Although Chu Ge didn't like to be too ostentatious, with Wu Hong bowing to him in front of everyone, he really couldn't keep a low profile now even if he wanted to.
Amidst the gazes that had shifted from initial disdain and scorn to shock and admiration, Chu Ge gave Wu Hong a slight smile and said, "Brother Wu, you're too kind. How about we find another place to chat?"
"Sure, I'll follow the master's lead."
At this moment, Wu Hong had no objections whatsoever. He immediately made a gesture of "please," stepped aside, and walked over to his office with Chu Ge.
From Wu Hong's perspective, since Chu Ge had said this, it meant he was going to give him some bartending guidance, which was enough to make Wu Hong feel honored. Since Chu Ge didn't want others to see the bartending process, not revealing one's skills was certainly understandable.
Little did he know, Chu Ge didn't care about this at all and just didn't want Wu Hong to lose face again, standing awkwardly like a novice in front of everyone, asking without shame.
The only person present who could guess Chu Ge's thoughts was Qin Ruoying.
Even though Chu Ge's words and actions were still as casual as always, in her eyes, Chu Ge had become even more distinguished and exceptional—simply too handsome.
In Wu Hong's office, Chu Ge taught him how to make two types of drinks that perfectly matched the rustic style of the bar, one called Wild Summer and the other called Desert Storm. They were both visually impressive when prepared but didn't require a top-tier bartender to make.
Since Wu Hong had obtained the certification of a senior bartender, his skills in this area needed no further elaboration. Plus, with Chu Ge's guidance, it didn't take long for him to master these two drinks thoroughly.
While the two men were discussing the drinks, Qin Ruoying was on the side sipping the Fleeting Clouds that Chu Ge made, watching Chu Ge and Wu Hong mix drinks. Even with the same actions, in her eyes, when performed by Chu Ge, they carried an indescribable elegance and grace.
Once Wu Hong had completely mastered the preparation of these two drinks, he sincerely said to Chu Ge, "Master Chu, thank you so much. It's indeed an honor for me to receive your guidance, Master Chu."
Chu Ge chuckled and shook his head, "Brother Wu, since I call you big brother, you shouldn't call me master anymore. Just call me by my name or Brother Chu. If you keep being so polite, I really won't dare to come to your bar for a drink anymore."
Seeing the two men finish their business talk, Qin Ruoying chuckled and chimed in, "Big brother, you really don't have to take it too seriously. My brother-in-law is easy-going. By the way, can I ask you a question?"
Wu Hong looked at Qin Ruoying, thinking to himself that the little sister-in-law of the master was quite beautiful. He wondered if Master Chu was out drinking with his sister-in-law behind his wife's back.
Of course, Wu Hong naturally wouldn't express these thoughts and instead smiled at Qin Ruoying, quickly nodding, "Please go ahead."
"Brother Wu, I see your bar is named Lido Second. Why did you give your bar such a strange name?"
Wu Hong chuckled awkwardly and explained with a touch of self-deprecation.
"To be honest, when I first returned to Lido, I believed that with my skills, if I claimed to be second in Lido, no one would dare to claim first. But after meeting your brother-in-law and tasting his creations, I realized I was just a frog in a well; compared to your brother-in-law, my skills are really far behind."
"In my view, the drinks your brother-in-law prepares definitely deserve the title of number one in this city. Besides him, I couldn't find another bartender more skilled than myself, so I named this bar Lido Second."
Wu Hong's words were completely sincere. In Encounter Bar back then, he initially had no respect for Chu Ge, which is why he appeared so reluctant to speak.
Even when he took videos of those two cups of cocktails, he didn't have high expectations. However, after tasting and carefully thinking it over, he realized those two drinks were truly exquisite!
Qin Ruoying suddenly understood, and hearing how highly Wu Hong praised Chu Ge's skills made her happier than being praised herself, causing her to giggle, "So that's how it is! Haha, big brother, you are really interesting... huh?"
While giggling, Qin Ruoying suddenly realized something; how did Wu Hong get a chance to taste the drinks prepared by Chu Ge?
With that thought, Qin Ruoying's gaze became more suspicious.
Noticing the change in Qin Ruoying's expression, Chu Ge immediately guessed what she was thinking and couldn't help feeling speechless, further regretting bringing her to this bar. If Wu Hong accidentally slipped out something, wouldn't that cause trouble for him?
Upon hearing Qin Ruoying's "huh," Wu Hong immediately reacted; last time at Encounter Bar, when he met Chu Ge, there was a woman beside Chu Ge. He wasn't sure if the young and beautiful girl at that time was Chu Ge's wife.
While Wu Hong was feeling conflicted, sure enough, Qin Ruoying asked with a peculiar expression, "Brother Wu, you mentioned earlier that you've tasted drinks made by my brother-in-law?"
As she asked, Qin Ruoying's eyes were on Chu Ge, clearly not wanting to give these two men any chance to pull any tricks.
Being stared at by Qin Ruoying like this, Chu Ge couldn't signal Wu Hong in any way and could only sit there as usual, hoping this seemingly disciplined master wouldn't say anything indiscreet.
Wu Hong nodded and explained naturally, "Oh, it's like this; I went to 'Corner' Bar that day and saw your brother-in-law drinking a type of drink at the bar that I had never seen before. Out of curiosity, I went to disturb him a bit, and that's how I got the chance to taste your brother-in-law's creations."
After saying that, Wu Hong glanced at Chu Ge, and Chu Ge immediately chuckled, "Yes, speaking of which, we two indeed had quite a fateful encounter."
"Haha, indeed, but Master Wu, saying it like that is too polite. We're both just people who love drinks; meeting is fate. If you're so formal, I really wouldn't know how to respond."
The two men exchanged a knowing smile, an unspoken understanding between men.
Even though Chu Ge hadn't said or done anything, Wu Hong still managed to turn the "Encounter" bar into the "Corner" bar, and nonchalantly emphasized that Chu Ge was drinking alone.
Chu Ge exhaled in relief, realizing that Wu Hong, who appeared serious, was actually quick-witted.
"Oh, I see."
Qin Ruoying nodded with a smile, finishing her last sip of "Fleeting Clouds," and set the glass down.
Just when Wu Hong thought the matter was settled, she casually asked, "Was the girl pretty?"
"Mm, quite bea... uh? No, no girl at all."
At that moment, Wu Hong had just let his guard down and was relieved when Qin Ruoying asked this. He instinctively replied, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he quickly denied it.
Unfortunately, was there any point in denying it now?
Seeing the mischievous and victorious grin on Qin Ruoying's face, Chu Ge was speechless. How could this girl be so clever and full of tricks?
For a moment there, even he, let alone Wu Hong, had relaxed, not expecting her to suddenly employ such an unexpected move.
"Hehe, big brother, no need to cover for my brother-in-law anymore. Wish you prosperous business, bye-bye."
Qin Ruoying chuckled mischievously, stood up from the sofa, and walked out as the two men were left looking at each other.
Watching Qin Ruoying's retreating figure, Wu Hong felt full of embarrassment and apology. "Master Chu, I... I'm really sorry. Hey! Shall I go help explain this?"
Chu Ge smiled wryly and patted Wu Hong on the shoulder, "It's okay, no need, wish you prosperous business, I'm off."
Leaving Wu Hong's office, Chu Ge walked out of the bar under gazes that were both awkward and admiring, spotting Qin Ruoying already standing beside the Ferrari 458.
Under the night sky, with the luxury car and the beautiful woman, it truly was a picture to make any man's heart race.
Amidst the astonished glances of passersby, Chu Ge unlocked the car, and the two got inside. Qin Ruoying stayed silent, wearing a sly smile, sitting in the passenger seat watching Chu Ge.
After being stared at by Qin Ruoying for a while, Chu Ge scratched his head awkwardly, "Xiaoying, if you want to ask something, just ask. No need to keep staring at me like that, alright?"
Qin Ruoying shook her head with a smile, "Brother-in-law, I trust you, and if a man has no female friends, it only means he's not successful enough. I have nothing to ask."
Qin Ruoying's response once again took Chu Ge by surprise, showing once again her unique approach.
But this was convenient, sparing Chu Ge from having to explain.
"Then why were you staring at me for so long?"
"To admire your handsomeness, of course. I didn't expect you to have such bartending skills. Brother-in-law, you see, I'm so understanding, can't you consider taking me out for an all-nighter? We got so sidetracked I only had one of your 'Fleeting Clouds'; I haven't had enough yet."
Chu Ge broke into a sweat, realizing Qin Ruoying was aiming for this all along, and found his sister-in-law increasingly endearing.
With an ordinary girl, she might have started probing about the earlier topic, accusing him, or using it to bargain.
Yet Qin Ruoying did none of these. She not only displayed enough trust in him but also negotiated the idea of going out in a considerate manner, centering her approach around him.
Spending time with a girl like Qin Ruoying, it's genuinely a delightful experience for any man.
"Let's not pull an all-nighter, but... let's play until we're tired."
Chu Ge smiled at Qin Ruoying and started the car, heading to a bar they'd never visited before. They had a few drinks and then opened a small private room in a KTV to sing some songs.
Before they knew it, the two revelled till midnight before finally heading home, wholly satisfied.
In the elevator, they were still chatting and laughing, but when Chu Ge pulled out his keys and opened the door, Qin Ruoying suddenly realized the lights were on. Qin Ruojing was sitting on the sofa with her arms crossed, and the smile instantly vanished from her face.
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