Xiao Yufan had never imagined he would become so bored that he kept checking an email inbox that never lit up, over and over again, all by himself…
Every time the inbox showed activity, his heart would leap with excitement, only to sink moments later. Several resumes had bounced back, and some companies didn’t even bother to provide a reason.
Slumping back against the chair, he felt dejected. This was the first time in three years he had tried pursuing the life he truly wanted, only to end up with nothing but dust in his face. He even began to wonder whether he was simply unsuited for life here.
“Have my expectations always been too high?” Xiao Yufan murmured bitterly to himself. Sometimes, he pursued perfection so intensely that it bordered on arrogance, because he had always believed he could outdo anyone. Yet reality kept shattering his pride, leaving nothing behind.
Ever since he could remember, Xiao Yufan had followed his master, achieving great proficiency not only in Feng Shui but also in martial arts like Tai Chi. Naturally, he had achieved some success in his chosen field. However, life often strayed from the path he had envisioned.
Realizing he had been cooped up inside the entire morning, Xiao Yufan felt restless. Rubbing his temples, which had begun to ache, he shut his laptop. It had been a while since he last let his emotions loose—he actually missed his old way of life.
Outside the fifth ring road, there was no shortage of nightclubs. In a bustling city, there would always be people who came here to vent their pent-up emotions. This was also a place Xiao Yufan frequented before. Only here could he momentarily forget his troubles.
“Brother Fan, it’s been ages since we last saw you here! Have you been busy chasing girls lately?” At the club nearest to Xiao Yufan’s home—a modest yet fully functional venue—the staff already knew him well, and someone greeted him the moment he walked in.
“If I were busy, I wouldn’t have time to come clubbing now, would I?” Xiao Yufan replied with a nod, remaining very easygoing. Places like this were full of down-and-out people, and having someone greet you meant they still respected you—a belief he had always held firmly.
Weaving through the crowd, Xiao Yufan found a quiet spot to sit, silently watching men and women swaying wildly on the dance floor. It seemed as though for these people, the neon lights of the club represented the life they longed for.
Shaking his cocktail, which had some sediment at the bottom, Xiao Yufan quietly immersed himself in the noisy atmosphere so unlike the city outside. He wasn’t sure whether he had grown accustomed to this decadent lifestyle or simply lacked the courage to face reality’s harshness.
“You really know your cocktails. Why not consider working here? I bet you’d make this club even more popular as a bartender!” Just as Xiao Yufan began to relax, a teasing voice reached his ears.
Without even lifting his eyelids, Xiao Yufan knew immediately who it was—the young owner of the club. Ever since the last time he personally mixed a cocktail, this guy had been persistently trying to recruit him, showing no sign of giving up until Xiao Yufan joined his team, which had become quite a headache.
“Just focus on running your club and stop scheming about me. You might regret it if I mess things up for you!” Xiao Yufan lazily shifted positions, leaning against the wall in a corner of the club, only to feel someone sit beside him moments later.
“If you joined, I wouldn’t mind even if the club went under. Honestly, where did you learn such amazing bartending skills? If it were me, I’d strive to become a top-tier bartender!” Feeling a hand slap his shoulder, Xiao Yufan finally opened his eyes and saw the club owner, who was several years younger than him, shaking his head and smiling.
Xiao Yufan always considered this guy a bit unusual. Owning a club like this already marked him as someone wealthy, clearly a young heir to a fortune. Yet outwardly, he seemed no different from the usual street toughs.
As for Xiao Yufan’s bartending skills, they probably rivaled those of many renowned bartenders in bigger clubs. But for him, mixing drinks was merely a hobby. Xiao Yufan also understood that the young man likely knew he was jobless and was trying to help him out in his own way. However, Xiao Yufan was not someone easily swayed by others’ preferences.
“Still remember that Blue Dart cocktail I made last time? Interested in trying a different version?” After shaking his glass with the same motion as the other man, and staring at the bar counter for a while, Xiao Yufan finally spoke.
Upon hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, the young man almost jumped off his seat in exaggerated excitement. Ever since he tasted Xiao Yufan’s Blue Dart last time, he had been unable to forget its taste. Yet every time Xiao Yufan appeared afterward, no matter how much he begged or cajoled, he never got another hand-crafted cocktail. He hadn’t expected such a treat today.
“It’s rare for you to finally agree—how could I possibly pass up the chance to try something new?” Fan Le’s heart raced with joy. He didn’t have many passions, but he was truly addicted to cocktails. Xiao Yufan had captured his fascination with just one Blue Dart, revealing how deeply passionate he was about mixology.
“Since you always treat me like a VIP every time I come here, I’ll reward you with a Blue Margarita this time.” Xiao Yufan jumped off his seat and strode toward the bar counter.
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