Chapter 23: The Maid’s Predicament and a Sister’s Scheme

Dressed in a delicate maid outfit adorned with black lace, Ouyang Xiyue gracefully approached the mirror, gently surveying his reflection. In that instant, a shy blush, like peach blossoms unfurling in spring, slowly bloomed across his face.

“Oh dear, this is still so embarrassing. While I’ve long harbored a desire to try it, I’d always envisioned doing so in private, away from prying eyes. Who would have thought that the first time I donned this maid outfit, it would be to serve that detestable fellow? Sigh, why must my fate be so wretched!” Ouyang Xiyue murmured, a helpless expression on his face, as he admired his appearance in the mirror.

He carefully folded the clothes he had changed out of, his gaze once again falling upon his reflection, and he couldn’t help but become captivated by this unique beauty.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, truly, I am something else. Though born a man, I look so radiantly captivating in women’s attire. Heh heh heh, I’m almost bewitched by myself. Cough, cough, perhaps I’m a touch too conceited.”

With that thought, he gently pushed open the door and slowly stepped out. Ye Xuehui was already leaning against the staircase railing, and as Ouyang Xiyue appeared, he scrutinized him from head to toe.

“How do I look?” Ouyang Xiyue asked shyly, his face flushing.

“Mm, absolutely beautiful. Just as expected of you,” Ye Xuehui replied with a slight nod, his voice soft.

“What do you mean, ‘just as expected of me’? Do you need me to help with anything? I noticed your house seemed quite clean when I came upstairs.”

Ouyang Xiyue had taken a good look around the house when he ascended the stairs. The two-story residence was meticulously organized, with not a speck of dust in sight, indicating that Ye Xuehui was rather particular about personal hygiene.

“There’s nothing particularly urgent, actually. A guest will be arriving soon; just handle things as you see fit,” Ye Xuehui said nonchalantly, stretching lazily.

“Hey! Woman, since you’re my brother’s maid, I command you to come here. I have something to say to you.”

Suddenly, Ye Xuehui’s room door was flung open, and Ye Jia stormed out, hands on her hips, shouting loudly at Ouyang Xiyue.

Ouyang Xiyue glanced at Ye Xuehui, who wore an expression as if it had nothing to do with him. Left with no choice, he followed Ye Jia into the room.

The moment they entered, a ‘click’ echoed as the door behind them was locked.

Ouyang Xiyue turned around, utterly bewildered, to see Ye Jia stroking her chin, slowly approaching him step by step.

He instinctively recoiled, wondering inwardly, ‘What in the world is this girl trying to do? I’m completely at a loss.’

“Um, little sister, what can I do for you?”

“I’m not a little sister! I’m twelve years old! Woman, what exactly is your intention in getting close to my brother?” Ye Jia uttered a startling declaration, leaving Ouyang Xiyue completely dumbfounded.

He grumbled inwardly, ‘What intention could I possibly have? I’m just here to work off a debt. Could this little girl be misunderstanding something?’

“You must be joking. I’m just a maid, here for the money. If it weren’t for needing to repay a debt, I wouldn’t be willing to dress like this and be someone’s maid. It would be utterly mortifying to wear this out,” Ouyang Xiyue hastily explained.

“You’re still not admitting it! Most women who approach my brother are either after his money or his good looks. You’re definitely no different from those vulgar women! Don’t think that just because you have some charm, you can bewitch my brother!” Ye Jia declared fiercely.

“Oh, little sister, you’ve really misunderstood. I genuinely just came here to work; I have no other intentions, I swear.” With that, Ouyang Xiyue held up three fingers, his face a picture of sincerity.

“I told you not to call me little sister; I have a name. Seeing how sincere you are, I’ll believe you for now. My name is Ye Jia. What’s your name, beautiful older sister?” Upon hearing Ouyang Xiyue’s earnest statement.

Ye Jia’s attitude instantly transformed. Her eyes, which moments ago had blazed with anger, were now gentle and amiable. Her personality was strikingly similar to her annoying brother, Ye Xuehui.

‘Sigh, they truly are siblings,’ Ouyang Xiyue lamented in his heart. ‘Heaven, what sin did I commit in my past life to be punished like this?’

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ye Jia. My name is Ouyang Xiyue. Please look after me in the future, and feel free to command me if you need anything,” Ouyang Xiyue said politely, offering a sweet smile.

“Mm-hm, okay, okay! Brother said a guest is coming today. I actually secretly overheard Brother and Father’s conversation,” Ye Jia whispered, leaning conspiratorially close to Ouyang Xiyue’s ear.

“Hm? Isn’t it normal for guests to come?” Seeing Ye Jia’s cautious demeanor, Ouyang Xiyue involuntarily lowered his voice.

“Ouyang-jie, I’m telling you, I heard Father wants Brother to marry a girl he doesn’t like; the engagement is already set! The guest coming today must be my brother’s fiancée, my future sister-in-law.” Ye Jia pouted, her face etched with displeasure.

Seeing this, Ouyang Xiyue secretly guessed, ‘Could this girl have a brother complex? She’s probably not happy knowing her brother is engaged to another woman.’

“Is that so? So he’s a pitiful soul too. But you’re telling me this; do you have something in mind?” Ouyang Xiyue understood that ever since Ye Jia locked the door, she seemed to be plotting something, though he just hadn’t figured it out yet.

“How could someone as young as me have any bad intentions? Really, I don’t! I just want Older Sister to cooperate with me when that woman arrives. Just follow my lead then.” Ye Jia said softly, batting her large eyes.

“Your lead? That might not be appropriate, might it? After all, she’s your brother’s fiancée and your future sister-in-law. What exactly are you planning?” Ouyang Xiyue knew from Ye Jia’s cunning gaze that she was up to no good.

“What, are you scared, Older Sister?”

“Scared? It’s not that I’m scared, it’s just that your brother’s… um, cough, cough.” Ouyang Xiyue nearly blurted out ‘bastard,’ but thankfully reacted in time. If he cursed her brother in front of his sister, he’d probably get a severe scolding.

“Don’t worry, Ouyang-jie. My brother hasn’t even met that girl yet; this will be their first encounter. And my brother has no feelings for her at all. As long as we ruin their first meeting, my goal will be achieved!” Ye Jia clenched her fists, a look of determined resolve on her face.

“Ah, this… I can help you, but you’ll have to cover for me with your brother. Wait, no, that’s not right. I’m just a maid; I don’t want to get involved in other people’s private affairs. You almost led me astray! I think you shouldn’t disturb your brother and that girl’s date.” Ouyang Xiyue earnestly advised.

“Huh? Ouyang-jie, how can you go back on your word? You just promised me! If Older Sister helps me with this, I’ll agree to anything. I’ll even tell you my measurements, just please help me, Older Sister. This is my only chance!” Ye Jia’s eyes widened, welling up with tears, as she looked at Ouyang Xiyue piteously.

Seeing such a cute and pathetic Ye Jia, Ouyang Xiyue’s heart ultimately softened.

He thought, ‘Sigh, such a cute child. If I don’t help her, my conscience will bother me. But don’t you feel bad about disturbing someone else’s date? Cough, cough.’

“Then… fine, I’ll reluctantly agree this one time. But no more after this, understand?” Ouyang Xiyue gently patted Ye Jia’s head, saying helplessly.

“Yay! Ouyang-jie is the best!” Ye Jia excitedly hugged Ouyang Xiyue.

Just then, “Bang, bang, bang.”

A knock sounded, followed by Ye Xuehui’s voice: “Are you two done? Sneaking around in there and locking the door.”

“Coming, Brother. I was just chatting with Ouyang-jie.” Ye Jia opened the door, casually offered an excuse about checking for tidiness to clean, and hastily slipped away. Ye Xuehui, meanwhile, headed towards the study.