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"Then I'm entrusting the title track of my new album to you."
Shu Jing stood before a white Maserati, a small purse slung over her shoulder, and smiled at Lu Chen. "Once I get back, I'll put in a good word for you with Fei'er. Even if you get up to no good in Hong Kong, I'll turn a blind eye."
Lu Chen, at a loss for words, could only manage, "Thank you so much, Sister Jing!"
Though in her thirties, Shu Jing joked around like someone much younger, a clear sign of her genuine appreciation and fondness for Lu Chen—a prerequisite for true friendship.
"Goodbye."
Shu Jing laughed, waved casually as she would to a close friend, then turned and slid into the car.
Lu Chen watched Shu Jing's Maserati drive off, disappearing into the rolling sea of traffic down the long street.
Turning to Li Zhen, he said, "Let's go too."
Li Zhen hesitated for a moment before asking, "Boss, it's still early. Would you like me to take you out to explore Hong Kong's night markets? Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, is particularly lively at night."
Hong Kongers, especially young people, are avid night owls. Except for a few male otaku, most stay out late. Coupled with the tens of millions of tourists who flood Hong Kong annually, this has created a thriving night market culture.
Lu Chen had long heard of Hong Kong's famous night markets and found the idea tempting. But after a moment's thought, he decided to forget about it.
Exploring a night market alone wouldn't be much fun.
Even with Li Zhen accompanying him, she was, after all, just his assistant.
Refusing to give up, Li Zhen, assuming Lu Chen was worried about the noise and crowds, suggested, "If you don't like night markets, let's go to Lan Kwai Fong. The bars there are unique, and there are always lots of foreigners."
Compared to Temple Street in Kowloon's Yau Ma Tei, Lu Chen undoubtedly knew more about the bars in Lan Kwai Fong. Although this was his first time in Hong Kong, he had long heard of Lan Kwai Fong's legendary reputation.
Back when Lu Chen used to frequent Daylily Bar, he had met a vagabond singer from Hong Kong who performed in Lan Kwai Fong. The singer had shared many stories about the place, painting a vivid picture that deeply resonated with Lu Chen.
At the time, Lu Chen had genuinely longed to visit.
Li Zhen's suggestion inevitably stirred up his memories and emotions. "Then let's go to Lan Kwai Fong," he agreed.
The overjoyed assistant, finally getting her way, exclaimed, "Great!"
Lan Kwai Fong, located in Central, is an L-shaped uphill alleyway. Its name, derived from the phrase "Lan Gui Teng Fang" (Fragrant Orchids Ascend), signifies its status as a mid-to-high-end dining and entertainment district, home to numerous bars and restaurants. Popular among the middle class, expatriates, and tourists alike, it has become one of Hong Kong's iconic tourist destinations.
The drive from the Shangri-La Hotel to Lan Kwai Fong took only five minutes. After parking underground, Lu Chen and Li Zhen strolled into the renowned street on foot.
Stepping into Lan Kwai Fong, the atmosphere immediately shifted from Central's formality. The cobblestone-paved lane exuded European charm, lined with bars and restaurants. Ornate streetlights and illuminated signs cast a unique glow, enhancing the vibrant ambiance.
Most bars here open from noon until 2 AM or even later, with English, Australian, and even Japanese karaoke lounges serving snacks all day. As night falls, Hong Kong's young and trendy crowd flocks here to socialize, infusing Lan Kwai Fong with youthful energy and vitality.
Li Zhen, a regular at Lan Kwai Fong, spoke knowledgeably about the area.
"It's relatively quiet now, but during holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, when Lan Kwai Fong hosts street carnivals, this place becomes one of the liveliest spots in Hong Kong. It's so packed you can barely move, and foreign tourists flood in!"
Along the way, Lu Chen noticed many foreigners in small groups of two or three, standing by the bar entrances or along the streets, chatting quietly, laughing, or simply admiring the people and scenery.
Li Zhen suggested, "Boss, let's go to La Dolce Vita 97. They have free live performances every night—saxophone, guitar sing-alongs, and energetic dancing. I've been there with friends many times."
"La Dolce Vita?" Lu Chen found the name appealing. "Sounds good. Let's go there."
La Dolce Vita 97 was no different in essence from the other bars in Lan Kwai Fong. It was an English-style pub with a trendy vibe, uniquely decorated without being ostentatious, and furnished simply.
Inside, the space wasn't particularly large. Wooden tables, high stools, and high-backed chairs were the standard setup. Behind the bar, shelves displayed various beers, liquors, and glassware, while two fair-skinned, blue-eyed bartenders mixed drinks for the patrons, who occupied most of the seats.
On a small rotating stage to the right of the bar, a Jazz Band was playing with remarkable skill.
Just listening to this song made Lu Chen feel his trip hadn't been in vain.
The bartender was a foreigner, as were the members of the Jazz Band. However, the waitresses were clearly locals. Li Zhen greeted one of them and asked for help finding an empty table.
"A'Zhen!"
Before they could find a seat, someone stood up and called out Li Zhen's name.
"How did you know we were here?"
The group was undoubtedly Li Zhen's friends—a large group of four men and three women had pushed two tables together. One of the girls with short hair seemed particularly delighted, rushing over to hug Li Zhen.
Li Zhen wore an awkward expression; she hadn't expected to find her whole group of friends here tonight.
The short-haired girl didn't overlook Lu Chen, who was with Li Zhen. In fact, as she hugged Li Zhen, her eyes kept darting toward Lu Chen, her gaze full of amusement.
"A'Zhen, you're so sneaky! Keeping such a handsome boyfriend a secret!"
The short-haired girl teased, her voice tinged with sarcasm, "Sneaking out on a date? Afraid we'd steal him?"
Li Zhen didn't know what to say. "Xueni, he's not my boyfriend."
Xueni, the short-haired girl, ignored Li Zhen's explanation and boldly extended her hand to Lu Chen, greeting him warmly. "Hello, handsome! I'm Xueni, A'Zhen's best friend!"
Lu Chen smiled faintly and shook her hand. "Hello, I'm Lu Chen, A'Zhen's friend."
Xueni shot Li Zhen a "you still dare to deny it?" look before pulling her back to their table, shouting, "Everyone, listen up! Welcome A'Zhen and her super handsome friend, Lu Chen!"
The group of young people immediately erupted in laughter and cheers, some clapping, others teasing, leaving Li Zhen thoroughly embarrassed.
Li Zhen didn't know how to tell her friends that Lu Chen was her boss.
Lu Chen, however, didn't mind at all. He sat down casually, nodding and saying, "Hello."
Throughout their conversation, Lu Chen spoke fluent Cantonese, leading the young people to assume he was a local. Their curiosity about his identity only grew.
Before long, someone couldn't hold back any longer: "How did you and A'Zhen meet?"
(End of Chapter)