Inferno Hearts | Xu Minghao

24. Beneath the Surface

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"Keeho, are you serious?" Nabi exclaimed, her shock evident in her tone.

"I'm not playing around, Nabi," Keeho responded firmly as he finished his joint. "This is the only job I can offer," he added, his tone resolute.

"Without any documents or identification, you won't be able to secure a job anywhere else," he replied, emphasizing the practical challenges Nabi faced.

"But Keeho, how could I possibly become a stripper? Have you even seen me?" Nabi's frustration resonated in her words as she confronted the reality of the situation.

Keeho's gaze swept over Nabi's body, from head to toe, before he responded, "I don't see any reason why you couldn't," he replied nonchalantly, rolling another joint as he spoke.

"I'm extremely thin," she began, a touch of exasperation in her voice. "What am I supposed to dance with? My bones?" she retorted, her frustration evident. Her words elicited a chuckle from Keeho.

"Thin girls are in demand, Nabi," Keeho replied, his gaze fixed on her as he took another puff from his joint.

Nabi closed her eyes for a brief moment, attempting to process the situation. It boiled down to this: either she took up Keeho's offer, or risked being discovered by either Minghao or her father. And that was the last outcome she desired.

"Come on, Nabi. You're in need of a job, and this is the only option I have for you," Keeho implored. "You can live with me while you work. Once you feel like you've earned enough, I'll help you make your way out of the country," he offered, his words carrying a mix of practicality and genuine concern.

"I don't know what to say, Keeho... I'm starting to think that stealing might not have been such a terrible choice," Nabi admitted, her conflicted emotions coming to the surface.

"Considering how well I know you, I bet if you went to steal, you'd leave a little note behind, apologizing," Keeho remarked, amusement lacing his words as he observed Nabi's expression.

Stepping closer to her, Keeho extinguished his joint and locked eyes with her. "Nabi, trust me, it's not as bad as you think. You'll have bodyguards around you at all times, you'll only dance in the VIP section, and the earnings are way more substantial than you might imagine," he said.

"I'll even let you choose your outfit, and if you're still not comfortable, I can offer the option of wearing a mask," he added, his tone a mix of reassurance and practicality.

"No one will lay a finger on you, I promise. I'll be there to ensure your safety," Keeho reassured her, his words carrying a sense of determination.

Nabi gazed at him, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon her shoulders. It was becoming clear that this might be her only viable option. Without any form of identification, finding a job elsewhere seemed almost impossible. And if she couldn't secure a source of income, how could she possibly afford to leave the country?

"Give me some time to think about it Keeho," she replied."Yeah, sure. Okay, let's take a break and order something to eat," Keeho suggested. "In the meantime, you can go take a shower and find some clean clothes in my closet," he added, his tone gentle and accommodating.

"Thank you," Nabi began, her voice carrying a depth of gratitude. "You're my way out of this, Keeho. I promise, once I regain my footing, I'll find a way to repay you," she expressed, a faint smile gracing her lips.