Objectification

Shiraishi Wataru booked two premium suites for seven days with ease, causing the receptionist to glance at him and Jennifer in surprise, though her professional training quickly brought her back to focus as she began the check-in process.

"Enjoy your stay."

After the payment was settled, as they followed the concierge and bellhop to their rooms, Jennifer finally calmed down, secretly tugging at Shiraishi Wataru's sleeve and leaning in.

"You, you didn't need to book such an expensive hotel for me." Jennifer was genuinely flustered, yet at the same time, she felt a flicker of anticipation.

"Relax, this is just a small sum to me. I hope my tour guide can enjoy showing me the culture and scenery of New York City in a good mood," Shiraishi Wataru comforted her.

For some reason, Jennifer felt like crying.

Had he noticed her bad mood throughout the journey?

She didn't believe anyone would spend money on her without expecting something in return, but perhaps, could he help her break free from the mire?

After all, the money was real, the payment was already made, and he surely couldn't be a scammer, right?

Dazed, she entered her room. Shiraishi Wataru simply told her to stay in touch via phone; they had already exchanged social media accounts on the plane.

Closing and locking the door, Jennifer slowly walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window. From a perspective she had never enjoyed before, she looked down at the masses below and at Central Park, which she usually hurried past without stopping to admire. It was actually quite beautiful.

People brushed past one another, some busy, some leisurely; people of all races could be seen here, including white-collar workers, the homeless, the young, and the elderly.

"Is this the perspective of the wealthy?" Jennifer muttered to herself.

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, Jennifer revealed her brightest smile, turned around, and walked into the luxurious bathroom.

Less than half an hour later, Jennifer emerged from the bathroom feeling refreshed. She hurriedly applied makeup and managed to pick the most youthful outfit from her meager collection of clothes.

"I'm ready!"

"Good."

Since it was already evening, Shiraishi Wataru's first stop was the famous Plaza Hotel, which happened to be right next door.

Jennifer tried her best to recite the relevant knowledge she remembered to Shiraishi Wataru while cautiously eating what was the most expensive dinner of her life.

After the meal, Jennifer suggested a stroll through Times Square. Shiraishi Wataru did not refuse, and they headed to the famous landmark together for a quick look around.

As the lights came on and the night deepened, many places were no longer good for sightseeing at this hour, so the two headed back.

"How about we go for a drink?"

Seeing that he hadn't initiated an invitation, Jennifer gathered her courage and suggested it.

Shiraishi Wataru certainly wouldn't refuse and went straight to the hotel lounge with her.

"So, Ms. Jennifer, would you mind some champagne?" Since she had taken the initiative, Shiraishi Wataru showed a bit of grace.

"I've only ever had beer," Jennifer said truthfully. For her, she didn't like the feeling of being drunk, as it made many things spiral out of a safe range—especially since her father was a hopeless alcoholic.

"Then let's go with a white champagne," Shiraishi Wataru told the waiter.

"Distinguished guests, I recommend this one from LVMH."

"Fine, that one." Shiraishi Wataru waved his hand dismissively.

When the wine arrived and the waiter prepared to decant it, Shiraishi Wataru noticed Jennifer's stiff demeanor and pulled out a tip. "No need to decant it, just leave it here."

"Thank you for your generosity, enjoy your evening!" The waiter thanked them respectfully and left, and only then did Jennifer's tension slowly begin to fade.

"Thank you. You really are... very perceptive."

Jennifer took the glass Shiraishi Wataru poured for her and took a small sip. Her brows furrowed slightly; as expected, she still couldn't bring herself to like alcohol, even if this bottle likely cost more than all the money she had earned since birth.

"I can see you have something on your mind; a drink might make you feel better." Shiraishi Wataru took a sip as well. "Actually, I think cola suits me better."

"Haha." The wealthy man's joke hit Jennifer's funny bone, but it sounded noticeably abrupt in the quiet atmosphere, so she quickly covered her mouth.

"Why care what others think? Perhaps we won't ever cross paths again in this lifetime." Shiraishi Wataru set down his glass, not intending to drink any more.

Jennifer was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Can I ask you a few questions?"

"Go ahead."

"If I want to leave this country, would it be a lot of trouble for you?"

"It would be effortless."

"If I could leave this country, could I find a stable, normal job? Even though I don't even have a high school diploma?"

"That is not difficult."

"Do you think I'm worth that price?"

"Of course."

Jennifer let out a long breath and looked at Shiraishi Wataru. "Can I ask for a deposit? I can pay it back from my future wages."

She had completely objectified herself.

This was her only chance.

Either return to hell or head straight to heaven.

Shiraishi Wataru thought for a moment, summoned the waiter from earlier, and whispered a few words into his ear.

The waiter nodded after listening, then turned and left.

"You don't seem very good at handling emotions, and with your looks, there are plenty of ways to ensure you're never short of money," Shiraishi Wataru said.

"Dating won't get me out of my predicament. I learned that lesson when I was twelve. Beauty is indeed an asset, but it's also a poison. Besides, my social circle is far too narrow. It wasn't until today that I truly caught a glimpse of how the wealthy live. If I missed out on you, I might have had to return to that family just for my diploma, and I would only have encountered worse situations there."

Now that she had spoken her mind, Jennifer appeared calmer, though she downed the champagne in her glass sip after sip until it was empty in the blink of an eye.

Stopping her from pouring another drink, Shiraishi Wataru settled the bill immediately.

"Let's go. I'll give you your deposit."

Shiraishi Wataru steadied Jennifer as they walked back to their room.

Outside the door, the waiter was already waiting there, holding a briefcase.

"Thank you." Shiraishi Wataru took the briefcase and tipped him.

"It is my honor to serve you. I wish you both a pleasant evening."

After watching the waiter leave, Shiraishi Wataru opened his door and helped Jennifer inside.

"You can still change your mind now," Shiraishi Wataru said, handing the briefcase to Jennifer as she sat on the sofa.

Jennifer opened it to find bundles of cash inside. Was it about a hundred thousand? She could only guess, as she had never handled more than a thousand in cash before.

Where did the money come from? Shortly after arriving at the hotel, Shiraishi Wataru had used his ability to parasitize someone who looked like they were involved in shady business, then controlled him to fetch the money, hand it to the waiter, and deliver it.

Although, he could have simply used his ability to silently place the briefcase in the room.

Jennifer set the briefcase down, her slightly tipsy gaze fixed on Shiraishi Wataru.

"Should I take a shower first?"