The hall was filled with beautiful women, some chatting, others sipping wine—tall, short, thin, and plump, all sorts were present.When Gao Yang and his companions entered, all the women stood up.
If this were a cocktail party, it would be normal to see many socialites, but those are invited guests, not like the women in Shava’s house who seem to have met their clients.
Shava’s house was decorated like a palace, which didn’t surprise Gao Yang too much, but turning a mansion into a place reminiscent of a brothel was beyond his understanding.
Seeing Gao Yang’s astonishment, Shava smiled smugly, gestured across the room full of women, and said triumphantly, "Boss! I specially invited these for you, I’ve brought the best from all of Kiev, so you must enjoy yourself to the fullest!"
Shava didn’t know that Gao Yang mentally categorized him under the tag of ’country bumpkin.’
At best, Shava could be considered a nouveau riche, and of the particularly low-end type—not particularly rich either. There are many wealthy people who know how to enjoy themselves, including Gao Yang, but he wouldn’t behave like Shava, it’s just too embarrassing.
It seems Shava’s time of wealth was too short, and not only did his social roots fail to fade, they became even more exaggerated with money.
But it must be said that Shava still had an eye for things; the forty to fifty women in the room were proficient in their fields and looked like they came from high-class venues. Although enthusiastic, they weren’t overly passionate. Overall, the ambiance was quite good.
But Gao Yang was a good man. Could he indulge in partying like this? Definitely not!
Gao Yang’s face felt warm, so he turned his head to find Rebrov and Joseph looking startled, while the veteran members of the White Shark Gang all had eager expressions.
This is all so chaotic!
Gao Yang scratched his head a little awkwardly.
Shava was getting anxious and loudly asked, "Boss, what’s wrong? Not satisfied? What type do you like? Tell me and I’ll get them right away. Just say the word, and I’ll find them for you."
Gao Yang sighed and helplessly said, "I like my girlfriend."
Shava waved his hand but then looked awkward and said, "Your girlfriend? Ah, um..."
Gao Yang laughed, "Don’t worry, just joking with you. Everyone can relax and pay no mind to me."
Shava looked confused, then cautiously said, "How about you pick a few first, boss? Otherwise, the brothers won’t know what to do, better for you to pick first, right?"
Gao Yang thought for a moment and realized if he acted too noble today, the rest wouldn’t enjoy themselves, so he said loudly, "You... what’s your name?"
Gao Yang still elegantly asked the name of a woman he found pleasant, then said to Shava, "I’ll chat with this lady. Everyone, just feel free. Relax."
"Only one? Alright, boss, as long as you’re happy. Brothers, drink with the boss!"
Rebrov was quite reserved, while Joseph, who now lacked any surprised look, stood slightly behind Gao Yang, wearing sunglasses indoors so no one could see his eyes.
The alcohol was already prepared, and Shava was never short of good drinks.
It was clear Shava had hosted such events in his mansion before. His buddies were quite accustomed to this setting, utterly relaxed. They all came from poor backgrounds, having carved their territory through risking their lives, looking prosperous now, though there’s no guarantee when they might fall, so every last drink was savored today.
After a few drinks, Gao Yang said to Rebrov, "Mate, you’ve been tense for a while, relax now, do whatever you want, no need to be so uptight."
Rebrov hesitated then quietly asked, "Is that okay?"
Shava laughed uproariously, "Of course! Why not? Here, do whatever you want! Brother, you’re free to do anything!"
Rebrov swallowed a few times, then suddenly said to Shava, "Give me a room..."
Shava looked surprised, "In such a rush? Haha, there are plenty of rooms, go upstairs, pick any bedroom you fancy!"
Rebrov quickly rushed off with four women.
Gao Yang was a bit speechless, although he understood that after being stuck in a tough place like Yemen for so long, anyone would be pent-up, but he hadn’t expected Rebrov to be so overt.
He glanced at Joseph, gesturing with his hand, "Aren’t you going? Oh, these are all my brothers here, you don’t have to worry about my safety."
It was clear Joseph was tempted but only hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, "No, I won’t go."
Gao Yang laughed, "It’s fine, don’t feel embarrassed, do what you want, we’re all men, I get it, and at other times I might have to..."
"Don’t say more!"
Joseph interrupted Gao Yang, sternly saying, "I’m your bodyguard, and my primary duty in any situation is to ensure your safety, under any circumstance! Especially in times like these, when you’re relaxing and rare enjoyment is possible, I must be more cautious and vigilant to guarantee your safety."
Gao Yang had indeed gotten used to sharing good times, and he felt it was challenging for him to indulge while his brothers were just standing by to protect him at safe places and times.
Seeing Gao Yang about to persuade again, Joseph said sternly, "It’s a fundamental part of my professional ethics as a bodyguard, please don’t undermine my professionalism."
Gao Yang spread his hands and said helplessly, "We didn’t bring guns, are you feeling uneasy without one here?"
Joseph nodded, "Certainly, having a gun is better."
Gao Yang turned to Shava, "Brother, my bodyguard’s got this professional hang-up; we didn’t bring guns along, could you find a pistol for him? Otherwise he’ll feel uncomfortable."
Shava immediately shouted, "Someone, go to my room and fetch a few guns, quick."
In no time, several guns were presented before Gao Yang, along with a heap of magazines. Gao Yang beckoned Joseph, "Take your pick, hope this makes you feel safer, then you’re free to do whatever."
Throughout dinner, Joseph kept his distance, remaining detached from everyone while staying behind Gao Yang. He was never too close to cause discomfort or draw unwanted attention but also never too far to swiftly protect Gao Yang.
Gao Yang’s drinking was moderate, he always restrained himself around alcohol, as it’s definitely a taboo for a marksman.
When the drinking had mostly wrapped up, Shava, slightly slurred, said to Gao Yang, "Boss, we won’t delay your rest any longer, the entire second floor is yours, nobody but your people will go there, and of course, whoever you fancy can go up with you."
Gao Yang started ascending to the second floor, unaccompanied, but while holding onto the staircase railing, he quietly said to Joseph, "Don’t say I don’t look out for you. You know my gunmanship, I’ll protect myself for an hour, since bodyguards need breaks too, so if you plan on doing something, this is your best chance."
Joseph swallowed hard and finally asked quietly, "What about you?"
Gao Yang shrugged and chuckled quietly, "I told you I like my girlfriend, so no woman here can entice me. I’ll give you an hour, then I’ll sleep."
Joseph took off his sunglasses, wiped his face, and muttered quietly, "Never met a boss like you, fine, actually I, well, indeed, cough, cough, that Rebrov guy, this..."
Gao Yang said helplessly, "What are you trying to say?"
Joseph scratched his head, hesitantly said, "This, I think an hour might not be enough, it’s been so long, you know."
Gao Yang laughed, "Alright, I understand, I’ll give you more time, just let me know when you’re done so I can sleep. I appreciate your persistence, so let’s say I indulge in unnecessary things for now."
Joseph quickly said, "Thanks! You’re such a great boss, I’ll be as quick as I can, I promise I’ll be quick!"