My Dearest General: It Has Always Been You

She had made some mental preparations before, but still, when the scenery opened up in front of her eyes, she couldn't help but widen her eyes in surprise. Instead of a bar, this place should be more of a high end lounge instead.

A huge chandelier hung on the ceiling, emitting soft yellow light that made people relax. Sofas in half circles sat across the floor, each with a low table with it. Enough privacy was given, at least if someone didn't crane their necks up to deliberately peek at others, they wouldn't be able to see anything.

Being a country bumpkin sugar baby, Ru Meiqi seized the advantage to look around curiously. Awe and astonishment filled her heart. Holy shit, that man over there…wasn't it the successful entrepreneur covered in this month's business magazine who was said to have a blissful marriage life? That man over there…wasn't it the rising actor that starred in the recently booming box office movie?! And…and that woman by that side who sat on an old man's thigh…wasn't it the speaker of a certain political party??!

Ru Meiqi's jaw dropped to the ground and only then did she realize how important the verification in front of the gate was. If someone were to see this scene, then tomorrow, every single channel would explode with headline news, full of numerous exciting scandals!

She didn't have any qualms in looking around. Scrutinizing each person carefully and jotting it down by heart, she made her way to the counter in the middle, following behind Xu Binchen. A sparse hair middle aged man with belly beer met her eyes and winked at her, his eyes glowing salaciously as his eyes raked across her body like laser beam.

Goosebumps broke out along Ru Meiqi's arms and she hastily turned her eyes away, pretending to act spoiled by leaning onto Xu Binchen's shoulder.

Xu Binchen stiffened slightly, but due to his cold temperament, it didn't seem as conspicuous. They sat by the counter, a place where they could swipe a glance at every corner of the room easily. A bartender in white shirt and butterfly bow tie approached them politely. "Welcome Sir, Miss. May I ask what you'd like to drink?"

Xu Binchen tapped his fingers and spoke in his trademark domineering tone. French rolled out of his tongue smoothly. "Domaine Leroy Musigny, do you have?"

Surprise flashed through the bartender's eyes which was quickly covered. But then, in the next moment, his tone became much more humble. "Sorry, Sir. The wine you're looking for isn't available right now. At this moment, we have a limited edition old wine Romanee Conti. It's been brewed since 1945, I guarantee with this bar's reputation that you will not be disappointed."

Displeasure exuded faintly from Xu Binchen's brows as he relented. "Fine. As for my companion…" He hooked on Ru Meiqi's chin, his eyes narrowed with a smile. "How about a Sangria[1]? We don't want to see you collapse early into the night, do we?"

The bartender chuckled softly. "Certainly, Sir."

Ru Meiqi's cheeks flushed as she lowered her eyes bashfully. But inwardly, she was cursing like an old auntie; damn, this brat does have a huge potential to be a pro slag man…

The bartender went to do his job while Ru Meiqi leaned forward to rest her chin on Xu Binchen's shoulder, looking like a woman intoxicated with love. But in fact, she was hissing, dread filled her tone. "T—The wine…what wine did you just order?" Even the end of her tone trembled ever so slightly.

"Oh?" Xu Binchen crossed his legs. "Romanee Conti? Not too bad. Quite expensive. Around seven thousand dollars, if I am not wrong."

Ru Meiqi choked on air. "S—Seven thousand dollars?!" For a bottle of wine?!

"Calm down. Don't break your character." Xu Binchen whispered, his face soft and doting. "It's only right for me to go all out or else I will not be able to fish out any big catch."

"But—" It's seven thousand dollars ah! Almost 45 thousand yuan! Ru Meiqi's heart was bleeding as she cried out. "The police don't have that much money to reimburse our fee…"

"I know." Xu Binchen scoffed softly. "I don't expect to be reimbursed. Do I lack that kind of money?"

That tone dripping with with contempt and sarcasm…you're trying to get beaten up, aren't you?

Ru Meiqi took a deep breath, her heart ached as she thought of how Xu Binchen would drink money. But because it's his own money, she felt a lot better. He was right, it's better to go all out. Now or never.

"He has come." Xu Binchen's lips curled up in a faint smile.

The bartender returned from the back storage, followed by a handsome middle aged man in white cotton shirt and pants. He had a youthful look, and if not for his deep and immeasurable eyes which told that he had gone through the vicissitudes of life, Ru Meiqi would have taken him as an ordinary white collar worker.

"Hello, esteemed Sir. I heard that you're the one who ordered Romanee Conti?"

Xu Binchen gave him a cursory glance. "You are?"

"Ah, look at me." He smiled in apology, gentle and refreshing. "I have forgotten to introduce myself. This one is surnamed Si, named Yusheng."

The one surnamed Si! He had finally appeared!

Uproar resounded throughout the room. "Oh look, it's manager Si!"

"Manager Si himself has come out to receive a guest? Such a rare occasion is hard to come by. Who is that young man?"

"I don't know either…never seen him before."

"A second generation brat?"

After all, the ones who mingled in the room ranged above 30 at age. Seeing such a young man like Xu Binchen, it was like seeing a branch of peach blossom amidst the chilling and dry winter. Whispers and heated discussions were heard, mainly guessing who the young man's identity would be.

Xu Binchen nodded. "So, it's Manager Si. This one is surnamed Xu."

Si Yusheng smiled politely. "Mr. Xu, it seems like we have attracted some attention. If you don't mind Sir, Dreamscape Bar will offer you a private room based on your membership card. It's more personal and enjoyable there. You will definitely like it more." He gave Xu Binchen a meaningful glance.

Xu Binchen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes profound. Then, he suddenly turned to Ru Meiqi. "What do you think? Should we?"

Ru Meiqi cooperated seamlessly. She felt proud for being this lofty man's companion but at the same time, she was also nervous to be scanned by people's stares blatantly. "I—I will follow you ah…what do you ask me for?"

Xu Binchen chuckled faintly. "Then, we will take on Manager Si's offer."

"Thank you very much, Sir. Please come this way."

The three of them went to the secluded hallway around the counter. It was hidden on the dim corner and the door was the same color as the wall, making it difficult for people to notice it. There was a mechanical lock on the door which could only be opened with an identification card.

Seeing Xu Binchen looking at the card, Si Yusheng explained with a smile. "This is the highest benefit we can offer. Along with this card, you can upgrade the services and enjoy the greatest VIP treatment."

Upgrade the service? VIP treatment?

So…the ones outside weren't VIPs?

Doubts filled Ru Meiqi and Xu Binchen's head but they remained calm—no, to be exact, Ru Meiqi was flustered, joy and exhilaration filled her eyes as she looked around with twinkling curiosity and bubbling excitement.

...she truly enjoyed herself, it's hard for Xu Binchen to look at her.

Si Yusheng didn't say anything toward this behavior of hers. More like, he was trying to give Xu Binchen some face due to the man's identity...

The door opened with a soft click and he took the lead. "Come on, Sir." There was a long hallway in front of them. When they stepped in, the door automatically closed behind them. Xu Binchen gave the lock a glance but his mind whirled on how it would operate. Just a card? He didn't think that it would be that simple.

The hallway was completely silent and only their footsteps muffled under the thick carpet echoed throughout the space. Surveillance cameras worked in every corner, monitoring ceaselessly with almost no blind spot. They turned into a corner and a new world opened up in front of their eyes.

Rows of shut doors lined up neatly. Xu Binchen counted quickly. There were twenty rooms. No sound could be heard from any of it. He didn't know whether it's because the rooms were empty or due to the excellent soundproofing. But based on the bar's reputation, he would bet on the second possibility.

Something was hidden beneath those doors, Xu Binchen's gut feelings said.

"Welcome to the true 'Dreamscape Bar' where we can make your every dream come true." Si Yusheng walked to the door with a metal plate carved with number 8 on it. "You are our newest VIP guest, and we will surely entertain you to your heart's content. I will be here if you need me, so…feel free to take a look and make your order."

.

[1] Sangria: chopped fruits, brandy, and red or white wine. Popular among ladies~ Question: How does Xu Binchen know it? Hehehe