Chapter 67: The deal is done

I sat across from Professor Orlando and fell into silence.
When I lifted my eyes to look at the professor again, my eyes had regained their clarity.
I gave the professor a big smile and said, "Professor Orlando, you didn't just want to talk about that today, did you?"
The professor looked at me with a softer gaze when he saw how I looked.
"I like you a lot, I think you fit my aesthetic needs perfectly, and I'm just short of a model who can show off the clothes I design."
At this point, Professor Orlando paused for a moment, looking at me not really reacting, before continuing.
"So I want to invite you to be my model, and I've discovered through today's session that you have a talent for fashion design, which reinforces my desire to hire you."
Although I acted very calm, my heart was not; I was surprised by Professor Orlando's investigation of me, but also worried that the agreement between Damon and I had been discovered by the professor, or perhaps I was more worried about the professor finding out about my part-time job as a stripper.
Professor Orlando, seeing that I had been silent for a long time, spoke up, "I'm offering you a substantial price, or rather, we can offer you payment in the form of a dividend."
I have to say that this offer from Professor Orlando was still very tempting, I had secretly googled the prices of the clothes since the last time Damon had purchased them for me and I felt in awe at the price of each one.
"Let me think about it." Of course, I was tempted to just say yes to the professor's offer, but I knew better than to make some money-losing deal.
Professor Orlando probably read my mind and once again rolled out his chips.
"I'll give you time to think about it, except that you can at least decide now to get Eric better treatment, Damon has promised me a lot of unequal treaties in order to get treatment for Eric from me."
Professor Orlando was devoid of the gentle joviality of a moment ago, and the glint in his eyes was clearly that of an experienced businessman.
I was silent.
How could Professor Orlando, who was in charge of the previous generation of the Van Dom Hew family, be able to see through me, a mere 19 year old girl, if he wanted to reckon with me?
"I see, no need to think about it. I'm glad to be the professor's model." I sat up straight, showing my most confident smile and using my most sincere tone of voice.
In the midst of speculation and doubt, I chose the third option, which was to move forward, retreating has never been my character.
Of course, Eric's condition could not be delayed any longer, and was the main reason that prompted me to agree to this.
So that I could quit my job as a stripper and I would no longer be the one living under a mask.
Once I learned that I liked Damon, I could no longer feel comfortable with what the stripper job entailed, and I simply could not tolerate the men looking at me with dirty eyes that made me think I was being tainted.
"Sure is the boy I have my eye on, so good luck with our future together. I'll have Damon personally arrange for Eric's transfer down there."
Professor Orlando was so pleased with my performance that he held out his hand to me, signaling a handshake.
This friendly handshake, I believe, will also start a whole new life for me.
"I hope to work well together in the future, too."
It's a win-win deal, and I'm completely free from the shackles of raising money for surgery.
After saying goodbye to Professor Orlando, I returned to my small apartment.
On the way home, I made a trip to the library and borrowed a lot of information about costume design and how to become a competent model.
Whenever I decide to do something, I will give it my all.
Not to mention, I now have a platform to present myself that looks so good.
I also learned about Professor Orlando's attainments in the field of fashion by reviewing information online, which made me admire Professor Orlando even more.
When I got back to the apartment I got a call from Damon.
"All the paperwork for the transfer here has been done, Eric has been successfully transferred, next time you visit Eric go directly to the new hospital. I've sent you the address and ward number via text message."
Many times one has to marvel at Damon's efficiency, perhaps that's why he's been able to be so successful now.
"Thank you." I sounded very sincere.
　On the subject of Eric, I am very grateful to Professor Orlando and Damon.
"There's no need for words of thanks between us, and it's just a small thing." Damon's voice was calm, but I could still hear the hidden emotions in his voice; he didn't seem comfortable being thanked.
"Oh, you're shy." I said with certainty.
"I ...... I heard that my father went to see you today?" Damon didn't bother with my teasing and asked me another question, still sounding very nervous.
"Who are you talking about, I've seen a lot of people today." It was the first time I heard Damon in such a difficult mood, plus I was in a good mood, so naturally I couldn't let this opportunity to tease Damon go.
"Damn! It's Professor Orlando, what's he going to do with you?" Damon cursed over the phone.
"Talk to me about a business deal." I deliberately didn't tell Damon what I'd been talking about with the professor.
　And I remembered Professor Orlando's mention of signing many unequal treaties with Damon, and although my heart was very curious to open my mouth and ask about it, I finally restrained myself from gossiping.
"You're talking business with him? I'm afraid he'll sell you out without you even knowing it." Damon heard my reply and laughed softly, obviously laughing at my stupidity.
"That would have nothing to do with you." While I understood Damon's attempt to show concern, I wasn't used to his lecturing me tone.
　After hanging up the phone, I received the address of the hospital where Eric was, packed up, and set out to visit Eric, and to calm him down, I hadn't seen him since I got back from this resuscitation.
The Van Dom Hevel family hospital, a long way from my current neighborhood, is the best equipped hospital in the city, and comes with a pretty hefty medical bill. It's a hospital for the rich, and I used to go here as a kid.
Only this time stepping back into the hospital's doors brought a different state of mind.
The hospital does not use high-profile decoration, but every detail is designed to be very user-friendly.