In Love with the Werewolf Count

In the backstage lounge of the Sadness Hotel, a sudden commotion erupted— “What? Divorce?” Alan, the bandleader and drummer of the "Galaxy" band, exclaimed in shock, raising his voice. “Is the situation serious?” The bassist, Shawn, halted his tuning work, “No way!” With the performance just three hours away, the lead singer AJ’s divorce was a huge problem—how could they perform without a lead singer? Guitarist Max furrowed his brow, “This is a real mess.” At this critical moment, where could they find a replacement for AJ? “I will handle the band’s affairs, so don’t worry. Just rest well and recover your health; we’ll check on you later,” Alan reassured, hiding his own anxiety very well. As soon as the call ended, Shawn hurriedly inquired, “How severe is AJ’s injury? Can he make it back in time for the performance?” “I’m afraid not,” Alan said with a look of regret, “AJ fractured his leg. It will take at least two months to heal.” “Two months?” Max and Shawn said in unison. Regardless of what to do in the next two months, the immediate problem was the performance! “What about the show tonight?” Alan’s brows knitted together as he pondered, “Let me think.” Who could be called upon at such short notice to take on the role of the band’s soul— the lead singer? He had considered borrowing a singer from other bands, but on a Saturday night at this popular hour, nearly every band was performing at a pub. Whom could he ask for help? After much consideration, the answer was none. At this moment, a strikingly handsome waiter peeked in and asked, “Why aren’t you practicing? Would you like something to drink?” Noticing their increasingly serious expressions, he asked, “What’s wrong?” This was Ivy, the most popular waiter at the Sadness Hotel. Shawn looked at Max. Max looked at Alan. Alan sighed helplessly, “AJ’s divorce means he cannot make it for tonight’s performance…” A sudden idea struck him. “Is AJ alright?” Ivy asked with concern. Shawn answered first, “AJ’s leg is injured and he won’t be able to perform for the next two months.” “So… what about the performance tonight?” AJ is the lead singer! Everyone turned their gaze to Alan. Alan, deep in thought, suddenly exclaimed, “I’ve got it!” The group looked at each other in confusion. “Got what?” Max asked, puzzled. “There’s someone who can replace AJ and perform.” Alan’s eyes lit up like someone grasping a lifeline, hope rekindled. “Who?” Shawn and Max both eagerly wanted to know. Alan pointed to Ivy at the door, “Him.” Ivy was taken aback, “Me? Alan, you must be joking!” “It’s you,” he reiterated firmly. Ivy shook her head, “If it’s just karaoke, that’s one thing, but performing on stage is a different matter altogether. Don’t joke around!” They had sung karaoke together before, so Alan was confident that Ivy could handle it. “Right now, you’re the only one who can help us.” Performing on stage! Ivy had no confidence at all, “I don’t…” “Ivy, you’re going to perform! Awesome!” Sophia, who had appeared out of nowhere, cheered for this daring move with both hands raised. Sophia was Simon’s wife, the boss of the Sadness Hotel. “I really can’t…” Ivy still wanted to refuse. “It’s a fact that AJ can’t come. How can the band perform without a lead singer? Can you really bear to see tonight’s performance fail? After all, we’re friends; can’t you help with this small favor?” Alan adopted a more pleading tone. Sophia was still unclear about the details, “Why can’t AJ come?” “He just called to say he’s divorced, and he’s in the hospital now,” Alan paused, glancing at Ivy, then added, “If Ivy doesn’t agree to replace AJ, we’ll have no choice but to cancel tonight’s performance. Even if it means losing our chance to perform at the Sadness Hotel, there’s nothing we can do but accept our bad luck.” Sophia also joined in the persuasion, “Ivy, please help them!” Ivy was overwhelmed, “I’m afraid I might mess it up.” “You won’t. Your voice is excellent, and your sense of rhythm is unquestionable. As long as you practice a bit more and adapt, there won’t be any problem,” Alan said with confidence. This was akin to pushing someone onto the stage, “I’m still at work.” Sophia reassured, “That’s not an issue; I’ll talk to Simon for you.” “Ivy…” Ivy sighed. Simon’s indulgence towards Sophia was well-known; he rarely refused her requests. Given this, Ivy knew her situation was grim. Under everyone’s persuasion and with the boss’s agreement, Ivy could no longer refuse. She had to take the stage… Ivy had no choice but to brace herself. “Ivy, you won’t just watch them fail, right?” Max said. “I’ll go talk to Simon.” Sophia, quick on the uptake, ran to the bar where Simon was. Ivy gave a wry smile, “It seems I have no other choice.” “Thanks.” Alan, visibly relieved, quickly shifted the conversation and handed a set of elegant clothes to Ivy, “You can change into these yourself, or do you need help?” Ivy and AJ were of similar height, though she was somewhat slimmer, so the clothing issue was resolved. “No, I’ll manage myself.” Upon seeing the clothes, Ivy’s face fell— the white shirt had ruffled sleeves, a flashy necktie, and was paired with black skinny pants, a black belt, and a knee-length black jacket. “This… this is too flashy!” She had never worn anything so extravagant in her life! “It’s perfect!” Alan held up a pair of boots for comparison, “Your feet seem much smaller than AJ’s, so it looks like we’ll need to buy a new pair of boots for you.” Shoes must fit comfortably. Sophia, fluttering like a butterfly, returned with a pair of boots, “Ivy, what’s your shoe size? I’ll have a student buy a pair for you.” “Size 69.” She would have preferred Sophia to be less enthusiastic. Shawn looked down in astonishment, “Size 69? For a man, your feet are tiny!” For a man? Ivy didn’t bother to explain, “Foot size is natural.” Alan urged, “Ivy, change into the clothes first, and I’ll help with your makeup later.” Makeup? Oh! How could she forget the “Galaxy” band’s visual style? Though not as exaggerated as foreign bands, basic makeup and stylish attire were essential. She had never worn makeup before, which was a bit hard to accept! But… never mind. Since she had agreed to help, she would just go along with it. Ivy resignedly carried the clothes to the changing room. Alan clapped his hands, “Alright, you all get ready quickly.” “OK.” “Understood.” They each busied themselves with preparations, and the backstage lounge fell silent until Ivy emerged in her outfit. Even Alan, who was also a man, couldn’t help but praise, “You look absolutely perfect, like a European noble from the 15th or 16th century.” The black knee-length jacket further accentuated Ivy’s clear, emerald-green eyes, as fresh as newly sprouted shoots, and her strikingly beautiful appearance was truly captivating.