Chapter 63 - 63 63 Karaoke Room

Words : 1657 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

63: Chapter 63: Karaoke Room 63: Chapter 63: Karaoke Room Mr. Brown had already learned about the job since Brandon Cooper had been around for a while, and before James arrived, he temporarily managed things. Once James arrived, he handed over the work duties to him and detailed the warehouse processes. James was listening intently since he was sure Douglas Smith was problematic, so he needed to be cautious while working here. Once he was somewhat familiar with everyone, all dispersed to tidy up the warehouse since new stock was arriving tomorrow. In the end, only Brandon Cooper stayed behind. At that moment, he grinned at James and said, “Manager Johnson, you don’t have anything planned tonight, do you?” “Hehe, I shouldn’t have any plans.” “Well, I need to welcome you this evening, as per Mr. Smith’s special instructions before he left. Manager Johnson, you really shouldn’t refuse this gesture.” “Does Mr. Smith know I was coming?” James casually inquired. “No,” said Brandon Cooper, “Mr. Smith did know someone would come, so he had already instructed us to entertain whoever it was well.” James squinted his eyes and asked, “It’s not on the company’s dime, right?” Brandon Cooper quickly replied, “No, this is money Mr. Smith specially left for me.” James smiled and said, “Then I won’t be shy.” “Hehe, that’s good, so after work, let’s head out.” Brandon Cooper’s face then revealed a somewhat lewd smile, making James couldn’t help but find it funny—it seemed this guy just wanted to take him out for some bawdy fun, otherwise he wouldn’t make such a face. The W Region warehouse complex had six storage units and a row of color steel rooms for office use. Apart from having an office specifically assigned to him, there was also a single bedroom. It only had a single bed, a TV, and internet access—but since James didn’t have a computer, he might only use the TV to pass the time here. Under Brandon Cooper’s lead, James toured the warehouse again, familiarizing himself with the surroundings. The security measures were pretty solid, with surveillance inside and out, and windows and doors were tightly secured. Normally, the possibility of losing stuff was slim. Although James wasn’t particularly concerned about Douglas Smith, he was still wary of him just in case the guy tried to sabotage things and make him suffer silently. After work, Brandon Cooper took James to a restaurant in town. They ordered a table full of dishes and ate and drank lavishly, with Brandon Cooper asking James to take good care of things, among other things. James understood that the warehouse’s former manager had been involved in some shady dealings, so he was being particularly hospitable to perhaps prevent James from digging these matters up during his time here. James had only been here for a week and didn’t feel the need to pry into past issues. He just had to manage his responsibilities well during his stay. If a real inspection was needed, it would be handled by another department. Therefore, they enjoyed their meal heartily, and after they finished, Brandon Cooper took James to a karaoke bar. Brandon Cooper was obviously a regular here as the workers were quite familiar with him. Without even ordering, the staff soon brought over an array of dried fruits and a large fruit boat. Then, seven or eight scantily clad girls walked into the private room, lining up in front of James and him. With a grin, Brandon Cooper said, “Manager Johnson, we’re here to have fun! Trust me, I’m discreet. You can do whatever you want.” James didn’t necessarily dislike the women here, but he wasn’t keen on picking up women in such places. He preferred finding one-night stands in bars and didn’t like these purely monetary transactions. These women were never into it, their moaning sounded like acting—it completely turned him off. “Forget about it, if you like, you choose,” James gestured dismissively. Sёarᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brandon misunderstood him, and immediately said to the waiter who brought the girls in, “Bring us the best you have, what are these for?” The waiter quickly put on a smile and said, “Brother Dong, we truly have some great new girls. One just arrived today and hasn’t been with any clients yet.” Brandon’s eyes brightened and he hurriedly said, “Well, quickly bring her to Manager Johnson.” The waiter rushed out and soon brought in a girl dressed in plain casual clothes, likely bought off some street stall, with long, smooth hair hanging down, covering her face as she looked down. Her hands were clasped together, twisting nervously, her body trembling slightly, clearly very nervous. “Now that’s a quality find—clearly new to this. Manager Johnson, you’re really lucky,” Brandon appeared excited. This time, James didn’t refuse. Enjoying some songs and drinks with such a girl seemed quite nice, much better than those other girls. Brandon ended up keeping two for himself—this guy truly was lustful. Then the three girls each took a seat, with the shy girl slowly coming to sit beside James, keeping some distance, but James could feel her shaking. James Brown was now feeling curious about the girl. Was every newcomer to the industry this nervous? “Come on, Mr. Cooper, you sing first.” James Brown didn’t hesitate, picking the song “True Hero” and belting it out. He was always relaxed and never shy about singing. After James finished, Brandon Cooper and the other two girls clapped enthusiastically, uttering flatteries, but James’s girl kept her head down, not saying a word and maintained her nervous gesture of twisting her hands. Now it was Brandon Cooper’s turn to sing. James sat down next to the girl, smiled lightly, and asked, “What’s your name?” “I… I’m Ruby,” the girl answered softly, her body trembling slightly. That was obviously a pseudonym as all women in karaoke bars and bath centers used fake names. “Alright, Ruby, it is. Why have you come to work here?” James continued. “I… I need to make money,” Ruby’s voice remained soft and tentative. Hearing this, James felt a protective urge. He gently said, “There are many ways to make money. Continuing in this line of work might ruin your life forever.” The girl twisted her fingers even tighter. With a ‘snap’ sound, two small wet spots appeared on her pants; she had started to cry. James frowned slightly and asked, “Is there some kind of trouble you’re in?” The girl nodded gently, then raised her hand to wipe her eyes, still keeping her head down, her hair covering her face thoroughly. James sighed. Although people often looked down on these women called “misses,” no girl was born to be one. Many were forced by circumstances, like this girl today doing this for the first time, very reluctantly. What about the second time, the third time? It would become a habit, a nature. Add to that being in such an environment, she would definitely degenerate. But who else would know she was once a pure girl? After Brandon finished singing, James clapped and praised him. Brandon returned to their table to continue drinking, while the two girls he brought grabbed the mic to sing. After a while of playing and heavy drinking, Brandon was getting handsy with the two women, and James could feel the girl next to him growing even more nervous. He said to Brandon, “Brother Dong, you enjoy yourself here. I’m taking her out.” “Ha, Mr. Cooper, you’re pretty eager. But letting such good company go to waste without having some fun would be a shame. I’ll get you a room now.” James shook his head. “No need, I’ll take her back to the warehouse, just to avoid any trouble later on.” Brandon swiftly stood up, “Then I’ll see you off.” “That’s not necessary, I know the way. I can walk back.” James looked at the girl still sitting with her head lowered, gently patted her shoulder, and said, “Let’s go.” The girl seemed to be pondering something; she absent-mindedly stood up with James and walked out of the private room. But as they reached the main hall of the karaoke bar, she suddenly paused, stepping back in panic, “Where are you taking me?” Finally, the girl lifted her head, and in the brightly lit hall, James saw her face for the first time. Even though James had seen many beauties, he was still stunned. The girl had an oval face, a bit emaciated with eyes like water brimming with mist and endless panic, resembling a frightened, helpless deer. While the girl wasn’t as stunningly beautiful as Gina Lopez and others, her vulnerable and helpless appearance was heart-wrenchingly touching, deeply stirring James’s soul. “What’s the matter? The guest is taking you out, why are you dawdling?” a security guard glared at her fiercely. The girl trembled and looked at James in fear, biting her lips tightly, her lower lip turning completely pale. James smiled lightly and said, “Come with me.” The girl stared at James for more than ten seconds, then slowly lowered her head again, tears streaming uncontrollably before she silently walked beside him. James turned and left the karaoke bar, with the girl slowly following him, resigning to her fate without any objection. Walking away from the bar, the cold and quiet of a winter’s night enveloped them, with hardly any pedestrians or vehicles on the street. Only the sound of their footsteps and the shadows under the streetlights, expanding and contracting, dreamlike and blurry, created a scene akin to a couple’s stroll. Yet, it was devoid of the warmth between lovers, instead filled with sadness and desolation.

Chapter 63 - 63 63 Karaoke Room

Comments (0)