Stories Told in the Bar

Luo Xuan brought Qiao Wei to a bar called "Night's Temptation." Qiao Wei was a little puzzled as to why Luo Xuan would bring her to a bar during the day, but Luo Xuan just smiled mysteriously and pushed open the door.

Qiao Wei was astonished by the atmosphere inside. The lighting had been deliberately softened, but it wasn't noisy; the music had been changed to gentle, relaxing melodies, like the soothing flow of a stream under a small bridge. People lounged comfortably on sofas, bantering with one another, and the amiable waiters and handsome bartenders had become part of the scenery.

Luo Xuan was pleased with Qiao Wei's reaction and said, "It's quite special, isn't it? This used to be my daily haunt. Compared to the nights, I much prefer the daytime ambiance."

Qiao Wei nodded in agreement. Then, Luo Xuan, like an elder brother, took Qiao Wei by the hand and led her to the bar, saying to the waiter, "Whiskey, Baileys, with ice."

The waiter brought over two drinks. Luo Xuan slid the white one, fragrant with the scent of milkshake, in front of Qiao Wei, then raised his own glass, inviting her to drink together. Qiao Wei hesitantly picked up her glass and took a small sip. The rich chocolate flavor of the Baileys piqued her curiosity, prompting her to ask, "Brother Luo Xuan, why does this drink taste a bit like a chocolate milkshake?"

Luo Xuan smiled and replied, "Well... Qiao Qiao, you're such a diligent and inquisitive child. It's story time again—would you like to hear it?"

Qiao Wei softly murmured her assent, and Luo Xuan began, "Baileys is a remarkably creative sweet liqueur. Since its production began in Ireland in 1974, it has swept the world in just twenty-five years, with annual sales exceeding four million cases, becoming the leading sweet liqueur of its kind. It ranks thirteenth among the world's spirits, incomparable and popular in one hundred sixty-seven countries. Baileys is made by blending neutral spirits, brandy, gin, or other distilled liquors with pure fruit, floral, or plant extracts and other natural ingredients, then distilling the mixture once more. The alcohol content is low and the flavor leans sweet. Baileys can be enjoyed with ice cubes or crushed ice, mixed with soda, or even added to milk coffee and ice cream. No matter when or where you drink Baileys, it offers a unique experience."

Luo Xuan paused and took a sip of whiskey before continuing, "There is also a beautiful love story about Baileys, originating in England. There, a famous bartender had a remarkable wife, and they loved each other dearly. One day, tragically, his wife died in an accident. The bartender was left desolate, living a lonely life. Until, on a flight, he encountered a flight attendant who so closely resembled his late wife that it was as if he had been granted new life. Hope was rekindled within him. He pursued the flight attendant passionately, but she could not accept his love. She told him, 'Sometimes, the heart is shrouded. Your longing for your late wife and your love for me are entirely different feelings, just like milk and whiskey can never be blended.' The bartender left in silence after hearing her words. He spent a year experimenting, finally managing to blend milk with whiskey, adding honey to harmonize the flavors, and gave it a beautiful name—BaileysRock—to prove his love for the flight attendant. When he learned that she was finally willing to taste the first glass of BaileysRock, he couldn't help but leave a single tear in the cup. Later, Baileys was brought aboard flights by the flight attendant and spread across the world. To everyone who enjoyed Baileys, she would say, 'I waited a year for this drink.'"

Qiao Wei sighed after hearing the story. "They lost a year together."

Luo Xuan's crimson eyes gradually deepened. "Not everyone will end up together like they did. Some people will miss each other forever. Qiao Qiao, no matter what happens, I still hope you find happiness."

Qiao Wei looked at Luo Xuan in confusion, but Luo Xuan suddenly changed the subject, smiling, "Don’t you have anything you want to ask me? For example, Luo Chen's attitude?"

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