Chapter 84: Taking Advantage of Misfortune**
Wu Yifan had figured Qian Baoqing would lie low after the "alcohol poisoning incident," but here he was, striking again. It was clear: Infinity still had a long fight ahead to outlast Oriental Coast.
He knew the reality: top-tier bartenders commanded exorbitant salaries—far more than a mid-range venue like Infinity could afford. That weakness had stunted their growth, and Qian Baoqing was exploiting it. This wasn't a random challenge; it was a calculated attack.
Ye Xiwen had heard about Wu Yifan's streetball triumph—how he'd taken on three opponents alone—and been briefly impressed, but basketball didn't interest her. She'd seen him pull off countless surprises, but bartending? That was an art. It took years of practice, dedication, and raw talent. Wu Yifan was extraordinary, but even he wasn't a god.
She'd come to vent, not to ask for help. Seeing him frown, she forced a smile. "I wouldn't have picked a fight, but Qian's pushed too hard. We have to face this—even if it's a lose-lose."
"Oh? Last resort? What's so 'big' about this?" Wu Yifan tilted his head, curious.
"Haven't you seen the news today?" She sighed. "Qian bought ads on Beitian TV. He's billing this as a 'small bartending competition' at Infinity, with us, Oriental Coast, and a few others—Lonely Bar, Crazy KTV, Fallen Angel. But it's obvious: we're the target. The rest are just window dressing to hide his real goal."
"What does he gain if he wins?" Wu Yifan cut to the chase.
"Ever heard of 五十多万 (wǔshí duō wàn, over 500,000 yuan)?" Her voice tightened. "That's what he splurged on TV ads. It's pocket change for CCTV, but here? It's astronomical. Every half-hour, they air promos for today's competition—*and* hype up Oriental Coast's bartender. If we lose, what do you think happens?"
Wu Yifan's eyes narrowed. He saw the scheme now. It wasn't just a competition—it was a publicity blitz. Qian wanted to crown Oriental Coast as Beitian's best, to siphon customers from Infinity and others. The ads were a long-term investment: a single win would cement their reputation, boosting foot traffic for months.
"Beating him won't be easy," he admitted, rubbing his jaw.
Ye Xiwen took a breath, her expression softening. "Not impossible. There's a chance."
"You mean… Infinity has a secret bartending pro?" He raised an eyebrow.
She pulled a glossy business card from her pocket, staring at it like it might bite. "Met him last year. A 'master'—charges a fortune per drink. We can't afford to hire him full-time, so I never called. But… we could hire him for this. Just once."
"'Hire'? You mean a one-time fee?"
"Costly, but cheaper than losing everything." Ye Xiwen was notoriously thrifty, but this was a crisis. She'd count every penny if it meant survival.
Wu Yifan nodded, letting her take the lead. With zero enhancement points left, he couldn't help even if he wanted to. Another mission? The memory of that banquet fiasco sent a shiver down his spine. He wasn't risking it.
Ye Xiwen traced the card's edge, silent. If there was any other way, she'd take it. The first time she'd met this "master," his leering gaze had made her skin crawl. He'd demand more than money—she was sure of it. But Infinity's future hung in the balance. She had no choice.
"I should get ready," she said, standing. "The competition starts soon. As head of security, you should manage the crowd. Can't have people saying we're unprofessional."
"On it," Wu Yifan said, grinning.
She frowned, then left, her steps heavier than usual.
Wu Yifan watched her go, his brow furrowed. Ye Xiwen's behavior was off. Normally, she'd either ask for his input or plow ahead alone. Now, she'd hinted at a plan but lingered, as if hoping he'd object.
*She doesn't want to call that bartender.* The thought clicked. She was scared—of his demands, of his lechery. Money was one thing; humiliation was another.
A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. He flexed his fists.
"Brother Wu, Qian's relentless. Should we move up our plan?" Song Mingjie poked his head in, having lingered outside. He'd heard enough to simmer with anger.
Wu Yifan brushed his wrist—where the smart enhancer lay hidden—his expression unreadable. "Not yet."
***"Hello? Is this Mr. Ouyang Hai? This is Ye Xiwen. We met once."***
In her office, Ye Xiwen forced brightness into her voice as she dialed, her knuckles white around the phone.
***"Ye Xiwen? Rings a bell… but I'm drawing a blank. Remind me?"*** The voice on the other end was smooth, lazy—like he knew exactly who she was.
***"I'm the owner of Infinity KTV in Beitian. We met at Mr. Situ Ruiming's banquet last year."*** Her voice wavered. He was toying with her, and she hated it. But she pressed on: "I need a favor. I'll pay well—very well."
***"A favor? For a beauty like you? How could I refuse?"*** His tone turned suggestive, making her skin crawl.
***"I need you to represent Infinity in a bartending competition. Just one event."*** She gripped the desk, nails digging into the wood.
***"A competition? Child's play."*** He chuckled.
***"About payment—"***
***"Details later. I'll fly over. We can 'negotiate' in person."***
Ye Xiwen hung up, staring at the wall. Negotiate. She knew what that meant.
Outside, the afternoon sun cast long shadows. Inside, the weight of her decision settled over her.
She just hoped it was worth it.