The Marionette Show
"Very good! Very good! For just a week, you already know how to dance!"
My face remained blank as I watch Head Madame Fei clapped her hands. I just finished performing the dance that Yisa taught me and the Head Madame is very pleased to my performance.
It's about 8 in the morning and we are currently here in the hall's platform. The brothel is still close as it opens at 6 in the evening. Only the guards and the other women have watched my dance.
"Yisa! I'm really delighted! Aside from being a good dancer, you are also a good teacher!"
"Thank you Head Madame Fei."
"Hmm. But she still needs a little more seductive look. Aside from that, it's all done! Teach her that!"
Together with Shu Hua, Head Madame Fei left the hall. I sat on one of the chairs and snorted. What that does old hag means to seductive look?!
"Roseanne you're so talented! You didn't make a mistake! You executed it perfectly. Though, you really lack that seductive glance. But that's easy for you! You can learn that!"
"Yisa I don't think I can do it! I can't dance seductively in front of a man! I don't want to do this!"
"Roseanne."
I bowed my head down on the table. Just thinking of myself dancing like a whore in front of a man makes me want to puke. I can't accept that women are treated like a tool for amusement! Women aren't supposed to be like that! We are not lower than the others! We are not a toy!
"I am not a toy to be gifted to men! I am a human being! I don't want to do this! I can't do this!"
"I know how you feel. But Roseanne, we cannot do anything about it. We are slave. Our life is already owned by our lords. No matter how we hate the things they are telling us to do, we don't have any choice but to follow them. Because if we don't, our heads will be rolling on the floor."
My agony intensify when I heard Yisa's words. I hate to admit but she's right. If I don't follow Head Madame Fei, those guards will kill me for sure. And I don't want my head to roll on the floor!
"Cheer up! Just think optimistically. I once served the Lord. He's really handsome and he has the body of a warrior! Maybe if he had taken a liking to you, he will take you out of here! He will make you his wife!"
"It doesn't sound good too Yisa. I don't care if he's handsome and hot! I don't want to be anyone's wife!"
"You don't know how better it is for you if the Lord make you his wife! You will leave this hellish place! You will only serve him! You will not serve any other man! You won't be like me."
Her last sentence sounds more softer. I raised my head and look at Yisa. Her face looks so sad and she's like she's about to cry.
"Yisa."
"I don't want you to suffer like me. I don't want you to experience such obnoxious thing."
Lisa wiped the tear that escaped from her eyes. She then caress my cheek and looked at me directly in the eyes.
"Grab this chance to get away from here. Change your fate."
We resumed our practice. Yisa taught me how to express emotions through dancing. I really tried my best to be positive but I can't.
Time passed and the brothel is on service again. Yisa and I hugged each other as she have to perform in the hall and I have to prepare for my own agenda. We bid our goodbyes and we part our ways.
"Let's go."
Shu Hua walked me to the bathroom. I was surprised to see two other girls inside. One of the girls came near me and started undressing me. I told them that I can bath by myself but they ignored me.
The two girls washed me. They scrubbed every part of my body. They even emptied the jar of rose oil and applied it to me. After an hour of washing, they dried me with a cotton towel.
With the white inner garments, we moved to another room. My hair was dried with a cloth. When the water is not dripping anymore, they comb my long black hair. Then they styled it into a half pony with a pin holding a bun.
After fixing my hair, the other girl started putting make up on my face. She delicately put the white powder on my face. Then she draw my eyebrows and told me to kiss the paper lip tint. She also draw something on my forehead.
"Let her wear this."
One of the girls took the hanfu that Shu Hua handed. I was told to stand up and both of the girls begin to put the robe in my body.
"It's done Lady Shu Hua."
"Hmm. Let me see."
The two girls went to the left side. Shu Hua came to my front and stared at me. I can't tell if she's happy or mad. I wonder how I look.
"I hate to admit but you really look so beautiful right now. The two of you did a good job in grooming her. You turn a goose into swan."
Can't she praise me without degrading me?
I looked at the copper mirror in the table. My eyes widen when I saw my reflection in it.
Dang.
I looked so beautiful.
The style of my long black hair complements the dramatic red flowy hanfu I'm wearing. My make up is well done too. It's far from the look that Shu Hua gave me. My face is not so white. My brows are impeccably done. My lips are lusciously red. But the most alluring part is the red lotus mark on my forehead.

Those girls really did a great job!
All of us looked at the door when it suddenly opened. Head Madame Fei entered the room. Her eyes widen when she cast a look at me.
"Oh my! What a very alluring woman you have become!"
Head Madame Fei went near me and discern me.
"You are so beautiful."
If this was a normal day, I would probably grinning from ear to ear right now. But the endless praises she's giving me has no effect when I am about to meet my ruin.
"My Lord is currently overseeing the brothel. Let's get you to his special room and prepare for his arrival there."
Head Madame Fei pulled me outside. Every step feels like a step to my graveyard. I want to run but the guard behind me is watching like a dog.
We have finally arrived at the private room Head Madame Fei is talking about. It is bigger and wider than the other rooms. There is a curtain covered platform in front of a floor table. The musicians are already sitting there. I also saw a king size bed in the far corner.
"Remember Roseanne. I want you to do your best. Dance enchantingly. Make the Lord like you. Serve him well! Our future depends on your performance! Good Luck!"
Head Madame Fei told me to hide behind the platforms curtain. She told me to wait there. My heart is beating so fast that it felt painful. Am I really going to do this?
My heart pounded very hard when the door opened. I can hear the annoying laugh of Head Madame Fei and a very deep voice can also be heard.
"I'm very satisfied with the operation of my brothel Fei. There are many customers meaning that I am gaining a lot of profit! You are doing a good job!"
"It's my honor My Lord! I am very happy that you are pleased with my management!"
"If this continues, I'll give you a promotion!"
"Thank you My Lord! I promise to work even better!"
I can imagine her smiling from ear to ear. She's really leeching to him.
"My Lord, I know that you are exhausted due to your long journey. So I prepared something for you to relax. I hope you'll like it!"
"Oh." the man said.
I heard Head Madame Fei's foot steps. Then suddenly she came in front of me.
"Please the Lord! I'm counting on you! Don't do anything stupid or Zhao Gao will kill you!"
She left after threatening me. The sound of the guzheng starts playing. Fuck it! What should I do?
Should I dance?
Should I just let Zhao Gao kill me?
Fuck!
The beat of the drum signalled me to go out. I gracefully walked out of the curtains. I glanced at the table in front of me and saw a man sitting there.
Like what Yisa said, the man is freaking handsome. His hair is tied in a half pony. The black cotton robe he's wearing complement his well built body. His skin is dark making him more manly. When I looked at his eyes, I saw him staring at me with those snake like eyes.
I begin moving my body. My hands extended above and bend my hips. I changed my position and jump a little. I flapped my hands making the long sleeves of my robe slap each other. I raised my left hand and covered my face, showing my eyes only.
I continue dancing. I did the steps that Yisa taught me. My body moved with the rhythm.
I don't know if I am doing it right.
And I don't care.
I just want to get this done.
The music ended and I did my final pose then I bowed three times.
"What a heavenly performance!"
I remain looking at the ground as I heard the man clapping very hard. Head Madame Fei went to my direction.
"Good job!"
Fuck you!
"Do you like it My Lord?"
"What are you talking about? I love it!"
"I'm very happy to hear that! Roseanne come here!"
Like a puppy, I went to Head Madame Fei.
"This girl is the newest gem I found My Lord! I bought her for 20 gold coins. I know she's very expensive but she's worth it right? Also, it is her first time doing a performance here. She have serve no one. Her first will be you!"
"Oh! I highly appreciate it Fei! My exhaustion were gone after watching her fascinating performance!"
"Serving you is an honor My Lord. Now, I'll excuse myself to give you some time with your new gift. Musicians let's head out."
Head Madame Fei glared at me before going out. My feet is rooted on the floor and I remain looking down.
"Aren't you going to serve me?"
That made me looked up. With fear creeping inside me, I walked to his direction.
"Wah. It seems like Fei didn't teach you to serve! Sit down or I'll cut your feet!"
My knees trembled in fear. I sat beside him. I took the jar of wine and pour him a drink.
"Haha! Why are your hands shaking? Are you afraid of me?"
"N-n-no My Lord." I answered with a shaking voice.
He roared in laughter then he drank the wine. I took a glimpse on his face. He's really handsome but he looks dangerous. Especially that scar on his eyebrow that I wonder where he gotten.
I immediately looked at the floor when our eyes met. Dang it. His stares are like hot rays piercing me.
I poured him another drink and he drink it fast.
"What's your name?"
"Roseanne."
I flinched when he held my jaw. I looked at the man and saw that he's discerning my face. Now that I am face to face with him, I can now observe his face. He has the look of those typical bad boys in drama. The playboy ones.
"Roseanne? What an odd name. But your beauty is bewitching! Your features are soft and innocent. Totally my type! You're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life!"
I gasped when he suddenly pulled me to him. My eyes widen in horror as I looked at him grinning at me.
"You also smell so good. Ahh. Addicting."
The man bent his head to my neck. Goosebumps filled my skin when I feel his hot breathe gliding on that sensitive part.
I shrieked when I felt his lips touched my neck. My hands automatically pushed him away from me.
"What the?! How dare you push me?!"
I begin kowtowing.
"My Lord spare me! I can be your slave forever. I can do anything you want but please do not touch me! I beg you!"
With tears falling from my eyes, I continue begging for my life. I tried to do it. I tried to do what Yisa told me. I tried to accept my ruin. But I just can't! I don't want to sell my body! I don't want to get defiled!
"How dare you make a deal to me! You are just a slave! A whore! I own your existence! So its up to my choice what will I make use of you! I will do anything I want to a lowly thing like you!"
I screamed when he hovered above me. He started touching my body. I avoided his kiss and it landed on my neck. I gathered all my strength and pushed the man but it's useless.
"Your skin is so soft and delicate. Your fragrance is intoxicating. By just smelling you makes me go crazy!"
"Help! Somebody! Help me!" I cried.
"No one's gonna help you! I own this place! I own every people here! I own you! So don't fight back and let us take each other to paradise!"
The man continue touching my private parts. No matter how loud I cried, no matter how loud I scream, no matter how many times I shouted for help, no one came.
My hope withered.
The thing that I despise to happen is finally happening to me.
The man began ripping my clothes.
I stopped fighting back.
I stopped screaming for help.
I closed my eyes and lie down like a dead log.
This is the end Roseanne.
This is the end of your life.
"What is this?"
I opened my eyes when I heard him ask. When I looked at the man, I saw him holding the token that Cold Face gave me.
I don't know what happened but my body moved automatically. I sat down and grabbed the token away from him. I hid the token behind my back and glared at his dumbfounded face.
"You! Who are you! Where did you get that?!"
Mixed of shock and anger plastered on his face. What's with this asshole? Why is he flabbergasted when he saw this token? What's with this token?
Both of us looked at the door when we both heard several knocks. Stitch brow combed his hair and yelled.
"What the fuck it is?!"
"I apologize for disturbing you My Lord but we have to leave this place right now!"
"What?"
Stitch brow stood up and went near the door. He opened it and I saw a man kneeling there. The other man took a glimpse inside the room and instantly looked at the floor when he saw me.
"What?! Tell me what's the problem?!"
The guard stood up and whispered to stitch brow. Stitch brow's eyes widen in shock after hearing whatever his guard told him.
"Are you sure its him?! Maybe you're mistaken!"
"No My Lord! I recognize him!"
"Fuck! What the hell is that bastard doing here?! Does he know my secret already?!"
Stitch brow gave me a glare before leaving the room. I cried in relief. Shit! That was near! I thought that I will get totally ruined!
I looked at the token in my hand.
This token saved me from hell.
Although Cold Face is not here, he still saved me.
I grabbed my thrown robe on the floor and wear it. I probably look like shit right now. I stood up and went outside the room.
Startlement, stupefaction, and shock plastered on every face of people I passed by. I was nearly raped. I don't have the time to think of others judgemental looks.
All I want is to take a bath and clean myself. I want to remove all the filth that that stitch brow gave me.
"Roseanne! What happened to you?!"
I looked where the voice came from and saw the concern look of Yisa. I bursted out crying again.
"Yisa!"
Yisa came to me and hugged me tight. I resume wailing to her back.
"Yisa! He nearly... He nearly defile me!"
I told her what happened inside that fucking room. Yisa listened to my curse and rants to that freaking stitch brow.
"I was confused when I saw the Lord leaving the room so early."
"One of his guards told him to leave immediately. I heard someone came and there's a problem. Whatever it is, I'm so fucking thankful for that. It saved me from hell!"
"Is it connected to that man asking for you at the hall?"
"What? Someone's asking for me?" I asked confused.
"Yeah. He's asking if there is someone named Roseanne here."
Cold Face pop in my head.
"Really?! How does he look? Tell me Yisa!"
"He's a tall man. He has a chinky slanted eyes and he's very handsome too! He is also not alone. He has another handsome guy with him. Wait. Do you know him?"
After hearing Yisa's description, I urgently run to ladder without answering her. My chest is beating wildly due to excitement.
Cold Face!
Cold Face is here!
Cold Face and Hong Rong is here!
When I finally went to the hall, I looked around to find them. The hall is full of customers making it hard for me to see them.
My eyes glimmer when I saw him and Hong Rong sitting in the far corner. They are both looking around as if they're searching for someone.
It's really them!
I can't believe it!
They are searching for me!
"Cold Face! I'm here! Cold F-"
My screams of help halted when a big hand covered my mouth. I was also pulled back by a strong pair of arms.
No!
Cold Face is here!
You're not going to take me away again!
"You troublesome woman! I did not spend a lot of money on you to only get away from me! Zhao Gao! Hide her in her room!"
I struggled to get free from the strong embrace but it's no use. Compare to the strong physique of Zhao Gao, I am merely a child fighting back to a giant.
Zhao Gao threw me inside my room. I nearly cried when my butt landed on the hard floor. Shu Hua came inside and began tying my hands. I kicked her face making her fell on the floor.
"Cold Face! Hong Rong! Help-aah!"
Shu Hua slapped me very hard. I'm pretty sure that that earned me a natural blush on my left cheek.
"What the fuck are you still doing?! Tie her and clog her loud mouth!" Head Madame Fei angrily said.
I haven't had the chance to fight back again when it was Zhao Gao who tied me. Shu Hua successful clog my mouth with a cloth. I gave her a death glare hoping that it can kill the bitch.
"Huh! Let's see if you can still scream for help with that clog clothe in your mouth!" Shu Hua said while smirking.
"Zhao Gao! Drive those men away! Shu Hua guard this bitch outside! Don't let anyone come inside this room!"
"Yes Head Madame Fei!"
The old woman gave me a final glare before going outside with her people. I heard the clanking of the chains and it seems like Shu Hua really locked me inside this room!
Fuck!
What to do now?!
I am fucking imprisoned again!
I thought that I will be finally rescued now that Cold Face is here. But I was wrong! I won't be saved. When he doesn't know that I am here, held captive by evil people.
"Who are you? Why are you here?" I heard Shu Hua asked outside.
"What is there inside? What are you hiding there?" said by the familiar deep voice.
Cold Face!
I struggled from the ropes making me stumble on the floor. The wooden floor creaked because of my fall.
"What's that noise?" Cold Face asked.
"You... Don't mess with other's business! One of our customers is inside spending a night with one of our ladies!"
This scheming bitch! What a great liar she is!
Right!
I remember!
I have a special skill for this kind of situation!
I can't believe that this skill of mine will be useful right now!
"Cold Face! It's me Roseanne! I'm here inside! Help me!"
I mutter using my nose. I repeat using my box voice and asked for help.
"This bitch! Aaaaaah!"
Shu Hua suddenly screamed and I heard something fell on the floor. Loud bang filled the whole room as the door is being smashed repeatedly by a strong force outside.
The door broke in pieces. A tall figure of a man appeared. My heart beat rapidly when I recognized the man.
"Roseanne." Cold Face uttered.
His eyes widen when he saw how I looked like. Cold Face immediately run to me and begin cutting the tied rope in me. When he all removed the ties and the clog in my mouth, I spread my arms and gave him a tight embrace.
"Cold Face!" I cried.
Cold Face remain stiff while I continue crying on his shoulder. Feeling him between my arms made me feel relieved even more.
"I thought I'll die! I thought you will not find me! I am so scared!"
My cries got louder when I felt his warm hands patting my back. I thought that he will get fooled by Shu Hua. I thought he will not find me!
"Shhh. Stop crying now. I am here now. I won't let anyone hurt you. You are now safe Roseanne."