Chapter 11: Persona non Grata

He leaned in closer, slightly closer than a stranger would, but not yet dangerously close, “Would you like to go see the wine cellar? It’s the biggest private wine cellar in the area. There will be a tour later and five guests will be invited for the whole venue. Are you interested?”

I looked up, “Are you the boss?”

“One of the bosses,” he said.

I lowered my eyes and opened my purse to pay the bill. The wary fear sudden trust without reason.

He pushed the banknotes back, “There really is an event at the bar tonight. Don’t rush to leave yet, stay a while longer, you won’t be disappointed.”

“What event?” I asked.

“There’s a mystery box tonight. I can’t tell you the contents ahead of time, it has to be mysterious,” he raised his eyebrows.

Good-looking people tend to be somewhat narcissistic and arrogant, believing they can seduce anyone. Perhaps he thought he was seducing me, and I was willing to let him believe he had taken the initiative to seduce me.

I put the banknotes on the table back into my bag.

He smiled happily. A man in his forties truly at the peak of his charm. He gestured for the waiter to bring another drink and placed it in front of me, “Do me a favor and try this. The bar is planning on using it for an event next month.”

He spoke enthusiastically, his tone sincere, as if we were old friends.

I was about to pick up the glass when a hand reached over and pressed down on it.

It was Song Qi.

My breath hitched for a moment.

“Sorry I’m late,” Song Qi looked at me and said, “I kept you waiting for a long time didn’t I. Is this your friend?”

He turned his head and looked at the man across from us, “May I ask who you are?”

“My surname is Bo, Bo Rongqi. Welcome to Ben Se Bar,” he said.

Bo Rongqi, 44 years old, married, was once a high school intern teacher. The year he was an intern, my sister was in 10th grade.

In his 7th month interning, my sister committed suicide.

In his 9th month, the court ruling came down.

Defendant Bo Rongqi, not guilty of rape. The defendant and victim engaged in voluntary sexual relations. The public prosecution has insufficient evidence that the defendant committed rape, the charges do not stand, the defendant is released on site.

...

I picked up the glass and drank it all in one go. The wine was too bitter, no need to keep any more. Today’s plans had changed, I put away the cash, it was time for me to go.

It would be best if Song Qi followed me and didn’t chat more, in case he inadvertently revealed information about me.

I heard him following me. Just as we were about to exit the hotel, I stopped and turned back again to look at Bo Rongqi, giving him a faint smile and nod goodbye.

Song Qi pulled my arm and I followed him out. I would need a reasonable explanation for tonight.

“How did you end up here?” Song Qi asked.

I looked at him, “I can’t come here?”

He frowned, “I didn’t mean that, I just didn’t expect to run into you here. Don’t you usually stay home?”

“Then what are you doing here?” I asked.

“That bar we went to last time, Amnesia Bar, my brother and I run it, so I come here to hang out 7-8 days out of 10,” he said.

Hanging out here 7-8 days out of 10, you really do have an active nightlife.

I sighed imperceptibly.

Song Qi wanted to take me back to the dorms but I declined. I hadn’t prepared for anyone from the hospital, including him, to see me in these clothes.

“Song Qi, can you help me with something?” I asked.

“Anything you need,” Song Qi straightened his back.

“Song Qi, if possible, can you please keep what happened today a secret?” I said with a smile.

“Was that guy...were you on a blind date?” Song Qi asked.

“No, he was a stranger,” I replied.

Well, at least today’s events let me know I can’t make a move in this bar. I would need to change my plan.