In the stillness of the night, the perfect time for a song.
At midnight, inside the Seven Gates Bar, Mia, dressed in a white dress with her hair lazily draped over her shoulders, gazed ahead with clear eyes. Her harmless look and ethereal voice made her an odd fit for Seven Gates, yet she was the most popular singer there.
"I see your figure,
Slowly disappearing into the night,
The warmth in my palm,
Gradually turning cold,
Such encounters make ones heart race,
To say I love you but unsure if Ill ever get the chance."
After the final verse, Mia rose, bowed, and left the stage with her guitar.
In the aisle of the stage, as many nights before, there were men emboldened by alcohol, seeking to get close to her.
"Mia, have you liked the flowers Ive sent you for so many days? Im sincere about you. How about we grab something to eat tonight and talk?"
Not far from the stage, Selene Hu was engaged in a heated drinking competition with a group of men. It was clear that the men around her were attracted to her appearance, hoping to be the last one standing to spend the night with the infamous vixen of Bay City. The thought of having such an enticing beauty gasping beneath them made their eyes gleam.
Maya Mao sat alone, staring at her MacBook, examining data sheets. Although she was at the same table, a 50cm radius around her was empty. Regulars at Seven Gates were familiar with her, and while she was undeniably beautiful, if she didnt feel like talking, she wouldnt even glance at you all night, focusing on her work. Initially, some men tried to win her over, but over time, they gave up, realizing that no one came to Seven Gates for true love.
Both Selene and Maya seemed engrossed in their own worlds, but their peripheral vision was fixed on Mia on stage, their protective instincts evident.
Selene, in a red dress, her figure accentuated to the fullest, with voluminous waves and wearing Armani 400 lipstick, exuded charm. True to her name, she was the owner behind Seven Gates. Mayas professional attire seemed out of place at Seven Gates, with her long ponytail and an aloof expression. Selene enjoyed sitting with Maya for the tranquility she provided, a quiet respite after a night of revelry.
"Should we help?" Selene idly traced the rim of her glass, casually glancing towards Mia.
Maya shifted her gaze from her laptop, a playful smile on her face, "Probably need new furniture again. You just talked to her about this yesterday, and shes still so quiet. I wonder if shes really planning on letting herself be taken advantage of this time? Lets wait and see. Mias innocent look makes men want to do bad things, not unlike you."
Selene gave Maya a cold look, the word "pervert" conveyed precisely with her eyes. She redirected her attention, still seeming indifferent, but in reality, she was tense, watching the situation with Mia.
"Flowers? I think youre mistaken, I didnt receive any. Excuse me." Mia racked her brain and, confirming she hadnt received any flowers, responded politely. But as she took a step, her wrist was grabbed, the strong scent of the mans cologne overwhelming. Mia frowned in annoyance, but remembering Selenes words from yesterday, she endured it.
The man, seeing Mia didnt reject his touch, grew bolder, pulling her forcefully towards him, intending to kiss her.
But Mia, as if she could read minds, had noticed the mans intentions from the start and resisted just as forcefully in the opposite direction.
Patrick Pang had just come out of the restroom when he found himself holding someone. The person was slender, easily encircled by one arm, yet soft and plump to the touch. Subconsciously, he didnt reject the sensation.
The corridor lights were dim, but in that brief glance, Mia saw Patrick clearly. She suddenly thought of a phrase: "Dusty from the journey, you come from the sea." This man had a cold face, yet in his arms, she felt warmth.
As she was lost in thought, Patrick disdainfully let go. Mia was sure she hadnt mistaken that look of disgust. Instinctively, she grabbed onto something for support, only to realize she had fallen onto a human cushion.
"Patrick, are you alright?" A man came over to help the man under Mia.
Mia was dazed for a second before Selene and Maya pulled her up. The man who had tried to force Mia to leave heard someone call Patricks name and decided to slip away in the chaos.
"Stop, trying to leave?" Mia forcefully threw the man over her shoulder towards the stage, his face slamming into the platform. Thinking of Patricks look of disgust, Mia felt annoyed, causing her to use more force, impatiently telling Selene, "This time I listened, didnt break anything." She then went to the dressing room to change. Before leaving, she couldnt help but glance at Patrick.
Selene and Maya noticed Mias strange behavior, called for staff to handle the aftermath, and followed Mia.
"Not bad, this girl has some personality," Patricks childhood friend sincerely said.
"Arent you used to this kind of woman by now, always trying to get close to you in different ways, no originality," Patrick straightened his clothes, rolled up his sleeves, looking impatient.
"I dont think so, her eyes tell a different story, she seems like a clean girl."
Patrick clearly didnt want to continue the topic, "Tired, lets all go home."
In the dressing room, Selene looked slyly at Mia, winking at Maya, signaling her to check on the situation. Maya ignored her, taking out her laptop to check the latest work emails.
Seeing Mayas non-cooperation, Selene had to take the lead. "Mia, whats going on today? Youre quite fiery, usually you dont react like this to harassing customers. Let me make something clear, even if you burn down the entire Seven Gates, I wont bat an eye. No need to hold back next time."
Maya, hearing Selenes words, looked up in surprise, checking if she was drunk.
"Anyway, I owe Maya money, doesnt matter if I owe a bit more."
Maya, upon hearing this, gave a look of I knew it, shaking her head in resignation but not objecting.
Mia changed into her white T-shirt, jeans, and a black leather jacket, looking like a schoolgirl. "Its nothing, just that mans look of disgust made me uncomfortable. Selene, Im sorry for causing trouble again."
"Psh, its nothing, dont worry about it. Men are all scum, dont let them affect your mood. Lets go eat something, Im hungry. Mayas treat today?" Selene looked slyly at Maya.
Maya smiled at Mia, agreeing with Selene. She knew Selene was always calculating her money.
The night deepened, and if you were still out walking, you could see a red Ferrari speeding away, stopping by an open-air street stall where three women, dressed differently but all strikingly beautiful, were having clear soup, visiting every night as promised.