Chapter Twenty-Six: Takeaway

The two of them dashed out one after the other, heading straight for the deserted back alley, where they encountered Li Yue, who had jumped down directly from the second floor.

With a wave of his hand, Li Yue led them into an old, decrepit building across the street—his own haunt. Though the entire street looked shabby and the building itself seemed on the verge of collapse, Li Yue’s room was unexpectedly clean and tidy, a stark contrast to his rough appearance. Who would have thought such a rugged man could be such a good housekeeper?

“Look, they’re being taken away,” Liu Jingye said, standing on the balcony and gazing at the bathhouse across the street. Many people, both men and women, were being escorted out by the police, all covering their faces in shame.

“Good thing I reacted quickly, or I’d have been humiliated,” Li Yue cursed with lingering fear. “The local authorities in our harmonious Celestial Empire are best at following trends. The moment a strong wind blows, they rush headlong into it—fierce while it lasts, but quick to die down.”

Liu Jingye managed a wry smile. “We should just be grateful we weren’t swept away ourselves.”

“What about me?” At that moment, the woman curled up in the corner suddenly spoke.

They had almost forgotten her. Glancing over, they saw she was still dressed in a skimpy camisole and a miniskirt, her pale skin exposed.

What surprised them even more was that she was actually quite beautiful: golden hair, neat bangs across her forehead, an oval face, smooth and delicate features, slightly curved eyes that seemed perpetually smiling. She looked to be in her early twenties. Heavy makeup lent her a jaded air, yet the beauty beneath was unmistakable.

Li Yue didn’t spare her a glance; instead, he looked at Liu Jingye with a teasing grin. “I’ve already paid, so tonight she’s all yours.”

“What? You can take her to go?” Liu Jingye exclaimed.

“Why not?” The woman stood up briskly and hooked her arm around Liu Jingye’s.

Li Yue burst out laughing, gesturing toward the door. “Alright then, my place is too small anyway. I won’t keep you two. Xiao Liu, call me sometime.”

Without giving them a chance to protest, Li Yue hustled them out the door, shot them an ambiguous smile, and shut it behind them.

“Your friend is really something. I thought he was going to suggest a threesome,” the woman said with relief at the door.

Liu Jingye nearly stumbled down the stairs, laughing. “Sister, you’re really open-minded. But let’s be clear, I don’t have to pay extra tonight, right?”

“Not tonight. But if you want to continue tomorrow, there’s a separate charge. But don’t worry, it’s a fair price—just 688. Take a pretty girl home, get kisses during the day and more fun at night…” she advertised enthusiastically.

Liu Jingye was speechless.

But what weighed on his mind more was Li Yue. He had just heard the distinct buzzing of a cell phone from inside the room, vibrating in a pattern—three long, one short, then two short, one long. That was clearly Morse code.

Everyone has their secrets. Whether Li Yue was truly involved with the underworld or on some special assignment, it was none of Liu Jingye’s business. His head was spinning, and all he wanted was to go back to sleep.

They hailed a taxi and sped back to the inn. As soon as they opened the door, the woman said, “Brother, I only charged for a single session. Now I’m staying the night without asking for extra, but you could at least pick a decent hotel. Is this rustic place still using clay beds? My lower back isn’t great. I’m afraid I won’t get used to it.”

Liu Jingye smiled. “Don’t worry, you can be on top.”

“That works!” she replied readily for the second time.

Liu Jingye couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re really easygoing.”

It was purely a business transaction between them. Besides, Liu Jingye had had a bit to drink, and in this empty, lonely room, he decided to let himself go for once.

The woman was straightforward, or rather, professional. After preparing the necessary items and a bit of foreplay, she got down to business.

But just as Liu Jingye pressed on with vigor, he distinctly felt a protective membrane give way.

Impossible, he thought. Wasn’t she an experienced professional? How could she still have a hymen?

As he hesitated, the woman said indifferently, “Don’t worry, I just had it installed yesterday to make a bit more money.”

“What? You can do that? That’s quite the investment.” Relieved by her explanation, Liu Jingye let himself go and devoted himself to the moment.

But soon, he sensed something was off. Though his experience was limited, he wasn’t clueless. The woman was clearly in pain, her body tensed, trembling uncontrollably, her teeth chattering, tears welling up at the corners of her eyes.

Could a fake membrane have this effect? Liu Jingye wondered. Technology these days is really something.

But now wasn’t the time to think. He focused all his attention on the act.

Half an hour later, everything was calm. The woman clutched the blanket, gasping for breath, staring blankly at the ceiling, tears streaming down her cheeks like broken pearls.

Liu Jingye lit a cigarette, glancing at the vivid blood-red mark beside him, his mind full of questions.

He was about to speak when the woman interrupted, “I just want to sleep…”

“Oh, alright.” Flustered, Liu Jingye composed himself and asked, “Could you tell me your name? I have to register you for the night—it's a regulation.”

“My name is Wei Xiaorou, but please, whatever you do, don’t write my real name down. I’m begging you,” she pleaded, eyes brimming with tears.

What’s going on? Liu Jingye stared at her, puzzled. Just moments ago, she had been a lively, experienced professional. Why was she now so fragile, weeping helplessly?

Confused but respectful of her wishes, Liu Jingye didn’t register her name.

“Thank you,” Wei Xiaorou whispered softly, pulling the blanket over her face, her body trembling as sobs echoed in Liu Jingye’s ears.

“Are you alright?” he asked gently.

“I’m fine,” she choked out.

“Was that protective membrane real or not?”

There was no answer. Liu Jingye’s mind was in turmoil; he couldn’t let it go, sensing something unusual.

He waited for a long time, but the woman remained silent. Her body gradually relaxed beneath the covers. Liu Jingye gently pulled the blanket aside—she had fallen asleep, tears still clinging to her lashes, ready to fall.

He quietly left the room, standing in the courtyard as the cold wind swept over him. His intoxication was gone, but the lingering thrill still coursed through him.

Was that membrane real or not? His head throbbed with questions. If it was fake, why did she cry so bitterly? Those tears couldn’t have been faked. But if it was real, why had an experienced professional kept her virginity, and why had she given it away to him in such a muddled way?