Chapter 22: Huh? Maid?

“Why’ve you got panda eyes, Young Master Lu?”

“Did Xu Dabao wreck you all night too?”

“Nah, I don’t play that game.”

“Just plain insomnia.”

“So tired.”

I yawned hugely after answering.

Sleeping bare in Sister Yuan’s arms all night?

No way I could fall asleep.

It was supposed to be just one night.

But Sunday night, she stripped me again.

“Get it together, man.”

“First period’s Teacher Mo.”

“Funny thing—she’s so lax with everyone else sleeping in class.”

“Why’s she always on your case?”

“How should I know?”

“Maybe ‘cause I’m handsome?”

Zheng rolled his eyes.

He opened his English book and twirled his pen.

“Get real.”

“Forget whether you’re handsome or not.”

“Teacher Mo doesn’t seem like the type to care about looks.”

“That math teacher next door—tall, good-looking guy?”

“I saw him try to chat with her once.”

“She straight-up ignored him.”

An Xue Ruo overheard us.

She turned with a sly smile.

“Maybe Teacher Mo likes you?”

“That’s even wilder than her liking me for my looks.”

“I’m average in grades, terrible at sports, and a socially anxious shut-in.”

“Why would she like me?”

“Did you guys do your English homework?”

“I’m collecting it soon.”

I’m not confident in my acting.

Keep talking, and I might slip up.

Time to change the subject.

An Xue Ruo and Zheng dug through their bags.

They each handed me a workbook.

I took Zheng’s and flipped through it.

“Wow, Zheng, you actually did it?”

“Who’d you copy this time?”

“Shut up.”

“Can’t I do it myself?”

“Turning over a new leaf?”

“Zheng’s reforming?”

I tucked their workbooks with mine.

I turned to Su Ye Mi in front of Zheng.

“Class president, hand over your English homework.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, sure, let me find it.”

She seemed lost in thought.

My words snapped her out of it.

She rummaged through her bag and passed me her workbook.

I glanced at Zheng.

He gave me a knowing look and shook his head.

Five minutes till class.

Sister Yuan walked into the classroom.

She sat behind the teacher’s desk and set down her lesson plan.

Her gaze locked onto me.

I quickly looked away.

No way I’m making eye contact with everyone watching.

Speaking of which, her birthday’s next month.

I should find an after-school job.

Earn some money for her gift.

She never restricts me financially.

She’s way too generous when it comes to spending on me.

Always wanting the best for me.

Her allowance is absurdly large.

It feels like she spoils me too much.

I barely use it.

Anything I want, she gets before I even ask.

Except stuff she doesn’t want me touching.

But for her gift, I can’t use her money.

That’d be so insincere.

“Zheng, know any evening or weekend jobs?”

“Whoa, Young Master Lu’s broke?”

“Cut the crap.”

“Got anything or not?”

He rubbed his chin, eyeing me up and down.

Then he spoke slowly.

“Actually, yeah.”

“With your soft skin and pale look, ever thought about escorting rich ladies for drinks?”

“You might be their type.”

“Go to hell.”

“I’m an idiot for asking you.”

Escorting rich ladies?

Forget that I’d pass out from one sip.

Even if I could drink and keep them happy.

Even if they didn’t do anything weird.

If Sister Yuan found out, she’d skin me alive.

“Alright, alright, serious talk.”

“Coffee shop waiter, daily pay.”

“You in?”

“I know the boss.”

“I can introduce you after school.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’m in, I’m in.”

Zheng grinned mischievously.

A chill ran through me.

Bad feeling.

This guy’s not setting me up for some sketchy gig, is he?

“I’m gonna call my sister.”

“Wait for me at the gate.”

After school, I told Zheng and left the classroom.

I found a quiet corner and dialed Sister Yuan.

– “Hey, Sister Yuan.”

– “I’ve got something to do.”

– “I won’t head back with you today.”

– “I promise I’ll be home by eight.”

– “Something to do?”

– “What?”

– “With who?”

– “Where?”

– “How long?”

– “I’m with Zheng.”

– “Don’t ask so much.”

– “Let me have some secrets.”

– “It’s not a big deal.”

– “Xiao You’s keeping secrets from me now?”

– “Fine, I won’t pry.”

– “Come back early.”

– “Yeah, got it.”

– “Bye.”

I hung up and stretched.

Time to meet Zheng at the gate.

Then I saw An Xue Ruo under a tree nearby.

Her blue hair swayed in the breeze.

A boy stood before her, head down, face red.

The setting sun shortened the tree’s shadow.

The shy boy mustered his courage, pouring out his feelings.

The wind seemed to mute the chatter of leaving students.

An Xue Ruo listened, expressionless.

Her usual polite smile showed no interest in the boy.

His confession spot was pretty romantic.

Her response, not so much.

I couldn’t hear what she said.

But her distant, courteous demeanor made her choice clear.

After speaking, she glanced my way for some reason.

She brushed her hair and smiled at me.

The boy, heartbroken, looked up.

He followed her gaze and saw me.

What the heck?

Why’re they looking at me?

I’m just passing by!

Realizing I’d been caught watching, I hurried to the gate.

That guy doesn’t think there’s something between me and An Xue Ruo, does he?

Whatever.

Let him think what he wants.

There’s nothing going on.

I don’t even like her.

Zheng’s coffee shop wasn’t far.

A ten-minute walk.

The shop was small but cozy.

Its location was great.

The decor was rustic and elegant.

The vibe was calm and relaxed.

A young, pretty woman greeted us warmly.

“You’re here, Chen!”

“Who’s this?”

“Evening, Sister Yan.”

“This is my desk mate, Lu You.”

“I found you a waiter.”

“He’s reliable, I vouch for him.”

“Hi, ma’am.”

“I’m Zheng’s classmate.”

“Looking for a job here.”

“Hi, hi!”

“I’m the owner, Liu Linyan.”

“Call me Sister Yan, like Chen does.”

Sweet, she seems friendly and kind.

Her gaze scanned me up and down.

She nodded.

That bad feeling’s coming true.

“You look suitable, Lu You.”

“Can you handle working as a maid?”

*TL Note: The term “maid” (女仆) refers to a common job in Chinese-themed cafes, where staff wear maid outfits to serve customers, often tied to anime/manga culture, reflecting the playful yet potentially awkward situation Lu You is being drawn into.