I follow the woman up the stairs and down a long hallway. As I pass the rooms I hear music and laughter from each one but as we go further down, things become quieter. She leads me all the way to the back before opening a large door.
Inside sat numerous women getting dressed and putting on their makeup while fixing their hair. I look around the room as the woman walks me over to a door inside the room. Some of the women getting ready for the night, turn to look at me with weary looks.
Why were they looking at me like that? Madam Ying knocks on the door and waits. I look back over when I hear some of the women talking.
"Why do they keep getting prettier?"
"We have enough competition already..."
"Sigh... She's probably from a wealthy family. She'll leave when the work gets too tough."
I frown and look at all the women giving me disdainful looks. When they see me staring they quickly smile and fan themselves like I didn't just hear them talking shit about me. I scoff and give them a petty smile before turning back around.
The door opens and reveals a beautiful young lady in the palest pink dress I've ever seen. She moves as if she's walking on air... it was kinda mesmerizing. "Madam Ying? Is everything okay?" The woman in pink says. Even her voice was like a tinkling wind chime.
Madam Ying nods and says "This young lady would like to work here. Would you please help her get changed and tell her the rules. The house is extremely busy or I'd do it myself." The woman in pink smiles and says "Of course, come in."
Madam Ying turns to me and says "Come find me in you run into any trouble." I give her a polite smile and quickly nod my head as she walks away. "My name is Mei Xiu. You can call me sister Mei." She says stepping away from the door.
I give her a polite smile as well and say "My name is... No... Liling. It's nice to meet you." Sister Mei smiles as I walk into the room but as I pass her, her smile fades a little as she says "Your eyes... I guess your name is very fitting. I've never seen anyone with that color before."
I give her a strained smile and say "They seem to give me a lot of trouble..." Sister Mei then smiles and says "I can see that. Let's go pick you an outfit for the night." I nervously nod my head and follow her over to a large closet full of dresses.
I've seen the dresses the women in here were wearing... at this point, I'm starting to think it would have been better to go back to the cave first and dress like a male. It was too late though... She pulls out several dresses and holds them up to me before shaking her head and tossing them to the side.
After another ten minutes, she settles on a pastel green. "I think this green dress will play upon your green eyes. With this, you will catch the attention of every male in here!" Sister Mei says with excitement. She holds the dress out for me to see and waits... I guess she wants my approval?
"It looks beautiful, Sister Mei. Thank you!" I say with a large smile. I go to grab the dress but she quickly pulls it back and shakes her head while saying "This dress is unlike any dress you've ever worn. I'll help you change into it. Believe me, you'll need the help."
I want to argue but I just nod my head and kindly smile at her while saying "Thank you Sister Mei, I have no idea what I'd do without you!" Sister Mei beams at me and quickly leads me over to change. I want to argue... I really do. This girl has no idea the kind of things I've worn, or haven't worn, but I need to keep up appearances so I keep my mouth shut.