seeing Rose walk away, William breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a pang of mockery. In the past six months since returning to this place, he had changed a lot. If it had been before, facing a seductive woman who showed interest in him, he wouldn't have hesitated to take her to bed, consequences be damned. But now, he couldn't do that, especially since Rose was the first woman he considered a friend in Fent. She was important to him.
Even though he had only had a small glass, the alcohol started to take effect. William felt his craving for more, but he didn't dare indulge. The pain of recalling old memories was something only he understood.
But seeing the unmistakable tent in his pants, William knew he needed to release some tension. Finding Rose wasn't an option; once involved with her, it would be hard to break free.
After finishing a glass of water, William quietly left ROSE bar. As he left, Rose's eyes followed him, a hint of disappointment flashing in them.
Outside, William glanced around, then headed towards a small nearby bar. Although high-end bars had more attractive prospects, he couldn't afford them.
Since he wanted to live a normal life, paying for a girl was necessary.