In 1995, the night lights of Magic City shone brilliantly. The earliest nightclubs had started here, and bars had only become popular recently. Among them, True Love, located on Hengshan Road, had become the hottest gathering spot for fashionable young men and women of the time. It was so popular that it could only be described as “impossible to get a seat.”
“You’re here?”
“The usual.”
Lu Yiming liked this relaxed atmosphere. The owner was a woman from his circle—a true overseas returnee. Back in this era, studying abroad carried a prestige that later generations couldn’t compare to. But this boss was an interesting person. After returning to Huaxia, instead of joining her family’s company, she started her own business, bringing the concept of Western bars back to the country. Her vision was truly sharp—True Love became an instant hit upon opening, needing no extra publicity.
By 10 p.m., almost every young person taking a taxi to Hengshan Road was heading straight for True Love.
“Little brother, tonight’s drinks are on me.”
Pfft… of course, the boss was a woman—and not just any woman, but the famously bold Sister Qian, known in their circle as “The Flaming Red Lips.” That didn’t mean she was promiscuous; in fact, despite her flamboyant clothing and daring presence, she was quite conservative. Having seen every kind of person in this industry, she had long developed a strong immunity to temptation.
“What? You want me to marry into your family?”
“If you’re willing, I’d be more than happy. I’m just afraid your father would storm in with a machete. My little business couldn’t handle that kind of wrath.”
Only in front of Lu Yiming could Sister Qian speak so freely. The two had known each other since childhood. Back then, Lu Yiming was the little kid trailing behind her everywhere. Who would have thought that snot-nosed brat would grow into such a handsome young man?
“Come on, who in our circle would dare not to show Sister Qian respect?”
Although her family’s business wasn’t as large as the Lu Family’s, she had a powerful uncle—one of the city’s senior officials. Though not the head, he managed one of the most influential departments. Without that kind of backing, it would’ve been impossible for a woman like her to run such a large bar in a city full of sharks.
“Oh? You’ve got quite the sweet tongue tonight.”
Sister Qian chuckled softly and personally mixed a Manhattan for Lu Yiming.
“Sister Qian, are you trying to get me drunk tonight? You’ve been craving me for a long time, haven’t you?”
The Manhattan—known as “the cocktail of cocktails”—had captivated drinkers ever since its creation. No bar menu was complete without it. A blend of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a red cherry, its flavor was bold and intense, and its aftereffect even stronger. Many first-timers couldn’t handle it.
“Stop talking nonsense. Other people can’t even get one if they tried.”
Sister Qian rolled her eyes and mixed herself a Bloody Mary—another cocktail with a strong kick. Vodka, tomato juice, lemon slices, and celery root made up the base. For first-time cocktail drinkers in Huaxia, the taste was already explosive. But Sister Qian had innovated on top of it, adding salt, black pepper, and chili sauce. The result was even redder, with a salty-sweet, spicy flavor that Lu Yiming simply couldn’t appreciate.
“For friendship.”
“For tonight.”
“To celebrate adopting a cat.”
“To celebrate Kintian oversleeping by an hour.”
“To celebrate growing a pimple today.”
Any excuse could become a reason to clink glasses.
“On my way here, I saw two new bars being renovated,” Lu Yiming said.
Where there was money to be made, competition would follow. With his memories of the future, Lu Yiming knew that bars on Hengshan Road would stay popular for over a decade—an incredible feat in Magic City, where people quickly tired of trends.
“That’s normal,” Sister Qian said casually. “There are too many customers. I can’t serve them all anyway.”
Her attitude was calm—she knew better than to worry. No matter how powerful one was, monopolizing a market was impossible. That went against the laws of business.
“Good mindset.”
Their easy conversations flowed naturally—they got along so well because of how similar they were.
“Little brother, how about considering your sister?”
Pfft… though they always joked like this, Lu Yiming could tell that this time, she meant it.
“Don’t scare me.”
“If you’re not interested, fine. But if I crooked my finger, the line of men wanting me could stretch all the way to the Bund.”
Well, that wasn’t even an exaggeration. Mature and alluring, at twenty-five, Sister Qian was at the peak of her charm. Countless men dreamed of a night with her.
“Your family’s urging you to get married?” Lu Yiming quickly caught the key point.
Sister Qian looked annoyed, downed her Bloody Mary in one go, and sighed.
“I’m only twenty-five! I don’t get why they’re in such a hurry!”
She grumbled in frustration. The problem was, her circle was small. She wasn’t interested in outsiders, and those she did like… well…
She sneaked a glance at Lu Yiming and sighed inwardly.
“Heh, if I had a man I could rely on, do you think I’d be out here, drinking with you stinky men every night?”
Suddenly, her face was close—so close that their breaths mingled.
Teasing. Open, blatant teasing.
Lu Yiming finally realized it—he was being flirted with! She was so close that she was practically leaning on him. The faint fragrance of alcohol from her body brushed past his nose, making his heartbeat quicken uncontrollably.
Demon. She was definitely a demon.
Even someone as experienced as him almost couldn’t resist her charm. Especially when he lowered his gaze slightly and saw the soft, pale skin revealed by her neckline…
She definitely had the figure to back up her confidence. Lu Yiming subconsciously swallowed.
“Pfft…”
His tiny reaction didn’t escape Sister Qian’s eyes.
“Little pervert,” she teased proudly, clearly satisfied with her own allure.
“Come on, we might be close, but you don’t have to forget I’m still a man.”
That move just now was too dangerous—she was playing with fire.
“As if you’d have the guts.” She deliberately straightened up, accentuating her curves.
Lu Yiming raised his hands in surrender.
Around them, the other men could only look on with envy, wishing they were in his place—but alas, no such luck.
Who was Sister Qian, after all? Her bar was under the protection of the city bureau. When it first opened, some idiots had come looking for trouble… and, well, they simply disappeared.
No one dared make a scene here—not even with ten times their courage.