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.”

didn’t argue. He simply pulled out 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

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wandered through the night market, picked up a few quirky trinkets, and finally made my way home around

rain was about to fall. A cold breeze

when

saw nothing out of

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

the space into near darkness. I felt my heart race as I climbed.

I

moment, my scalp tingling with fear. The footsteps

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

burst of courage, and I

behind me

breath, I asked in a shaky voice, “Who’s

response. The

to stay calm and

echoed back, “It’s me.”

was familiar, and a figure stepped closer.

explanation, “Your blind date from the café

only met once, and now

could barely make out his outline. He wasn’t close

keys tighter, I mustered the courage to ask, “Why

to make sure you got home safely. It’s not safe for a woman to be walking alone at night.”

the absurdity of

this had scared me out of my wits, and he thought that

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

evenly. “But I’m

a bit thirsty. Could I have

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< Chapter 97

pathetic, and it made his

firmly. “It’s too late. This isn’t a good time.”

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

chills down my spine.

back,” I warned, my voice