Chapter 4 He’s more shameless than me!

I walked into a somewhat large room, decorated with modern touches; a few plants, and a leather sofa. Behind Esber’s desk was a large curtain wall, where one can see the bustling metropolis. I sat myself down and laid Fiona’s head on my nap. She snuggled closer to me. Miss FBI agent was right - my little daughter is like a little kitten. I hope she dresses as a Neko for Halloween - I’d be downright spooked by her cuteness! Shaking my head, I ward off my fantasies with the presence of the FBI agent dressed and face Mister Esber. He’s still got the scowl, the same as before whenever I visited, I thought. And is that a little tinge of jealousy I smell? Ha, never would I imagine that I could be the object of jealousy. How sweet. Indeed, pride and joy are Fiona, I thought as my nose grew longer and ego grew larger. Serves you right, Mister ’daughter hates you.’ Fiona will be by my side forever. Ahem... you are? My ego deflated like a popped balloon. If I state my name, would he recognize me? To name’s Vincent. This is my daughter, Fiona. I said, a little nervous. But emphasized on ’daughter.’ Gotta rub the salt onto the wound. He’s got a stable job, wife, and status. I don’t have all those, but I have a daughter now. And a cute one, at that. It seems like you two have a great relationship. Unlike mine.... He said while reminiscing, his drifting till he gazed at the sunset, eyes twinkling. ’Yes, remember your dark and bitter relationship, but not me!’ An awkward silence fell. I didn’t know what to say and didn’t want to disturb the melancholic mood. Two red lights cycled as cars drove by. ’Aaaaah, I need an icebreaker.’ Well, at least you got a wife. And money. I mean, mine was a total b*tch. Total gold digger. She took the money and left the child. There. Now he’ll filter out the poor bachelor Vincent. Esber turned back around with his shoulders hunched. Have one, want another. I have a wife, but I want my daughter back. I bet it’s the same for you. Why don’t you go for a second one? Don’t you think she needs some maternal love? About that, I’m 24 and still haven’t gotten laid. How the hell would I get a second wife when not even first base is down yet? What should I say? I ain’t wealthy or powerful either, so I can’t even play the ’parents agree on forced marriage for status’ card here. Oh, and about her, Mister, she’s adopted. She has a mother. Shit... my bullshit backfired. Think Vincent... think... aha! Bullshit. Yes, when bullshit fails, do it again! What is this called... Ah yes. I learned this in middle school - the character trait perseverance! Her mother chooses to leave her, and that’s that. Fiona might recall the b*tch when we enter a new family. It’s better to forget about her. Also, she might have developed trust issues towards females and trouble making friends. Hell, even I do, so I’m not ready yet for number 2. I’ll wait for my little girl to approach me and tell me if she wants a stepmother or not. I said as I caressed Fiona’s palm. It’s so soft and squishy! Esber scowled even more. Dude, chill. A little bit of PDA and you’re looking like you added ten years of wrinkles on your forehead! So you think your daughter is more important than your wife. Hmm. That’s unexpected. Kind of a stupid question. Can’t he see that I want to borrow some money and go home to rub Fiona’s cheeks? You know the answer already. No, no. I mean before the divorce. Who would you place first in your heart - wife or daughter? ????? Is it me or is it my bullshitting bullshit? What’s with these ridiculous questions? You’re asking a virgin bachelor a choice between wife or daughter. Also, to a real divorcee, there’s bound to be some bias in their answer, no? To be frank, it would have to be my daughter. She’s my flesh and blood. I gave her life through my essences. Wife? Only a stranger with special feelings for that’s bound together by a piece of paper. Feelings can change and paper can burn, but you only live life once. Hm? Something warm and soft grabbed my arm as I finished. Fiona? Oh dear, it looks like she had a nightmare. I put her down and stroked her back with tender care. Another bullshit answer. I’m quite the genius, you know? Like that protagonist from the scheming system novel. Xu... Que? Either way, I am almighty! But..... It’s also hypocritical. Sigh. I’m saying it like blood is thicker than water, but what about Fiona? She’s not my daughter either, and I’ve never gotten a wife, nor a girlfriend, for God’s sake. I let out my thoughts and feelings, but were they true? If I had dated or married before I met Fiona, would circumstances be the same? Would my answer be the same? Am I even qualified to give this kind of advice, though I’m bullshitting? I exhale, depressed. Never have I felt this kind of worthlessness and contemplation... from bullshitting, of all things! It seems like against others, bullshitting is almighty, but not against yourself. It’s quite a nice plot armor for Xianxia Cultivators, to be honest. I’d now experience it firsthand - saving time, humiliation and got enlightened! I know de wae. Your views are profound. Does he? Ahem, anyway we got sidetracked. What did you come here for, a loan right? It’s finally down to business. Yes. 2 years, 15 grand personal loans. 15 grand? Your credit score is terrible, and you have no house under your name. What about a job? I’m gonna say none as well. You’re asking for too much. This is de wae. Fiona is de wae. If Fiona wasn’t here at this moment, I would have been flat-out rejected, no matter how many times I ask. Least I can attempt negotiation...no. I have bullshit on my side. Definitely going to get that 15 grand. I slammed my fist on the table with a loud bam. Listen, buddy, I’m a divorcee who only won custody of the child. I have no money and no house. Least spare me that much so she can live somewhat ? Esber snorted. Hmph. You could’ve come before the case and asked for a loan then. We could’ve given 17 grand in 5 years. You don’t want to remarry either. It’s not my fault that you want to support your family with only one source of income, hmm? Plus, he continued. you are blind when it comes to choosing women. ... Isn’t it sad that none of the things he’s saying are true? I can’t come before the case because there was no case. Remarry? Blind with women? I haven’t gotten a damn girlfriend yet! ... what do you want? He burst out laughing. What do I want? Nothing that you have I need. Except for your daughter..... You’re buying my daughter for 15 grand? She’s worth more than that. Hmmm... I can fork up a million. How about it? Stop joking around. If I sold my little girl, I’d be no different from that gold-digger of a bitch, no? First, money can’t buy my Fiona darling away. She’s priceless! Then... how about telling me some of your tips to have a good relationship with your daughter? Esber finally said after a moment of contemplating, with a light hue of red on his cheeks. Pffft. You ask your wife that’s chosen by your eyes that. No, I want to ask you as fellow fathers. Not as a business. Sorry, but I need the money. My services are not easy to get, man! Do you know how many fathers want to bond with your daughter? ’.... bastard. Like husband, like wife. Damn money-grubbers.’ Hmm? I could’ve sworn Esber cursed me under his breath. Fine, we will do it as a transaction then. Let’s see... in order for you to repay for damaging the mental state of this humble one, by showing off your lovey-dovey relationship with your daughter, when this one’s relationship is in turmoil, you must give this one your advice on building father-daughter relationships. How about it? WTF?! He’s shameless! More shameless than me... This situation is turning like the Xianxia novels! Bullshitting versus shamelessness! And about that.... am I even qualified to give advice about being a father? It’s been 1 day since I’ve had a daughter...