Chapter 40: A Chance Encounter at the Bar
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Starry Sky Bar.
Inside, hazy lights glittered like scattered stars, mingling with deafening music to create an atmosphere of restless excitement.
Neon lights flickered across the walls, casting a riot of colors that contrasted sharply with the bar’s dark wooden décor.
A mysterious woman wearing a butterfly mask sat beneath the shifting lights. Dressed in a black, form-fitting dress that accentuated her figure, she held a crystal glass so clear it seemed almost weightless, making her especially striking.
She occupied a secluded corner, far from the clamor of the dance floor and the crowd. Her slender fingers tapped lightly against the glass, producing a crisp, melodious chime.
Behind the bar, the bartenders busily mixed an assortment of cocktails. Vivid liquids churned inside the shakers, releasing enticing aromas.
At the center of the dance floor, a group of young men and women swayed to the rhythm. Bathed in the shifting lights, their silhouettes were impossible to ignore.
The woman’s gaze drifted through the noisy bar as though searching for a particular target.
When her eyes finally settled on a man and woman seated not far away, the corner of her mouth lifted in an almost imperceptible smile.
The couple behaved intimately. The man’s hand moved slowly over the woman’s thigh, while his eyes kept wandering toward the surroundings, carrying a hint of curiosity and anticipation.
Suddenly, his gaze met that of the masked woman in the corner. A flash of delight crossed his eyes, as though he had just discovered buried treasure.
The woman quickly looked away, a playful smile curling her lips.
The man leaned toward his companion and whispered a few words in her ear. Though she appeared somewhat displeased, she seemed unwilling to offend the masked woman. She picked up her bag and left the bar with a sway of her hips.
The man glanced around. Only after confirming that no one was paying attention did he lift his glass and stride steadily toward Yun Qiuya.
“May I have the pleasure of getting to know you, beautiful?” the man asked. His voice was deep and magnetic, and his manner conveyed the polish of a gentleman. “I’m a regular here, but I’ve never seen you before. Would I be fortunate enough to make your acquaintance?”
The woman gave him a light glance, the corner of her mouth curling with faint disdain, as though his approach meant nothing to her.
“I’m sorry, but I prefer to enjoy this peace by myself.” Her gaze turned once more toward the dance floor, where the crowd swayed with the music as if cut off from the rest of the world.
The man did not appear discouraged. If anything, he watched Yun Qiuya with even greater interest.
He took a sip of his drink, a teasing smile appearing at the corners of his mouth, as though he were admiring a work of art.
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“That’s a pity. Still, I believe fate is a curious thing. Perhaps we’ll meet again at some unexpected moment.”
Yun Qiuya ignored him and walked toward the dance floor.
As the music swelled, she began to dance. Her movements were graceful and captivating, each one seeming carefully choreographed and perfectly fused with the melody.
She moved through the dance floor like a butterfly in flight, drawing envious and admiring glances from everyone around her.
The man remained in his seat, his eyes following Yun Qiuya intently.
When she returned after dancing, she saw that he was still waiting where she had left him and could not help feeling curious.
“Why haven’t you left yet?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.
The man smiled faintly, drew a business card from his wallet, and respectfully offered it to her.
“I’m Mr. Mo, the founder of a headhunting firm. It’s an honor to meet such a unique lady. I hope we can become friends.”
Yun Qiuya pinched the card delicately between two fingers and studied the information printed on it.
At last, a smile appeared on her face, as though she had seen through the secret hidden behind the card.
“Oh, Mr. Mo—the founder of a headhunting firm! Please forgive my earlier disrespect.”
Seeing this, the man secretly congratulated himself, convinced that she had taken an interest in him.
“Would you be willing to do me the honor of having dinner with me?” he asked tentatively.
The woman gave a soft laugh and placed the card back on the table with elegant composure.
“There’s no need for dinner. However, if you’re willing, Mr. Mo, we could talk about your headhunting firm.”
A flicker of delight crossed Mr. Mo’s eyes, though he quickly regained his composure.
“Oh? What would you like to know?”
The woman lightly patted his shoulder, signaling for him to sit down.
Then she spoke slowly, her voice as soothing as a gently flowing stream.
“Mr. Mo, I know you’re a clever man, so I won’t beat around the bush. I’d like you to help me find someone.”
Surprise flashed through his eyes.
But he quickly recovered and smiled.
“Oh? Is that all? No problem. I, Mo, am a well-known figure in this industry. As long as that person is still in this city, I can certainly find him for you.”
The woman smiled with satisfaction.
She lightly patted the back of his hand and said in an even gentler voice, “That’s wonderful, Mr. Mo. You truly are my savior. Once this is done, I’ll make sure to repay you properly.”
The bar’s lights were dim and hazy, while brilliant colors danced across the walls, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Low music echoed through the air.
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The woman’s words sent the man into a daze of infatuation. He took another drink and waited for her next move.
She pulled a portrait from her bag and placed it gently on the table.
The portrait showed two men, one plump and the other thin, both with distinctive features.
The man glanced at the picture. Confusion immediately filled his eyes, and he shook his head, his tone firm.
“That concerns a client’s privacy. I can’t reveal anything about a client. Those are our rules.” His voice was deep and forceful.
The woman laughed softly, her smile as fleeting and beautiful as a flower that blooms for only a moment.
She swiftly tucked the portrait back into her bag. A trace of disappointment and displeasure flickered in her eyes. Rising to her feet, she said coldly, “You wanted to get to know me, yet you can’t show even the slightest sincerity. Perhaps I’m better off not knowing a friend like you.”
With that, she turned to leave.
As she stood, her fair legs appeared and disappeared beneath her black stockings, slender and alluring, like a work of art that commanded the eye.
The man sprang to his feet and hurried after her, blocking her path with a broad grin.
“I’m the founder of this place. I make the rules. If you want to know something, that isn’t difficult. As for the two men in the portrait you just showed me—I know who they are, but their whereabouts are extremely well hidden. If you truly want to know where they are, surely you understand what you need to do, don’t you?”
His eyes roamed over her body.
The woman looked into his reddened eyes, the corner of her mouth lifting in a playful smile.
She stepped forward of her own accord and pressed herself against him. Then she brought her lips close to his ear and whispered, “Tomorrow night. Room 513 at Dreamspace. Don’t be late.”
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving behind a captivating silhouette.
The man watched her disappear, the smile on his face growing brighter, his eyes filled with smugness and anticipation.
Just then, the bartender approached him and quietly warned, “Mr. Mo, you should still be careful. This woman appeared at the bar only a few days ago, and no one knows who she is. She wears a mask every time she comes in. I’m afraid she may have ulterior motives.”
Mr. Mo waved dismissively.
“Who do you think I am? I’m the founder of a headhunting firm! Finding out who she is will be easy. I’ll know by tomorrow. Besides, I’ve long since grown tired of those women who practically throw themselves at me every day. This woman is much more interesting.”
The bartender shook his head helplessly, turned his gaze toward the bottles and glasses behind the counter, and returned to work.
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