CHAPTER 442: CHAPTER 289: THE COLLECTION_1

"Is there a problem?" Lance couldn’t help but look around, somewhat puzzled.

"Are you trying to humiliate me!" Tamara was on the verge of collapse, feeling that Lance was intentionally humiliating her because of their previous encounter.

"This is a free trade. You can refuse if you don’t like it. I don’t care either way."

In the face of her questioning, Lance seemed very casual. Now that she’s seeking me out, if I don’t fleece her soundly, there won’t be a next time.

Seeing his attitude, Tamara felt powerless. Emotions of grief and humiliation intertwined in her heart. She couldn’t help but lower her head and stagger step by step towards Lance.

Her inexplicable behavior took Lance by surprise.

"What are you doing?"

"You’ve won," Tamara raised her head, a corner of her lip caught between her teeth, her eyes brimming with tears.

"It’s only a few collectibles. Do you have to be like this?" Lance looked at her state with a bit of disdain. This is a fair trade; she can refuse if she doesn’t like it. Why act as if I’ve committed some heinous crime?

"Collectibles?" Tamara was stunned, the expression on her face quickly dissipating into confusion.

"What else?" As he spoke, Lance seemed to realize something and looked at her strangely, waving his hand to explain, "Don’t misunderstand, I have no interest in you."

Don’t be ridiculous. So what if she’s pretty? There are plenty of women in the world, but Extraordinary items are rare. How could a woman’s value possibly compare to that of Extraordinary items? Besides, she’s someone who doesn’t bathe, who lives in a car—how could I expect her to be clean?

Tamara also realized what was happening. She was too embarrassed to look up. Her fingers twisted, and her muscles tensed. A rush of blood to her head brought a hot sweat to her back. Her toes felt as if they were about to dig through the soles of her shoes, and she unconsciously took a step back.

What exactly was I doing just now? What was I thinking?

Right now, I wish I could dig a hole and crawl into it, or have someone knock me out, or just faint on the spot...

Wait a second! Collectibles?

Suddenly, Tamara realized that this guy was after her collection!

Lance’s demand was more painful than death itself, hitting her where it hurt most.

At the same time, Tamara realized another thing: he actually didn’t find her attractive!

This was undoubtedly a humiliation more severe than before.

Tamara was very confident in her appearance. What kind of attitude is this? Does he really think I’m not worth as much as a few items?

"Yes or no, just say it. I don’t have all the time in the world to waste."

Lance’s words finally brought her attention back to reality.

Even though I’m upset with this Lance fellow, my current predicament is far more urgent.

"I will allow you to pick from my collection after my safety is guaranteed..."

"No, you give it now. I need to check the goods first. This is my compensation as a guarantor. Otherwise, go negotiate with them yourself."

I don’t trust her. No goods, no deal. Either she hands them over now, or I’ll take them myself after she’s dead.

Tamara was extremely frustrated and wanted to scold Lance for taking advantage of her predicament. But the continuous turn of events had already sapped what little spirit she had left. To stay alive, she was lowering her standards more and more.

Rather than dying and letting Amanda benefit, it might as well be this guy.

Thinking this way, she actually felt it wasn’t too bad.

Indeed, human nature is like that: if you ask to open a window, people will likely object. But if you threaten to tear down the roof, suddenly opening a window becomes acceptable.

"Fine, I can give them to you, but you have to guarantee my safety."

"Don’t worry about that. If you die, I will return the items to you," Lance said mockingly, leaving Tamara speechless.

What’s the use of giving them back to me if I’m dead?

"If I die, the items are yours, but you have to promise to help me kill that bitch Amanda!"

Tamara’s words made Lance glance sideways. Good heavens, what kind of deep-seated hatred and resentment is this? She can’t even forget about dragging Amanda down with her in death.

But Lance was just joking before, and he didn’t make any promises.

For her part, Tamara couldn’t force him and could only lead Lance to her place.

Lance, familiar with Tamara’s character, didn’t allow her any room to maneuver in secret, following her back into that railway carriage again.

Back in her familiar place, Tamara finally calmed down a bit. She didn’t try any tricks but instead really brought out her collectibles.

But looking at the items, Lance was not very satisfied.

"Is this all?"

"I’ve told you the rules among Transcendents: never touch what you don’t recognize. All these are safe, verified items through study and identification."

Tamara was somewhat irate. Does this guy even understand the value of Extraordinary items, especially those that have been identified and confirmed safe?

These items were her collection accumulated over years of wandering, ones she could hardly bear to part with.

"Then introduce them to me," said Lance.

"These are from the Collectors’ Academy’s ’Twelve Demon Stones’ series. Although I’m missing a few to complete the set, these are quite numerous and not considered rare. These are books on Mysticism, these are..."

Lance might not understand these things, but he could see the Spiritual Essence imbued in the equipment. Most of the items Tamara introduced were mundane and carried strong negative effects, with only a few showing value.