Chapter 65
A few minutes later, she calmed down. I pulled her to sit on the bed and lit a cigarette. "So, tell me, what happened?"
Damn, I really didn't want to ask this, but since I'm a good person, I had to get to the bottom of it, right?
She wiped her tears. "Half a year ago, my father was put under investigation and sentenced to ten years. My mother couldn't handle the pressure, had a mental breakdown, and jumped off a building. She's now paralyzed from the waist down. My brother was in a car accident and is now in a wheelchair. My job at the company barely covers the expenses."
"Every day, it's at least a thousand bucks, totaling thirty thousand a month. I didn't want to be someone's mistress, so I took on a part-time job through a colleague's introduction."
She spoke so simply, but I couldn't help but sigh deeply. She had once been so proud, but now she was so desperate.
As she described it, it was truly despairing.
"Why don't you open a dance training center since you're such a good dancer?"
"No money," she said with a bitter smile. "And my father had offended many people in the past. They were the ones who caused the accident that injured my brother. I can't draw too much attention to myself, or else it's over for my mom and brother."
"With your family in such a state, won't they go to extremes?"
"I can't take that risk," she said, looking helpless.
"But this isn't a solution in the long run," I exhaled a puff of smoke. "In this kind of place, it's inevitable to compromise eventually, enjoy a couple of years of youth, and then what? Mary a decent person?"
"That doesn't sound like you," I said.
I believed most of what she said. Just based on her circumstances, earning tens of thousands a month as a mistress would be quite easy.
Being someone's lover is still better than being a prostitute for many.
But she didn't choose that path, which spoke volumes.
"I don't know. The future seems bleak. I've lost all my pride, and life has worn me down to the point where I can't breathe."
She took the cigarette from my mouth. "Maybe one day I won't be able to hold on anymore and will jump from a tall building with my mom and brother."
I lit another cigarette, and a sudden idea formed in my mind.
"How much money would it take to open a dance training center now?" I asked.
"I've never done it," she shook her head and continued, "But I had a rough idea. Around a hundred thousand would suffice for a small studio. The main expenses are venue rental and labor costs, and the work is usually done in partnership with friends."
"Most have a changing room and a practice room."
"A mid-sized one needs at least twenty thousand, including a changing room, practice room, and a cleaning room. Plus, advertising and hiring teachers cost another thirty thousand. Renovation brings it up to forty thousand."
"The costs can go higher. The dance training center I used to attend covered an area of 1,500 square meters and had a great location. The annual rent alone was one to two million, not to mention labor costs. It's impossible to start without five to six million dollars."
I was amazed at how expensive it was to open a dance training center.
"What if I opened a dance studio and hired you? Would you come?" I asked.
"If I were to open a dance training center, would you come if I invited you?"
She stared at me intently, sizing me up. "Have you struck it rich?"
"Forget about that. Just tell me if you would come."
"You really have struck it rich."
She stubbed out her cigarette. "Are you trying to keep me?"
"I can't afford to keep anyone, and you're underestimating yourself too much."
I smiled, "If we were to open a more ordinary dance training center, and I asked you to be the manager with a ten percent share, would you be willing to come?"
"I haven't danced in half a year, you know?" she replied.
"You've been learning for over twenty years. Did you completely forget it in just half a year?"
"Aren't you afraid I might bring trouble to you?"
"I am, but I'm willing to take a gamble. Since they hit your brother, they haven't made a move on you. I guess they've let you go. After all, you're just a woman. Though you're quite attractive, you can't stir up much trouble."
I added, "I'm acting on impulse now. If you don't agree, I'll probably regret it tomorrow."
I could earn a commission of 320 grand from Edward's project. Instead of sitting idle, it was better to explore new paths.
I couldn't work as an employee forever; I had to prepare an alternative for myself.
"Do you trust me this much?"
"Of course, you're my class monitor."
I chuckled, "The choice is yours. You can stick to your principles here or step out for a different life."
"I've made up my mind. I can agree, but I want twenty percent ownership."
She smiled and said, "If you can accept that, I'll go with you."
Twenty percent meant a substantial sum.
"Alright, I agree!" I extended my hand, and she did the same. Just as I was about to say, 'Let's cooperate happily,' she pounced on me, pushing me onto the bed.
"You..."
My words were swallowed, or rather, she swallowed them.
Her kiss was wild and passionate, but her teeth occasionally grazed my lips, causing me to wince. I knew she was a bit rusty or inexperienced.
It was hard to find a virgin these days. I preferred to believe she was just too excited and lost control.
Her tender hands roamed over my body, igniting a fiery spark wherever they touched..
"Lucy, Lucy..."
I struggled to push her away and asked, "Why?"
Tears fell on my face, her hair scattered over me, making me feel itchy.
"Thank you, John," she cried. "I never expected that in this situation, it would be you who stepped forward to save me."
"Those who once swore to stay by my side fled. Even my best friend has become distant. Relatives and friends treat us like a cursed family. Only you were willing to lend a hand. I don't care about your motives, but I'm grateful."
"I..."
Before I could speak, she covered my mouth.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, salty. I felt like I was about to explode.
No... this couldn't happen!
If I really had a relationship with Lucy, our bond would no longer be pure.
Cooperation is just that, and I feared mixing work and emotions.
I wasn't a rookie in the workplace. The past year of exploitation, though painful, had taught me the harsh realities of life. I knew my own limits.
Despite my designer clothes, I was well aware of my financial situation.
I pushed her away, saying, "Lucy, I don't want this. It would make me feel like I'm seeking favors in return!"
She paused, then smiled. "John, you're a complex man."
"Okay, enough joking around. I'm afraid I might lose control."
I touched my nose and heard her giggle, "Then let me help you!"
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