The first performance, Ba Lao Hui, Ambiguity
When will the combined salaries of the two be enough to cover the amount of high-interest loans? Moreover, it must be repaid within a month. In today's world, 150,000 is not a small sum; borrowing money in this manner is simply impossible. They are both new residents of Deer City, without relatives or close friends, who would be willing to lend such a large amount of money
He stood in front of her, silent. A series of ringing sounds passed by crisply, as various brightly colored cars flaunted in the night breeze
I am Ye Luo, often wandering through the streets and alleys of Lucheng. Outside the window of the eighteenth floor, the city's lights are brilliant yet ambiguous, and the night sky is devoid of the legend of starlight. Well, starting from this midnight, I will tell a story about a Taiwanese man and a mainland woman, a tale of the intricate game of love between men and women
A soft red light fell upon her slowly moving figure, with rose-colored eyeshadow and a wandering gaze. The hall echoed with the delicate and ethereal sounds of Cantonese songs: "Wandering between bitterness and sweetness, unable to see through these ambiguous eyes, love or affection borrowed to fill a night, ultimately must be returned, no need to be overly greedy..."
Gao Yisong glared at her with anger and finally spoke: "Why? Why did you deceive me?"
Tian Tian interjected at an opportune moment: "Mr. Lin, I apologize, but I have to go on stage to perform shortly, so I must head backstage to change my clothes." She stood up, glanced at the three Taiwanese individuals, and lowered her voice, "Please enjoy your drinks, gentlemen. Have a great time. I hope Mr. Lin will support me later, so please remember!"
Xie Fang and General Huang naturally exchanged knowing smiles upon witnessing this scene. For more than half a month, Tian Tian had grown accustomed to these unfamiliar pig's trotters, yet tonight felt particularly awkward; she really wanted to take a picture of that disgusting salty pig's hand, perhaps because of the person in front of her. However—she gracefully pinched the banknotes, her smile brightening her eyes: "Oh, I really don't understand this at all; all I know is that the rent in Lucheng has been continuously rising."
He held her icy hand, gazing at her tenderly: "Don't go to the nightclub anymore, let the past be the past, I don't mind... as long as you don't go, we can be like before, I will be your caretaker, cooking dinner for you every day, making you plump and healthy... We have already agreed, on Valentine's Day 2008, we will go get our marriage certificate."
Su Yao took a deep breath and looked him in the eye: "I have returned to Xiamen and will be back in five days"
Xie Fang smiled and said, "There is no rush; a surprise will appear shortly."
The third person watched her hurriedly cross the lobby, heading into the darkness towards the backstage. For a long time, Lin Li could not withdraw his gaze, staring intently at her.
These three men are all Taiwanese engaged in real estate in Lukang
Xie slowly sipped his drink, his gaze lowered as he focused on her face concealed beneath the dense silk fabric. Unfortunately, he could not see it. He pondered for a long time, searching his mind, yet he still could not recall whom she resembled or where he had seen her before
His family background is average, and after working for many years in Lucheng, he has managed to save enough for the down payment on a two-bedroom apartment, but it is only enough for half of the high-interest loan. If it were not for unforeseen circumstances, he would have been purchasing a pre-sale property, and Su Yao would marry him. However, as fate would have it, she does not want to burden him, does not want to delay him, and even more so, does not want him to be ridiculed by his friends because of her.
Su Yao chuckled coldly: "My father's illness is not serious; he was discharged from the hospital a few days ago. Since you already know that I am performing at Bailehui, you should know what to do next."
Yes, in just over two months, Su Yao will end her cohabitation and step into marriage with Gao Yisong. Although he is not the man she loves deeply, he is a suitable husband, financially stable, capable of managing life, and considerate and devoted.
General Huang chuckled softly and said, "Alright, A Fang is even more lecherous than I am. If we are to speak of the most lascivious Taiwanese in Lu City, A Fang would claim second place, and no one would dare to claim the first."
Such delicate and charming whispers soften the heart, as if a drop of clear stream water slides into a dry and burning throat, bringing immediate relief. Lin Li beams with joy, extending a hand to greet: "Let me introduce, this is General Huang, this is General Xie, and I, well, my surname is Lin."
Strange anger
He did not know that by letting go this time, he would no longer be able to hold her hand. From then on, those warm moments of love would sink to the very bottom of time, transforming into a deep shadow that haunted his dreams at midnight
My friend Su Yao said: I have no love with him, only entanglement; no sincerity, only games. Perhaps I have love, I have sincerity, but it has always been my own delusion, he simply does not have it, damn it, he does not!
Gao Yisong let out a cold laugh, his sclera slightly reddening: "Is there no reason? Would you rather stay at Huihui's house than return home? Or have you been involved in some unspeakable dealings?"
Xie Fangyang lay back on the sofa, his eyes slightly closed, hand pressed against his brow, savoring this moment of relaxation. Suddenly, a graceful silver shadow seemed to flicker past in front of him. He immediately opened his eyes and turned his head, just in time to see Tiantian sitting on the sofa, chatting and laughing with several middle-aged men in suits.
Tian Tian allowed him to touch her hand, smiling reservedly as if she were completely unconcerned
Gao Yisong does not believe, does not believe that his girlfriend, whom he pursued for a year and dated for a year, would propose a breakup! ... He loves her so much, cares for her, and indulges her, yet he is met with her betrayal and self-destruction ... However, his shaking will not go to the nightclub to sit and entertain for no reason; there must be a cause, there must be a hidden sorrow.
Gao Yisong seemed to see hope: "As long as you obey, as long as you come home with me, I will give you happiness..."
Su Yao closed her eyes and gently said, "There are not so many whys; I want to come back, so I will come back"
Some people also say that she does not truly like him; what she is attracted to is merely his money and the exotic charm of Taiwanese men
"You are absolutely right, as housing prices rise, rental prices will certainly follow suit." Lin Li smiled happily, turning her head as if expectantly looking at her, "Miss Tiantian is so clever, she understands everything at a glance. How about coming to my company to help out another day? I will be responsible for training you. What do you think? Are you interested?"
The Taiwanese person next to me chuckled, "Ballyhoo is just good at creating these gimmicks, all shrouded in mystery"
Tian Tian nodded towards General Huang with Lin Li's gestures, saying: "General Huang, please take good care of me!" As her gaze turned to Xie Fang, she was about to speak but suddenly fell into a daze, staring at him blankly, rendered speechless.
Thank you for your reassurance: Indeed, he is a hypocritical fellow. Since he has come to the nightclub, he should cast aside all reservations. Being timid and hesitant is truly unmanly
In the cold winter of December, Su felt a shiver run through her body and tightened the black coat she was wearing
Sweet Sweet knows well that in the vibrant and indulgent entertainment venues, where one may sell their appearance, it is difficult to maintain both physical and mental purity. However, she will persevere; she will certainly see it through to the end. While tarnishing one's reputation is possible, she cannot allow her body and mind to be compromised, and this is her bottom line
Lin Li made room for a seat and warmly waved to Miss Tian Tian: "Miss Tian Tian, come, sit here"
Su Yao shook off his hand, her face filled with cold mockery: "In my eyes, happiness is built upon brand-name goods"
As she finished speaking, she slightly raised her chin and slowly drank a cup of bright red liquid
A few pedestrians stopped to watch this not-so-new street drama, savoring the精彩的对白. Gao Yisong's eyes widened, and the pedestrians immediately walked away awkwardly
Some people say that they are definitely without results. Just look at the Taiwanese people in Lucheng; which one does not have one wife from Taiwan and several lovers from the mainland
Gao Yisong could not believe such a truth, nor could he bear it, his heart aching and his brows furrowing: "No, it’s not like this, you lied to me..."
Is it true?" Sweetly exclaimed Tian Tian, meeting his ambiguous gaze, but suddenly her eyes dimmed. "Mr. Lin, I know nothing about real estate! If you work so hard to teach me and I can't learn, it would be such a loss of face for you, Mr. Lin!"
Having spoken, she hurriedly turned around and left without looking back. Hot tears finally rolled down, falling into the desolate cold wind
Mr. Huang wiped his lips and said in Taiwanese: "This girl can drink and can talk. Ah Li, while she hasn't made her debut yet, quickly take her home and hide her. If you are a moment too late, her value will drop."
Father is not sick at all, he deceived her into returning to Xiamen, he owes a high-interest loan of 150,000 yuan due to gambling, and he has been beaten by the loan sharks until he is covered in wounds ... Mother has cried all her tears, and she desperately pleads with her daughter to find a way to raise the 150,000 yuan.
She scoffed coldly in her heart, her gaze shifting: "Mr. Lin, what are you talking about? I don't understand a word."
Gao Yisong's eyes brimmed with pain and compassion as he lowered his voice: "Tell me, is it true that your father's condition is very serious? Does it require a large amount of medical expenses? Is that why you came to Baolaihui?"
Su Yao still wore a calm expression: "A clandestine affair? Perhaps..." A pang of pain struck her heart, and she steeled herself, "Maybe you already know, yes, I betrayed you... I am despicable, shameless..."
The man in white who had just spoken gazed directly at her and said: "It is her. According to the rules of the venue, to unveil the mask on her face, it costs 1,000 cash and one hour of companionship in the private room."
Some say that he does not love her, and if he must speak of love, it is probably only one-third of it
Xie Fang savored the intricate interests of Lin Li, knowing that he must have been moved. This invitation for Lin Li to the nightclub was intended to ensure a smoother process for the upcoming project bidding. With this in mind, Xie Fang's lips curled into an enigmatic smile.
The three of them laughed heartily while drinking. Tian Tian poured the wine again, holding up her cup and smiling as she said: "This cup is for General Manager Lin, wishing you all the best; for General Manager Huang, may all your wishes come true; and for General Manager Xie, may everything go smoothly!"
With a sweet smile, she sat down and in a sugary voice asked, "What is your esteemed surname, sir?"
Lin Li shot him a glance and jokingly scolded in Mandarin, "You only have a mind full of lewd thoughts, why don't you learn from A to improve yourself after school?"
Recalling the scenes of embracing day and night over the past year, Su's eyes became moist: "I am different now, I have truly changed..." She cooled her tone, "At the beginning, when you pursued me, in fact... I never liked you at all. You said that no matter what, you would not give up, and that is why I agreed to date you, not because I had feelings for you, but because I was moved by your sincerity. I had just graduated a year ago, while you had already been working for three or four years. By dating you, I could lead a stable life."
Xie Fang tilted his head, just as Tian Tian gracefully walked over and smiled brightly at him: "The surprise has arrived"
Before long, Lin and Li returned, sat down with a thud, and continued to drink, chat, and enjoy the singing and dancing on stage. The Taiwanese suggested, "Shall we call for the ladies?"
Xie Fang cast a faint glance at her, only to see her face filled with confusion, gazing at them without understanding, while maintaining a gentle smile. He casually remarked: "It is still fresh now, but after a while, it will surely become tiresome. By that time, Broadway will not care about her wishes."
Xie beckoned the male attendant over and whispered a few words in his ear, after which the male attendant smiled, nodded, and gracefully walked away
A glimmer of curiosity arose in Lin Li's eyes: "Oh? What surprise? It wouldn't be that you have prepared a tou yi wu girl for me, would it?"
Xie Fang looked at Lin Li's ambiguous gaze, and suddenly felt a bit irritable
It is now 8 PM, and the flow of people on Yushan Street outside the gate of Yushan New Village is dense. The narrow street gives the impression of a bustling traffic. The pale white light from the convenience store spills onto the street, resembling a fine layer of snow. He walks briskly, the dim red light and the pale white light intertwining strangely on his face, making that gaunt face both familiar and unfamiliar.
Xie Fang looked at the young woman on stage, dressed in a modified silver-white qipao. Her waist was slender, accentuating her voluptuous curves, especially her jade-like calves, which appeared balanced and elegant from the side, stunningly beautiful. However, her face was not visible—she had tightly wrapped a piece of milky silk cloth around her face, resembling a human skin mask, covering her cheeks and nose, leaving only her smooth forehead and rosy lips exposed
Xie Fangrui stared at her sharply, increasingly feeling that she looked familiar: "Miss Tiantian, you truly know how to make an impression. Tonight, our General Manager Lin is here for you, so please do not let General Manager Lin down"
Su Yao remained silent, and he said with a hint of anger: "You did not return to Xiamen, you have been in Lucheng all along, haven't you? Why are you lying to me? Speak up, why won't you say anything?"
The song on stage is nearing its end: "Hesitating between seeming close and seemingly distant, unable to see through these warm yet ambiguous eyes, it seems intense yet still very faint, the sky has turned grayish blue, wanting to say goodbye, yet it is not too late."
On the maroon sofa near the stage, three men sat, whispering and laughing. One of them, a middle-aged man in a white shirt, pointed at the woman singing on stage and said mysteriously, "Ah Fang, do you see? The girl singing has quite a figure, but I wonder what she looks like."
Xie Fang also joked in Taiwanese, "When the time comes to put on the mask, upon seeing it, General Lin will be so disgusted that he might just rush out the door"
She raised her goblet and said: "Mr. Lin, Mr. Xie, Mr. Huang, let us enjoy ourselves tonight at Bai Laohui. I will take the first drink as a toast."
Xie Fang's curiosity was piqued: "Oh? So, are you saying that this Tian Tian is very beautiful?"
Su Yao raised the corners of her eyes in a mocking cold smile: "Marrying you guarantees a lifetime of happiness?"
The middle-aged man wearing a white shirt is named Lin Li, the head of a real estate development company. Lin Li glanced back at him, avoiding his jest: "This Sweetie has only been here for a little over half a month, and only two people have met her. According to rumors, one thousand yuan is quite a bargain."
Just for a moment, Tian Tian suppressed the chaotic heartbeat and panic throughout her body, deliberately softening her voice: "Hello, Mr. Xie!"
Sweetly enlightened, she chuckled lightly: "It's Taiwanese, no wonder I can't understand it! President Lin is dressed in designer brands, he must be a big boss, I wonder what kind of business he runs?"
Miss Tian Tian, Mr. Lin's company is not a local developer; it is a well-known large developer from Taichung City, Taiwan. They have already acquired a piece of land near the train station and will launch the project next year. If you learn quickly and perform well, Mr. Lin will promote you to sales manager, and you will earn no less than here
Thus, I will gradually recount the story of Su Yao. Please do not be saddened, for this is merely a tale that has yet to see its conclusion, even though the story is true
From the contour of her face, it is evident that she possesses a beautiful appearance—she should not be lacking in attractiveness
With Miss Tian Tian's intelligence, she will certainly not disappoint President Lin. Xie Fangyang leaned back on the sofa, casually speaking, while his gaze intentionally or unintentionally lingered on her cheek
Lin Li stood up and drank the remaining wine in his cup: "I will go to the restroom for a moment." Just as he was about to leave, the Taiwanese person next to him also stood up: "I will go too"
Gao Yisong suddenly raised his voice: "You said your father is ill and hospitalized, why don't you stay in your hometown for a few more days? Why are you back so soon? Why not go home?"
A year of relationship, though it may be calm and uneventful, is nonetheless a steady stream, with warmth accumulating drop by drop, and feelings gradually building and settling. She has grown accustomed to relying on him, without needing to worry about any household matters, only needing to receive a stable salary and be an ordinary wife
Su Yao did not respond, he placed his hands on her shoulders and shouted: "Don't be foolish, the men who go to nightclubs are all just playing around. Can you really catch a man like that and secure a lifetime of happiness?"
Su Yao resolutely stated: "This is how it is, I am a very realistic and opportunistic person. Being with you means I do not have to rent a house; I can live very well and stably. This is just who I am... Now, you are still the same, standing still, with such a meager salary. I am no longer satisfied; I want branded clothing and branded cosmetics. You simply cannot afford to support me."
She was turned sideways to him, and he could only see the cold, porcelain-like white glow of her half-exposed thigh, while her delicate instep was revealed by the black strappy high heels. At times, she sipped her drink, and at other times, she smiled charmingly, with a playful allure in her right eyebrow and eyes.
The burning pain on my face is utterly insignificant compared to the guilt that weighs on my heart. Su Yao looked at him as he wiped the frost from his face and said softly: "This is what I owe you, so please do not bother me anymore!"
His hawk-like gaze seemed to penetrate the soft silk, enveloping her beauty beneath his eyes. Sweetly, she turned her head and smiled charmingly at Lin: "Of course, with President Lin's support, I should first toast to all the bosses."
Xie Fang let out a cold snort: "One thousand? Is it worth it?" He smiled with a hint of meaning, "President Lin, it seems you are quite interested in her?"
Lin Li heard her delicate question, a slight shiver arose at his ears, his right hand unceremoniously rubbed her bare right arm, while his left hand stuffed two red banknotes into her hand: "We are all in real estate, Miss Tian Tian, are you interested"
A head of neat, smooth, shoulder-length black hair, a pair of eyes that smile in a crescent shape, filled with charming ripples, lips tinted in pastel shades with graceful curves, and a beautiful chin... As the distance closed, from any angle, it gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity, resembling someone in his mind, yet he could not recall who it was that she resembled
Xie Fang lazily said: "Nonsense, when have I ever acknowledged a second? Among the Taiwanese in Lucheng, there is not a single one as self-disciplined as I am"
Xie Fang withdrew his gaze and disdainfully said: "I heard that Bailehui is currently promoting a talented girl in singing and dancing, seemingly named Tiantian, who performs and changes stages while wearing a mask. Is it her?"
Su Yao walked out of the gate of Yushan New Village, just about to head towards the Xishiduo convenience store, when she heard a familiar call. Her heart skipped a beat as she slowly turned her head to look back, searching for a familiar face, a tall and slender figure, but found none. Just as she was about to take a step, she heard another call. She turned to the side and saw him crossing the road from the opposite side.
She bent down to pour four glasses of red wine, mixed in some Sprite, added ice cubes, and served them one by one to the three Taiwanese individuals. When she handed the glass to Xie Fang, she realized that his gaze was like a powerful car headlight, illuminating her without any place to hide, causing her palms to sweat slightly, even though her fingers were icy cold
Three Taiwanese men clapped loudly, and then, at her gesture, they gulped down red wine. Mr. Huang chuckled slyly, saying: "This Cha is quite flavorful, Ali, you have a good eye! Why not ask her if she wants to come out tonight and take her to a hotel."
Lin Li also saw it, laughing uncontrollably, his pale face glowing with excitement: "Indeed, it is a surprise!"
"Mr. Lin is being overly kind..." Sweet smiled charmingly, fully aware in her heart that no pie falls from the sky, and there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world; what they said was merely superficial talk. If Mr. Lin was sincere, it was a different kind of sincerity—wanting her to be his mainland lover, or a night lady who could be summoned at will. She elegantly and swiftly poured the wine, "Don't just focus on talking, come on, to ensure the smooth operation of Mr. Lin's project, and for the 'Top Sales Manager of Lucheng', I toast to all the big bosses!" That was also a different kind of sincerity—wanting her to be his mainland lover, or a night lady who could be summoned at will. She elegantly and swiftly poured the wine, "Don't just focus on talking, come on, to ensure the smooth operation of Mr. Lin's project, and for the 'Top Sales Manager of Lucheng', I toast to all the big bosses!"
Lin Li suddenly grasped the hand of Tian Tian, which was resting on the sofa, and gently caressed it: "It is precisely because of this that there are many returning customers who come specifically to support her. She alone brings in so many guests, so Bai Laohui naturally cherishes her like a precious gem in the palm of their hand"
In Taiwanese, "查某" means woman. They thought she could not understand Taiwanese, but that is not the case
Su Yao hailed a motorcycle taxi, provided the destination, and headed to the nightclub. Her face, nestled within the down-filled hood, bore a gentle smile as she silently murmured: Asong, I am sorry
He is her current boyfriend, Gao Yisong
Gao Yisong looked at her, who was walking further away with her head down, in shock and anger, as if salt had been poured into the wound in his heart, bitter and painful, bubbling with intense rage
Lin Li shook his head and smiled: "This Cha Mou never comes out, and the lobby manager of Bai Laohui did not force her, it was just a matter of changing the table."
Gao Yisong, filled with rage, seized her wrist and exclaimed: "You have willingly fallen into depravity!"
Gao Yisong seemed to suddenly realize: "Are you going to the nightclub to sing and dance in order to catch a wealthy husband? Or are you trying to hook a diamond bachelor?"
Lin Li extended his arms to embrace her delicate shoulders and said with a smile, "We are speaking Taiwanese."
As the distance closed, from any angle, it gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity, resembling someone in his mind, yet he could not recall who it was that resembled.
Su Yao hated him. Why was her father such a gambler? Why, after so many warnings, could he not stop? Yet, no matter how much she hated him, no matter how harsh her feelings, she could not abandon her parents to their own devices, letting them fend for themselves. With tears in her eyes, she headed north, resolutely deciding on the train that she must first secure 150,000 yuan before anything else.
The lobby is dimly lit, and the performance stage is simple yet elegant, devoid of any excessive decorations. In front of the stage, a combination of purple-red sofas and glass coffee tables creates a comfortable seating area for customers to enjoy the performance. Behind the seating area is a wide marble corridor, and beyond that is a bar with changing lights, where several young men and women are seated.
Su Yao
With a sharp "slap," Gao Yisong delivered a fierce blow, instantly leaving a pink imprint of five fingers on her face
Mr. Huang exclaimed in surprise, "This is quite unusual. Since it is being sold, why not make some money?"
Lin Li had a pair of single eyelids, which turned into a narrow slit when she smiled: "If her face weren't appealing enough, she would have long disrupted the performance at Broadway." He watched her gracefully take her bow, turn, and exit the stage as the lights dimmed, then lifted his glass of red wine and drank half of it, "She will dance later, it will be quite captivating."
As long as Miss Tian Tian is willing, I assure you that I will train you to become the top sales manager in Lu City
The Baolaihui Nightclub is located in the southern part of the city and is the largest entertainment venue in Lucheng, owned by a Taiwanese individual. After 9 PM, the nightclub comes alive with extravagance, attracting various bosses, Taiwanese individuals, expatriates, high-ranking professionals, and those indulging in the midnight solitude of hedonism. In the private rooms, there gather men who appear respectable on the outside but are hollow within, dressed impeccably, flaunting their red bills with an air of superiority.
Su Yao quietly watched him, waiting for him to speak. It was her fault towards him; since he had discovered her deliberately concealed whereabouts, she could only obediently await his judgment. There was only one thing she could not agree to
Despite the thick layers of clothing, Su Yao still felt pain, but she tried her best to endure it and gritted her teeth, saying: "I have nothing to say to you. Tomorrow I will go and move my things"