Chapter 61: Paying Back the Money Part 2

“Besides.” Tao Zhi paused, his voice softening a bit. “A prepayment of two hundred thousand—even at a compromise rate of two thousand per set, that’s a hundred sets… The workload would be too intense. You’d be better off finding a professional model; I really can’t do it.”

Tao Zhi’s prerequisite for part-time jobs was that they absolutely couldn’t affect his studies.

“Ah? No, it’s not like that.” Hearing his words, Rong Huai hurriedly explained. “This launch only has three sets, to be shot this month. The other ninety-plus aren’t even designed yet, no rush. If you’re worried about that, we can specify it in the contract to accommodate your schedule. Don’t worry.”

“…Accommodate my schedule?” Such a tailored phrase; Tao Zhi found it unbelievable.

And they weren’t even designed yet, but willing to prepay two hundred thousand.

Tao Zhi was shocked and blurted out, “Rong Huai-ge, aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with the money?”

Rong Huai: “?”

Tao Zhi: “…”

He’d accidentally said what was on his mind; Tao Zhi’s expression turned awkward.

“No, I mean, aren’t you too trusting of people?” Tao Zhi was genuinely concerned for this shrewd merchant who’d navigated society for years and had close ties to S City’s rich second-gen circle.

His tone was sincere. “Two hundred thousand isn’t a small sum.”

“Mm, I know, but you don’t need to worry.” Tao Zhi’s words made Rong Huai want to laugh, but they also warmed his heart. “You’re such an honest kid.”

Honest, straightforward, well-behaved.

“I trust you; I have a good eye for people,” Rong Huai said.

Of course, it wasn’t just his eye for people; Rong Huai’s personality was rather mischievous.

He didn’t take sides, just enjoyed the show for pure love.

He’d heard about the brothers’ conflict from Wei Yu, and Fu Zheng’s quest for two hundred thousand from overhearing other rich second-gens chatting.

Combined with what they’d done before, Rong Huai had pieced together the full picture.

Pouring fuel on the fire was just a casual move to speed things up for them.

He didn’t lack the two hundred thousand anyway.

And he wasn’t afraid of Tao Zhi running off with it.

“Alright, I’ve answered all your questions. So, what do you think? Need time to consider?” Rong Huai asked.

Tao Zhi pondered for a long time.

He’d already been tempted, and now Rong Huai had dispelled his concerns one by one, making him even more inclined.

No one liked the feeling of being in debt.

And it wasn’t just any debt.

This debt… carried a bit of something else.

Like, feelings.

Tao Zhi couldn’t handle that.

But signing with Rong Huai was different—a proper employer-employee relationship, much clearer than the ambiguous one with Fu Si Heng.

Besides, he was truly straight.

Straight guys interacting with straight guys felt so weird…

Tao Zhi pursed his lips, and when he looked up again, his eyes sparkled.

“Rong Huai-ge, thank you.” Tao Zhi thanked him first.

“Mm-hmm.” Seeing his expression, Rong Huai knew it was all but done. “Thought it over? Ready to sign?”

“Not yet. Can I take the contract back to school and have someone look it over?” Though tempted and grateful for the opportunity, Tao Zhi wasn’t a naive fool.

One thing at a time; he was innocent but not stupid.

“Of course.” Rong Huai didn’t mind and even praised him, pleased. “That’s right—have that kind of vigilance.”

“No need to feel bad about it.” Seeing Tao Zhi’s embarrassed look, Rong Huai smiled. “Let’s add each other as friends. I’ll send you the digital contract. Get a lawyer to check it; if no issues, we sign. If there are problems or changes, we negotiate.”

“Okay.” Tao Zhi nodded and thanked him again. “Rong Huai-ge, thank you so much.”

–

After leaving Rong Huai’s shop, since it wasn’t too late, Tao Zhi hurried to the school club first.

He’d joined the club right when he started university.

Tao Zhi had no special talents, and other clubs didn’t suit him, so he joined the volunteer association. Most activities were voluntary school public service events, like freshmen orientation, charity markets, managing campus stray cats and dogs with the small animal protection association, and community service.

Though usually busy, Tao Zhi never shirked club events and participated whenever he could, earning him great popularity—everyone liked him.

The president liked him most.

When they rescued kittens from sewers with the small animal association, no one else volunteered, but Tao Zhi responded fastest. To her, he was an outstanding activist, a diligent and brave junior.

If her junior needed help, of course she’d oblige.

The president happened to be from the law school.

After reviewing the contract, she found no issues. The two-hundred-thousand prepayment seemed odd at first—like a trap—but the clauses were clearly written, with nothing unfavorable to Tao Zhi.

Tao Zhi briefly explained the situation, and the president suggested that if the other party was eager and insisted on him, he could negotiate a higher price.

But Tao Zhi refused; he felt he couldn’t take advantage, and the rate was already good.

Thus, things were happily settled.