Norma returned to Melody Paradise with a burning face and steps faster than usual.The side door had only just closed behind her, but the accusations she had thrown at the medicine seller outside still echoed in her ears. She was angry, humiliated, and certain that everyone near the karaoke entrance had seen her in a position she did not want to explain.In a place like Melody Paradise, a story did not need to be true to spread. All it needed was an angry woman, a poor man, a few witnesses who loved to laugh, and the rest would grow on its own like mold on a damp wall.She crossed the corridor toward the lounge where the hostesses rested between calls. Music from the VIP rooms trembled through the walls, mixed with the smell of cigarettes, alcohol, sweet perfume, and air-conditioning that worked too hard. Several hostesses fixing their hair turned to look at her. Their eyes were not innocent. They had already smelled something.Cindy was the first to approach.She came with a worried

Someone near the sofa sneered. “Don’t believe too quickly. Scammers sometimes give one real item first to lure in the next victim.” That comment split the room again. No one truly sided with Peter. They were merely adjusting their positions so they would still look right if the wind changed direction. Those who had mocked the medicine now began mentioning possibilities. Those who had wanted to beat him now added conditions. Those who had been silent began feeling they were the most objective. Bono did not care about such subtle changes. He rolled his neck until it cracked. “Effective or not, his hands still need to be counted. If every medicine seller is allowed to touch women in front of our place, Melody Paradise will become a night market tomorrow.” Cindy immediately nodded. “That’s right. Just because the medicine worked a little doesn’t mean his behavior can be forgott

The parking attendant immediately laughed. “Does your friend walk like you too?” The drunk customer, who did not fully understand, still joined in. “If your friend is sick, why is your face the tense one?” Gino nearly retorted, but Peter picked up the money first and counted it briefly. The amount was exact. He pushed the pill slightly toward Gino. “Take it now if you want to know whether your friend will thank you.” Gino looked at the pill suspiciously. “What if it’s poison?” “If I wanted to poison you, I wouldn’t need to charge fifteen dollars.” The security guard gave a short laugh. The parking attendant slapped the utility pole with his tickets. Even the red-haired hostess covered her mouth, clearly enjoying how Gino, who had come out intending to beat someone, was now standing as a b