Love in the Midst of Mistaken Identities

Chapter 229: Trying Hard to Smile

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Ruoxin felt so bad that her heart ached. In reality, how could she bear to leave? It’s just that the huge sum of medical fees had left her with no way out.

She patted her daughter’s small back, hoping that the mature child would understand her reason for leaving.

At nightfall, Xia Ruoxin changed into an extremely revealing dress once again. Her breast could almost be seen fully. She hugged her shoulders to save herself from further embarrassment.

There was a light layer of makeup on her face. It masked the wounds that have yet to recover. With each layer of powder applied, she did not seem to be as plain as she used to be.

In another box, a group of men was drinking while she smiled and drank at the same time.

A man hugged Xia Ruoxin at her waist, his hand moving along her body. He was actually pinching her hard constantly. It was painful and uncomfortable.

Her hands were fisted so tightly that her nails were eating into the palms. She mustn’t move. She mustn’t move at all. If she did, Rainy would have to leave as well. If she moved, she would lose her daughter. If she moved, she would be on the receiving end of a beating. It might kill her. Human life was worthless in here. If she died, what would happen to Rainy? She was fully aware at the moment that Rainy would survive only if she lived, too.

The men wanted her to laugh, she would laugh. If they want her to drink, she would drink, too. Whatever they want her to do, she would obey. If the men wanted her to be a dog, she would bark twice.

Just like Shen Wei said, she mustn’t resist. She could only obey because she had no right to retaliate. She needed the money.

She kept smiling. Similarly, they were smiling, too—regardless of whether it was for real or a pretense.

After long torture, the man took out a few big notes and shoved them into Xia Ruoxin’s breasts. He took the opportunity to fondle her for a bit. Xia Ruoxin looked on as her eyes turned hazy while the rest of the women smiled gorgeously.

“Thank you, Boss.” The chant sounded so cheesy.

“Thank... you, Boss.” She opened her dry lips. Some moisture was building up on her downcast eyelashes. She was almost at her limit.

The man looked satisfied after he had taken all the advantages. Lastly, he bit on Xia Ruoxin’s cheek. “Woman, I can bring you out. Tell me your price.” His breath reeked of alcohol which sent Xia Ruoxin to the brink of a meltdown.

“I’m sorry, Boss.” She forced herself to put a smile on her face. Smile, just keep smiling. “I may not be able to accompany you out. There are other customers waiting for me.” The man was visibly disappointed, but there’s nothing he could do. There were rules in this place. One must be willing before someone could bring them out. The deal must be struck based on mutual consent to avoid losses.

In the washroom, Xia Ruoxin puked out all the alcohol that she had drunk earlier. At the thought of the man’s hand touching her all over her body, she felt an indescribable disgust.

It was disgusting—so disgusting—that whenever she thought of it, she puked harder until there was nothing left. She straightened herself and looked at the woman in the mirror, in a state of mess. Everything about her spoke prostitution: her heavy makeup, eyelash extensions, thick eyeliner, and the loud eyeshadow. Was this her?

She reached out and touched the mirror. Its surface was cold, like her heart.

She slumped as she placed her palms on the vanity counter. Her slightly shut eyes were pathetically helpless and forlorn.