Rude Awakenings

"You Are the Warmth of the World"

Over the past two years, as her fame grew, Bella became the cash cow of Paradise Club, entertaining the likes of Director Li and Boss Wang, drowning in a world of revelry and illusion.

But it was just drinking, dancing, and singing; she wasnt noble, but she still had her pride.

Yet, every time Paradise Club closed in the early hours of the morning, after the hustle and bustle, when the lights dimmed and the guests left, leaving her alone in the cold silence, she would think of her past with Jason Chen and tears would stream down her face:

"Jason, oh Jason, ever since you married Sherry Chen, youve been thriving. Im so happy for you. I miss you so much!"

No one could have imagined that a dancer like her, who sold her smiles with drinks, once had a history with the high and mighty Commander Jason Chen.

She hoped that one day Jason would notice her absence, search for her everywhere, find his way to Paradise Club, and come to take her away.

But she also feared that even if he came, he would still not say he loved her, so maybe it was better he never came, and they would never cross paths again...

At the end of autumn in Shanghai Beach, the night was particularly beautiful. The sky was like water, with a few stars scattered, and the neon lights of the buildings shimmered with a seductive glow, as if these structures had eyes filled with autumn waves, blurred and ambiguous.

Inside Paradise Club, Bella, as usual, was with her sisters in front of the microphone, singing passionately: "My dear, I dont want your gold, my dear, I dont want your silver, I just want your heart, oh dear, your heart..." Every move they made was full of charm.

The audience cheered and clapped, all immersed in the changing seven-color lights.

After the singing, it was time for dancing. As usual, after the songstresses left the stage, the guests could choose a dance partner for two more dances before the club closed for the night.

Bella had already been chosen, this time by a new patron, a Mr. Yan, whom she didnt recognize. After the performance, she went backstage to change.

She stood in front of the mirror, staring at the layers of powder on her face. This Mr. Yan was said to be quite influential.

Everyone who came to Paradise Club was considered respectable, but in reality, they were just a bunch of wolves in sheeps clothing.

These hypocrites, who during the day held prestigious positions in politics, business, or other industries, would come to Paradise Club at night to indulge and drown their sorrows in alcohol.

Rumor had it that this Mr. Yan was quite young, but probably not much different from the rest. He was likely not a good person either, and she needed to be careful. She thought.

"Crack," as she was thinking, the sound of something breaking came from behind her.

She instinctively turned around and saw a maid with two braids, her eyes wide and pitiful, looking at her with a mix of panic and guilt.

The maid, like a frightened sparrow, stood over the shattered pieces of Bellas blue and white porcelain cup, a puddle of tea seeping out, with two jasmine petals floating on the water stain.

She frowned, a hint of disgust in her eyes. She disliked seeing people act so pitiful.

Although her reputation among the women at Paradise Club wasnt very good, this little maid didnt need to look like "Miss Bella is going to eat people," did she?