Are you a virgin?

Five years ago...

Outside a dimly lit, intoxicating bar at night, Phoebe stood with her head lowered, nervously watching the men and women who continuously went in and out of the establishment.

It was her first time in a place like this, and the unfamiliar environment already made her feel uneasy. The leering gazes of some of the men nearby only heightened her anxiety, causing her to break out in a cold sweat. She was too scared to even take another step forward.

"Hey, are you...?" A voice suddenly appeared near her ear, making her heart skip a beat. The man didn't say so explicitly, but the leering look up and down his face said it all.

Phoebe timidly raised her head, only to regret coming here the moment she saw the disgusting man standing in front of her. But there was no turning back now.

A bitter taste spread in her mouth as she lowered her eyes. Did she even have a choice? She didn't.

Her father was still lying in a hospital bed, her brother had accumulated a massive debt due to his drug addiction, and her mother spent her days in tears. Phoebe needed money—tonight, she had to find a way to get it.

Biting her lip hard, she nodded.

"Fine, name your price," the man said, leering at her. Before Phoebe could say anything, he continued, "You're quite pretty. How does 500 for one night sound?"

500? Phoebe's face turned pale in an instant. Was that all?

She had come here with such determination, but now it seemed she had been far too naïve.

Even if she sold her body, she wouldn't be able to make nearly enough money in one go.

Phoebe's eyes darkened, and she remained silent.

Seeing her hesitation, the man spoke again, "Sweetie, 500 is already a high price. Think it again."

Phoebe was a student, she didn't know anything about hookers, she just knew that it wasn't enough. She let out a bitter smile, one filled with sorrow. 500 was nothing compared to the enormous amount she needed.

She had to shake her head ready to give up on this stupid plan.

Just as she took a step to leave, a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"First time here?"

A middle-aged man, who had just come out of the bar, greeted her with a smile. He had been watching her for a while and was sure she was hesitating on how to take the first step in this shameful path.

Phoebe's body trembled slightly, her teeth biting down on her lip. She nodded nervously, her mind screaming at her not to back down. She needed money, and she had to get it tonight.

The man's sharp eyes scanned her from head to toe. She looked like an innocent student, but her beauty was undeniable, hidden beneath her awkward and shy demeanor.

After a moment, he nodded slightly, clearly satisfied with the "goods" he had found tonight. The man smirked inwardly—this was quite a catch.

"Don't be nervous... I'm the manager of this bar. Is there anything I can help you with?"

His seemingly polite tone sounded grating to her ears.

"I... I..." Phoebe stammered, unable to get the words out.

"Are you short on money, young lady?"

"Yes. I need a lot of money."

"I... I want to find... a wealthy man..."

Phoebe closed her eyes, summoning all the courage she could muster to finish her sentence. She didn't want to waste time—her family needed money, and fast. At this point, she had no choice but to push forward.

If she could avoid it, she would never have set foot in such a dirty place in her life. But she couldn't think of any other way to make quick and large amounts of money.

She had no other option.

"Are you sure about this? If you do it once, it's forever."

"..."

Phoebe bit her lip, her face drained of color. She summoned all her strength and nodded.

"I... I only want to do it once..." That was the limit she had set for herself.

"Alright. Take off your glasses."

Phoebe hesitated for a moment, struggling internally before slowly removing the thick black-framed glasses she wore. She hated how exposed it made her feel...

The man was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to be this beautiful. He had been right—she was a rare beauty.

This was a golden opportunity. A girl like her would easily fetch him millions...

His gaze, as if she were a zoo animal on display, made her feel humiliated and ashamed. It hurt more than a slap in the face. Feeling extremely uncomfortable, she quickly put her glasses back on.

"Hmm, not bad. You look like you're still a student."

His casual words cut her deeply.

"Yes! I've run into some trouble, and I desperately need money." She tried to explain, but it seemed pointless. Any explanation felt hollow and futile in this situation.

"I've seen a lot of people in your situation. But... you've got great potential."

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

Phoebe felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at the man, who was about thirty years old. After a moment, she nervously asked, "How much can I get?"

Her voice was soft, tinged with bitterness and sorrow.

This was the real issue she had to face, wasn't it? Time was running out.

"Don't worry. I'll find you a wealthy client. How much you need?"

Phoebe blinked, startled. She had assumed this manager wanted to buy her for himself.

But apparently, that wasn't the case.

"Three hundred thousand..."

She said the figure quietly, a bitter taste filling her mouth. It didn't matter who the buyer was—whether they were tall or short, fat or thin—she had no choice but to accept.

"OK, are you a virgin?"

Phoebe's mind went blank at his blunt question.

Shame surged through her, and her face instantly flushed with embarrassment. His vulgar words left her completely defenseless.

She slowly nodded. Even the last shred of her dignity was swept away by the cold night breeze.

A bitter smile crept across her face. She was just an eighteen-year-old student, yet she had to endure something so unbearable. But did she really have a choice?

"As long as you're a virgin, everything will be fine," the man said, clearly pleased.

A pure and innocent girl like her would be a hit with wealthy clients.

"Here's my card. Call me tomorrow at 8 PM..."