More Than A Favor

Chapter 97

Gers*

“There haven’t been many,” the man said, referring to his “clients.” “Mainly because dating is about finding a like–minded partner.”

I almost laughed.

Like–minded?

He clearly just wanted to find someone who could contribute to his profits.

People often said jobs were hard to find these days, but if you used your brain, there were plenty of ways to make money with minimal investment. Clearly, he had cracked the code.

“So, miss,” he asked again, “have you decided whether to rent me as your boyfriend or to try dating me

for real?”

I pressed my lips together, keeping silent. He sipped his coffee elegantly, as if he had all the time in the world.

“A smart woman would choose to date me,” he continued, his tone confident. “That way, you don’t have to pay, and if it doesn’t work out, you can simply break up.”

“And wouldn’t you lose out if everyone thought that way?” I stirred my coffee absentmindedly.

“Not everyone gets this chance,” he replied smoothly. “I have standards too. I choose my clients based on their conditions.”

Ah, I understood now. He was interested in me because he thought I met his “standards.” This wasn’t just business–it was a cost–free trial for him.

“Do you offer any VIP discounts for the services you mentioned?” I asked, amused. His prices weren’t exactly modest.

Holding hands alone would cost me quite a bit. If I rented him to go to the Mercer estate, I’d have to act affectionate in front of Logan.

“No,” he said flatly. “No bargaining.”

I nodded. “I understand your terms. I’ll need some time to think it over. In the meantime, feel free to accept other offers. If someone else suits you better, don’t hesitate to decline mine.”

As I said this, it dawned on me that this wasn’t a date. It was a business negotiation.

He looked at me seriously. “I genuinely want to work with you.”

“Your conditions meet my needs too, but I’d like to see a few more candidates before making a decision,” I said, adopting the tone of an experienced negotiator.

“Alright,” he said with a small smile. “I’ll wait for your good news.”

He raised his hand to call the waiter over. “The bill, please, including this lady’s,” he said politely.

I shook my head. “No need. We can split it.”

his phone to scan the payment code, nodded politely, and left. I lingered in the café for a bit longer, thinking over the strange encounter before heading out myself. That evening, I decided to

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at her

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quick dinner, wandered through the night market, picked up a few quirky trinkets, and

fall. A cold breeze sent a chill down my spine as I stepped

shoulders. That’s when I felt it–a pair of eyes watching me.

around but saw nothing out of the

told myself. Still, the unease quickened my steps as I hurried into the building and

lights were out, casting the space into near darkness. I felt my heart race

second floor, I heard it–the sound of footsteps behind me.

fear. The footsteps were slow, deliberate, and

my bag tightly, holding my car key between my fingers like a weapon. If someone tried to attack me, I’d aim straight

about that gave me a burst of courage, and

footsteps behind me

in a shaky

The silence was

calm and shouted louder, “Who

voice echoed

familiar, and a figure

explanation, “Your blind date from the café this

once, and now

barely make out his outline. He wasn’t close enough for

mustered the courage

sure you got home safely. It’s not safe for a woman to

almost laughed at the absurdity

scared me out of my wits, and

enough to believe him. But provoking him now wouldn’t help either. I needed to stay calm until I could ensure

evenly. “But I’m home now. You can leave.”

of leaving, he stepped closer. “I’m a bit thirsty. Could

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< Chapter 97

was pathetic, and it made his

refused firmly. “It’s too

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even closer. “You’re going to date me, so what’s the inconvenience?”

tone sent chills

my voice trembling but firm.