The man was tall and powerfully built, his exquisitely chiselled features like a sculpture.
A pair of captivating peach-blossom eyes shimmered with rippling radiance, and between his brows lay unrestrained devilish charm.
“Shen Xi, you’ve been naughty again.” His voice was deep, magnetic and pleasing to the ear.
Yet the little boy trembled slightly and huddled deeper into Xia Xing’s embrace.
Seeing this, Xia Xing stepped forward to shield the boy behind her and asked, “Sir, what is your relation to this child?”
As if only just noticing Xia Xing, the man lifted his sharp brows.
“What am I to him?
Naturally, I’m his father.”
Xia Xing eyed him doubtfully.
“Are you certain?”
A careless, seductive curve tugged at his thin lips.
“Shall we call the police and let them verify it?”
“Very well.” Xia Xing pulled out her phone, ready to dial.
Beside her, the little boy gently tugged at her sleeve.
“No need to call the police.
He… he is my father.”
Xia Xing glanced back and forth between the boy and the handsome man, sensing something odd in the atmosphere between the father and son.
Still, since the boy himself had confirmed the man was his father, she thought it inappropriate to press further.
She spoke softly to the little boy.
“Little one, now that your father has come for you, you should go home with him.”
The boy suddenly blurted out, “I don’t want to go back with him!”
Xia Xing guessed the child had quarrelled with his family and run away from home.
She was about to soothe him when the man’s lazy voice drifted over.
“If you don’t want to go back, then don’t.”
Xia Xing and Yan Yu froze at the same time, turning their gazes toward him.
The young man spoke in a low, deep tone.
“My name is Shen Yeming.
I am Shen Xi’s father.”
Xia Xing stared at him without speaking, wondering what he intended.
Shen Yeming went on, “Rarely have I seen Shen Xi take such a liking to someone.
So I’d like to hire you to look after him occasionally when he is free.
I will pay you one hundred thousand a month, and all expenses related to Shen Xi will be fully reimbursed.
What do you say, Miss?”
At those words, Yan Yu could not help studying Shen Yeming.
Only caring for the boy during his spare time, one hundred thousand monthly plus full reimbursement… It was money earned with almost no effort.
She was utterly tempted.
After all, as an office worker, a five-figure monthly salary was already excellent for her.
Judging by his clothing, bearing and manner of speech, he was clearly a wealthy tycoon.
Xia Xing instinctively refused.
“I’m sorry, I cannot…”
“Two hundred thousand.”
“Mr.
Shen, it is not about the money…”
“Five hundred thousand.”
Xia Xing felt helpless.
“Mr.
Shen, truly, this is not a matter of money…”
“One million.”
Xia Xing fell silent.
Fine.
She had to admit, there was no problem money could not settle.
Though married to Gu Huaijin and having seen something of the world, her personal spending had always been modest.
Moreover, she cared nothing for luxury handbags or jewellery.
Most days she stayed home caring for Gu Ziting and rarely had places to spend money.
She had never considered cashing out using Gu Huaijin’s cards.
Over the years, she had spent less than one hundred thousand on herself.
Now Gu Huaijin had frozen her supplementary card.
What was more, she planned to set up a studio with Jiang Panzhou, which required a substantial sum of startup capital.
She could not let Jiang Panzhou bear all the costs while she contributed only her labour.
With this thought, Xia Xing asked, “Mr.
Shen, what exactly will I need to do?”
Shen Yeming smiled in satisfaction.
“I’m swamped with work and have little time for him.
Miss…”
He paused and asked, “What is your name?”
“Xia Xing.”
“Your job will be simple, Miss Xia.
If he stays at your place, drop him off and pick him up from school, cook for him, and keep him company during his free time.”
Shen Yeming’s voice was lazy and mellow.
“Of course, you may take him to amusement parks, summer camps or travel elsewhere, arranged at your discretion.
All such expenses will be reimbursed separately.”
Yan Yu was so envious her eyes turned red.
Paid vacations — could such a good thing really exist!
A flicker crossed Xia Xing’s eyes.
“He… will stay at my place?”
Shen Yeming raised his brows at her.
“Why?
Were you planning to move in with me?
I wouldn’t mind, but you are so young.
I fear your husband or boyfriend might misunderstand.”
She and Shen Yeming looked close in age.
Moving into his residence would easily spark gossip.
Besides, Shen Yeming’s wife might not welcome her staying day in and day out with her husband.
Xia Xing thought for a moment and asked another question.
“Does Shen Xi’s mother agree to this?”
Shen Yeming fell silent for several seconds.
“His mother has passed away.”
Xia Xing apologised quickly.
“I’m sorry.”
Shen Yeming waved it off indifferently.
“It is fine.
Many years have passed.”
Xia Xing lowered her head, her gaze toward Shen Xi softening with pity.
She nodded and then said, “Mr.
Shen, are you not afraid I might mistreat him once I take him home?”
Shen Yeming’s voice was deep and rich, brimming with unmatched arrogance and dominance.
“Who would dare mistreat the son of Shen Yeming?”
True enough.
Anyone could tell Shen Yeming was no ordinary man.
To harm his child would simply be courting death.
Besides, if he trusted her to take Shen Xi home, he would certainly send people to watch over her secretly.
Appealing as his offer was, the money would not come easily.
She would do nothing wrong, so she feared no surveillance from Shen Yeming.
Xia Xing asked, “When do I start?”
“You may begin right now.” Shen Yeming checked the time.
“I have an unexpected business trip soon and will be back around the weekend.
You will look after Shen Xi during this time.”
“Miss Xia, any other questions?
If not, I must take my leave.”
“I have one more.” Xia Xing looked down at the quiet little boy.
“I notice his health is poor.
Are there any foods he must avoid, or other things I need to watch out for?”
Shen Yeming lifted his brows in surprise.
“You know medicine?”
“I studied Chinese medicine for several years and know a bit about children’s congenital deficiencies.”
Xia Xing paused and continued.
“I do not know Shen Xi well yet.
Could you ask the nanny who usually cares for him to send me a document listing his daily habits and preferences?”
Shen Yeming’s gaze sharpened.
His formerly casual expression faded gradually, his eyes fixed on Xia Xing, deep as an abyss, different from before.
Startled by his stare, Xia Xing asked instinctively, “Mr.
Shen, did… did I say something wrong?”