"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening," Zhang Guan's resounding voice reverberated through the airwaves, captivating eager listeners with his authoritative tone.

"This is Zhang Guan speaking, and tonight, we bring you news about the recent discovery of a colony of bats in a narrow cave near Shanghai Port."

"According to Dr. Bei Ling, a renowned bat expert, this sea cave has naturally eroded due to saltwater, creating an ideal sanctuary for bats to hide and breed, allowing them to flourish away from the rest of the world."

"But it's not just happening near Shanghai Port. Data from the past few years indicates a significant increase in the bat population. 

"There have even been reports of people witnessing swarms of bats illuminating the night sky above their homes."

"We'll be back after a brief commercial break..."

An interruption from a commercial advertisement broke the broadcast, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the continuation of the news.

...

As the sun's radiant glow surrendered to the embrace of the night, the world underwent a transformative shift. Dark clouds blanketed the sky, and nocturnal birds emerged as guardians of the darkness.

In the midst of this nightly spectacle, the moon stood as a guiding beacon, casting a tranquil glow upon the shadows and igniting hope within the hearts of people.

In the heart of Shanghai, a city teeming with activity day and night, the Luminous Sky Lounge provided a sanctuary for those who embraced the nocturnal realm.

Here, amidst an atmosphere brimming with possibilities, a large screen above the bar displayed the latest news bulletin, delivered with unwavering confidence by the resonant voice of Zhang Guan.

Inside the lounge, an amalgamation of scents and sounds permeated the air. A medley of fragrances mingled with the salty breeze of anticipation, enveloping the dancers on the floor like undulating waves.

As a performer took the stage, laughter and cheers reverberated through the air, emanating from the enthralled spectators.

Amongst the chorus of voices surging like a tidal wave, a young man in his twenties sat at the bar, quietly observing the night's exuberance.

His well-toned physique bore witness to hours spent in the gym, yet his demeanor revealed a humble nature. Disheveled black hair partially obscured his slightly intoxicated eyes.

A black leather jacket adorned with numerous pockets hung loosely on his frame.

"Uncle, one more!" With an enthusiastic nod, he revealed surprisingly clear eyes. His slightly unsteady hands, however, betrayed his confident facade as he clutched a large round glass.

"Easy there, Little Brother," the seasoned bartender steadied the wavering glass with his skilled hands.

He chuckled, unable to contain his amusement, as he took a sip of his beer.

This is Jin Tianyi—a twenty-year-old university student at Shanghai Jianqiao University. In addition to pursuing his studies, he supports his education by working as a security guard in a certain apartment building.

Having grown up in an orphanage, he possessed an unwavering sense of independence. Self-reliance coursed through his veins, a testament to his reliance solely on his own strength.

He managed his finances diligently, shouldering the responsibility of his financial well-being. But tonight was different—for once, he yearned to experience the youthful exuberance that most people spoke of.

As he surveyed the vibrant nightclub, a multitude of thoughts raced through his mind. This place was a hub of excitement and joy. Under his tousled black hair, his gaze scanned the scene with a watchful eye amidst the chaos.

In the midst of the crowd, dancers performed on a raised platform, exuding sensuality. Their attire revealed smooth waists and legs that seemed to stretch on forever.

The air crackled with an electric energy, a palpable feeling that infected the club's patrons. Men's eyes were irresistibly drawn to the platform, captivated by the dancers' revealing outfits.

"Quite alluring and reasonably priced," he mused, his inner voice a mere whisper amidst the symphony of the night.

A knowing smile played on his lips, his thoughts echoing a classmate's remark—the dancers were like the beauties at college parties.

Solitude had carved out a place in his life. A life devoid of close family or friends, a shadow he had grown accustomed to.

Suddenly, his introspection deepened as the atmosphere around him shifted. The scent of sweet rosemary mingled in the air, and a soft, beguiling voice reached his ears.

It was a voice that could ensnare the hearts of many young men, a melody woven from the enchantment of the night.

...

Emerging from the lively crowd was a young woman, her gaze holding an enticing spark. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile, a silent question in their playful arc.

"Hi there, handsome," her words flowed like honey. "I don't believe we've met before. Are you new here?" She tilted her head inquisitively, a flirtatious dance of curiosity.

Her almond-shaped eyes, deep pools of brown, regarded him warmly. Strong eyebrows above them added a touch of seriousness that contrasted with the playfulness in her gaze.

Her fair skin glowed under the neon lights of the club, her smile promising adventure. Her very presence seemed like an invitation, a web spun to entice and charm.

Dressed in loose black clothing, she moved with the grace of a nocturnal shadow, her high-heeled boots marking her steps.

Her figure exuded allure, with curves that flowed subtly, a graceful symphony of shape without exaggeration. As their eyes met, a moment of recognition passed between them—a silent connection of strangers.

Jin raised an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and a hint of annoyance, but his lips curved in response to her smile. "You're right, it's my first time here," he replied with a friendly tone.

She laughed, a melodious blend of amusement and intrigue, sensing his tone and response. Her inviting presence drew him in. Their connection, like moths to a flame, was inevitable.

"I'm Li Mei," she introduced herself. "Why not take a tour? I know every corner of this place. Or perhaps Big Brother would like Li to show you the private room?" Her voice teased and beckoned.

Her eyes glanced at the glass of beer on the table beside him.

Jin, on the other hand, didn't even respond, as his attention was captured by the approaching shadows behind Li Mei.

Anticipating trouble with practiced grace, he politely declined, shifting a few seats away. "I'm sorry, maybe another time," his voice remained calm, like a gentle breeze.

It was the perfect excuse; he politely turned her down without offending the figure who appeared to be a high-profile person approaching her. By moving away, he made it clear that he didn't want to get involved in any potential complications.

It wasn't that he was scared or a coward; as a security guard, he knew how troublesome and exhausting dealing with troublemakers could be. He wasn't on duty, so he simply wanted to enjoy his time.

Meanwhile, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, momentarily dimming her allure. Just as she was about to approach him, someone touched her shoulder.

A new individual, young and charismatic, entered the scene. His gaze matched the allure of the young woman as they exchanged a glance. A classic playboy, he seemed to materialize out of thin air, embodying desire.

"Elder Sister Li! A beauty that never fades!" He spoke with admiration, his affection evident.

Others joined in, another young man stepping forward, displaying his boldness by patting her shoulder.

Uncomfortable with their forwardness, Elder Sister Li's playful smile vanished. Her expression turned cold, a subtle hint of disgust in her almond-shaped eyes.

...

Amidst the unfolding scene, Jin remained composed. He observed silently, his beer serving as a casual punctuation to the situation—a deliberate choice to simply observe.

A thought lingered softly in his mind: "Even though she's attractive and kind to offer me an introduction, I don't know her and I'm not seeking trouble."

The audacious advances and actions around him didn't trigger any heroic instincts. He had no intention of becoming a savior; he knew that no one in distress would seek refuge with him.

Noticing the familiarity between them and the casual touching, he deduced, "They must know her—or she's a regular here."

With astute observations, he realized it was time to extricate himself from the brewing chaos.

An urge to step back arose, but just as he was about to move away, the playboy's gaze shifted towards him.

Intense eyes locked onto him, a menacing gesture accompanying his stare. Like puppets, his companions followed suit, their attention fixated on Jin like hounds on a scent.

His mouth twitched involuntarily; somehow, he could sense trouble heading his way.

"Young and naive," He sighed with regret as confusion clouded his mind.

Though he didn't understand why they were singling him out, he spotted Elder Sister Li. Her once inviting gaze now focused on him, a secretive smile playing on her lips.

Understanding dawned, but before he could react, the playboy and his friends lunged forward, their intentions clear as day with the iron bat in the playboy's hand.

"Ahh, so basically, she was involved with this man, whether as his woman, mistress, or plaything. And I had the audacity to touch what belonged to him. 

"A classic excuse and habit," He clicked his tongue, a sobering sensation coursing through him as his steady hands clenched with tension.

He set aside his beer, resolute in his decision to confront them.

"I came here for fun, not for this," he muttered softly. Though intended for himself, his words resonated like thunder in the quiet bar.

A hushed silence fell over the room as all eyes turned towards him, as if the entire bar collectively held its breath. Whispers filled the air, swirling around like a thick fog.

"Who's that guy?" Curiosity rippled through the murmured questions.

"Doesn't he realize he's facing one of the local mafia gang's young masters?" came the reply, dripping with ominous knowledge.

Jin caught wind of the whispered exchange, absorbing the information. Yet, even with this newfound understanding, fear remained distant, an unwelcome guest in his thoughts.

With a focused gaze, he watched the approaching figures, poised like a predator ready to strike.

"Remember, you brought this upon yourselves," Jin warned, his voice carrying weight. He shifted his stance, revealing his preparedness beneath his rolled-up jeans—a stance of readiness.

Despite his confidence and experience as a guard, he knew he was up against a local mafia gang's young master, likely backed by his own security team, not to mention the menacing bat. 

This wasn't a situation to take lightly for him, who relied solely on himself.

Injury would mean losing his source of income, and recovery could take days or even months. There would be no one to take care of him. 

Even if he tried to make amends, it wouldn't be easy after touching the young master's woman.

Coupled with the young master's youth, rebelliousness, and jealousy, he was a volatile character.

In the next moment, Jin's casual demeanor transformed, giving off a faint impression as if he had grown to a towering height of 180cm, casting a shadow over everyone in the room.

Their gazes wavered under his intense stare, a hint of unease permeating the air.

"Well, well, 'Big' Brother, aren't you quite imposing?" the young master sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. He found amusement in Jin's posture, as if he were ready for a confrontation and even mimicking his stance.

Laughter erupted, like-minded individuals joining in with their arrogance. The two companions mirrored the playboy's stance, united in their derisive camaraderie. Their amusement served as an open invitation for everyone to witness the impending clash.

Undeterred, Jin's eyes remained locked, his determination unwavering amidst the mocking atmosphere. Beneath his calm exterior lay a resolute resolve.

"It seems there's a misunderstanding, young master," Jin's voice remained even, devoid of embellishment.

"Oh really?" the young master scoffed, a frown creasing his forehead. Anger flashed in his clenched teeth and tense expression. It was clear that his polite explanation had offended him, perceiving it as mockery.

However, just as the confrontation was about to erupt, a sudden tremor disrupted the scene.

Reality itself seemed to ripple, shaking the entire world. Glass containers, once holding tempting drinks, crashed from the shelves, shattering dreams.

Simultaneously, his world quivered, instability overwhelming his senses. He fought to steady himself, managing to remain upright without falling. However, the same couldn't be said for others.

Unprepared, bar-goers were thrown about like ragdolls in a tempest, their cries of shock filling the air.

"What's happening?" Confusion spread like a suffocating shroud as eyes desperately searched for answers. Before understanding could take hold, a blinding blaze of light erupted.

The brilliance burst forth, accompanied by a massive screen that stretched across their view—a luminous display that captured their undivided attention.

[Aetheria has entered planet Earth]

[As the dominant species, you will be rewarded]