Mr. Kane Got Blacklisted

Felicity’s face turned red with anger. She pinched Vermont, gritting her teeth. “You’re just trying to make fun of me!”
Vermont, looking hurt, patted her hand and said, “I swear, I’m not. I just love how you’re willing to indulge yourself when no one’s
watching. Besides, if losing weight means breaking up with you, I want no part of it.”
Felicity glared at him. “Then stop taking me out to eat all the time! It’s hard enough losing two pounds, and you’re sabotaging
me!”
“I was wrong. I won’t suggest eating out again. If I do, I’ll lose all my earnings this year.”
This promise was serious, especially for someone like Vermont, who valued money above all.

Felicity cleared her throat and said, “Fine, I’ll believe you this once. Now, back to your plan. Is it really doable?”
Vermont smiled. “We’ll see once we try.”
With that, Vermont called Mr. Keller. They chatted about work before Vermont shifted the conversation to Aaron. “How are
Aaron’s blind dates going?”
Mr. Keller sighed. “Aaron’s met plenty of girls, but nothing’s worked out. It’s just a meal, and then it’s over.”
Vermont chuckled. “That’s to be expected. Aaron spent time abroad and met many impressive women. With his looks and good
nature, he’s bound to have high standards.”
The mention of “abroad” and “impressive women” seemed to irritate Mr. Keller. “Studying abroad doesn’t make someone
impressive. Who knows what kinds of people they really are? It’s better to stay local where you know who you’re dealing with.”
Vermont said, “Aaron’s still young. I was like him once, chasing what I wanted without considering the consequences. It wasn’t
until I got hurt that I woke up. My fiancée was introduced by a friend. We have similar jobs, interests, and compatible
personalities.”
“When it comes to finding a partner, friends and family usually know best. When you meet the right one, everything else fades
away. I ran into my first love recently. We had a nasty breakup back then, but now I felt nothing because the person next to me is
the best. No one else matters.”
Felicity marveled at Vermont’s ability to charm people. He really had a gift for it.

Mr. Keller responded, “Aaron’s always been gentle, but he grew up insecure because of his weight. My wife and I focused too
much on his education and neglected his self-esteem. Now, he’s hesitant to express his feelings. Today’s women are ambitious
and expect their partners to be proactive and humorous. They value emotional intelligence. But Aaron moves slowly, and without
initiative, he can’t hold onto anyone, no matter how great they are.”
Vermont said, “Aaron’s a bit like me. People see me as talkative now, but I used to be shy and reserved...”
“Pfft—” Felicity, drinking water, sprayed it all over Vermont’s face when she heard that.