Author
I change the description a little, becouse i will change something in the plot...i can't be cruel to someone kinder and innocent.
The guard shook his head.
"I'm sorry. Come back tomorrow....and make sure you bring a phone to contact her."
He began to close the gate, but Yakumbo quickly pushed her foot inside.
"Please… for heaven's sake, let us in," she pleaded desperately. "We spent so much on transport. I paid for everything. Have mercy on me…"
Her voice trembled as if she might break into tears at any moment.
The guard paused, staring at them in surprise. After a moment, he sighed.
"Alright… but I have a feeling this will get me into trouble. Still… fine. Come in."
Yakumbo dropped to her knees in gratitude before they hurried inside.
The compound was vast.
Yakumbo's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared around...luxury cars lined neatly in the parking area, the surroundings immaculate.
Lanfen, however, walked calmly behind the guard. She was already used to entering such wealthy homes.
Zhan said nothing.
He barely looked around. Nothing here felt like it's new to him.
Under an artificial tree, the guard asked them to wait before heading toward the main entrance. After a few minutes, the door opened.
A young woman....no older than twenty-seven—stood there, wearing an apron and a head covering, clearly from the kitchen.
The guard smiled.
"Diwa, good morning."
"Good morning, Han," she replied. "What brings you here?"
"Madam, is she awake?" he asked.
Diwa lowered her voice slightly.
"She's already in the living room."
From inside, a voice called out,
"Who is it, Diwa?"
Diwa stepped away from the door.
"Madam, it's Han....the gatekeeper. He said you have visitors."
"Visitors?" the Madam replied, glancing at the time. "I'm not expecting anyone… but let them in."
Han returned to Yakumbo and the others, shaking his head.
"You people shouldn't lie...it never helps. She says she isn't expecting anyone, yet you claimed you called her."
Yakumbo lowered her voice.
"Please… now that we're already inside, just let us try. If she sends us away, we'll leave quietly."
Han gestured toward the entrance and walked back to the gate, shaking his head in disbelief.
They entered the living room.
Yakumbo bowed her head immediately, overwhelmed by the soft fragrance that filled every corner. Lanfen followed behind her.
Zhan came in last, gently closing the door.
The Madam of the house...watched them with quiet curiosity as they sat on the plush carpet in the center of the grand living room. The cool air from the air conditioner made Yakumbo shiver slightly.
"Welcome," She said calmly.
"Good morning, Madam!" Yakumbo replied quickly.
She wasn't alone. Sitting beside her was a younger woman...her sister, Lihua.
The Madam studied them carefully.
"Where are you from?"
Before Lanfen could speak, Yakumbo quickly answered,
"We heard you were looking for helper, Madam. This is my child....he is hardworking and capable, so we brought him through Lanfen."
She gestured lightly.
"But I already have a worker. She's the one who opened the door."
Yakumbo leaned forward urgently.
"He will only assist with cleaning and washing. The other one looks older....this one is strong and obedient. And I won't ask for much payment… please, we came from very far."
Lanfen added softly,
"We brought him specifically for you, Madam."
She went silent for a moment, then asked,
"Which one is the worker?"
Yakumbo quickly pointed at Zhan.
Zhan, however, was completely absorbed in the large television, smiling slightly at what he was watching.
Yakumbo didn't notice.
Her heart pounded as she waited for the Madam's response.
The Madam looked at him carefully.
"You....what's your name?"
No response.
Zhan was lost in the scene playing before him.
Lanfen snapped sharply,
"Can't you hear when you're being spoken to?"
Startled, Zhan turned, his voice soft.
"Sorry… pardon?"
Both The Madam and Lihua exchanged surprised glances.
"I'm sorry," Zhan added quietly.
Yakumbo froze.
Panic flooded her. He had spoken in refined language....again.
She quickly stood up.
"Excuse me, Madam, I'll be right back…"
She rushed out, her heart racing.
The Madam turned back to Zhan.
"Alright… what's your name?"
"My name is Zhan," he replied.
"Where are you from?"
"I'm from Juren Village… I lost my parents. My stepmother brought me here a few days ago… and left me."
Tears gathered in his eyes.
The Madam studied him closely.
"And the woman who just stepped out?"
"My stepmother said she's her elder sister…"
Yakumbo returned, sitting nervously, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
The Madam looked at her calmly.
"How much is the salary?"
Yakumbo's face brightened instantly.
"Anything you give is fine, Madam."
"I'll pay three thousand," The Madqm said. "And I'll pay three months in advance, as I do for all my workers."
Yakumbo nearly burst with gratitude.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
Lihua frowned slightly.
"Why another house help when Diwa is already here? And honestly… do you think this child can handle the work? Look at how distracted he is."
Yakumbo quickly pleaded,
"He can do everything, I assure you."
The Madam raised a hand.
"If he doesn't perform well, come back in three days and take him. You'll return part of the money."
Yakumbo nodded eagerly.
"Of course, Madam!"
Just then, the door opened again.
A tall, striking young man walked in....calm, refined, effortlessly elegant. His white shirt and dark trousers accentuated his presence.
This was Yibo.
The faint scent of his cologne filled the room as he approached.
"Good morning, Mom," he said warmly, giving the Madam a side hug.
She pushed him lightly.
"You smell like the hospital."
He laughed lazily.
"It's not a smell...it's medicine."
He greeted his Aunt Lihua before finally noticing the others.
"Who are they?" he asked.
"New house help," Lihua replied.
"Another one?" he frowned. "Did you dismiss the current one?"
"No," she said. "We'll have two now."
Yibo sighed slightly.
"So that means Siya and others gets to relax even more."
Then his gaze shifted to Zhan.
He paused.
"Which one is the house help?"
Lihua pointed.
Zhan sat quietly, still watching the television.
Yibo stared at him in disbelief.
"This… child?" he said. "What kind of help can he possibly offer?"
He didn't wait for an answer.
His phone vibrated, and he turned away.
Yakumbo and Lanfen quickly took their leave, Yakumbo clutching the money tightly, her gratitude endless.
She didn't even look back at Zhan.
The Madam turned to him.
"Get up. Take those cups to the kitchen."
Zhan didn't respond.
Lihua raised her voice sharply.
Startled, he stood up and looked around until he found the cups. Still glancing at the television, he walked forward....and accidentally stepped on Yibo's foot.
Yibo push him immediately, anger flashing across his face.
"Are you blind?"
His Mom intervened,
"He didn't mean to."
Zhan lowered his head, his voice soft.
"I'm sorry… I didn't notice your foot." He said in his fluent English.
Yibo slowly opened his eyes and looked at his mother, then at his Aunt, who still had a displeased expression on her face.
His mother said calmly,
"So you heard him...he didn't notice."
Zhan moved forward, picked up the cup, and headed toward the kitchen she had pointed out. As he walked, he kept glancing at the TV until he reached the doorway. Instead of entering immediately, he paused and leaned against the wall, still watching the screen.
The Madam stared at him in disbelief. After nearly a minute, Zhan slowly turned and stole a glance at them. Their eyes met....Yibo was already watching him, just like his mother.
Startled, Zhan quickly covered his face with his hand, let out a soft laugh, and hurried into the kitchen.
Yibo stood up, clicking his tongue lightly.
"Interesting…"
Then he walked upstairs.
His aunt stood as well, clearly annoyed.
"You may find it interesting, but I don't. I don't understand why Jie keeps bringing people like this into the house. I've had enough."
She followed after Yibo.
Yibo's mother said nothing.
After placing the cups down, Zhan returned and approached the madam. Kneeling beside her, he said softly,
"Ma'am, I saw some leftover fried potatoes and eggs, and I'm very hungry. Please, may I eat them?"
She simply nodded while watching him.
Zhan smiled brightly.
"Thank you very much, Ma'am."
He quickly got up and returned to the kitchen, full of excitement. Sitting down, he tucked one leg under himself and began eating slowly, savoring each bite as if afraid the food might run out too quickly.
After about ten minutes, someone entered the kitchen.
Zhan looked up....it was the same man from earlier, Yibo.
Yibo only glanced at him once before moving toward the mugs.
Zhan watched him curiously.
"Are you a medical doctor?"
Yibo turned sharply.
Zhan blinked at him with wide, innocent eyes, still chewing.
Yibo frowned.
"Am I your mate, that you're speaking to me like that?"
Zhan quickly shook his head.
"Not at all… I just...."
He stopped and quietly continued eating.
Yibo prepared his coffee...adding milk and a sugar cube.
Zhan watched closely.
"Please… can you give me some of your tea?"
Yibo turned, his expression stern.
Zhan immediately lowered his head.
"Oh....okay, sorry…"
Yibo walked toward the door, then suddenly paused, returned, took another cup, and poured about half of his drink into it. He added a bit of coffee powder, stirred it, and handed it to Zhan.
"Here."
Zhan's eyes lit up.
"That's very kind of you, thank you!"
Without responding, Yibo left the kitchen.
Zhan blew gently on the coffee, waiting for it to cool.
But the moment he took a sip....He jumped up in shock, his face twisting from the bitter taste.
He rushed out, found a tap outside, and spat it out immediately.
Nearby, Diwa was washing utensils.
"Please, can I have some water?"
Zhan asked urgently.
She frowned.
"What are you doing in the kitchen?"
"I was eating potatoes and eggs…"
She dropped the knife she was holding.
"And who gave you that?"
"The woman in the living room said I could eat it."
Diwa's expression darkened.
"Go back inside. And before I return, wash all the dishes in that kitchen."
Zhan quietly returned.
After finishing the food, he placed the plate and cup in the sink, covered the untouched coffee, and went back to the living room.
The madam pointed at his bag beside her.
"Take that bag to the room over there."
Zhan looked surprised.
"But the clothes are dirty… they haven't been washed. They even smell."
"Then why didn't you wash them?" she asked.
He lowered his head.
"I don't know how… I only know how to wash plates."
She sighed slightly.
"Just take them outside and leave them there."
"Okay, Ma'am."
After returning, Zhan sat beside her and watched the program she was watching.
Softly, he asked,
"Ma'am… don't you watch cartoons?"
She looked at him, then smiled and changed the channel.
Zhan beamed.
"Thank you!"
She stood and went upstairs.
Moments later, Diwa entered the living room and saw him watching TV.
Her expression hardened.
"You haven't washed the dishes I told you to, and you're here watching TV?"
Zhan pouted slightly.
"I will… I just want to finish this cartoon. I've never seen it before."
Diwa stared at him, confused. If she heard correctly earlier, he was the new maid not poster child.
Zhan sighed and stood.
"Okay, I'll go wash them."
He walked past her into the kitchen.
While carefully washing the cups, trying not to spill water, Yibo entered again, holding his mug.
Zhan frowned slightly upon seeing him, but Yibo ignored him and placed the mug down.
As he was about to leave...
"Wait."
Yibo paused and turned.
Zhan picked up the cup Yibo had given him earlier and walked closer.
"You didn't tell me it was medicine… I wouldn't have asked for it."
Yibo stared at him.
As Zhan tried to hand it back, Yibo snapped,
"Don't touch me."
Zhan pouted.
"I said I won't drink it. Is it by force?"
Yibo smirked slightly, then glanced at the sink.
"Then pour it away."
Zhan's eyes widened.
"Why? For what reason? My mother told me there are consequences for wasting food."
Sighing, Yibo took the cup, poured out half, then added milk, chocolate powder, sugar cubes, and hot water. He stirred it and handed it back.
Zhan blinked in surprise.
"For me?"
Yibo didn't answer.
Zhan smiled brightly.
"Thank you very much!"
Just then, Diwa entered.
"Good afternoon, sir," she greeted Yibo respectfully.
"Afternoon," he replied before leaving.
Zhan sat down happily and began sipping the tea again, eyes closed in satisfaction.
Diwa stared at him.
"So he gave you that?"
"Yes."
Her expression hardened as she pulled his ear slightly.
"If you start getting too familiar with the people in this house, you'll regret it."
Zhan said nothing and continued drinking quietly.
Later, the madam entered the kitchen.
"Did you send the message I told you?"
"Yes, Ma'am," Diwa replied respectfully.
She nodded.
"Where is that boy?"
Diwa pointed at Zhan.
"Good. When he finishes, send him upstairs to collect soap. Show him how to wash clothes properly."
"Alright, Ma'am."
Diwa turned to Zhan.
"Finish that and go get the soap. I'm not washing anything for you."
Zhan nodded and finished his drink.
As he tried to leave, Diwa stopped him.
"Won't you wash this?"
Zhan frowned and began washing slowly, but she quickly took the cup from him.
"Just go upstairs and bring the soap."
Zhan walked upstairs and stood in the corridor, staring at the doors. Each door looked more luxurious than the last.
One door suddenly opened....Lihua stepped out.
She frowned immediately.
"What are you doing here? Who told you to come upstairs? Servants are not allowed here."
Zhan lowered his head slightly.
"I'm sorry… Ma'am asked me to come…"
Lihua suddenly snapped at him.
"Go downstairs immediately, you useless boy!"
Just then, the door opened and the madam stepped out.
"It's fine....I'm the one who asked him to come up and collect the soap."
Lihua frowned deeply.
"Jie, you really need to stop this. It's not right. Have you ever seen people treat their house help like this? Look at your friends....this is not how they behave. If you keep getting too close, they'll only take advantage of you."
The madam said nothing. She simply went back inside, returned with some expensive soaps, and handed them to Zhan.
"Take these to Diwa."
Zhan accepted them quietly and turned to leave.
Lihua's voice followed sharply behind him.
"If you ever come upstairs again, I will slap you...even if Jie sends you."
Zhan didn't respond. He just went downstairs.
Diwa snatched the soap from his hand, and they both went outside.
At the tap, she threw all the clothes into a basin, frowning as she poured water and detergent.
"Come here and wash your rags," she said harshly.
Zhan blinked in surprise.
"But I don't know how to wash clothes…"
Diwa snapped her head up.
"Then who do you expect to do it for you?"
Zhan simply spread his hands helplessly.
Muttering angrily, Diwa began washing the clothes herself while Zhan stood there watching.
In no time, she finished everything and started rinsing them.
Zhan spoke softly,
"Should I go and hang them out to dry?"
Diwa scoffed.
"You can't wash, but you can hang clothes?"
Zhan said nothing.
Diwa waved him off impatiently.
"Just go away. I don't even want to see you close to me."
"Okay…" Zhan replied quietly before heading back inside.
He returned to the living room and found Lihua seated there with Yibo beside her.
Yibo was dressed casually in a three-quarter trouser and a white shirt, showing her something on his laptop.
The moment Lihua saw Zhan, her expression hardened. She gestured sharply for him to go back where he came from.
Seeing her reaction, Yibo looked up to follow her gaze....
But at that exact moment, Zhan quickly turned and disappeared into the kitchen.
Lihua clicked her tongue.
"Annoying brat."
Yibo said nothing, returning his attention to the laptop.
Zhan went back outside to Diwa.
She frowned immediately.
"You came back?"
Zhan replied softly,
"That aunty sent me away."
Diwa scoffed.
"That one… she behaves like she owns the house more than the actual madam. She refuses to get remarried and comes here to stress all of us, including Han. Honestly, just go sit over there if you don't know what to do."
Zhan nodded quietly.
"Alright."
He walked over and sat down, watching Diwa as she continued rinsing and hanging the clothes.
💚💙❤🖤