After my family went bankrupt, I started delivering food to make ends meet. I never expected to run into my lifelong rival while delivering to his house. To embarrass me, he said, “Kiss me, and I’ll give you 100,000 yuan.” Without hesitation, I grabbed his collar and kissed him hard. “How could you change like this for money?” he blushed, covering his mouth as if he were a vulnerable spouse. I pushed him down and kissed him again before leaving with the check he’d signed, leaving him stunned on the couch with a red face and clear teeth marks. Walking through the familiar villa area in my delivery uniform, I was filled with a mix of emotions. I knew this place so well I could find the door to 65-3 with my eyes closed, but now there was a big foreclosure notice on it. I glanced at it silently, then turned to the neighboring villa, took a deep breath, and rang the doorbell. “Hello, your delivery is here.” I used the professional tone I had practiced over the past few days. “Oh, Adeline, how did the Lin family’s eldest daughter end up doing this?” The person who opened the door was my childhood rival, Finn, whom I had bullied since we were kids. “Well, Finn, the eldest son of the Aiden family, why do you have to pick up your delivery yourself?” I regretted taking this order just for the high delivery fee. I snatched it up when I saw the 200 yuan fee, but only realized afterward that it was in the suburbs, dozens of kilometers from the city, where I used to live. I even had to change my electric scooter’s battery on the way here. “Hmph, even now you’re down and out, your mouth is still so sharp.” I didn’t want to engage with him, so I dropped off his expensive custom-made suit and turned to mark the delivery as complete. “Did I say you could leave? Did I confirm I received everything correctly? You know this is expensive, right? If anything happens to it, you couldn’t afford to compensate even if you delivered for a year. Aren’t you afraid I’ll complain about you?” Finn grabbed my hand, unwilling to let me go easily. “Mr. Aiden, your items have been delivered. Is there anything else? If not, could you please give a five-star rating? Thank you.” “A five-star rating? Does your attitude deserve a five-star rating?” “Sir, it’s fine if you don’t rate me well. Just please let go so I can make my next delivery. I’m running late.” Finn held my arm tightly, and I couldn’t break free. Reluctantly, I softened my tone, eager to escape. After all, I’d already wasted a lot of time on his delivery today. “And if I don’t let go?” Finn tightened his grip, glaring at me. I sighed and asked patiently, “What will it take for you to let me go?” “How about this: if you’re so short on money, kiss me, and I’ll give you 100,000 yuan.” He smiled smugly, expecting his words to provoke me. Unfortunately for him, he was wrong. I grabbed his collar with my free hand, pulled him close, and kissed him hard, even biting him in retaliation. His expression changed from superiority to panic. “How could you change like this for money?” His face turned beet red as he covered his mouth, looking vulnerable. I ignored his question, knocked him to the ground, and kissed him all over, satisfied as I got up. “That’s 10 kisses, 1 million yuan. Will you pay by transfer or check?” I shamelessly asked for my money. Finn, doubting his life choices, mechanically took out his checkbook. I filled in the amount, had him sign it, and left with the check, leaving him disheveled on the couch. I shook my sweat-soaked hair, put on my helmet, mounted my electric scooter, and continued taking orders. After all, 1 million yuan wasn’t nearly enough.
Three months ago, I was still a wealthy girl, returning home with a prestigious degree from abroad to the villa that is now long gone. I thought taking over my father’s business empire and making it bigger and better would be my goal. But upon returning, I learned my father’s company had gone bankrupt. To pay off debts, my father sold all our properties, including the villa I used to live in. Our family went from wealthy to penniless overnight, still owing lots of debt. Because my father’s reputation plummeted in the industry, it was hard for either of us to find respectable jobs. I, who was always proud, couldn’t accept being trampled on by the rich kids who had always been beneath me. The disparity in status hit me hard until I saw my parents doing odd jobs to repay the debt. I finally put my worthless pride aside. After all, staying alive was more important than being respected. But I didn’t completely give up. Even though I had a degree in finance from abroad, I refused to enter the business world where my father once fought, unwilling to work for those who wouldn’t lend a hand when he struggled. Out of options, I started delivering food. The once pampered young lady who never did manual work now climbed stairs and carried heavy loads for extra delivery fees. I went from a well-maintained, fair-skinned girl to someone who couldn’t stop getting tanned, even with a mask on. Many things had changed, including my old life. Finn’s order was the biggest I had received since starting food delivery. I thought it was fortune smiling on a fallen phoenix like me, but the order was left unclaimed because, to experienced couriers, it wasn’t worth as much as delivering five closer orders. I only figured this out later. When I returned to the familiar wealthy neighborhood, my status no longer matched. The security guards who had once nodded and bowed to me now waved me off in disgust, demanding I register before entering. Worse, I needed the owner’s permission to deliver. That’s how I ended up calling Finn. We never got along, and since childhood, we never spoke kindly to each other. When he saw my name on the caller ID, he instinctively answered with sarcasm. “Adeline, are you finally coming to beg me?” In the past, I would’ve snapped back and started a fight. But now, he was my VIP customer. One bad review from him, and I’d lose the hefty delivery fee for traveling so far. “Hello, ExtremeSwagMaster, I’m your delivery person. Could you let the security know to let me in?” When I called, I realized that ExtremeSwagMaster was Finn, who grew up with me. I thought my ties with him ended when my family fell from grace. Little did I know I’d return to this villa area within days of delivering food. And the order was Finn’s. I tried to keep my voice calm, waiting for his permission. It wasn’t that I felt ashamed. But wearing a delivery uniform, helmet, and being as tanned as I was, facing my childhood rival gave me a sense of unease. Moreover, Finn’s chosen name was more ridiculous than mine. This reunion was surprising for both of us. He took a while to let me deliver the order, even coming out to meet me, allowing me to earn 1 million yuan. He thought his joke would humiliate me, but for me now, only a fool wouldn’t take the money. This 1 million yuan is just a drop in the bucket for my family’s debts. I didn’t plan to accept this fortune comfortably. Owing Finn money is better than owing strangers. I thought of writing Finn an IOU if I had the chance. Even if I delivered food forever, I’d find a way to repay him. I didn’t expect our next meeting to come so soon.
Because of Finn, it took me over an hour to return to the city. Apart from the 1 million yuan and high delivery fee, I made nothing today. After the dinner rush, I ended my workday and rode my little scooter home. By the time I got back, my parents had already eaten, leaving my portion in a simple dish to keep warm. To save electricity, they only had one lamp on and were doing handicrafts together. During the day, my mom worked as a waitress, and my dad drove for a ride-sharing service. At night, they did crafts, planning to sell them at a stall once they had enough. This high-intensity life barely covered the rent for our shabby place, our daily expenses, and the monthly loan shark payments. I greeted them softly and sat down to eat. Mom had made bean sprouts and tomato tofu, and the plate was still half full. No matter how tough things got, they always tried to give me the best. I quickly finished my meal and went to join them. Such an intense lifestyle barely managed to cover the rent for this rundown house, our daily expenses, and the monthly visits from the loan shark. I greeted them softly and sat down at the dining table to eat alone. Today, Mom made stir-fried bean sprouts and tomato tofu. More than half was still left on the plate. No matter how tough life was, they always tried to give me the best. I quickly ate up the food and walked over to them. This was one of the few happy moments for our family of three since moving into this shabby house. I took out the 1 million check I got from Finn and gently placed it in front of Dad. Seeing the number, Dad’s eyes filled with panic as he grabbed my hand. “Tell me honestly, where did this money come from? Please don’t do anything foolish, Adeline. We can repay the money slowly. Don’t let this ruin your life!” Dad’s hand trembled with anxiety and worry. His eyes, once bright and confident, had become dim and cloudy, with tears barely held back. “Dad, don’t overthink it. I delivered food to Finn’s house today, and he gave this to me.” I left out the more delicate details about the 1 million when explaining it to Dad. “Alright, alright, as long as you’re okay.” Dad sat back down on the bench, trembling as he picked up the 1 million check again, letting out another sigh. “Finn has a good heart. Ever since our family had troubles, those so-called old friends of mine have avoided me completely. They even let you down. With your high education, you couldn’t even find a decent job. I’m sorry, my child.” I quickly stopped Dad from continuing. “Alright, Dad. Just think about how you plan to use this 1 million. I need to rest now.” I believed that in the hands of someone who once built such a powerful business empire, this money would be put to good use. I went to the less than 3-square-meter bathroom to wash away the day’s dirt and fatigue. I threw my yellow vest into the washing machine and took out a new one. Even though life had taken away my comforts, I still hoped to find solace in small details. I soon fell into a dreamless sleep, worrying about how to repay Finn. Little did I know that Finn’s troubles were not that simple. The next morning, to catch the breakfast delivery rush, I left early with a piece of bread in my mouth. I skillfully hopped on my electric scooter, opened the delivery app, quickly snagged a few orders I could handle, and rushed to pick up the food. So when Finn’s call appeared on my phone again, I hesitated. I didn’t know how to face someone I grew up with, especially after impulsively taking his 1 million. This call might be his way of addressing the situation. But the money was taken, and there was no way to avoid the matter. Finn’s persistent calls severely affected my delivery speed. I decided to just block him. But I underestimated Finn’s determination to find me. He placed countless errand orders on the delivery platform, each offering a 1000 delivery fee. His only requirement was for the delivery person to find a female delivery person named Adeline and personally deliver to his address. A 1000 delivery fee! Even a top delivery person couldn’t earn that in a day without eating or drinking. Usually, the order hall was emptier than my stomach, but today there were plenty of orders. I even had the luxury to choose. Just when I was happy about today’s influx, our team’s top delivery person contacted me. “Hey Adeline, this order seems to be looking for you.” After finishing my last order, I finally had time to check my phone and see the message he sent me. Seeing the familiar address, I felt faint. “You know, there are many such orders now. A lot of people are looking for you. You’ve been good to me, so can I take this one?” Before I could faint completely, the top guy sent another message. He really had been good to me, teaching me how to snag orders, showing me where to find delivery hotspots, and helping me navigate shortcuts in the city. The delivery folks I met were all kind-hearted, without prejudice or disdain. Their help allowed me to at least cover the cost of renting the battery and have some savings. “Alright, I’ll go with you.” If I didn’t go, Finn would find another way to find me. I might as well see what he wanted. “Thanks, Adeline. With this delivery fee, I can take two days off.” In just one day, I crossed the familiar yet distant place I once knew so well. 24 hours later, I stood before Finn again. His expression looked like he wanted to devour me, but the presence of the delivery guy stopped him from confronting me like we used to as kids. “Boss, is this the person you were looking for?” The delivery guy didn’t notice the tension in the air and asked eagerly. “Yes, it’s her.” “Okay, I’ll mark it as delivered. Thanks, boss. Thanks, boss. Adeline, I’ll head off now. With this 1000, I’m done for the day. You take care and don’t work too late.” “Thanks, man.” I smiled and waved him off. “Have you seen enough?” I turned around, and Finn was glaring at me with gritted teeth. “Master Finn, what’s the big fuss about looking for me? Let me clarify, yesterday’s money is spent, so if you want money, I don’t have it. But if you’re offering the same price as yesterday, I’ll try to earn more.” I grinned slyly, staring at yesterday’s handiwork. Finn still had marks on his neck from yesterday. Honestly, I did have feelings for Finn; otherwise, I wouldn’t have put so much effort into kissing him. “Adeline! How did you become such a scoundrel? You’re so gentle with the delivery guy, but so harsh to me. Not just harsh, but you also… took advantage of me.” “Master Finn, you said I get 10,000 for a kiss, and you didn’t say there’s a limit. It’s more the merrier. If you want more, I’m available.” Finn’s face turned beet red, filled with embarrassment and confusion. I knew what he wanted to ask, but this was the only way to make Finn hate me, to make him loathe me. I’m an insatiable void. Dad’s loan shark debt keeps growing, and the back pay hasn’t been settled. Now I owe Finn 1 million. I had no choice but to take the money because our shattered home couldn’t endure another visit from the loan shark. Finn remained silent, so I clenched my fists, resolved to approach him. “Master Finn, is there more business today? Or does it need some cuddling?” I teasingly whispered close to his ear. He had a familiar scent, a cologne I specifically brought back for him from abroad. He once mocked my taste, but the sharp fragrance now filled my nostrils with his tense breaths. He instinctively pushed me to the ground. “Adeline, enough! You…” His chest heaved violently, taking several breaths before suppressing his anger. “Master Finn, if you have no other business, I’ll leave. You’ve already taken up too much of my time.” I tried to sound cold and disagreeable, slowly getting up from the ground, brushing off nonexistent dust. “Wait, I have a new business proposition for you.” It looks like I didn’t receive the text you wanted me to translate. Could you please send it again so I can help you with it? 6 I looked into his serious eyes, unsure of what new plan Finn was concocting. “What?” Even though I was determined to cut ties with Finn, those sparkling eyes made it hard to say anything insincere.
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