Chapter 5, Seduction
She flinched slightly, instinctively wanting to withdraw her hand from the grip; yet in an instant, recalling her current identity, she had no choice but to give up the struggle and allow herself to be held.
In order to cater to their preferences, Xu Tong patiently disguised herself as a gentle and delicate girl—when she wanted to smile, she would raise her hand to cover her mouth, hiding her teeth; her eyes would glance away shyly after a brief moment; when speaking to others, she would always use a soft and gentle tone, avoiding startling anyone; while walking, she would take small, dainty steps, swaying her delicate hips gracefully as she moved.
Her efforts have succeeded
She nodded in a daze. This time, her bewildered expression was not feigned.
This is a promotional event organized by our store and the community, and this is the prize she won
It is not truly a lack of money, so why must one be so dedicated to selling smiles every day
Xu Tong instructed Erhua to first go to Miss Hu's house to properly repair a certain section of the water pipe—if asked, he should say it was sent by the property management; then he should go downstairs to the neighbor's house to deliver a service card from the hardware store, informing the neighbor that for any plumbing or hardware issues within the next five years, they will provide on-site service, free repairs, and be available at any time. Similarly, if asked about the reason, she told Erhua to say it this way.
In response to his smile, she presented herself with a stunning expression, unknowingly captivated, and after being drawn in, wore a dreamy, dazed look, staring at him in a dazed and foolish manner
She had long known that she would not be taken out by him, and could not help but feel a bit dejected. However, just before leaving, he gave her an unexpected surprise
She manages to strike a perfect balance, rendering herself in a dazed state that does not reach the level of infatuation—her blend of innocence, simplicity, and a touch of foolishness is just enough to satisfy a man's vanity
Regardless of how absurd the previous remarks were, Xu Tong listened to them with a calm demeanor as if they were jokes. However, upon hearing Qian Ruyun mention her mother, she immediately became furious, with anger surging from the depths of her heart
Now, when she recalls this matter, she cannot help but feel a sense of guilt
In the following days, Gu Chen did not come to Fantasy Love. Xu Tong accompanied those lecherous uncles and elder brothers in drinking and chatting, feeling both disgusted and unmotivated.
He waved her over to his side, and once she sat down, a smile played on his lips. Although his gaze was not overly bold, it was nonetheless filled with a fiery intensity, as he engaged her in conversation, exchanging words one after another
The more she thought about it, the less at ease she felt. In the end, Xu Tong called for Erhua—this young man had originally been a helper doing odd jobs at the hardware store. However, due to his overwhelming admiration for Tang Zhuang's imposing presence, he resolutely betrayed the hardware store and devotedly followed his beloved boss without any regrets.
When she finished speaking, Yang Yang's jaw nearly hit the ground
After some thought, she said: "Actually, Gu Shao, do you still remember me? We have met once before!"
If she were not Xu Tong, she believed she would soon become lost in the captivating charm of this man, whose every gesture and movement was filled with enchanting allure
As they were about to part, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Wait for my call!" The ambiguous warmth made her ears tingle.
That woman is not worthy to even mention the word 'mother'
He had actually remembered having seen her long ago, yet he remained silent and composed, using both alcohol and male allure to numb her senses. Once she had relaxed, he would make a move to test whether she had any ulterior motives.
He slowly caressed the back of her hand, feeling as if he were holding a piece of exquisite mutton fat jade, both tender and soft; yet when he explored into her palm, he noticed a slight roughness from thin calluses. His gaze grew even more tender as he looked into her eyes and gently asked, "Is there anything troubling you?"
She smiled proudly, and after laughing, she did not forget to add a finishing touch, "Oh right, I forgot to tell you, the man sitting in the living room at that time was Gu Chen! Didn't I tell you before that I had seen him? You didn't believe me!"
With such an emotionally compelling demeanor, Xu Tong successfully captured Gu Chen's attention
Her expression clearly pleased him
Xu Tong stared at him blankly, her eyes wide open. Once she pondered and understood the meaning behind his words, she couldn't help but smile at him again
She once again left Zhang Zhentong in a state of utter humiliation and disarray. That wretched girl left in tears, and such a predictably victorious outcome could hardly stir even the slightest excitement in her after winning
She replied to him with a sincere expression: "I have done rough work before, such as helping others with plumbing and changing water pipes." She sighed, "Knowing that the work is hard and not suitable for a girl, yet life is difficult and leaves no choice."
Xu Tong said sincerely and earnestly: "Yang Yang, you know that my family runs a hardware store selling water pipes; you also know that due to the environment, although I am a woman, I am quite skilled at changing water pipes; you should also know that when I go to change water pipes, I often encounter customers who look down on me; you should be able to understand that I have never been someone who is willing to suffer losses, and anyone who looks down on me will definitely face consequences; finally, what I want to tell you is—" She paused, took a breath, and continued: took a breath, and continued:
At the beginning, she thought that she and Gu Chen had met once, and she wondered if he would recognize her when they met again. Later, she felt that this possibility was slim. He was always surrounded by a profusion of blooming flowers, one after another, dazzling to the eye. She was merely a small blade of grass that brushed past him, not particularly noticeable and would leave no trace.
My father left my mother and me to be with another woman. My mother is seriously ill, very seriously ill, and needs money... I am on my own... I am studying at university and have to pay tuition... I really have no other choice but to come out... to do... to do this. " As she spoke shyly, tears welled up in her eyes.
She asked Erhua, "Is everything going smoothly?"
Xu Tong felt that it seemed as if all the absurdities in the world were concentrated in Zhang Zhen Tong alone, as she always had the audacity to make ridiculous and nonsensical demands of others
He looked at her pitiful smile, squinted his eyes, leaned over, and took one of her hands, asking, "Is this the first time today?" His voice grew increasingly gentle, capable of melting one's bones.
Xu Tong looked at Yang Yang, her smile gradually stiffening
He set down his wine cup, a smile tinged with pity on his face, and gently asked, "What is your name?"
She gazed into his pupils, where brilliant light blossomed. That light sent a shiver through her entire being
The clothes she is wearing were carefully selected from the internet—a short-sleeved shirt and a short skirt that straddle the line between sensuality and conservatism, as well as between promiscuity and purity
That evening, Gu Chen went to Fantasy Love for entertainment, and as she wished, she was arranged to accompany a group of girls for drinking.
Gu Shao, you still remember me! She looked into his eyes, seemingly filled with boundless excitement and joy
He smiled subtly, "Your smile is very special, making it hard for people to forget."
She smiled timidly at the right moment and softly replied, "Yao Yao!" Her voice even carried a faint, realistic tremor.
She wore an expression like this: clearly sorrowful yet compelled to feign strength
Yang Yang excitedly shook her arms and exclaimed: "Little girl, you are amazing, you are so cunning! I truly adore your wicked intelligence! I've figured it out, anyone who makes you unhappy will definitely meet a terrible end! Oh, how wonderful! Please take some time to use your unscrupulous wisdom to help me deal with that heartless scoundrel Tang Zhuang!"
Erhua received the order and departed
After an afternoon, Erhua returned to report to Xu Tong, saying: "Tong Jie, Tong Jie, everything has been taken care of by me! I did very well! You should praise me now!"
When she felt somewhat disinterested and uninspired regarding the incident of seducing Gu Chen, Zhang Zhentong, that ungrateful woman, appeared just in time. She came before her, rambling on with the same old arguments, demanding an apology, insisting that she should also receive a slap, and requiring her to guarantee that she would not covet Zhang Kangnian's money; if she could accomplish these things, she would be able to secure her family's residence from being demolished.
Miss Hu, who is somewhat overbearing, indeed deserves to learn a lesson; however, her neighbors downstairs are truly innocent. In a moment of seeking immediate gratification, I tampered with the water pipe. Although I succeeded in playing a trick on Miss Hu, I inadvertently caused others to suffer misfortune as well.
Upon entering the private room, in stark contrast to the ease and familiarity displayed by the other girls, she appeared delicate and timid. Like all the women who, driven by the pressures of life, had been forced to descend into the world of pleasure for survival, she carried a blend of sorrow, helplessness, confusion, and a touch of self-pity. Her eyes, slightly damp as if they had been moistened, blinked softly, while her lips, tender and red as if about to drip, were pressed together. Her fingers, tense and uncertain, were tightly intertwined, and her gaze flickered shyly across Gu Chen's face.
Hearing him say this, the dark cloud that had quietly weighed on Xu Tong's heart finally dissipated at this moment
She quickly reported her number. Someone nearby had already noted it down in response to her voice
Her demeanor, reminiscent of a delicate willow swaying in the wind, possesses a unique charm that evokes a sense of pity and admiration amidst the heavy scent of cosmetics in this illusory love
After Zhang Zhentong left, her third mother actually called Xu Tong personally
From the time she went to repair the water pipe, Miss Hu has probably grown to detest her. Even later, when the water pipe leaked repeatedly, the popular young lady did not bother to demand that she return to fix it again under the pretext of "poor repairs".
Erhua, this pretty boy, is probably being pursued by a wealthy woman
From the moment she entered the room, his gaze remained fixed on her without wavering
She successfully seduced Gu Chen
She held herself with the authority of an elder and said with righteous indignation: "Xu Tong, I have never treated you poorly. Even when you performed poorly in high school, I never spoke a word of criticism in front of your father. But look at yourself; how do you treat your sister? When have you ever acted like a proper older sister? It's always hitting or scolding, and you only seem satisfied when you make her cry. I, as an elder, did not want to interfere in the matters of young people, but after Zhenzhen returned today, she cried for two hours and still couldn't stop! It's always hitting or scolding, and you only seem satisfied when you make her cry. I, as an elder, did not want to interfere in the matters of young people, but after Zhenzhen returned today, she cried for two hours and still couldn't stop! I think you should be able to understand the heartache of a mother for her children. Who can bear to see their child being bullied? And especially by their own older sister? Xu Tong, you also have a mother. If your mother..."
If her will is not strong, if her capacity for alcohol is insufficient, she thinks it highly likely that she would have already fallen under his smile, becoming his subordinate, crawling at his feet, utterly devoted, without any regrets or complaints
Thus, she fabricated various heart-wrenching and sorrowful reasons to repeatedly skip class
Xu Tong let out a laugh with a "pfft" sound
After a night of back-and-forth exchanges, Xu Tong felt highly tense. Fortunately, her efforts were not in vain, as she sensed that Gu Chen had developed an interest in her
However, the exceptional mother and daughter will never allow anyone to live in peace
Fortunately, she is Xu Tong, not just any ordinary woman. Although she may seem a bit dazed, it is only her body that is affected, and her soul remains untouched.
As the time grew late, Gu Chen prepared to leave, and Xu Tong was also ready to wrap up her work
One evening, he simply teased her while talking and drinking, smiling at her like a gentle spring breeze
After a few glasses of wine, a normal girl would have likely reached a state of mild intoxication. Suddenly, she heard him ask her: "Besides working here, do you also have another job?"
Xu Tong adopted the stage name Yao Yao, successfully infiltrating the inner circle of Fantasy Love under the guise of a financially struggling and lonely young woman, and became a brand new and dazzling hostess.
One day, I provided home service for a female customer. One customer had a very poor attitude, so I, feeling quite displeased, tampered with the water pipe while changing it, resulting in her frequently leaking dirty water to the downstairs neighbor's house. That customer, after I exchanged a few words with the man sitting in her living room, became very unhappy. Just as I was about to leave, she insulted me behind that man’s back. Naturally, I was not going to let it slide, so I loudly defended myself, saying: 'I did not intend to seduce your husband, you misunderstood me!' The man in the living room must have heard what I said. I originally just wanted to create the impression that this customer was bullying a good, innocent woman behind her back in front of that man, but unexpectedly, the three words 'your husband' I casually uttered led to such a result. It was truly a painful yet delightful experience, ha! I originally just wanted to create the impression that this customer was bullying a good, innocent woman behind her back in front of that man, but unexpectedly, the three words 'your husband' I casually uttered led to such a result. It was truly a painful yet delightful experience, ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
He nodded slightly, but smiled without speaking, exuding an air of profound mystery. She felt somewhat uneasy, and for the first time that evening, began to doubt her acting skills.
He squinted his eyes again, a smile of intriguing interest playing at the corners of his mouth
She thought he could take her out into the world. However, he surprised her—he was not the kind of reckless libertine who was eager to devour her at their first meeting.
Once he had walked far away and there was no one around her, she could not help but jump up in excitement
As time went on, since no one had approached her to settle the matter, she unconsciously forgot about it. If it weren't for Yang Yang bringing it up, she would have almost thought it was something that happened in the last century
"Yao Yao, do you have a mobile phone?" he suddenly asked
Erhua scratched her head, a hint of confusion on her face, "It's fine! It's just a bit strange! When I went to that place downstairs, the hostess named... oh, her name is Xiye, she insisted on getting my phone number! Before I left, she pinched my face, smiling sweetly and insisting on treating me to a meal, her smile was so overwhelming, in short, it was quite odd!"
She was on the verge of being exposed
Fortunately, she is not someone else; she is Xu Tong, a person who can smile radiantly on the surface while possessing a rational and resolute inner self
He laughed and said, "If you have something to say, just say it and tell me, why do you still look so foolish"
"En!" she replied softly, just a single word, yet it resonated with lingering charm.
He smiled faintly, as if with a hint of intention yet also a touch of nonchalance, embodying both politeness and a certain carefree charm in his subtle smile. That enchanting and seductive smile, filled with emotion and allure, was enough to drive countless women to madness for him
Although she thought he would not be so energetic as to send someone to investigate her background—merely seeking amusement, without any seriousness—unless he truly fell in love with her and wanted to marry her, it would not matter to him what her origins were. He would not genuinely care. Today, they play a game and enjoy themselves; tomorrow, there might be new distractions that capture his attention. It is merely a fleeting moment of pleasure, not worth his effort to investigate her. However, for the sake of safety, she wisely refrains from mentioning Xingbang Hardware, in case he whimsically decides to follow the young model to the store, which could lead to her revealing her background before anything is established, and that would be truly unfortunate. Today, they play a game and enjoy themselves; tomorrow, there might be new distractions that capture his attention. It is merely a fleeting moment of pleasure, not worth his effort to investigate her. However, for the sake of safety, she wisely refrains from mentioning Xingbang Hardware, in case he whimsically decides to follow the young model to the store, which could lead to her revealing her background before anything is established, and that would be truly unfortunate.
She coldly interrupted Qian Ruyun: "Secretary Qian, if you are truly at a loss for what to do, you might as well study how to educate your children properly, so that your flawed values do not affect the next generation. You, in your youth, shamelessly played the role of a mistress who disrupted other families; you should be cautious not to let your daughter follow in your footsteps! She does not have a clean record, does she? After all, didn't she once desperately pry away Pang Meng from me? The times have changed, Secretary Qian. When you were a mistress, everyone was too busy starting their own businesses to look down on you; now, however, things are different. People have excess energy and love to unite against the immoral. Speaking of the immoral, mistresses are the worst among them, deserving of everyone's scorn and contempt! I advise you to be vigilant; lest one day, when you and your daughter go out, you inadvertently become the targets of public disdain, treated like rats crossing the street!"