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PER THE LETTER'S DIRECTION, Jesse arrived under the Golden Bells Tree promptly after her last class. She waited only for 5 minutes before a girl's cry woke her up from thinking of another investment project in New York.
Turning her head, a beautiful lady with a red face looked up at her with a burning gaze. Jesse's manly ego inflated a little, feeling that the woman before her was actually looking at her with admiration... So Jesse smiled a little, but this only caused the woman to squeal.
"You called for me?"
"T-t-that... ah... a... uhm..."
"..." Jesse's smile disappeared, beginning to tap her fingers inside her pocket. More specifically, on her phone, her mind wandering over tonight's stock market.
"Uhh ah... th-that... that... t-that is... ehm..."
"........"
"C-can... CAN I BE YOUR GIRLFRIEND PLEASE!!!"
Jesse's ice hued eyes widened in surprise. It's not like she never had any woman in her past life, but at this point, her mind was not ready to think about another person yet. Especially with her peculiar situation; A man inside and out, a woman physically.
But Jesse was also not the type of person who would readily reject an opportunity. She was much too calculating for that. "If you convince your father to arrange a business appointment with me, then I'll think about it."
As if she was suddenly given an amnesty, Thea Mae hurriedly bowed her head, deep red coloured her neck to her ears. "I will!!! Please excuse me!"
Left alone under the Golden Bells Tree, Jesse quietly fished out her phone and softly muttered. "...Great... It was a good idea to buy Zeloth's stocks last month while they were low, now they are going higher in the stock market.... Time to trade them—."
But within another moment, a dangerous glint flashed passed her frost hued eyes, and a cold indifferent smile laced her lips.
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When Thea Mae disappeared, her previously blushing face changed that of a mocking smile. She ran to a corner, and into the Gym's shed where another beautiful girl was standing impatiently. When she saw Thea Mae enter, she immediately asked: "So how did it go? Did you get him to agree to a date with you?"
Thea Mae nodded her head, "With my beauty and background? Who possibly can't refuse?" She boosted of herself, flipping her reddish blond hair to the side and a smug expression on her face. She was indeed attracted to Jesse's beauty, but it was not enough for Thea Mae to actually fall in love.
"Immediately ask him on a date this Sunday, and I'll take care of the rest." Ordered the other woman whose face was now full of smiles in anticipation.
"I need my father's cooperation first. That Young Master Zhao wants to do a business deal with my father's company... You really sure that Young Master of yours is not harmful? I don't want to hurt my father or his business because of this request of yours." Thea Mae hesitated, a frown creasing her soft beauty.
The other person shook her head. "Since he came back from the kidnapping, he rarely goes outside and mostly spends his time in his room. How can someone who stays in his room for most of the month be any dangerous than any other teenagers? Don't worry, trust me on this and I'll make sure to help your father's company once I become owner of my family's company."
Thea Mae finally smiled, but couldn't help but joke. "Why can't you just make your men do your bidding? You are working this fragile beauty!"
"Eh... My older brother's not into men. But they'll have their turn of course." She smiled wickedly, revealing a set of dimples making her look more charming.
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Back at the Golden Bells Tree, Jesse lingered for a while before turning around to leave. In her quiet steps, she tapped her phone and put it by her ear.
Listening to the other person's words for a moment, Jesse then softly said, "Thanks for all the work. The money will be sent into your bank account." Swiftly, she shoved her phone into her side pocket, not bothering to take her hands out as she continued her leisure steps. The golden flowers that were shaped like church bells danced with the wind, as with every gale, Jesse's soft hair parted to reveal an amusing glint in her pair of frosty eyes that were as sharp as icicles.
. . . . .
The next day, Thea Mae informed Jesse of her father's agreement. Then she was asked to meet with Thea Mae's father on Sunday to which Jesse agreed immediately, looking very eager for a successful business deal. Her smile was pleasant as she looked upon Thea Mae's blushing face.
When a leaf fell on Thea Mae's head, Jesse gently removed it for her, bringing it close to her face for a moment and twirling it in between her fingers, then let it be blown away by the wind. She slowly looked up to Thea Mae's eyes that were staring at her intently, catching the slight surprise in her eyes as blush rush up to her cheeks. "T-T-thank you...." She meekly but graciously said.
Jesse smiled, perfectly laying out the flower boy image, rows of white teeth revealed. Her smile seemed so innocent that for a moment, Thea Mae was lost in Jesse's smile.
"I'll meet you on Sunday then. Take care." Jesse playfully rubbed Thea Mae's head before leaving calmly and not looking back, both her hands were in her pockets.
Thea Mae looked on to him for a moment in silence, her soft eyes radiated with conflicting emotions. Her lips pressed thinly before turning around to leave.
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Immersed in her own thoughts, Jesse decided to take a time off to herself by not calling for a car to go home. She was walking along the road having reached the Orange Square when she heard desperate cries in the nearby alley, a block away. Getting curiosity the best of her, she lets go of her phone in her pocket and jogged towards the source of the shrills.
Her light colored eyes laid upon a scene of a beat-up teenager, desperately trying to protect a girl behind her as they were surrounded by a mob of delinquents. Jesse decided to watch the drama, leaning on the steel railings by the main road. Across from her was a long dark alley where three hooligans were currently cornering two feminine teenagers.
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"We beg you, we'll pay in a few days. Just let us go for now... please..." said the beat-up teenager, obviously restraining herself from crying. Her voice sounded a little deeper than an average girl her age. Once her plea was heard, she was smacked by her ear.
Henchman#1 was smugly exercising his wrist, a wicked smile laced his lips, revealing two rows of yellow teeth and playfully said, "C'mon ladies. Rules are rules, and interest must be paid in full. It's already passed your monthly deadline, so can't blame us for demanding a full payment from ye. Hehehe!"
Henchman#2 chided, "A 10% quarterly interest, but you only gave us 33% of the full payment! Come with us now, else you little kitties will be harmed some more." Although his voice did not sound as harsh as his friend, it can be seen that he also fancied making people submit under his foot.
The beat-up teenager shook her head several times, biting her lower lip and said, "I just handed a work to an Art Gallery and I'll get my money from it soon. Just a week, please. Give us just one week! After that, I'll willingly come with you and do whatever you want!" Her outburst was almost savage, if nobody looked at her sorry state.
Instead, Henchman#1 threatened while approaching the two shivering teenagers, "Y'know what we're asking for...." His mouth was so close to the beat-up teenager's ear, and it was obvious the latter was feeling nervous while disgust contorted her face.
Henchman#Leader chuckled, causing his already ugly face to look even more sinister. "Drag 'em." He could no longer wait to complete this task. It was the same cycle every, people not being able to pay their debt in full and they had to fetch the people themselves to either barter or sell themselves to their Loan Company. Of course they had to resort to some violence to instill fear and lessen their effort in their approach.
Hearing their leader's order, Henchman#1 felt a little unhappy as he apparently was enjoying the helpless expressions of the two feminine youths. "Tsk!" He could not refute his leader's words, however. "Blame yer orphanage for being too poor." He only said before grabbing for one of the youth's wrists and aggressively to put them together behind. The youth could only yelp with the pain that jolted her.
She had already been exhausted from being violated physically while protecting her friend, so she could no longer resist. The other teenager was helplessly crying to herself as Henchman#2 restrained her arms without consideration.
They were already cornered by the three debt collectors for almost the whole day, they were feeling depressed and hopeless as they had no way out. At least if they sacrificed themselves, it might provide some time for the orphanage to survive another month, and by then, there might be a solution. But these thoughts were merely hopeful dreams for they both knew the reality of Loan Sharks.
The two feminine teenagers were filled of reluctance as they were forcefully dragged out of the dark alleyway. As the group was coming out into the busy streets, they were surprised to see a pretty youth smiling bemused while observing them intently. Eyes akin to wintry frost, skin flawless like buns and kissable lips.
Henchman#Leader leered and snickered away. "Wanna come with us, pretty lad?" His eyes obviously shined with disgusting light that Jesse did not miss, making her manly ego hurt as her brows frowned. Was she too feminine that men would even bother hitting on her? She shrugged the thought as soon as it came.
Having been ignored by Jesse, Henchman#Leader did not take it nicely. He gestured his chin to his men, saying: "You go and send the two to the boss." Both henchmen knew what their leader was up to, and they agreed as the lad was indeed pretty. It wouldn't do harm if they could take advantage of him, although the uniform did trouble them.
Henchman#2 informed, "Leader, we shouldn't push ourselves. That uniform he is wearing is from St. Augustine University, school for rich people."
Being told as such, it was indeed asking for trouble if they touched someone they shouldn't. With much reluctance, Henchman#Leader withdrew his perverted plans, but his leering eyes were still on Jesse's lean body.
Jesse is not short, in fact, she's 170cm height, which is 10cm shorter than her previous body. Physical appearance perfect for modeling, especially with her current countenance that could only be described as cold, cool beauty. She seemed untouchable and this was obviously apparent with her confident look. Being untouchable however, only makes others want to approach her more, especially those who weren't afraid of dangers.
"Backing off already? I'm actually in trouble as I'm in need of money. Seeing as such you're all working so hard, I might be able to make use of your service."
Upon hearing Jesse's proposition, Henchman#Leader obviously grew excited. With a few long strides, he arrived before Jesse and offered her a business card. Jesse calmly took the card, briefly reading the Loan Shark company name "Loyal Dogs".
"What a cute company name. Would it bother you if I come along?"
The two teenagers were confused with how Jesse could possibly take interest with a Loan Shark that beats people up when dues were not paid. One of them even forgot to cry anymore, only blinking her limpid eyes into oblivion.
Henchman#Leader smiled widely, offering his hand for a handshake at the same time, "Loyal Dogs' a trusted Loan Shark for people in need. Of course we have strict rules and regulations so that business can keep going, providing more chances for those who are in need of our service. We've been around for 3 years straight and there has been no problem with lending money. Don't worry about interest. We're pretty lenient to those who follow by our rules, so we can give you conditions that would suit your situation.
This time's a good time, and you're certainly welcome to tag with us. The company owner will also be able to meet with you if you so wish."
In an instant, he shed his hooligan appearance and exchanged with a business countenance, Henchman#Leader diligently explained their services briefly. Jesse simply gave a nod and stood up from the steel railings she'd been leaning on, both her hands returned into her side-pockets. She silently ridiculed the man's Loan Shark business for already breaking two lines of considerations. First, the beat-up youth seemed honest and money might indeed come soon, but it's also a fact that whatever she may earn will not be enough to pay for last month's due. Second, a poor orphanage should be given some leniency. Jesse thought the poor teenagers should be given a chance, but these hooligans were obviously not after the money...
Seeing Jesse compliant, all three henchmen leered, excitement bubbling within. Their eyes turned into crescent, revealing ugly smiles they thought were charming.
Unlike the eagerness of the Loyal Dogs' henchmen, however, the beat-up teenager whimpered before giving a desperate warning, "Hey! I don't know why you'd even believe them, but you'll be wracked with debts if you ever borrow money from them once! Back off now while you can— you can still get away! You should go to another-- --"
A heavy slap across her face stopped her next words. Blood trickled down at a corner of her lips, adding another bruise on her pale skin.
"Shut up!" Growled Henchman#1, shaking away the pain on his palm.
Despite the youth's attempt in warning, Jesse only gave her a brief glance and said nothing more.
"Let's go!" Henchman#Leader tried to grab Jesse's shoulder, but before his hand could touch her, she gently maneuvered his hand away. "I can walk by myself. Just lead the way."
This act only made Henchman#Leader wickedly smile. "Fine, beauty. Hurry up!" He cried to his men.
And so, a group of six got into a car, driving away for a few km before stopping at a deserted square. It was already evening, or late afternoon. Some stores were already close and certain clubs open. Loyal Dogs' building was along the small stores surrounding the small square.
The entrance door was inconspicuous and if Jesse did not pay attention where she was, she would not have noticed the label above the door, which was "Loyal Dogs 24/7 Service".
Walked through long corridors up to the third floor, the two feminine youths were hollered into another room while Jesse was ushered further and into another room that was designed decently as an office. It was small with barely any furniture, lacking some decorations here and there to appear accommodating.
A man sat behind a huge desk, wearing a pair of suspicious sunglasses. He wore a tie-less business suit, but despite his attempt, he was a far cry from being intimidating. "Hello, Sir..."
His voice trailed, waiting for Jesse to introduce herself. "Zhao."
"Welcome Sir Zhao! I'm Mr Browns and it's a pleasure having you in this wonderful evening. Shall we discuss your terms right away? Here is a form you must fill in."