Chapter 1

“So… Ming got himself into some trouble with the loan sharks?”

Yuqi sat across from her best friend, Minnie, pressing her lips into a thin line. She stared down at her own hands, nervously rubbing her knees, then her lap, before finally gripping them tight.

Her mind drifted back to the night it all began.

She remembered unlocking the door to Ming’s apartment, slipping off her shoes. Her shift at the café had run long—again. The place was only a short distance from his building, but a long way from hers. She had texted him an hour before clocking out, asking if she could crash at his place and leave in the morning.

He never replied.

Odd, she had thought. But Ming wasn’t a quick texter. She hadn't thought much of it.

She remembered stepping inside, calling his name softly as she toed off her sneakers.

The lights were dim. The air was thick—heavy with something she couldn't name.

Then she froze.

Ming was lying on the floor. His face was swollen, bloodied. His lip was split open. Around him stood three men in suits—hard-eyed, silent, intimidating.

And at the centre, crouched low like a predator over its prey, was a man who looked almost too put together for the scene. His tailored coat hung open. His head was tilted slightly, watching Ming the way one might watch a wounded animal.

It was a small, perfect kind of horrifying.

“Yeah…” Yuqi finally answered, gripping her knees. “He said it was an investment gone wrong.”

“Can’t say I’m surprised since he borrowed money from Ezra Xu,” Minnie said, leaning forward and stressing the name. “That man is one of the most ruthless loan sharks around. He doesn’t play when it comes to his money. Either Ming’s stupid or arrogant enough to think that man is generous enough to overlook ‘an investment gone bad.’” She shook her head. “How much does he owe him?”

Yuqi fidgeted before answering, “1.3 billion won.”

Minnie choked on a laugh that was almost a sob. “1.3 BILLION—yeah, he’s cooked. No—deep fried, burnt, incinerated, you name it. What kind of business was he investing in that needed 1.3 billion won?!”

“He was tight-lipped about it,” Yuqi admitted. “Said he’d tell me once it took off.”

“Well, his ‘business investment’ left him in deep debt; there is no way he can even begin to pay that back without selling organs on the black market.”

A cold idea rose in Yuqi’s throat. Her hands trembled. “What if…” she started, voice so small it might not have reached the furniture, “what if I help him? Pay the debt, I mean.”

Minnie arched an eyebrow. “How? Your salary from the café won’t cover it. Even with a second job—”

“Well…” Yuqi blurted, each word a cliff-edge. “Would offering myself be enough?”

Minnie’s eyes widened. “What do you mean you ‘offered yourself’?”

Yuqi swallowed. “I… I offered myself in exchange for clearing Ming’s debt.”

A beat of silence.

Then—

“In the name of fuck, WHAT?!” Minnie exploded.

Yuqi flinched. "Okay. I know it sounds bad—"

“Yuqi. Bestie. You know I love you, right? You're the little sis I wish I had. But respectfully with my full chest: WHAT THE FUCK?!”

"I know, Minnie. I know. This is the only way.“ 

“By pimping yourself out to this guy?”

Yuqi’s face burned. “You’re making it sound worse than it already is.”

“That’s because it is!” Minnie shot back.

“Well, I don’t see you coming up with better solutions. And don’t you dare mention walking away. I am not abandoning him.”

Minnie exhaled and opened a bottle of whiskey, pouring two glasses. 

"You think I'm stupid, don't you?" she asked quietly.

“No, no, no. I don't think you're stupid,” Minnie said, setting the other glass in front of her. “You are stupid. There's a difference.”

Yuqi slumped back into the couch. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Hey. I may be your ride or die, but we don't advocate for stupidity and dumb decisions in this household.”

“But you know how much I care about him.”

“I know you care about him, Yuqi.” Minnie took a slow sip. “Can’t really say the same about him, though.”

Yuqi frowned. "What’s that supposed to mean? You doubt Ming's feelings for me?"

“Oh, I don't doubt his feelings for you. It just seems like you care more about your relationship than he does.”

Yuqi didn’t deny it. She couldn’t.

“Look, I know you don’t like him—”

“I like him enough. I just don’t respect him.”

“He’s made mistakes. He deserves a second chance––.” 

“That’s the thing,” Minnie put down her glass, her frustrated gaze fixed on Yuqi. “You’ve given him multiple chances, and he hasn’t learned a damn thing. You’re basically the only one carrying your relationship while he’s being a backseat passenger.”

Yuqi opened her mouth but closed it soon after. She didn’t argue against that.

“Does Ming even know about this 'deal' you want to make with Ezra?” Minnie asked.

Yuqi shook her head, avoiding Minnie’s gaze. "No. I… I haven't told him, and I don’t plan to. I don't know how he'll react."

“So, you’re planning on making a deal with one of the most ruthless men in the city — essentially bargaining with the devil — and your boyfriend doesn’t even know?” Minnie’s incredulity dissolved into exasperation. “That’s insane.”

Yuqi winced. "I know it's crazy, Minnie. But I have to do something. I don't know what else to do."

“Except for cheating on your boyfriend by offering yourself to become another man’s property,” Minnie deadpanned.

"It's not cheating, Minnie," Yuqi protested weakly. "It's a deal. It's transactional, business-like."

“So, covert cheating with extra steps. Got it.”

“Yah! I said I was going to give myself to him. Not actually sleep with him!”

“Giving yourself also includes sleeping with him!”

Yuqi let out a frustrated sigh. "Minnie, you're not understanding. I’m not doing it to cheat. I’m doing it to protect Ming."

“From what? The consequences of his actions?” Minnie scoffed.

"No, Minnie. To protect him from Ezra and his goons."

“That's what he gets for borrowing money from loan sharks to kick-start his business, which failed, and not paying them back.”

"He made a bad choice. He doesn't deserve to be terrorised like this."

“Girl! He is a grown-ass man. And you’re paying for his stupidity.”

Yuqi’s expression hardened. “He’s not a criminal. He took a risk. He made mistakes, but he’s trying.”

“Yeah, and you’re the one paying for his stupid choices!” Minnie yelled.

Yuqi flinched. Tears threatened to spill. “I know I am, Minnie. I know. But I… I love him. And people in love do crazy things for each other, right?”

“Yes, but not like this,” Minnie said, softer now.

Yuqi's voice dropped. "I know it's ridiculous, Minnie. But I could never live with myself if something happened to Ming and I didn't do everything I could to save him. He's worth it to me."

Minnie let out a deep and long sigh and pulled her into a hug. Yuqi let out a choked sob as Minnie hugged her, burying her face into her shoulder.

“I know, I know,” Minnie rubbed her back.

After a long moment, Minnie pulled back just enough to look at her.

“Listen, Yuqi. I know you’d do anything for the people you love. But I worry about you. You sacrificed so much for Ming already. You gave up your dream to be a stylist for him. Now this…”

Yuqi sniffled. “I know. I just… I can't let anything happen to him, no matter what.”

“But he also has to protect you,” Minnie pointed out.

Yuqi pulled back slightly, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "I know that, Minnie. But you know how stubborn he is."

“And he's a dumbass for that,” Minnie rolled her eyes.

Yuqi let out a shaky laugh through her tears. "I know he is. But that's part of what I love about him. He's reckless and impulsive, and sometimes it lands him in trouble. But he's also passionate and determined. And he really does love me, Minnie. That I'm sure of."

“And I don't doubt that. But if this deal fucks you over, at least I know who to kill with my own hands.”

Yuqi manages a small smile through her tears. "I appreciate the protective sentiment, Minnie. But can we please not discuss murder as a solution?"

“It's either Soyeon or me, and you and I both know she's way worse.”

Yuqi shuddered at the thought. "Please don't ever rope her into this. I want my boyfriend’s head still attached to his body.”

“She will be doing me a public service.”

Yuqi laughs, despite the tears still streaking down her face. "You're scary when you're protective, you know that? I'm both grateful and terrified to have you at the same time."

“Good,” Minnie pulled her into another hug.

Yuqi stood outside the club, her heart slamming against her ribs.

The building loomed before her—sleek, blacked-out windows, a velvet rope, bouncers who looked like they'd seen everything and cared about nothing. This wasn't her world. She was a café worker in a secondhand coat, standing at the doorstep of a man who could ruin lives with a phone call.

She had no choice.

Ming owed money. Dangerous money. And she was the only one willing to pay.

She pushed open the door.

Inside, the air was thick with expensive colognes, cigars, the kind of wealth that didn't need to announce itself. The bass from the main room thrummed through the floor, but she didn't stop there. She walked past the bar, past the velvet booths and glittering chandeliers, straight toward the dimly lit hallway at the back.

A guard nodded. Someone opened a door.

And then she was inside.

The backroom was quieter. Darker. A single lamp cast amber light across a polished wooden desk. Behind it sat a man who looked like he belonged on a magazine cover—sharp jaw, sharper eyes, a tailored coat that probably cost more than her monthly rent.

Ezra Xu.

His gaze lifted as she entered, locking onto hers with the precision of a sniper. A chill ran down her spine, but she didn't look away.

"And who might you be?" he asked coolly, his voice smooth yet carrying an undeniable edge.

Yuqi swallowed hard and walked further into the room, her mind racing. “No one, but you, did business with my boyfriend Zhang Minghao.” She replied.

"Ah! Ming." A smile ghosted across his lips. He snapped his fingers, as if plucking the name from thin air. "I don't know if I'd call it business. It never took off." He sighed, shaking his head. "What a waste of money."

He turned his gaze back on Yuqi. “I suppose you came with the money he owes me.”

"No, I’ve come to make a deal," she answered, trying to keep her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.

Ezra leaned back in his chair, studying her intently. His gaze was intense and unwavering, making her feel like he could see straight through her. She fidgeted nervously, feeling exposed and vulnerable under his scrutiny.

"Continue," he finally said, breaking the tense silence that had settled between them.

Yuqi took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "I want you to clear his debt," she said, her voice faltering a little. 

“Do you know how much your boyfriend owes me?” Ezra asked.

Yuqi steeled herself for the answer she knew would come next. "1.30 billion won," she admitted, her stomach twisting into knots. The amount was far more than either of them could afford, and the weight of it hung in the air like a dark cloud.

Ezra whistled, low and slow. "That’s a lot of money." 

“It is.”

“And you want me to clear his debt?”

“Yes. Or at least buy him some time to pay you back.”

"And how exactly do you plan on paying that back? I assume you’ve come here to negotiate something."

“Yes, but we just need time to pay you back.” 

"Time." Ezra's smirk faded. His eyes narrowed. "Time is a commodity I don't have much patience for. I gave Ming time. He set deadlines. He missed them. And then he wiggled his way out like a worm avoiding the hook."

Yuqi's throat tightened, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. She knew that simply negotiating wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but she didn’t realise how bad the situation was. 

Damnit, Ming! What were you getting yourself into?

"What if I offer myself?"

Ezra raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He leaned forward on the desk, steepling his fingers under his chin. "And what do you mean by 'offering yourself?'"

“Exactly how I said it. I’ll do whatever you ask of me. Be whatever you want me to be.” She answered.

Ezra’s expression darkened as she spoke, a mixture of dangerous understanding and intense interest in his eyes. He steepled his fingers again, his gaze unwavering.

"You’re willing to go that far, huh?" he asked, his voice lowering. "You do understand what you’re offering?"

“I do,” Yuqi nodded.

Ezra studied her for a moment longer, his gaze roaming over her as if assessing the extent of her determination. He leaned back in his chair, his expression giving nothing away.

"Then I'll have to decline," he said finally, his tone hard.

Panic coursed through her veins as Ezra refused her sacrifice. She had put her all on the line, only to be rejected. "What?" she asked, her voice cracking. "Why?"

“Your boyfriend's debt is his responsibility. Not yours,” he explained.

Yuqi clenched her fists, her frustration mounting. "I know that. But I’m willing to do this for him," she protested, her voice rising. "I wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t the case."

Ezra stared at her in silence before letting out a sigh and standing up from his seat. “Do you even know what you’re offering?” he walked around his desk and stood towering over her, his dark orbs piercing through hers. “You’re essentially giving up your body, your whole being to become someone’s object and possession.”

“I know what I’m getting myself into. I’m not stupid.” She retorted, getting defensive.

“And you think paying off your boyfriend’s debt is worth sacrificing your dignity and autonomy? Talk about audacity.”

Yuqi's jaw tightened, and her hands balled into fists at her sides. “Don’t talk to me about audacity,” she hissed. “You don’t know me.”

“And neither do you,” he argued back. “Do you know the type of man I am, what I do and the life I live?”

“Not quite an honest one, I'll tell you that much.”

“And here you are offering yourself as collateral for your boyfriend’s poor choices.”

Yuqi remained silent, her eyes blazing as she shot him a withering glare.

“There's a fine line between sacrifice and martyrdom,” Ezra continues. “And you're using it like a skipping rope. I may be a cold and mean son of a bitch, but I have morals and a code. And I draw the line on innocent people like yourself, dragging yourselves into your loved ones' mess."

Yuqi let out a bitter laugh. “You broke into Ming’s apartment and beat him up, damn near to a bloody pulp. You have no right to lecture me about morals.”

"And you think you're any different?" he shot back. "No matter how you spin it, this is a betrayal. You're going behind your boyfriend's back to offer yourself to another man. That's fucked up. And you know it."

The silence hung in the air as they held each other’s gaze as though they were competing against each other.

Ezram sighed; his voice softening. Just a fraction. "Believe it or not, I'm trying to help you. You have no idea what you're getting into." He turned away. "I'm done here. The life I live has no place for a naive girl like you." 

As he turned to retreat to his desk, a surge of urgency filled the air, and Yuqi grasped the hem of his shirt, her grip firm yet trembling.

He didn't turn. Didn't pull away. He just stood there, her hand fisted in his shirt, his back to her.

Seconds passed. An eternity.

Then he turned.

His eyes searched hers—deep, dark, unreadable. Looking for the lie. The hesitation. The moment she'd crumble.

"If I agree to this," he said slowly, "there's no going back. Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes."

No hesitation.

Ezra held her gaze for one long, final moment. Then something shifted in his expression—acceptance, perhaps. Or resignation.

"Very well, then." 

Yuqi let out a breath of relief and smiled. “Thank you.”

"Don't thank me yet, doll." His voice was low. Quiet. "You still have to prove yourself. But know this—once we make this deal, there's no backing out. You'll belong to me. Fully. Completely. No exceptions. No compromises."

She nodded.

And somewhere deep in the back of her mind, a small voice whispered that she had just made a deal with the devil.

But for Ming?

She would have made it twice.