Chapter 61: Paying Back the Money Part 1

Rong Huai had previously worked as a streamer.

A looks-based streamer and an emotional streamer, he had accumulated about a million fans on the platform.

After terminating his contract, besides opening his shop, he hadn’t stopped his self-media work. He registered a new short-video account and ran it for two or three years; now, the follower count exceeded what he’d had during his streaming days.

The idea of establishing his own brand had emerged during this period.

Rong Huai himself majored in fashion design. At first, he posted outfits he’d designed for kittens on his account. Later, at his fans’ suggestion, he wore those clothes himself, which boosted his follower growth even more. Fans started asking to buy the same styles, and that’s when Rong Huai got the idea.

But putting it into practice turned out to be quite troublesome.

Selecting fabrics, finding factories, plus being busy with shop work and having fixed weekly updates for his account—it dragged on for over a year before he finally produced the samples.

The model he’d originally agreed with went from single to living with his boyfriend, who then forbade him from helping with the shoot, claiming the clothes were too revealing.

Rong Huai: “?”

He didn’t think they were revealing anywhere, but alas, he couldn’t beat that athlete boyfriend. What could he do? He had to find a new model.

Unable to find a suitable one—Rong Huai had high standards for models—he looked at many candidates back and forth, all unsuitable. He was thinking that if worst came to worst, he’d do it himself.

But Boss Rong was truly too busy, so he still tried to find someone if possible.

While he was fretting over this, Tao Zhi entered his line of sight.

Wasn’t this a ready-made candidate?

Rong Huai’s designs weren’t all women’s clothing; there were also neutral and masculine styles. Tao Zhi was good-looking, with a slender figure and well-proportioned build—perfect for both men’s and women’s wear. Such a versatile talent who could hit the mark perfectly was someone Rong Huai had no reason to let slip away.

It wasn’t just for the drama; he was genuinely suitable.

“How about it?” Rong Huai tempted him. “Don’t worry, the shooting schedule won’t be long and won’t interfere with your studies. There’ll be a photographer to guide you.”

“If you have any thoughts on the compensation, we can discuss it. I’m happy to help you out of your troubles.”

Ah.

Tao Zhi was momentarily stunned, then opened his mouth in surprise. “Rong Huai bro, how did you know…”

“I heard it from others.” Since Tao Zhi asked, Rong Huai didn’t hold back and told him everything he’d heard without reservation. “Fu Zheng has been looking for ways to make money lately; lots of people know about it. I guessed you might be in trouble.”

“Fu Zheng’s definitely doing it for you. He said he wanted to earn two hundred thousand without relying on his family.”

“I’m friends with you guys, so helping out is no big deal.”

I-is that how it was?

Tao Zhi was dazed for a moment.

He hadn’t been inquiring much about Fu Zheng lately and had even felt relieved about not facing him, but Fu Zheng had actually…

He felt a bit touched, yet also a little guilty.

He couldn’t let Fu Zheng do this; it was his own problem.

“Tao Zhi?”

Rong Huai called out to him, snapping him back to reality.

Rong Huai continued, “Give it a try? Want to look at the contract first? Feel free to raise any issues.”

Tao Zhi thought it over.

Two hundred thousand—it was exactly the total he owed Fu Si Heng.

And it meant Fu Zheng wouldn’t have to sacrifice for him.

Tao Zhi felt he couldn’t keep owing it to these brothers anymore.

He really didn’t want to be the sandwich cookie.

Stuck between the two brothers, watching them clash head-on—it was incredibly hard for Tao Zhi to handle, like holding two dog leashes at once, unable to tend to both sides, getting dragged along willy-nilly, flustered and not knowing what to do, while drawing everyone’s attention.

It was so awkward.

But now, if he agreed to Rong Huai, he wouldn’t have to struggle like this.

Tao Zhi was truly tempted.

The price was unbeatable too.

Actually, Fu Si Heng’s rate of a thousand yuan per meal was unreasonably high, making Tao Zhi feel like he was taking advantage.

He didn’t think that was right.

Fu Si Heng had already helped him so much; this would make his conscience uneasy.

Rong Huai’s offer was far more reasonable, and Tao Zhi nearly agreed on the spot.

But his rationality pulled him back at the last moment.

“Rong Huai-ge, I’m really not suitable.” After coming back to his senses, Tao Zhi said to him, “I’m tempted, but I don’t have that much time.”

“I have classes during the week, and tutoring on Saturdays. I might not be able to make enough time for shoots.”