158: Chapter 158 Tina

He feigned hesitation, biting his lip and remaining silent for a long time, before slowly speaking as if forced by circumstances.

"For a temporary turnover, just a few tens of thousands of yuan for an emergency will do. I just need to pay the employees' salaries first to stabilize the situation, and then I'll figure out the rest."

He didn't say hundreds of thousands or millions; he only said "a few tens of thousands," accurately gauging White Lotus Flower's financial capacity. This made her feel it was within her reach and that she could help, ensuring she wouldn't back down due to the amount being too large.

White Lotus Flower immediately began calculating in her mind.

She didn't have much in savings. After deducting rent and costs, her flower shop's monthly income was only enough for her own living expenses. Her savings were only a few thousand yuan, which was nowhere near enough.

But seeing Zhang Genshuo in such pain, how could she just stand by and do nothing?

Without the slightest hesitation, she looked up, gazing firmly at Zhang Genshuo, and said word by word.

"Genshuo, don't worry. I don't have enough money right now, but I'll go to my best friend first thing tomorrow morning to borrow some! She has money, and we have a very good relationship, so I'll definitely be able to get it! I'll scrape together fifty thousand yuan for you tomorrow to help with your emergency!"

Fifty thousand yuan.

To White Lotus Flower, this was already the largest amount she could imagine. She had even planned out in her mind how to ask her friend, how to guarantee she would pay it back, and how she would help Zhang Genshuo through this crisis even if she had to live frugally herself.

Her eyes were full of worry and sincerity for her boyfriend, completely failing to notice that the man she saw as her everything already had a surge of intense smugness and greed in his eyes.

Zhang Genshuo was stunned, then an "emotional" expression appeared on his face. He reached out and hugged White Lotus Flower tightly, pulling her into his embrace with his chin resting on top of her head. His voice choked up, his acting realistic to the extreme.

"Lotus, you're so good... How can I ever repay you?"

"There's no need to talk about repayment between us."

Nestled in his arms, White Lotus Flower said softly, "As long as you're okay, that's more important than anything. Don't worry about the money; I'll definitely get it all together and give it to you first thing tomorrow morning."

"Mhm," Zhang Genshuo responded, tightening his grip slightly while his lips curled into a cold, smug arc at an angle she couldn't see.

Fifty thousand yuan.

Not a lot, but not a little either.

With Tian Ningning, White Lotus Flower, and the final target in the Fenghua Li Residential Complex, once all three sums of money were in his hands tonight, he could disappear from their lives forever, vanishing from the world of these women he had played like puppets.

Their infatuation, their sincerity, and the money they had worked so hard to save were, in his eyes, nothing more than the most insignificant spoils of a meticulously planned scam.

White Lotus Flower was still obediently holding him, comforting him in a soft voice, pouring him warm water, and finding fruit to help him sober up, pouring all her tenderness and care onto him.

She thought she was saving her lover, unaware that she was stepping bit by bit into the trap Zhang Genshuo had woven for her. By the time she realized it, she would be left with nothing—no money, no man, and a shattered heart.

Meanwhile, Zhang Genshuo enjoyed her care with a clear conscience, feeling the softness and sincerity of the girl in his arms. There wasn't a hint of guilt in his heart, only the thrill of his impending success.

As the night deepened, the Fenghua Li Residential Complex was silent. No one knew that in this small rented room, a drama of deception and betrayal was quietly coming to an end.

Leaning back on the sofa, Zhang Genshuo watched White Lotus Flower, who was busy tending to him with eyes full of love. He picked up the water glass from the table and took a small sip. The warm liquid slid down his throat but could not warm his bone-chillingly cold heart.

He silently calculated the time in his head.

Once he got the fifty thousand yuan from White Lotus Flower, he would immediately go to his final target, use the same tactics to scam another sum, and then pack his bags overnight to catch the earliest ticket out of town.

This city and these women would have nothing to do with him from then on.

And these "love-brained" girls who had given him their all would eventually have a rude awakening one day after he vanished.

They would realize that the person they loved was never some gentle talent, but a complete, bottomless fraud.

But by then, it would be too late.

Zhang Genshuo slowly closed his eyes, the smile on his lips deepening.

Tonight was destined to be a night where he returned with a full harvest.

Zhang Genshuo lingered in White Lotus Flower's rented room for a few more moments of tenderness.

He looked at the girl before him, who was giving him her heart and soul, her eyes full of dependence.

There wasn't a hint of emotion in his heart, only the coldness and urgency of a predator whose prey had all fallen into the net.

The night was late; he had to hurry and settle the last target before midnight.

Tina.

As soon as he got another sum of money from Tina, the three webs of love he had spun in the Fenghua Li Residential Complex would be completely drawn in. He would then vanish with the money, leaving no trace for anyone to find.

He couldn't stay here long, nor could he show the slightest urgency. Playing hard to get and being gentle and considerate were his permanent camouflage. White Lotus Flower was still busy cutting fruit and pouring warm water for him, acting as if she wanted to take care of his every need.

Watching her busy back, Zhang Genshuo timely raised his hand to rub his temples, a look of exhaustion and difficulty appearing on his face.

"Lotus, I really have to go."

He spoke, his voice still carrying a hint of post-drinking hoarseness, gentle yet firm.

"There's a pile of messes waiting for me at the company. No matter what, I have to go back and keep an eye on things tonight, or it'll be even harder to clean up tomorrow."

White Lotus Flower immediately put down the fruit knife and hurried to his side, her face full of reluctance.

"You're leaving even though it's so late? You've been drinking and you're so tired. Why not just stay here for the night and handle things tomorrow?"

"I can't, baby."

Zhang Genshuo reached out and gently stroked her long hair, his eyes filled with helplessness.

"Business matters can't be delayed. Every minute earlier they're handled is one less minute of risk."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Once I get through this period, I'll definitely spend quality time with you. I'll be with you every day then and won't go anywhere."

He was a master at using an ethereal future to deceive the girl before him who was deeply in love.

Although White Lotus Flower was reluctant to let him go, she knew his career was important and didn't dare to stubbornly insist on him staying. She could only nod, her eyes turning slightly red.

"Then be careful on the road and drive slowly. Don't overwork yourself. Don't worry about the money; I'll contact my friend first thing tomorrow morning. I'll definitely get the fifty thousand yuan together and bring it to you personally."

"It's so good to have you." Zhang Genshuo lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, his movements as practiced as if they had been rehearsed a thousand times.

He didn't stay long, picking up his coat and turning to leave White Lotus Flower's home.

The moment the door closed, all the tenderness and fatigue on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold and greedy smile.

He walked quickly down the stairs. As the evening breeze blew, most of the residual alcohol on him dissipated, and his mind became clearer.

With Tian Ningning's hundred thousand in hand and White Lotus Flower's fifty thousand promised, now only the last one, Tina, remained.

Three people, three cards. Once they were all played tonight, he would be able to make a clean getaway.

...