The refrigerator at home had only just been plugged in not long ago, and the things stored inside were all fruits that Auntie Wang had bought on her way over.
Some of them had already been used to make a bowl of refreshing fruit salad for Bai Mao.
Ingredients needed constant replenishment. After tidying up the place, Auntie Wang asked Bai Mao about his preferences when it came to food.
Planning to head over to the market to buy fresh groceries so that she could prepare him a proper feast for lunch.
Bai Mao asked curiously, “Wouldn’t it be fine to just buy things from the supermarket? I noticed there’s one in the basement of the shopping mall nearby, and it’s quite close.”
“That won’t do.” Auntie Wang shook her head, smiling warmly. “The vegetables in supermarkets can’t compare to the freshness you get from the market. Besides, this is the very first meal I’m cooking for Young Master, so of course I have to make it as perfect as possible.”
In truth, even the market was a place Auntie Wang had not visited for many years. Ever since she started working for the Yu family seven years ago, she no longer had to worry about sourcing food.
The Yu family had their own exclusive supply, back then, they had even set up a team of people dedicated to growing organic produce.
Every day, fresh ingredients were delivered directly to the Yu household, never once going through regular market channels.
Bai Mao chuckled in surprise. “But the market is quite far from here. Isn’t it inconvenient to make a trip? Especially in such cold weather.”
“It’s no trouble, no trouble at all,” Auntie Wang said with a laugh. “Don’t worry, Young Master. The driver is already waiting downstairs, so this old set of bones won’t have to freeze on the way. I’ll be back quickly. Is there anything else you’d like to eat?”
Huh? These days even the housekeeper has a personal driver?
“N-no, nothing else,” Bai Mao scratched his head awkwardly. “I’m not picky about food, though I do prefer things on the sweeter side.”
“Alright, alright. That’s easy enough.” Auntie Wang’s eyes crinkled with her smile.
“In a few days, when Mr. Yu… returns from his business trip, I’ll ask him whether it’s possible to have some of the Yu family’s supply line deliver ingredients here as well. That way, we won’t have to keep going out of our way every day.”
“Sounds good. Oh, Auntie Wang, there’s one more thing…” Bai Mao raised his hand, looking slightly embarrassed. “Would the driver happen to be free this afternoon? Could he take me to Mr. Yu’s company?”
“Of course he can. Young Master only has to ask.” Auntie Wang’s eyes curved into cheerful crescents.
Her cooking skills were indeed excellent.
When lunchtime came, she prepared a spread of four dishes and one soup. Bai Mao ate with gusto, sweeping through the plates like a hungry windstorm, leaving only a few remnants behind.
Auntie Wang clucked in a mild alarm, “Oh dear, careful now! Don’t eat so much you hurt your stomach, Young Master.”
Bai Mao collapsed back against the dining chair, rubbing his slightly rounded belly with a look of pure satisfaction. “Auntie Wang’s cooking is so delicious! If only my stomach weren’t so uncooperative, I could easily have eaten two more bowls of rice!”
Auntie Wang blinked in surprise, then laughed. “Then you mustn’t sleep in late, otherwise you’ll miss out on my breakfast.”
She had said it deliberately, young people were notorious for sleeping in and skipping the most important meal of the day.
Over time, such a habit could lead to gallstones and other health problems.
“No way! For the sake of Auntie Wang’s breakfast, I’ll definitely get up early!”
Bai Mao’s eyes sparkled brightly, brimming with spirit.
In that instant, Auntie Wang’s heart melted.
Where did this precious little treasure come from? And how had he ended up being taken home by the ever-stoic Yu Xiangchen?
That afternoon, Bai Mao dozed lightly on the balcony. The winter sunlight spilled warmly across the space, gentle and pleasant without being harsh.
He stretched lazily, then rose to his feet. After resting, he printed out the agreement in duplicate, gathered his medical report, and with the driver’s help, set off toward the company address Yu Xiangchen had sent him.
The Yu family’s corporate headquarters stood proudly in the heart of Beicheng’s bustling CBD. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers and vibrant commercial activity, the building still managed to stand out.
Its design was striking and bold, like an immense colossus. The cold glass façade reflected the sunlight, emanating an aura both majestic and intimidating, making one instinctively avert their gaze.
Stepping through the grand doors, Bai Mao was immediately greeted by the warmth of central heating.
He approached the front desk to register.
The receptionist, a young woman in a sharp business suit, greeted him with a pleasant smile.
The moment she heard his name, her expression shifted slightly and she said at once, “Mr. Yu has already given instructions. He said that once you arrive, you may head straight upstairs. I’ll escort you to the elevator.”
She walked out from behind the counter, heels clicking against the polished floor, and led Bai Mao toward the elevator lobby.
Once inside, she pressed the button for the top floor and swiped her card before stepping out with another professional smile.
The elevator rose swiftly and smoothly.
A soft chime sounded.
As Bai Mao stepped out, he found himself face-to-face with Yu Xiangchen.
“Mr. Yu.” The words slipped out instinctively as he took a step forward.
But almost immediately after speaking, Bai Mao realized the address felt… oddly inappropriate.
Several men and women stood beside Yu Xiangchen, all of them dressed sharply, the very picture of elite professionals.
One of them was speaking to him in a low voice, clearly reporting on work matters. The man didn’t so much as pause when he heard Bai Mao’s voice, he didn’t even spare him a glance until Yu Xiangchen came to a stop.
Only then did he fall silent and finally turn his head toward Bai Mao.
The group’s eyes flickered almost imperceptibly, taking Bai Mao in with discreet scrutiny.
Yu Xiangchen lifted his wrist, checked the time, and said evenly, “You’re early.”
It was true.
The appointed time had been three in the afternoon, but after lunch, Bai Mao had found himself with nothing to do. He had taken a short nap, printed out the contract, gathered his documents, and decided to head over.
By the time he arrived, it was only two-twenty, forty minutes ahead of schedule.
“Yes,” Bai Mao admitted with a nod. “That’s my fault. I came too early. Mr. Yu, please continue with your work. I can wait in the reception room.”
“No need. Let’s deal with your matter first,” Yu Xiangchen said, his tone cool and decisive, “Come with me.”
He turned to the others. “Wait here.”
The assistants exchanged startled looks, eyes filled with unspoken surprise.
What on earth was going on? Their workaholic boss had just dropped everything, in the middle of a meeting, to prioritize… a man they’d never seen before?
Was this still their boss, the one who practically lived for work?
Who would believe it if they told anyone?
As they watched Yu Xiangchen walk away with the stranger, they traded quick whispers.
“Is he from one of our partner companies?”
“No idea. His face doesn’t ring a bell. But he is good-looking… standing next to our boss, he doesn’t seem out of place at all. That’s rare.”
“Exactly! Such a handsome guy. I was sneaking glances the whole time.”
“…Funny, I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before, but I just can’t remember where.”
Bai Mao, fully aware of his own role as the proverbial canary, kept his head slightly bowed as he followed Yu Xiangchen into the president’s office.
Yu Xiangchen’s stride was steady and authoritative; once seated in his ergonomic chair, he pinched the bridge of his nose before speaking.
“The agreement.”
Bai Mao quickly produced the papers and handed them over with both hands.
Yu Xiangchen scanned them in a matter of moments.
The content was identical to the previous draft, except for an added note at the end: during the term of the agreement, Party A, Yu Xiangchen, would be responsible only for Party B, Bai Mao, and would have nothing whatsoever to do with the Bai family.
He rubbed the edge of the paper between his fingers. “The ‘four times a week’ clause, you didn’t delete it?”
Bai Mao mumbled, “No.”
Yu Xiangchen said nothing.
In truth, it made no difference whether that line stayed or not. As long as he had no intention of doing anything, it was irrelevant.
After all, this was Bai Mao.
How could he possibly bring himself to go that far?
With no further objections, Yu Xiangchen looked up. “You understand that this kind of agreement holds no legal weight, don’t you?”
Bai Mao stood like a student being scolded by his teacher, posture obedient, voice soft. “I know.”
“And you’re still willing?”
Bai Mao met his gaze, calm and steady. “Mr. Yu, a man who can lead a corporation to where it is today, isn’t the type to go back on his word. I believe that with your status and character, you wouldn’t bother to take advantage of someone as ordinary and insignificant as me, it wouldn’t be worth your time. Besides…”
He hesitated briefly before lowering his voice, “…I don’t know why, but when I see you, I feel a strange sense of closeness.”
That last part was pure nonsense and Bai Mao knew it. He licked his lips nervously, unsure if Yu Xiangchen would buy it.
Yu Xiangchen gave only a faint “Mm,” his expression unreadable. Whether he believed it or not, he didn’t say.
He picked up a pen. The nib glided smoothly across the paper, leaving behind a bold, flowing signature.
“Here.” Yu Xiangchen opened a drawer, took out a box of tablets, and slid both it and a glass of water toward Bai Mao. “Auntie Wang said you ate a bit too much at lunch.”
Bai Mao blinked. On closer inspection, he realized the box contained digestive tablets.
“…”
His cheeks flushed hot. “It… it really wasn’t that much,” he muttered. Quickly, he added, “It won’t happen again.”
Careless! He never would have guessed Auntie Wang would report even something as trivial as his appetite. And a proper pampered canary couldn’t be seen as a glutton! He would have to pay more attention next time!
Yu Xiangchen’s gaze lingered for a moment on Bai Mao’s pink-tinged cheeks, then shifted away.
“I have to fly overseas tonight for business. I’ll be gone for three days. During that time, don’t contact me. If anything comes up, go directly to Auntie Wang.” He rose to his feet. “When I get back, we’ll sign an employee contract.”
Bai Mao’s eyes went round.
An… employee contract?
Yu Xiangchen lowered his gaze. “You won’t actually have to come to work. It will just be a formal, legal version of this agreement.”
Bai Mao had already signed his name on his copy beforehand. After stamping it, Yu Xiangchen handed one of the duplicates to him.
Bai Mao accepted it reflexively, still puzzled. “?”
Oh.
The moment Yu Xiangchen explained, understanding dawned. His eyes sparkled as if filled with starlight, curving slightly as he bowed. “Thank you, Mr. Yu.”
He hadn’t considered this angle at all, using a formal labor contract as a loophole.
Once signed, it would legally establish their relationship as one of employment, making it even harder for Yu Xiangchen to back out halfway.
As expected of a true powerhouse!
…But wait. Why did he seem so practiced at this sort of thing?
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The Realm demands coffee. The Realm is not accepting complaints.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · A Nightmare or Reality?Chapter 2 · Yu family’s BanquetChapter 3 · I know your Secret..Chapter 4 · Becoming A Stand-InChapter 5 · Real IntentionChapter 6 · Yu XiangchenChapter 7 · Moved into new houseChapter 8 · Why he’s so perfect?!Chapter 9 · Role stolenChapter 10 · Four Times a WeekChapter 11 · Wrong Message?Chapter 12 · Flower protectorChapter 13 · Study MaterialChapter 14 Part 1 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 14 Part 2 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 15 · Four thousand yuan has arrived in AlipayChapter 16 · In the River?Chapter 17 · Boss like him, People would ready to do OvertimeChapter 18 · Does Mr. Yu have two faces?!Chapter 19 · Now we can begin to express our gratitude.Chapter 20 · Split Personality!Chapter 21 · Mr. Yu is busy and may not have time to comeChapter 22 · Call duration: 0:12Chapter 23 · He’s not Worth itChapter 24 · Mr Yu on film setChapter 25 · You can consider me if you decided to leave Mr. YuChapter 26 · Big Sister has unique hobbyChapter 27 · Really? I’m actually the young master of the Bai family?Chapter 28 · Bai Sheng is Pitiful?Chapter 29 · Someone took a picture of themChapter 30 · Your little one is hereChapter 31 · Mr. Yu asked me if I had a stiff neckChapter 32 · The little lucky butterfly’s wings flutteredChapter 33 · Mr. Yu, you came here just once at the beginningChapter 34 · The door wasn’t lockedChapter 35 · You’re an adult nowChapter 36 · Are rooms still available by scrambling?Chapter 37 · I’m definitely going to watch this variety show!Chapter 38 · Who asked Bai Sheng for money to support Bai Mao?Chapter 39 · How many zeros are there?Chapter 40 · You have to be careful with your methodsChapter 41 · Let’s get MarriedChapter 42 · I’m obviously just coveting your body!Chapter 43 · Does what we’re doing count as Sneaking?Chapter 44 · You want to change rooms?Chapter 45 · Isn’t Bai Sheng’s scheming way too deep?Chapter 46 · Mr. Yu in front of me has become calm and composedChapter 47 · You care a lot about Yu Yutian?Chapter 48 · Bai Sheng has found someoneChapter 49 · How to fall in loveChapter 50 · Uncle Long LegsChapter 51 · Bai Mao, I’m a little scaredChapter 52 · I simply told them the truthChapter 53 · That was far too mercilessChapter 54 · Your fans mention it in your fan forumChapter 55 · In your dreamsChapter 56 · Hello, UncleChapter 57 · Verified account had repliedChapter 58 · Maomao, you don’t need to be afraid of themChapter 59 · What a headacheChapter 60 · It’s a bit… tragicChapter 61 · I’m waiting for you at homeChapter 62 · That’s just too much!Chapter 63 · Is this watch really that expensive?Chapter 64 · Tian CityChapter 65 · They’re easy to get along with.Chapter 66 · Want to have a relationship with marriage in mind?Chapter 67 · Is this the joy of being someone’s “little uncle”?Chapter 68 · Has the protagonist finally figured it out?Chapter 69 · I miss youChapter 70 · That whole family is something else.Chapter 71 · Then comfort meChapter 72 · What about sincerity?Chapter 73 · There’s also 10% of the company’s sharesChapter 74 · So called conservativeChapter 75 · I thought you’d be walking with a limpChapter 76 · They’ve been brainwashedChapter 77 · We got marriedChapter 78 · CongratulationsChapter 79 · You already knew it was me?Chapter 80 · You look very good in a shirtChapter 81 · Did you used to like Bai Sheng?Chapter 82 · I never liked himChapter 83 · Uncle is super niceChapter 84 · Extra 1Chapter 85 · Extra 2Chapter 86 · Extra 3