Chapter 52: Overly Enthusiastic Zoe

After chatting with Vanessa for over ten minutes, Roger left the coffee shop.

During those minutes, Roger mostly listened as she vented about the awful people she encountered at the newspaper—reporter Jenny, who kept trying to steal her stories, Tom, who constantly harassed her, and the editor who insisted on changing her exclusive byline to a joint one.

If not for the need to publish the story quickly, Vanessa would never have agreed to the joint byline.

Fortunately, her name appeared first on the byline, which was acceptable.

But Roger thought it was better this way—otherwise, Vanessa would have become a target for certain people.

After finishing her rant, the female reporter took a call and went off to chase a new story; Roger arrived at a used car lot on the city's outskirts.

According to Qiangsen, all vehicles here were priced 10% to 15% lower than legitimate dealerships because they were sourced directly from insurance companies.

Conversely, the vehicles had more complicated conditions and no warranty—you needed to know cars well to avoid getting ripped off.

As Roger walked into the vast yard, he immediately spotted a man in a baseball cap sitting on a used car, chatting with someone.

"Hey, buddy, here to buy a car?" The baseball cap guy sprinted over upon seeing him.

Roger nodded: "Yeah, Qiangsen recommended me."

"Qiangsen… let me think…" The baseball cap guy paused. "You mean the security guard from the Red Butterfly Strip Club?"

"No," Roger shook his head.

The baseball cap guy looked embarrassed. "Then you mean Qiangsen from Russell Shipyard?"

"No, I mean the cook Qiangsen."

"Oh, oh, I remember now—the short, bulky guy!" The baseball cap guy nodded.

Roger sighed, not bothering to correct him that Qiangsen wasn't short at all.

The baseball cap guy continued: "Since we're friends, tell me what kind of car you want? Just describe your preferences—I'll pick the perfect one for you in seconds!"

"I need a vehicle with large capacity, low profile, and good safety."

"No problem!" The baseball cap guy patted his chest. "That's easy. Check this out."

He pulled off the cover, revealing a white vehicle.

"Toyota Sienna 2004—super durable, can carry people, haul cargo, even sleep in. And it's a minivan—police won't even notice you."

"And the price? Only $3,200!"

Roger raised an eyebrow: "What's the total mileage?"

"Uh… 150,000 miles."

"Damn, this car's been around the equator six times!" Roger shook his head. "I don't want to buy it only to face a huge repair bill later."

"Alright, then check this one out," the baseball cap guy led him to a black SUV.

"Toyota Highlander—large SUV, hybrid seven-seater. Best part? It's fuel-efficient, and all the brake discs have been replaced. Total mileage is just 100,000."

"How much?"

"$5,800!"

"Too expensive," Roger frowned.

"Dude, this is already a great deal. Toyotas are tough—ten more years of driving won't hurt it."

"Then why did the insurance company sell it? Did it have an accident?"

"Uh… sort of an accident. The previous owner was drunk and accidentally hit an elephant that escaped from the zoo."

"And then?"

"The poor guy couldn't pay the fine, so the insurance company repossessed the car. Heard he lost custody of his kids, his wife ran off with someone else—don't know if he's sleeping on the streets now."

"But I can guarantee it has no hidden issues, no water damage—we only did minor maintenance."

"Alright, any other cars?" Roger asked.

"Of course, but none will be better than this one."

After about forty minutes of looking, Roger had figured out the lot's pattern—they bought cars cheap from insurance companies, repaired them, then resold them.

Compared to insurance auctions, these repaired vehicles were safer, but their profit margins were much higher.

Still, they were significantly cheaper than legitimate dealerships.

Especially when it came to haggling.

"$4,500," Roger said.

"No way, buddy—you'd only get a Highlander without tires at that price," the baseball cap guy shook his head.

"$4,800. That's fair," Roger pulled out his wallet. "If you agree, I'll pay right now."

The baseball cap guy pursed his lips, hesitated, then shook his head. "$5,500, buddy—that's my bottom line."

"Then no deal."

Roger turned and walked away without looking back.

"Hey, buddy, don't go like that! Qiangsen's my good buddy—I'll give him a favor. $5,200?" the baseball cap guy called out.

Roger turned back: "$5,000. Final offer."

"Shit, alright, alright, sold!" The baseball cap guy looked defeated.

"Wait—I'll only pay a deposit today. Hold the car for me. I'll bring someone tomorrow to inspect it. If everything's fine, I'll pay the rest."

"Dude, you didn't say that just now."

"What can I do? You didn't agree to my price."

After leaving a $500 deposit, Roger left the used car lot.

The next day, he brought a mechanic from a repair shop to inspect the vehicle.

After thorough checking and testing, they confirmed the Highlander had no major issues, but plenty of minor ones—scratches and worn parts needing replacement.

After a vigorous negotiation, Roger saved another $200. Then he drove the car to the repair shop and spent every last dollar he'd taken from Margaret.

When he drove the freshly repaired Highlander out of the shop, he suddenly received a call from an unknown number.

"Hey, hello?"

"Roger, it's me." A familiar female voice came through.

"Zoe!" Roger feigned surprise: "How are you? I saw the news about Margaret, but your phone wouldn't ring."

"I'm fine. Are you free now? I want to see you."

"No problem. Where are you?"

"I'm in Room 309 at Saint Sophia Hospital."

"Alright, I'll be there soon."

After hanging up, Roger drove straight to Saint Sophia Hospital.

Walking into the hospital, he couldn't help but frown—the familiar smell of disinfectant filled his nose, reminding him of Margaret.

Taking the elevator to the third floor, the man quickly found Room 309.

He didn't rush in, but first knocked on the door.

"Come in." Zoe's voice came from inside.

"Squeak." Roger stepped into the room.

Zoe's room was a private one, with a simple stainless steel sink, a mirror, and a TV mounted on the wall; the overall decor was wooden-toned, looking warm and cozy.

Seeing the man, Zoe's lips immediately curled into a smile: "Roger, come here!"

She wore a light blue hospital gown, sat up on the bed, and as she moved slightly, her full chest trembled.

"Looks like you're getting along well here." Roger remarked, glancing at the various fruits on the bedside table.

"Of course I am—just look at this luxurious room." Zoe spread her hands and widened her eyes: "But I really don't want to be here—it's too expensive. Fifteen hundred dollars a night. God, I've never bought anything over five hundred dollars for myself."

As a victim in the Margaret case, Zoe naturally had the right to sue Al Griffin for compensation.

According to her lawyer, the compensation would be substantial—at least over one hundred thousand dollars.

But the problem now was, she couldn't afford her current medical bills.

Even though some charitable organizations had donated a bit these past few days, it still wasn't enough to cover such a high hospital bill.

Hearing Zoe's complaint, Roger laughed: "So you called me over because you plan to escape the hospital with me?"

Zoe leaned closer, wrapped her arms around the man's neck, and cooed: "Exactly, darling. Will you?"

Then she lowered her voice: "Just like you did for Margaret—save me again."

"Hey, that's not like you." Roger raised his hands.

Zoe rolled her eyes at him.

Roger continued: "So where do you plan to stay?"

"Wherever you live, I'll go with you." Zoe stared fixedly at Roger's face, as if ready to swallow him whole.

Roger met her gaze.

After a moment, Zoe burst into laughter: "I'm kidding. I have enough money now to rent an apartment."

"Good." Roger exhaled in relief.

"So will you move into my place?" Zoe's arms still clung to the man; her slightly heavy breath brushed against his collar.

"Uh... I just paid my rent." Roger was flustered and changed the subject: "I bought a used car today—I can take you for a drive later."

Zoe bit her lip: "I do want to ride in a car—but not one outside."

"What kind of car?" Roger was confused.

The next second, the busty girl lifted her hips and sat on his lap, chest pressing against chest.

Then she buried her head in his hair and pulled his hand around her waist.

"Hiss!" Roger's hand had barely wrapped around her when he realized something was wrong.

Damn, why is this hospital gown so smooth?

Oh, I almost forgot—Meilijian hospital gowns are butt-revealing.

Damn it, why doesn't the hospital add two more pieces of fabric!

Who could possibly withstand this test!

Meanwhile, Zoe's cheeks flushed red. She opened her mouth and gently bit his earlobe, speaking with excitement: "Driver Roger, will you give me a ride?"

"Shit, of course—I'm at your service!"