James walked along the riverbank, chatting with the two ladies and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
When he saw Monroe Anne's message asking to borrow money, he was a bit taken aback.
It was the first time he encountered a woman directly asking for 5 million.
And she seemed to imply that she'd be at his beck and call?
This was... quite something.
James chuckled to himself, intrigued by Monroe Anne's proposition. "Is 5 million enough? Send me your account number."
Monroe Anne was slightly stunned that he didn't ask any questions and appeared ready to transfer the money.
She quickly sent her account details, typing,
"That's enough. Thank you, Lord King. I'll find a way to repay you."
Soon after, her phone chimed with a notification of the fund transfer.
[Account ending 7350 credited with $8,000,000.00; balance 8,032,223.91 yuan.]
Just like that, with one simple message, the man had actually transferred 8 million to her?
Monroe Anne felt dazed, as if she were dreaming.
Staring at her phone, she composed a message of gratitude, unsure of what to say, deleting and retyping several times.
Then James sent a message: "No rush in repaying me. If you need more, just ask."
She froze, realizing that it was no wonder the women around him were so obedient, self-identifying as sisters or daughters.
This man was indeed a super-rich magnate.
Young, handsome, humble, and exceedingly wealthyâ
suddenly, Monroe Anne didn't find him as off-putting as before.
But the thought of essentially selling herself for money quelled the nascent fondness she felt.
[System Alert: Monroe Anne's Affection Level +20]
[Current Affection Level: 0]
...
After wandering for a bit, Amanda had to head to work at the bar, so she said her goodbyes to James.
Having just taken over the bar completely, she had a lot on her plate, needing a few days to sort everything out and select a new management team.
Amanda departed with Timmy.
James and Tailsa continued strolling down the riverside promenade like a couple, with Jay Johnson silently following behind. He was still relishing the memory of the delicious shrimp fried rice from the restaurant earlier.
Walking hand in hand with Tailsa, James exuded a noticeable change.
In the span of just two days, his awkwardness and cautiousness had faded.
With a gentle smile, he watched the vibrant world around him with interest.
The riverside promenade was bustling.
Brightly lit on both sides, the place was filled with countless street foodsâstinky tofu, skewers, takoyaki, grilled gluten...
A sea of people filled the area, creating a scene of bustling prosperity.
Such earthly delights were familiar to him.
But with a changed mindset, everything seemed more vivid.
The enthusiastic cries of the vendors, the laughter between couples, the play of children, and the sound of flowing waterâ
it was as if all worldly worries had vanished overnight, allowing him to savor the beauty of the world in peace.
James bought some snacks, eating them while observing the expressions of othersâjoy, anger, sorrow, and delightâfinding it all very amusing.
But Tailsa didn't share his leisurely disposition.
For her, such places teemed with danger, hidden traps ready to sabotage her efforts.
One moment's lapse, and she might have devoured several skewers or chicken legs before realizing it.
Earlier this year, she had sworn that if she didn't slim down to 100 pounds, her mother would explode.
To save her mom's life, she had to endure the temptation of so many delicious street foods.
Watching James enjoy his food made her mouth water, but she resisted.
"Just try a little. Once in a while won't hurt."
"No way, I won't let these two weeks of effort go to waste."
"Oh, come on, you'd still look stunning even with ten more pounds, and who knows, maybe it'll all go to your bust?"
"Haha, you sly old man."
"Don't worry, chicken is all protein; it won't make you fat."
"Emmm..."
Eventually, after James's coaxing, Tailsa couldn't resist and took a little taste of the sauce on a grilled sausage, easing her craving before handing it back to James.
James felt his mind run wild.
Whenever the campus beauty ate something, her lips were so enticing it made one's mind wander.
"Babe, come to the car with me."
How could Tailsa not understand his implication? She shot him a glance, huffing,
"No way, you haven't even showered."
James pulled her into an embrace, holding her delicate form close, whispering,
"Then let's head to the hotel now."
Tailsa wriggled playfully, pouting sweetly,
"Player! You act all prim and proper with Amanda around, but show your true colors as soon as she's gone."
With Tailsa feigning resistance in his arms, James led her towards the parking lot.
"Sweetheart, you teased me this afternoon, and I still haven't gotten over it."
Tailsa gave him a sidelong glance, replying with a simple,
"Hmph."
...
The next morning at nine, James awoke in the same four-star hotel as before.
Beside him lay the sleeping form of the campus belle, curled up comfortably.
Having been busy for four to five hours last night, they were both exhausted by the time they fell asleep.
Now she needed rest.
James, careful not to disturb her, quietly admired her beauty.
Her long lashes curled upwards, her fair complexion smooth and gentle,
the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest as she breathedâa truly captivating sight.
As James continued to gaze, the woman stirred and gradually awoke with a soft murmur.
Refreshed, James leaned back over her.
...
It was past ten when the two finally went downstairs for breakfast.
While the hotel's breakfast service had ended hours ago,
they still had a warm meal ready when James and Tailsa arrived.
Sipping on his soy milk, James pondered how the condoms hadn't been used last night and asked Tailsa,
"Tailsa, is it really okay?"
"It's my safe period these days, don't worry," Tailsa assured him, nonchalantly rubbing her stomach.
James didn't really understand that, but if she said it was fine, then so be it.
And even if something happened, he wasn't worried.
With so much wealth now, raising a child would be easy.