After bidding farewell to Fatty, I hurried back to the inn. It was almost time to pick up the girls, and I had to get back quickly.
I went upstairs to ask Xiao Hong if she wanted to eat dinner. She shook her head, "The desserts you bought were too delicious. I ate so many that I'm not hungry at all. Would you like to have some too?"
As she spoke, she handed me a piece. I took a bite. It was indeed very tasty, but I don't like sweets. I finished the remaining half piece by putting it into her mouth, then told her, "I don't want to eat either. Let's see if I get hungry tonight. By the way, have you decided if you're going to work today?"
She hesitated for a moment and said, "What else can I do if I don't go? I've also thought seriously while you were out. Since I've chosen this line of work, I'll face it head-on. I'll try my best to stick to my principles. As for being humiliated, beaten, or scolded, I'll accept it."
I felt quite helpless, yet I had no new ideas to offer her. I could only hug her tightly. She looked up at me, stood on her tiptoes, and puckered her lips. I didn't refuse, holding her close, experiencing the taste of kissing a girl for the first time.
After an unknown amount of time, my pager vibrated. It was the Demoness's number. I knew my time was up. I pulled Xiao Hong and we quickly went downstairs. As expected, the van was parked downstairs, and the Demoness was standing by the car, seemingly wanting to say something to me.
Seeing Xiao Hong come down with me, she said nothing. I pulled the Demoness aside and asked, "You promised me you'd keep Big Scar in line. If I hadn't rushed over today, Big Scar would have taken Wang Xin away! If you can't manage him, just tell me, and I'll sort him out!"
The Demoness said, "I apologize for Big Scar's behavior. I didn't manage him well. If he continues to be disobedient, you can deal with him as you see fit. This kid is useless for anything important but excels at causing trouble. I've lost patience with him. It makes no difference whether you deal with him or I do. Don't dwell on this. We are doing important things; don't let trivial matters of romance hold you back. Don't you find it easy to get women? Do we lack women?"
After speaking, she gave a meaningful glance at the few people inside the van. I knew she was hinting at my relationship with Xiao Hong. I didn't respond. She continued, "When you arrive today, arrange for the girls to go up. Afterwards, go find Manager Liu. He will give you something. Bring it back and give it to Qiangzi. You don't need to worry about anything else, and don't ask too many questions."
I nodded. She didn't get in our van, standing aside and watching us leave.
I knew her intention. It wasn't difficult to deliver something. She just wanted to drag me in. As long as I had handled this item, I would be part of their chain, on the same boat. We would live together or die together.
Fortunately, I had reported this to Mr. Song beforehand. I wouldn't take the blame for this.
Business was good today. Shortly after we arrived, all three of them were called up. Their student status made them hot commodities. They rarely had to wait with the other girls to be picked. They were specifically requested and seldom sent back.
Before going up, Xiao Hong glanced at me. I nodded to her. She looked at me as if she were heading into battle, following behind the server with a resolute look.
Seeing them all go up, I told the manager that I had something to discuss with Manager Liu and asked him to announce my arrival.
The manager went to the front desk and made a call. After a few words, he told me to go to the office.
I had been here once last night, so I knew the way. I knocked and entered. Manager Liu was alone. I called out "Boss." He looked at me and asked, "Sister Zhou's person?"
I responded with an "Mm." He turned and went into the inner room, taking out a paper package wrapped in printer paper, neatly folded, about the size of two decks of playing cards. He handed it to me and said, "Sister Zhou needs it urgently. Help her deliver it. You know who to give it to. After delivering it, come back and report to me."
I took the paper package, said I understood, put it in my pocket, and turned to leave.
I went downstairs and told the van driver to take me to the inn. I had left something behind and needed to pick it up.
The driver said nothing and started the car.
I was still inexperienced. If it were one of them, they would have just stated the destination without explanation, and the driver would have to go without question.
I arrived at the inn and waited. Before long, Wen Siqiang arrived. He took my package and gave me another meaningful glance before getting into his car and leaving.
This time, I understood his look. He was saying that I, Li Hua, had stepped into troubled waters and could no longer get out of the pit.
I watched his car drive away and then asked the driver to take me to the nightclub.
I didn't feel at ease when I wasn't there. I was afraid something would happen to Xiao Hong.
Even though I knew my worry was unnecessary, that I couldn't control her fate at all, I was still worried.
I returned directly to the office and saw Manager Liu sitting on the sofa, smoking. I went over and said, "It's been delivered to her person."
Manager Liu beckoned me over and asked, "Do you want to go to Myanmar with me? It's just across the border. One trip can earn you this much!"
He held up five fingers. I knew he was referring to fifty thousand. It was indeed a lot of money. Some people never see fifty thousand yuan piled up in their entire lives, yet one trip to Myanmar could earn it.
I looked a bit scared. He said, "Those damn Lao Burmese are too greedy. They charge double for goods sent over. It's basically just across the river. I've observed you and think you're quite steady. You'll just be my companion; you don't have to do anything."
I reluctantly said, "Can I refuse this? I don't really want to go."
Manager Liu asked, "Do you think you can refuse?"
He stared at me intently, his eyes like knives, ready to kill at any moment.
He said, "Since I've told you, you have to go whether you want to or not. There's no choice! Unless you're willing to forfeit your life!"
He waved his hand, indicating I could leave. Just as I turned, I heard him say, "I'll notify you when we're departing."
I walked out, my back drenched in sweat. Although I didn't know Brother Bao's character, these two, Liu and Chen, were definitely ruthless characters and outlaws who would do anything for profit!
It was quite noisy downstairs. Not all the customers were in private rooms drinking and singing; many were at the bar, sitting at the counter or in corners with their drinks.
I went to the bar and ordered a glass of foreign liquor, sitting on a high stool. I took a sip like the others. It tasted terrible, burning my throat like fire. I truly couldn't understand why such undrinkable stuff was so expensive, yet people still drank it.
This small glass cost one hundred yuan!
I saw others adding a lot of ice, so I asked the server to add some for me. He took my glass without a word and filled it with ice. I swirled the glass and took a sip. It was more palatable now. So this is how foreigners drink, I thought, no wonder they don't bother with snacks.