The elevator stopped on the 11th floor. Fang Xinxin bit her lip and stepped out.
Instead of heading straight inside, she glanced back at the elevator, staring through the slowly closing doors at the man standing inside.
He really was going to the 12th floor.
Curiosity burned in her—was he really Ruan Xingchen's employer?
Fixating on the glowing floor numbers, she watched the elevator halt at the 12th floor. Then she slipped into the emergency staircase, moving silently upward.
Seeing there was only one household on the entire floor, jealousy twisted her face horribly.
…
Back in his apartment, Lu Jingyuan found Ruan Xingchen cooking in the kitchen.
He tossed his tie casually onto the sofa, strode over, and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. What's for dinner tonight?
Blushing, she mumbled. Let me go first, uncle.
He released her at once, poured himself a glass of water, and leaned lazily against the counter. Did your annoying relative move in?
Yeah. Bright and early today.
Nodding, he set down his glass and tossed a casual remark before leaving the kitchen.
If she bullies you even once, I'll deduct a thousand from your salary.
Ruan Xingchen's face fell instantly, utterly deflated.
After eating and cleaning up, she headed straight back to the 11th floor.
As soon as she walked in, she saw Fang Xinxin on the sofa watching TV, munching on her snacks.
Hearing her come in, Fang Xinxin glanced over. You're back, cousin.
Ruan Xingchen hummed quietly, grabbed her pajamas, and locked herself in the bathroom.
About to undress, she noticed her toiletries were messy and scattered all over the sink. Irritation flickered across her face.
Not only was she using her things—she was also incredibly sloppy.
She tidied everything neatly before showering.
When she came out, the TV was off but the lights were still on. The sofa was empty.
Walking to the low table, she froze.
Almost all her snacks had been eaten, half-opened bags everywhere, crumbs scattered across the table and floor.
Fuming, she marched to Fang Xinxin's door and knocked sharply.
After a while, a sleepy Fang Xinxin opened up.
What's wrong so late at night?
Ruan Xingchen pointed at the mess. Clean that up right now.
It's too late. Can't it wait till tomorrow? Or since you're still awake, help me out.
Pushing her hand away, Ruan Xingchen said coldly. How about I call you cousin from tomorrow on—and you wash my clothes and clean my house?
Fang Xinxin's expression turned nasty. You're so petty!
Ruan Xingchen smiled innocently. You knew I was petty before you moved in, didn't you? Also, pay me back for the snacks tomorrow—or I'll keep a tab.
Fang Xinxin was speechless.
In the end, she had to clean the mess for over half an hour.
Once finished, she called her parents immediately. Mom, Ruan Xingchen's bullying me! She made me clean in the middle of the night even though I was already asleep…
…
The next morning, He Xiuzhen showed up alone.
Ruan Xingchen was hanging laundry on the balcony. Fang Xinxin answered the door.
Seeing her daughter's aggrieved face, He Xiuzhen was furious. Where's Ruan Xingchen? How dare she bully my girl!
Ruan Xingchen walked over calmly, holding out a small note.
Confused, He Xiuzhen unfolded it. It was a list of all the snacks Fang Xinxin had eaten.
Ruan Xingchen smiled politely. These are the snacks Xinxin ate last night. Since you're here, please buy them back exactly the same brand.
He Xiuzhen hesitated. This…
Snatching the note, Fang Xinxin tore it up. It's just a few snacks! Why are you so cheap?!
Ruan Xingchen pulled out her phone, pouting. If you're ganging up to bully me, I'll call the police.
Their faces paled instantly. If the police came, no matter who was right or wrong, Fang Xinxin would be kicked out since the apartment belonged to Ruan Xingchen.
He Xiuzhen tried grabbing her phone, but Ruan Xingchen dodged quickly.
It's only snacks… no need for the police.
It's not about the snacks. It's about you bullying me.
Nearly crying, Fang Xinxin was comforted by her mother. I'll buy them right away. Don't blame Xinxin.
Humiliated, Fang Xinxin burst into tears and stormed out with her mom.
Watching them leave, Ruan Xingchen smiled contentedly, picked up the torn paper scraps, and threw them in the trash.
Scared of being reported to the police, Fang Xinxin acted surprisingly well-behaved after returning with a huge bag of replacement snacks.
That night, Ruan Xingchen told Lu Jingchen everything excitedly.
He simply ruffled her hair gently.
Privately, he disapproved of letting Fang Xinxin stay—but he respected her way of handling things.
As long as she wasn't wronged, it was fine. If the family crossed the line, he wouldn't hold back.
…
Monday morning, Ruan Xingchen walked out as usual and spotted Lu Jingyuan's car.
Before she could approach, Fang Xinxin called from behind. Cousin, is this your friend's car?
Sort of.
Batting her eyes shyly at the driver, Fang Xinxin's heart raced and her cheeks flushed pink. Is this uncle driving you to school? I'm going too—can I get a ride?
No. Your school's in the opposite direction, and he has work. Take the bus.
Ignoring her, Ruan Xingchen got in the passenger seat.
Lu Jingyuan drove off immediately, leaving Fang Xinxin frozen in place.
After driving a while, Ruan Xingchen turned to him. She definitely likes you. You two aren't right for each other—stay away from her.
Lu Jingyuan raised an eyebrow. How do you know she likes me?
Girls blush only when they like someone.
What about you? He stopped the car. Who makes you blush?
Her mind instantly pictured his face. Embarrassed, she ducked her head. I never blush for anyone.
Really? He unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned close, his eyes glinting with amusement, voice deep and warm. Then why are you blushing now?
He was so close she could feel his breath. Flustered, she couldn't say a word.
Soon he sat back. Hurry or you'll be late.
Bye uncle! She jumped out and ran away quickly.
A low, amused laugh echoed inside the car.
…
Ruan Xingchen told Lu Bai everything that happened over the weekend.
Furious, Lu Bai said. Kick her out immediately!
But she's being so nice now… I can't.
Sighing at her foolishness, Lu Bai emptied her desk. I'm coming home with you after school. Watch how I fix her!
True to her word, Lu Bai went back with Ruan Xingchen, bought groceries nearby, and headed straight to the apartment.
Fang Xinxin wasn't there.
Tired of waiting, Lu Bai dragged Ruan Xingchen up to the 12th floor.
Little did they know, Fang Xinxin hadn't left at all—she'd hidden in the emergency staircase all afternoon.
Finally, at six o'clock, she caught sight of the man who'd occupied her thoughts all day.