Once? Not enough

Chapter 8: Something's wrong with her walk

Evan raised an eyebrow and took out his phone, tapping into her message thread.

"How much money do you need?" he inquired, tilting his head.

How much was she lacking? It was Amy's first time engaging in such a transaction, and she was unsure of the going rate; however, her father's medical expenses were no small sum. Overwhelmed, Amy didn't know how to respond.

Evan caught a glimpse of her perplexed expression and tapped his slender fingers on the keyboard, searching online. Within seconds, he recited the information he found.

"The going rate for ovum donation is around 20,000-30,000 for lesser-known universities, 50,000-80,000 for premier ones, and starting at 100,000 for the top institutions."

He looked straight at her and said, "So, how much do you need, 50,000 or 100,000?"

Amy hadn't realized such details were known to him.

The price he mentioned was significantly higher than what she'd seen advertised in the campus restrooms, and she found herself at a loss.

She lowered her gaze and spoke softly, "Fifty thousand."

Evan swiped on his mobile phone, and with a single tap, a transaction was completed.

The distinctive sound of a money transfer echoed; Amy glanced at the screen and was taken aback by the amount displayed.

A full hundred thousand.

He had sent double the amount she asked for.

Amy stared at the man in astonishment, flabbergasted by the generous sum. She hadn't even sold any ovum, yet the money was hers, and she couldn't shake the feeling it was too much.

Evan pocketed his phone and, noting her stunned expression, asked, "Aren't you leaving?"

He had intentionally sent more, reserving half as pocket money for her.

For a college student, such a sum could sustain her living expenses for an extended time, ensuring she didn't hastily resort to ovum sale again.

Coming to her senses, Amy clenched her lips and accepted the transfer.

"Thank you," she whispered in gratitude.

The man's gaze returned to the computer screen, his face betraying no emotion as he spoke in a flat, indifferent tone.

"Next."

Clutching her prescription, Amy headed for the exit.

Outside, she collided with Christian, who was on his way in. They brushed past one another, and he took note of her list of medications, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Caught up in her thoughts, Amy hurried away without a second glance.

Back at the clinic, Christian waltzed in with a hint of gossip in his tone.

"Gastroenterology is prescribing gynecological medication now?"

Evan glanced at him dismissively.

"None of your business."

Christian sauntered over, his gaze sweeping over Evan's body and landing on the sleeve rolled up to reveal faint red marks.

His eyes sparkled with intrigue.

"Missed out on drinks with me because you had company, huh?"

Evan kept his stare fixed on the computer, his voice devoid of warmth, "You come here during work hours just to say that?"

Christian chuckled. "To see 'the pristine flower' fancy the innocent type. Who would've thought? I presumed your tastes leaned towards the overtly sensual, yet it seems you prefer the virginal, demure types."

Special? Evan's mind drifted to the image from the previous night - under the stark lighting, her body was smooth, delicate, and alluring. Her eyes, reddened and tearful, beckoned him, stirring a wild desire for dominance.

"Let's get down to business," Evan said, snapping back to the present, unwilling to engage in banter with Christian.

Christian switched to a more serious demeanor. "Qin Li's birthday is this weekend. He's expecting us at Star Tide Club."

"Noted," Evan replied, promptly ushering Christian out of the clinic.

...

After leaving the hospital, Amy wasted no time in transferring the money to her mother, starting with half the amount — a precaution in case she needed more later.

The transfer was accepted instantly, without a word of thanks; the screen could not convey the cold indifference on the other side.

Amy waited before sending a message to her brother.

"Please let me know how dad's surgery goes."

A simple thumbs-up emoji was the reply.

With her medication in tow, Amy took the bus back to campus.

Approaching her dormitory building, she was intercepted by a looming figure who called out to her.

"Amy, wait."

Instinctively, Amy retracted, maintaining a careful distance from the man in front of her.

He was Carter, a senior from the finance department, rumored to be rich and frivolous with his affections, and he had been troubling her lately.

"You wanted to talk to me?" Amy hid the bag of medicine behind her back, eyeing him warily.

Carter's eyes lingered on her innocent face, the urge to whisk her away overwhelming him.

He stepped closer, his presence almost engulfing her. "I hear you're selling your eggs?"