Chapter 48

At Lu Hua Dance Hall, a tender, romantic song made every couple on the dance floor glow with affection—no one knew when the so-called “Warm Moment” had become an essential ritual in every dance hall, sweeping the nation with its blunt, direct appeal and winning the fervent admiration of countless “dance lovers.”

Xiao Fang was one of the most seasoned among these enthusiasts. Today, his target was a girl who looked exceptionally plain and simple.

Unlike the professional dancers who constantly frequented dance halls, this young woman appeared clean and innocent—completely out of place amid the neon lights, liquor, and surreal chaos of the venue.

But Xiao Fang loved this kind—by his own words, after eating too much greasy fried chicken, one inevitably craves a fresh, green stalk of bok choy.

Today, he was determined to claim this “bok choy.”

He clearly sensed her resistance during the “Warm Moment,” so he decided to change tactics—she wasn’t like those other women; simple approaches wouldn’t work. He’d been too forward, and he feared he might scare her off.

Fortunately, the ambiguous segment had passed. The dance floor was once again bathed in swirling lights, and everyone had returned to their booths. Now came the time for deeper conversation—and the perfect moment for the waitstaff to push drinks a second time.

Xiao Fang put on a refined, gentlemanly air and politely invited the girl to sit. He planned to build rapport today, then arrange a next meeting.

The girl seemed to have some unspoken trouble; she stole glances at other booths and awkwardly leaned closer to Xiao Fang. As a veteran and expert of the dance scene, he understood her signal instantly—he abandoned his slow approach. He could take her. This was his absolute, flawless judgment.

Unlike her stiff posture, Xiao Fang relaxed naturally, leaning back and exposing half his chest—just enough to cradle the girl’s delicate head as it settled against him.

They whispered softly. Xiao Fang learned her name was Du Meisha, that this was her first time at a place like Lu Hua—and then she asked him a question he never expected.

“I work at Yimian (a state-owned enterprise in Zizhen City). I want to earn money. I heard you can make money dancing here—is that true?”

Xiao Fang burst into laughter. He understood she meant the “table fees” dancers received for accompanying patrons—also called tips.

He grinned. “Wow, you’ve never been to places like this before? I thought you danced pretty well!”

Du Meisha picked up on his doubt. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I… I learned to dance in college. I’ve never been here before. I only thought of this because I have no money.”

Seeing her nervousness, Xiao Fang’s heart stirred. He whispered gently, “I believe you. Don’t be tense. What you said about earning money by dancing—that’s not as simple as just coming here and dancing with others.”

Du Meisha looked at him with wide, puzzled eyes. Xiao Fang instantly felt himself soaring. He suppressed the urge to pull her close. “I can help you. I know this place well. The boss—Hua Qiang—know him? He’s my big brother. I’ll handle your matter. But…”

Xiao Fang deliberately dragged out his words, waiting for her to ask. Sure enough, she blurted out, “But what? Tell me!”

He was delighted by her reaction. With a self-assured, sweeping motion of his head, he declared with romantic intensity: “I want to be your guardian here—in this club, on this street, in this city. Can you let me?”

“Gigglegigglegiggle!” Du Meisha covered her mouth and laughed. The gentle rise and fall of her chest made Xiao Fang swallow hard, his throat dry.

“Sure! From now on, we’re friends. I don’t have any friends in Zizhen.”

Xiao Fang’s heart leapt. This sweet, innocent girl was easier to handle than he’d thought.

He was a habitual loafer of dance halls, relying on his decent looks and smooth talk to target women who hadn’t yet entered the trade. He’d win their trust by pretending to court them, then lure them with promises of quick cash—first to dance with patrons, eventually to go out with them. After handing these women over to the clubs, he took a cut of their table fees. He was a spider hidden among flowers, weaving an inescapable web, waiting to catch beautiful butterflies.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, the old saying went: “Even beggars have three days of festival!” Most dancers were outsiders who returned home for Spring Festival, so his income had dropped sharply. He urgently needed to find a good “catch.”

And lo—fate had handed him the perfect prey. Wasn’t Du Meisha right before him?

Xiao Fang smiled with sinister charm.