Chapter 40

Page Thirty-Nine

Lose Moonlit Covert Operation (3)

The gentle breeze halted at the entrance hall, replaced by the elegant and ancient British style. The classical jazz music added to the noble atmosphere, as if one were in a gathering place for nobles—considering the nature of this bar, this description seemed fitting.

However, there was no band performing on stage; the jazz music came from an old gramophone playing vinyl records.

It was three o’clock in the afternoon, and due to the time, not many people were in the bar. But this was the perfect time for me and Xiao Lei to act.

Standing at the entrance and surveying the entire bar hall, I did not see the group of century-end hooligans gathered anywhere in the seating area or dance floor.

They must be in one of the back rooms, but knocking on each door might raise suspicion among the bar staff. It would be better to ask the bartender at the counter, but how should I approach it?

Ask if there’s a male guest with blond hair? This wouldn’t likely lead to finding him, as it would only result in someone else who isn’t the person we’re looking for. After all, Lei Laohu is no longer considered a man. Even if I wanted to find the whereabouts of the female Lei Laohu, I have no idea what she looks like now.

“Stop, Chairman, where are you going?” Xiao Hai Tang spoke up, halting me as I headed straight for the counter.

“Well, I thought I’d ask the bartender about Lei Laohu.”

“Do you think it’s that easy to reveal your intentions? Think about it, why would the bartender do something that might offend a regular customer who pays for several underlings just to help out a new guest like you?”

Indeed, I had been naive. I thought that giving the bartender a generous tip would make them whisper the information I needed… although I couldn’t see her, I could imagine Xiao Hai Tang holding her forehead.

“What should I do now then?”

“First, become a patron here. Start by consuming something. Don’t go to the counter; bartenders are more chatty than hairstylists and you won’t handle it well. Let’s go sit at a booth instead.”

Seeing us heading to sit down, the waiter boy enthusiastically approached to guide us to a seat that wasn’t too dark.

No wonder it’s a high-end bar; the booth seats were made of soft leather, very comfortable.

“May I take your order?”

I was about to take the menu when Xiao Hai Tang’s advice came again, “Chairman, don’t look at it. You won’t understand it anyway; it’ll just confuse you.”

I thought for a moment, then handed the menu to Xiao Lei across from me, but she exclaimed, “Wow!” before closing it with a snap.

“No way, it’s all colorful foreign liquors and cocktails. Just looking at the names, I can’t tell anything!”

So it is. Not understanding is part of the charm. One day, when I understand it but you don’t, I can show off.

The waiter boy was secretly pleased. I glanced at him and said mysteriously, “A margarita, a martini, and also bring us some of those mixed appetizers.”

The mixed appetizer platter was recommended on a signboard on the table.

But what is a margarita? And what is a martini? I really didn’t know. I was just repeating what Xiao Hai Tang said.

For this, Teacher Xiao Hai Tang explained, “These are two common low-alcohol cocktails found in almost any bar. Ordering these reduces the risk of hitting a snag.”

She added, “I learned this from Baidu.”

“Anything else?”

“Just these. We’re just here to rest.”

“Alright, miss. That’s 178 yuan. Would you prefer to pay by card or scan the code? Cash is also accepted.”

Huh? Do bars settle payments in advance?

“Call me sir, I’ll pay by card.”

And the price was quite steep. Two cocktails and a snack platter for 178 yuan was expensive for me, but considering the high-class atmosphere, it seemed reasonable. After all, the environment comes at a cost.

“What? Sir?” The waiter boy tilted his head and frowned, staring at me for a while before realizing his rudeness and apologizing.

Even after leaving with the POS machine, he still seemed puzzled about my gender, leaving with a cloud of question marks above his head.

Hey! Does it take so long to figure it out? I’m wearing men’s clothes! Looks like I need to get some muscle too.

Inside the counter, the bartender with a low ponytail skillfully started shaking her shaker, which looked like it would take some time.

With nothing to do for the moment, Xiao Lei rested her chin on her hand and asked, “Now that we’ve started spending, what’s next?”

I was about to reply, but realized she was probably speaking to Xiao Hai Tang.

“You have a good view from your seats. Keep an eye on the entrances of the two private rooms. Order more when you finish eating. I don’t believe they’ll all stay hidden. This is a bar; people have to use the restroom eventually.”

The identification of those century-end hooligans in matching leather jackets was quite distinct. If they actually came out of the private rooms, we shouldn’t miss them.

Soon, the waiter boy returned with a tray, carrying a bright blue drink and a pink one. They looked very attractive, though the portions seemed rather small. Are cocktails always like this?

“Regarding the cocktails you ordered, our bartender made some changes on their own initiative. These two are Blue Margarita and St. Valentine. We hope you enjoy them.”

I didn’t fully understand what Margarita meant, but I knew St. Valentine.

Bishop Valentine of the Catholic Church defied the emperor’s ban on marriage and secretly performed weddings for young couples, leading to his execution. To honor him, February 14th became Saint Valentine’s Day, or Western Valentine’s Day. Valentine thus became a symbol of lovers.

I scratched my cheek, feeling a bit awkward.

Fortunately, only Xiao Lei, who has extensive knowledge in certain areas, didn’t catch this meaning. As long as I don’t mention it, the awkwardness will be mine alone.

“What’s St. Valentine? I mean, you two are supposed to be investigating enemy territory. Why does it feel like a date?”

Ah, I forgot. There’s still this knowledgeable third party, even though invisible…

“A date?”

Xiao Lei paused, her tongue originally out, quietly licking the St. Valentine cocktail. When she heard Xiao Hai Tang say we were like on a date, her face flushed, slowly turning red, somewhat embarrassed.

She curled up, fidgeting with her slender fingers, and said shyly, “It does seem a bit like a date…”

What is this adorable little thing?

“This cute little thing? How did it get so cute.” It was Xiao Hai Tang’s frantic voice.

“Oh right, there’s a solo concert at five o’clock today. If you have the time, you might want to stay a bit longer. It’s free. You won’t regret it. The singer isn’t famous yet, but they’ll definitely rise to fame. Our boss has great taste.”

What? Was all that just a pitch from the waiter boy? Haven’t you noticed the mood?

From what was described, it sounds like an upcoming artist. Bars often invite unknown bands and singers to perform, providing a form of indirect support to help them pursue their dreams.

However, it’s unusual to refer to it as a solo concert.

“Thank you, I got it. We’ll consider supporting it.”

A future star? That phrase certainly piques curiosity.

“Ling Meng, remember why you’re here…” Xiao Hai Tang warned sternly. I was stunned for a moment before realizing Ling Meng referred to me.

“Of course not forgotten. Isn’t this waiting for Lei Laohu’s underlings to appear?”

Before I finished speaking, a guy with a mohawk and mask came out of the corridor from the private rooms, heading towards the restroom.

Shouldn’t this guy be called Cao Cao?