Nightcall [WenZhou]

1. Bloody Mary

Part 1 of Nightcall

The music was low and the bar was almost empty, Zhou Zishu had mixed his last cocktail of the night and went into the backroom to wash the dirty glasses. Han Ying was still wiping the spilled alcohol and cigarette buds off the tables as he collected the tips from under the cups. Zhou Zishu had always pushed this task on Han Ying since he hated to clean other people's messes, especially this type of mess, but he also lost a valuable amount of tips every time.

He finished his work behind the bar and finally took off his apron, fixed his man-bun and adjusted his clothes, ready to go home and sleep; not so eager to wake up tomorrow for the same routine.

He was already growing tired of this routine, it was the same exact thing every day. His roommate and colleague Han Ying had also complained about this lifestyle; but Zhou Zishu was sure that Han Ying's life was better than his. Although he wasn't really envious, but he still called Han Ying a crybaby since his life was way better than others, yet he still complained non-stop.

Zhou Zishu did not really hate his life; he was just tired of settling for less in everything he does. His friends and colleagues knew that he had potential, but somehow he was convinced that this was exactly what he deserved, not more.

Zhou Zishu was humming a song while packing his things when he was interrupted by Han Ying's voice. "Excuse me sir, we're already closed." Han Ying stopped and leaned onto the broom, "We're just cleaning."

"Yes, please come back tomorrow." Zhou Zishu said without looking, then continued to hum the same song.

The man approached the bar right where Zhou Zishu was standing with his back facing him, "But I really need a drink." He spoke.

"Sir, I'm so-" Han Ying started to talk but Zhou Zishu held his hand up to interrupt him.

"What would you like to drink?" Zhou Zishu said without turning around. He figured that this man coming into the bar asking for a drink after closing time must be desperate, he assumed that he either went bankrupt or was dumped by his significant other; which means he would ask for more than one drink, which means more money in Zhou Zishu's pocket.

"Bloody Mary." The man said.

"Coming right up." Zhou Zishu said as he tied his apron back on, "Han Ying, you can leave first." He waved his hand in dismissal, "I'll close up."

"Thanks!" Han Ying beamed as he dropped the broomstick, gathered his things and sprinted to the exit.

There was no music, no people, no noise, just the sound of Zhou Zishu's humming and the tapping of the man's nails against the empty glasses. He hadn't spoken a word after ordering the drink.

"How lonely can a man be to come to the bar after closing time asking for a bloody mary?" Zhou Zishu finally broke the ice hoping to get a higher tip with his communication skills; "The heartbroken usually ask for shots, and the bankrupt ask for whiskey." He turned to finally face the man, placing the cocktail in front of him.

The man had beautiful slightly hooded eyes, his face was as white as snow, his lips slightly tinted with a shade of red and his hair as black as coal. He wore a cherry red high neck and a long black coat which contrasted his pale skin beautifully, accentuating every feature of his face. He smelled of a faint pleasant perfume that flew towards Zhou Zishu making him gaze in awe. He had seen so many beautiful people in his life, especially at this bar. But this man was majestic and he captivated him in mysterious ways.

"As lonely as can be." The man said, taking a sip from his cocktail, snapping Zhou Zishu out of his infatuated gaze.

Zhou Zishu regained his normal composure and closed his mouth that he'd not realized had been slightly open. He eyed him carefully waiting for praise or even criticism, but the man remained silent. Zhou Zishu contemplated if he should ask what he thinks of the drink but he changed his mind, he assumed that maybe the man wasn't the talkative type.