Laborers sold their physical strength, prostitutes their bodies, and politicians their consciences. Yan Xixi had always categorized herself with the laborers; it truly was a life-and-death struggle. Almost every penny I earn comes from hard labor, whether as a marriage or tea hostess. Yes, I deceive men to get money. But if men weren’t bad, would I even have the chance to deceive them?
Yan Xixi stood up to leave, but he pulled her back again and said in one breath, "Xixi, how is being a wine or tea hostess any different from being a prostitute? Do you think this is nobler? At least prostitutes have a clear price, but you’re deceiving to get money. Compared to them, you’re even more despicable and shameless..." She glared at him fiercely but remained silent.
"Yan Xixi, you’re not some innocent little white rabbit. Look, neither of us is nobler than the other, are we?"
He was brazen and shameless, his ruthless gaze fixed on her beautiful face. Young women usually had delicate waists, smooth skin, bright red lips, firm thighs, and graceful figures. However, he had truly never seen a face as captivating as a flower, lovely whether she smiled or frowned. When her eyebrows raised, she was like a thorny rose swaying in the wind. Only a rose with thorns is adored by thousands; a docile little flower, in contrast, offers no challenge.
"Xixi, you need money, and I can give you money. So, how about we make a deal?"
Perhaps because she had experienced too much, Yan Xixi didn’t even have the strength to be angry. She took a large gulp of hot tea. "What kind of deal are you proposing?"
"Be with me for a year! I’ll ensure that you and your mother will want for nothing for the rest of your lives."
Yan Xixi raised a hand and said coldly, "Get lost!"
Wan Donglin still didn’t get angry. Laughing cheerfully, he said, "Xixi, I know you’ll come begging to me. You desperately need money. Besides me, you have no other choice!"
She stared for a long time at his arrogant, smiling face. When we’re young, we always think the world is full of sunshine and hope, harmonious and radiant. But sometimes, you discover the world is riddled with traps.
"Mr. Wan, you’re right. I’m just a con artist, not some innocent lily emerging unstained from the mud. Indeed, I desperately need money..."
He raised his eyebrows. "So, this deal?"
She replied calmly, "Of course. I agree to this deal."
「The most famous luxury residence in this prime district.」
On its second floor, a room with a view of the garden featured an exceptionally high and spacious ceiling. A red velvet swing hung from it, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun.
Yan Xixi stopped in her tracks, staring in shock at the swing.
What shocked her wasn’t the swing itself, but the girl sitting on it. The girl had jet-black hair and wore an innocent-looking school uniform, but Xixi particularly noticed her long legs—
She suddenly recalled those ’special’ women from the island country, the ones who dressed in student uniforms, and a faint shiver ran through her...
The girl on the swing had a sweet and endearing smile on her face. Wan Donglin walked over and gave a strong push with both hands, sending the swing soaring. Just as Yan Xixi worried the swing might break free and fling the girl out, Wan Donglin gave a sharp tug with his large hand, and the swing arced back.
Throughout the entire process, the girl giggled delicately, utterly carefree, as if she thoroughly enjoyed and was content with this life. The setting sun illuminated the red velvet, and the stark contrast between the pure golden light and the vivid red fabric evoked a vast, blood-red haze.