Two Faced Lover - Chapter 1

1: The Drunkard
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‎The neon lights of Nanquan City’s bar street flickered in a chaotic dance, adding a restless energy to the summer night. Among the groups of people loitering on the sidewalk—some standing, some squatting—a buzz-cut teenager nudged his friend. “Check her out, that mixed-race beauty.”
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‎Following his gaze, his friend caught sight of a striking woman standing a short distance away, scrolling through her phone.
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‎Dressed in casual slacks and a cropped T-shirt, her wavy hair slightly tousled, she looked like she’d just stepped out for a quick stroll. Her lips were red, her skin fair, and perched on her high nose bridge was a pair of gold-rimmed glasses with delicate chains. Behind the lenses, her sharp phoenix eyes exuded a lazy, untamed charm.
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‎Her striking features carried an edge—beautiful, but with a hint of danger. ‎Already, a few men, spurred by the urge to conquer, were eyeing their chance to approach.
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‎Bo Mingyan glanced at the bar name her childhood friend had sent her, then looked up, her gaze skimming over the illuminated sign at the end of the street. ‎Her fingers tapped out a message: [You sure it’s ‘Elk Bar’ and not ‘Lost Deer Bar’?]
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‎Her friend replied instantly: [There’s only one ‘deer’ bar here. You here yet? Come find me at the counter.]
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‎A man reeking of sweat and alcohol sidled up to her. Bo Mingyan wrinkled her nose and, before he could speak, pocketed her phone, sidestepped him, and strode straight into ‘Lost Deer Bar’.

‎The air conditioning inside was a welcome relief from the lingering summer heat. ‎The ceiling and walls were bathed in a projection of a blue galaxy, the soft strains of a mellow love song weaving through the air, saturating the space with romance.
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‎The bar counter sat to the right of the stage, accessible via a narrow pathway in the middle. The woman singing onstage had a voice like a mountain stream—clear, soothing, with a faint chill to it.
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‎It was captivating.
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‎As Bo Mingyan drew closer, she couldn’t help but glance toward the stage. ‎Suddenly self-conscious, the singer set down the microphone and turned to leave, passing Bo Mingyan face-to-face. Her white, intricately draped halter dress accentuated her figure perfectly. She had an oval face, gentle brows, and peach-blossom eyes.
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‎The bar’s lighting, shifting with the rotation of the disco ball, flickered between light and shadow. ‎Their gazes met—or maybe they didn’t—lost in the dimness.
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‎”Manman, over here!”
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‎At the far left end of the counter, Lu Yo spotted Bo Mingyan and waved her over.
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‎Bo Mingyan had been born on Grain Buds (Xiaoman), one of the 24 solar terms. Her father, Bo Weize, had said her arrival made the family more “complete” (man), hence the nickname. ‎But it had been years since anyone called her that.
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‎Bo Mingyan paused, then brushed past the woman descending the stage steps in slow motion. ‎Sliding onto the stool across from Lu Yo, she asked, “Why’d you call me that all of a sudden?”
‎‎Lu Yo grinned. “Just mixed a customer a drink called ‘Great Heat.’ Saw you and it came to mind.”
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‎Bo Mingyan pulled a tube of lipstick from her pocket and set it on the counter. “Then mix me a ‘Grain Buds.’”‎”Holy sh1t, this shade is sold out everywhere!” Lu Yo happily pocketed the lipstick. “For this, I’ll make you all 24 solar term cocktails if you want.”
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‎She instructed a green-haired bartender to mix Bo Mingyan’s drink, but the kid shied away. “Boss, you handle this one. “‎Lu Yo rolled her eyes. “Dye your hair green to piss me off, but when it’s time to work, you chicken out.” Snatching the shaker, she added, “This sister’s sweet. She won’t bite.”
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‎Green hair? Bo Mingyan caught the detail.
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‎When Lu Yo returned, Bo Mingyan probed, “How’s it going with Tao Xin? Was that her bandmate singing earlier?”

‎”That was a guest.” Lu Yo poured the shaken drink into a tall glass and slid it over. “Tao Xin cheated, we broke up. Haven’t found a new singer yet, so I’ve got a karaoke thing going—lets customers perform.”
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‎Bo Mingyan winced.
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‎Before she could offer condolences, Lu Yo cut in, “Don’t pity me, I’m fine. “‎Reading her mood, Bo Mingyan skipped the pep talk and clinked glasses. “Happy breakup.”
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‎Lu Yo laughed. “Happy homecoming, settling in okay?”

‎”Not really. Jet lag’s killing me, and the temp apartment sucks.” Bo Mingyan took a sip. ‎The drink was sweet and tart, with a faint burn of vodka.
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‎Lu Yo blinked. “You didn’t go home?”
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‎”That’s not my home.”Bo Mingyan’s tone was flat. “I didn’t tell her I’m back.”
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‎’Her’ was Lin Huixin, Bo Mingyan’s mother. At thirteen, Bo Mingyan lost her father. Two years later, Lin Huixin remarried and shipped her off abroad. ‎That reassembled family had never been home—she’d never even stepped inside.
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‎Lu Yo sighed. “Wish I’d known. Would’ve saved my place for you instead of renting it out.” ‎Bo Mingyan smiled faintly. “It’s fine.”

‎Another guest took the stage, belting out a tune.
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‎Bo Mingyan seized the distraction. “Your customers are pretty talented.” ‎Lu Yo cackled. “A few said they sing better than Tao Xin—and look better too.”
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‎The current performer was a chubby, buzz-cut man strumming a guitar. Bo Mingyan shot Lu Yo a look. ‎”I meant the last one.” Lu Yo amended.
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‎Bo Mingyan recalled the woman’s harmless, pretty face and arched a brow. She lifted her glass, unconsciously angling her seat slightly toward where the woman had gone. ‎Under the dizzying lights, the crowd was a blur. Even at a distance, she could tell none matched that dress.
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‎Lu Yo changed the subject. “You got a job lined up here?”
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‎”Yeah.” Bo Mingyan swiveled back lazily. “My old college roommate hooked me up. Passed the interview—starting Monday.” ‎Lu Yo paused mid-shake. “Pay any good compared to the U.S.?”
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‎”About the same. Better holiday perks, though.” ‎Lu Yo whistled, garnishing a triangular glass with mint before sliding it over. “Where’s the office?”
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‎Bo Mingyan pulled up the address on her phone. “Xuanwu Road.” Lu Yo peered at the screen. “Let me check rentals nearby. I’ll find you a decent place in a couple days.”
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‎Bo Mingyan declined. “I’ll look this weekend.” ‎Lu Yo snorted. “Just fix your sleep schedule. You’ve been gone forever—don’t know the streets or prices. Easy to get scammed.”
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‎Six years since her last visit. Nanquan had been rebuilt beyond recognition. ‎Bo Mingyan didn’t refuse again.
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‎”So what’re your requirements? Whole place or shared? Budget?”
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‎”Shared. Female roommate. Clean. No random guests. Rent…” She nudged her fresh drink toward the empty one. “Cheaper the better.”
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‎The mint leaf bobbed in the glass. ‎Lu Yo sighed. “Got it.”
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‎They drank and talked past midnight.
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‎Bo Mingyan checked her watch. “I should head back.”

‎‎”Want me to call you a ride?”
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‎”Nah, not drunk.” She stood, waving goodbye. ‎Outside, Bo Mingyan lingered, fishing a mint candy from her pocket under the bar’s glow.
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‎The snap of the tin coincided with a sharp slap.
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‎She turned.
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‎In the shadows, a man and woman were tangled in a struggle. A common bar street scene. Bo Mingyan started to look away—then froze at the woman’s outraged cry.
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‎”I don’t know you! Hands off!”
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‎That voice—the singer from earlier. ‎Against her better judgment, Bo Mingyan walked toward the commotion.
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‎”We’ll get acquainted tonight, sweetheart. You’re wasted—can’t let you wander alone.” The man leered, reaching out.
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‎”Go meet my grandpa in hell. Get lost!”
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‎Meng Xuran swung her bag wildly, backing toward the light. Her steps were unsteady, but her aim was sharp—the bag’s corner left a long red mark on his arm.
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‎The man snarled. “Fucking tease!”
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‎Bo Mingyan’s brow twitched. She removed her glasses just as Meng Xuran stumbled—straight into her arms. ‎The scent of delicate perfume and alcohol filled her nose. ‎Meng Xuran leaned back slightly, meeting Bo Mingyan’s gaze.
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‎Eyes like smoky quartz—beautiful, familiar.
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‎That familiarity sparked a flicker of security, the kind only family usually brought her. ‎She looped her arms around Bo Mingyan’s waist and whimpered, “Sister, he’s bullying me. “‎A tearful, coquettish tone—nothing like her earlier cool detachment.
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‎”…”
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‎If not for the dress, Bo Mingyan would’ve doubted it was the same person. ‎The man hesitated a few steps away, unwilling to give up his prize. ‎His hungry stare and the dampness of tears on her skin grated on Bo Mingyan’s nerves.
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‎She crunched the candy between her teeth. “Scram.”
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‎After a beat, the man slunk off.
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‎”Let go.”
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‎The crying girl released her waist—only to latch onto her arm. ‎Bo Mingyan peeled her off.
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‎She clung right back. Exhaling, Bo Mingyan gave up. “Call your family to pick you up.”
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‎”They don’t care…” Meng Xuran murmured.
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‎Bo Mingyan’s hands stilled on her glasses. After a pause, she asked, “Where do you live?”

‎‎”Not moving till weekend…” Meng Xuran hiccuped. “Aren’t I staying with you now?”
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‎The first part was mumbled, incoherent. ‎Bo Mingyan stared down at her through her glasses, repeating slowly, “Staying with me?”