Chapter 10, Forced to Act

I had no time to stop them, and the people inside had already noticed me. I shot a glare at Xiao Shun; there was no choice but to brace myself and go in. The room was filled with smoke, and the smell of alcohol was overwhelming. A large crowd of people, both men and women, were continuously laughing and teasing each other. I widened my eyes, searching for Zhou Chu on the sofa, but I couldn't find him at first. It was only when he pushed away the women surrounding him and stood up that I finally noticed his presence

Two days later, the headquarters sent someone to inspect the store. The specialty store was arranged in a completely new way, and everyone received a new set of uniforms. We stood at the entrance in a line to welcome them. The leaders from headquarters merely took a cursory glance, looked around casually, and said as usual: "Not bad, not bad, the displays are very distinctive, and the clothes on the models are also very tasteful. However, sales still need to be improved. Look at Chaoyang, their sales are twice yours." I thought to myself, how can we compare with Chaoyang? That is the prime location in the entire Beijing area, and just the size of their store is three times ours. Our district's Manager Wang kept smiling apologetically from behind: "Leaders, rest assured, I will urge everyone to work diligently." Then the leaders got into their special car and left, taking no more than fifteen minutes.

She closed the door, first looking me up and down, making me feel uneasy. Could it be that she wants to fire me? Then she smiled and said, "Mu Xi, I heard that you have a good relationship with General Song from Zhonghong, is that right?" I was taken aback; there is no secret in this world that does not get out. Someone must have seen Song Lingwei helping me out. I hurriedly replied, "No, no, we just knew each other when we were kids—" She quickly said, "Oh, you knew each other as kids, then that's even better!" I had no idea what she was really getting at, so I could only wait for her to continue.

Chen's expression changed, and he dejectedly lowered his hand, hurriedly letting go of me and apologizing: "So it was you, sister-in-law. I truly apologize. I was blind to not recognize you. I will punish myself with three cups first." Saying this, he had someone pour three large cups of liquor, which he drank down without leaving a drop. Zhou embraced me and said: "It's fine, she doesn't understand and just ran over without saying a word." He then led me to sit on the sofa inside. The ladies nearby all gave up their seats. Zhou embraced me again, saying: "It's fine, she doesn't understand and just ran over without saying a word." He then led me to sit on the sofa inside. The ladies nearby all gave up their seats.

He was somewhat surprised, raised his head to glance at Zhou Chu on the other side, and then laughed lewdly, saying: "So you are Zhou Chu's woman, I didn't expect that kid to have such good taste. No worries, I'll take you over here to keep me company for a night." I darkened my expression, used a bit of skill, and slipped out of his grasp without saying a word. Although it is said that one must be willing in such places, I am not a courtesan here, so how could I allow others to bully me? He was clearly displeased, his gaze darkened, and with swift movements, he grabbed my hair, pulling it back, cursing: "Bitch! You are asking for it while being ungrateful." I didn't expect him to be so strong; although it is said that one must be willing in such places, I am not a courtesan here, so how could I allow others to bully me? He was clearly displeased, his gaze darkened, and with swift movements, he grabbed my hair, pulling it back, cursing: "Bitch! You are asking for it while being ungrateful." I didn't expect him to be so strong, and I desperately leaned my head back, enduring the pain without making a sound.

He pulled me down and said, "Shall I take you back?" I raised my hand to check the time and replied, "Aren't you going to socialize?" He laughed, "With my wife already here, what is there to socialize about!" I jokingly scolded, "Just get lost!" I held onto his arm and walked together to the corner, where we encountered a group of people who were red-faced from drinking, all dressed in suits, looking like social elites. I pulled Zhou Chu to the side and waited for them to pass. I lowered my head, my face brushing against Zhou Chu's sleeve. Suddenly, I felt something unusual, as if my body was being burned by something, making me feel uncomfortable all over. I couldn't help but raise my eyes and saw Song Lingwei at the back of the group. He glanced at us expressionlessly and then, without raising his head, followed the crowd downstairs.

She said: "Mu Xi, you know that General Manager Wang said our district's sales are not doing well. If we could collaborate with some large companies, that would be ideal. For example, Zhonghong, our brand positioning aligns very well with their company's image. If we could secure orders from Zhonghong, we wouldn't have to worry about sales in our district anymore." So that's how it is. I replied: "But Zhonghong is a real estate development company, it seems like there's no connection to our industry—" The more I spoke, the less confident I felt. If we could secure orders from Zhonghong, we wouldn't have to worry about sales in our district anymore. So that's how it is. I replied: "But Zhonghong is a real estate development company, it seems like there's no connection to our industry—" The more I spoke, the less confident I felt. The manager smiled and said: "As the saying goes, clothing, food, housing, and transportation! People need to wear clothes, right? With so many male employees at Zhonghong, just one of the company's benefits would be enough for our district's sales orders." Then he looked at me with piercing eyes.

She continued to wipe her eyes and said, "Someone pities me, unable to bear it, pointed me to a person named Mu Xi. After much inquiry, I finally found out you are here. Miss, please have some compassion for me and help me out; I will bow to you right now—" I stopped her and said helplessly, "Sister, I have some understanding of this matter. Alas—" I sighed deeply, wondering how I could not escape, how I could not avoid it, always entangled, never letting go. Helplessly, I said, "Sister, I have some understanding of this matter. Alas—" I sighed deeply, wondering how I could not escape, how I could not avoid it, always entangled, never letting go. I took a deep breath and said, "Don't worry, I will run an errand for you; I don't know if it will work or not." Unexpectedly, that person ended up in Zhou Chu's hands, probably not dead but would lose half their life.

I called Lin Bin, but I didn't know which phone number he was using now, and I wasn't sure if I could get through. I dialed two numbers, and after a long time, I finally got through. I immediately said, "Lin Bin, what are you doing now?" The noise on his end sounded very chaotic, and I couldn't tell where he was. He shouted, "I'm busy, what do you want?" I replied, "What are you so busy with all day? Be careful, don't..." He interrupted me hurriedly, "Just tell me what you need to say, I don't have time right now." I sighed and said, "How are you doing now? Do you still need money?" He shouted, "I'm busy, what do you want?" I replied, "What are you so busy with all day? Be careful, don't..." He interrupted me again, "Just tell me what you need to say, I don't have time right now." I sighed and said, "How are you doing now? Do you still need money?"

I had no choice; after hanging up the phone, I asked the store manager for a few hours off and took a taxi straight to "Huangchao." As night fell, the city was ablaze with lights and bustling with voices. Looking down from the overpass, in the boundless darkness, there were countless lights sparkling like shattered diamonds, undulating and flowing endlessly, shimmering as they stretched into the distance. Yet behind every bright light, there must be an inescapable shadow.

I was thoroughly troubled all day, constantly contemplating whether or not to call Song Lingwei. What kind of person is Manager Wang? I certainly do not have the ability to fool her! However, I had just said such a thing not long ago, and I truly felt embarrassed to take the initiative to ask him for help again. After thinking for a long time, I first dialed the phone number that Manager Wang had given me, and indeed it was not him. It was probably his secretary or someone similar, who asked professionally, "Hello, Zhonghong, how may I assist you?" I gritted my teeth and said, "Um, um, may I ask if General Manager Song is available?" She politely replied, "General Manager Song is currently in a meeting, may I ask who is calling?" After thinking for a long time, I first dialed the phone number that Manager Wang had given me, and indeed it was not him. It was probably his secretary or someone similar, who asked professionally, "Hello, Zhonghong, how may I assist you?" I gritted my teeth and said, "Um, um, may I ask if General Manager Song is available?" She politely replied, "General Manager Song is currently in a meeting, may I ask who is calling? Is there anything that needs to be conveyed?" I quickly said, "Then never mind, never mind, you go ahead with your work." She then said, "Then please leave your name, and I will inform him later." I said my surname was Mu, and then hurriedly hung up the phone.

I looked at my phone and thought, this isn't his number, but I kept quiet and had no choice but to say, "Alright, I'll give it a try, but it might not be successful." She had already said as much, so I had to nod in agreement. Agreeing verbally is one thing, but actually doing it is another matter.

Everyone has been busy for several days, feeling tense, all for this brief moment. Everyone slumped on the cushions, and Manager Wang walked in and said: "Did you hear? They say our sales performance is lacking! Last month was not bad, but this month has dropped significantly!" Of course, last month, just the two orders from Song Lingwei and Cao Cao were enough. Manager Wang's gaze finally settled on me, and he said: "Mu Xi, come here, I have something to discuss with you." I was startled and carefully reflected; what mistake had I made this time? I have been punctual for work every day, never leaving early, so why was I singled out by the manager? I could only drag my feet and walk over.

I gradually began to understand, and awkwardly said, "But what can I do to help?" I certainly couldn't go to the police station to prove that he didn't steal my things; that would be too absurd. She faltered and was about to kneel before me again. I broke out in a cold sweat, tightly grasping her hand, repeatedly saying, "You tell me, you tell me, what do you want me to do?" She wiped her tears and snot from her face, choking back her sobs, and said, "Actually, I'm not very clear either. I heard that he stole your things, and when he tried to sell them, he was caught by someone. Until now, he hasn't been released, and I don't know whether he is dead or alive. I was so anxious that I inquired everywhere, and someone I knew told me that he was caught by a person named Brother Zhou. I have been pleading all day, but I haven't even seen that person’s face." Tears streamed down her face onto my hand, and it was truly pitiful; she must have felt utterly helpless. I lowered my head and remained silent.

Zhou Chu casually responded and then took me outside, asking, "What do you need from me?" I clung to his arm and said, "That person just now was really ruthless; I am still in pain." He asked, "Where does it hurt?" I replied that my head hurt, and he smiled without saying anything. I stood at the corridor entrance, tilted my head back, and asked, "Has that person who stole my wallet been caught by you? Please let him go." He said, "What’s the matter? He is dishonest; daring to steal from you means he must face punishment." I quickly asked, "Is he okay?" He replied, "He is not dead yet." I tilted my head back and asked again, "Has that person who stole my wallet been caught by you? Please let him go." He said, "What’s the matter? He is dishonest; daring to steal from you means he must face punishment." I quickly asked, "Is he okay?" He replied, "He is not dead yet."

I did not speak, tightly gripping his sleeve, and only upon seeing him did I realize the humiliation I had just endured. I held back my tears and sat down. Brother Chen looked at me with a face full of apology and said, "I am truly sorry!" I could only smile and say, "It's nothing, it was all a misunderstanding. We are all friends here!" He laughed and said, "Brother Zhou, this sister-in-law is truly a virtuous wife! Well then, let's consider today's incident settled, as a meeting gift for the sister-in-law, to express my apologies!" I had no idea what they were actually discussing. Brother Zhou smiled and said, "Brother Chen is really giving face; I hope to rely on Brother Chen's support in the future." He quickly replied, "Of course, of course."

I suddenly shivered. Zhou Chu perceptively noticed and asked, "What’s wrong?" I replied, "I’m tired. I came to see you on my day off." He nodded and said, "Let’s go." He didn’t say anything more; he understood me well, so no further words were necessary.

The places they frequented were either bars, dance halls, or nightclubs. Amidst the vibrant crowd of men and women, lost in a haze of indulgence, they lived recklessly, intoxicated and dreaming away their lives. The constantly changing multicolored lights and the noisy, ambiguous banter made me realize that I no longer fit in. After inquiring at the front desk for clarity, I headed straight to the private room on the top floor. I hesitated for a moment outside, unsure of where exactly to go. With my hands in my pockets, I took out my phone to make a call when I noticed someone standing at the end of the corridor and quickly called out, "Hey, Xiao Shun!" Xiao Shun walked over, puzzled, and upon seeing me, exclaimed in surprise, "Mu Jie, what brings you here? I almost didn't recognize you." I did not respond but asked, "Is Zhou Chu here?" He quickly replied, "Brother Zhou is in the private room inside." He led me down the corridor, saying, "Brother Zhou sent you, right? You should go in quickly." Without asking me anything further, he opened the door to the private room.

Forget it, forget it, delivering it to their doorstep is simply self-humiliation. Whatever, not being able to do business with Zhonghong won't lead to my execution; I can just make up some excuse later. At worst, I can resign and not do it anymore. However, my bad luck today has not yet come to an end

I saw her weeping bitterly, and I quickly said, "Sister, let us find another place to talk. Could you please get up for me?" Then, regardless of the circumstances, I used my strength to pull her aside to a chair designated for guests to rest. I asked with a headache, "Sister, what on earth is going on?" She sobbed and said, "Miss, I know my husband is at fault; he has dirty hands and stole your belongings. But the crime does not warrant death. Please, help us by speaking a word on his behalf, so that he may be let off this time. He will never dare to do it again. He has elderly parents and young children at home; if something happens, how are we, the orphans and widows, supposed to survive?"

Moving cautiously, I noticed that those around me seemed somewhat disoriented, unsure if they were intoxicated or under the influence of some other substance. Some young women were disheveled, their eyes glazed over, and they were undressing in front of others, provoking raucous laughter from some. I felt somewhat out of place as I made my way through the crowd towards Zhou. Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed my chest, prompting me to step back immediately. I bumped into a young woman who was swaying her body vigorously to the music, her hair flying wildly, showing no signs of stopping. Again, a hand reached out towards my chest, and I stepped back once more, colliding with the same young woman, who continued to shake her head and twist her body, seemingly lost in her intoxication. Unaware of being bumped into, she just kept swaying, appearing to revel in her state. I shifted my gaze, watching the person with ill intentions.

After much persuasion, I finally managed to get her to leave. Before she left, she looked at me anxiously and said, "Miss, you must hurry, I am extremely worried." I had no choice but to reply, "I will take care of it for you right away." Once back in the store, I didn't explain anything and directly hid in the storeroom to make a phone call. I wasn't sure if Zhou Chu still had the same number; I dialed for a long time without anyone answering. I then called A Ping: "A Ping, this is Mu Xi, do you know where Zhou Chu is?" A Ping replied, "Brother Zhou is at 'Huangchao' socializing with someone." I was taken aback and asked, "Where is 'Huangchao'?" I felt so far removed from that kind of life. He patiently provided the address. I said, "Alright, alright, is Zhou Chu available? Please have him listen to my call." A Ping responded, "I am off tonight and did not follow Brother Zhou."

I held his hand and lowered my head, saying: "That man's wife came looking for me; he is quite pitiful too, just trying to make a living. Will you let him go, please?" He reached out to tuck a strand of hair that had fallen by my ear behind it, remaining silent. I stubbornly pressed on: "Will you let him go or not?" He chuckled: "Alright, I will let him go." I replied: "Don't brush me off." He immediately took out his phone to make a call, then informed me: "He has already been released." I asked: "He hasn't lost any hands or feet, has he?" He said: "No, he just had his index finger broken. It's for his own good, to prevent him from ending up in prison later; orphans and widows are still pitiful." I sighed, realizing that this was as far as I could go.

He said proudly, "I am doing well now, I am with Brother Long, and he takes good care of me." I frowned and asked, "Brother Long? Is he the vampire?" He replied unhappily, "Lin Ai, don't talk nonsense, what do you know!" I clicked my tongue and reminded him, "What right does he have to take care of you? You have no power or influence now." He raised his voice, "Lin Ai, why do you speak like that? Didn't Brother Long also receive our father's protection before he became successful?" Lin Bin, that person, is so stubborn, really thinking that others still remember old feelings. That was many years ago, those people are notoriously ruthless and can turn against you without mercy.

I was so startled that I became flustered, repeatedly saying, "Sister, what is the matter? Please speak properly, I cannot bear this. Get up quickly, everyone is watching!" I was truly frightened by her; no one had ever knelt down before me without a word, as I am not Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. I pulled at her arm with all my might to help her up, while Zhu Zhu and Le Le curiously looked over here, and the passing guests couldn't help but stop in their tracks. If she knelt down any further, I would practically become a giant panda in a zoo, available for free viewing.

I felt a tingling sensation on my scalp and stammered, "I am not very familiar with Song Lingwei, and it is quite difficult to see him usually—" I had finally distanced myself from him, and I had no intention of provoking him again. Manager Wang reached out and patted my shoulder, smiling as she said, "Being able to call him by his name means you are already quite familiar. Remember, make sure to call him more often and build a rapport. If you can successfully secure the Zhonghong deal, I will immediately recommend you to the company for the position of store manager, and all the commissions will be yours." I looked at her, feeling quite troubled. The company would assess the performance of each district manager at the end of the year, and sales would naturally be a key factor. I heard that the headquarters intended to promote one of them to be the general manager for the entire Beijing region. All the managers in these districts were eyeing this opportunity, eagerly preparing and employing various means.

I said anxiously, "Lin Bin, what are you following him for?" He replied impatiently, "What else could I be doing, committing murder and arson?" I thought for a moment; Lin Bin has always been self-aware and wouldn't dare to get involved in anything too extreme. It's just some speculative ventures; in our area, where four provinces meet, it's chaotic. Among those who are wealthy, very few conduct their business honestly. So I said, "Can't you find a proper job?" He disdainfully replied, "How can I find one? Working like a donkey or a horse for someone else, and the salary isn't even enough to buy a piece of clothing?!" He can no longer endure a nine-to-five life. I scolded, "You just keep dreaming about money falling from the sky." He repeatedly said, "Alright, alright, did you call just to scold me? I'm hanging up now." I was so angry that I could only stare blankly. Before he hung up, he added, "Hey, I recently came into some money; I'll send you some tomorrow. Don't keep living in that tomb of the living, it looks like a coffin." I scolded, "You just keep dreaming about money falling from the sky." He repeatedly said, "Alright, alright, did you call just to scold me? I'm hanging up now." I was so angry that I could only stare blankly. Before he hung up, he added, "Hey, I recently came into some money; I'll send you some tomorrow. Don't keep living in that tomb of the living, it looks like a coffin."

He stood up, his face glistening, and said, "You are quite something, rather beautiful. Come over and have a couple of drinks with me." I forced a smile and replied, "Big brother, I’m sorry, but I’m not one of the ladies here; I’m here to find someone." He burst into laughter, saying, "Looking for someone in a place like this? You’re not trying to steal someone, are you?" The crowd erupted in laughter. I wasn’t angry and said, "Big brother, you’re joking." As I was about to step past him, he suddenly leaned forward, wrapped his arms around my waist, and whispered in my ear, "I like you just like this; have a couple of drinks with me, and you won’t miss out on the benefits." I became somewhat angry and said, "Big brother, I really am not one of the ladies here. I’m here to find Zhou Chu."

I disdainfully said, "What do I need your money for? I have my own. You should keep it for emergencies." The money in his hands comes and goes quickly, like flowing water; it is hard to say whether he is poor or rich. When he has money, he goes to Macau to gamble with others, and when he is broke, he spends days in the basement eating instant noodles. He said, "Can't you change to a better environment? Why do you have to be at odds with money? Is there something wrong with you?!" I remained silent. No matter what, he always thinks of me when he has something good. He said, "I'm hanging up! I'm being urged." All that was left was a series of "beep beep beep" sounds. He said, "Can't you change to a better environment? Why do you have to be at odds with money? Is there something wrong with you?!" I remained silent. No matter what, he always thinks of me when he has something good. He said, "I'm hanging up! I'm being urged." All that was left was a series of "beep beep beep" sounds. In the Lin family, it is just him and me left, relying on each other for support. He has his way of living, and I have my choices.

Before she left, she kindly patted my hand and said, "Mu Xi, I heard from Xu Fang that you have been performing well. Keep up the good work; there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. I have noticed your efforts, and if the chance arises, you can follow me in the future." Xu Fang is our store manager, who took four years to reach her position. Her meaning could not be more obvious; it was as if she was saying that now that she has been promoted, I am her direct subordinate. People in large companies tend to form cliques. I still responded perfunctorily, saying, "Manager Wang, I don't even know if Song Lingwei will see me; I don't even have his phone number." She immediately replied, "It's fine, it's fine, just go ahead and try. I have his phone number." Then she took out her phone and gave me his number.

Zhou Chu pushed through the crowd, walking over without changing his expression, and called out, "Brother Chen!" The man still did not let go, coldly saying, "Brother Zhou, is this your woman? You better teach her a lesson when you get back!" I gritted my teeth and turned my head, not looking at them. Zhou Chu leisurely said, "She is not my woman!" I stared at him in shock, hardly able to believe it; was he really going to let me die in a place like this? The man chuckled and said, "That's great!" He raised his hand, ready to strike my face. Zhou Chu calmly grabbed his hand and said, "She is not my woman; she is my wife." Everyone fell silent, watching us.

In the evening, I was organizing merchandise in the store when I noticed a disheveled middle-aged woman with a sallow complexion peering in our direction, her head bobbing as she looked around. Judging by her attire and demeanor, it was clear she could not afford anything from our shop. I stepped out and politely asked, "Hello, are you looking for someone?" She glanced at me in panic, then nodded slightly, stammering, "Miss, I would like to ask if there is someone named Mu Xi here?" I stared at her in surprise, but quickly composed myself and said, "I am Mu Xi. What do you need from me?" Her eyes reddened, and with a thud, she grabbed my hand and knelt down. Before she could speak, tears streamed down her face like beads from a broken string.