Responses
Desperation and being at rock bottom can make a lot of rational and intelligent people ignore red flags. Him refusing to be MLs exclusive reporter more than once shows he did mistrust him but eventually his desperation was greater than his mistrust. Unfortunately desperation is a double edged blade, it can get you many places either very successful or very dead. ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
just replying to this thread to say you both had great points!
The MC's behavior is kind of paradox, especially for his profession. On one hand, he is portrayed to be sharp and rational, on the other, he is way too trusting of the ML and his offer, walking straight into red flag territory (like accepting housing and shit from him, dude, no, that's a bad idea !). After all that has happened so far, he should be way more distrustful.