Chapter 24: The Maid’s Bold Intervention

“Ding-dong… ding-dong…” The crisp chime of the doorbell danced lightly through the air, like nimble musical notes.

Just then, as I stepped out of the kitchen, still redolent with the scent of cooking, the pleasant sound reached my ears.

My gaze instinctively fell upon Ye Jia, who was lounging on the sofa in the living room. She was utterly absorbed, her eyes unblinking as she watched the television screen, leisurely munching on snacks—a picture of someone utterly lost in their own private world.

Hearing the doorbell, Ye Jia slowly turned her head, her eyes meeting mine. She gave me a slight nod, her gaze seeming to hold an unspoken message.

In that instant, I surmised the visitor’s identity: the blind date arranged by Night Xuehui’s father for him. Alas, even someone as formidable as Night Xuehui had no choice but to comply with his father’s arrangements, unable to even independently pursue his own happiness.

A pang of sympathy rose within me at the thought, prompting a silent sigh in my heart.

I, too, nodded subtly to Ye Jia, indicating my readiness and that I was standing by. Ye Jia returned my gesture with an appreciative gaze, her eyes full of approval.

With a soft ‘click,’ the door automatically swung open. This method of internal control inexplicably reminded me of the mysterious doors found within imperial palaces.

A black-haired young woman entered from outside, her steps graceful. Her figure was enchanting, and every movement exuded the elegance of a refined lady. She was indeed worthy of being Night Xuehui’s blind date; her long, slender legs, encased in black stockings, showcased a captivating allure. For a moment, I found myself mesmerized, but I quickly shook my head, composed myself, and retreated to the side.

At that moment, Night Xuehui also emerged elegantly from the study. Dressed in a sharp suit and a meticulously tied tie, he appeared exceptionally spirited, like a job seeker poised for a crucial interview.

Could it be that he was quite invested in this blind date? I sincerely hoped he would find his own happiness in this encounter.

“Hello, Miss Yin, please have a seat,” Night Xuehui said, his voice calm and gentle, polite yet composed.

Miss Yin glided gracefully to the sofa and sat down. Her gaze slowly swept around the room, finally settling on me, standing beside Ye Jia with my head slightly bowed.

“Oh, the one on the sofa must be your younger sister, I presume. As for this maid… it seems Young Master Night has quite unique tastes. After all, men always have their little quirks, which is understandable. And he really is quite good-looking,” Miss Yin remarked, scrutinizing me from head to toe. Her gaze felt as though it could pierce through me, making me thoroughly uncomfortable.

“He is merely a maid. Miss Yin, I’ll be blunt. This blind date was arranged by our elders. Since this is our first meeting, let’s speak plainly. I can cooperate with this arrangement, but only to put on a show for our elders. Privately, we will not interfere in each other’s lives. That is my bottom line,” Night Xuehui stated impassively, his tone firm and unequivocal, as he handed a tissue to Ye Jia, who was still eating.

Miss Yin did not respond immediately. She slowly rose from the sofa and, with light steps, walked over to Night Xuehui’s side, taking a seat next to him.

Then, she performed an action that greatly astonished me: she gently placed her hand on Night Xuehui’s thigh, speaking in an exceedingly suggestive tone.

“Although this blind date was arranged by our elders, I have long heard of Young Master Night’s esteemed name, and seeing you today, it’s clear the reputation is well-deserved. I intend not only to appear well-matched with you in front of everyone, but also to make you utterly fall for me.” As she spoke, her hand began to slowly and improperly inch upwards.

Night Xuehui reacted swiftly, raising his hand to swat hers away. He then stood up, moved to the side, and turned his back to Miss Yin, his voice as cold as frost: “Miss Yin, please maintain your dignity. I have no interest in you. In my heart, you are not even as good as my maid. You should return home soon, lest your elders worry.”

“Oh? Is that so, Young Master Night? I am not an easy woman. But you, well, you are certainly different from others. As for your maid, who knows how many men he has been defiled by before becoming your maid? He’s nothing more than a filthy vixen!” Miss Yin’s words, sharp as daggers, were aimed directly at Ouyang Xiyue, who had been standing by, intending to merely observe the drama.

Ouyang Xiyue, innocently caught in the crossfire, thought to himself, ‘Defiled by men? Me? What a joke! I’m a boy, and I’m not interested in boys. I can absolutely guarantee that even though I’m dressed as a girl right now, my sexual orientation is perfectly normal; I know very well that I like girls.’

‘Calling me filthy, calling me a vixen? Good heavens, I can’t stand this insult! Just watch me drive you away, hmph!’

I quietly moved to Night Xuehui’s side, maintaining my silence throughout, then gently guided him to the other sofa, distancing him from Miss Yin.

Night Xuehui turned to look at me, and I gave him a look, signaling him to cooperate.

Night Xuehui gazed at Ouyang Xiyue, musing inwardly, ‘What exactly is this lass up to? And asking me to cooperate with him? Truly amusing.’

“Speaking of which, it’s still early morning, and Master, you haven’t eaten yet. Conveniently, I’ve just prepared some fruit salad, which might suffice for now,” I said respectfully, then retreated to the kitchen.

Presently, I emerged from the kitchen carrying two portions of fruit salad. I handed one to Ye Jia, who was still leisurely watching the drama unfold on the sofa, and, holding the other, approached Night Xuehui. I arrived before him, then slowly half-crouched down.

Holding the fork, I crouched before him, only to realize I couldn’t quite reach. After a moment’s thought, I simply stood up and sat on Night Xuehui’s lap. Night Xuehui instinctively tried to rise and push me away, but I stopped him with a single glance.

“It’s truly difficult to reach while crouching; this way, I can manage,” I declared, then speared a piece of fruit and offered it to Night Xuehui’s lips. He, too, cooperated perfectly, taking a bite.

Meanwhile, Miss Yin, having witnessed the entire spectacle, was already trembling with rage. As I fed Night Xuehui, I mused inwardly, ‘You called me a vixen? Then I’ll just infuriate you to death, hmph!’

At that moment, Ye Jia leaned in close to Miss Yin and whispered a few words in her ear. Miss Yin glared at me with resentment, then snatched up her bag, rose abruptly, and stormed out, slamming the door shut. As she departed, she hurled a final remark at me: “Just you wait!” *Bang…*

Seeing Miss Yin leave, I rose from Night Xuehui’s lap, tidied my clothes, and let out a soft sigh of relief. Ye Jia also gave me a thumbs-up.

“You lass, you have quite some nerve, daring to sit on my lap. Weren’t you rather shy at first?” Night Xuehui remarked, watching me, his hand stroking his chin with a thoughtful expression.

“Miss Yin of the Yin family? Nothing special. To call me a vixen, when I hadn’t even provoked her—I’ll just prove her wrong, hmph!” Ouyang Xiyue scoffed lightly, carrying the two empty plates to the kitchen and beginning to wash them.

“It seems you’ve successfully integrated into your role as a maid, helping your master resolve difficulties. Well done; remember to keep it up,” Night Xuehui said, leaning against the kitchen doorway.

Ouyang Xiyue did not respond, merely continuing to quietly wash the dishes in his hands. Afterward, Night Xuehui spread his hands, then turned and returned to the study.

I emerged from the kitchen, and Ye Jia pulled me over to the sofa. She motioned for me to sit, and I complied.

“Sister Ouyang, I truly didn’t expect you to be so bold. From what I know of my brother, if any ordinary girl were to sit directly on his lap, he would surely push her away. I never thought he wouldn’t lay a hand on you—that’s quite something.” Ye Jia said, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

“Oh, no, don’t overthink it. Earlier, I quietly whispered in his ear, asking him to cooperate,” I explained.

“Indeed. If Sister Ouyang hadn’t been here today, I imagine that woman would have pestered him for much longer. Besides, Sister Ouyang, you smell truly lovely, full of a maiden’s fragrance.” Ye Jia said with a playful smile.

‘What maiden’s fragrance?’ Ouyang Xiyue mused inwardly, ‘I’m a boy!’ He truly wanted to reveal this secret, but alas, he had simply used ordinary shower gel…

“Alright, I’ll go tidy up the kitchen. You watch TV,” I said, rising to gently pat Ye Jia’s head, then turned and departed.

****

In the study—

“Hmph, truly amusing. In just a few days, this lass has piqued my interest. Speaking of which, he does smell very nice; is it a maiden’s fragrance?” Night Xuehui gazed at the window, a subtle, unfathomable smile playing on his lips.

Truly, they were siblings, their words and points of interest remarkably alike.