Chapter 52: The Underground Minister

Whenever night fell and the city lights flickered on, Shi Meiying would begin her day’s work. She carefully applied her makeup, dressed herself in fine robes and a jeweled belt—her daily attire without fail. Once she’d prepared the drinks and adjusted the sound system, she would open the doors and welcome her guests.

Shi Meiying’s bar was the most inconspicuous little place on this neon-lit street—not adorned with dazzling lights, nor staffed by sultry, flirtatious servers. In this bar district, where businesses thrived on hormones and desire, hers stood apart, out of place.

Patrons seeking fleeting pleasures or an adventurous night seldom noticed her bar. Even if they wandered in, they left just as quickly. But Shi Meiying paid them no mind. Though she lived by night, she had her principles—she never wanted her establishment to become a den for carnal indulgence, nor did she intend to profit from the misfortunes of lost girls.

She wished only to offer a space where people could lay down their burdens and savor music. The only music played in her bar was jazz and blues, performed by resident jazz musicians and blues singers. Though she lacked the crowds that filled the other bars, her place attracted those seeking solace and comfort in the night—many of whom became regulars. Thus, business was steady enough.

At this hour, Shi Meiying sat at the bar, her gaze fixed on a table in the corner, where three unfamiliar men sat. The one in the middle wore a blue woolen coat, his skin dark, eyes fierce—about forty years old—drinking in brooding silence. The other two, seated on either side, looked to be in their thirties, both clad in black woolen coats, silent and watchful as they observed the man in blue.

Shi Meiying was sure they weren’t regulars. They gave off an air of the underworld, which left her both uneasy and curious. Thus, her eyes drifted again and again toward the table.

Still, she didn’t interfere. She’d long understood that opening her doors meant receiving all kinds. So long as they weren’t here to cause trouble, she treated everyone as a guest. After all, everyone has their own troubles; coming for a drink and a song, releasing one’s sorrows, was only natural.

As Shi Meiying watched the newcomers, the door was pushed open and three or four uniformed police officers entered. Seeing them, she hurried over.

The lead officer said, “Stop the music, turn on all the lights—routine inspection.”

Shi Meiying forced a smile. “Officer, what’s being inspected this time?”

“We’re checking for paid companionship, and for any signs of illicit activity,” the officer replied.

She gave a bitter laugh. “Officer, surely you jest. You know my place—just a little bar, only jazz and blues. There’s nothing illegal here.”

“No joking,” the lead officer said. “Orders from above—just a routine check. Please don’t make things harder for us. Stop the music and turn on the lights.”

Shi Meiying’s face showed her discomfort. “Officer, with these inspections I can’t do business. We all know each other. Please, can’t you help me out?”

He looked at her, recognizing the resplendent hostess. She was a familiar face in his jurisdiction, always coming by to handle paperwork, always the one to greet him when he came to inspect the bar. Still, orders were orders. “Our superiors gave these instructions, boss Shi. We’re just following orders. Please, don’t make things difficult.”

Shi Meiying’s eyes glistened with unshed tears as she pleaded, voice trembling, “This must be Chief Zhang’s order, right? I don’t even know what I did to offend him. There are so many bars and KTVs here, and he ignores them all, but he’s always after my little bar. You know how hard it is for a woman to run a business alone—just trying to make a living. Why would I come here night after night if I had a choice? It’s not as though I haven’t shown Chief Zhang my appreciation. Why does he always single me out?”

The officer looked awkward. They were all acquaintances, and he knew full well there was nothing wrong with her place. But orders from above could not be disregarded; he was simply going through the motions. Still, Shi Meiying’s blunt mention of “gifts” in front of everyone put him in a difficult spot. He couldn’t very well tell her that perhaps her offerings weren’t enough, and that’s why they kept coming.

Seeing their discomfort, Shi Meiying relented, knowing they had their own troubles—working late, unable to go home to their families, forced to carry out orders beyond their control. No point in making things harder for them. She waved over a waiter. “Turn on all the lights and stop the music.”

The waiter did as she said, and the patrons—previously lost in music and conversation—began to grumble. A few hot-tempered guests shouted, asking what was going on. Shi Meiying could only apologize over and over, explaining it was a police inspection and asking for their understanding.

The officers were just preparing to check everyone’s identification when suddenly a glass flew from the corner. The lead officer dodged, and the glass shattered on the floor, splattering him with liquor.

He was about to lose his temper when he caught sight of the thrower: the man in the blue coat. Instantly, his anger vanished. He hurried over, bent low, and apologized. “Mr. Pan, I’m so sorry—I didn’t know you were here. Forgive us for disturbing your evening. It’s just a routine check.”

Pan Lun paid him no mind, signaling to the man beside him for another glass. He said coldly, “You’re not qualified to speak to me. Call your chief here.”

The lead officer didn’t dare delay. He quickly called his chief.

In less than a moment, a portly man with a round face came running into the bar. He hurried to Pan Lun’s table and said, “Mr. Pan, my apologies. I had no idea you were here tonight. My subordinates didn’t know any better. Please don’t be angry. I’ll make sure to discipline them properly.”

Pan Lun continued to drink, not sparing Chief Zhang a single glance. He said, “Zhang Xuancheng, you were made chief to be a proper dog—wag your tail, not bark at random. Don’t forget your place.”

Zhang Xuancheng was so terrified he fell to his knees, nodding repeatedly. “You’re right, Mr. Pan. It’s all my fault. Please don’t be angry. I’ll reflect on my behavior. I didn’t know she was under your protection. I swear, I’ll never let my men come here again. Please forgive me. I beg your pardon.” With that, he actually knocked his head to the floor in the middle of the bar, apologizing profusely.

Pan Lun paid him no attention, sipping his drink as Zhang Xuancheng knelt and knocked his head on the floor, the sound echoing through the room as he stammered out apologies. Already in a foul mood, Pan Lun grew more irritated by the commotion and shouted, “Get out!”

At once, Zhang Xuancheng scrambled to his feet and, with his men, slunk out of the bar.

Shi Meiying stood frozen in shock, unable to move or think.

Pan Lun poured himself another drink and downed it in one gulp, ignoring the silent onlookers. After he finished, he frowned and called out, “Madam, are you still in business? Why are you just standing there?”

His words snapped Shi Meiying out of her daze. She quickly signaled for the waiter to restart the music and adjust the lighting. The bar returned to its usual atmosphere.

Shi Meiying approached Pan Lun, wanting to thank the man who had just helped her, but he brushed her off. “I’m just here to drink. Go about your business and don’t disturb me.”

Rebuffed, she returned awkwardly to the bar counter.

Once behind the bar, Shi Meiying couldn’t help but ask her bartender, “Who is that man? How can he be so powerful that even Chief Zhang is terrified of him?”

The bartender looked at her as though she were from another world. “Sister Shi, you really don’t know? He’s a famous figure in Mingnan—the eldest son of the Pan Group, Pan Lun!”

Shi Meiying was still confused. She’d been in Mingnan less than half a year, paid little attention to local gossip, and focused solely on keeping her little bar afloat.

Seeing her bewilderment, the bartender explained, “You must’ve heard of the Pan Group—it’s the biggest private company in Mingnan. Nearly half the city works for them. He’s the eldest son, and the most influential figure in the city’s underground. Promotions for local officials are all up to him. Even out-of-town officials have to pay their respects to him before they can get established here—or they’ll be gone in no time.”

“If he so much as stomps his foot, the whole city shakes. Forget about a mere precinct chief—even the commissioner bows and scrapes before him.”

Shi Meiying looked at the bartender, only half understanding. “Oh, he’s that powerful? So what does he actually do? Is he a public official, or a businessman?”

The bartender realized she didn’t grasp a word he’d said and decided not to elaborate further. “Forget it, Sister Shi. Just know this—you’ve had a stroke of luck tonight. From now on, no one will dare cause trouble here again. No one will come looking to make things difficult for you.”

Shi Meiying still stood there, dazed, uncertain whether to believe him. She only vaguely sensed that Pan Lun was an extraordinary man.

It was only later, when she realized that the inspections had ceased, her bar’s traffic had inexplicably soared, prominent patrons began to appear, and influential officials went out of their way to do her favors, that she finally understood just how powerful Pan Lun truly was.

Yet, after that night, she never saw Pan Lun return to her bar again.