Longdu, a bustling and modern city by the East China Sea, has stood tall on the Chinese landscape for many years, witnessing countless changes in the world, as clouds roll and unfurl.
On this midsummer evening, the city of Longdu, having shed its superficial glamour, gradually becomes more tranquil. The setting sun dispels the thick dust of the day, casting a soft golden hue over the towering skyscrapers.
After a long day spent chasing wealth, people begin a different kind of life, seeking new experiences and excitement in the vibrant city.
In the quiet and elegant lakeside of Chunhu, there is a bar called Yilanqingmi (Confused Emotions). Its location could be described as somewhat remote, yet it remains one of the most famous bars in the city.
If one doesn't look carefully, it's hard to distinguish the bar from the surrounding elegant European-style buildings.
The name "Yilanqingmi" is enough to intrigue anyone, but it's only after tasting its uniquely crafted cocktails that one can truly appreciate its understated, mysterious charm.
As night falls, the bar is already filled with people from all walks of life. Many of them even choose to forgo a date with their lovers just to savor a cocktail they particularly enjoy.
Watching the bartender expertly pour liquid into crystal-clear cocktail shakers, the air itself seems to hum with a lazy rhythm, the scent of the cocktails seducing the senses before a sip is even taken.
A shiny Audi Q7 slowly pulls up to the entrance of the bar. A long, slender, snow-white leg extends from the car, and the red high heels land gracefully on the ground.
A gust of night wind playfully lifts the hem of her black, waist-cinching evening dress, blowing her hair loose and adding a touch of seductive allure that causes many passersby to stop and stare.
She instinctively adjusts her skirt before walking slowly into the bar, where a waiter greets her with a bright smile, escorting her to the best seat at the bar.
This seat had been left vacant until her arrival, clearly reserved for her. From here, one can get a full view of the bar and enjoy the picturesque view of the spring lake outside.
Even regular patrons of the bar wouldn't necessarily know that this beautiful woman is the owner of Yilanqingmi—her name is Dingxiang (丁香, "Lilac").
She sits quietly, her graceful posture captivating the attention of all who see her. Her delicate fingers gently tap the bar, while the other rests on her chin. Her rose-petal lips part slightly, giving off an air of mystery and allure. In her moist eyes, there's a glint of sharpness that few men possess.
In addition to being the owner of the bar, Dingxiang is also one of Longdu's top sommeliers. It is said that she can distinguish a hundred different cocktail ingredients with her eyes closed and identify the brand and age of a hundred types of whiskey just by the scent.
That's why people often say that Dingxiang's taste buds and nose are worth more than the bar itself.
Every evening, she comes to her bar, tastes a drink, and gives feedback for improvement. Thanks to such a professional owner, the cocktails at Yilanqingmi are renowned for being peerless, unmatched by any other.
"Boss, what would you like to try today?"
A well-dressed waiter walks over with respect, bowing slightly to his esteemed boss.
"A Virgin cocktail, please."
The waiter smiles faintly, signaling to a bartender behind the bar.
Before Dingxiang arrived, this bartender had been standing humbly in the corner, smiling as he observed the patrons of the bar, but it's rare for anyone to order a drink made by him.
He only prepares three drinks a day.
While most patrons choose their bartender, this one is different.
The bartender takes a transparent cocktail shaker, quickly preparing his first drink of the day, which is also the most important one for him.
Soon, various spirits are poured into the shaker in order, followed by a filter and sealed with a cap. The shaker, made of transparent crystal, allows everyone to see the changing color of the liquid inside as it's being mixed.
With fluid and skilled movements, and a calm, confident expression, the bartender creates a spectacle as the liquor in his hands seems to shimmer like flames, captivating the onlookers.
The dark red liquid is poured into an exquisite martini glass, instantly filling the bar with an alluring scent.
Some people can't help but exclaim, "It smells amazing!"
But most are so lost in the fragrance that they forget to clap or voice their admiration.
While all eyes are on the bartender, his focus is on Dingxiang.
Dingxiang holds the glass, narrowing her eyes as she quietly observes the settling cocktail. She holds it close to her nose and takes a small sip, letting the liquid move freely on her tongue, her face lighting up as she smiles and simply says, "Very good."
Her approval, given in just two words, makes the bartender ecstatic. For him, these two words are more valuable than gold.
"That's not a Virgin," a voice interrupts, its tone sharp yet not too loud.
Dingxiang furrows her brow and looks in the direction of the sound. A young man, dressed in worn and dirty clothes, is sitting at the bar, casually picking at his feet. His surroundings are empty, and the people nearby wrinkle their noses and mutter in disgust, some even cursing, "Where did this guy come from, some construction worker?"
The man turns to face her, scratching his messy hair, his other hand reaching into his shirt to rub at the dirt on his chest. He's smoking a cigarette, and through the smoke, his dull eyes reveal nothing but disdain.
He jumps down from his seat and casually says, "I just crawled out from between the rocks!"
The waiter is about to reprimand him, but Dingxiang gestures for him to stop, and the waiter looks at her with a confused expression.
No one has ever dared to criticize the cocktails at Yilanqingmi, nor insult her drinks, because they simply aren't worthy. But tonight, after hearing nothing but compliments, Dingxiang finds herself intrigued by this man's sudden insult.
"So, you're saying the drink is bad, or that the bartender and I aren't skilled enough?"
"Well, uh… you're a woman, so I figure you're the best judge. You tell me, does this drink taste like a Virgin?" He picks up the glass with the same hand he had been picking his feet with, takes a sip, then frowns and says, "It's nothing special. I'd rather have some cheap liquor from the corner store."