Chapter 15: The Bar

Compared to first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, the nightlife market in Luzhong City is incomparable in both scale and sophistication.

In first-tier cities, top-tier bars such as Shanghai’s Bar Rouge, Chengdu’s Helens, or Beijing’s Lan Club easily see nightly expenditures reaching tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of yuan.

Although Shangmei positions itself as a top-tier establishment, being located in Luzhong City means its consumption level and clientele are relatively limited.

An S-seat has a minimum spend of 8,000 yuan, which deters the vast majority of local customers; regular patrons are mostly second-generation wealthy heirs, successful entrepreneurs, or a few high-spending visitors from other cities.

Within this environment, Li Yan’s presence stands out as particularly special.

Though young, his spending power and consistent visits have made Shangmei regard him with special attention.

Especially in Liu Tianze’s eyes, Li Yan is not only a premium client but potentially a long-term, high-value patron.

As such, Liu Tianze maintains a respectful yet naturally friendly attitude toward Li Yan—neither overly enthusiastic nor cold.

The bar’s music grew more intense with the surging crowd, multicolored lights swirling on the ceiling, casting a dreamlike glow over the entire hall.

As Li Yan and his group stepped into Shangmei, the rich aroma of alcohol mingled with a faint whiff of tobacco wafted over them.

Liu Tianze stayed steadily by Li Yan’s side, leading the group through the lively main area toward the core S-seat.

Just as they approached the seat, two slender figures gracefully approached.

“Xiaomei, Yueyue,” Li Yan smiled faintly, his eyes calm and untroubled. He was very familiar with these two.

Xiaomei and Yueyue carried a fresh, delicate fragrance as they hurried forward.

Both wore well-tailored yet alluring fashionable outfits—one in a cropped top revealing a slender, pale waist paired with fitted jeans; the other in a camisole and short skirt, her long legs dazzling under the lights.

“Brother Yan, you’re here!” Yueyue smiled sweetly, naturally linking her arm with Li Yan’s left one. “Long time no see; let’s have a great time tonight!”

Not to be outdone, Xiaomei gently hooked her right arm around Li Yan’s other arm, her eyes playful and coquettish. “Why did it take you so long to come this time? Tell me, did you meet some new girl outside and forget about us?”

Li Yan maintained his warm smile, casually scanning the two before speaking with a somewhat detached tone, “Busy with exams, no time to come here. Enough, don’t pester me—I have important matters.”

Xiaomei and Yueyue were well acquainted with Li Yan. Two years ago, when Li Yan was just a sophomore, he had brought along a freshman girl to Shangmei for the first time.

Back then, the girl was pure and adorable, clearly nervous in such an environment, while Li Yan calmly arranged the S-seat and even asked Xiaomei and Yueyue to help set the mood.

That night, Xiaomei and Yueyue witnessed Li Yan’s spending power and sensed his poised and effortless demeanor.

Both had entertained some thoughts about the young man, but later realized that no matter how they hinted or approached, Li Yan remained indifferent.

Especially after learning that Li Yan’s “target” was always the top beauties at school—those pure yet spirited high school girls.

Though confident in their own beauty, Xiaomei and Yueyue knew they did not fit Li Yan’s aesthetic.

Still, Li Yan was not stingy with them; every visit, his tips were generous, often surpassing those of other customers.

Tonight, Xiaomei and Yueyue immediately recognized Li Yan’s “target.”

That slightly aloof yet captivating girl—Shen Qingyue—caught their attention from the moment she appeared.

Exchanging a knowing glance, the two understood their roles: not only to enliven the atmosphere but also to cover for Li Yan, diverting attention from him.

“Brother Yan, rest assured, we’ll make sure everyone has a good time,” Yueyue said with a light, teasing smile, cleverly positioning herself beside Shen Qingyue.

Xiaomei naturally stood next to Liu Yuting, casually handing her a mixed drink to brighten the mood.

Li Yan showed little interest in their actions.

He knew their thoughts about him but also knew they didn’t meet his standards.

His standards were clear: purity combined with spirit—a stunning yet unconventional beauty that Xiaomei and Yueyue could never reach.

To Li Yan, these two were more like excellent collaborators in his endeavors, perfect for setting the tone and managing social dynamics.

His gaze subtly landed on Shen Qingyue, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

Tonight’s focus was unmistakable.

The S-seat at Shangmei was located at the heart of the venue, offering an excellent vantage point with gentle, non-intrusive lighting and a partial view overlooking the bustling dance floor.

Upon entering the seat, comfortable sofas and neatly arranged glass tables came into view, already set with basic fruit platters and snacks.

A waiter stood respectfully nearby, awaiting Li Yan’s instructions.

After sitting, Li Yan casually glanced over the table setting and nodded slightly.

Soft light played across his face, highlighting his calm and composed expression.

He turned slightly and quietly said to the waiter, “Start with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, add a bottle of Hennessy VSOP, and a few bottles of Budweiser. Make sure there’s plenty of backup drinks and ice.”

The waiter promptly recorded the order, adding, “Understood, Brother Yan. Would you like the bartender to recommend some special cocktails tonight?”

Li Yan looked up thoughtfully, then asked Shen Qingyue and Liu Yuting, “Do you have any preferred drinks? Or shall I just order something casual?”

Shen Qingyue hesitated briefly before softly replying, “Anything is fine—I don’t know much about alcohol. You decide.”

Liu Yuting smiled with a hint of reserve and nodded in agreement, “Yes, you decide. I’ll follow your lead.”

Li Yan smiled gently and turned back to the waiter, “Then have the bartender prepare two light, fruity cocktails, suitable for ladies.”

No need to make a big splash at the start; progress must be gradual.

After placing the order, Li Yan added, “Also, bring a bottle of champagne—start with Veuve Clicquot.”

His tone was natural, unhurried, as if he had long been confident in these choices.

The entire process was neither ostentatious nor hesitant, giving the impression he was well accustomed to such occasions.

A bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label retails for about 2,000 yuan, with the bar price around 8,000 yuan.

A bottle of Hennessy VSOP costs roughly 600 yuan retail and nearly 3,000 yuan in the bar.

Veuve Clicquot champagne retails for about 1,500 yuan, doubling to around 3,000 yuan in the bar.

Xiaomei and Yueyue stood nearby, skillfully preparing the glassware, pouring juice, and fetching ice with smooth, effortless movements.

They understood Li Yan’s arrangement perfectly: it was neither overly extravagant nor lacking in class and taste.