###Chapter 28: Fifty Thousand!
Nina Wainwright got the gist of it.
She only knew that this bar wasn’t cheap and that it had a rich, cultured atmosphere. People went there just to drink and relax. It also valued privacy, so custors rarely took photos.
When they arrived at The Moonlight Bar, Nina noticed that the entrance was incredibly small—just a narrow door that opened onto a steep set of descending stairs.
European-style black decorative lamps cast a dim, orange glow.
After a few steps, Nina could hear dieval German-style folk music coming from upstairs. The style of the music was free-spirited and passionate, with very uninhibited lyrics.
Nina followed Catherine Grant inside and discovered the second floor was surprisingly spacious. n and won sat by the high-top bar, holding their glasses and chatting softly with one another.
The atmosphere inside the bar was peaceful.
Nina and her friends walked in without drawing any attention.
"It’s a sha the owner isn’t here today," Catherine Grant whispered to Nina. "Otherwise, we could have talked to him about you working here."
"There will be other chances," Nina said, unconcerned.
"True. Let’s go sit by the window," Catherine said, pulling her around a corner.
The spots by the window were smaller, with round tables for three and square tables for four.
They sat at a round table where a drink nu was waiting.
"This event you ntioned, what is it?" Adrian Pemberton asked in a low voice.
"You’ll find out soon. It’s not midnight yet," Catherine said softly.
Catherine expertly ordered drinks, then leaned in close to Nina. "What kind of flavors do you like?"
"I don’t really drink. Red wine is about all I ever have." ’And it was Zachary Hawthorne who taught to drink even that.’
"If you don’t drink much, let’s get you sothing with a low alcohol content." Catherine ordered her a White Lady and a Sidecar.
"The White Lady is one of the most popular drinks among won, while the Sidecar has a sweet, gentle, and refreshing taste. I think you’ll like them," Adrian Pemberton explained from the side.
Catherine clicked her tongue. "You’re shattering my stereotype of doctors. I can’t believe you not only know about The Moonlight Bar but also the flavors and unique qualities of these drinks."
"The Piña Colada is also quite popular with won. You could order one for her to try," Adrian Pemberton said, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile.
Nina looked at him with admiration, but also a hint of worry. "Isn’t this too much?"
"When you co to a bar like this, you have to experience the culture, which ans trying all sorts of drinks. In places like Solara, there are many bars steeped in history. They have multiple floors, each with different kinds of alcohol. So people drink their way from the second floor all the way up to the third. That kind of atmosphere, that joy, is incredibly relaxing," Adrian slowly explained to her.
Nina nodded, only half-understanding.
"Whoa," Catherine exclaid. "You’re so impressive and knowledgeable. So, what’s your favorite drink?"
"After trying so many, I’d say the ones that suit my taste best are the Margarita and the Corpse Reviver. But my tastes are pretty varied; I’m open to most drinks." Once he started on the topic of cocktail culture, he spoke with easy confidence.
Nina listened quietly, her chin propped on one hand, looking particularly focused.
A short while later, the drinks arrived.
Nina couldn’t tell them apart, so Adrian Pemberton placed her three glasses in front of her.
After the first sip, Nina found it a bit sharp, but the sharpness was followed by a sweet, lingering aftertaste... She held the glass, her expression one of wonder. "This is actually really nice. The taste is so refreshing."
The three of them drank and chatted.
anwhile, unbeknownst to them, Zachary Hawthorne was staring at a photo on his phone—a picture of Nina gazing at Adrian Pemberton.
Her gaze was focused, her expression earnest. With her chin in her hand, she looked like a young girl admiring the boy she secretly adored.
Zachary Hawthorne stared at the ssage for a long ti before imdiately dialing Nina’s number.
「anwhile.」
Nina was already starting to feel tipsy. As she reached for her phone, Catherine Grant snatched it first. Seeing it was a call from Zachary Hawthorne, she set the phone aside and told Nina, "You shouldn’t answer calls when you’re drinking. Besides, it’s late, and it’s not like it’s your family calling."
"Was that Zachary?" Nina asked, her cheeks flushed.
"Yeah." Catherine had wanted to hide it from her, but Nina guessed it imdiately.
Nina took a sip of her drink and said in a low voice, "Then I won’t answer..."
’He doesn’t care anyway.’
Just as she finished speaking, the bar’s lighting changed. Dimr lights made the room feel mysterious and full of atmosphere.
Nina looked up instinctively.
Catherine rubbed her hands together. "The event is starting!"
The head bartender, a woman, picked up a microphone and cleared her throat twice. The bar imdiately fell silent.
"Tonight is the tenth anniversary of The Moonlight Bar! Thank you all for your support over the past decade. To celebrate, not only are all drinks half-price, but we’re also holding our traditional dance-off! Our bar has a deep love for German folk dance music, so any guest who dances tonight, regardless of skill, will receive a complintary drink of their choice. But for the top three, there’s a cash prize! The prize pool is funded by The Moonlight Bar, but of course, if our honored guests are enjoying the show, you can also contribute to the pool to encourage the contestants who are boldly expressing themselves!"
Nina’s ears perked up.
’Prize money... So this was why Catherine dragged here.’
"The base prize pool is 104,000. First place gets 50,000, second place gets 30,000, and third place gets 10,000. Fourth through tenth place will each receive 2,000. The prize pool is open for contributions, and as the total increases, the prize amounts for the top ten will also increase."
With that, she put down the microphone.
Those who wanted to compete could scan the QR code displayed on the projector.
Nina signed up and selected a song.
If she could get first place, the prize was fifty thousand.
Just then, Adrian Pemberton spoke up. "Do you rember the dance we perford together in high school?"
"How did you know I picked ’Dance with ’?" Nina asked imdiately.
The song was a very traditional German folk tune. In high school, Nina’s German dance teacher had choreographed a routine to it for the New Year’s Day performance, and Adrian had been Nina’s partner.
"I had a feeling you’d pick this one. Shall we dance it together in a bit?" Adrian asked.
Nina hadn’t actually planned on him joining, but if he was willing, their chances of winning would be huge—assuming no professional-level dancers were competing.
"Co on, say sothing! Registration is about to close!" Catherine urged impatiently.
Nina licked her lips and nodded imdiately. "Alright, let’s do it together!"
’If the money goes directly into my account, Zachary can’t just steal my login and return the funds!’
There was a stage in the center of the bar. When the festivities began, everyone grew excited.
And Nina, emboldened by the alcohol, was eager to get started.
Fifty thousand!
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