Chapter Fifteen: Hunting for Love in the Bar

Chen Tianyu planned to wander once more along the bar street near the Jade River, convinced that he might discover some useful clues there. Liu Zichen shared his intention. This time, however, she deliberately disguised herself: a wide-brimmed hat, a scarf draped around her shoulders, and a pair of rimless glasses masking her face. She had considered simply wearing a mask, but realized hardly anyone did so on the streets; such a conspicuous look would only draw attention, which was undesirable.

Fortunately, the southwestern weather was turning cold, so dressing warmly was perfectly reasonable.

Over the course of two days, they visited numerous bars, including several dance clubs they weren't accustomed to, their heads reeling from the thundering music, yet their efforts yielded little. Though some handsome men and beautiful women seemed wild and energetic, they remained generally well-behaved. Occasionally, Liu Zichen and Chen Tianyu spotted couples frequenting quiet bars or dance clubs, but without any transgressive behavior, it was impossible to discern whether they were fleeting lovers or genuinely dating.

Besides, their investigation was limited to discreet observation amid entertainment; it would be inappropriate to approach strangers directly—such an act could easily result in the police being called, a situation fraught with embarrassment.

Ultimately, it was Chen Tianyu who first abandoned this aimless approach. His reasoning was simple: even if they stayed for a month, without luck, it would be difficult to uncover anything meaningful.

He even joked to himself: “Unless we split up and personally go undercover, employing a bait-and-catch method to get close to those who frequent bars, it’d be hard not just to investigate, but even to meet anyone.”

Thinking back, in this unfamiliar city, apart from knowing Qi Mei, Meng Ge, and Xiaoxue, only Xiao Su remained, whose background was still a mystery. Thus, they decided to set aside their prejudices and revisit the bar they frequented before, hoping for a stroke of luck, since it was there that they had first crossed paths.

Would this unexpectedly successful entertainment reporter return again?

---

This time, Chen Tianyu and Liu Zichen arrived a bit later. The band was already playing when they entered the bar, the atmosphere lively. Liu Zichen worried they wouldn't find seats, but luckily a group left early, allowing them to secure a spot.

Still, they were disappointed; Xiao Su was nowhere to be seen, and the place was packed. In normal circumstances, Xiao Su would likely choose another bar. Liu Zichen suggested contacting him directly, but Chen Tianyu preferred to wait a bit longer. Since they’d be staying in the city for a few more days, there was no rush—if nothing turned up, it wouldn’t be too late to reach out.

Chen Tianyu was also concerned that Xiao Su might be deliberately avoiding them because of his secret reporting of false news.

Though they changed tables, they ordered the same two cocktails as before—none tasted particularly good, so they chose the discounted ones. Today, Liu Zichen also brought some local yak jerky, with a unique flavor and variety: fully dried, semi-dried, and moist. The two savored the treat, delighting in their meal. The band’s performance was excellent, the songs pleasant, and the bar was filled with waves of cheers, making them almost forget their purpose.

This was the nightlife of the city of amorous encounters, invigorating, with hormones saturating the air. Not only were the men drunkenly rambling, but several fashionable, radiant women swayed and lost themselves in the music.

From time to time, glances were exchanged between men and women, sparks of romance flickering in the air.

Chen Tianyu and Liu Zichen shared a look as well, but what they saw in each other's eyes was mostly joy. Perhaps it was only now, at this very moment, that they both glimpsed the most ordinary daily life and felt the most genuine stirrings of the heart.

Suddenly, Liu Zichen whispered, “Hey, look—who’s that?”

Chen Tianyu turned toward the entrance, seeing a man and a woman standing there, the man scanning the bar as if searching for a seat, while the woman stood beside him, arms crossed, exuding a cold aloofness. To their delight, the man was none other than Xiao Su, whom they had searched for in vain, and the woman, about thirty years old and dressed in a red gown, seemed strangely familiar to Chen Tianyu, as if he’d seen her somewhere before.

The pair lingered at the door for less than a minute. Failing to find a seat, Xiao Su quickly led the woman in the red dress away. They walked side by side, but without any obvious intimacy, making it impossible to guess their relationship.

“See, she’s not the same girl we saw last time,” Liu Zichen mused.

Chen Tianyu chuckled, “Switched companions so quickly—he’s certainly fortunate in romance. This time, the girl seems older than him, much more mature, but her presence is remarkable.”

“Envious, aren’t you?... Wait!” Liu Zichen’s face suddenly showed surprise.

Chen Tianyu turned back, took a sip of his drink, and frowned, “What is it? Why so startled?”

Liu Zichen hesitated, “That woman—it looks like... she’s the Lady Aviator. Why would she be with Xiao Su?!...”

“Lady Aviator?” Chen Tianyu quickly caught on. “No wonder she seemed familiar—my mind just couldn’t place her.”

Liu Zichen nodded, “She was heavily made up on stage at the Mu Mansion, with a painted mask. If I hadn’t been up there myself, a quick glance wouldn’t have been enough. But her expression just now reminded me—the killer look in her eyes, yes, it’s definitely her.”

“Agreed,” Chen Tianyu said. “Even though she wore ancient costume and a cape, her tall, proportionate figure stood out among all the women. Her appearance was brief, but she left a deep impression.”

Liu Zichen shot him a glance, “Men just love a good figure—hungry ghosts for beauty.”

Chen Tianyu smiled wryly, “You’re always nitpicking... Stay here, I’ll follow them and see what’s going on. I’m growing more interested in Xiao Su.” Without waiting for her reply, he strode out the bar door.

---

About half an hour later, Chen Tianyu rushed back to the bar, his face somewhat dejected.

“Couldn't catch up?” Liu Zichen asked, recalling that Xiao Su had left just moments before, and Chen Tianyu had gone out in pursuit almost immediately. How could he not catch up?

Chen Tianyu spoke softly, “I suspect he noticed us earlier and deliberately avoided me. I’m unfamiliar with this street—if he really wanted to lose me, it would be easy.”

“So you’re saying Xiao Su must have something to hide, which is why he won’t meet us,” Liu Zichen said angrily.

Chen Tianyu nodded, “Most likely.”

Just then, a bartender passed by. Chen Tianyu asked where the restroom was. The bartender explained that space was precious here; only a public toilet was available, a bit of a walk from the bar. Chen Tianyu, feeling the urge, excused himself to Liu Zichen and left.

Liu Zichen turned back to enjoy the music, though her mind was elsewhere.

Two or three minutes later, a familiar face suddenly appeared in Liu Zichen’s line of sight. Her pupils contracted—it was Xiao Su, the very person Chen Tianyu had just lost. Liu Zichen suppressed her astonishment, feigning calm, as she watched Xiao Su approach her, his steps uneven.

“Move aside!” Xiao Su pushed past a server, his eyes dazed. The server, used to drunken customers, moved away without protest.

Liu Zichen’s confusion deepened. Xiao Su had been perfectly normal moments ago; how had he become so intoxicated so quickly? Had he downed several bottles of spirits?

“Sis... what a coincidence, meeting you here again...” Xiao Su slurred.

Liu Zichen was taken aback, keeping silent, unsure if Xiao Su was talking to her.

Seeing no response, Xiao Su staggered closer, bracing himself on her table.

“So soon... you don’t recognize me anymore? Sis...” Xiao Su hiccupped loudly. Liu Zichen frowned, suddenly noticing that the smell of alcohol on him was not strong.

Adjusting her glasses, she replied calmly, “You must be mistaken.”

“How could I... even if you turned to ashes, I’d still recognize you... Xiaoli.” Xiao Su seemed weak, leaning against the table, a greedy look on his face.

Liu Zichen replied coldly, “I’m sorry, sir, but I don’t know you, and my name isn’t Xiaoli. Please leave me alone.” Anxiety gnawed at her, unable to guess Xiao Su’s intention.

Xiao Su squinted, scrutinizing Liu Zichen up and down, saying nothing for a moment. Nearby tables sensed something amiss, sneaking glances over, but they remained cautious—tourists, most likely. Regulars seemed uninterested, absorbed in the music.

“What are you staring at? Don’t you know I’m talking to my girlfriend?” Xiao Su suddenly snapped at the crowd, who quickly looked away.

Satisfied, Xiao Su turned back to Liu Zichen, “Xiaoli, stop being mad at me... Don’t make a scene, okay?...”

As he spoke, he grabbed Liu Zichen’s delicate hand, startling her—she shook him off and stood up. Xiao Su, undeterred, pressed forward, brushing her face with his hand, which infuriated her. For the first time, she encountered such behavior.

She raised her hand and slapped Xiao Su across the face, leaving him stunned.

“Sir, if you continue this behavior, I’ll call the police!” Liu Zichen said, keeping her composure.

Oddly, Xiao Su showed no sign of fear, attempting again to seize her hand. Luckily, Chen Tianyu returned from the restroom, rushed over and pulled Liu Zichen away. He glanced at Xiao Su’s strange demeanor, realizing what must have happened.

Just as Chen Tianyu was about to explode, Xiao Su winked at him. Liu Zichen quietly gestured to Chen Tianyu as well, keeping close so no one else would notice.

Suddenly, Xiao Su seemed to regain his senses. He clasped his hands in apology. “Sorry... sorry, brother. I mistook her for someone else—my sincerest apologies...”

He retreated, as if fearing Chen Tianyu might hit him.

Chen Tianyu glanced at Liu Zichen. She flipped her hair and said loudly, “I’m fine.” On her left palm, she held a piece of black crystalline material, but she showed it only to Chen Tianyu.

He nodded, understanding. Liu Zichen put her hand in her pocket, pretending nothing had happened.

Pointing at Xiao Su, Chen Tianyu shouted angrily, “You bastard, don’t let me see you again!”

“Yes, yes!” Xiao Su hurried out, eliciting a round of laughter from the crowd.