Every month on the first night, at eight o'clock, I appear right on time at the Zhou family’s front door.

My period is more accurate.

Zhou Sao led me through the garden, fragrant with gardenias. We then passed the incense-filled hall shrouded in mist.

Old Mrs. Zhou was kneeling before the Buddha, bowing her head and reciting scriptures.

I always look like this when I come.

I don't even know what to ask for. The Zhou family has everything, both fame and fortune. They have many grandchildren, and the Zhou family is also very prosperous.

Zhou Sao brought me to the foot of the stairs and left, saying: "Master is in the study."

When I passed by the study, I didn't go in.

I know this isn't where I came in, he'll go back to his room when he's done.

The scent of flowers drifted from the garden into the room. On the large bed in the bedroom lay a set of thin, light pajamas.

Zhou Sucheng likes champagne. Every time he comes to see me, he brings champagne for me to sleep with.

Different types of champagne, deep and light, long and short.

I understand all the processes.

I went to take a bath in the bathroom. The water was already running, with rose petals floating on the surface. I dipped my finger into the tub and smelled it – it was still rose oil.

His preferences remain unchanged forever.

After I showered and dried my hair, I was applying a rose-scented lotion when Zhou Sucheng came in.

I saw him in the mirror on my dressing table. He walked like a graceful cat, light as a feather, making not a sound.

He walked up behind me, took the rose from my hand, and poured a handful of water into his palm. He then began to gently massage my back with it.

His palms were warm and his touch was light. I don't know if I should compliment him on having the potential to be a masseuse.

I didn't say anything because I had never joked with him before.

Or perhaps we haven't said much to each other.

His hand traveled from the back of my neck down my spine to the small of my back, then he scooped me up at the waist and threw me onto the bed.

When his clothes came down to me, I glanced at the clock on the wall.

9:15 on the dot.

His kiss landed softly on my lips, and at this moment, I couldn't help but wonder how he controlled time so precisely.

Every time I come here and sleep with him, it's basically this time.

Just like every one of his moves, he gets it so right.

Neither light nor heavy, it lets me fight to hold back from speaking, but I can't control my rapid breathing.

Everything is just right.

At 9:40, he left from me upstairs. One minute later, I heard the sound of water coming from the bathroom.

While he was taking a bath, I paced the floor, straightening myself up.

Ten minutes later, he came out of the bathroom with damp breaths and hair. Water was still dripping from it.

He put on a shirt after putting on his bathrobe for me.

His back was straight and graceful.

My phone just rang.

I glanced at the numbers in the text message. There weren't many, but not few either.

Enough to cover my boyfriend Wen Ran's hospital fees, my sister's tuition, and for me to hire an expensive dance teacher to continue my dance career, plus rent money.

After all these are taken away, there may still be a surplus. I will keep it for future use.

I put down my phone and said in a low voice, “Thank you, Mr. Zhou.”

Then he was about to get into bed, but as soon as his foot went into his shoe, he was already straightening his tie in front of the full-length mirror.

I'll be out in a bit, you can stay here tonight.

(Editor in charge:half his age: a novel jennette mccurdy)