My horoscope for today read: BIG BAD LUCK. DO NOT LEAVE HOUSE. Which, naturally, I had already done. Excellent.
He didn't move. I, Yu Xi, was like a trapped rabbit, forcing a strained smile and eyeing the "door to freedom." I tentatively reached out, trying to push him away – like trying to budge a granite slab, perhaps. What happened? The moment my hand touched his firm chest, it was caught in his grasp. Then, my other hand was pinned to the wall in an instant. A face – oh, a ridiculously handsome face – leaned in close, his eyes staring directly into mine through a flamboyant mask. His pale, thin lips curled into a slight smile, and then, without warning, they landed heavily on my two pink, soft, honey-glossed lips.
I didn't resist. After all, it was just a kiss, wasn't it? Besides, he was a handsome guy. Also, I figured he was probably just getting back at me, and with a guilty conscience, I just let him have his way. I wasn't exactly planning to respond.
Lu Renjie – though I didn't know his name at the time – was certainly testing the waters. He pressed on my moist lips, nibbling gently, almost as punishment. But when he saw my eyes were clear and completely unafraid, he suddenly felt a little annoyed, which was odd. With a thrust of his long tongue, he pried open my pearly teeth and, just like that, slipped inside.
My heart skipped a beat. It wasn't until his tongue was rampaging through my mouth that I truly panicked. Oh God, I knew nothing about kissing techniques. I was just a clueless idiot, standing there, dumbstruck, letting him have his way with me.
A smile appeared in his eyes. He seemed delighted, even pleased, by my inexperience. He teased my tongue, exploring my sweet mouth wildly, and then, finally, began to entwine more delicately.
I can't really describe what it felt like to be deeply kissed by a man for the first time. He was clearly a seasoned veteran; I had no chance of resisting. His breath – a faint lemon scent, actually – seeped from my mouth into my nasal cavity. I stared wide-eyed, directly into his, as if that would somehow convey my fearlessness. But the air in my chest was slowly being squeezed out, and my face was turning crimson, yet I stubbornly refused to beg for mercy. Humph!
Noticing I was about to collapse, he pulled back, his eyes narrowing, and released my lips. He grabbed my wrist, pulled me up, and pressed me against the wall. He glanced at my now fuller, redder lips, and asked, almost touching my nose with his, "How was the taste?"
I hid the blush that should have been there, turning my head slightly to avoid his breath. I looked up at him askance and told him exactly what I felt: "Uh... like a dental scaler."
His mouth twitched, then slowly curved upwards: "No dizziness? No racing heart?" As he spoke, he lowered his gaze to my rising and falling chest. Two small peaks proudly rose from the tight red dress, forming perfect curves, and the graceful cleavage between them made his eyes gleam.
"Look but don't touch!" I squirmed, complaining indignantly, "You've kissed me, so you should be over it now, right? I'm waiting to go back to work."
"You think it's that easy to make up for it?"
"My kiss is worth a thousand gold!" I proudly lifted my head.
"Then what if I pay you a few more thousand gold for a few more kisses?"
"NO!" I flatly refused. "My fragrant kisses are in limited supply: no more than one every three days." I casually borrowed the idiom from "San Wan Bu Guo Gang" (Three Bowls Can't Pass the Hill) and adapted it.
His narrow eyes narrowed further. He observed my calm expression for a few seconds, then slowly straightened up and released me. "How's your back?"
"At least it's not broken." As soon as I mentioned it, my old back started aching again as if it really were broken. I couldn't help but frown and rub my lower back. "It's true, one day without practice, ten days lost."
"Should I go get you some medicine?" He showed a surprising amount of concern.
"Where would you even find it?" Then I suddenly remembered I should have some bruise ointment in my room drawer. I pointed him in the right direction: "Since you're so keen on helping others, just go to my room and get the medicine from the middle drawer of my dressing table."
He tidied his messy hair. "Wait for me here." Then he turned to fetch the medicine.
The soreness in my back intensified. I walked out, holding my back straight, muttering to myself that if it got worse, I'd just call it a night and go rest. Just as I rounded the corner and poked my head out, I was horrified to see none other than my dear boss and sugar daddy, Gong Youqi, walking towards me. He was glancing around, seemingly looking for someone, and his expression was anything but friendly.
I cursed under my breath and quickly ducked back. I had no idea why he was here now. Was he just coincidentally here tonight too? Did he see my hot dance just now? In my current state, it wasn't exactly convenient to explain things or try to charm my way out of it. Best to just beat a hasty retreat – thirty-six stratagems, running is the best!
I turned and headed towards another exit backstage, whispering urgently to the ladies in the hallway: "If anyone comes looking for me, tell them you haven't seen me!"
Only after exiting through a different door did I finally breathe a sigh of relief. I didn't care about "Mr. Nobody" now. I rushed through the still-partying guests, giving vague greetings, and slumped into a corner for a rest. In the distance, I saw a pretty woman sitting alone at a table, elegantly sipping orange juice.
Su Yingran. I recognized her instantly and then realized she must have come with Gong Youqi. Which meant Gong Youqi had definitely gone backstage looking for me. My heart was pounding. I didn't understand why I felt like I was about to be caught red-handed. Even if they saw me, I was just dancing with "Mr. Nobody" for one song. Did he really need to personally track me down and chew me out?
Just as I was wondering what to do, my arm tightened. Someone behind me had grabbed it, and an irritated voice sounded in my ear: "Thought I wouldn't find you?!"
...Only one thought flashed through my mind: Today is a Very Bad Day. Avoid Leaving the House.
I plastered a smile on my face and turned around, feigning surprise: "Oh! Isn't this Young Master Gong? What a coincidence, we truly are fated!"
Gong Youqi glared at me with a cold face, then turned and unceremoniously pulled me back towards the backstage area. I kept calling out, "Slow down, slow down!" Oh, my poor back...
He found an empty dressing room, shoved me inside, and slammed the door shut.
A storm. Why did it have to come twice in one day...
"Explain!" He stood by the door, watching me coldly.
"What?" What was there to explain? Was I not allowed to relax on my day off? My mind spun, and I turned the question back on him: "How did you know I was here?" Did one of those little dancers spill my whereabouts? Then again, birds die for food, and beautiful women can certainly betray their sisters for a handsome man.
I immediately bristled with indignation: "Who's the snitch? I'm going out to settle scores with her!" I marched past him, a furious expression on my face, almost reaching the door...
A long arm beat me to it, propped against the door: "Trying to escape?"
Busted... I laughed awkwardly: "No, of course not. I just got a little flustered, that's all. Women these days really can't be trusted."
Gong Youqi actually nodded, staring at me. "You're right, they really can't be trusted."
...I'd cornered myself. Then I thought again. I hadn't done anything disgraceful. The contract didn't say I couldn't have a part-time job. I perked up again: "Young Master Gong, your female companion is still waiting outside. It's been quite a while now."
He raised a discerning eyebrow: "How do you know?" He'd only just met Su Yingran today.
Damn it, I'd shot myself in the foot again... I was annoyed. Where had my usual quick wit gone?
"Alright, what do you want?" I just grabbed a chair and sat down. My aching back needed some support.
Seeing I wasn't trying to escape anymore, he relaxed and leaned against the door, asking, "Explain clearly why you're here dressed like that."
"Well, that's obvious. I'm dressed like this to attend the costume ball here," I answered honestly.
His dark eyes gleamed with coldness: "I'm asking about your performance on stage just now. Since you have a contract with me, how dare you wear something so revealing and dance like that for others to see? And who was that man?"
My conscience started bothering me again... Why was it always me who felt guilty?
"Uh... the contract didn't say I couldn't. Besides, I've always worked here, and I missed my sisters. It's no big deal to come back and visit."
"What about the man?"
"He's my... uh, a friend I occasionally met. He's already gone back." I absolutely couldn't say he was my senior. My current persona was supposed to be an uneducated, illiterate, clueless airhead.
"How occasional?" He pressed on.
"That... I can't quite remember." I equivocated. The soreness in my back muscles and tendons made me rub it again and again, letting out a low groan.
"What's wrong with your back?" He frowned.
"Too much vigorous exercise," I said, grimacing. Luckily, I had my mask on, so he couldn't see.
His cold eyes flickered. He slowly walked over and pulled me up, rudely stating, "Overdoing it." But then he reached out and massaged a few spots on my lower back, then said, "It's just a muscle strain. You'll be fine after a few days of rest."
"You can even diagnose injuries?" I leaned into his thin jacket again. It had that familiar fresh scent.
"Just picked up a few things from my elder brother," he said, gently rubbing for me. Then he suddenly realized what he was doing, abruptly let go of me, turned my chin with one hand, and looked at my flashy mask, his expression a little odd, as if he wanted to just rip it off and see.
Yu Xi, that's me, immediately sensed his thoughts and swiftly retreated three feet. I was lazy today and hadn't put on makeup. I really didn't want him to see my true face so soon.
"Um, let's go out first. The ball's about to end," I moved to the door, pulled it open, and stepped halfway out, then suddenly spun back around, quickly closing the door and leaning against it – sighing for the Nth time in my head, why didn't I check the almanac before leaving the house today?
Just a quick peek outside revealed Lu Renjie walking towards the exit mirror. Were these two trying to kill me tonight? One after another, they were bombing me. If these two men met, there would undoubtedly be a lot more trouble, and I hadn't even figured out a strategy yet. Better to avoid a head-on collision between them.
Gong Youqi noticed something was amiss and walked over to ask, "Who's outside?"
"Just a passerby, hehe. I was just worried it might look bad if someone saw us together."
He naturally didn't believe that excuse. He'd taken me to a few banquets, and everyone in the business circle knew I had a close relationship with him. They just didn't know I worked at Xinyue. Was she afraid of revealing her lowly original status? How vain.
He was about to push past me. I estimated Lu Renjie would pass by any second, so I blocked the door, preventing him from leaving.
"Move." He frowned.
Without thinking, I clapped one hand over his mouth and made a shushing gesture with the other.
A faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils. He paused, slightly stunned, then grabbed my hand, about to question me.
I had already heard footsteps approaching from afar, and in a moment of desperation, I hooked my arm around his neck and sealed his mouth with mine.
A thought still flashed through my mind: I got kissed by someone else today, and now I'm kissing someone else back. I've earned it...
To prevent him from pushing me away, I tightly hooked my arms around his neck and pressed closer, extending my pink tongue to gently lick his lips, remembering how Lu Renjie had kissed me. Learning as I went, putting it to immediate use.
His brain short-circuited for a moment. When he realized what this woman was doing, he indeed felt an urge to push her away. But... after tasting her sweetness, he actually felt a hint of reluctance.
Before he met Su Yingran, he was studying abroad, changing women as often as his elder brother, Gong Da. He was well-versed in such matters. But in order to prove his sincerity to the one he loved, he hadn't been intimately involved with any woman for the past two years. And now, here she was, gently stirring the desire deep within him.
Her seemingly innocent kiss felt more like a sophisticated seduction. He hated her methods, yet he couldn't bear to leave those two sweet, soft lips.
I still didn't dare to invade his mouth. I didn't understand the technique, afraid he'd notice my inexperience. I listened with my ear. The footsteps had already faded away. I let out a silent sigh of relief and released his lips.
Gong Youqi suddenly felt a void on his lips, and a sense of dissatisfaction rose in his mind. Since she had successfully tempted him, yet she didn't satisfy him, his eyes deepened. He clutched the back of my head with one hand and pressed me against him again.
This time, he took the initiative, driving straight into my mouth, as if teaching me what a real kiss was. I couldn't see my expression through the mask, but I felt myself recoiling slightly. The long-suppressed desire within him erupted even more fiercely, savagely plundering her sweet essence.
...I just felt like I was suffocating. My brain stopped functioning entirely. I remained dazed even after he released me. Gong Youqi's kiss caught me off guard; it was completely different from "Mr. Nobody's." When "Mr. Nobody" kissed me, I could still clearly smell lemon. But just now, I only felt dizzy, my mind a complete blank, as if the world had instantly blurred into chaos, everything frozen.
"Come see me tomorrow. We'll have a good talk about your behavior," he said, not looking at me again. He opened the door and walked straight out.
I was still in a daze. After a long moment, I finally came to my senses and murmured to myself, "So this is what it feels like to finally steal a kiss from a handsome man."
Sunday. I slept the day away, utterly lost in slumber. My eyes finally registered the glaring sunlight piercing through a gap in the heavy curtains. I tried to roll over and get up, but the pain in my back decided to wake up with me, and the moment I lifted myself, I tumbled back onto the bed.
I thought a good night's sleep would fix everything, but it was actually worse. I grimaced, reaching for the dog plaster on my bedside table, but my hand hit my phone first.
I'd set it to silent before bed, just to avoid any early morning harassment. I flipped it open: dozens of missed calls. More than half were from "Mr. Nobody," three from Gong Youqi, two from Xiao Chuchu, and one from Aunt Xin.
Was today my lucky day? I sighed and started calling them back, in reverse order of who called me.
First, I told Aunt Xin everything was normal, that I'd left in a hurry last night because I was a bit tired. Then I couldn't wait to call Xiao Chuchu back. After the last birthday banquet, she'd gone silent again. I'd even planned to use Gong Youqi to find out her whereabouts in You Gang. That Gong Youkai – had he really fallen for Chuchu, or was he just playing around? If it was the latter, I, Yu Xi, would absolutely not allow it.
The moment the call connected, I launched into my worried tirade: "Chuchu, where are you? How are you now? Did that gangster bully you? Don't worry, I'm trying to figure out how to find you. If all else fails, I'll just storm You Gang. That unscrupulous little gang, I don't even bat an eye at them!"
There was a moment of silence on the other end, then a deep voice said: "Oh? Planning to storm in? It seems my little gang needs to prepare a grand welcome."
...I was instantly petrified.
"Gong... Gong Youkai?"
"If it weren't for her and Youqi's sake, those few words you just uttered would be enough for you to die ten times over." The tone was still emotionless but carried an invisible pressure.
He definitely had that natural gangster aura. I shivered and gathered my courage: "Young Master Gong, I want to talk to Chuchu."
"No."
"Why not?" Bastard.
"I'm not in the mood right now."
I took two deep breaths, trying my best to sound as charmingly flirtatious as usual: "Oh, Young Master Gong, you have the magnanimity of a prime minister! Would you really bother with a humble little person like me?"
"I'm a gangster, not a prime minister."
"Gangster... I was just saying you're like a righteous bandit who robs the rich to help the poor, with a vast heart."
"Mine is an unscrupulous little gang."
"...Ah, well, that's a shorthand. It means you lead a good gang that has 'no bad habits like burning, killing, looting, etc.'" In my head, I put that in quotes again – a double negative makes a positive, right?
"I didn't expect Youqi to find such an eloquent woman." The deep male voice said, "When he no longer wants you, I'll take you in. I imagine you'd be quite amusing."
I felt goosebumps rise on my arms: "Haha... hehe... Young Master Gong, you're such a joker. How could an ordinary person like me catch your eye?"
"Is that so? Xiao Chuchu is quite formidable. Her friends wouldn't be far off."
"Chuchu? What have you done to her?" Hearing my friend's name, I immediately became serious.
"Ate her."
"..."
I was still speechless when the phone seemed to be snatched by someone else. I heard Chuchu's voice: "Xi Xi, are you okay?"
I shook my head: "Chuchu, are you being forced?" I didn't care about the "eating" part; I only cared about what my friend was thinking.
Xiao Chuchu mumbled something, then just said: "Don't worry, I'll make him let me go..." Her voice was cut off by the man beside her: "You wish!" The phone seemed to be snatched again, and then came the "beep beep" of a busy signal.
I lay stretched out on the bed, tossing the phone aside to think about Gong Youkai and Chuchu. From what I knew of my friend, her hesitant words just now showed she was conflicted. Had Chuchu really developed feelings for that gangster?
After a while of restless worrying, I picked up the phone again and dialed Gong Youqi.
"Why didn't you answer my calls?" He demanded, the moment he picked up.
"Huh? Oh, it was on silent." I weakly rolled over onto my stomach, sighing lazily, "Young Master Gong, my back hurts. I won't bother you today. I know busy people like you can't rest even on weekends, so don't waste your time on my little affairs."
"Still in bed?" Weekend at his parents' house, in his own room, Gong Youqi's mind suddenly conjured a blood-pumping image: a revealing, sexy nightgown barely concealing a perfectly sculpted, subtly revealed figure. Her eyes, like silken threads, grasping the phone with slender fingers, chatting with him while lazily, idly twisting the bedsheets.
"Oh... You really... You didn't put a camera in my room, did you?" I quickly scrambled up, looking around frantically.
He chuckled softly. "Then be a good girl and wait at home. I'll come find you tonight."
That kiss last night had suddenly changed his original thoughts. Celibacy wasn't the only good way for a man to prove his sincerity to his beloved. Besides, he wanted to test himself, to see if he was still thinking of Su Yingran when faced with temptation. If he was, he decided he would do whatever it took to win back the woman he had loved for two years.
"You're coming tonight?" My voice immediately went up an octave. Didn't he say he wasn't interested in me? Didn't he say we wouldn't have to fulfill "bed duties"?
"What's got you so excited?"
"The contract said..." I bit my lip, but still blurted it out.
"I've changed my mind," he admitted grandly. "Your seduction last night was very successful. So, tonight, give it your all to satisfy me." He paused, then added: "Don't worry, I'll compensate you double. Starting next month, your commission will be doubled."
"..." I was about to say more, but Young Master Gong had already hung up.
I lay stretched out again, this time wanting to cry but unable to.
I used to think about how to find a man to turn me into a woman first. I didn't mind if the first time was casual, but the man had to be good in bed. Firstly, so it wouldn't be too painful, and secondly, so I could learn some techniques. Since being a mistress was something that had to happen sooner or later, I just didn't want Gong Youqi to know it was my first time. That would just invite unnecessary trouble.
But in just half a day, where was I supposed to find a good man who fit the criteria?
My phone rang again. I saw it was "Mr. Nobody's" call. That thought flashed through my mind, then I hesitated. Should I call him? He'd definitely laugh at me for the rest of my life.
The phone kept ringing persistently. I calmed myself down and answered it.
"Have you left Earth?" Lu Renjie's voice was seething with anger.
I rolled my eyes: "I wish."
"Wait till I find out where you live. I'll personally come and sort you out!" He gnashed his teeth: "How dare you stand me up last night!" When he got back with the medicine, I was already gone. He searched around, but couldn't get through to my phone. And then I finally called him, only to say I'd already gone home.
I shivered again. I felt like if I kept answering calls like this every day, I could save on air conditioning even in the summer heat. I quickly explained: "Senior, I didn't mean to. Circumstances forced me; I didn't have time to wait for you."
Actually, after Gong Youqi left, I'd gone back to my room, changed clothes, found my phone, grabbed the ointment and some other bits. I was afraid Lu Renjie would insist on accompanying me home, which would reveal where I was holed up. That's why I called to say I'd left first.
"Be specific."
"Someone was looking for me then..." I wondered if I should tell him about my relationship with Gong Youqi.
"Who?"
"Senior, could you answer a question for me first?" I thought about it, then decided to be frank. Given Lu Renjie's intelligence, I couldn't hide it for long anyway.
"Another condition! Just tell me!"
I switched the phone to my other hand: "It's that question I asked you last time. My boss and Su Yingran's relationship."
Lu Renjie thought for a second: "You ran into Young Master Gong last night?"
Sly fox!
"Senior, your IQ must be 250. But if you can continue to answer my question, I'll also tell you a secret of mine."
He chuckled: "What kind of secret could a small brain like yours possibly have?"
"Of course I have one. For example, don't you think it's strange that I want to know about Young Master Gong and Su Yingran's relationship?" I was going to tell him anyway.
Lu Renjie considered for a moment before answering: "Last year, I went to an economic exchange conference in the US and saw Su Yingran and her fiancé, Xue Han. Actually, Su Yingran and I were neighbors from kindergarten to high school. The three of us used to play together quite a bit when we were kids. She privately asked me to discreetly inquire about someone's current situation – Young Master Gong from MJ."
"She's engaged?" No wonder Young Master Gong liked her but didn't try to win her over.
"Clearly a family arranged marriage. Her father had just died then, and 'Huan Tai' wasn't doing well, so they needed a strong backer. She said she only met Young Master Gong at the engagement banquet and regretted meeting him too late. She also asked me to keep it a secret for her."
I lay quietly, clearing my thoughts. So, when Gong Youqi fell for Su Yingran, she was already engaged, and this man had stubbornly waited for her until now. I sighed inwardly, unsure whether to praise his nobility or curse his foolishness.
"Your turn now. Why did you ask that?" He interrupted my thoughts.
"When you looked into Young Master Gong back then, did you know he had a mistress?"
"That was just a shield for him to deal with the outside world. In his heart, he only had Su Yingran."
I slowly curved my lips: "Now, I am that shield."
Lu Renjie was stunned for a few seconds, then his voice grew louder: "Are you serious?"
"Otherwise, how would I have become his secretary?"
"Leave him immediately!" His voice was filled with a mix of anger and concern.
I heard my stomach "rumbling," calling for food, and sighed slightly: "It's too late. The contract's already signed. Besides, I volunteered to play this game. Senior, please don't interfere, okay? I'm telling you all this so you'll only be a bystander and not meddle. Also, my current identity is just Yu Xi from Xinyue. You have to keep it a secret for me."
Lu Renjie felt a mess inside: "You idiot, how could you sign a contract like that so casually?!"
I chuckled: "Life is short, so seize the day, isn't that what you once told me? We're all free spirits playing in the human world. You should understand my actions." I paused, then said in a serious tone: "Senior, I'm trusting you by telling you all this. Please promise me, don't interfere."
He clenched his fists. After a while, he said: "Alright, you can play your game, but if you play too hard and hurt yourself, don't regret it then."
I was slightly startled. Why did I hear a hint of tender care in his words? Must be all these phone calls making me delirious. I yawned and hung up: "Thank you, really, Senior. Actually, apart from looking like a fox and thinking like a fox, you do have some human warmth in other places."
After I hung up, he wanted to ask: what exactly were those "other places" that, besides his appearance and mind, still had human warmth?
My apartment had absolutely no food. I called for takeout, then slowly got up and went to the bathroom to wash up. Gently rubbing my back, I thought while washing, perhaps I should find an excuse to slip away before tonight? I really wasn't prepared for tonight. My inexperience in bed would definitely make Young Master Gong suspicious.
After showering, I found my pajamas were also splashed wet. I wrapped myself in a towel, drying my hair, and went to find clothes. I rummaged through the wardrobe for a while and found a men's white oversized T-shirt. I remembered buying two last year for Yu Chen to DIY hand-paint. The one with the chubby little boy had already been given to him. I'd been too lazy to paint this one.
I put it on and looked at myself in the mirror. The T-shirt was long enough to cover my thighs, so it worked well as sleepwear. The large round neckline exposed my slender neck, and the oversized fit made my figure seem even more petite. My half-dry hair was messy behind me, and my delicate, dewy face was bare of makeup. Anyone would believe me if I said I was a pure high school student right now.
My stomach growled again. I rubbed my empty stomach, pacing around the apartment, waiting for food. Bored, something suddenly occurred to me. I pulled open the drawer under the wardrobe and rummaged for a small bag.
My phone started singing again. My hand slipped, and the small bag fell to the floor, spilling a few small packets out. I glanced at the name on my phone, my eyes lit up, and I went to the living room to answer.
"Young Master Gong, are you calling to tell me you have something on tonight and can't make it? No worries, no worries at all, your important business comes first..."
He cut me off: "Did I say I wasn't coming?"
I slumped into the sofa, instantly losing all energy: "Then why are you calling? It's not even evening yet."
"Afraid you'd slip away."
"...You're quite the joker." Had he really installed cameras? I looked around again, but surely he couldn't record my thoughts...
"Haven't slipped away? Good then, commendable." His voice sounded quite pleased.
A knock at the door. I jumped up: "Young Master Gong, my food's here. I'll call you tonight. Gotta go!" Without waiting for a reply, I threw my phone, already planning to eat my fill and then make a run for it.
I casually ran my fingers through my long, almost dry hair and opened the door to welcome my delicious food. I'd already told the delivery guy to just leave the food at the door.
The moment I pulled open the door, I saw a tall, straight figure standing outside. I felt like I'd been struck by lightning.
I stood there stunned for a long time before finally letting out a barely audible whisper: "You... Weren't you coming tonight?"