"I made it through the wilderness…" Xiaowan skillfully plucked the guitar strings while circling around Chen Xin, singing. Her voice, pure yet charming, seemed unsuited for this elegantly veiled sensual song. However, her innocent rendition added a fresh and lively touch to the piece.
Chen Xin wanted to enjoy the song but felt uncomfortable with the intimate posture. He attempted to step back, but she immediately closed the gap, leaning against him and singing, "I was beat, I'd been had. I was sad and blue—"
Suddenly, she poked his chest with her finger, earnestly singing, "But you made me feel… Yeah, you made me feel— Shiny and new—"
Ah, the classic line was coming. Chen Xin tried to retreat, but Lin Xiaowan's eyes gleamed. She grabbed his tie, pulling him close, gazing directly into his eyes from a breath's distance, and sang, "Like a virgin—"
Then she turned around, her back against his chest, guiding his hand down her slender, smooth neck, "Touched for the very first time—"
The onlookers cheered. Chen Xin quickly withdrew his hand. Lin Xiaowan shot him a glance, continued singing, and even stomped on his foot.
Chen Xin winced in pain, but Lin Xiaowan ignored it. She approached him again, singing, "When your heart beats next to mine," placing her palm on his chest.
The crowd cheered once more. A few Black singers nearby joined in with "yo-yo-yo" backing vocals. A scruffy-bearded homeless man squatted in a corner, smiling foolishly as he watched the band's performance. A young delinquent spray-painted Madonna's iconic bridal image from the song on the wall…
The tunnel's previously cold and stiff atmosphere came alive due to Lin Xiaowan's song.
Chen Xin realized that he wasn't just listening to a song; he had become a prop in her impromptu concert! Smiling wryly, he rubbed his forehead and decided to cooperate with her singing and movements. He noticed a flash of delight in her eyes, which inexplicably lifted his own spirits.
Perhaps it was because her singing was so enchanting.
As the song concluded, the crowd's whistles reached a fever pitch, with many shouting, "Kitty! One more song! One more song!"
Chen Xin smiled at the girl before him. "So your name is Kitty; it suits you well."
He had been pondering what she resembled, and now he had the answer—
She was like a proud, charming cat.
"That's just a nickname people use casually. It's not my real name, and I'm not telling you what it is!" Lin Xiaowan rolled her eyes at him. "Take the right fork; don't get it wrong. Safe travels!"
With that, she swiftly pulled off his tie, twirling it in her hand as she ran back to her band members.
"Kitty, aren't you singing another?" someone nearby asked regretfully.
"I made it through the wilderness…" Xiaowan skillfully strummed her guitar as she sang, circling around Chen Xin. Her voice, pure yet charming, seemed unsuited for this elegantly sensual song. However, her innocent rendition added a fresh and lively touch to it.
Chen Xin wanted to enjoy the song but felt uncomfortable with the intimate proximity. He tried to step back, but she immediately closed the gap, leaning against him and singing, "I was beat, I'd been had. I was sad and blue—"
Suddenly, she poked his chest with her finger, earnestly singing, "But you made me feel… Yeah, you made me feel—shiny and new—"
Ah, the classic line was coming. Chen Xin attempted to retreat, but Lin Xiaowan's eyes gleamed. She grabbed his tie, pulling him close until their breaths mingled, and looked straight into his eyes as she sang, "Like a virgin—"
Then she turned around, pressing her back against his chest, guiding his hand down her slender, smooth neck, "Touched for the very first time—"
The onlookers cheered. Chen Xin quickly withdrew his hand. Lin Xiaowan shot him a glance, continued singing, and even stomped on his foot.
Chen Xin winced in pain, but Lin Xiaowan ignored it. She moved closer again, singing, "When your heart beats next to mine," placing her palm on his chest.
The crowd cheered once more. A few Black singers nearby chimed in with "yo-yo-yo" backing vocals. A scruffy-bearded homeless man squatted in a corner, smiling foolishly as he watched the band's performance. A hooligan spray-painted Madonna's iconic bridal look from the song on the wall…
The tunnel's previously cold and stiff atmosphere had come alive thanks to Lin Xiaowan's song.
Chen Xin realized he wasn't just listening; he had become a prop in her impromptu concert! Smiling wryly, he rubbed his forehead and decided to play along. He noticed a flash of surprise in her eyes, which inexplicably lifted his spirits.
Perhaps it was because her singing was so delightful.
As the song ended, the crowd's whistles reached a fever pitch. They chanted, "Kitty! One more song! One more song!"
Chen Xin smiled at the girl before him. "So your name is Kitty; it suits you."
He had been pondering what she resembled. Now he had the answer—
She was like a proud, playful kitten.
"That's just a nickname people use. It's not my real name, and I'm not telling you what it is!" Lin Xiaowan rolled her eyes at him. "Take the right fork; don't get lost. Safe travels!"
With that, she suddenly snatched his tie, twirling it in her hand as she ran back to her bandmates.
"Kitty, aren't you singing another?" someone nearby asked regretfully.
Xiaowan reclined back into Leng Qing's arms, pointing at Chen Xin. "He only paid for one song."
Chen Xin chuckled softly. He took out a few more bills from his wallet, walked over, and placed them in Lin Xiaowan's hand. Noticing her thigh-length black leather skirt, he remarked, "I'm in a hurry to get home, so no need for another song. Keep the money and buy yourself some clothes. Don't wear skirts anymore; your legs are turning red from the cold."
Lin Xiaowan slightly retracted her fair, slender legs under her skirt but retorted, "It's none of your business. I like dressing this way."
"Alright, my mistake for meddling." Chen Xin raised his hands in surrender, stood up, and headed deeper into the tunnel. "Goodbye, Kitty."
Xiaowan watched his tall figure for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled mischievously. She dashed forward, grabbed his collar before he could react, and pressed her lips against his.
Whistles erupted around them.
Like a mischievous kitten, Xiaowan bit his lips a few times before releasing him. Seeing his astonished expression, she stuck out her tongue. "What are you staring at? It's just a kiss; none of your business. Now off you go!"
With that, she kneed him.
Chen Xin nearly stumbled but managed to steady himself, still wearing a look of disbelief—what just happened? This stranger, a street performer, had kissed him and then kicked him?
Who was he? Where was he? Why did the world suddenly feel surreal?
Bemused, Chen Xin wiped his lips and glanced back at the girl, only to see her nonchalantly chatting with her bandmates.
He shook his head helplessly and turned to walk alone into the depths of the tunnel. Meanwhile, back in the tunnel, Margie and Pine excitedly surrounded Xiaowan. "Kitty, how much did that handsome rich guy give us?" Xiaowan counted the hundred-yuan bills in her hand. Including the one Chen Xin initially gave, there were sixteen in total. She grinned at the others and said, "Hey, how about I treat you all to a Christmas feast in advance?" "Yes, yes!" Margie immediately shouted excitedly. Pine was even more thrilled, jumping up and saying, "Let's go to BForest! I've been craving their lamb chops. Ouch, Margie, why did you hit me?" Xiaowan's eyes dimmed slightly. After a pause, she nodded, "Alright, no problem. Let's go then!" Margie and Pine immediately followed closely like shadows, while Leng Qing remained motionless in the corner. Xiaowan glanced back at him, walked over, and nudged him, "Aren't you coming to eat? We had a great haul today!" Leng Qing smoked silently. Annoyed, Xiaowan slapped the cigarette out of his hand, "Stop acting cool. I'll ask you one more time: are you coming or not? If not, we're leaving!" Instead of answering her question, Leng Qing suddenly looked up at Lin Xiaowan with sharp eyes and said coldly, "What was that kiss with that man about? Are you interested in him?" "So what if I am? It's none of your business," Xiaowan replied, looking down and playing with her nails. Leng Qing snorted, "Lin Xiaowan, don't you think you're switching men too quickly? How long has it been since your last relationship ended, and now you have a new target? Aren't you afraid of overindulgence leading to your demise?" "I do as I please. For the last time, it's none of your business." "None of my business…" Leng Qing muttered, then suddenly raised his voice in anger, "If it's none of my business, then why the hell do you come to sleep with me every time you break up?! What the hell am I to you?"
"A toy? Something you pick up when you feel like it and toss aside when you don't?"
Xiaowan looked completely unfazed, "What else? At most, you're just a fling. Don't flatter yourself thinking you're something more."
"Lin Xiaowan, you—!"
"Alright, alright, stop arguing in Chinese!" Margie stepped between them, trying to defuse the tension. "We can't understand what you're saying anyway. Talk it out properly!"
Her attempt at mediation fell flat. Leng Qing stood up abruptly and stormed out, leaving a cold parting remark: "When it snows in a few days, don't you dare come begging to me!"
Xiaowan clenched her fists tightly, her voice trembling with anger, "Don't worry. Even if I die, I won't come to you!"
The atmosphere turned icy. No one dared to make a sound. Even the usually boisterous Black musicians exchanged uneasy glances, nervously watching the scene unfold.
After a long silence, Pine finally asked in a shaky voice, "Um… are we still going for lamb chops?"
Xiaowan turned and kicked him. "All you think about is food, you glutton!"
Despite her words, she still grabbed the cash and stormed out. Pine's eyes lit up, and he quickly dragged Margie along to follow her.
Twenty minutes later, outside BForest,Michelin restaurant in N City.
As Christmas approached, this globally renowned restaurant was already packed with guests. The elegant hall was filled with wealthy elites and high-profile figures. Reservations had been booked out for the next six months. Of course, skipping the queue wasn't impossible—if you were rich or influential enough, the manager would gladly find you a seat in the crowded hall.
However, such privileges were clearly not extended to three street musicians in tattered leather jackets and punk makeup.
The restaurant manager, Brett, maintained his elegant yet aloof demeanor as he addressed Margie standing before him: "I'm sorry, ma'am, but we are fully booked. Additionally, we require our guests to be properly attired to uphold our restaurant's image and ensure other patrons' dining experience isn't compromised. If you're in a hurry, I suggest trying the Burger King just across the street."
Faced with such a haughty and subtly sarcastic dismissal, Payne immediately lost his temper and was about to confront the manager. However, Xiao Wan, standing a bit farther away, approached calmly, stopping him. She leisurely retrieved a card from her purse and placed it before the manager.
Upon recognizing the signature on the card, Brett was momentarily stunned. Looking up at Xiao Wan, his complexion turned pale, yet he forced a smile. "Miss Lin! My deepest apologies; I didn't notice you earlier. Please, come in!"
With her chin slightly raised, Xiao Wan proceeded inside, Brett nervously trailing behind. She inquired, "Didn't you just say you're fully booked?"
"W-well, for others, yes, but Mr. Brown specifically instructed us to always have a table reserved for you."
"Oh… And my attire? Won't it affect the other guests' mood?"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Brett responded, "Not at all. Your outfit is… uniquely fashionable. I believe it will set the next trend…"
Xiao Wan chuckled, taking a seat at the best window-side table in the restaurant. As Brett continued his flattery, she grew impatient and waved him off. "Alright, enough. We're starving; let's order."
"Of course, here's our latest menu updated just last week. I highly recommend…"
After placing their orders, Brett lingered, leaning in to whisper, "Miss Lin…"
The restaurant manager, Brett, maintained his elegant yet aloof demeanor as he addressed Margie standing before him: "I'm sorry, madam, but we are fully booked. Additionally, we require our guests to be properly attired to uphold our restaurant's image and ensure other patrons' dining experience isn't compromised. If you're in a hurry for a meal, I suggest trying the Burger King just across the street."
Faced with such a haughty and subtly sarcastic dismissal, Pine immediately became agitated and was about to confront him. However, Xiao Wan, standing a bit farther away, approached unhurriedly, retrieved a card from her purse, and placed it deliberately in front of the manager.
Upon seeing the signature on the card, Brett was momentarily taken aback. When he looked up at Xiao Wan, his expression turned pale, yet he forced a smile. "Miss Lin! My deepest apologies; I didn't recognize you earlier. Please, come in!"
With her chin slightly raised, Xiao Wan proceeded inside, with the nervous manager trailing behind. She inquired, "Didn't you just say you were fully booked?"
"Well, for others, perhaps, but Mr. Brown has specifically instructed us to always have a table reserved for you."
"Oh… and what about my attire? Won't it affect other guests' moods?"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Brett replied, "Not at all. Your style is quite… unique. I believe it will set the next fashion trend."
Xiao Wan chuckled, took the best window seat in the restaurant, and listened impatiently as the manager continued to praise her. She waved her hand dismissively, "Alright, enough flattery! We're starving; let's order."
"Of course, here's our menu updated just last week. I highly recommend…"
After placing their orders, the manager lingered, leaning in to whisper, "Miss Lin, I haven't seen you with Mr. Brown lately; are you two—"
"Can't I dine here without him?" Xiao Wan retorted.
"No, no, that's not what I meant," the manager hurriedly responded. "I just wanted to say, Mr. Brown has always…"
Xiao Wan began plucking the pink rose petals from the vase one by one, speaking slowly, "If you keep talking, I'll leave."
The manager wisely took two steps back. "I won't disturb you any further."
Stretching lazily and resting her head on the table, Xiao Wan muttered, "So annoying, meddling in others' business."
Pine, indulging in the complimentary baked snails and seared foie gras, remarked nonchalantly, "Actually, the manager means well, Kitty. Brown treats you so well; he'd even pluck the stars from the sky for you. Why did you break up with him—ouch!"
Margie had stomped on his foot under the table. "Just eat and keep your mouth shut, will you!"
Xiao Wan, amused by their antics, gazed at the pink roses in the vase and softly said, "No particular reason. I broke up because I felt like it. After all, I'm a natural-born heartbreaker. When it comes to men… I can never stay committed for long."