Zhan's Pov.
It has been exactly three weeks since I relocated to this new place. I must say, the number of suitors I have encountered is truly overwhelming. The decision to work at the bar turned out to be the right one.
I have been fortunate to have Yu Bin by my side. He has been incredibly supportive and helped me navigate through this exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. It's always handy to have someone to rely on in an unfamiliar environment.
There is one thing that has been a bit frustrating, though. Every time I plan to visit Yu Bin's grandmother, something always seems to come up. It's as if fate has conspired to keep me away from that visit. Perhaps it's just a coincidence, but it has become a running joke between Yu Bin and me.
To save money quickly and move out, I decided to work afternoon and night shifts. Although the accommodation is reasonable, it is better than my basement. But there's no privacy here. Everyone wants to know what you have been up to. I can't even go out to have a cup of coffee without someone wanting to know where I'm going and who I'm meeting.
I kept my private life private and only shared the basics with Yu Bin. I was in an orphanage for a while and lived in foster care until I moved to Qrison to start a life for myself.
I was in bed thinking about Wang when I heard a knock on the door. As soon as I opened the door, I saw my roommate friend standing there, expressionless.
He was wearing a brightly colored shirt, which I found to be quite irritating. Despite my best efforts to be friendly, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable around him. He was just too loud for my liking.
He hissed at me, "Miss Bia said you should see her in her office. Now, excuse me." With that, he turned and left, leaving me standing there.
I put on my shoes and walked to her office. I knocked and entered. A man sat on the couch beside her. He had a stern face. I greeted them both and waited for her to talk.
She smiled warmly and stood up, gesturing for me to sit beside the man. "My jewel," she said, patting my shoulder, "this is Mr. Park; he's here to help us."
I'm fine like this. I said. I didn't want to sit beside the man.
He won't bite, she said heartily.
I reluctantly sat a few inches away from the man, not wanting to disrespect her. She gave me a satisfied smile, and I tried to relax.
She continued, "Mr. Park is organizing a private party at his estate, and he wants you to be his guest. I hope you'll join us!"
Thank you for being so thoughtful, but I'm sorry I have to decline. I'm sure he will understand. I replied.
Miss Bai's face flickered with anger but disappeared immediately. "When I say guest, I mean serve drinks," she said gruffly. "Get ready; we leave in two hours."
I stood up abruptly, my anger simmering beneath the surface. With each step, I walked back to the room, determined not to give in to her demands. Whatever she wants, I will not bend to her will. Never. The fire within me burned brighter with every defiance thought. I knew standing my ground was the only option. As I entered the room, my clenched fists and determined expression spoke volumes.
After an hour and a half, I dragged myself to the bathroom to freshen up and change into my work shirt and black jeans. I then went to Miss Bai's office.
Miss Bai's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I walked towards her office. "Ahhh, there you are. I was just about to send someone to call you," she said as she headed in the direction of the back gate where she always parks her car.
Two other girls followed Miss Bai, and I trailed behind them. Miss Bai seemed to be in a hurry, and I had to quicken my pace to keep up with her. We soon reached her car, and she unlocked it and climbed in. The other girls and I followed suit, and we were soon on our way.
I saw Mr. Park enter a black SUV and drive behind us.
The drive to the estate was quiet. Miss Bai made a left turn and parked her car. As she stepped out, a hefty man entered the car.
"She didn't know the road to the estate," he explained as he started the car and zoomed off. Curious, I turned around and saw Miss Bai entering Mr. Park's car. He then drove behind us.
I was disoriented, and my head pounded. I attempted to move, but I soon realized that I was bound with leather. I looked around and saw that I was in a glass box suspended in the air by a thick iron chain. I could hear laughter coming from outside, and I realized I had been kidnapped and taken to the estate. I could only imagine what happened while I was unconscious.
I looked at myself and saw I was only wearing leather pants with a black ball strapped to my mouth to prevent talking. I shook in fear as I realized I was in a dire situation.
My eyes scanned the surroundings, and to my surprise, I spotted the two girls from earlier sitting inside a box. Curiosity got the better of me, and my gaze wandered down into the audience. There, seated gracefully, was Miss Bai, exuding elegance. By her side sat Mr. Park, who appeared captivated by her presence. The sight of them irritated me.
I sighed in frustration, feeling helpless. Why am I always attracting bad luck? Was I cursed? No one would tell me I wasn't I wouldn't believe them. I felt like I was doomed to be unlucky forever.
Suddenly, I saw a group of people enter, and my stomach churned with dread.
"Let the bidding begin!" I heard someone's voice blaring through the speakers.
"Okay, now I'm being auctioned like a trophy." I muttered to myself.
Miss Bai stood up and walked to the podium. She picked up the microphone. Her beautiful smile disappeared. "Drop the witches, werewolves, foxes, and kitsunes," she said sternly, her voice echoing in the room.
One by one, boxes were dropping below us, and people started bidding. It felt surreal to me as I watched this strange scene unfold. I felt like I was in a dream. I watched as bidding prices rose.
One by one, people were taken away by their new owners, leaving only three of us behind. The room was filled with anticipation as potential owners placed bids. Among them was a man who resembled the Hulk with his towering stature and gray hair. As the bidding process unfolded, I couldn't help but feel despair. In that very moment, all I wanted was for it to end. Something or someone should come in and kill us all.
The auction room was filled with eager bidders, their eyes fixed on the items up for sale. Among them was the bulky man who seemed determined to win the bid on me. He raised his paddle confidently, and soon enough, his bid was the highest.
"I want him," Someone announced to miss Bai from the back, his voice firm and resolute. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned towards the man in the hoodie. He remained calm and composed, unaffected by the sudden attention.
With a slight smile, he lifted his hand and revealed his face, taking off the hoodie that concealed his features. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief.
"I will double the price," he declared, determination evident in his voice. The room erupted with whispers and murmurs as the other bidders tried to comprehend the sudden turn of events. The bulky man stunned to a loss, quickly regained his composure, and continued the bidding process.
As the bids climbed higher, the tension in the room grew palpable. It became a battle between the bulky man who had initially won the bid and the enigmatic man with the hoodie. Each bid was met with a counteroffer as the price soared higher and higher.