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.”

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 before heading out myself. That evening, I decided to take my time before heading home. Nora was working the

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crash at

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

breeze sent a chill down my spine as I stepped out of my car.

shoulders. That’s when

but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Still, the unease quickened my steps as I hurried into the building

lights were out, casting the space into near darkness.

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

scalp tingling with fear. The footsteps were slow,

my car key between my fingers like a weapon. If someone

about that gave me a burst of courage, and I stopped

footsteps behind me

asked in a

response. The silence was

myself to stay calm and shouted louder, “Who is

echoed back, “It’s

was familiar, and

explanation, “Your blind date

met once, and now he was following

was so dark that I could barely make out his outline. He wasn’t close

the courage to ask, “Why are you following me?”

misunderstand,” he said quickly. “I mean no harm. I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. It’s not safe for a woman to be walking alone

laughed at the absurdity of his words.

had scared me out of my wits, and

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

for your concern,” I said evenly. “But I’m

closer. “I’m a bit thirsty. Could I

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< Chapter 97

and it made

firmly. “It’s too

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said, stepping even closer. “You’re going to date me, so what’s

tone sent chills down my spine.

my