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MidReal Story
The Courtesan's Lover
Scenario:妓女和她的朋友们以及她的情人
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Lily Chen
determined, and compassionate. Lily navigates the harsh realities of her profession while maintaining a strong bond with her friends and lover, Zhang Wei. Despite the challenges, she dreams of a better life and hopes to escape her circumstances. Her relationship with Zhang Wei is deep and supportive, providing her with emotional stability.
Jia Jia
optimistic, and supportive. Jia Jia shares a close bond with Lily, often providing comic relief in difficult situations. Her friendship with Lily offers emotional support during challenging times in the brothel. Despite their circumstances, Jia Jia remains hopeful for a better life outside the brothel.
Mei Mei
caring, and timid. Mei Mei often seeks guidance from Lily due to her innocence about the world outside the brothel. Her friendship with Lily provides comfort as they navigate their shared experiences together.
I am Lily Chen — a courtesan, living in the redlight district.
In this world, I have people I call friends, and a special someone I call my lover.
My lover visits me every night, but he is not like those who come to me during the day.
He does not hurt me, and he does not make me feel like I am just an object to be used.
He talks to me, tells me about his life, and listens to my stories.
Sometimes, he does not even ask me to serve him.
He just holds me in his arms and tells me that he loves me, that he wants to take me away from this place and give me a better life.
I believe him.
My lover is a good man.
He has been coming to see me for a few months now, and during that time, I have gotten to know him.
I know that he is kind and genuine.
He is not like the others who pretend to be something they are not.
When he says that he loves me, I believe him, and I also love him.
But I know that our love can never be.
We are from different worlds — different classes, different lifestyles.
His family would never accept a courtesan as their daughter-in-law, and I would never be able to fit into his world.
But Zhang Wei — my lover — refuses to give up.
I lead Zhang Wei through the dimly lit corridor, my heart pounding in my chest.
The doors to the private chambers are spaced far apart, and the walls are lined with intricately carved wooden panels.
The air is thick with the scent of incense, and the flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the floor.
We reach the door to my chamber, and I slide it open with a quiet creak.
Inside, Jia Jia and Mei Mei are waiting for me, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of candles.
They look up as we enter, and their eyes widen in surprise.
Zhang Wei bows his head respectfully, his hands clasped together in front of him.
"I am sorry for intruding," he says, his voice low and deferential.
Jia Jia smiles warmly and rises from her seat.
"Please, do not apologize," she says, her voice gentle.
"We are happy to see you."
She gestures to an empty chair beside her, and Zhang Wei hesitantly takes a seat.
Mei Mei sits quietly on the other side of me, her eyes fixed on Zhang Wei's profile.
I can tell that she is nervous — she has never met a man like Zhang Wei before.
He is different from the others who come to our district — more refined, more polite.
Jia Jia pours tea for everyone, and we sit in silence for a moment, sipping our cups.
Then Jia Jia breaks the silence with a laugh. "I am glad that you could join us tonight," she says, her voice warm and friendly.
"It is not often that we get to meet one of Lily's clients."
Zhang Wei smiles politely, his eyes darting to me for a moment before returning to Jia Jia's face.
"I am honored to be here," he says.
"I must admit that I have never been in a place like this before."
Jia Jia laughs again, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Well, we are not like any other brothel," she says.
"We are a group of friends who have come together to create a better life for ourselves. We do not just sell our bodies; we also sell our skills."
She gestures to Mei Mei, who sits quietly beside me.
"Mei Mei is an excellent seamstress," she continues.
"She makes all of our clothes. And Lily —"
She pauses and looks at me with a smile — "Lily is an excellent musician. She plays the guqin beautifully."
As the final note of our shared silence fades, Zhang Wei reaches for my hand, sealing a promise that neither of us can yet define.
Jia Jia's eyes dart between us, her gaze mischievous.
She sets down her cup with a slow deliberateness, drawing out the moment before she speaks.
"Young Master Zhang," she inquired, gently smoothing the non-existent wrinkles on the silk sleeves, "do you think I look good alongside Meimei?"
Mei Mei gasps softly at the audacity of the question, but she cannot hide her curiosity.
Zhang Wei nearly chokes on his tea, and his face flushes a deep shade of red.
His grip on my hand tightens, but before he can respond, Jia Jia presses on.
"Surely you must know that you have caught the eye of our beloved Lily."
As he speaks those words, his grip on my hand loosens, and the room falls silent.
Jia Jia's playful smile fades, replaced by a look of concern.
Mei Mei shifts uncomfortably on her cushion, her eyes fixed on the floor.
I watch as Zhang Wei's gaze drifts between my friends, lingering a moment too long on Jia Jia's exposed shoulder.
The tea in my cup grows cold, and the air thickens with tension.
When Zhang Wei reaches for the teapot to refill Jia Jia's cup, his fingers brush deliberately against hers.
My stomach tightens as I catch the subtle exchange of glances between them.
I see the softening of his features as he compliments Jia Jia and Mei Mei, his eyes lingering on Jia Jia for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
My fingers tighten around my teacup as he leans forward, continuing to engage with her.
Jia Jia laughs flirtatiously, her hand resting on his arm as she describes her latest performance.
Mei Mei attempts to steer the conversation in a different direction, but Zhang Wei barely acknowledges her words.
When he reaches for the teapot again, his sleeve brushes against Jia Jia's hand once more.
This time, she doesn't pull away.
Jia Jia leans in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Tell me, Young Master Zhang, do you find our company... intriguing?"
Zhang Wei hesitates, his eyes flickering to mine before he answers, "I find it more captivating than I had anticipated."
I remain frozen, my teacup trembling in my hands.
Jia Jia's voice is steady and deliberate as she reveals our secret pact to Zhang Wei.
"Then you will be pleased to know that we three sisters have made a pact. We have promised one another that if any of us were to find a husband, we would all share him. We cannot bear the thought of being separated from one another."
Zhang Wei's eyes widen, darting between us as he processes her words.
Mei Mei shrinks further into her corner, her gaze fixed on the floor.
Jia Jia continues, "We have been together since we left the brothel. We have shared everything with one another. Why should marriage be any different? We will live together, as we always have. I am certain you will find our company... stimulating."
When Zhang Wei turns to me for confirmation, I cannot meet his gaze.
I nod, the weight of our unspoken agreement settling heavily in the room.
I stare blankly at my untouched tea as Jia Jia continues to outline her vision of our shared future.
The room seems to close in around me, suffocating me with its thick air of tension.
Zhang Wei shifts uncomfortably on his cushion, his knee brushing against mine beneath the table.
I catch a glimpse of Mei Mei's hand fidgeting with the sleeve of her dress, her eyes wide with concern.
When Zhang Wei's hand finds mine again beneath the table, I flinch, my gaze darting up to meet his.
His thumb begins to trace gentle circles on my palm, sending shivers down my spine.
But even this intimate touch cannot dispel the confusion that clouds my mind.
The pact we made as sisters now feels like an unbreakable chain, binding us together in ways I never intended.
I pull my hand away, feeling the weight of our choices settle like a stone in my chest.
I pour more tea, my hands trembling as I watch Zhang Wei's face for any sign of reaction.
The steam rises between us, creating a veil of uncertainty that obscures the future.
Jia Jia leans forward, her eyes shining with anticipation, while Mei Mei fidgets nervously in her corner.
The silence stretches out like a taut bowstring, waiting to snap.
I force myself to speak, my throat tight with emotion.
"Zhang Wei, do you truly understand what this pact means?"
His eyes dart between the three of us, his fingers drumming nervously on the table.
The question hangs in the air like incense smoke, curling around us and refusing to dissipate.
When he opens his mouth to respond, I raise my hand to stop him.
"Before you answer, know that this isn't just about sharing a life," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
"It's about sharing everything—our pasts, our burdens, our dreams."
Zhang Wei's expression softens as he nods slowly, "I understand more than you think, and I'm willing to embrace it all."
As he speaks, his words fill the small chamber, displacing the uncertainty that had threatened to consume us.
His gaze lingers on each of our faces, meeting our eyes with unwavering conviction.
The tension in the room dissipates, replaced by an unspoken understanding that transcends words.
In that moment, I realize that Zhang Wei sees us for more than just courtesans—he sees us as survivors who have protected and cherished one another through the trials of life.
His eyes hold a deep comprehension, acknowledging the unbreakable bond that has formed between us.
When he looks at me, then Jia Jia and Mei Mei, I sense a newfound appreciation for the depth of our connection.
It is a pact forged in the fires of adversity, strengthened by our shared experiences and unwavering support.
As we sit there, surrounded by the trappings of our profession, I realize that this pact transcends the boundaries of love and marriage.
It is a testament to the unyielding power of sisterhood, a promise that will endure long after the flames of passion have faded.
With Zhang Wei's acceptance, we seal our pact once more—this time with a shared understanding that our lives are intertwined forever.
When Zhang Wei reaches across the table again, his hand extends palm-up between us.
Jia Jia places her hand on his, her voice steady, "Together, we will create a new path, one that honors our past and embraces our future."
Mei Mei finally looks up, her eyes shimmering with hope, "And maybe, just maybe, we'll find happiness in this unconventional life we've chosen."
I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of their hands beneath mine, "Then let us walk this path as one, bound by love and loyalty."
After the tea gathering, Zhang Wei follows me to my chamber.
I sit on the bed, my heart still pounding from the events of the afternoon.
He kneels before me, taking both my hands in his.
His voice trembles as he speaks, "Lily Chen, I never thought I would find a woman like you. You are strong, brave, and compassionate. Your heart is full of love and kindness. When I met you, I knew I had found my soulmate."
He pauses, collecting his thoughts.
"Jia Jia's spirit is vibrant and infectious, drawing people to her like a magnet. Mei Mei's gentle nature soothes those around her. I promise to cherish them just as you do."
I pull my hands away, but he holds firm.
"I know this isn't what you expected," he says, his voice filled with determination.
"But I swear to protect all three of us from the hardships we've endured. Together, we will create a new life, one where love conquers all."
Tears well up in my eyes as I look into his.
The door to my chamber opens, and Jia Jia enters.
Her silk robe rustles as she moves toward us.
Zhang Wei still holds my hands, but my attention is drawn to her confident stride.
She sits beside us on the bed, her familiar jasmine scent mingling with the lingering aroma of tea.
"I trust you," she says, her voice filled with the same warmth I heard when she welcomed him earlier.
Her hand covers our joined ones, and I feel Zhang Wei's grip loosen slightly, allowing her fingers to intertwine with ours.
Mei Mei appears in the doorway, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
She steps inside, her voice soft yet resolute, "Is there room for one more in this promise of ours?"
Zhang Wei smiles gently, nodding as he extends his hand toward her, "Always, Mei Mei; together, we are stronger than any storm."
As Mei Mei joins our circle, Zhang Wei rises to his feet.
His towering figure fills the room, commanding attention with his presence.
He walks to the window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard of the brothel below.
His voice carries across the chamber as he speaks, "We must gather our valuables discreetly, without raising suspicion. Within a month, we will depart. Prepare yourselves for a new life."
Jia Jia's eyes light up at his words, and she whispers, "Silk dresses and jewelry will be packed."
Mei Mei clutches her sewing kit tightly, her voice filled with determination, "I'll make new clothes for us."
When Zhang Wei turns back to us, his expression is serious.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small pouch of silver coins.
The next evening, Zhang Wei strides confidently into the main hall of the brothel, wearing his finest silk robes.
The madam intercepts him immediately, her eyes narrowing as he makes a request that is not part of their usual arrangement.
He laughs casually, "I want to take all three of them tonight, for a special celebration. I'll pay triple the price."
As he pulls out a heavy pouch of silver pieces, I catch a glimpse of his luxury car waiting outside through the window.
Jia Jia and Mei Mei stand beside me, pretending to giggle at his generosity.
My hands tremble as I pack a small bundle of belongings; we won't be returning to this place.
Zhang Wei helps Mei Mei into his car first, her bundle clutched tightly to her chest.
The madam counts the silver coins inside, distracted from our departure by the generous payment.
Jia Jia follows, sliding across the leather seats as she checks over her shoulder.
I step out last, feeling the cool night air on my face.
Zhang Wei's hand steadies me as I enter, and he quickly shuts the door.
The engine purrs to life, carrying us away from the brothel's red lanterns, which grow smaller in the rearview mirror until they vanish into darkness.
Jia Jia leans forward, her voice barely audible over the hum of the engine, "Where are we headed, Zhang Wei?"
He glances at her through the rearview mirror, a hint of excitement in his eyes, "To a place where we can start anew, far from prying eyes."
Mei Mei squeezes my hand reassuringly, whispering with hope, "A place where our dreams can finally take root."
I sit between Jia Jia and Mei Mei in the backseat of Zhang Wei's car as we approach a pair of large iron gates.
The car winds its way up a tree-lined driveway, revealing a sprawling villa with traditional curved roofs and white walls.
My heart pounds in my chest as we pull up to the entrance, where two figures stand waiting.
One is a middle-aged woman in simple clothes, while the other is younger, dressed in a business suit.
Zhang Wei parks the car but hesitates before turning to us, "Wait here for a moment. I need to speak with them first."
Jia Jia watches him step out, her voice tinged with curiosity, "Who are they, Zhang Wei?"
He paused for a moment, turning to look at us with a reassuring smile. "That woman is my housekeeper; I call her Auntie. She has been waiting for us. The young lady is my assistant—she will help us get settled."
Mei Mei leans closer to me, whispering softly, "Do you think we can trust them?"
I step out of the car first, feeling Zhang Wei's hand steady me as my feet touch the ground.
The woman, dressed in elegant silk robes, bows deeply to us, her posture exuding refinement and elegance.
Behind me, Jia Jia and Mei Mei hesitate before following, their eyes fixed on the grand villa looming behind us.
A young female secretary, a beautiful and alluring woman with a curvaceous figure clad in a tailored suit, nestled her body against Zhang Wei, her chest pressed against his arm, as she whispered numbers and dates into his ear.
My sisters cluster close to me, our shoulders touching as we face the entrance.
The steward gestures toward the entrance, but Zhang Wei's attention remains fixed on the secretary's whispered report.
I take a deep breath, knowing that whatever awaits us beyond these doors is the beginning of our new life.
I hesitate at the entrance, watching as Zhang Wei listens intently to his secretary.
Jia Jia squeezes my arm, while Mei Mei clutches my sleeve from behind.
The aunt's stern expression and the secretary's intimate whispers with Zhang Wei make the grand doorway feel imposing.
When Zhang Wei finally turns to us, his business expression softens.
He gestures toward the entrance, but I remain still.
My sisters' warmth against my back reminds me we're in this together.
Jia Jia leans in, her voice a mix of skepticism and hope, "Zhang Wei, are you sure this is where we belong?"
Zhang Wei nods, his eyes earnest as he meets hers, "This place is ours now, a sanctuary where no one can reach us."
Mei Mei's grip on my sleeve tightens, her voice barely above a whisper, "Then let's make it our home."
I hesitate, the weight of my sisters' hands on my sleeves a reminder of our bond.
The polished wooden floor stretches before us, leading to a spacious courtyard visible through the doorway.
Zhang Wei's aunt and the secretary step aside, their eyes following our every move.
Taking a deep breath, I squeeze Jia Jia and Mei Mei's hands, drawing strength from their touch.
The familiar scent of jasmine and silk from their robes mingles with the unfamiliar incense wafting from the villa.
Zhang Wei places his hand on my shoulder, his gentle pressure guiding me forward.
Together, I step through the doorway with Jia Jia and Mei Mei, our footsteps echoing on the polished wooden floor.
Two rows of maids in matching gray uniforms stand perfectly still along the entrance hall, their heads bowed respectfully.
Their soft voices echo in unison, "Welcome home, young mistresses."
The formal greeting makes Mei Mei grip my arm tighter while Jia Jia's confident stride falters slightly.
Zhang Wei walks ahead of us, nodding at each maid as he passes.
I count eight maids in total, their presence making the grand space feel even more imposing.
Zhang Wei gestures to a young maid in gray, her hair neatly tied back, and says, "Show them to their quarters."
The maid bows deeply before turning to lead us down the polished hallway.
My heart sinks as Zhang Wei walks away without a backward glance.
The butler and attractive secretary follow closely behind him toward his study.
Jia Jia's hand tightens on my arm while Mei Mei presses closer to my other side.
Our footsteps echo through the vast corridor as we follow the maid, the distance between us and Zhang Wei growing with each step.
When we reach a heavy wooden door, the maid pauses to bow again.
Jia Jia whispers, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "Do you think he'll come back for us?"
Mei Mei glances at the closed door, her eyes filled with determination, "If he doesn't, we'll find our own way."
I nod, feeling a newfound resolve, "Together, we can make this place ours."
The maid steps aside, allowing us to enter the chamber.
My fingers tremble on the wooden handle as Jia Jia and Mei Mei press against me, their breaths quick with anticipation.
Finally, I push the door open, and warm afternoon light spills through the tall windows, bathing the room in a golden glow.
Three intricately carved beds are placed at equal distances, each draped in silk fabrics and adorned with plush cushions.
A low table runs along one wall, lined with matching cushions.
A guqin rests on an ornate stand at the center of the table, while porcelain vases filled with fresh flowers sit on intricately carved shelves.
The sweet scent of the flowers mingles with the fragrance of sandalwood incense, creating a luxurious atmosphere.
Jia Jia steps forward, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of awe and suspicion, "Do you think this is all part of his plan to keep us here?"
Mei Mei crosses her arms, her voice steady and defiant, "Whether it's a trap or a gift, we won't let it define us."
I smile at their resolve, feeling the strength of our bond, "We'll carve our own path, just like we've always done."
I walk through the dimly lit hallway, the thick carpets muffling my footsteps.
The maids in gray uniforms stand like statues, their eyes cast downward as I pass.
I approach the intricately carved wooden door leading to Zhang Wei's study, my hand raised to knock.
However, strange sounds halt my movement mid-air.
Gasps and moans drift through the gap beneath the door, accompanied by the faint scent of incense.
My stomach twists as I recognize Zhang Wei's deep voice mingled with the secretary's higher pitch and the butler's quiet grunts.
Jia Jia's voice breaks the tense silence, a whisper filled with disbelief, "Is that... what I think it is?"
Mei Mei's eyes narrow, her voice a mix of anger and resolve, "He's more entangled in this than we thought."
I take a deep breath, my mind racing, "We need to find out what he's hiding and why we're really here."
I lower my hand, still poised to knock, as the sounds from within continue.
The thick wooden door stands before me like a barrier between two worlds: the gilded prison we've been confined to and the truth we weren't meant to uncover.
Jia Jia grabs my sleeve, her voice urgent, "Lily, let's go."
A maid approaches, carrying a tray with steaming cups of tea, her footsteps echoing in the hallway.
Mei Mei pulls me back, her voice a whisper, "Now's not the time."
We turn swiftly, our footsteps silent on the polished floor as we hurry away from the study and its secrets.
Back in our chamber, Mei Mei locks the door while Jia Jia checks the windows.
I sit at the guqin, running my fingers across its strings without making a sound.
The notes we don't play speak louder than the ones we do.
Sharp footsteps echo down the hallway, growing louder with each passing moment.
The door bursts open, and an elegant woman in dark silk robes strides in.
Her face is tight with disapproval as she berates the maid, who shrinks against the wall.
"This arrangement is completely inappropriate," she declares, her gaze sweeping over our three beds.
I rise from the guqin, my sisters beside me.
The woman settles herself at our table, her robes rustling softly.
She pours tea for us with practiced grace before taking a seat.
She introduced herself, saying, "I am the steward here, my surname is Liu. When Zhang Wei’s father was still alive, I was his father’s steward. Zhang Wei has always called me 'Aunt.' In truth, we share no blood relation." Her voice was steady and confident.
She casts a glance around the room, her eyes lingering on the shared chamber.
"Zhang Wei had never mentioned to me the nature of your connections with him; I had presumed you were merely friends," she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of scrutiny.
"I'd like to know more about you."
Madam Liu's fingers tap impatiently against the teacup as she awaits our response.
Jia Jia begins to explain our connection, but Madam Liu cuts her off sharply, "Which one of you is actually involved with my nephew?" she demands.
"We all are, really," I replied, meeting her gaze with unwavering steadiness.
Madam Liu's eyes narrow, her voice taking on a cold, calculating tone.
"Zhang Wei is a man of great stature and wealth. It's not fitting for him to be involved with three girls at once."
Her words hang in the air like a challenge, her gaze piercing as she awaits our response.
I return to the guqin, my fingers plucking a melancholy tune.
Jia Jia and Mei Mei stand by the window, whispering softly.
Madam Liu's interrogation has left us shaken.
The door slides open, and Zhang Wei enters, his eyes finding mine immediately.
My fingers still on the strings as he approaches with that gentle smile that usually brings me comfort.
But now, after what we heard in his study, everything feels different.
Jia Jia stiffens beside me while Mei Mei moves closer, her hand brushing against mine.
Zhang Wei's voice is calm, but there's an edge to it as he says, "I see Aunt Liu has been keeping you company."
Madam Liu stands, her expression unyielding. "Zhang Wei, you must understand the implications of your choices."
He nods slightly, his gaze steady on hers. "I do, Aunt, but my heart has already made its decision."
Madam Liu's eyes flash with a mix of frustration and concern, but she nods, her voice softening.
"I will respect your wishes, but I must remind you that your actions have consequences."
With a final glance at us, she exits the room, leaving the three of us alone once more.
Zhang Wei's gaze lingers on me for a moment before he turns to leave.
I can't help but feel a pang of longing as he walks away.
The door slides open once more, and Zhang Wei's butler enters.
He bows slightly before speaking in a voice that is both respectful and detached.
"Sir has instructed me to inform you that the wedding will take place in three days. The preparations are already underway."
The butler pauses, his eyes scanning the room before continuing.
"Three red wedding dresses are being prepared for each of you. A feast will be held for fifty guests. Musicians have been hired for the occasion. Sir requests that you prepare yourselves accordingly."
My stomach twists with a mix of excitement and trepidation as the butler concludes his announcement.
Zhang Wei's words echo in my mind: "We will share the marriage bed together."
Jia Jia reaches out, her hand grasping mine under the table.
Mei Mei's face pales as she stares at the butler.
He pauses, his gaze lingering on us for a moment before asking, "Which of you will be the first wife?" His voice is steady, devoid of emotion.
Zhang Wei's eyes meet mine briefly before he turns and exits the chamber.
I sit at the guqin, my fingers hovering above the strings as Jia Jia and Mei Mei sleep on their silk beds.
The moon casts shadows through the window, illuminating the chamber.
The red wedding dresses hang on the wall, a symbol of our shared fate.
Three identical gowns, mocking our sisterly bond.
I think of Zhang Wei's betrayal with his secretary, Madam Liu's judgment, and the butler's question about who will be the first wife.
I stand quietly, packing a small bundle with silver coins and a change of clothes.
Leaving my sisters pains me, but I know I must find my own path.
Jia Jia stirs, her voice a whisper in the moonlit room.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" she asks, her eyes reflecting both understanding and sorrow.
I nod, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision.
