Chapter 435: Chapter 434: A Bellyful of Bad Ideas
’I can’t believe their eldest brother’s girlfriend is actually a college student.’
’Maybe she can really improve our family’s gene pool.’
Yun Shu noticed everyone staring at her with sparkling eyes.
"What is it?"
Xiao Ming exclaimed, "Sister Yun Shu, you’re so amazing."
Yun Shu smiled. "I’m not that amazing. I’m still working for your brother, after all, and I definitely don’t earn as much as he does."
In truth, the salaries at their hotel were already much higher than at other establishments. That was precisely why Yun Shu had given up the job she was originally assigned to and come here instead.
The hotel never delayed wages, paying on time every month. They even gave out bonuses and gifts for holidays, so Yun Shu was very content.
As they played on, aside from Little Chen winning a few hands, Yun Shu won all the rest.
Xiao Yang tossed his cards onto the heated brick bed. "I’m done! You two are just teaming up to bully us."
Yun Shu’s hand, still holding her cards, froze mid-air.
He Zichen glanced at Xiao Yang. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
It was only when Xiao Yang saw Yun Shu’s face flush red that he belatedly realized what he had just said.
"Anyway, I’m not playing. We can’t beat you. We’re relying on luck, but you two are relying on skill. How is that not a guaranteed loss for us?"
Little Chen also put down his cards. "Looks like tonight’s chore is all yours."
They had agreed before the game that whoever lost the most would have to wash the dishes that night.
Xiao Yang nodded. "Fine, I’ll wash the dishes."
Wang Chunlan asked Yun Shu, "What do you two usually do for fun after work?"
Yun Shu replied, "I usually just read, prepare for the next day of work, and then go to sleep."
Xiao Ming said, "That sounds so boring. Don’t you go on dates after work? I thought couples went shopping and saw movies and things like that. Sister Yun Shu, don’t you and my big brother go out?"
Yun Shu and He Zichen’s eyes met for a second before they both instantly looked away.
"We’re already exhausted from work during the day," He Zichen said. "We don’t have any energy for other things at night."
Xiao Yang clicked his tongue. "Yun Shu, you really have it rough. My brother’s just that kind of person—all his energy goes into work. He’s blunt and speaks his mind. You’re probably the only one who can stand him."
Yun Shu nodded. "He is pretty blunt." ’And sharp-tongued,’ she added mentally.
He Zichen stared at Yun Shu.
Yun Shu shot him a look. "What are you looking at me for? It’s not like I said anything wrong. You can’t stop me from telling the truth, can you? Besides, even your own brother said so."
Xiao Yang couldn’t help but laugh out loud. "Yun Shu is right! Big brother, what’s gotten into you? Why so domineering? You won’t even let her tell the truth. Is this how you two normally get along? The poor girl must have it so tough."
Yun Shu nodded in agreement. "He’s not just domineering, he’s a liar too. He looks all prim and proper, but he’s actually full of wicked schemes."
"HAHAHAHA!"
"HAHAHAHA!"
Xiao Yang and the others were stunned for a few seconds before erupting in laughter.
Xiao Ming laughed so hard he clutched his stomach.
"Sister Yun Shu really gets my big brother, HAHAHAHA."
He Zichen frowned at Yun Shu.
Yun Shu met his gaze, and her eyes flickered with fear. ’I let the truth slip out without thinking,’ she thought. ’The boss isn’t going to throw me out, is he?’
Xiao Yang continued to tease, "Big brother, stop glaring at Yun Shu. Honestly, is that any way to treat your girlfriend? It’s a good thing it’s Yun Shu. Any other girl would’ve been scared off by you long ago."
Yun Shu nodded. ’Exactly.’
’She actually dared to agree with them?’ He Zichen looked at Yun Shu, astonished. ’Her nerve is growing by the minute, saying whatever she wants. It’s a good thing my family isn’t paying close attention, otherwise her words would have already blown our cover.’
That night, just before going to sleep, Yun Shu had already climbed into bed when a sudden knock sounded at the door.
Yun Shu threw on some clothes, got out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and went to open the door.
When she saw it was her boss, she asked in surprise, "Is something the matter?"
He Zichen pushed past her and walked into the room.
Yun Shu quickly shut the door and whispered, "Boss, it’s so late! I was about to go to sleep. Isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to just come in like this?"
"What about our reputations? A man and a woman, all alone in a room... I still have to get married someday, you know!"
He Zichen sat on a stool and looked up, staring straight at her.
Seeing this, Yun Shu shrank back nervously. "Wh-what is it, Boss?"
He Zichen said coolly, "So you do remember I’m your boss. And do you remember why you’re here?"
Yun Shu lowered her head. "I know."
He Zichen said, "Do you have any idea how close you came to blowing our cover this afternoon?"
Yun Shu looked up at him. "But we didn’t get exposed, did we? Your family is so pure-hearted, who would suspect anything?"
"Are you saying that I’m the one with a suspicious mind?"
Yun Shu didn’t answer, but her eyes darted to the side. ’Well, aren’t you?’ she thought.
He Zichen let out a soft sigh. "We’re only staying for two more days before we go back. You’d better stay on your guard for these next two days. Don’t let all our effort go to waste right at the finish line."
Yun Shu secretly rolled her eyes.
He Zichen looked at her and said, "Don’t look so unconvinced. You’d better listen to me. My family members aren’t idiots. You’re not going to have anything to do with them in the future, so it’s best if you keep your distance now."
Yun Shu bit her lip and said quietly, "How am I supposed to keep my distance? Am I supposed to pretend I’m mute when they talk to me? Wouldn’t that seem even more fake?"
He Zichen paused. "Is that what I meant?"
Yun Shu retorted, "Well, isn’t it? I didn’t even say that much, did I? Did you really need to come running over here in the middle of the night to lecture me? I’m your employee, not your slave."
He Zichen stood up.
Startled, Yun Shu took two steps back and hugged herself.
He Zichen looked at her. "What are you afraid of?"
Yun Shu didn’t say anything.
"Afraid I’ll hit you? Is that really the kind of person you think I am?"
Yun Shu whispered, "No."
He Zichen sighed. "Forget it. It’s only for two more days. Do what you want. They probably won’t figure it out."
With that, he walked out.
After that confrontation with He Zichen, Yun Shu’s mood soured.
She lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling and muttering, "So what if he’s paying me a little money? If he gives me any more grief, I’ll just leave. Let’s see what he does then."
"Hmph. Damn capitalist. Thinks he can pay a little money and I’ll obey his every command. It’s not like I sold myself to him."
"No wonder you’re thirty and still single. A guy like you deserves to be alone for the rest of his life."
Suddenly, a tap came from the window, and Yun Shu was so startled she immediately clamped a hand over her mouth.
He Zichen’s voice came from outside. "Go to sleep."
Yun Shu stared wide-eyed toward the window. ’Is he a ghost or something? Just standing out there silently, eavesdropping on me.’
But Yun Shu had misjudged He Zichen. He had simply stepped out of her room feeling a bit vexed and had stood outside for some fresh air. That’s when he heard her endless stream of curses from inside.
’Looks like I’ve completely misjudged this girl. She’s got a sharp tongue on her.’
He Zichen wasn’t sure what was vexing him, either. He had come over to warn Yun Shu, but when he looked at her, he couldn’t bring himself to be harsh.
’Whatever. She’s just a young woman. We’ll be heading back in a couple of days anyway.’
