Alisa
It was already eight o'clock when I ran to the pub. I was out of breath as I gave Mary the gift and told her happy birthday.
Perhaps I was the last to arrive because the room was full of people. However, there was still an empty seat next to Mary and I quickly sat down.
"Come in and drink three glasses, come out and drink seven glasses, Alisa, drink quickly. We've been waiting for you for almost an hour." One of Mary's friends spoke up.
"She hasn't eaten anything yet." Mary glared at the man who had just spoken.
"It's okay, just follow the old rules, I'm late so I'll be punished."
After speaking, I poured myself three glasses of wine and drank them all.
Today, I was just informed by my manager that I was honored to be on the promotion list. Therefore, I am very happy.
Every two years, this supermarket, department store, and convenience store system will select outstanding employees and submit them to superiors for approval to become managers or deputy managers of newly opened stores.
My tolerance for alcohol is not low, but maybe because I was hungry and tired and drank a lot of alcohol, I quickly saw one person become two people.
"Alisa, please eat some food." Mary quickly took a bowl of crab soup for me and said.
I took it, and ate it all in one gulp, my ears were ringing but I could also hear that the girl was scolding her friend, the man who told me to drink three glasses of wine.
"I'm going to the bathroom for a moment and then I'll be back." I smiled then stood up and left the room.
I felt very tired, I silently blamed myself for not knowing how to control myself.
My head was spinning as if I was on a Ferris wheel and my vision was limited. Luckily I still found my way to the toilet.
After vomiting for a long time, I felt less uncomfortable in my stomach.
I miss Ryan again, every time I have a stomach ache, he will buy me medicine, cook me porridge, and rub my belly all night.
"This man, why did you go through the women's restroom? Pervert."
I had just finished washing my face, looked up, and saw the silhouette of a man reflected in the mirror, so I scolded him.
I hate perverts who specialize in harassing women. If they want women, they should go to red light areas, very legal, without worrying about infectious diseases.
The man didn't speak, grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the restroom and showed me the drawing posted on the wall. I obediently followed his finger and looked at that drawing for a long time.
"Hey lady, do you see anything?" His deep, husky voice rang in my ears, it sounded so soothing that it made me want to sleep.
"See, a human being." I nodded and replied.
"Male or female?" The man continued to ask.
"Female." I continued to answer.
"Are you nearsighted? Obviously, it's male." He hissed.
"Are you blind or what? Obviously, it's female." I asked back.
The man showed me the drawing next to it and told me I was the one who went to the wrong bathroom.
He said that drawing was a girl with two pigtails and wearing a skirt, while this drawing was a man wearing long pants and short hair.
"Hey, look at me, I'm also wearing long pants and my hair is short, so I'm a man? Who says women can't wear pants? Are pants only made for men to wear?"
While I was wiping the water from my eyelashes, that man grabbed my hand and pulled me away. He walked very fast, his strides were so long that I was out of breath.
Finally, he stopped in a deserted corner, where two walls ran parallel, the electric light only illuminated half, creating two adjacent patches of light and dark.
When there were no longer drops of water on my eyelids, I could open my eyes wide and look at the person in front of me.
Why does this face look so much like Ryan? This scent belongs to him.
I buried my head in his chest and inhaled continuously, confirming the masculine scent that was once entangled in my hair and the pillow.
"Ryan, is it you?" I looked at him blankly and asked.
"Please guess who I am." His deep, hoarse voice rang out.
If this is a dream, I hope I don't wake up for now. It's been a year, I miss him every second and I'm afraid of seeing him again every day.
He was a noble, cold man and he lived with me, living like husband and wife with me, a poor girl in the slums.
He would kill me, the one who witnessed his miserable and despicable phase, the one who tricked him and rolled around in bed with him every night.
I quickly placed my hand on Ryan's chest, leaned forward, and kissed him on the lips.
The drunkenness, nostalgia, and darkness surrounding me made me temporarily throw away my fear and enthusiastically nibble on the lips that were once imprinted all over my body.
The man's big hand held the back of my neck, and his other hand grabbed my waist, pressing me close.
He kissed me back passionately and forcefully, sometimes even biting my lips as if he were punishing me.
The air in my mouth was almost completely drained by him, making it extremely difficult for me to breathe.
However, the moment I opened my mouth, his tongue entered my mouth, wrapped around my tongue, making wet sounds. Something is bulging underneath, rubbing against my thigh.
"Alisa, call my name."
Ryan let go of my lips, moved down to kiss my neck, and whispered in my ear. His lower body continuously rubbed against me, causing my desire to be stimulated, it seemed like my underwear was wet.
He grabbed my hand and moved it down, forcing me to touch his bulging member. I felt the hot temperature even though it was separated by a thick layer of fabric.
"Alisa, where are you? Are you in the front?"
Mary's call woke me up. What am I doing? What am I doing with a strange man between two narrow walls?
And what's even more terrifying is what am I holding in my hand? Why am I so easy-going and out of control?
I tried my best to push the man away, but he was still breathing heavily, hugging me and shaking, his head still buried in my neck, kissing and biting.
"Alisa, are you here?" Mary's call rang out again.
"Alisa, where are you?" Anthony's voice is just as loud as Mary's.
Not wanting Mary or Anthony to see this embarrassing scene, I took a risk and bit the man's neck hard, making him groan softly.
That moan sounded like pleasure, not pain.
When he loosened his grip, I immediately curled up my legs and ran away, rebuttoning my shirt and rushing towards Mary and her brother.
The high heels betrayed me, causing me to lose my balance and fall to the ground.
I feel so sleepy, I don't want to stand up anymore. So I closed my eyes. I swear I will never drink wine again, only wine made with rice.
When I woke up it was eight o'clock in the morning, my head ached and when I raised my hand to massage my neck, the pain continued to come.
Following a conditioned reflex, I quickly jumped out of bed, pulled my collar, and looked in the mirror.
The very realistic bite marks had turned purple and the hickeys helped me quickly remember what happened last night.
Oh my God, I and a drunk man dragged each other into a dark corner and fondled each other.
I'm sure I was wrong, someone like Ryan would never set foot in those cheap, run-down, popular pubs.
"Alisa, wake up and have breakfast."
The knock on the door and Anthony's voice startled me. I quickly rebuttoned my shirt, smoothed my short hair, and ran to open the door for him.
"Last night... I don't remember anything." I smiled wryly.
"From now on, don't drink with Mary anymore. I've cooked porridge in the kitchen, you eat it. I'll go home."
I originally intended to ask Anthony to stay and have breakfast with me, but he looked like he was in a hurry, so I stopped.
After seeing him off, I brushed my teeth, washed my face, then ladled porridge into a bowl and ate little by little.
Anthony's cooking skills are very good, he has the qualities of a dutiful wife. Just wrap him in an apron and you'll have a delicious meal.
Today, I started working the evening shift. I will go to the department store at two o'clock in the afternoon, so I don't worry too much about my health. I have a lot of hours to sleep. I didn't get a part-time job today.
Yesterday, because I was busy distributing stacks of leaflets, I was late to attend Mary's birthday.
While enjoying a bowl of meat and mushroom porridge, the phone rang. Seeing Mary's name displayed on the screen, I immediately picked up the phone.
"Sister, talk to my brother, he's cut off my pocket money this month, how can I survive?"
She cried while talking, making me confused. I didn't know what she had done to make Anthony angry.
I asked for the reason and when I found out the reason, I was even angrier than Anthony.
She told her group of friends that she had an older sister who had a very good tolerance for alcohol, could drink several bottles of wine without getting drunk, and even bet money on my tolerance. As a result, she lost all her wallet.
"Mary, I can drink a lot of wine but I can't drink wine mixed with many different types of wine. I won't beg your brother for you. You should take responsibility for what you do."
After speaking, I hung up and continued eating. No wonder I got drunk so quickly, had an upset stomach, and was extremely nauseous.
I have drank many types of wine, but I am not an expert in enjoying wine to be able to distinguish the differences in that glass of wine.
Because of those three glasses of wine, I did terrible things to a strange man.
I retract my vow before passing out, I will still drink wine, a luxurious drink for both rich and poor.
In the afternoon, I changed into my uniform and went to the department store to change shifts for the morning shift employees.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, it was still sunny, few customers were coming in or out, not bustling.
"Oh, so handsome." The cashier standing next to me praised.
I followed her eyes and discovered a tall man, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, white skin, wearing a tight black suit, extremely elegant.
The important thing is that that face is very familiar, like the guy who kissed and groped me last night.
No, not that guy but the man who was my husband a year ago, Ryan.
Why did he go to the department store? I mean, why did he come into the department store where I work? Could he smell me?
It's probably just a coincidence, this man and I haven't seen each other for a year.
I quickly bent down, took the mask, and put it on, then coughed a few times.
The department store has a regulation that employees with colds or coughs must wear masks to work.
"Since when did you get a cold?" The colleague next to me looked at me in shock.
"Just a second ago." I answered.
Seeing Ryan walking straight towards me, I quickly told the girl next to me that I had a stomachache and needed to go to the bathroom and then ran away.
I'm afraid he will discover me through my voice and expose my lies in front of the employees and managers and I will be fired because of my unclean past.
That's a black mark that shouldn't be added to my resume.
After sitting in the bathroom reciting poetry for about fifteen minutes, I came back out.
Usually, customers who visit a department store will make a quick purchase and then leave. If it takes a long time, it will take about ten minutes at most.
Poor me, when I walked out, Ryan was still wandering around the department store.
I didn't know what he was looking for as he looked around the shelves.
Seeing him looking towards me, I immediately ran to the next shelf to hide, pretending to rearrange the goods while observing his movements.
This job is one of my bread and butter, I cannot lose it.
It seemed Ryan couldn't find what he was looking for, he continued walking toward me.
I put down the bag of cookies and quickly ran to another shelf.
What does this guy need to buy? Just ask the staff and they'll show him, why waste his time and make me hide like that?
Finally, I was so tired that I walked back to the cashier and stood up straight.
A miracle happened, Ryan didn't continue looking but walked straight toward me, and stood right in front of me, staring at me.
I wonder if he wants to buy the mask I'm wearing. Look at the shelf on the left and he can see it.
"Can't find the item you want to buy? What do you need to buy?" The cashier standing next to me quickly spoke up.
Ryan's eyes were still glued to me, but his hand was reaching out, picking up a box and giving it to me, asking me to calculate the price.
I looked at the box with wide eyes and quickly took it, scanned the barcode, and printed the receipt.
Turns out he was looking for condoms, no wonder he didn't dare ask anyone. This man seems to have a very rich sex life. He is addicted to sex but is still shy.
For the past year, I haven't even hugged or kissed any man. Because last night I was too drunk, that's why that happened.
While I was a little sad inside, Ryan's next action made my sadness turn into horror. He opened the box, took out a condom, tore open the shell, and pulled out the product inside.
Not only me, but the staff standing nearby also opened their mouths and rolled their eyes.
"Oh, customer, you cannot use the product here. You should take it home." A female employee quickly spoke up to stop Ryan.
"What's up? I want to eat it." Ryan frowned at the girl who had just stopped him and asked in an annoyed voice.
I felt cold down my spine and my legs became weak. Eat? What did he just say? Is he going to eat condoms? Can this be eaten?
I guess Ryan has mental problems. But how is he still holding the position of president of the Southern corporation?
"No, sir, no... don't use it like that, you will still get pregnant. I mean your woman will still get pregnant. We... should follow the instructions for use from the manufacturer. Use below, not above." The manager calmly explained as soon as he ran over and heard the staff quickly explain everything.
I raised my hand to wipe the sweat that was pouring from my forehead. I wonder how many condoms Ryan has eaten? Is his digestive system still good? Are his teeth buffalo teeth? Is his stomach a mill?
I guess it's very chewy. I didn't expect that the man I once had sex with would have such creepy hobbies.
Luckily, I was quick to escape him in time. He has helped me and my colleagues broaden our understanding.
Ryan's eyes moved away from my face and looked down at his hands. I saw him a bit stunned, his hands were shaking and his ears were red.
He quickly put everything in his pocket and cleared his throat a few times.
"I wanted to buy candy but I mistakenly got this one." He took the candy box, gave it to me, and said.
I quickly printed out an invoice for Ryan and received the money from him. I wanted to laugh, but because I was in the process of being promoted and needed a lot of professionalism, I tried my best not to laugh.
Fortunately, I had a mask to help. I guess my face is distorted like a monster right now.
It seemed like Ryan was very embarrassed. After taking the change, he walked away as fast as the wind.
I silently thanked him because if he walked a little slower, he would hear endless laughter ringing out behind him and we would forever be employees here, without dreaming of becoming managers.
"What are you guys laughing at? Are you guys having fun? How do you arrange the goods so that customers can take them by mistake? Re-arrange, quickly re-arrange." The manager shouted.
I know she just shouted like that, but she's no better than us, as evidenced by her contorted face, using all her facial muscles to suppress her smile.
However, we still followed her advice and separated the two goods into two places, one hand's distance apart.
These are all newly produced and launched products, so they are placed here for staff to advertise to customers.
After Ryan left, I also took off my mask and continued my work.
Fortunately, he was mistaken and didn't like chewing condoms like I thought. Luckily he didn't discover me. This time it was probably just a chance meeting.
I guess Ryan will be embarrassed and won't stop by here anymore. Along this not-too-long road, there are many convenience stores and department stores.
"Just now I thought he was going to take off his pants and put on a condom right in front of us. The first time I was so scared that I couldn't speak." A female employee whispered loud enough for the whole group to hear.
"I was about to call the police. When he said he wanted to eat it, I was about to call the mental hospital. Luckily he just took it by mistake." The cashier standing next to me also spoke up.
Today, it seems like time passes faster. By the time everyone and I had just placed the newly arrived goods on the shelves and put them in the warehouse, the clock also struck ten o'clock at night.
After taking off my apron, I hurriedly left with everyone.
In front of the apartment door there is a large bag, inside are leaflets that need to be distributed tomorrow. I opened the door and pulled it inside.
Yes, this is also my job. I want to make money and make a lot of money.
Handing out leaflets, drinking for the directors, pretending to be the girlfriend of single guys whose parents are forcing them to get married, cleaning the house, giving baby showers... are all part of my jobs.
In short, I do whatever anyone asks me to do, as long as I get paid.
Temporarily putting all thoughts aside, I fell into bed, slept until five in the morning, and then jumped up again like a totter, continuing my journey to make money.
Because I didn't have money, my parents passed away from illness one after another, which became my obsession.
I chose the corner of the intersection, stood right at the traffic light, and distributed leaflets to each group of people stopping and waiting for the light to turn green.
Seeing a car's windshield rolled down, I quickly held out the leaflet and the person inside immediately took it.
His hands are very beautiful, slim, long, with clear joints, looking like the hands of a surgeon.
He continued to reach out his hand and I quickly handed him another leaflet.
The third time, I jumped back onto the curb and didn't give it to him anymore.
Is this guy planning to collect paper to sell to the scrap store? I'm a very conscientious worker, otherwise, I'd be done by now.
After completing the morning's work, I stopped at a beverage shop to buy a glass of sugarcane juice and sat down to rest.
The chat box on the phone screen displays a message from the broker. He said there was a man who needed me to pretend to be his girlfriend to meet his parents, the location was a five-star restaurant right in the city center, and the time was noon tomorrow.
Returning home, I quickly memorized the interests, strengths, and weaknesses as well as the education level, work, and relationships of my customers.
"Master of banking, thirty years old, monthly salary, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight zeros. Not bad, why is he still single?" I looked at the handsome face in the photo, clicked my tongue, and wondered.
At exactly two o'clock in the afternoon, I appeared at the department store again. Today, customers suddenly arrived in large numbers at this time.
I had just given a bag of groceries and change to a customer when a handsome face suddenly appeared in my field of vision. He looks quite similar to Ryan.
"Hello, may I help you?" I smiled brightly and asked.
"I went to buy watermelon but I don't know which fruit is delicious." The man answered.
"Ah, the watermelons here are selected watermelons, all of them are delicious. There are types with a lot of water and not much sweetness, mainly used to quench thirst, and there are types with less water but very sweet. Whichever type you want, I will choose for you." I replied.
He nodded and told me to get him a watermelon to quench his thirst.
It wasn't until he left that I remembered I had seen him in the newspaper. He is Ryan's older brother, David, one of the two bright heirs of the Southern Group, holding the position of deputy general director of this group.
Putting the rich people out of my mind, I began to reflect on the information surrounding the customer.
This afternoon, he and I also talked on the phone, and agreed on the timeline, the place where we first met, my profession, and a few memorable memories that were not real so that his parents would not get suspicious.
When dawn came again, I went out to distribute leaflets.
Near noon, I returned to the apartment, took a shower, put on light makeup, put on a simple, elegant white dress, and went to the meeting place.
Thanks to these substitute jobs, I was constantly able to eat at luxury restaurants with meals that were more than my monthly salary at the department store.
"You are Alisa, right?" A handsome guy walked up to me and asked as soon as I entered the main lobby.
"Yes, are you Jack?"
"Right. You look much more beautiful than in the photo. Let's go, my parents are sitting over there."
"Let's get into character." I put my arm around his arm and smiled.