Turmoil at Dihao KTV
After school, Ma Jun packed up his things to head home when Huang Guoxin came over with a cheeky grin. "Ma Jun, I'm treating everyone to KTV tonight. You gotta come too—more the merrier!"
Ma Jun shook his head. "Nah, you guys go ahead without me."
"Come on, man, why you gotta be like that? Still mad at my dad?" Huang Guoxin thumped his chest. "Don't worry, my mom's already ripped him a new one. I told him straight up—if he pulls that shit on my bro again, I ain't calling him Dad anymore. You have to come tonight, or I'll drag the whole crew to your place for dinner!"
"Fine, but I gotta swing by home first." Under Huang Guoxin's relentless nagging, Ma Jun caved and agreed. He rushed home, told his mother Song Ping he'd be out with classmates for the evening and wouldn't be eating dinner there.
"What time you coming back?" Song Ping wasn't thrilled, but lately Liu Yan had been saying Ma Jun was studying hard, and his midterm scores were solid. She figured a little fun wouldn't hurt, so she didn't push it.
"Dunno exactly. Don't wait up." Ma Jun grinned. "If it gets too late, I'll crash at a friend's. Bye, Mom!" He bolted out the door like a shot.
"This kid..." Song Ping shook her head helplessly. Her son was growing up, making his own choices. She couldn't hover like she used to—time to give him some space.
Huang Guoxin's treat was at Dihao KTV. As night fell, the neon sign blazed brightly. Ma Jun found it easily but hesitated at the lavish entrance, intimidated. It was his first time at a high-end spot like this.
"Ma Jun, what're you doing just standing there? Get in!" A voice called from behind. Ma Jun turned to see Huang Guoxin's father, Huang Shouye. He froze, awkward—should he bolt or stay?
Huang Shouye grabbed Ma Jun's hand warmly and pulled him inside. "Ma Jun, Uncle was drunk that day and said some stupid shit. My bad—don't take it to heart."
"Uncle Huang, no hard feelings. I forgot all about it." Hearing the apology, Ma Jun relaxed. A deputy director of the Urban Construction Bureau humbling himself to a kid like him? That was rare.
"Good. You're welcome at our place anytime. If you don't come, that's holding a grudge. Ha! They're in Room 2. I won't crash—have fun." Huang Shouye chuckled, walking Ma Jun to the hallway and handing him off to a server before heading to the lobby bar.
Huang Shouye's apology was out of necessity. After kicking Ma Jun out that day, his wife had iced him out—no talking, no sex, and even his son shot him dirty looks. He'd underestimated Ma Jun's pull with them. His drunken rant had left no room for face-saving, and hearing how Ma Jun had turned his slacker son into a top-10 midterm student only added guilt. He couldn't handle the cold war forever, so this was his chance.
At the bar, Huang Shouye declared proudly to the server, "I'm Huang Shouye from the Urban Construction Bureau. Put all of Room 2's tab on my account." He paused, then added, "Oh, and Room 22 too—but don't disturb the guests. Got it?"
"Yes, Director Huang. Take care!" The pretty bar girl beamed, watching him leave with admiration. He was a big-spending regular—even Boss Bai treated him like gold. If only she'd catch his eye...
She was lost in self-pity when a familiar voice snapped her out. "Did Director Huang come by? Where is he?" Looking up, she saw Bai Xiaoyan, the thirty-something boss in a crisp white blouse and loose black pants, her full figure radiating a sharp, icy allure. Startled, the girl stammered, "Boss Bai, he was just here and left. Said to bill Rooms 2 and 22 to him."
She was nervous for good reason—Bai Xiaoyan was young but ruthless, backed by heavy hitters. Strict with staff, she never went easy on mistakes. Everyone feared her, yet no one quit: wages were double anywhere else.
"I see." Bai Xiaoyan nodded thoughtfully. Huang Shouye cared about those rooms' guests—she'd pay her respects later. She usually left that to the floor manager, but VIPs like him got her personal touch. His solo tabs made up nearly a quarter of revenue; no way she'd slack.
Ma Jun followed a female server deeper in. Her uniform skirt hugged her thighs—snowy white, round ass jiggling enticingly with each step. Huang Guoxin had said Dihao was classier than seedy karaoke dives, with "special services" but proper girls. Ma Jun stole glances, thrilled but kept it innocent.
Trailing her curvy form through twists and turns, Ma Jun felt lost—all rooms looked alike. She stopped at one, smiling sweetly. "Here’s Room 2. Come on in."
"Thanks." Ma Jun eyed her cleavage—fresh, exciting. She was average-looking, nowhere near Liu Yan or Li Wen, not even Li Ting. But the uniform and vibe made her sexy. He watched her vanish around the corner before reluctantly pushing the door open.
A wave of noise hit him. He paused in the doorway. Huge room, half a classroom size, ringed with leather sofas, flashing multicolored lights dazzling his eyes. Long tea table loaded with beer, sodas, fruit platters, snacks.
Four classmates—two guys, two girls, Huang Guoxin's "midterm heroes"—lounged with mics, laughing and goofing. Huang Guoxin, directing like a boss, spotted Ma Jun and dragged him in, arm around his shoulders. "Finally! Good news: Li Ting's coming soon!"
Ma Jun froze. Huang Guoxin had landed Li Ting? No word lately—had his good grades won her over?
"Dumbstruck, huh? Bet you didn't see that coming!" Huang Guoxin beamed smugly. He'd been shocked too. Spotting Li Ting heading home, he'd asked casually. After checking the guest list, she'd hesitated... and agreed, but needed to clear it with home first.
"Damn, you're good." Ma Jun nodded. If Huang Guoxin bagged her, he'd brag for years. Shaking it off, he joined the singing. Ten minutes later, Li Ting arrived—made up nicely, elegant princess skirt, bow in her hair, red leather shoes showing slim white legs, skin flawless. Poised like royalty, she stunned the guys. Even Ma Jun blanked out.
Huang Guoxin lit up, seating her center, fetching soda, fawning like her boyfriend already.
Li Ting sipped, ignoring his song suggestions, eyes flicking to Ma Jun then away guiltily. "I don't really sing. You guys go ahead."
"Okay, something else then!" Huang Guoxin pivoted. "What do you like?"
"Anything. Up to everyone." Li Ting smiled primly, hands folded, posture perfect—her mother Shu Meiyu's training: a girl must sit properly anywhere, or risk seeming ill-bred.
Everyone was sung out anyway. They settled on Truth or Dare, circling up. Huang Guoxin grabbed the die. "I'll roll first. Six players, starting from Ma Jun clockwise. Number I roll picks—truth or dare. Got it?"
"Hurry up! We've played a million times. Such a girl about it." The fair-skinned girl next to Ma Jun griped. Cute but tough, boyish vibe. "Keep yapping, we replace you."
Huang Guoxin rolled a 2—her. Grinning wickedly. "Truth or dare?"
"Truth." She eyed his smirk, chickening out on dare.
"When'd you lose your first kiss?"
Hooting erupted. She blushed, mumbling after ages, "I refuse."
"Rule break!" Huang Guoxin plonked a beer in front of her. "Punishment: chug."
She hesitated, then downed it. He'd hit a nerve.
"Savage." He thumbs-upped, rerolled—her again. He leered.
"Me again?!" Spooked, she steadied. "Ask away."
"What's the pattern on your panties?"
Her face flamed. Glaring, "Crayon Shin-chan."
Roars of laughter—even Li Ting giggled, shaking alluringly. Huang Guoxin panicked—shit, Li Ting! Reroll: 4, Li Ting.
Quiet fell. Li Ting tilted her head. "Truth too."
Girls and dares didn't mix.
"Ahem." Huang Guoxin cleared his throat, breathless. "Got a crush?" Eyes locked on her lips.
Her heart skipped—he's right there. Nodded shyly.
"He in the room?"
"Foul, Huang Guoxin!" Girl #2 jumped up. "Two questions! Your turn to chug."
Guilty, he slammed a beer. Revenge served.
The others got picked—mix of truths/dares. Ma Jun dodged, bummed. But glancing at Li Ting, he wondered: her crush Huang Guoxin?
Huang Guoxin rolled, praying for 4. Landed on Ma Jun. Sigh. "Truth or dare?"
"Dare." Ma Jun perked up—finally!
"Me! Me!" Girl #2 handed him a pop-tab. "Give this to the hottest girl in the next room. Say, 'Marry me.'"
Guys hooted. Li Ting frowned. "Not cool. We don't know who's next door—could be no-joke types. Change it?"
She conceded but pouted. "Ma Jun, your call. Or finish the beers."
Seven-plus bottles? No way. Boyish bravado: "Pfft, easy." Grabbed tab, stormed out.
Instant regret—Li Ting was right. Shady crowds here. But backing down? Nah. Lingered, then steeled for Room 22: in, say it, out.
Burst in—a girl on the sofa. Words ready... froze. Song Siwei? From the schoolyard that day. Here?
Black batwing shirt, denim shorts, long milky legs in crystal sandals, red-polished toes—rebel vibe. Chatting with two girls, she clocked him, frowned. "Ma Jun? What do you want?"
Birthday cake, candles, balloons, streamers. Her party? Bad timing. Bolt? No, mockery awaited. Gritted teeth, knelt with tab amid stares. "Marry me."
The other girls gawked—proposal?! Big news. She knew him? Tall, decent-looking—somebody's kid with balls.
Song Siwei blinked. High school guys rarely dared lame lines anymore. A freshman proposing on her birthday with a tab? Deluded from their chat?
She smirked scornfully, sofa-bound, ready to crush his fantasy: princes don't fall for Cinderellas, princesses don't wed hobos.
But he stood, bolted. Her retort died—flushed, fuming. No one's rattled her like that in ages.
Ma Jun nearly explained but bailed—better "deluded suitor" than prankster. At the door, a figure blocked: Su Jianxin, dressed sharp—casual fit, shiny shoes, roses, cologne. Huang Guoxin mentioned his Song Siwei pursuit. Birthday confession? His party?
Trouble. Sidestep—seven guys piled in with balloons, horns, glowsticks. Blocked solid.
Long-haired girl giggled. "Su Jianxin, late! Epic: this guy proposed to Song Siwei! Hilarious?"
Big-eyed girl, seeing his scowl, defused. "Misunderstanding. Ma Jun, right? Explain—this ain't funny."
Ma Jun spilled the game. Su Jianxin's glare eased—but grudge simmered. Perfect chance. "Misunderstanding? Bull—you're disrupting. Siwei's the birthday girl. Your call?"
Game dawned on Song Siwei—annoyed. First prank ever. Coolly: "Your party, your rules."
Go time. "Classmates, Ma Jun. Won't hassle you. But Siwei's birthday—we got gifts. You too, or..." Pointed to beer crate. "Chug 'em all. Not a drop left."
Twenty-plus? Impossible. "How?"
"Watch." Su Jianxin pulled a box, soft: "Siwei, happy sixteenth. Got this in Hong Kong last week—stay young, always happy." Emerald bracelet gleamed—pricey.
Song Siwei slipped it on her slim wrist, surprised. "How'd you know I wanted this style?" Glares at long-hair. "You snitch?"
"Nope! Ask him!"
"Don't blame her." Su Jianxin grinned. "Asked your mom sneaky-like."
Song Siwei sighed. Dad's influence made her mature beyond peers—class guys bored her, Su Jianxin especially. But his dad was Dad's ally, Mom pushing match. She strung him along, hoping he'd quit.
The entourage gifted: MP3s, perfume, concert tix—thousands each. Su's jade topped at tens of thousands.
"See the pile, Ma Jun? Your gift for our star?"
No prep, no cash. Cold stare—no words. Su cornered him. Regret: should've played safe.
Song Siwei watched coldly—lesson time.
Su smirked. "Nothing, huh? Act tough usually? You're nobody. No dough, stay away. But birthday mercy: you knelt to propose—kowtow three times now. Your 'gift.' Deal?"
Hecklers egged. Song Siwei's face shifted—too far. About to speak—glam woman swept in, eyes scanning, cooing. "Lively party! Mind if I join?" Bai Xiaoyan—from Huang's room, fruit tray sent. Spotting Su, lit up, arm-link. "Jianxin! No hello to sis? Busy with what?"
Su tensed—her flirty face, painted brows, blouse straining over proud tits, mature allure. Arm-rub tit tease hardened him. But Song Siwei... "Bai-jie, just classmate birthday. Didn't mean to bother."
He loved dives; Dihao became haunt. She wooed him knowing his status. He folded fast, made her dry-sis, dreaming of bedding her.
But slippery—teases only. Prized his connections, no full yield. Sent girls to vent him, secretly taped. Gripped tight.
Su stood meek—not groping, eyes darting. Bai clocked sofa girl—his girl. Released, to Song Siwei: "You the birthday girl? Gorgeous! No wonder Jianxin's all-in—first time he's fussed like this." Soda in hand: "Fate! Big sis wishes you eternal beauty."
Song Siwei pegged her: boss, worldly. Disdain, but flawless words—clinked, "Thanks," sat.
Their intimacy? Catty hunch. She'd ignore.
Bai eyed her poise—not common stock. Su's dad bigwig; her family too? Probe? Nah, cold vibe—awkward. Glanced at Ma Jun's stare—innocent type. "Oh, got private wine stash. Handsome, help grab? My treat."
Pulled him out. Guys baffled—block? Su silent, stormy. Watched them go.
Bai's aura dominated; all synced. Gone, breaths eased. Boys ogled her curves, whispering dirty.
Su fretted—Song Siwei spotting? Bai tempting, but Song key. Dad hinted her old man's big—Gu County pitstop, rising fast. Tie to Song family. Dropped Li Ting for her—even if ugoat, he'd chase.
But tough—mature, immune to ploys. No force. Birthday confession plan—Ma Jun stole thunder. First "proposal." Should've booted him, not drag—now memorable, maybe intriguing.
Spot on: Bai's entry irked Song Siwei. Shameless—flirty with Su, now Ma Jun. Curious: how would've he handled? No kowtows, but test his spine. Ruined.
Mood killed. Predictable: Su confess, cronies cheer, rejection drama. Boring.
Boring defined life here—Dad mobbed by suits, her by simps. Careful fawns repulsed. Su decent—not grovelly, equal chat. Tolerable.
But leaks intent—her smarts pierced. Smart girl's curse: no real friends. Ma Jun? Interesting. Knew her status, pranked anyway. Dumb or bold? Observe. Smirk—new toy.
