As Yan Xia emerged from the restroom, we ventured out of the café, embarking on our eagerly anticipated date.
The day unfolded with surprising ease, filled with laughter as we explored shops and indulged in delectable snacks.
To my amazement, our camaraderie felt remarkably natural, as if we had been friends for ages, defying all expectations.
Yet, amidst our joyous moments, Yan Xia's peculiar behavior didn't go unnoticed. Every now and then, he would interject with a seemingly innocuous excuse:
"Um, Chuxia, I think I need to use the restroom again," he stammered, his voice tinged with nervousness.
Or, "Hey, Chuxia, would you like a stuffed toy? I spotted an adorable teddy bear earlier. Let me go grab it for you," he suggested, his words punctuated by faint coughs.
And then, "I'll go fetch us some crepes," he announced abruptly.
Each time, he would hastily retreat, concealing his nose behind a handkerchief, leaving me to ponder the reason behind his frequent departures.
It became increasingly apparent that his excuses were merely veiled attempts to manage his nosebleeds, a fact betrayed by the telltale stains on his once pristine handkerchief.
As the hours drifted by, I glanced at my wristwatch, noting the passage of time. What had begun as a morning excursion soon stretched into the late afternoon, the sun casting long shadows as it descended towards the horizon.
By the time the clock struck five in the evening, it was evident that our date was drawing to a close.
As we strolled through the streets, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, Yan broke the comfortable silence with a curious remark.
"Well, that was fun!" His voice carried a note of genuine enthusiasm, and I couldn't help but smile in response, though a hint of uncertainty lingered beneath the surface.
His next words, however, sent a jolt of nervous energy coursing through me. "Hey, Chuxia..." he began, and I turned to face him, my heart rate quickening. What could he possibly want to say?
His expression was one of puzzlement, and he scratched his head in a gesture of mild confusion. "I don't know why," he continued, "but I have a feeling like we've talked before."
My breath caught in my throat, and I struggled to maintain my composure. "E-EH!?" I exclaimed, my voice betraying my surprise. "I know this sounds weird, but I got this feeling like I've seen you somewhere. But I don't remember exactly where," he explained, his hands moving forward in a halting gesture.
Trepidation gripped me as I grappled with the implications of his words. Could he have recognized me despite my disguise? Or was it merely a trick of the mind, a fleeting sense of déjà vu?
"HaHa...it might be your imagination. But I think this is the first time we've met," I respond, forcing a laugh as a bead of sweat trickles down my temple.
"Maybe..." Yan's tone is uncertain, but he lets the matter drop, and we continue our stroll in uneasy silence.
Thankfully, he doesn't press the issue further, and I breathe a silent sigh of relief. Perhaps he truly hasn't recognized me after all. But as we walk a little longer, Yan comes to a stop and turns to face me.
"I guess this is where it ends," he says with a smile.
"Hmm, thanks for accompanying me today, Luke. It was very fun, thanks to you," I reply, sincerity coloring my words.
"No worries! That's my job."
I pause, studying his expression for any hint of sincerity. But his smile seems genuine, and I'm left wondering—was today truly enjoyable for him, or merely a performance?
I open the handbag hanging on my left arm and retrieve 600 Yuan. The crisp bills represent the payment for renting Yan Xia.
"..." He falls silent as I withdraw the money from my purse, his earlier smile fading.
Guilt flickers in his eyes, a shadow across his face. But this is his job—the price we both agreed upon. Half of the payment will go to him, and the other half to his manager. It's a transaction, plain and simple.
I hand over the cash, and he stares at it silently.
"Hey Luke...there's something I wanted to ask you," I begin tentatively.
"Yes?" His response is cautious, a subtle shift in his demeanor.
"Say...why are you doing this job?"
His eyes widen in confusion as he gazes at my serious expression.
"I've been pondering this for a while now... During our date, you made several excuses to leave, and you seemed troubled..." I pause, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over me. "Oh, sorry! Please forget what I just asked! It was probably a silly question."
I nervously laugh, attempting to brush off the tension.
"It's fine," he reassures me with a smile before casting his gaze upward toward the sky. "This job provides a decent salary compared to others. I have personal reasons for wanting to earn a significant amount of money, and this seemed like the most straightforward path."
"There are a few other reasons why I'm in this line of work too."
"Other reasons?"
"Yeah..." He pauses, the wind picking up speed, rustling the dry green leaves around us.
"This job allows me to encounter a variety of people... good, bad, heartbroken, those in need of support. And, most importantly, it helps me confront my fear."
As he mentions fear, it's clear he's alluding to his Gynophobia, the fear of girls, though he doesn't explicitly state it.
"Just as my clients seek emotional support, so do I. Spending time with them, enjoying their company, it lifts my spirits. And theirs too, even if it's just for a day, knowing the next day it's someone else."
"It's a way for me to cope with both my fear and stress. Just like how I felt with you."
"Although this is the first time a client has asked me such a question, talking about it with you has lightened my heart. Thank you, Chuxia Ye!"
"D-Don't worry about it!" I stammer.
"Ok~"
"Anyways, it's getting late. I think I should head home. I hope we meet again, Luke."
"Yeah..."
Just as I turn to leave, I hear his voice—
"—Wait!"
"Huh?" Yan's call stops me in my tracks.
When I turn back to face him, he awkwardly smiles, scratching his head before speaking:
"The money... the total payment isn't actually 600, but 1000 yuan."
My heart skips a beat. "What?"
"—Crack!"
I freeze, turning into a gray statue at his revelation. There goes all my one year's savings down the drain.