Andini was terrified because Abian's death had caused a stir among the villagers due to the tragic nature of his demise. Suspicions of murder were mounting, especially since Abian's family was wealthy and wouldn't hesitate to pay the police to solve the case. Yogi also heard the news of his friend's passing and was shocked, yet a part of him felt relieved because he no longer had to repay the three million rupiah debt he owed Abian – money borrowed for gambling and alcohol. So now, Yogi felt free from the debt, but he still tried to appear sorrowful in front of his friends, a group of seven including himself.
Many people attended the funeral because the deceased was the child of a wealthy family, but Andini didn't go because she was too afraid to be there. Mbah Karso had told her that no one could ever know she was the one who had taken Bian's life. The image of Bian's face as he died, his manhood mutilated by Andini's shellfish, was still vivid in her mind. She couldn't pull it out because the shellfish had latched on with incredible strength, refusing to let go until the organ was severed at its base.
"Aren't you going to the funeral, Sis?" Salsa asked her older sister.
"I'm not feeling well, so I won't go," Andini replied, looking at her thirteen-year-old sister.
"I'll go then," Salsa offered.
"Yogi is already there. I'm worried if you go alone," Andini said, anxious.
"Oh, right. I'll tidy up the kitchen first," Salsa said. She was better than Yogi because she didn't fall in with the wrong crowd.
Watching Salsa, fear crept into Andini's heart. She was terrified that her sister might follow in her footsteps, and her biggest fear was that Yogi would violate Salsa too. Just the thought terrified Andini, and a plan began to form in her mind to make Yogi the scapegoat. However, she felt a pang of pity when she thought of her own mother, who would be devastated if Yogi died.
Andini's mind was in turmoil. Now she was faced with an incredibly difficult choice. Yogi could take advantage of Salsa, who was just as beautiful as Andini, at any moment. Then an idea struck her: to make Yogi leave the village and move far away. Maybe he would come to his senses, or at least Salsa would be safe from him.
"Give me money!" Yogi demanded as soon as he got home, thrusting out his hand.
"Get a job if you want money!" Andini snapped.
"Oh, you dare defy me! I'll sell you to those people again," Yogi threatened.
Crash!
Yogi's head was met with the glass Andini had been drinking from. The young man was instantly enraged. A hard slap landed on his sister's cheek, making her cry out.
"Yogi!"
Rita, witnessing the altercation, rushed to Andini's aid as she fell from her brother's blow. She felt a surge of pity for Andini. If only she were wealthy, she would help this family every day.
"Avoid arguing with him. Yogi's mind is messed up from drugs," Rita advised.
"Can I leave Mom and Salsa with you tonight, Mbak?" Andini pleaded.
"Why? Does Yogi hurt them too?" Rita asked, alarmed.
"No, it's not that, Mbak! I'll pay you. I'm afraid Yogi might lose control and... rape Salsa," Andini whispered.
Rita covered her mouth, realizing the same fear had crossed her mind. It was indeed dangerous for Salsa, as Yogi, with his mind clouded by drugs and alcohol, could easily assault her.
"I'll pay you fifty thousand each night, Mbak. My income is pretty good now," Andini explained.
"Fifty thousand? Can you afford that much?" Rita asked, surprised.
"Yes, I can earn a lot of money if I get a lot of tips," Andini lied.
Rita wasn't wealthy either, so she reluctantly agreed to be paid by Andini to watch over Salsa and Bu Semah. After all, they were still relatives since Bu Semah and Rita's mother were cousins. Andini felt relieved to have found someone to look after Salsa and her mother while she was working.
…****…
"If you never eat the food on the table... 🎶🎶🎶
Andini sang with a decent voice, though it wasn't exceptional. Most village singers didn't have great voices; what people wanted were curvaceous bodies and the ability to dance provocatively on stage in flashy outfits—the hallmark of dangdut singers. They swayed enticingly, captivating the men.
The Goat Trader climbed onto the stage and danced alongside Andini, his hands filled with red bills that he slipped one by one into her grasp. In an instant, two million rupiah had changed hands. However, this tip money would be shared with the musicians. Other singers had to fend for themselves.
That was how it worked in the dangdut scene. If they got two million, it would be split between the organ owner and the player. Andini would only receive a small portion, around two hundred thousand, as the owner took the lion's share.
"I want you to come with me. Is that possible?" the Goat Trader whispered as they danced.
"I charge thirty million. I guarantee satisfaction, and you'll be back for more," Andini stated her price directly.
The Goat Trader was taken aback by the price Andini had set. Thirty million for just one night? How many goats would he have to sell to afford that?
"I'll wait until the event is over," the Goat Trader finally agreed.
"Let's go now. I already have the money to pay Bang Am," Andini urged, referring to the money she had received as tips.
"So, thirty million for just one round?" the Goat Trader asked, surprised.
"Yes. Just enjoy it first, and you'll know what it's like," Andini whispered, leaving the stage.
The Goat Trader reached for his bag, where he kept his stamina pills. He couldn't afford to finish too quickly after paying thirty million. He needed those pills to ensure a proper performance.
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