Chapter 6: The Broker’s Dilemma and a Patron’s Scheme

Meng Hanjing glanced at the printed business card—

Indeed, she felt entirely like a broker luring innocent girls down a misguided path.

Yet, it was merely accompanying people on dates.

Meng Hanjing was well aware this was no proper profession, but those who came to work were all high-quality young people desperately in need of money, a truth everyone acknowledged without speaking aloud.

Most of them, moreover, possessed a strong professional ethic.

“You’ve misunderstood,” she clarified. “We are a legitimate club, and we do not engage in illegal transactions.”

While not illegal, it certainly wasn’t something to be openly paraded, which explained why her business cards were designed as they were.

This coffee shop was usually just her personal retreat; typically, she sought out employees in nightlife venues.

Naturally, her targets were resident singers and service staff—young individuals who were often hardworking and financially strained, especially in bustling districts where even their educational and skill levels were remarkably high.

As for those who frequented such establishments, well, those in the know understood.

Were it not for the exceptionally high wages offered in those places, such promising young talent would never consider working there.

But I digress!

The reason she was willing to poach from her own backyard, so to speak, to entice the young woman before her, a recent high school graduate, was due to the demands of a patron.

Meng Hanjing typically handled commissions ranging from three to four figures, as this line of work resembled the “rental girlfriend” trend popular a few years prior, though her clientele consisted solely of women seeking emotional solace.

Leveraging the connections she had forged as a public relations professional in her youth and later as a bar manager, her business had remained moderately successful.

A few days ago, a patron had suddenly approached her, offering to invest in her establishing her own bar brand on the condition that she persuade the girl working in the coffee shop before them.

While the lure of money was certainly a factor, it was clear that the patron, who appeared to be around the same age as the girl, wasn’t genuinely interested in having the girl enter this profession.

For instance, the patron insisted on selecting the clients, arranging a comprehensive medical examination for the girl, and requesting that Meng Hanjing provide her with extra care—all signs that pointed to something more.

Meng Hanjing’s greatest gain from her life experiences was her uncanny ability to discern others’ thoughts, a skill that often led her to muse about transitioning into sales should she ever fall on hard times, ensuring she wouldn’t fare too poorly.

Armed with this insight, she concluded that the young patron was likely aiming for marriage.

At eighteen, one was most prone to capriciousness and acting purely on impulse.

Perhaps finding it awkward to directly support the girl they liked, the patron had opted for a more circuitous strategy, akin to “besieging Wei to rescue Zhao,” while simultaneously lowering the moral bar of the job to a reasonably quick and lucrative level.

All this was done to subtly control the girl’s work without arousing her suspicion.

‘What an exaggerated possessiveness!’

‘Alas, she truly couldn’t fathom the minds of young people!’

‘If one wished to give money to someone they liked, to approach and pursue them, there were surely far better methods!’

This circuitous approach made Meng Hanjing lament the patron’s timidity and rage at their extravagance, yet there was no reason to refuse money falling from the sky!

Crucially, the target girl’s financial need was the key to her successful persuasion.

“Don’t worry,” she assured, “Our club members are all successful women who seek exceptional young people to fulfill their emotional needs and compensate for some regrets from their youth. Are you interested?”

Qian Surou did not rush to respond.

From her quick glance just moments before, she could discern a great deal, thanks to the discerning eye she had cultivated since childhood.

The jacket draped over the chair was a popular early autumn style, featuring a long V-neck in an expensive dark green hue, adorned with three decorative eyelets on each side, set with black-green gemstones, exuding both luxury and restraint.

Beneath it, the form-fitting dress was also a unique design, incorporating numerous classical-style curved or swirling embellishments in the name of fashion; while aesthetically somewhat unremarkable to the point of being ubiquitous, it possessed the kind of materials and price tag that, much like European furniture, would leave one utterly astounded.

This suggested a middle-aged woman in comfortable financial circumstances, yet one who did not overtly flaunt her wealth; she might have been forty, but her face appeared to be in her early thirties.

Synthesizing her observations, Qian Surou believed Meng Hanjing’s words seventy to eighty percent.

No matter how eloquently it was phrased, in essence, it was compensated companionship; however, the presence of an intermediary implied that physical intimacy would not be involved, otherwise, the other party would be facing criminal charges.

Given her current predicament, what room did she have for pickiness?

It was merely chatting, dining, and providing emotional support.

As long as she remained somewhat vigilant, there would be no issues.

The inviolable boundary was kissing; having come to this realization, she was already somewhat swayed.

Qian Surou understood that the initiative now lay with her; if the other party was interested in her, they surely had a client base that preferred her type.

While demanding an exorbitant price was ill-advised, she at least hoped for a slight concession on the commission, allowing her to earn a little more.

‘Consider this practice for becoming a good girlfriend in advance!’

Though she wouldn’t cross any boundaries, Qian Surou wasn’t so naive as to believe there would be no physical contact at all; hand-holding and embraces, for example, were likely unavoidable.

After all, clients with same-s*x preferences were surely a minority, and she was the one being selected.

Qian Surou’s views remained quite conservative: she would rather be single her entire life than associate with a woman who had been with many others.

And now, what was the outcome?

She herself was about to become such a woman!

“Could you give me a little time to consider?”

For Qian Surou, before being rejected by Ji Yushu, the thought of wavering would never have crossed her mind.

But now, the bubble of her romantic fantasies had burst.

After paying a sum for medication, watching the dwindling balance on her bank card, and thinking of her younger sister who had yet to graduate from high school, Qian Surou pulled out the business card.

Since her youthful affections were now a thing of the past, there was no point in fretting over her pristine reputation.

She called Meng Hanjing, expressing her willingness to accept the offer.

Shortly after reporting her location, Qian Surou saw a hybrid Bentley speed towards her, stopping right in front.

Meng Hanjing lowered the window and gestured for her to get in.

The speed of their arrival was remarkably swift, Qian Surou couldn’t help but ponder.

Did she live nearby?

Given that the vicinity was occupied by Linhua Girls’ Academy, luxury cars were a common sight; the surrounding businesses were also decorated with elegant, floral arrangements favored by young women, and naturally, their prices were prohibitive for the average person.

Perhaps a major client hadn’t found a girl they liked, which explained such eagerness.

Qian Surou instinctively sat in the back, as a young lady might, but by the time she considered changing seats, the car had already started.

She couldn’t help but straighten her back, and as Meng Hanjing remained silent, her thoughts began to wander.

She found herself fantasizing once more, wondering how wonderful it would be if a beautiful, wealthy, and devoted girl were to fall for her.

Even if the girl’s personality wasn’t perfect, she would accept it.

In her previous life, Qian Surou would surely have chastised herself for daydreaming, but in this lifetime, her demeanor was flawless; she was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and had quickly mastered baking and flower arranging.

Were it not for a past injury, she would have no weaknesses, not even in sports or dance.

Perhaps it was a game world setting, where her close friend’s cultivation and learning abilities were unparalleled, and she had perfectly inherited them.

Qian Surou had packed a change of casual clothes in her cross-body bag, having prepared in advance.

On the way, Meng Hanjing spoke little, briefly mentioning her colleagues, emphasizing the freedom of the work, praising Qian Surou as a girl with potential who would surely be popular, and finally, informing her of their destination.

A hospital.

A full physical examination was required before starting the job.

The hospital they arrived at was unlike anything Qian Surou had imagined; it was a private hospital with international partnerships, where medical insurance reimbursement rates were exceptionally low.

Undoubtedly, it was an institution that preyed on the wallets of the wealthy under the guise of high-precision care.

As if noticing her hesitation, Meng Hanjing explained that she had a friend holding a senior position at this hospital, allowing her to enjoy discounts beyond imagination.

“Rest assured, Miss Qian,” she stated.

“For someone like me, who can introduce high-quality clients to the hospital, she would practically offer me a complimentary bill.”

Meng Hanjing, impeccably dressed in a women’s suit, smiled confidently and moved with relaxed ease, as if strolling through a garden, casually appraising the row of luxury cars in the parking lot.

At this moment, she felt particularly smug.

‘After all, this hospital belonged to that young lady’s family; of course, she was practically eager to bring her prospective girlfriend here for a check-up!’

‘What an elaborate game!’

Armed with her complimentary pass, Meng Hanjing decided to undergo all available beauty treatments within a month, and in the future, she would bring her new recruits here for examinations.

This, she reasoned, would not only showcase her influence but also reassure people about her professionalism.

Qian Surou, having grown accustomed to frequenting luxurious establishments, was immune to Meng Hanjing’s underlying intentions, yet she breathed a genuine sigh of relief at not having to pay for the medical examination herself, as her meticulously planned budget was already incredibly tight.

As for the private hospital, the service was indeed impeccable; the nurses were beautiful and sweet-voiced, patiently guiding her through the entire battery of tests.

Why was there a gynecological examination?

A wave of nervousness swept through her, partly fearing that Meng Hanjing’s club wasn’t entirely legitimate, and partly due to shyness.

Fortunately, the doctor was a kind old grandmother over sixty, otherwise, she truly would have agonized over it for a while.

“Excuse me, how were my test results?”

Meng Hanjing had almost assumed the role of a parent, with all test reports handed directly to her, leaving Qian Surou hesitant to ask for them herself.

“No issues, perfectly healthy,” she replied.

The moment she received the test results, Meng Hanjing immediately sent photos of them to the young lady, who had simultaneously requested that Qian Surou not be informed of the actual findings, instructing Meng Hanjing to simply state she was healthy if asked.

This left Meng Hanjing with a pang of guilt.

The results were, in fact, not very good.

Setting aside minor issues like slight malnutrition and low body temperature mentioned in the diagnosis, the internal damage to the semicircular canals caused by a head injury was a serious concern; the doctor’s opinion was that recovery was unlikely, and further feedback was needed to ascertain whether the patient experienced severe headaches, dizziness, or other related symptoms.

“So, can I start working now?”

Qian Surou’s heart was filled with anxiety.

“Yes, but the initial compensation for newcomers isn’t particularly high.”

“I’ve already prepared your schedule.”

***

Jin Xiaoyue stood atop the water tower on the hospital’s rooftop, reviewing the images Meng Hanjing had sent.

Gazing at Qian Surou’s retreating figure as she crossed the courtyard, Jin Xiaoyue’s face flushed, whether from the cold morning air at such a height or from sheer excitement, a smile spreading across her lips.

“My little Qian, my pure, flawless, kind, and considerate little Qian—

Just bear with it a little longer!

Soon! Soon you will fall in love with me!

And we will be together, happily ever after!”