Girls' Frontline: My Apocalypse with Dolls

Page 198

The man below smiled and spread his hands: "Sure, why don't you tell AK12 and the others?"

He chuckled smugly, seemingly completely disregarding the opponent's increasingly aggressive direct attacks.

"Tsk, AK12... whatever, I'll find a way to stay here anyway. I'll record a video while you're asleep, maybe I can catch you and the Rebellion Squad in a scandal, and then I'll post it on Griffin's anonymous board."

Both sides engaged in a heated exchange, disregarding the so-called threats, especially MDR, an older troll (in the online sense).

Luo Fan continued to purse his lips: "Fine, whatever you want, anyway, it's quite comfortable to hug you."

"Tsk, you're bringing this up again!"

MDR's face instantly turned ugly. Taking advantage of the fact that the other person was pinned down, he grabbed Luo Fan's mole and pinched it hard.

"you!"

Even if it was physiologically impossible, Luo Fan felt that his face had turned ashen.

Good heavens, pinching your own birthmark, how can anyone tolerate that?!

Luo Fan made a move to rip off MDR's coat and skirt, which she had put on again, intending to teach her a lesson.

But causing trouble always attracts attention, especially since there's a group of people outside...

"Commander, I hear noises and fighting. Are you alright?"

Adeline's soft voice came from outside the door, but Luo Fan was certain that Adeline wasn't the only one standing outside, eyeing him menacingly...

If anything more radical happens, the girls might all storm in at any moment.

Perhaps MDR also realized this, and stopped resisting Luo Fan's actions. Instead, he spread his hands, seemingly at the mercy of others, but in fact he was fearless.

"..."

Luo Fan's hand stopped in mid-air, resting on MDR's chest. He could tear off the other man's clothes in just a second, but the possible consequence would be being publicly shamed in front of everyone. Which was more important?

"What's wrong? Keep going. We don't even need to do a live stream anymore, let's just have a live performance."

MDR whispered, and deliberately moved Luo Fan's hand a few centimeters closer to himself.

......

MDR forgot another point: who really calls the shots here...?

"Oh, I'm fine. I just wasn't paying attention when I was making the bed. You guys keep going and finish what you're doing first!"

"...Okay, I'll get back to work now. Please be careful."

......

Several footsteps sounded again outside the door, seemingly fading into the distance, just as MDR's wide smile gradually disappeared.

"Uh, well... actually I still prefer live streaming, haha..."

With his last hope gone, MDR could only force a smile to ease the awkward atmosphere.

This time, Luo Fan wouldn't waste any more breath. Without answering a single word, he directly tore open the clothes MDR had painstakingly put on, and began the second round of video recording...

257 Bar

"So, why is Ms. MDR clutching her lower back? Is she feeling unwell?"

Although SAT8 knew that MDR was also a tactical doll, it still habitually moved closer to the other party and placed its hand on the other party's forehead to check the other party's physical condition, but it couldn't feel anything.

Luo Fan wasn't guilty at all this time, and he smiled and spread his hands: "I bought her some things she wanted, and as payment, she only paid me the cost price. It's nothing, it should be fine by tomorrow."

The poor woman, Ms. MDR, completely exhausted, was slumped against the bar counter, her left hand clutching her delicate waist. Without a word, one could easily guess what she had just endured...

This wave of people sold themselves for the equipment. Among all the androids who have come to Luo Fan's side, MDR is the only one who was exposed by Luo Fan on the spot as soon as he arrived.

There's nothing I can do. The netizens are both silly and good-looking, and they're playing with fire in front of me. So I can't blame them. If they want the equipment, they have to pay for the cost, right?

But now, MDR is too lazy to argue with Luo Fan about the facts. He'll just let Luo Fan do as he pleases and give up.

"Well... alright, I won't pry too much into your affairs."

Unable to understand the meaning behind Luo Fan's words, SAT8 could only slowly back away to express his attitude.

Right now, most of the girls are gathered in the bar doing their own things. A small number are still tidying up the room's interior and layout, while others, like AN94, are still out shopping. The store hasn't officially opened yet, and there aren't any tasks needed in the near future, so they can only do their own things here together.

However, after sitting there for a few minutes, a few commotions came from outside the door...

Attracted by the noise, everyone stood up from their seats and looked towards the door.

It seems there's a slight problem with the design of this artificial hill and pond. Part of the right side is blocked by this small "scenic area," making it impossible to see the entrance.

Overall, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. At least Luo Fan and his group could clearly see the situation at the entrance. The area between the artificial hill and the bar and the store entrance was not too high, so they could see what was happening outside.

M16, the executioner and the alchemist carried in several black cabinets, bypassed the many chairs and tables, and carried the pile of things to the counter.

M16 placed the black cabinet on the ground, wiped the sweat from his forehead like a human, and said with a smile.

"The quantity is huge. The rest will have to wait for them to transport it by truck. What we've brought back now is only a portion, all loaded into freezers. We've even bought these freezers. As for the ice maker you need, Commander... they should deliver it along with it later."

The three of them placed the freezers they were carrying on the ground together, and then sat down on the bar stools in front of the bar.

The executioner had barely sat down when he began to grumble: "Ugh, doing business with people these days is so difficult. We said we wanted an ice maker, and he insisted it was something they needed in their store and wouldn't sell directly to us. It's such a hassle..."

"Come on, that's not what they do anyway. It's just a small wine cellar. Just seeing you asking questions makes me want to punch you and drag you back."

The alchemist casually opened the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of apple brandy, tapped the executioner on the head with the bottom of the bottle before preparing to open the cap with his bare hands.

For the executioner, this was certainly a bit unfair.

"Hmm, then why didn't you tell me beforehand? Or do you know what the rules are like in this era?"

"We don't want passersby to realize we know you; we can't afford to lose face like that..."

16 Pigeon covered her face and leaned against the bar. She couldn't bear to look at the executioner who had just shouted and yelled and almost pulled out a cleaver.

He was supposed to be helping the commander in his gang, a role that required him to be in the public eye, but his venture ended up failing halfway through...

These things were within Luo Fan's expectations, but it was fortunate that there were 16 pigeons and the alchemist watching over things. Otherwise, if the executioner had gone alone, he probably would have had to tear down the entire shop to achieve a "friendly" negotiation.

"Alright, alright, it's great that we managed to get the alcohol and ice maker in one go. What would you like to drink? I'll mix it up right away."

While everyone was talking, Luo Fan walked out from behind the bar, carried a freezer to his feet, and prepared to mix some drinks to treat the three young ladies.

Especially with 16 Pigeons, drinking is all about her. Of course, there are four old drinkers at the table now, which is perfect.

As for the silly netizens still lying on the sidelines... 16 Pigeons and the others simply ignored them, but maybe they could just mix her a random drink and see what happens...

Do you have Vickers Scotch Whisky and Laphroaig 10-Year Scotch Whisky?

Luo Fan rummaged through the freezer, but couldn't find what he wanted for a while.

The alchemist carried another freezer over: "Yes, it's in this freezer. Let me see... here."

"OK."

After taking the two bottles of liquor from the other party, Luo Fan began to take out the bartending tools and "ingredients" that he had prepared in advance from under the bar.

That's perfectly normal. Just like a pocket in an anime, you never know what's hidden under the bar counter. From piles of ice to all sorts of bartending tools, to various bitters and syrups you've never seen before, you can't even imagine how they're hidden there...

"Raisin honey syrup, angelite bitters... Okay, 2016. Cool Girl Mania, for the executioners."

Luo Fan smiled and pushed the wine glass in front of the executioner.

"What? Why did you give me this drink? Is it hinting at something?"

"No, no, but Islay whisky with peaty notes is really delicious, with a smoky character. You'll know once you try it."

However, to be fair, Luo Fan did indeed make the executioner's wine because of its name, since the two are indeed related in some way.

As for the 16 pigeons, Luo Fan's idea was rather simple, and the recipe was also very simple...

"Ryton House Rye Whiskey, Duling Dry Vermouth, Campari, Lemon Peel Roll... Done, classic recipe, 'old friend'."

The cocktail, with its sweet flavor, is almost identical to "The Prodigal Son," but judging from the name alone, Lovan believes it also deserves to be presented to M16...

"Don't you think so, old friend?"

258 Margaret

"To you, 16 pigeons, our old friend."

At least, among all the people here, no one is more suited to this drink than you, is he?

M16 took the glass, swirled it gently twice, and brought it to her lips.

"The quantity seems a bit small, but perhaps it's enough for us. We'll gladly accept, Commander~"

The pure orange liquid shimmers even in the dim light, seemingly without any distinguishing features. But its clarity is its greatest characteristic as an "old friend." Isn't that what an old friend is all about? It doesn't need anything sparkly; it's simply this slightly worn-out experience and sentiment.

This simple definition of an old friend is so broad that it includes Lovan, which is his view on M16.

"Then, for the next cup, Alchemist... how about trying Margaret?"

Lofan didn't know much about alchemists, but based on his impressions of the plot, he thought Margaret could give it a try...

For those who have passed away, tears of sorrow and remembrance flow...

The alchemist was also an easygoing person; she would gladly accept whatever Luo Fan prepared for her.

"Of course, it's one of the most famous traditional cocktails in the world besides the Martini. I'd only ever heard of it before, but I'd love to try it if I had the chance."

After saying that, she took a bottle of tequila from the freezer on the ground and handed it to Luo Fan for preparation.

Without a dedicated freezer, the wine glasses couldn't be frozen, so I had to make do with regular wine glasses.

In a standard procedure, the wine glass is inverted on a small dish of salt and swirled around to coat the rim with salt. This is an indispensable part of the Margaret, symbolizing tears of remembrance.

The 1949 All White Eagle Cocktail Competition winner, Jean Durasa created this cocktail in memory of her deceased lover, Margarita. Named after her, it eventually became the Margarita cocktail...

"Cointreau...tsk, the quality of this lemon is a bit so-so..."

I feel like I still need to find some channels to get the fruit for my cocktails. Even though it's just for fun, it has to taste good. But looking at the small spots on the lemon peel in my hand, Luo Fan felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

But since I didn't have much stock on hand, I ended up putting it in a fruit juicer.

"Hey girls, do you know the story behind this Margarita?"

During the bartending process, Luo Fan once again began his casual conversation.

The memories received were two heads shaking in unison, besides M16. It seems that apart from M16, who is quite knowledgeable about alcohol, the other two girls from Ironblood Factory are not very knowledgeable about it.

Like a passing storyteller, Luo Fan's movements when mixing drinks are like the muscle memory of a storyteller striking a fan with his hand, and telling stories seems to be his real purpose.

"This wine is dedicated to Jean Durasa's deceased lover, Margaret. In 1926, Jean Durasa went to Mexico and fell in love with his lover, Margaret, in this country, which became their romantic place."

Add ice, seal the lid, and start shaking. Everything has become muscle memory. This is a classic cocktail, and Lovan doesn't dare to do too many fancy things anymore. He doesn't rotate the shaker in his palm anymore; he just mechanically follows the normal procedure.

During this process, Luo Fan also stopped telling the story and focused on shaking the wine to prevent any coordination problems that could lead to operational errors. The girls respected his silence and did not urge him to continue the story.

However, this wasn't exactly a particularly exciting story to begin with...

After shaking, use a filter to double filter the wine to prevent foam from appearing and affecting the overall appearance of the wine.

"On one occasion, while the two were out hunting, Margaret was hit by a stray bullet in the woods and eventually fell into the arms of her lover Jean Durasa, where she was gone forever."

......

"Then, Jean Durasa used tequila, Mexico's national liquor, as the base spirit. The sourness of lemon juice was a metaphor for the bitterness that had settled there with time, keeping him awake at night. The salt frost was like the tears of longing for a lover. The liquor was crystal clear, as beautiful as crystal, without impurities. It was not flashy, but it met people's definition of beauty. The Margarita was such a cocktail, which is why it became a timeless classic among tequilas."

Holding a slice of lime with tweezers and placing it on the rim of the wine glass, even with lemon juice already squeezed into the liquid, this single lime stands out somewhat out of place on the crystal-clear glass, seemingly destined to remain alone forever...

A glass of Margarita was thus completed. Lovan pushed the glass in front of the alchemist and nodded slightly to him.

Luo Fan closed his eyes slightly: "Actually, I personally have doubts about the authenticity of this story, but that doesn't stop this drink from being associated with a tragic love story in people's hearts. In a sense, it is also a manifestation of faith, a belief in love. That's why the Margarita is so classic and ranks among the top cocktails."

Then, the man, his expression returning to its coldness, stared into the alchemist's eyes, as if he had some emotion about to burst forth that he wanted to convey to the other.

"But let's let go of the issue of authenticity. Not everything needs to be scrutinized so closely, and not everything needs to have a meaning. Just like the story behind this Margarita, just like you, just like me, it doesn't need any meaning. It is who it is, you are who you are, and I am who I am. There's no need to doubt it..."

That's how a story can be called a story. Just like people's beliefs, they don't doubt the authenticity of the story; it's simply that the story gives them some kind of motivation.

Just like tactical dolls, why question that we gave them emotions and wanted to make them pure tools? But now, or rather, from beginning to end, Luo Fan is extremely grateful that they are living, breathing individuals with souls, rather than so-called tools and puppets.

They are such unique beings, trying to break free from constraints, yet in reality, they are always under those constraints; perhaps even the act of breaking free is itself part of that constraint...

Regardless of who it is, I sincerely thank them for bringing me a good story, and then now, they've come to my side, making me a part of that so-called heroic tale.

"Alchemist, do you understand?"

The other person returned to the same cold expression, but seemed to have a sudden realization. The alchemist took not only the wine glass, but also Luo Fan's right hand that pushed the wine glass over.

"I will remember this, my commander..."

259 Sniper Doll Construction