Chapter 35
‘Certainly in a situation like this, lending money would be difficult…’
At the same time Bjorn finished that calculation. If he still asked to borrow money after hearing circumstances like these, he would be a villain even a devil would yield to. But to be firmly rejected by Leila, he might have to go that far.
As Bjorn tried to organize his thoughts, Leila spoke again.
“So about that. The money you mentioned earlier, I think I could somehow prepare it if I dispose of this shop. But it would take some time.”
Bjorn stared at Leila in shock for the second time since entering the shop. He almost forgot his own situation and shouted asking if she was in her right mind. Her words were that insane.
“…I do not wish for you to go that far.”
Clenching his fist to keep his face from twisting in anger, Bjorn barely spoke. Did this woman even know what she was saying? What if he were truly a determined swindler, why would she speak so recklessly?
An unknown anger boiled inside him.
But unaware of his feelings, Leila calmly poured oil onto his anger.
“Rather than too far, I’m uncertain whether the money can be prepared by the time you need it. You said the matter is urgent, and there’s no knowing when the shop would sell… Otherwise, what about borrowing from a bank using my credit? Even if I’ve distanced myself, the value of the Bailey name remains, so that should be possible. You probably used a loan shark, so the interest burden would decrease, and you can repay the principal to me. I won’t pressure you.”
Bjorn reached the point he could no longer endure without saying it.
“Why do you… wish to help me to that extent, Miss Leila.”
It was a strange question coming from the one who asked for help first, yet the words slipped out on their own.
“Because I’m worried about you, of course. I have the ability to help, how could I turn away? I also know how vicious private lenders are. I cannot simply watch you remain in such difficulty.”
“But still… why…”
“Because I like you.”
The soft amber gaze was calm, like stating the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
“Ah, I won’t use this as an excuse to force a relationship or ask you to become my lover. How about thinking of it as business partners? Like my father, I will try investing. The investment purpose is your safety, and in return, it would be fine if you could just recover the principal.”
She was out of her mind. This woman was definitely insane.
Yet the actions of the clearly irrational woman kept making Bjorn’s heart pound.
She likes me… this much?
Enough to so easily say she would give up everything she has?
The unknown emotion swelled only briefly. A sudden stubbornness cooled the heat in his head.
No, this too was merely the final trial set before him. He couldn’t abandon his goal of becoming a monk like this. In the end, Bjorn decided to use his last card.
“No. I cannot receive such a large sum without any relationship between us.”
“You mean…”
“Would it not be better to become a definite relationship? An official relationship like spouses or lovers.”
Of course it was not sincere. The words Bjorn spoke were merely a false proposal to move to the next stage. Even knowing that, his heart strangely stirred noisily.
“Miss Leila?”
Moreover, for some reason her hesitation with that subtle expression made Bjorn feel sudden anxiety. Her troubled face hesitating to answer looked like someone choosing words to reject an unexpected confession, and his heart sank.
Of course, Bjorn’s goal was to be rejected by Leila, but… the woman who moments ago said she would even borrow money from a bank just because she liked him now hesitated this much at becoming lovers, which he couldn’t understand.
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