Little T Lurking in the Beauty Salon, What's the Purpose of All the Flirting? - Chapter 1

In the afternoon, Xixi and I cleaned the room together. She suggested we go out for drinks and karaoke to celebrate our recent progress. Fvck, what kind of phrase is that?

The KTV room was buzzing with people and reeked of various odors. We downed bottle after bottle, singing along to the original tracks. Every time I’m in a place like this, I feel like one of those aging millennials, clueless about what to sing. New songs pale in comparison to the classics. Singing old songs makes you sound like a hick, while new ones only let you belt out the chorus. Is this what they mean by falling behind?

Xixi seemed genuinely happy, and I almost forgot about Lao Mi’s intrusive advances. As I chugged my drink, I secretly swore I’d never set foot in that beauty salon again, never see Lao Mi again. I’d bury this incident deep inside me, let it fester until it eventually bursts out like a fart. Otherwise, may I have my period every day, live to a hundred, and die alone.

By the time we were both drunk as hell, we grabbed the microphones and sang Fifteen Moons. Military medals, half for you, half for me. The nation’s prosperity owes to your contributions, and mine too. Family reunions, your wish and mine.

Amidst the ear-piercing karaoke, I felt life was truly beautiful. Being with someone I loved, living in such blissful times—the situation was perfect, our love infinitely sweet. Thank you, Motherland.

It was pitch-black by the time we got home. Xixi and I, two drunken messes, crawled out of the taxi. As we entered the residential complex, I spotted Lao Mi standing outside the convenience store, tearing open a pack of cigarettes he’d just bought. I quickly lowered my head, quickened my pace, and dragged Xixi into the complex.

Then I heard a sharp whistle from Lao Mi’s direction Wheeew! Motherfucker was whistling.

Lao Mi’s whistle pierced me like a soul-chasing needle. Go ahead and whistle, you dumbass, I thought. Just be glad Xixi’s too drunk to tear your mouth off.

Back home, I fought through my drunkenness to strip Xixi naked. She mumbled a few curses Xiao Taohong, if you touch me again, you’re a goddamn grandson! Then she passed out cold.

If I don’t touch you, I’m a goddamn coward. You’re so drunk right now you can’t even resist. What’s there to be afraid of?

I leaned over Xixi and pressed a series of fierce kisses against her neck—one, two, three. Darling, won’t you be surprised to see this necklace when you wake up tomorrow?

She lay beneath me, limp as a corpse. I gently lowered my hand… Hmm, the moment I touched her, Xixi’s body twitched. I felt a surge of smug satisfaction. But before I could continue, she jolted upright like a zombie rising from the grave. I’m going to throw up… Waaah! Aaaah! Splatter! Gurgle! A torrent of curses followed.

Two hundred words omitted here describing my cleanup efforts.

By the time I crawled back into bed, I was too exhausted to tease her further. She slept tensely, curled up like a giant shrimp. I stroked the soft, tender flesh of her belly, my heart aching with regret and tenderness, and with unspoken hopes I dared not voice. I knew all too well that these dreams were impossible to realize; speaking them aloud would only shatter them like bubbles in mid-flight.

I don’t know when I started craving women’s embraces and caresses. Saying it’s already ingrained in my body feels forced, but I vaguely remember not being this way as a child.

I recall when I first confided in a friend about my confusion, she simply told me, Your body never lies. Let it guide your choices.

Lost in thought, I drifted off to sleep. A text message alert jolted me awake. It was from Lao Mi again—an audio clip. When I played it, I heard two soft, panting breaths.

Still groggy from the alcohol, I deleted the message, turned off my phone, and dismissed it as Lao Mi being horny again. Go play by yourself, Lao Mi. I really don’t want to join you anymore. Xixi may be wild, but at least she’s pure at heart, at least she’s kind—unlike your depraved behavior.