Chapter 39: The Virtuous Little Housekeeper

Due to his arm injury, Yan Xuan was granted an additional two days of leave. Relieved from his early morning classes, he slept until ten in the morning. Fang Lian had already left for class, though the faint, warm scent of her perfume still lingered on the pillow.

Yan Xuan got up, tidied away the now-battered white stockings and nurse’s outfit, dressed, and headed into the living room.

Yang Qingqing was busy in the kitchen, and the wafting aroma made Yan Xuan’s stomach growl.

"Qingqing, what are you cooking?" Yan Xuan asked curiously.

Hearing his voice, Yang Qingqing turned around. Seeing him reach for the electric kettle to make tea, she rushed over with lightning speed.

"Wait, wait, wait... let me handle that!"

She snatched the kettle first, poured water into his cup with practiced ease, and blew gently on the rim. "Here you go, careful, it’s hot."

Yan Xuan sighed helplessly, "Qingqing, my injury isn't that serious. I haven't lost a limb!"

"You still have to be careful! What if the wound opens up?" Yang Qingqing insisted righteously. "Anyway, you should stay home and rest these next few days. If you need anything, just tell me."

After the massive mess from yesterday, the restaurant dared not keep Yang Qingqing on. With her job gone, she had naturally transitioned into a full-time live-in caregiver. Furthermore, since Yan Xuan had taken a blade for her—essentially saving her life—she felt it was only right to look after him until he recovered.

"Something's burning in the kitchen," Yan Xuan reminded her.

At his words, Yang Qingqing scurried back to the stove in a panic.

With nothing else to do, Yan Xuan sat on the sofa and turned on the television. Just as he reached for an apple to peel, he heard it again.

"Let me do it!"

Yang Qingqing reappeared in a flash, snatched the fruit knife and apple from his hands, and knelt on the floor without a second thought.

As usual, she was wearing loose sportswear. Her hair, freshly washed that morning, was still damp and draped behind her. She knelt with her knees together, her entire weight resting on her feet—which were wrapped in white athletic socks—highlighting her narrow shoulders, slim waist, and shapely hips.

Looking down from his vantage point, Yan Xuan watched the woman peeling the apple on the floor, and a flicker of desire stirred within him. Yang Qingqing seemed completely unaware of how humble and submissive she looked; Yan Xuan felt like a monarch looking down at a palace maid tending to his needs.

"Qingqing, sit on the sofa," Yan Xuan suggested.

"It’s fine, I’m almost done. Do you want me to slice it for you?" Yang Qingqing looked up at him with a lively, romantic smile.

She was so accustomed to being boisterous and carefree that she had no idea how alluring she looked as a high-level beauty serving a man from her knees. Yan Xuan suddenly felt grateful she was wearing her usual gym clothes; had she been in something more suggestive, like the tight silk cheongsam she wore at the restaurant, he might not have been able to keep his thoughts in check.

"No, that's fine. You go back to the kitchen," Yan Xuan said, taking the apple from her and biting into it, avoiding her gaze.

***

After sending Yang Qingqing away, Yan Xuan began to consider the legal matter. He had only been in Nanjiang for two years for his studies; he was just an ordinary student with no connections or network, making it difficult to find a reliable, high-profile lawyer.

He opened his phone and found a contact labeled "Xiao Qi" in his friend list.

"Could you help me introduce a few lawyers..."

Yan Xuan typed the message, deleted it, typed it again, and deleted it once more. Finally, he gave up and closed the app.

"Forget it, I'll just check online."

He went back to his room, turned on Fang Lian’s computer, and while searching for law firms, he launched the League of Legends client.

Mi Xiaoyue wasn't online, but she had left a message. She informed him that she had successfully persuaded Bai Hui and was currently working as a director's assistant alongside her aunt, Yu Mengyi. She asked when he would come to see her.

Yan Xuan left a message asking for an address, saying he would find a way to get in touch with Yu Mengyi.

By noon, Yang Qingqing knocked on his door to call him for lunch.

Closing the computer, Yan Xuan returned to the living room and asked casually, "Did Xiao Lian not come back for lunch?"

Yang Qingqing set the table. "She said she had something to take care of. Didn't she call you?"

"I guess it's just the two of us then."

"Oh... well, try the food first."

To express her gratitude and apology, Yang Qingqing had put her heart and soul into the meal, working from seven in the morning until noon without even taking a sip of water.

"It tastes good," Yan Xuan praised, and the tension in Yang Qingqing’s heart finally eased.

"Hey, let me do that..."

Seeing Yan Xuan about to use his left hand, Yang Qingqing rushed over again to serve him a bowl of soup, adding considerately, "If it's inconvenient for you, I can even feed you."

"Qingqing, that's really not necessary," Yan Xuan said, feeling both amused and frustrated as he urged her to sit down and eat.

After the meal, Yan Xuan decided to visit the law firms he had found online. As he stood by the door putting on his shoes, Yang Qingqing rushed over yet again.

"Let me do it!"

She knelt on the floor once more, picked up his sneakers, and positioned them in front of him, clearly intending to help him put them on.

A tall, 186-centimeter beauty, kneeling submissively to serve him—the scene was enough to make any man’s heart race. Yan Xuan didn't know whether he should extend his foot.

He finally understood why she had cried so hard last night. Beneath her usual outgoing, lively exterior, Yang Qingqing was profoundly gentle and kind-hearted; any sense of guilt she felt was amplified infinitely within her. She was the type of foolish woman who, even if abused by her husband after marriage, wouldn't dare return to her parents' home to complain.

"Qingqing, I'll do it myself."

Yan Xuan ultimately declined her kindness, put on his shoes himself, and left.

Watching him go, Yang Qingqing felt a strange sense of loss. Just as she turned to clear the table, the front door opened again.

"Yan Xuan, did you forget something?"

Thinking it was Yan Xuan returning, she turned around, only to see Fang Lian.

"Xiao Lian, why are you back?"

"This is my house. Can I not come back?" Fang Lian kicked off her shoes and tossed her trench coat and handbag onto the sofa. "Is there any food left? I'm starving."

"The food on the table is still warm. Want to grab a bite?" Yang Qingqing followed her, putting the shoes in the cabinet and hanging up the coat and bag, acting exactly like a little maid welcoming the mistress of the house home.

"Did you see Yan Xuan leave just now?"

"Yeah, he even asked me for the car keys."

"His arm is injured. Is it safe for him to drive?"

"Why are you so concerned about him?"

"He got hurt because of me; I feel terrible about it."

Fang Lian paused mid-bite, her eyes flickering. She changed the subject: "Qingqing, what kind of person do you think Yan Xuan is?"

Yang Qingqing replied, "He's quite good... smart, high emotional intelligence, responsible, and good-looking too. It’s just that he’s a bit spendthrift."

"Oh! And how did it feel to be held in his arms last night?"

"I..."

The two best friends fell into a sudden silence. Several minutes passed, and the only sound in the spacious living room was Fang Lian chewing and the rapid beating of Yang Qingqing's heart.

"I'm full."

After a long while, Fang Lian finally broke the silence. She set down her chopsticks, turned to look at Yang Qingqing, and smiled.

"Qingqing, how about... you move back home?"