Ruan Xingchen's mind went completely blank.
Oh no.
This was bad.
What was she supposed to do now? Xiaobai had never taught her how to handle something like this!
Lu Jingyuan's entire body tensed. His dark eyes deepened, his hands clenched tightly in his pockets, knuckles faintly pale.
"S-sir…"
Startled by his gaze, Ruan Xingchen shrank back slightly. Her lips moved, and she muttered softly,
"My… my dress zipper is broken."
Lu Jingyuan slowly loosened his fists. His voice was low and slightly hoarse.
"…I see."
"S-sir, could you—"
Before she could finish, she saw him close the door behind him and walk toward her.
Her heart skipped in panic.
"S-sir, y-you… don't…"
But instead, he bent down, picked up the dress that had slipped down, and held it up carefully.
Looking at her pale, nervous face, he said quietly,
"Put your arms in."
Realizing what he meant, Ruan Xingchen hesitated for a moment, then followed his instruction.
He adjusted the dress for her, gently moving her hair aside. His fingertips brushed lightly against her skin, making her shiver involuntarily.
"Don't move."
His voice came from behind her, low and steady.
With careful movements, he fixed the zipper and adjusted the dress properly.
Once it was done, he stepped back.
The warmth behind her disappeared, replaced by a faint chill.
"I'll wait outside."
With that, he walked past her and left the room.
The door opened—and then closed again.
Ruan Xingchen stared at the door, pressing a hand to her racing heart.
Something must be wrong with it.
Her face felt warm as well.
After quickly putting on her jacket and shoes, she stepped out.
Lu Jingyuan was leaning against the wall outside. Hearing her, he glanced at her briefly, said nothing, and walked toward the elevator.
After getting into the car, Ruan Xingchen finally couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Sir, what you did just now… wasn't very fair."
Lu Jingyuan frowned slightly.
Not fair?
Was she talking about earlier?
"Seatbelt," he said.
"Oh."
She fastened it, then continued,
"Do you even realize you made me lose a high-paying job? At this rate, I might not even be able to afford food soon! You've basically ruined the future of a young, hardworking student!"
The more she thought about it, the worse she felt.
No money for bills, no new clothes, no cute accessories…
As Xiaobai once said—what's the point of youth if you can't look nice?
Lu Jingyuan's expression softened slightly as he focused on the road.
After driving out of the parking lot, he spoke calmly,
"That kind of place isn't suitable for you."
Even in high-end circles, people weren't all the same. Girls like Ruan Xingchen and Lu Xiaobai—young and eye-catching—could easily attract unwanted attention.
Ruan Xingchen frowned.
"Why not?"
Xiaobai hadn't said anything like that.
Lu Jingyuan didn't elaborate. Instead, he said,
"If you want a part-time job, I have something suitable. Easy, well-paid, and safe."
Ruan Xingchen blinked.
He had a job for her?
But then again… she didn't even know what he did for a living.
What if he turned out to be some kind of shady businessman?
She was a good girl—she couldn't just get involved in anything.
But… easy, well-paid, and safe sounded very tempting.
Her small face scrunched up in indecision all the way back to the apartment.
Lu Jingyuan didn't rush her.
"Think it over. Tell me later."
They got out of the car and took the elevator upstairs together.
Silence filled the space.
Ding—
The elevator stopped on the 11th floor.
As Ruan Xingchen stepped out, his low voice came from behind her.
"Actually… you can call me 'uncle,' like Xiaobai does."