Chapter 7

Yuan Ying still didn’t dream last night.

Not only did she not dream, but she slept very well. After some reflection, she figured that the appearance of her trash ex might have directly extinguished her overly vigorous hormones.

Well, that could be considered a good thing.

Qiqi was returning today, and Yuan Ying had promised to pick her up. But when she checked the time now, she realized she had overslept. She quickly got ready and rushed downstairs.

Passing by the second floor, she instinctively glanced at the ‘Wealth Comes’ room—the door was closed.

Could he still not be back…

Yuan Ying muttered to herself and went straight downstairs.

Boss, Xiao Yu, who was eating breakfast, immediately stood up. The path in our courtyard…

How many bookings do we have for the coming week? Yuan Ying asked.

Xiao Yu paused: None for now.

It was the off-season for tourism, so having no business for several days in a row was quite normal.

Yuan Ying: Has the guest who checked in yesterday left?

Yes, Xiao Yu replied. Apart from those three, the guesthouse has no other guests now.

Yuan Ying nodded: Close the booking system for now. Don’t accept any reservations for the next week.

Xiao Yu was shocked: Why?

Yuan Ying glanced at the time: Just do as I say for now. I’ll explain when I get back.

With that, she rushed out.

Xiao Yu watched her hurried figure and instinctively raised her hand: Um, the path…

Before she could finish reminding her, Yuan Ying, who had dashed into the courtyard, had already noticed.

The Stepping Stone Path at Jin Yuanbao, known for its awkward spacing where one step was too tight and two steps too far, now had the gaps between the stones filled with matching stone slabs. The originally uneven stones had been leveled to the same height, transforming into a smooth, flat path where even luggage could roll through effortlessly.

On both sides of the path, small white pebbles had been laid out. Far from ruining the path’s aesthetics, they actually elevated its visual appeal.

Standing on the flat, beautiful path where she would definitely not trip, Yuan Ying instinctively looked toward the direction of the second-floor Wealth Comes room.

It was strange. Even back when they were dating and living together, he didn’t have a job and spent all his time idling around in her house, yet she always held the impression that ‘Zhu Feng could do anything.’

Something like creating a new path overnight—her first thought was that he had done it.

Qiqi was still waiting to be picked up, so Yuan Ying didn’t have time to dwell on her emotions. She got into her second-hand Volkswagen and drove off.

Not long after she left, Shu Lin and A Ye also woke up and sat together in the living room eating breakfast.

When Xiao Yu brought over the last bowl of egg noodles and saw the spread of breakfast covering the entire coffee table, she couldn’t help but remark, …Good thing you’re only staying ten days, or Jin Yuanbao would go bankrupt from feeding you.

Shu Lin smiled sheepishly: Well, from now on, breakfast will only be complimentary for three people. I’ll pay for any extras.

Forget it. Jin Yuanbao is a reputable guesthouse. If we say breakfast is included, we won’t go back on our word. You can eat as much as you want.

As Xiao Yu spoke, the living room door behind her opened. Seeing Feng Juan come in, she reminded her, Aunt Feng, you’re late again.

Since when does a little girl like you get to boss me around? Feng Juan was much less polite to her than she was to Yuan Ying.

Xiao Yu resisted the urge to roll her eyes and ignored her.

Shu Lin stood up directly: You’ve already been fired. What are you doing back at Jin Yuanbao?

Fired? Xiao Yu was shocked.

Shu Lin was taken aback by her shock. Isn’t it normal for unprofessional and sneaky employees to get fired? Why are you so surprised?

But… did the boss personally say she was fired? Xiao Yu asked again.

She had been in the living room all day yesterday and only knew that Feng Juan had come and left, completely unaware of the firing.

Shu Lin: Yes, and her wages have been settled.

Xiao Yu slapped the table excitedly. No wonder the boss just now…

Before she could finish, she met Feng Juan’s gaze and immediately shut her mouth.

Don’t listen to his nonsense. The boss was just joking with me, and he took it seriously, Feng Juan retorted.

After going back, she had thought it over and still couldn’t bear to give up this job with its good boss, great benefits, and flexible hours. So she decided to take the initiative to smooth things over instead of waiting for Yuan Ying to personally call her back.

Shu Lin snorted. Whether it was a joke or not, you know the truth.

Feng Juan pretended not to hear. Where’s the boss? I brought her some fermented bean paste. Is she up yet?

The boss went out, Xiao Yu said.

Feng Juan nodded. Alright, then I’ll get to work first.

Wait a moment, Xiao Yu stopped her while pulling out her phone to message Yuan Ying. Let me check with the boss first.

Feng Juan grew anxious. What’s there to check? There’s no need!

The more she resisted, the more Xiao Yu refused to let her go upstairs. As the two were about to start pushing each other, Shu Lin kicked A Ye, who was still immersed in his breakfast.

A Ye, who was eating noodles, glanced at him.

Shu Lin couldn’t help but urge him. Go on.

Haven’t finished eating yet, A Ye remained unmoved like a solid bell.

Shu Lin directly snatched his bowl away, gritting his teeth. Hurry! Up!

Not even allowed to finish a meal. Might as well have stayed in the Dragon Realm as a wild dragon, A Ye grumbled displeased as he squeezed between Feng Juan and Xiao Yu.

Tall and burly, he stood like a wall, directly forcing Feng Juan back two steps.

Wh-what are you doing?! Feng Juan watched him warily.

A Ye expressionlessly said, Get lost.

Feng Juan turned and ran, dashed into the yard, hopped on her electric scooter, and disappeared through the gate with a drift.

Shu Lin: ?

She just ran away?

It all happened too fast. Neither Shu Lin nor Xiao Yu could react.

A Ye calmly sat back down and continued eating his noodles.

She actually left when told to get lost… Is she really that compliant? Shu Lin looked at the two-meter-tall, scarred, muscular man, not understanding why Feng Juan had run.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yu received Yuan Ying’s message confirming that Feng Juan was indeed fired. Distractedly, she sat down on the sofa.

Isn’t it a good thing she was fired? Why aren’t you happy? Shu Lin asked curiously.

Xiao Yu glanced at him, her feelings complicated. You wouldn’t understand.

If you tell me, then I’ll understand, Shu Lin said cheerfully.

With his delicate features, he looked like a college student who hadn’t graduated yet, making it easy for others to let their guard down.

Xiao Yu sighed, remained silent for a moment, and then indeed spoke up. Feng Juan is Feng Zhuangzhuang’s biological aunt.

Feng Zhuangzhuang?

The name sounded familiar. After thinking for a while, Shu Lin remembered that the boss of Qixian Erwo seemed to be called that.

And then? he asked.

Xiao Yu gave him a look. That Feng Zhuangzhuang is the local bully. All the nearby guesthouses, including our Jin Yuanbao, have to consult him before organizing any events. We can only proceed if he agrees. If we don’t listen to him, he causes all sorts of trouble, making everyone uneasy.

Doesn’t the police care? Shu Lin frowned.

Xiao Yu: They’re cunning. They do all sorts of disgusting things but never cross legal boundaries. Calling the police is useless.

Shu Lin clicked his tongue: That troublesome? Then why did Boss Yuan hire her relative anyway?

Xiao Yu said irritably: You think the boss wanted to? Feng Zhuangzhuang forced her on us. He knows exactly what Feng Juan is like – didn’t want her messing up his own homestay, so he sent her to us. Even people who’ve been rooted here for years don’t dare cross him. Our boss is just a lone outsider – what else could she do but agree? She probably closed the shop temporarily because she’s worried Feng Zhuangzhuang would cause trouble if we fired Feng Juan.

Close the shop? That’s unnecessary, Shu Lin didn’t take that person seriously, Don’t worry, with us here, he wouldn’t dare do anything.

Xiao Yu shot him a sidelong glance, too lazy to explain.

After replying to Xiao Yu’s message, Yuan Ying spotted Fang Qiqi emerging from the station.

She immediately got out of the car to meet her: How was your trip with your parents? Did you have fun?

Fang Qiqi looked exhausted: Don’t even ask. My parents are in their fifties but somehow have endless energy – at least 30,000 steps every day. I’m going crazy.

Yuan Ying laughed: That just shows your parents are in great health.

Fang Qiqi gave her a weak look, too tired to even speak.

Yuan Ying ushered her into the car and drove her back to Everything You Need.

Fang Qiqi was completely worn out from the past few days. She couldn’t help dozing off in the car and moved like a ghost after getting out: I’m too tired today. I’m going back to catch up on sleep first, I’ll come find you tomorrow.

Go ahead.

Yuan Ying carried her suitcase inside and watched her enter the bedroom. Just as she was about to leave, Fang Qiqi rushed out from the room: Wait!

Something else? Yuan Ying stopped.

Fang Qiqi rubbed her eyes: I’ve been in the mountains these past days with no phone signal, didn’t get to message you. How’s the chatting going?

What? Yuan Ying looked innocent.

Fang Qiqi suddenly narrowed her eyes.

Ah… pretty good. Yuan Ying feigned calmness.

Fang Qiqi: Cut the crap! You didn’t add him on WeChat, did you?

Yuan Ying gave an awkward laugh.

After that blind date left last time, Qiqi had sent her his WeChat contact. But she’d been so busy confronting her trash ex with a kitchen knife that she forgot to add him.

Fang Qiqi was frantic: Do you know how hard it was for me to find someone so perfectly suitable for you? And you just forgot?!

Calm down, calm down. I’ll add him right now. Yuan Ying quickly pulled out her phone, scrolled rapidly through her chat history with Fang Qiqi, found the WeChat contact, and immediately sent a friend request.

Fang Qiqi snorted lightly: That’s more like it. Make sure to chat properly with him. I’m going to sleep now.

Yuan Ying nodded immediately.

After Fang Qiqi returned to her room to sleep, Yuan Ying drove back to Jin Yuanbao.

Xiao Yu was washing dishes in the kitchen, and neither Shu Lin nor A Ye were around. Yuan Ying passed through the empty living room and slowly made her way upstairs.

When she reached the second floor, her eyes once again drifted toward the door near the staircase.

The door seemed to have a will of its own – the moment she looked over, it clicked open, revealing the silver-haired man unexpectedly.

Their eyes met. Zhu Feng leaned lazily against the wall, his head nearly touching the top of the doorframe: It was delicious.

Yuan Ying was hesitating between questioning why he had touched her path without permission or simply thanking him when she asked, What?

I ate it all, didn’t even leave any soup, he said lazily, seeming sleep-deprived.

Finding him baffling, Yuan Ying didn’t respond and went upstairs.

Zhu Feng chuckled and was about to go back to catch up on sleep when Shu Lin came clattering up the stairs.

King, Shu Lin had specifically come looking for him, but still seemed startled upon seeing him, When did you get back?

Zhu Feng glanced at him cheerfully, Last night.

Oh, then did you eat the braised chicken and flatbread I left for you? Shu Lin asked.

Zhu Feng paused, You left it?

Who else? Shu Lin looked completely confused.

Zhu Feng stared at him for a moment before turning and heading upstairs.

As Yuan Ying was about to close her door, a hand suddenly gripped the doorframe, pushing it open with irresistible force.

…What do you want? Yuan Ying watched the person outside warily.

Zhu Feng stared at her for a few seconds before suddenly pulling her out through the doorway and crushing her against his chest.

After a night had passed, her sweet scent had become even more pronounced, continuously tempting him.

Yet she remained completely unaware.

When Yuan Ying was dragged out of her room, her mind went completely blank. It wasn’t until Zhu Feng’s warm breath fell on her shoulder and neck, causing a slight shiver, that she suddenly came back to her senses.

What are you doing! She pushed against him forcefully.

Zhu Feng held her even tighter.

Annoyed, Yuan Ying pinched his abdominal muscles hard.

Hiss…

The deep, pleasant gasp sounded in her ear, making Yuan Ying shudder as her body underwent subtle changes.

Zhu Feng was familiar with every one of her reactions and immediately tightened his embrace, Yuan Ying.

…What? Yuan Ying responded distractedly.

Zhu Feng: Are you wanting it?

…Wanting what?

Zhu Feng released her and, meeting her dazed gaze, began slowly unbuckling his belt.

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