Chapter 153 - Give the Singer a Commission (1/2)

In the evening, at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe…

Suddenly, a significant number of people entered the ordinarily quiet and deserted internet cafe. Many young people came in groups of threes and fives to the internet cafe. Other people remained outside, observing and confirming that this was the right place, before pushing the door open.

“Are you sure this is the place? How come there isn’t even a sign?”

“That’s right, this is it.” “What are the rows of computers here for?’

“This isn’t just a bar; you can surf the net here, too.”

“Surf the net…? Why wouldn’t I go to an internet cafe for that? I’m here to drink alcohol.”

“You can also drink alcohol. The cocktails here are much better than ordinary bars. We came here mainly to listen to music! Listen to music!”

“Is it really that good?”

“The resident singer is just different from those in other bars. Just have a listen, and you’ll understand.”

A few young people pushed the door open and entered. The waiters immediately put on smiles and led them to their seats. After handing them the wet hand towels, they courteously asked them for their orders.

Among this group of people, the liveliest was a trendy-looking, young lady. After everyone ordered their drinks, she excitedly explained to the group how she found a treasure like this.

“Do you know how I discovered this place?

“Actually, I passed by this place before. However, when I scanned the menu, I realized that the items sold in here are very expensive. There were very few people in here as well so I decided not to enter.

“When I passed by this place by chance last week, I heard someone singing! I had just gotten off work at the time. I stood outside, listening for a while, before entering. I ordered a drink and listened all the way until the singer ended for the night!

“It was very good. What’s more, he doesn’t try to hype the crowd up. He’s just plain and leisurely. There’s also a bit of melancholy to him. Coupled with the drinks, the atmosphere makes me feel very emotional.

“After coming here several times, I discovered that although this place is expensive, the service is particularly good. All the waiters take very good care of the customers. You don’t even need to shout; all it takes is one glance in their direction, and they will make their way over at once. It’s very comfortable!”

Someone interrupted, “Is that true? Do the waiters know how to read minds?”

The young lady cast a sideways glance at him and said, “Of course, it’s not mind-reading. This just shows that they’re very responsible in doing their job. They keep an eye on the customers the entire time. They notice even the slightest movements and expressions of their customers; once they realize that the customer needs assistance, they would make their way over.

“What’s more, the waiters here do not waste time spouting nonsense. They would not recommend drinks to you or ask you to become a member. They’re very polite. Subsequently, I came here even in the day. I ordered coffee and read books and still felt very satisfied.

“Don’t be anxious; the singer will appear very soon.

“His name is Chen Lei. I heard that he lives nearby. After graduating from high school, he did not study anymore. Instead, he stayed at home and focused on music. I don’t know how this shop managed to dig such a talent out. Quick, look on stage! He’s here, he’s here!”

Chen Lei was holding onto his guitar as he walked up the stage. Applause and cheers could immediately be heard coming from the audience. A girl even shouted, “Chen Lei, I love you!”

Chen Lei blushed. He adjusted his microphone and strummed his guitar a couple of times, acting like he had not heard the confession. There was a low giggle coming from off-stage. There were no pleasantries or greetings. He did not even bother getting familiar with the audience. Chen Lei was not good with words.

He cleared his throat and then began strumming as he sang into the microphone

“The light is out. The moon is the eye of loneliness, looking quietly for people who are having difficulty sleeping[1]…”

A pleasant melody echoed throughout the internet cafe. The audience off-stage sipped their cocktails and quietly basked in this atmosphere.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It’s so different from the original version, but its flavor is so similar.”

“Chen Lei is like this. No matter what he sings, he injects his own style. It is particularly relaxing, and yet on closer inspection, you would realize that you feel a bit sad.”

“It’s great.”

A slightly-aged man took a sip of his alcohol and looked out of the glass panel, into the dimly-lit outdoors. One could only imagine the kind of memories such lighting dug up in his mind. All of a sudden, he looked at the glass of alcohol in his hands in confusion.

“What’s the matter?” His female partner asked.

The man took another sip.

“This alcohol… is real?”

The lady scoffed and said, “Are you spouting nonsense? This place has a real business license. Could they possibly sell fake alcohol to cheat you?”

The man shook his head. “You don’t understand. Many bars these days put fake alcohol in the branded bottles. Alcohol that costs hundreds of yuan is poured out into empty bottles while alcohol that costs about a hundred to two hundred yuan takes its place. Once they are made into cocktails, how many people would be able to tell?

“This is not considered fake alcohol; they are just cheaper alternatives. Fake alcohol will go to your head, and you might even get sent to the hospital after drinking them. However, cheap alternatives would only leave a slightly different taste in your mouth. They will end up in your stomach all the same.”

His lady partner did not seem to believe him. “Are you able to tell?”

The man laughed. “Of course. Alcohol that costs a few hundred yuan and alcohol that costs a hundred to two hundred yuan… they might all be alcohol, but they taste different. Otherwise, why would people spend all that extra money?

“People who know a bit about alcohol would be able to tell the difference.”

He gently swayed the glass in his hands and then looked at Chen Lei, who was singing on stage. “This place is quite interesting. We can ask a couple of old friends to come here one day.”