I only got close to Han Zhi for the money.
Six months ago, after my coworker learned my current goal was to buy an apartment in Yucheng, she shared a little inside info.
The president of Han Group, Han Zhi, was notorious for being a “breakup philanthropist.”
Every ex-girlfriend of his got a huge payout when they split at least an apartment.
She egged me on: “You’re gorgeous. Why not give it a shot?”
At the time, I brushed it off and shot back, “You’re pretty too, why don’t you try?”
But then my coworker flashed her luxury bracelet, worth over $20,000.
“He said I’m not his type, and to comfort my hurt feelings, he gave me this.”
I was shocked. “Wait, you didn’t even date him and still got compensation?”
She flipped her hair and said, “Rich people’s logic isn’t for us to understand. As long as there’s money, who cares?”
I knew windfalls are rare and traps are everywhere.
But really, what did I have to lose chasing after Han Zhi?
Worst case, I’d be laughed at and get nothing.
So I took the plunge.
Good news: I got him.
Bad news: After we got together, aside from eating, drinking, and playing at the best places, anything I could wear or live in was just a loan.
If I broke up with Han Zhi, I’d walk away with nothing.
Damn it, so frustrating.
Well, at least I was saving on rent, utilities, and food.
Maybe all his girlfriends went through this, which is why the breakup compensation was so generous.
Just a little longer, I told myself. Once we break up, it’ll all be worth it.
But that “little longer” turned into six months...
I was cursing under my breath while clacking away at a proposal when Han Zhi called. I picked up, instinctively blurting out:
“Hello, boss”
“What?”
“Ahem, boss... I mean, coconut water is so good! Thanks, honey, for ordering me bubble tea today. Mwah!”
He snorted but didn’t argue, just told me, “Come with me to a dinner party at nine tonight.”
I always saw this relationship as an unstable investment with unpredictable returns.
So in my mind, Han Zhi was more of a boss than a boyfriend.
But if he saw me as an employee instead of a girlfriend, then he wasn’t a breakup philanthropist, he was a capitalist.
And capitalists don’t give generous severance; they squeeze every penny.
So, hearing his tone, I wasn’t happy but didn’t dare refuse.
That would only increase my chances of walking away empty-handed.
So I hemmed and hawed, “Tonight? But I...”
“A thousand.”
“...”
Damn! He’s got me wrapped around his finger!
Even if it’s just a thousand yuan, not a million, for someone making 500 a day, it’s a nice side gig.
After work, the driver picked me up in a million-yuan luxury car.
People stared, green with envy.
One even snarked, “Lin Qing is being kept by a big shot and still works so hard. Impressive.”
I imitated Han Zhi’s cold smirk, pretending to be a boss, but inside I was even more bitter than they were.
They get to go home and relax, but I have to keep working even after hours.
Ugh!
I was sure Han Zhi did it on purpose.
He always sent fancy cars to pick me up but never showed up himself, making me feel like a kept woman.
But in his eyes, I probably was just that a working mistress. Poor me...
When will I finally get my apartment?
I got in the car, planning to sulk, but when I opened the door, Han Zhi was actually inside.
I immediately dropped my scowl and put on a bright smile, “Oh, honey, you’re here too!”
Han Zhi didn’t react much, just ordered, “Get in.”
Honestly, I never understood why he agreed to be my boyfriend if he didn’t like me.
But as my coworker said, poor people don’t need to understand the rich. Just get what you can from them.
Their money comes from squeezing us anyway.
I kept telling myself this, justifying my daily grind.
Thinking about tonight’s thousand yuan, I put on my best obedient face and sat beside him.
Han Zhi wasn’t much of a talker; wherever he was, the air felt heavy.
Money is hard to earn, and this is a tough gig no matter how handsome the boss is.
While I was getting my makeup done, Han Zhi had someone bring over dinner signature dishes from an eight-star Michelin restaurant.
I was touched, then annoyed.
If he just gave me the money and let me buy my own food, I’d have pocketed tens of thousands by now.
What a waste.
I ate happily, but inside, I mourned the tens of thousands I’d never see.
Chapter 01
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