A young woman sat facing a mirror in the primary bathroom on the first floor of a decadent mansion. Long lustrous raven hair frames her porcelain heart-shaped face. Deep obsidian eyes, devoid of life, stare into the mirror while five maids attend to her. Four maids moisturized her skin while one did her makeup. Waking up, aimlessly meandering around the house all day long accomplishing nothing except for the times my father takes me out to meet potential marriage partners. Ugh, I wish I could be free, like the stories I hear from my maids. Those girls who can modify their appearances and have unrestricted freedom to roam. Forbidden are love and affection in this house. I wonder if this is what my life is amount to?
Du Du
The chime of her phone disturbed her train of thought. She hurries to pick up the phone and answers.
“Lin Ai, I am breaking up with you!”
Lia Lin Ai heard a cold, cruel voice speak over the phone. After what feels like an eternity, Lin Ai hears heavy breathing and moaning in the background. Momentarily, her mind went blank. Anger and shock adorn her face.
“What is going on!!” yells Lin Ai.
“Come and find out.”
Lin Ai could imagine a wicked smirk from hearing that statement through the phone.
“Find out what?” Lin Ai inquires with a furrowed forehead.
“Haha, would you not like to know?”
“Give up the mysterious act. I can literally hear someone’s exhalation.” Lin Ai voiced her irritation.
“Come to the Edible Barbie Pagoda.”
“Oh no, not that place.” Lin Ai speaks softly with a trace of apprehension.
“Don’t you wish to get a glimpse of me?”
Lin Ai nibs on her bottom lip. Should I go see him? No, I should not rush to go meet him after abruptly calling it quits with me. But I really want him to explain why we need to part ways.
“Huh, I guess I will have to go meet him.” Lin Ai spoke resolutely.
Lin Ai swiftly stood and proceed toward the door. However, the maids halted her advance.
“Miss, are you not neglecting something?”
“What am I forgetting about?” Lin Ai pauses and then asks.
“You have not finished getting ready yet.”
For a moment, Lin Ai felt disoriented until the realization that she was not wearing any clothes dawned on her.
“Oops, it slipped my mind that we were amid getting dressed.” Lin Ai said with a tinge of embarrassment.
She scurries back to her chair and allows the maids to conclude preparing her. Finally, she glances at her reflection in the elongated mirror next to her. The maids had styled her hair in a high ponytail, with a couple of ringlets framing her face. Silver earrings dangled gracefully on each side of her ear. Lin Ai beheld an ivory mini dress adorned with delicate lace accentuate her slender physique. Lace sleeves further shield her bare arms. She held an ebony crystal embellish four box ring clutch purse, and on her feet sported a pair of vibrant ankle strap toe pumps by the brand Christian Louboutin.
“Looks fantastic. Please have my ride ready.” Lin Ai says nodding approving.
The attendants went to retrieve the chauffeur. She walks towards the entrance. After a short duration, the chauffeur arrives. He led her to a black Rolls-Royce car. Lin Ai sits patiently in the car for the ride to begin. She relaxes against the seat as the vehicle cruises down the driveway.
“Miss, where would you like to go?”
“Take me to Edible Barbie Pagoda.” Lin Ai spoke while observing the view outside the window.
She put on Dior sunglasses to shade the sun from her eyes. They drive by many opulent homes, smaller houses, some restaurants, and companies on their way to the destination. She had not realized the sun was gradually setting. Fifteen minutes later, the car comes to a halt. Many onlookers encircle the car, preventing her from getting out. Lin Ai felt uneasy with many eyes on her. The chauffeur steps out of the vehicle and shoos the spectators away. Lin Ai exits the car, finally exhaling a deep breath.
“Here, wear this.”
“Thanks.” Lin Ai says, pulling a black cardigan tightly around her shoulders.
“I will be here waiting for you.”
“Alright, I’ll be back shortly.” Lin Ai said, sauntering away.
As she walks, an off-white pagoda establishment covered in assorted pastel hues comes into view. Her smartphone buzzes before Lin Ai can proceed inside. She picks up the phone after seeing it was her father.
“Hello father.”
“I received information from my prospective son-in-law that he plans to end the agreement with us!” Articulate an enraged voice.
“Oh.”
“Is this all you have to say? Have you offended him?” he asks.
“Of course not. I have done nothing to upset him.”
“Make sure you find out. I expect you to fix the agreement promptly!” he instructs authoritatively.
She calmly listens while maintaining a composed demeanor, but inside her emotions were bubbling with fury. Are you kidding me? I am completely clueless about the agreement. He did not even bother to include me in those meetings. What am I supposed to do? Lin Ai refrains from speaking her mind, apprehensive of her father’s reprimand.
Hum! Hum! Hem!
The sound of him clearing his throat interrupts her train of thoughts.
“Lin Ai, make sure you seal the deal when you meet him. If you don’t succeed, you know the repercussion.”
The phone line went silent. Lin Ai let out a prolonged sigh after putting her phone away. All the muscles in her body can finally release the tension. I feel melancholic that I cannot even express myself to my father freely. I wonder what I did wrong to deserve this distance relationship. Oh well, I suppose I cannot do anything about it. Lin Ai expressed her dissatisfaction by shaking her head. In the end, she went into the pagoda. Inside of the pagoda gave her the impression of a novel atmosphere. Stentorian music bombards her ears. A few disco balls with a variety of colored lights illuminate the black and purple room. Youthful looking individuals dance wildly in the middle of the room. Lin Ai notices that the floor was black covers with rainbow sequence.
“Woo, you look fabulous. Are you new here?”
The sudden approach of a menacing-looking man unnerved Lin Ai. He had a blonde mohawk with tattoos all over his body. The man wore a black harness top made of animal hide, leather pants, and black platform boots. She retreats, unsure of what to do.
The guy said, “Beautiful lady, don’t be afraid. I’m here to help.”
“Oh, do you know a man by the name of Jia Qingren? I’m looking for him. Is he here somewhere?”
Holding her firmly by the shoulders, he probes, “Baby, why do you want to meet that bastard?”
Lin Ai persistently watches the man’s hand on her shoulder. You foul miscreant! Get away from me! Revolting feeling causes issues her stomach, but she did not make it apparent.
“Would you consider retracting your arm? Could you kindly direct me to his location?”
Lin Ai genuinely expected the guy to listen to her. Regrettably, he snubbed her entreaty. She pushes against him but fails abysmally. He squeezes her with increased intensity.
He laughs then offers, “Why don’t I accompany you to where he is at?”
Reluctantly, she had no choice but to go with him. They walk past the dancing crowd and make their way to the posterior area. Lin Ai caught sight of a corridor with multiple adjacent rooms.
“Which quarters is Jia Qingren in?” Lin Ai asks without beating around the bush.
“He is in the ultimate suite in the farthest room on the right.”
“I suppose I should go. I’m grateful for your help in getting me here.” Lin Ai said, trying to detach his arm again.
Her effect once again became unsuccessful.
“I can open the door for you.”
Her brow furrows, and her eyes swivel in irritation. Sighing, Lin Ai allows the guy to lead her to the suite door. Contemplating knocking on the door feels daunting. She stood motionless there while watching the man rap on the door.
“Jia Qingren, are you in there?” calls out the guy.
Silence solely greets them. What should I do now? Should I open the door myself? Who knows what he is doing in there? Lin Ai attempts to touch the doorknob, but the guy obstructs her.
“I’ll look inside for you.”
She held her breath as the guy swung the door wide. Her eyes grew larger upon witnessing the stupefying spectacle.
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