If Ying Shao knew about it, would he be happy? Jin Xiu wondered, bittersweet, she couldnt continue lazing around there, she had enjoyed being taken care of for long enough. It was just that, in future would there still be opportunities for them to meet? After all he was friends with Zuo Zhen. Now the seat she was in, Ying Shao had probably sat there before, didnt Zuo Zhen say that they came here often?

She thought she heard Zuo Zhen say something and she lifted her head up in a daze, What? Zuo Zhen didnt know whether to laugh or be annoyed, women who went out to eat with him, not a single one would dare to blank out time and again. She wasnt focused on him at all.

Youwork together with Ying Shao? Jin Xiu tried her best to sound casual.

No. Zuo Zhen continued, He is often at Bai Le Men.

Jin Xiu couldnt help but feel a little disappointed. So they werent together. Although she hid it well but Zuo Zhen had survived in Shanghai for over twenty years, a pair of hardened eyes with hooks, so even if youre trying to hide something, you wouldnt be able to fool him. In any case, compared to him, Jin Xiu was like a piece of white paper, before his eyes, what could she expect to hide?

Zuo Zhen lightly crinkled up his eyes, You want to be with Ying Dong?

Jin Xiu was so stunned that her hands were trembling, No no, youve misunderstood, I know my place well, and there isnt anything Im capable of yet.

Zuo Zhen faintly smiled, smoking slowly following up with a question, That means, you wish to be his woman?

Ah? Jin Xiu was exposed in just a moment and blushed all the way to her ears, dignity on the ground, hurriedly denying, Never, never! Ying Shao.Ying Shao who is of such status, I

Zuo Zhen shot back, What status, you mean, as long as his status can be disregarded, youd be willing?

Jin Xiu was shocked. Only after a while she reacted, Youre making fun of me? How could he be like that?

Zuo Zhen only replied, The dishes are here, try this smoked duck, its the signature dish here.

Jin Xiu glared at him, anger burning. Mr Zuo! For all your help, Im definitely very grateful, but please dont joke about such stuff, Im not that kind

What do I need your gratitude for? Zuo Zhen coldly raised his eyes, What can you do for me? Want me to joke with you, Im afraid you not up to it. His tone was calm and could even be considered warm but the look in his eyes were cold as ice, this string of words from his mouth, did not carry the least bit of anger but Jin Xiu couldnt help but shiver.

Jin Xiu didnt understand Shanghai, much less Zuo Zhen. If she understood, that she would definitely not speak to him like this-so casually with even a bit a temper. Zuo Zhen wasnt the type to take kindly to coquetry and orders, or easily manipulated by soft and hard tactics.

I Jin Xiu blushed, Maybe I dont know your rules. What kind of people you and Ying Shao are, what you do, I dont understand. But since youve both saved me, helped me, I wish to repay this, its that simple. I know that what I can do is limited, and Im not someone who belongs in your world. You think I would have such delusions? Her voice slowly lowered, Im unworthy, but I have my pride. I dont know anyone in Shanghai, and have no place to go, so I have to abandon this little bit of pride for empathy and warmth from you.

Zuo Zhen sank into silence. The expression on his face was too deep to comprehend, and impossible to tell whether he was angry or not.

Jin Xiu tried her best to brace herself, took in a deep breath, and put on a smile, Alright, youre treating me to a meal yet Ive spoiled the mood, lets not talk about all that, Im going to try the Hunan cuisine here to see whats so special about it? She picked up a braised oxtail in chilli oil and took a big bite, Whoa, spicy and flavourful, this is good stuff! As she ate the spiciness caused her to breathe deeply, even her tears threatened to spill.

Actually it was just an exaggeration, her tears were real but the spiciness was not, but if she did not pretend that she could not stand the spiciness, how could she hide the embarrassing tears?

His hand gently took away her chopsticks and a soft piece of handkerchief covered her nose and mouth, Dont force yourself if its too spicy.

She raised her head in shock and saw the warm smile on Zuo Zhens face. Wipe your face clean, a lady should eat demurely.

I wasnt making fun of you, I just wished to help you. Zuo Zhen did not have to explain but he still did, Ive been brothers with Ying Dong for years, whether you wish to work for him, repay him or like him, I think that besides me, you cant find a second person who can help you achieve your aim.

Jin Xiu held on to his handkerchief wiping her face and her pathetic state away. Its impossible. She softly said, Ive never truly desired to possess him. In any case, even getting close to him is not easy. I might be stupid, but I know this much.

Zuo Zhen wrinkled his forehead. Now youre having a meal with me, why do you not feel that youre not worthy? Whats the difference between Ying Dong and me?

Jin Xiu replied, Its not the same.

She put down her chopsticks looking at the bamboo curtains by the window, melancholic, You just happened to bump into me along the streets and treat me to a meal, this is all but a coincidence, it doesnt mean a thing to you and Im not asking anything of you. But if I carry such a motive to get close to Ying Shao, even if just to repay him, I would still hope for his attention, that feeling, I would want it to last longerhow would this be the same?

Zuo Zhen poured himself a cup of liquor and slowly downed it. He understood. Youre not wrong. But if you dont think its beneath you I can help you enter Bai Le Men, thats Ying Dongs place.

Jin Xiu didnt quite understand, Why would it be beneath me?

Zuo Zhen looked at the cup of liquor in his hands, Bai Le Men is one of the most famous nightclubs in Shanghai, especially the Bai Le Men grand ballroom, its long renowned.

Jin Xiu looked at him, slowly deciphering his words.

Youwant me to go to Bai Le Men, to be a dancer. She was surprised.

That wasnt what I meant. Zuo Zhen lightly denied, Im just saying that I can help you get there. Where you want to go depends on yourself.

But, didnt you just say.Jin Xiu was puzzled by his manner, didnt he just say that she could do odd jobs for him.

Now this solution, dont you think its even better? Zuo Zhen asked. Xiang Ying Dongs woman, he couldnt be bothered to mess with. In any case didnt Jin Xiu want to get close to Ying Dong? What hope would she have if she worked for him?

Jin Xiu descended into silence.

She couldnt even take care of her meals and didnt even have a cent on her, what else could she do? She couldnt rely on Ying Shao and Zuo Zhen for the rest of her life. In any case as a dancer all she had to do was dance, if she could maintain her principles, it was alright, wasnt it?

If I do thiswould I be corrupting myself? She said to herself in a daze, this sacrifice, was it to survive or was it for Ying Shao?

You are different from others. Zuo Zhen leaned back into his chair, If you wish to leave, you can look for me anytime. The moment those words left his lips, even he was shocked, what did it mean? Why would he say that? She was just an acquaintance, did he need to be so helpful? He wasnt someone who had a lot of time on his hands, much less the energy to deal with such nonsense. Strange.