Chapter 20: Stage on the Sea
The taxi drove silently along the coastal highway, heading towards Odaiba Marina. Outside the window, the sunset was dyeing Tokyo Bay a brilliant orange-red, a breathtaking sight. But inside the car, the air was cold and tense, like a string about to snap. Troc sat upright, his hands clenched on his knees, his eyes staring blankly outside. He was wearing a well-fitted black suit, looking dapper but more like a soldier heading to battle than a party.
Linh sat beside her, in complete contrast. She leaned back in her chair comfortably, watching the sea with an indifferent look. She was also wearing a black dress, but it was a thin silk dress, the two straps hugging every curve of her body. She knew that under that dress, she was not wearing anything. She was preparing for her role.
The silence was broken by Linh’s phone ringing. She glanced at the screen, then pressed the answer button, turning on the speakerphone nonchalantly. It was Duc Anh calling.
“Are you going out, honey?” Duc Anh’s voice rang out, cheerful and full of meaning, as if he were sitting right in the car with them.
Troc was startled and turned to look at Linh with a reproachful gaze. But she just ignored him.
“Yes, I’m on my way to Mr. Troc’s yacht party,” Linh replied sweetly. “They want me to come along to ‘liven up the atmosphere’.”
“Awesome!” Duc Anh laughed loudly. “You see? You’re always the star of every party. I’m so proud of you.” He paused, then his voice became more serious, like a psychologist giving advice. “Listen Linh, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that you’re sacrificing, that you’re suffering for Troc, right?”
Linh was silent. That was exactly the reason she had made up to justify her actions.
“Don’t think like that,” Duc Anh continued, his voice full of magic, as if hypnotizing. “Don’t think of yourself as a victim. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself for anyone. Think of yourself as doing this for yourself. Because you like it. Because you want to explore your own limits. Immerse yourself in the game, enjoy it, control it. Only when you truly enjoy it, you are the one holding the power. Do you understand, my Queen? Show them your power.”
Duc Anh’s words were like a powerful stimulant, hitting Linh’s mind straight in the gut. He had given her permission, a release from the label of “noble sacrifice”. He had legitimized her desire. That’s right. I’m not a victim. I’m the controller. A cold, powerful smile appeared on her lips.
“I understand, honey. Thank you,” she said, then hung up.
She turned to look at Troc, who was staring at her with horror. He had heard the whole conversation. He had seen the mastermind at work. And he had seen the change in his sister’s eyes. They were no longer those of a resigned person, but those of a predator unleashed.
The luxurious white yacht was moored at the dock, standing out against the sunset. When Linh and Troc stepped onto the boat, they were greeted by Sato-san. He was wearing a comfortable yet expensive suit, a big smile on his face.
“Ah, Baldy-kun, Linh-san, welcome!”
He led them to the aft deck, where the party had already begun. Besides Suzuki-san, there were two other men. They were younger, around 40, dressed in stylish designer clothes, with expensive watches on their wrists. Their eyes were sharp, confident, and exuded the arrogance of the new upper class. They were not predictable old goats, but real wolves, more dangerous and unpredictable.
When they saw Linh, all four men were silent for a moment. She had changed her black dress into a bright red evening gown, the color of blood and power. The dress had a daring design, slit high up to the hips, revealing almost all of her long legs. The back was cut low to the waist, showing off her smooth bare back. She had sharp makeup, her lips were red like a ripe cherry. She was no longer Troc’s “friend”. She was a Queen, the most expensive gift of the party.
“This is Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Watanabe, our very important partners.” Sato-san introduced. The two men nodded, their eyes never leaving Linh’s body.
Baldy was introduced as “the person accompanying Linh-san to take care of her”. His role was no different from that of a bouncer or a manager. He had to stand in a corner, observing, ready to pour wine or get food when asked while his sister was the center of attention.
The party started with small talk. Tanaka and Watanabe used fluent English to flirt and probe Linh.
“Linh-san, you look absolutely stunning tonight. That dress is a work of art.” Tanaka said, looking at the high slit of the dress.
“Thank you, Tanaka-san. You’re too kind.” Linh smiled, sipping champagne.
“I heard from Sato-san that you are a very… hospitable person. We are very much looking forward to experiencing your hospitality.” Watanabe said, emphasizing the word “hospitality” in a subtle way.
Linh was not deterred. She responded intelligently and seductively, maintaining a distance that made the wolves even more eager to conquer her.
After a few rounds of wine, when the sun had completely set, leaving behind a sky full of stars, Sato-san clapped his hands to signal. “Ladies and gentlemen, the real party is now about to begin. To spice up the evening, we will have a little game.”
The group moved into a private lounge inside the yacht. The room was minimalist, furnished with leather and dark wood. In the center of the room was a special chair with a leather strap. On the table beside it were a few “toys”: a black silk blindfold, some soft rope, and a small, silver-handled whip.
Sato-san looked at Linh, the smile on his lips no longer friendly but naked desire. “Linh-san, the distinguished guests here all admire your courage and dedication. Would you be willing to join our game, to show them the wonderful hospitality of the Vietnamese people?”
Linh did not answer immediately. She glanced at Troc, who was standing frozen in the corner of the room, her eyes saying, “See? This is their world. And I will conquer it.” Then she turned back, smiled, and nodded slightly.
She took the initiative to step forward and sit on the chair. Suzuki-san, who seemed to be more knowledgeable, began to use rope to lightly tie her hands to the chair, a simple yet highly symbolic form of Shibari. Then, Watanabe came forward and gently blindfolded her with a black silk cloth.
Deprived of sight, all her other senses became extremely sharp. She heard the panting of the men around her, smelled their alcohol and expensive perfume. She felt the cold air from the air conditioner caressing her bare skin. She was no longer a sacrifice. She was in a meditative state of a giver, ready to receive everything. Duc Anh’s words echoed in her head: “Enjoy it.”
Four men surrounded her, like a pack of wolves circling their prey. The real game was about to begin. They began their first tentative touches. One of Tanaka’s fingers lightly slid along the slit of her skirt, from her ankle up to her groin, making Linh’s body shiver slightly. Watanabe leaned down, breathing hot, alcohol-scented breath on the back of her neck, then used his tongue to lightly lick the rim of her ear.
Linh bit her lip, trying to stay calm. Enjoy it. You are in control. She told herself.
Sato-san and Suzuki-san stood behind her. They didn’t touch her, just stood there, watching. Their silence was more terrifying than their touch. She felt their eyes stripping her bare, analyzing her every little reaction.
The tension was building to a breaking point. And then, it broke.