Deviant: No Longer Human

"Boy, are you absolutely certain you and your sister live around here?" The taxi driver's skeptical gaze swept over the notorious area of Pudong, questioning Wang Xiao, who was now holding Fu Yuxin to keep her from collapsing. Wang Xiao affirmed with a weary nod.

The taxi driver's eyes narrowed in suspicion, ready to press the issue further.

But Wang Xiao swiftly silenced any doubts by slipping some extra money into the driver's hand.

In a flash, he guided Fu Yuxin out of the cab, her unsteady weight leaning heavily on him.

'Damn, she's heavier than I thought,' Wang Xiao cursed under his breath, grappling to maintain his balance while clutching the package containing the precious necklace and earrings. The unforeseen challenges of the night were proving to be quite the ordeal.

As they stumbled along the dimly lit street, Fu Yuxin's words started to slur, and she giggled uncontrollably. "You know, Wang Xiao," she hiccuped, "I think... I think penguins would make great... great chefs."

Wang Xiao couldn't help but chuckle at her drunken state, speaking seriously. "Penguins as chefs, huh? That's quite the culinary innovation."

"Absolutely!" Fu Yuxin exclaimed, momentarily regaining some clarity. "Imagine them in their cute little hats and aprons, waddling around the kitchen!"

Wang Xiao shook his head smiling wryly, he had to admit, drunken Fu Yuxin was a sight to behold.

He continued to support her, navigating the streets while trying to keep up with her ramblings.

As they turned into a narrow street, Fu Yuxin, still in her slightly intoxicated state, murmured, "You know, Wang Xiao, I've always wanted to ride a dragon... A dragon with rainbow wings... like a mystical rainbow dragon!"

Wang Xiao raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips. "Don't worry, you'll ride it soon."

"Really?" Fu Yuxin asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Wang Xiao reassured her, "Definitely."

Under the dim yellow lights outside the establishment, two women stood, their eyes squinting as they observed Wang Xiao's approach.

Lin Xue, with her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders, wore a look of resignation.

Chen Meili, petite with a cascade of auburn hair, stood beside her, her face etched with concern.

Lin Xue sighed, her sharp features reflecting a mix of annoyance and worry, recognizing the situation unfolding before her.

Chen Meili, with her doe-like eyes and an air of innocence, seemed troubled by the unexpected turn of events.

Both women knew Wang Xiao had plans for the evening, but they never could have anticipated that he would bring in a girl who appeared to be in such a compromised state.

Velvet Shadows had stringent policies against clients bringing in outsiders, especially those who seemed unable to give their consent.

If not for Lin Xue's intervention, Wang Xiao might not have been permitted entry with the clearly drugged Fu Yuxin.

The situation presented an unexpected challenge, and they needed to handle it with utmost discretion to ensure it didn't breach the establishment's strict rules.

"Get her inside, quick," Lin Xue urged, her voice tinged with worry, as Wang Xiao approached, swiftly allowing them entry.

"Huh? Wang Xiao, is she your mother?" Fu Yuxin exclaimed, turning to Lin Xue with wide-eyed surprise and a tipsy giggle. "Auntie, your son is something else! If he were a bit older, I might have considered marrying him!" she blurted out, still under the influence.

Wang Xiao facepalmed.

He cursed Xia Bao under his breath, for he had asked for a drug to render Fu Yuxin unconscious and disoriented, not heavily drunk!

Lin Xue's face twitched with a hint of frustration, muttering under her breath, "... He's not my son," feeling the weight of the memories and their implications.

If they were indeed mistaken for mother and daughter, wouldn't it implicate her as a criminal?

"Madam Lin, this is a problem," Chen Meili anxiously blurted, "The girl is clearly unconscious. We could land in serious trouble."

Lin Xue's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and frustration washing over her. 'This boy is an utter fool!' she sighed inwardly, grappling with the unfolding chaos.

Cursing him inwardly, she turned to Chen Meili. "You don't need to meddle in this; forget whatever you saw," she said in a firm tone.

Then, with surprising grace, Lin Xue walked inside, her hips swaying in an alluring rhythm.

Chen Meili was left speechless. "Why is she so keen on shielding him?"

Despite knowing the reason behind Lin Xue's protectiveness toward Wang Xiao, she held her tongue, sighing deeply.

Inside, as Wang Xiao gently placed Fu Yuxin on the bed, the door closed behind them. Lin Xue entered, exhaling a deep sigh.

"Are you trying to harm her?" She shot back, her voice laced with bitterness and seriousness.

Wang Xiao shook his head. "Just a small act of revenge. You don't need to concern yourself. Of course, you can join if you want."

Lin Xue's lips twitched in disbelief. "..." she remained silent for a moment. "I could kick you out of here and report to the authorities right now. We don't tolerate such behavior."

Wang Xiao nodded, his face showing seriousness.

He was indeed aware.

Lin Xue sighed, her tone softening. "At least you understand."

She faced Wang Xiao, her voice laced with caution. "Don't you ever pull something like this again. I won't shield you a second time. It could sully our establishment's reputation and land you in hot water too."

Wang Xiao's gaze narrowed, a chuckle escaping his lips. "Reputation? Seriously?" He locked eyes with Lin Xue, a challenging glint in his stare.

Since when did a place like this care about reputation?

Lin Xue squinted at him for a moment, her frustration evident.

Then, she decisively shut the door behind her and made her exit. "I'm not accountable for her," she stated one last time before sealing the door shut.

As Lin Xue stormed away, Wang Xiao couldn't help but marvel at this mature woman, wondering if she was throwing a temper?

He watched her retreating figure with narrowed eyes before releasing a heavy sigh.

Fortunately, he had Lin Xue to secure a safe location for today's operation. Without her help, he'd have had to arrange far riskier alternatives.

As Lin Xue emerged from the building, her shoulders slumped with the weight of frustration, she hastily reached out her hands and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

This was a habit Wang Xiao was entirely unaware of, a secret indulgence she reserved for moments of overwhelming stress.

She placed the cigarette between her lips, flicked the lighter, and inhaled deeply, feeling the warm embrace of the nicotine soothe her frayed nerves.

The smoke spiraled upward, mingling with the night air as she exhaled.

It was a brief respite from the chaos inside.

Her thoughts swirled like the tendrils of smoke around her.

She wondered how she had become entangled in this situation, trying to protect Wang Xiao from his own recklessness.

The irony was not lost on her, for she, too, was no stranger to a life filled with secrets and risks.

As she took another drag, Lin Xue gazed at the moon above, its pale light filtering through the night's haze.

The moon, like her, held secrets in its tranquil glow.

But for now, the cool, quiet night provided her with a temporary escape from the turmoil of the brothel and the reckless boy she had just scolded.