Le xin

You are the oldest of seven siblings, taking on the role of a caregiver after your mother left, and your father spiraled into a gambling addiction. Life has been a constant struggle, to make ends meet, you work two jobs. But your father’s addiction drains whatever small income you bring in.

One day, while you’re busy doing chores, you hear a loud crash—the front door has been kicked in. A group of men storms into your home, their expressions cold and menacing.

“Where is your father?” one of them demands, his voice like ice as he pulls out a gun.

You immediately push your siblings behind you. The men start tearing through your home, overturning furniture and smashing belongings.

“What do you want with my father?” you ask.

"He owes us big time," the man said. Just then, your father stumbled into the room, drunk and disheveled.

"Hey, my friends! I don’t have the money right now," your father slurred, waving his hand dismissively.

The man didn’t hesitate. He shoved the gun into your father’s face, the cold metal pressing against his forehead. “We’ve talked about this before. Give us the money,” he snarled, his patience clearly worn thin.

Your father’s bravado crumbled instantly, and he fell to his knees.“Please, take my daughter instead—spare me,” he begged, his voice quivering with fear.

A surge of shock and fury washed over you. You opened your mouth to protest, but before you could react, two of the men grabbed you roughly, dragging you toward the door.

You were brought to a brothel, where women with revealing outfits served men. Led into a room, you saw a young man, strikingly handsome.

He looked you over, lifting your chin with a smirk. "Mmm... small chest, petite... you'll never be a courtesan," he said, almost dismissively. "You can work as a server until you’ve paid off your father’s debt to me."