"No regrets. Not a single one."
The inventory from Northside was originally meant for Huaying Healthcare—the same hospital where Otis's father worked.
But a competitor had swooped in halfway through the deal, and the supplier got stuck holding everything.
In the end, I negotiated a price.
Twenty thousand dollars for his entire stock.
I was confident I could convince Huaying to take my goods instead.
The only problem was—twenty grand was serious money for someone like me.
When push came to shove, I still had to ask my parents.
I called them.
At first, they thought it was a bad idea. But after I talked myself hoarse, they finally agreed to let me try.
I waited for the transfer, practically bouncing with anticipation.
A whole day passed. Nothing.
When I called back, I found out they'd sent the money to Louisa instead.
"You're too clumsy for this. Louisa knows way more about medical stuff than you do. At least she'll know how to spend it properly. If you need money, go ask her—let her give you some advice."
I was furious.
But I didn't have time to stay angry.
I quickly tracked down Louisa's location and grabbed a cab to that same karaoke place.
This time, it was Otis's birthday party.
I showed up at the private room door, out of breath.
The familiar scrutinizing looks landed on me like always.
I stared straight at Louisa.
"Louisa. Give me twenty thousand dollars."
Someone spat out their drink.
"Holy shit! They're not even married yet and he's already asking for a dowry!"
"If they actually got married, he'd be demanding millions from her every other sentence."
"I mean, our girl Louisa can afford it—but does he deserve it?"
Louisa turned off the music and looked at me from the couch.
"What do you want it for?"
"None of your business. My parents sent you some money, right? Hand it over."
"Oh my god, that's hilarious—like Louisa needs handouts from your folks? Who are you trying to fool?"
"The things people say to save face."
I walked up to Louisa.
"Give it to me."
"Your parents did transfer me some money. But it wasn't twenty thousand."
I froze.
She showed me the transfer record. I stared at the amount—less than ten grand.
And my parents' note:
Matthew wants money but won't say what for. Keep this for now. If he's just going to blow it partying, don't give him a cent.
So that's what they really thought of me.
I clenched my jaw.
"But I can give you twenty thousand."
Louisa held out a bank card between two fingers.
I reached for it.
She pulled it back, a teasing smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
"What's this? Not satisfied being an academic boy toy—now you want to be a dowry beggar too?"
The room erupted in laughter, sharp and grating.
My hand hung there in midair like the punchline to a joke.
"Relax, I'm just kidding."
The card came toward me again.
Everyone watched with amusement.
Someone whistled at me.
"Hey! You still have the nerve to take it?"
Otis looked on, clearly enjoying himself.
I snatched the card with a sharp snap.
My eyes locked onto Louisa's.
"Then thank you, Ms. Pruitt."
While she sat there, slightly stunned, I turned and walked out without looking back.
When Ned heard about this, he nearly lost his mind.
"Just wait—I'm going to her school right now to settle this!"
I grabbed him tight and forced him back into his chair.
He was seething. "You're not even mad?!"
The bank card flipped through my fingers.
I smiled.
