A Loan Is a Loan

Li Luo had been secretly in love with Fu Shijin for seven years. When her mother became critically ill, Fu Shijin offered her a contract that turned her secret crush into an unequal relationship.

"Stay with me, and I'll cover the medical bills."

For three years living together, she kept her feelings to herself and cooked for him, until one night, when Fu Shijin got drunk and called out the name of the woman he loved. "You're just like her, even in the way you look at me."

So that's how it was. Her eyes reddened, and she felt her heart die.

For three years, she scrimped and saved, desperately trying to pay him back. She starved herself sick, hoping she might one day confess her feelings openly and honestly.

Then his first love suddenly returned. Dressed in cheap market clothes, Li Luo stood to the side as Fu Shijin laughed without even looking at her. "She reeks of poverty. Compared to her, you're lowering yourself."

"Money only flows to those who don't need it, and the same goes for love."

Li Luo finally came to her senses. She stopped hoping for a response from him, and her secret love died without a sound.

When their contract ended, she set down all the money she'd saved along with a breakup agreement. "It's over."

*

When Fu Shijin returned with his friends and saw the agreement, he smashed the furniture in front of everyone, furiously calling her over and over and searching everywhere for her like a madman.

His friends looked at each other, astonished to realize that Fu Shijin had fallen for her long ago.

He met Li Luo again three years later, when the renowned designer returned to the country. Fu Shijin spotted her at a banquet.

Li Luo was a champagne beauty in a red evening gown. Fu Shijin gripped his wineglass and said, "You've been wandering for too long. It's time to come home."

Li Luo smiled mockingly. "Mr. Fu, what do you think I'm worth now?"

Theme: Keep your heart open to the world and your passions close.