Chapter 3

Because of Finn, it took me over an hour to return to the city. Apart from the 1 million yuan and high delivery fee, I made nothing today. After the dinner rush, I ended my workday and rode my little scooter home.

By the time I got back, my parents had already eaten, leaving my portion in a simple dish to keep warm. To save electricity, they only had one lamp on and were doing handicrafts together.

During the day, my mom worked as a waitress, and my dad drove for a ride-sharing service. At night, they did crafts, planning to sell them at a stall once they had enough. This high-intensity life barely covered the rent for our shabby place, our daily expenses, and the monthly loan shark payments.

I greeted them softly and sat down to eat. Mom had made bean sprouts and tomato tofu, and the plate was still half full. No matter how tough things got, they always tried to give me the best. I quickly finished my meal and went to join them.

Such an intense lifestyle barely managed to cover the rent for this rundown house, our daily expenses, and the monthly visits from the loan shark.

I greeted them softly and sat down at the dining table to eat alone.

Today, Mom made stir-fried bean sprouts and tomato tofu. More than half was still left on the plate. No matter how tough life was, they always tried to give me the best.

I quickly ate up the food and walked over to them.

This was one of the few happy moments for our family of three since moving into this shabby house.

I took out the 1 million check I got from Finn and gently placed it in front of Dad.

Seeing the number, Dad's eyes filled with panic as he grabbed my hand.

"Tell me honestly, where did this money come from? Please don't do anything foolish, Adeline. We can repay the money slowly. Don't let this ruin your life!"

Dad's hand trembled with anxiety and worry. His eyes, once bright and confident, had become dim and cloudy, with tears barely held back.

"Dad, don't overthink it. I delivered food to Finn's house today, and he gave this to me."

I left out the more delicate details about the 1 million when explaining it to Dad.

"Alright, alright, as long as you're okay."

Dad sat back down on the bench, trembling as he picked up the 1 million check again, letting out another sigh.

"Finn has a good heart. Ever since our family had troubles, those so-called old friends of mine have avoided me completely. They even let you down. With your high education, you couldn't even find a decent job. I'm sorry, my child."

I quickly stopped Dad from continuing.

"Alright, Dad. Just think about how you plan to use this 1 million. I need to rest now."

I believed that in the hands of someone who once built such a powerful business empire, this money would be put to good use.

I went to the less than 3-square-meter bathroom to wash away the day's dirt and fatigue. I threw my yellow vest into the washing machine and took out a new one.

Even though life had taken away my comforts, I still hoped to find solace in small details.

I soon fell into a dreamless sleep, worrying about how to repay Finn. Little did I know that Finn's troubles were not that simple.

The next morning, to catch the breakfast delivery rush, I left early with a piece of bread in my mouth.

I skillfully hopped on my electric scooter, opened the delivery app, quickly snagged a few orders I could handle, and rushed to pick up the food.

So when Finn's call appeared on my phone again, I hesitated.

I didn't know how to face someone I grew up with, especially after impulsively taking his 1 million. This call might be his way of addressing the situation. But the money was taken, and there was no way to avoid the matter.

Finn's persistent calls severely affected my delivery speed. I decided to just block him.

But I underestimated Finn's determination to find me.

He placed countless errand orders on the delivery platform, each offering a 1000 delivery fee. His only requirement was for the delivery person to find a female delivery person named Adeline and personally deliver to his address.

A 1000 delivery fee! Even a top delivery person couldn't earn that in a day without eating or drinking.

Usually, the order hall was emptier than my stomach, but today there were plenty of orders. I even had the luxury to choose. Just when I was happy about today's influx, our team's top delivery person contacted me.

"Hey Adeline, this order seems to be looking for you."

After finishing my last order, I finally had time to check my phone and see the message he sent me.

Seeing the familiar address, I felt faint.

"You know, there are many such orders now. A lot of people are looking for you. You've been good to me, so can I take this one?"

Before I could faint completely, the top guy sent another message.

He really had been good to me, teaching me how to snag orders, showing me where to find delivery hotspots, and helping me navigate shortcuts in the city.

The delivery folks I met were all kind-hearted, without prejudice or disdain. Their help allowed me to at least cover the cost of renting the battery and have some savings.

"Alright, I'll go with you."

If I didn't go, Finn would find another way to find me. I might as well see what he wanted.

"Thanks, Adeline. With this delivery fee, I can take two days off."

In just one day, I crossed the familiar yet distant place I once knew so well.

24 hours later, I stood before Finn again. His expression looked like he wanted to devour me, but the presence of the delivery guy stopped him from confronting me like we used to as kids.

"Boss, is this the person you were looking for?"

The delivery guy didn't notice the tension in the air and asked eagerly.

"Yes, it's her."

"Okay, I'll mark it as delivered. Thanks, boss. Thanks, boss. Adeline, I'll head off now. With this 1000, I'm done for the day. You take care and don't work too late."

"Thanks, man."

I smiled and waved him off.

"Have you seen enough?"

I turned around, and Finn was glaring at me with gritted teeth.

"Master Finn, what's the big fuss about looking for me? Let me clarify, yesterday's money is spent, so if you want money, I don't have it. But if you're offering the same price as yesterday, I'll try to earn more."

I grinned slyly, staring at yesterday's handiwork. Finn still had marks on his neck from yesterday.

Honestly, I did have feelings for Finn; otherwise, I wouldn't have put so much effort into kissing him.

"Adeline! How did you become such a scoundrel? You're so gentle with the delivery guy, but so harsh to me. Not just harsh, but you also... took advantage of me."

"Master Finn, you said I get 10,000 for a kiss, and you didn't say there's a limit. It's more the merrier. If you want more, I'm available."

Finn's face turned beet red, filled with embarrassment and confusion.

I knew what he wanted to ask, but this was the only way to make Finn hate me, to make him loathe me.

I'm an insatiable void. Dad's loan shark debt keeps growing, and the back pay hasn't been settled.

Now I owe Finn 1 million. I had no choice but to take the money because our shattered home couldn't endure another visit from the loan shark.

Finn remained silent, so I clenched my fists, resolved to approach him.

"Master Finn, is there more business today? Or does it need some cuddling?"

I teasingly whispered close to his ear.

He had a familiar scent, a cologne I specifically brought back for him from abroad.

He once mocked my taste, but the sharp fragrance now filled my nostrils with his tense breaths.

He instinctively pushed me to the ground.

"Adeline, enough! You..."

His chest heaved violently, taking several breaths before suppressing his anger.

"Master Finn, if you have no other business, I'll leave. You've already taken up too much of my time."

I tried to sound cold and disagreeable, slowly getting up from the ground, brushing off nonexistent dust.

"Wait, I have a new business proposition for you."

It looks like I didn't receive the text you wanted me to translate. Could you please send it again so I can help you with it?

6

I looked into his serious eyes, unsure of what new plan Finn was concocting.

"What?"

Even though I was determined to cut ties with Finn, those sparkling eyes made it hard to say anything insincere.