Chapter 358: Does the Deal Still Stand?

In the fire escape stairs, the faulty voice-activated light flickered, straining the eyes, but it was an ideal spot for a private conversation—any movement would be easily noticed.

“I need to borrow some money from you.”

Fang Zhou got straight to the point, telling Han Xi his need directly.

He knew that a man should never borrow money from a woman, but he was desperate. Han Xi was the wealthiest person he knew.

As long as he could get the money, he didn’t care about his reputation or what others thought of him.

Han Xi was surprised by his request, her mind racing to understand the reason.

“You need money for your sister’s kidney transplant?”

It didn’t make sense. He had earnings from the dating show, prize money from the national competition, and substantial income from live streaming. How could he still be short on funds?

If it were any other time, Han Xi wouldn’t have questioned Fang Zhou’s request and would have transferred the money immediately.

But given the current circumstances, she had to ask.

“Yes, it’s not enough, so I’m asking to borrow some. If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

Fang Zhou could always take out a loan.

However, loans required going through the bank’s procedures, which would take a long time—much longer than Han Xi’s quick transfer.

Han Xi had absolute financial control over her company.

Fang Zhou felt a bit despicable for what he was doing.

He had avoided Han Xi like the plague before, but now he was shamelessly asking for her help.

If netizens found out, they’d surely call him shameless.

But he didn’t care anymore. Han Xi wanted something from him, and as long as she was willing to lend him money to save his sister, he’d give her anything—even his life.

Han Xi stood opposite Fang Zhou, her eyes cold and probing. She opened her mouth to speak, but Fang Zhou, fearing her refusal, preemptively stated his terms.

“I’m willing to agree to your previous proposal of being your bed partner.”

There was one more thing he didn’t say: if Han Xi wanted his love, he’d try to love her again.

Han Xi raised an eyebrow, surprised that Fang Zhou had brought up the condition himself.

Previously, he had been adamantly against it, as if she were forcing him into prostitution.

Now, to borrow money, he was proposing the deal himself. There had to be more to it.

It could only mean that borrowing money was for something he deemed more important—his sister’s life.

As Han Xi calmly analyzed the situation, Fang Zhou, to prove his sincerity, took her hand and guided it under his shirt to his abs.

“I’ve been working out recently. I won’t disappoint you.”

Fang Zhou looked at Han Xi earnestly, resembling those young men who say to wealthy women, “Sister, I don’t want to work hard anymore.”

Han Xi felt the firm muscles and warmth under her hand, her thoughts wandering.

The atmosphere grew increasingly ambiguous, sparks flying between them, ready to ignite at any moment.

If it were any other time, Han Xi would have agreed without hesitation, not caring about the consequences.

But now, the timing was off. Fang Zhou’s eagerness only confirmed her suspicions.

“You’re not planning to hire someone to get a kidney, are you?”

She couldn’t think of any other reason.

Fang Zhou’s brow twitched, and his grip on her hand slackened, both hands falling away.

He looked elsewhere, forcing a smile.

“Of course not. That’s illegal. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t know where to find someone.”

Han Xi was too perceptive. With just a few words, she had almost guessed his true intentions. Her insight was terrifying.

“If you don’t want to lend it, that’s fine.”

Fang Zhou turned to leave, planning to find another way. If necessary, he’d ask Chu Xinran or Zhang Zhiyin—they weren’t poor either.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t lend it.”

“How much do you need?”

Seeing him about to leave, Han Xi finally spoke up.

Fang Zhou hesitated, then told her the amount.

“Two million.”

She walked over to him, looking him in the eye like a predator studying its prey.

“Two million is no problem.”

“But you need to tell me what it’s for.”

“Your sister’s surgery, if done through official channels, wouldn’t cost that much.”

Han Xi’s gaze was sharp, as if trying to dissect Fang Zhou’s true intentions.

Feeling uncertain, Fang Zhou began to regret his choice.

He should have known better than to involve her. Han Xi was too sharp, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Fine, since she had almost figured it out, he might as well tell her.

Fang Zhou took out his phone and showed her a chat.

“I found someone to help. They said it would take three million to guarantee success.”

Han Xi squinted, opening the contact’s profile, finding nothing but a nickname: Dark.

“Who is this?”

“Someone I contacted on the dark web. But without money, they wouldn’t cooperate.”

Fang Zhou spoke vaguely, but Han Xi quickly understood.

It aligned perfectly with her own thoughts.

As Fang Zhou continued explaining, Han Xi raised her hand to stop him.

“No need to find them. I have a way.”

Han Xi briefly explained what she had learned that afternoon and concluded,

“If you agree to take your sister abroad, the surgery can be done.”

Many things couldn’t be accomplished domestically due to limited space and resources.

And with Fang Zhou being a public figure, many eyes were on him. It was best to take his sister abroad.

tln : omg, i’m glad that han xin saved fang zhou from dweb bussiness.