Before long, a different girl did the same, and another and another and another. They changed several times during my stay. It seemed that different costumes were designed to meet the diff erent needs of diff erent customers.
When Mei changed hers, she was embarrassed by my presence. Her eyes met mine once or twice, assuming an explanation. As soon as her lips parted, she was called out. Before my departure and her dashing out, however, Mei managed to say, “If there is no business, we just tuck up in bed all day. But tonight is too busy. Life is survival. You can understand my circumstances, right?”