C5 Miss Lan

Qin Xiao's expression darkened. As a respected colonel, how could he let her do such things? Yet, seeing Jee Ange perk up, her eyes sparkling with energy, Qin Xiao inexplicably felt a sense of joy. He enjoyed watching Jee Ange's sharp wit, like a little beast.

Thinking of this—

"Be quiet," Qin Xiao said in a low voice. "You can't even handle something so simple!"

Maybe your taste buds are the problem, Jee Ange thought silently, but she didn't dare voice it, fearing Qin Xiao might kick her out. She couldn't go home now, worried her own father would sell her off as someone's mistress. Since Qin Xiao had helped her family pay off their debts, Jee Ange had started considering him a friend, speaking more freely than before.

...

A few days later, Jee Ange had become quite close with Qin Xiao's parents. Growing up with her own parents' harsh treatment, she found the business-savvy Qin's mother and the retired general Qin's father to be surprisingly warm. Qin's mother shared skincare tips with her, while Qin's father invited her to play chess and drink tea.

Only Qin Xiao remained distant, keeping everyone at arm's length.

"Ange, don't mind him. He's always been like that, acting as if the world owes him millions," Qin's mother reassured Jee Ange.

But Jee Ange silently thought, I do owe him money...

As Jee Ange chatted with Qin's mother, Qin Xiao was already being pulled into a chess game by Qin's father.

"Ma'am, Miss Lan is here," a servant reported quietly.

Qin's mother's brow furrowed slightly. "Let her in," she said, her voice carrying a hint of authority and reluctance that Jee Ange had never seen before.

Jee Ange couldn't help but feel curious about this Miss Lan.

Perhaps noticing Jee Ange's curiosity, Qin's mother explained, "Lan Qingyue is the daughter of a business partner. I've watched her grow up, but... sigh, she has feelings for Qin Xiao, though he doesn't like her. She keeps visiting, and honestly, I'm tired of her constant flattery..."

Just as they were talking, Mrs. Qin suddenly fell silent.

Jee Ange looked up to see a tall woman approaching. She appeared to be about the same age as Jee Ange, but her clothes were clearly expensive, and she carried a Hermès Birkin bag, with red-soled shoes on her feet. Even if Jee Ange couldn't recognize the brands, the woman's aura made it clear she was someone of wealth and status.

"Auntie, it's been so long since I've visited. Did you miss me? I must say, you're looking better and more beautiful than ever. Are you still using the skincare products I sent you last time?" Lan Qingyue said affectionately as she sat next to Mrs. Qin, nudging Jee Ange aside.

She noticed Jee Ange didn't take the hint to move and felt slightly annoyed, shooting her a glare. But soon, she decided it wasn't worth lowering herself to argue with someone she considered a servant.

However, Mrs. Qin turned to Jee Ange and said, "Ange, come sit by me." With that, Mrs. Qin made space on her right.

Jee Ange considered her options for a moment before sitting next to Mrs. Qin—after all, she was there to take care of the Qin family and didn't need to worry about Miss Lan or anyone else.

Lan Qingyue's eyes showed displeasure, but with Mrs. Qin present, she couldn't express it openly.

Just then, Qin Xiao and Mr. Qin finished their chess game and walked over. Mr. Qin cheerfully said, "Ange, it seems you and Qin Xiao are about the same level at chess. I beat him soundly today."

Qin Xiao approached with a stern expression, but when he saw Lan Qingyue, a flash of disdain crossed his dark eyes.

Lan Qingyue noticed the reactions of the Qin family and suddenly felt a sense of caution.

At that moment, she realized that Jee Ange might not be just a simple servant for the Qin family. Rising slowly, she addressed Mr. Qin, "Uncle, you didn't even greet me when I arrived. Don't you want Yue to visit you?"

Mr. Qin, a tough man with a military background, couldn't stand Lan Qingyue's pretentious words and shook his head repeatedly, saying, "No, no."

"Are you a new hire? I haven't seen you before," Lan Qingyue remarked, eyeing Jee Ange.

Jee Ange smiled politely. "Yes, I've been here for less than two weeks."

"No wonder," Lan Qingyue replied with a slight smirk. "No wonder you don't know the rules. As a housekeeper, you should be aware that when the hosts and guests are present, you're supposed to stand by and attend to them. I arrived, and you didn't even offer a glass of water! It's only because Mr. and Mrs. Qin are kind that they didn't mind. Otherwise, someone else might have kicked you out by now!"

Jee Ange quickly stood up and said, "I understand. Mr. and Mrs. Qin never mentioned it, so I wasn't aware of such a rule..."

"Do you think you can address them like that?!" Lan Qingyue's expression suddenly turned sharp.

Jee Ange looked up at Lan Qingyue, thinking that although she was beautiful, her demeanor was unpleasant. She wondered why she, just a housekeeper, had provoked such hostility from this woman.