How Much Do You Need?

Lucas looked at her coolly, his tone flat as if he didn't recognize her. "What kind of pain?"

Kaylee sat in the chair, head down, stammering, "It's a sharp, intermittent pain. It hurts when I walk and when I sit."

"Lie down on the bed and lift your shirt." Lucas typed a few lines on the computer, not looking up as he spoke.

Kaylee swallowed nervously, obediently moving to the narrow examination bed. She lay down properly, staring up at the ceiling. After a moment, the man approached, wearing medical gloves. From her angle, she could only see his white coat and the name on his chest badge.

"Gastroenterology Director, Lucas." So, his name was Lucas. Kaylee silently memorized it.

A faint smell of disinfectant mixed with the lingering scent from the previous night wafted from him, causing her thoughts to wander. The next second, Lucas's strong, precise hand pressed down on her abdomen. "Does it hurt here?"

Kaylee's face turned red. "Lower."

Lucas moved his hand two inches lower. "Here?"

Kaylee nodded, embarrassed. "Yes."

Even through the gloves, the warmth of his fingers seeped through, penetrating her skin, making it hard for her to breathe. Lucas pressed a few more spots, confirmed the location, and then released her.

It wasn't her stomach; it was uterine pain. Likely due to last night, her body was naturally in discomfort. He hadn't expected her to be so delicate, still in pain after a day.

Lucas returned to his desk, typing rhythmically. "I'll prescribe some medication. Take it three times a day, after meals."

Kaylee quickly got off the bed, pulled down her shirt, and sat obediently in the chair opposite Lucas, waiting for the prescription. Lucas printed out the prescription and handed it to her. After a moment, he added nonchalantly, "Remember, no intercourse for a week."

Kaylee's face turned even redder. She nodded, her head buzzing, taking the prescription and health card from him.

"Got it?" Lucas held onto her card, asking again.

Kaylee nodded, "Yes."

"Repeat it."

"Three times a day, after meals. No... no intercourse for a week..." Kaylee's face was burning, wishing she could disappear. It was his fault she was in this state.

"Go on." Lucas leaned back, releasing her card and prescription.

Kaylee grabbed the items and fled. At the door, she hesitated, then turned back. "You haven't transferred the money to me."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, took out his phone, and opened their WeChat chat.

"How much do you need?" he asked.

How much did she need? This was her first time doing such a thing; she had no idea about the market price. But her father's surgery fee was an astronomical amount to her.

Kaylee hesitated, not knowing what was appropriate. Lucas, seeing her uncertainty, tapped on his keyboard and read out the search results.

"Market rate: 20,000 to 30,000 for college students, 50,000 to 80,000 for university students, starting from 100,000 for prestigious schools." He looked at her. "How much do you need, 50,000 or 100,000?"

Kaylee didn't expect him to know such details. The prices he mentioned were much higher than those posted in the school's restrooms. She felt lost.

"50,000," she whispered. Lucas activated his phone and transferred an amount.

A notification sounded, and Kaylee glanced at the screen, stunned. It was 100,000. He had doubled it. Shocked by his generosity, she felt she didn't deserve that much.

"Still here?" Lucas asked, putting away his phone. He had intentionally given her extra as pocket money. For a college girl, this amount could sustain her for a long time, preventing her from having to do such things again.

Kaylee came back to her senses, accepting the transfer.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Lucas, eyes on his screen, his voice flat, "Next."

Kaylee clutched her prescription and left. Outside, she almost ran into Matthew, who glanced at her prescription with a curious look. Kaylee hurried off to get her medication.

In the office, Matthew entered, sounding amused. "Gastroenterology, prescribing gynecological meds?"

Lucas glanced at him, "Mind your own business."

Matthew leaned over, eyes scanning Lucas. Noting the slight scratch marks on his exposed forearm, he grinned knowingly.

"No wonder you skipped drinks last night. You had plans."

Lucas, focusing on his computer, replied calmly, "Is this what you interrupted work for?"

Matthew smirked. "Was that girl your new fling?"

"Hardly."

Matthew laughed, "Didn't think you'd go for the soft, innocent type. I thought you liked sultry sirens. Interesting taste."

Lucas thought of the previous night, the stark lighting, her pure, slender body, a blend of innocence and allure, her red-rimmed eyes whimpering, easily stirring a man's desires. Like a delicate rabbit, inviting tenderness.

"Talk business," Lucas said, unwilling to banter.

Matthew got serious. "James's birthday this weekend. Meet at Star Tide Club."

"Got it." Lucas dismissed him.

Kaylee left the hospital, transferring half the money to her mother immediately, in case she needed more later.

Her mother quickly accepted without a word, exuding coldness even through the screen.

Kaylee texted her brother, "Let me know about Dad's surgery outcome." He replied with an "ok."

After getting her meds, Kaylee took the bus back to school.

As she neared the dorm, a figure blocked her way. A cocky voice called, "Kaylee, hold up."

Kaylee instinctively stepped back, keeping a meter's distance. The man was Henry, a senior from the finance department, rumored to be a rich playboy.

"You, you need something?" Kaylee hid her medication bag behind her, wary.

Henry's eyes roved over her pure, untouched face, his desire flaring. He wanted her badly, achieving such a feat felt like a trophy. He stepped closer, his handsome face almost touching hers, "Heard you've been up to something unsavory?"

Kaylee's eyes widened in shock, staring at him. She had been discreet, even making calls in secluded spots. How did he know?

"I didn't, don't say that!" Kaylee bit her lip, fearful of exposure, and turned to flee.

Henry grabbed her arm, pulling her back effortlessly.