Make sandwiches for me and my friends. Hissing gruffly, Mao sat down on the couch.
Why don't we do something fun? One of his friends smirked at me. Whatever he is planning, I hope it isn't what I'm thinking.
"Like what? A smile spread across Mao's face."
You mentioned something about his mouth feeling different. How about we confirm what you said? I am not hungry. His third friend smiled at me smugly.
And my fear is confirmed. I punched Mao in the face the first time he tried it on me. When Uncle Hao got back from work, they tortured me mercilessly and said I was supposed to do whatever he wanted.
I cried bitterly and tried to explain to my uncle what Mao wanted from me. I remember how he tied me down and asked Mao to do as he pleased with me. Mao got carried away and touched me roughly.
Don't touch beyond his mouth. Aunt Ru hissed sharply at him. You don't want your cock in a cursed boy. He'd doom this family. I tried to think of a million things until he was done and left. I was heartbroken. I was only 14 years old when the sick bastard molested my mouth.
I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed them approaching me until they pushed me down. I looked up in shock, my heart beating fast, and saw them standing there, looking down at me with a malicious expression. I stared at them in disbelief, unable to believe such a thing could happen. I was about to speak when they held me down, and Mao started first.
I let my mind wander around. Far from what they do to me. I was still lost in thought when someone smacked my head. "I bet your mama was a hoe too, because your mouth is so delicious." Mao's friend spoke loudly as he moaned. I could feel my anger rising. I bit down on his cock, and he cried. His other friend left me, but Mao still held me down and punched me. The next thing I knew, they were beating me and saying all kinds of degrading things.
I slumped to the ground, cradled my knees, and took a deep breath. I was determined to put one foot in front of the other and continue my life. I was reminded of the struggles my mother went through to give me life. I also thought of the struggles I had endured to keep her memory alive. I thought of how unfair it was that I had to bear the burden of her death, and yet I had no control over it.
I reminded myself that although I was a victim of circumstance and had no control over the events in my life, I still had the power to choose how I wanted to live my life going forward. I decided I would use my pain and struggles to become better.
I stood up and wiped the tears from my eyes. I decided to take control of my life and carry on. I had no idea what the future held. However, I was determined to make the most of it and never forget the struggles that brought me here.
I walk to the kitchen to make dinner before leaving the house, but then I remember Mao would report me to his dad, and I would receive another beating. Why cook for them, then? I stepped out through the back door and cleaned myself up before entering the basement to change into my work clothes. I walked out of the gate. I walked slowly to work, still lost in thought, but this time I was more aware of my surroundings.
Two years ago, my uncle chased me out of the house to search for a job or face the consequences of staying at home. He made it clear that my life could become more miserable than it already was if I didn't bring money home.
I sat by the roadside, crying, not knowing what to do. I had no experience in other fields aside from cooking and cleaning the house. The rain didn't help either. It came down hard, as if punishing me for something I had done. I was soaked to the bone and shivering with cold. I felt helpless and alone.
A guy approached me and inquired why I was weeping. His sudden appearance caught me off guard, and I hesitated before responding. With a lump in my throat, I tried to tell him what was wrong. After a few moments of silence, I finally spoke up. I didn't tell him my life history, only the basics. I'm an orphan and have lived with my uncle for 15 years. Now he wants me to pay him for housing, food, and clothing. Despite being a stranger, he listened attentively and offered comforting words that eased my pain. I was grateful for his kindness and compassion.
Fortunately, one of their workers got pregnant and had to quit, so they needed a waiter.
Thanks to Cheng, I got a job, and my uncle followed me the next day to ensure I wasn't lying. I have known him for two years now, and we know almost everything about each other.
I close my eyes to gather my thoughts at the club entrance.
"Hey Zhan, are you coming inside, or are you just planning to stand there with your eyes closed like a psycho?
"Shut up, Cheng." I hissed at him, my throat still hurting.
I entered my workplace with a smile on my face, despite the ache in my back and starvation. It is almost 6 p.m., and I haven't eaten since morning.
Cheng is a supervisor and bartender at the VIP bar. He is tall and muscular, but he is a slender, muscular man. His black hair was short and styled at the back.
I was still shaken by the incident, and my thoughts were in turmoil. Having been lost in thought, I hadn't heard him speak.
Were you meditating right now? Do you need inner peace before work tonight? He teased me as he opened the door.
I shake my head to tell him I am starving, but my stomach beats me to it.
Come on, let's go to the VIP lounge. Currently, no one is around, so we can eat there. My sister made it. A smile spread across his face.
After following him to the lounge, I found it beautiful in comparison to the regular bar that I work in.
When he opened the food, the smell was so tantalizing that my stomach rumbled loudly. It was a mouth-watering scent that filled the room. The aroma made my taste buds come alive as I eagerly awaited the delicious meal. I knew whatever was in that container would be something special.
When he put the container in front of me, I salivated in anticipation. I eagerly grabbed my fork and ate hungrily, savoring every bite. I ate until I was completely satisfied, feeling content after a hearty meal. I thanked him for providing such a delicious meal and complimented his sister's cooking. It was a meal I won't forget!
The lounge door opened, and the manager walked in, startling us. Zhan, "You'll start working in the VIP lounge tomorrow. We have some very prestigious and wealthy guests coming in, and I know you prepare the finest cocktails." I smiled in acknowledgement, aware that I was up for the challenge. I was eager to show off my skills, make the guests feel special, and get a big tip.
He stood by the door to look at me. His face was expressionless, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. I could tell he was thinking about something, and then suddenly he said, "There is a side job available if you are interested."
Cheng's face suddenly paled, like a tide. His eyes widened in shock, and his mouth dropped open, as if he had seen a ghost. His skin was ashen, and life drained from his cheeks. He looked like he had seen a terrible sight.
The look on Cheng's face when the manager mentioned the side job worried me. His expression was serious.
Cheng, what kind of work do you do on the side? I couldn't help but ask.
You are not suitable for this kind of job; please don't ask. There was a slight crack in his voice.
Please, Cheng, I need the mon...
No, Zhan. In anger, he yelled at me. I didn't even get a chance to finish what I was going to say.
I slowly turned around and backed away, revealing the brutal marks of abuse on my back. Tears streamed down my face as I told him the story of how my uncle had beaten me this morning for not having breakfast ready on time for his son. I also told him about my cousin and his friends and how they beat and molested me before I came to work. As I spoke, I felt a deep sense of shame and humiliation. However, I felt relief that I could finally talk to someone about what happened.
The look of horror and anger that passed over Cheng's face was something I will never forget.