Episode 4

Looking at Callie beside him, Vino smiled awkwardly and said, "I enjoy working like this, having freedom. Being a rental boyfriend can also be pleasurable for me."

"Pleasurable?" Callie smiled meaningfully. "Don't tell me you've done that with a previous renter?"

Quickly, Vino shook his head while waving his hands. "No, no, I have never done that. You are the first woman who's hired me as a rental boyfriend."

"You're not lying, right?" Callie stopped walking, gazing at Vino with a serious look.

"I'm not lying, it's the truth."

Seeing Vino's handsome face, which bore a serious expression without any hint of deceit, Callie kissed his cheek, unable to resist the gentleness and aura exuding from his body.

Vino was the man she had long dreamed of, in both his physical appearance and gentle nature.

After receiving the kiss, Vino was momentarily stunned and, without thinking, he kissed Callie's forehead.

"Uh, sorry, it was accidental," said Vino with an apologetic face.

Callie's expression froze as she felt her forehead kissed by Vino, a strange new feeling filled her heart, and it was wonderful.

Her blushing face was evident in Vino's eyes as she stood in front of him with disbelief.

"I really didn't mean to do that, Callie. Please forgive me."

Instead of being upset, Callie suddenly asked Vino, "Is it allowed for rental boyfriends to kiss? Is there a fine and extra payment for doing that?"

"What do you mean?" asked Vino, not understanding Callie's point.

"I mean, do I need to pay extra for your kiss? And, do I have to pay a fine because I kissed you unexpectedly?" Callie clarified.

Vino touched his chin, pondering the question internally with the System.

The System indicated that there were no penalties or extra charges for such actions. However, in Japan, rental boyfriends should not do that to customers or be kissed by them; only hugging was permitted.

There had to be an additional fee if indeed a customer wanted to kiss their rental date.

"I guess it's okay," Vino responded after consulting directly with the System.

Callie's face lit up, she looked at Vino with her sweet smile.

Resuming their stroll, they continued walking arm-in-arm along the Manhattan sidewalk, attracting the glances of passersby.

Walking the streets of Manhattan made Vino, who had never been abroad before, feel as if he were inside a Hollywood movie.

The atmosphere and surroundings here resembled the superhero films he often watched.

The towering buildings, shops along the street, and the bustling traffic all seemed very much like what he'd seen on the screen.

From the start, Vino's eyes darted to the skyscrapers they passed on the sidewalk.

"Sweetheart, do you want some cheesecake?" Callie suddenly offered, taking Vino by surprise.

"Cheesecake? You want some?" Vino responded with a question.

"Yes, I'm in the mood for cheesecake. How about we dine at a restaurant before we go shopping?"

"Alright, I’ll go along with what you want," Vino agreed to Callie's suggestion to enter a restaurant.

With Vino's agreement, they headed toward the bakery restaurant.

However, deep inside, Vino felt uncertain and uncomfortable, as he had no money at all.

He only carried a single banknote with a denomination of 20 thousand rupiah. Such an amount wouldn't even cover one piece of the cheesecake they'd ordered.

Knowing that the price of a cheesecake could be up to 6 US dollars made Vino realize that it was way beyond what he had brought.

Noticing Vino's change of demeanor upon entering the bakery, Callie grasped his hand and inquired, "What's on your mind? Are you alright?"

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about the price of this cake," Vino replied with a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.

Quickly, Callie took a tissue and wiped the sweat from Vino's brow. "Don't be so nervous. Are you worried about the price? Is it too low for you? Should I buy you a more expensive one?"

"No, no, this is quite enough." Vino shook his head and waved both hands, declining Callie's offer.

Vino's heart eased, as Callie would be paying for the cheesecake.

The bakery's staff occasionally glanced at Vino, an odd expression forming on their faces, seeming somewhat improper.

Despite his fear, Vino maintained a calm exterior though his heart raced.

'System, can you give me money? I feel uncomfortable under their scrutinizing gaze,' Vino asked, feeling a bit intimidated.

Vino had always adhered to the principle that a man should pay for his woman's needs and wants.

[Ding! The host should be aware of the rental boyfriend's policies and rules. The order placed by Customer Callie doesn’t include commodities for strolling; hence she's expected to cover all expenses of this date.]

'Is it really okay like this?' Still incredulous, Vino sought confirmation from the System.

[Ding! This is a stipulation, and the customer should already know the application's rules.]

Vino understood and realized he had to adjust and become a better boyfriend.

"Vino, why are you silent? Are you not feeling well?"

Coming back to reality, Vino saw the beautiful Callie looking at him with concern, having moved to sit beside him.

Vino shook his head and smiled at Callie's caring words. "I'm fine, I just remembered something."

"Something like what?" Callie pressed for answers.

"About you," Vino replied spontaneously.

Unexpectedly, Callie kissed his lips for a few love-filled seconds.

Vino's body froze completely as if he were a statue in a museum.

Callie, seeing Vino's surprised expression, swiftly embraced him and said, "If you keep doing that, I might just fall for you for real."

"That... Callie..." Vino stiffened, wanting to break the embrace but was too shocked to move.

He wasn't accustomed to being a woman's boyfriend yet and still needed to adapt to being a good one.

Following that, they left the restaurant and headed to a luxurious mall in Manhattan, New York City.

Callie led Vino into various upscale shops to buy him some clothes that would fit him well.

The shop attendants were also charmed by Vino's stunning looks in the various outfits.

Thus, Callie bought Vino three sets of clothes from three different stores.

Aware of this, all the shop employees looked at Vino with disappointment; it seemed he was just a man utilising his looks to get by.

"Are you happy now?" Callie asked, waiting for an answer, her lovely eyes blinking playfully at Vino.

Vino gave an awkward smile and nodded, saying, "I'm so glad. Thank you for buying me these things."

"You're welcome. Always wear clothes from me; I know your earnings from that app must be modest. I'm trying to help you out."

Hearing Vino's gratitude, Callie felt overjoyed, her purchases not in vain.

"Pah, what a loser. Shamelessly accepting gifts from his woman. Pretty-faced, pampered men are the most disgusting sight."

An abrupt voice emerged, punctuating the air around Vino and Callie.

When they looked back, two men, one black and one white, glowered at Vino with contempt.

"What are you looking at, Loser?!"

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