Thank you for your comment and very constructive opinion on this situation! Yes, I've drawn conclusions and don't draw anything in advance even to my friends. I'd rather be a "bad friend" in someone's eyes, but that would save me from such cases.
You are the first person to point out this red flag like haggling. At THAT moment I felt bad, wrong and unfair about it, but didn't think much of it because... What if I'm really asking too much? What if my skill is too low? etc. However, now I can see it and realize that it's super bad sign. Ugh...You're totally right 😞
Yea, that's the best solution.