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.”

longer, thinking

30.31%

< Chapter 97

at her

Get 5*

Menu

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

if rain was about to fall. A cold breeze sent a chill down my spine as I stepped

uneasy, I instinctively hunched my shoulders. That’s when I felt it–a pair of eyes

saw nothing out of the

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

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

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

my scalp tingling with fear. The footsteps were slow, deliberate,

my bag tightly, holding my car key between my fingers like a weapon. If

about that gave me a burst

behind me stopped as well.

I asked in a shaky voice,

was no response. The silence was deafening.

calm and shouted louder, “Who

echoed

was familiar, and a figure stepped closer.

date

it. We’d only met once, and now he was following me? My fear turned into

He wasn’t close enough for me to see his face clearly, but his presence was

mustered the courage to ask, “Why are you

you got

at the absurdity of

this had scared me out of my wits, and he

now wouldn’t help either. I needed to stay calm

said evenly. “But I’m

“I’m a bit thirsty. Could I have some water?”

15:27

30.21%

< Chapter 97

and it made his intentions clear.

even tighter, I refused firmly. “It’s

Get 5

Menu

he said, stepping even closer. “You’re going to date

chills down my

my