C8 What Is the Situation If You Take the Initiative to Take the Order?!

Yem Xi could detect the undertones in Steward Hsu's words.

She nonchalantly hummed in acknowledgment and continued on her way.

Hsu Lirong was somewhat embarrassed.

Yem Xi seemed to know no fear—ignorance is bliss!

She likely had never heard of the Divine Pen Cup in her life, nor did she grasp the concept of having a natural talent for painting.

Jiang Shuyao was taken aback.

Yem Xi's response was excessively aloof.

Despite Jiang Shuyao's politeness, Yem Xi seemed ungrateful.

Jiang Shuyao felt a twinge of discomfort but still caught up to Yem Xi, smiling as she said, "Xi, this is your room. Since I wasn't sure about your preferences, I haven't decorated it much. If you have any specific requests, just let me know, and we can redecorate."

Yem Xi offered a slight smile. "No need."

She didn't plan on staying long anyway.

Jiang Shuyao was once again taken aback by Yem Xi's indifference.

Could someone from the countryside be this clueless?

Yem Xi stepped into the room, placed her bag on the bed, and turned to Jiang Shuyao, "Is there anything else?"

Jiang Shuyao regained her composure, her eyes curving into a generous smile, "Nothing at all. Xi, go ahead and rest."

She thoughtfully closed the door behind her as she left.

Steward Hsu cast a glance at the closed door and, while descending the stairs with Jiang Shuyao, spoke with contempt, "Miss, that one has a rather unpleasant personality! She didn't come home last night, who knows where she was gallivanting! She arrived today and already upset the lady of the house. She's quite a handful!"

Jiang Shuyao's brows furrowed slightly at his words.

After a moment, she simply smiled, "Xi is probably struggling to come to terms with her new status. She's new here and unfamiliar with our ways."

Steward Hsu muttered under his breath, "Young Miss, be wary. Those from small places can be quite heartless."

Jiang Shuyao just tipped the corners of her lips upward and said no more, heading back to her room on the second floor.

Yem Xi took a look around the room.

It was a guest room, and true to Jiang Shuyao's words, it was very plain.

The room was painted in a soft blue hue that Jiang Shuyao favored. A modest-sized wardrobe stood in one corner, while a desk that Jiang Shuyao had cast aside occupied a space beside the window. At the center, there was a single bed.

A delicate scent permeated the room, the very fragrance Jiang Shuyao adored from the JM brand. In her previous life, this same scent haunted the nursing home where she was confined. Jiang Shuyao, intent on tormenting her, had instructed the nurses to spray the perfume daily. For years, the smell lingered in her nightmares.

Yem Xi eyed the fragrance diffuser on the nightstand with disdain. She emptied its contents into the toilet and flushed it away. Opening the window and turning on the air conditioning, she felt the aroma—and her unease—fade. As the room aired out, her spirits began to lift.

Reaching into her bag, Yem Xi retrieved a brand-new laptop. Meanwhile, her phone buzzed incessantly on the bed. Glancing at the incoming call, she arched an eyebrow and answered.

"Ms. Xi, have you made it to Yi City?" A clear, enthusiastic young voice came through.

Settling onto the bed, Yem Xi gazed out at the blazing sun, her eyelashes casting faint shadows, "Mhm, I've just arrived."

The caller's excitement was palpable. "The new chef at my place is quite talented. How about I invite him over tonight to cook for you as a welcome gesture?"

"Maybe some other time. I've got things to take care of these next few days."

The enthusiasm on the other end deflated, "Oh... okay then."

Yem Xi did indeed have pressing matters to attend to—she needed to make money. Her savings had dwindled after covering her grandparents' medical and funeral expenses. The last of it went towards purchasing a villa in Yi City, leaving her with little to spare.

She positioned the laptop on the desk and powered it on. The desktop background featured the prominent TY logo, a default setting. The screen was otherwise uncluttered, devoid of any icons. Her slender fingers danced over the keys, and the sound of dialing filled the room. Soon, the call connected, and an unmistakably thrilled voice responded.

"Boss, you're finally online? We haven't seen you in a year, and everyone's been missing you!"

"Boss, you've finally decided to come online? It's been a year since you've shown your face; we've all missed you!"

Yem Xi's fingers drummed on the desktop as she cut to the chase, "Save the small talk. Got any jobs? Send them my way."

There was a moment of surprise on the other end, "You're actively seeking work? What's the situation?"

"I'm short on cash."

A pause hung in the air.

Then a voice, incredulous and raised, came through, "Are you kidding me? You're short on money? The gigs you take start at seven figures. Did you blow through your savings in one year? Impressive!"

Rubbing her temples, Yem Xi replied tersely, "Enough with the chatter, just send them over."

"Got it!"

"Let's leave it at that for now; we'll touch base later."

The call ended.

With a snap, Yem Xi shut her laptop.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Jiang Shuyao's voice came from outside, "Xi, Mom and Dad want you to come downstairs to discuss something."

A sardonic smile played on Yem Xi's lips, a trace of mockery glinting in her eyes.

Jiang Shuyao stood at the door for a few seconds, hearing no response, she pushed the door open.

Just as she was about to enter, she came face-to-face with Yem Xi.

Their eyes locked, Yem Xi's gaze was piercing and profound, with an edge of sharpness that seemed to cut right through a person.

Jiang Shuyao shifted her eyes away from Yem Xi's penetrating stare and forced a smile, "Xi, there you are. You didn't respond, so I thought you might be asleep."