You recruit her to help the project

You review your hack the sim project with Crystal.

"The way I figure it, MicroStuff is panicked about something," you conclude. "So, there's got to be something to panic them. And the only thing I can figure is that it really is possible to hack the sim."

"So," she says, "why are you living on your buddy's couch?"

"I'm not saying I've got it all figured out but I've developed a team and, together, I think we have the insights to make it happen."

"Uh, I can't help noticing that you look beat up."

"Well, yeah. I ran into some guys who told me to drop the project. It's part of why I'm sure there's something there. If I was barking up the wrong tree, they'd let me do it."

She shakes her head. "So, you want me to forget about looking for a job and just hang with you and stream nonsense about hacking the universe simulation."

"Not at all. I said I'd help you with the job search but in the meantime, I can cut you in for a share of the streaming revenue if you're willing to help out."

"Willing to get beat up, you mean."

You haven't thought about that. You'd figured they'd already done the worst they could do to Crystal when they fired her but, as she points out, they can also beat her up."

"You're right," you concede. "Forget about it. I'll just do what I can to help you get a job. I can share the recruiting sites I registered at, at least although since I haven't heard back from any of them, I figure MicroStuff is blackballing me."

She takes a deep breath. "You know, I'm going to do it. Fuck those guys. I'm not getting **** on them if I just take this lying down. If they're worried about us streaming, then I'll stream with you. And, in two weeks when my rent is due, maybe I'll move in with you and Jeremy. Because I sure won't be able to afford my rent anymore."

You can imagine worse situations. You're going to have to get a better couch, though, if you want Crystal to share it with you.

"One thing," she says. "I didn't fuck anyone to get my promotion at MicroStuff. I know everyone thinks I must have because I'm not the best programmer around but I didn't. And if you're only bringing me on because you want to get in my panties, I'll change my mind about the whole thing."

You shrug. "I won't deny that I find you attractive, Crystal. But I'm all grown up. I'm not going to **** or bribe some woman to have sex with me. It's only fun if you're both into it."

"That should sound nerdy but it actually sounds cool."

"It should sound normal."

She laughs. "Yeah, lots of things should sound normal. But basically if you're a woman, you either fuck to get ahead or people assume you're fucking to get ahead anyway."

Especially if you're hot as fuck, you manage not to say.

"That said," you say, "If you ever are interested in... a little stress relief, I can't promise I wouldn't say yes."

She hits you on the shoulder again. "You dufus. Come on, show me what you've got on the programming framework and I'll brainstorm it with you."

You notice she didn't exactly say no. So, you'll continue to hope.