On a popular live-streaming platform.
"Go for it, babe, I'll always support you," Mike Carter typed into the chat, along with a plane emoji gift. Just as he was about to send it, a system notification popped up: Your account has been muted by the administrator.
Mike froze, his heart sinking. It was the end of the month—Jessica Lee's most crucial streaming day. He'd been saving up to send her gifts to help her rank higher. He couldn't afford to be silenced now.
Just then, a bold message flashed across the screen:
"Gentleman Tyler has sent ten planes."
Before Mike could react, another message followed:
"Gentleman Tyler has sent ten rockets."
The chat exploded:
"This guy is loaded!"
"Spending money like water for his queen!"
Jessica immediately stood up from her chair, her smile bright and eager. "Thank you, Brother Tyler, for the planes and rockets! Muah! I've been waiting for you!"
Mike felt a cold chill run through him. For the past few days, every time this "Gentleman Tyler" showed up in Jessica's live stream, she completely ignored Mike. And now, she'd even muted him.
Mike knew exactly who Gentleman Tyler was: Tyler Wayne, the infamous rich kid from their university. He was arrogant, entitled, and loved to show off his wealth.
"Jessica, I've been watching your streams for days," Tyler typed. "But all you ever do is sing and dance. Aren't you going to show me something exciting? You promised on WhatsApp, remember?"
The 300 or so viewers in the stream buzzed with envy. This is what money gets you—direct access to the queen herself. Everyone knew the unspoken rule: rich patrons often got "extra benefits" from female streamers, including private dinners—or worse.
Jessica giggled, her cheeks flushing. "Brother Tyler, give me a minute. I'll change into something better."
Moments later, Jessica reappeared on-screen, dressed in a sexy bunny outfit. White stockings clung to her long legs, and she pouted at the camera with a shy, flirtatious smile. The comments section went wild.
But Tyler wasn't impressed.
"What's this?" he typed coldly. "Didn't I already see this outfit at the hotel? If you're not doing a pole dance, I'm leaving."
The hotel? Mike froze. Jessica had been with Tyler at a hotel?
For six months, Mike had thought of Jessica as a sweet, hardworking girl. She was his dream—beautiful, kind, and ambitious. But now, she was stripping down and dancing provocatively for a man she barely knew, all because he had money.
Furious, Mike grabbed his phone and called her. When she finally picked up, she sounded annoyed. "Didn't I tell you? Stop calling me. I don't need your sales pitches."
"Sales pitch?!" Mike sputtered. She'd deliberately mistaken him for a telemarketer.
She hung up without another word. Moments later, Jessica's hips swayed back and forth on screen as she performed a sultry pole dance. Mike could barely believe his eyes.
So this was the real Jessica Lee—someone who would do anything for money.
"Enough of this," Tyler typed. "Turn off the stream and video call me on WhatsApp."
Mike clenched his fists. These two are disgusting.
To his shock, Jessica obediently ended the live stream. The chat erupted with comments begging Tyler to share the private video.
Moments after the stream ended, Mike's phone buzzed. It was a text from Jessica:
"Sorry, Mike. I don't feel anything for you anymore. Let's break up."
Mike laughed bitterly. He knew this wasn't about feelings. Jessica just thought he was too poor.
The Struggles of Poverty
Mike felt a wave of hunger hit him. For days, he'd been skipping meals, using every penny he had to send Jessica gifts. Now, she was gone, and he was broke.
He wandered to a nearby supermarket, hoping to grab some free samples. But as soon as he reached for a tray of snacks, the cashier snatched it away. "You again? You show up here every day for free samples. Don't you have any shame?"
Mike stammered, "I… I thought they were free."
"Free? Sure. But not for people who treat this place like their personal buffet!" she snapped.
Embarrassed, Mike left the store, muttering under his breath. If only I had money. I wouldn't have to deal with this.
As he walked out, he noticed an older man in a traditional suit watching him. Irritated, Mike snapped, "What are you staring at? I only ate a few free samples. What's it to you?"
The man smiled, his eyes kind but cautious. He pulled out a photo and studied it before speaking. "Young Master, I've finally found you."
Mike frowned. "What the hell are you talking about?"
The man straightened his posture. "My name is Mr. Howard. I was your father's personal butler. I've been sent to bring you back."
Mike laughed bitterly. "My father? Don't joke. If my dad were rich, do you think I'd be scavenging free food at a supermarket?"
Mr. Howard remained calm. "Your father regrets abandoning you and your mother. But he had no choice—it was the only way to inherit the family fortune. To make up for it, he's left you some land as a token of his sincerity."
"Land?" Mike scoffed. "My father is a broke nobody. Don't waste my time."
Just then, Mike's phone buzzed with a text notification.
"Your account ending in 8836 has been credited with $10,000,000.00. Current balance: $10,000,000.05."
Mike stared at the screen, his mind blank. This had to be a mistake.
"It's real," Mr. Howard said. "This is only your pocket money. Once your father fully inherits the Huntington family fortune, he'll come to see you. Until then, keep a low profile and don't let your mother suffer."
Mike's jaw dropped. Huntington? His father was part of the wealthiest family in the world—the very people who controlled global banking systems.
Before leaving, Mr. Howard handed Mike the keys to a luxury apartment in the city. "If you need anything, just call me. There's nothing the Huntington family can't handle."
Mike's Transformation
As Mr. Howard left, Mike's phone rang. It was Tyler Wayne.
"Hey, Mike. Didn't see you at work today," Tyler said mockingly.
Before today, Mike had tolerated Tyler's taunts. He thought Jessica wouldn't be swayed by his wealth. But now, everything had changed.
"Don't worry," Mike said, his voice steady. "I'll be there soon."
"Good," Tyler said. "I need you to set up a private room at your bar. Jessica and I are celebrating tonight. After a few drinks, we'll see where the night takes us."
Mike hung up, a cold smile spreading across his face. Things are different now, Tyler. Let's see who's really in charge.