Chapter 5: She Doesn’t Want to Work for Nothing

The unfinished business from earlier…

Lin Xiaoxiao looked at the man’s cold expression, her fists clenching tightly.

In the end, she forced herself to suppress her discomfort and slowly approached him.

Zhou Ting was somewhat surprised by her compliance, but then she tugged at his sleeve.

“Lower your head a bit. You’re too tall, I can’t reach…”

Zhou Ting paused, glancing at the girl’s resentful expression. His throat bobbed slightly.

No longer caring about who took the lead, he pinned her against the wall again and kissed her.

In truth, Lin Xiaoxiao felt a wave of relief in this situation.

After all, initiating a kiss with a man was something she couldn’t bring herself to do.

But being kissed forcefully, though still hard to accept, at least she was coerced—she had resisted.

This was undoubtedly Lin Xiaoxiao deceiving herself, but as long as she could convince herself, it was enough. Otherwise, she’d truly break down…

Feeling the man’s breath, Lin Xiaoxiao tried her best not to resist, not to resist, pretending it was just a dog kissing her.

Zhou Ting didn’t go too far. Some things had to be taken slowly. After a brief taste, he pulled away from her soft lips and said, “You can make one request. Hide your gender, or not live here?”

Lin Xiaoxiao was panting, her eyes dazed, her body weak.

His words snapped her back, and she hesitated.

After about two minutes, she spoke.
“If I live here, how do we explain it to your son?”

Zhou Ting thought for a moment.
“Didn’t you just see him? What did you say?”

Lin Xiaoxiao fidgeted, embarrassed.
“I said I was here to clean.”

Zhou Ting snapped his fingers.
“Then it’s settled. From today, you’re a university student I’m sponsoring to live here. In return, you clean and cook.”

Lin Xiaoxiao blinked, pursing her lips.

So she was basically a maid now?

Though reluctant, she couldn’t argue and nodded.

Back inside, Zhou Yang emerged from his room.

Though usually arrogant, he was much tamer in front of his father.

He knew how terrifying his dad could be—especially when it came to discipline.

“Dad, you’re back early today.”

Zhou Ting nodded and said, “This is Lin Xiaoxiao. You probably know each other. From today, he’s living with us.”

Zhou Yang froze, glancing at the effeminate figure with lowered eyes, and grumbled, “Dad, are you serious? Why let a stranger live here? It’s not like he’s homeless!”

Zhou Ting calmly poured himself tea and repeated the explanation he gave Lin Xiaoxiao.

Hearing it was a male maid, Zhou Yang’s complaints vanished.

Though their family wasn’t poor, they’d never had a housekeeper, supposedly to teach him independence—what a joke.

Now, having a male maid to clean and cook? He couldn’t ask for more.

But he eyed Lin Xiaoxiao suspiciously.
“Can you even cook?”

Zhou Ting looked over too.

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded hesitantly.
“I can cook, but I don’t know if it’ll suit your taste.”

Zhou Yang, still skeptical, said, “Fine, dinner’s on you then. No objections?”

Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. Though annoyed by his attitude, what could she do? She was worse than a guest here.

In the kitchen, Lin Xiaoxiao checked the fridge and was dumbfounded.

Nothing but instant noodles!

Zhou Ting leaned against the doorway, amused by her shocked expression.

“Surprised? Zhou Yang and I don’t cook at home.”

Lin Xiaoxiao was puzzled.
“Then what do you eat?”

Zhou Ting shrugged.
“I eat at the company. As for Zhou Yang, I give him money—he probably orders takeout instead of going to school.”

Lin Xiaoxiao was speechless. What could she say?

“Fine, I’ll go buy ingredients.”

Zhou Ting thought for a moment.
“I’ll go with you.”

Lin Xiaoxiao paused, waving her hands nervously.
“You’re busy. There’s no need.”

“It’s fine. I’m free now.”

In the end, the uncle tagged along. Lin Xiaoxiao glanced at the silent man beside her, feeling uneasy and inferior.

She’d never met anyone important in real life—maybe the university president at a big assembly was the most impressive.

“Um… what do you want to eat?”

Unable to stand the silence, Lin Xiaoxiao spoke up.

Zhou Ting snapped out of his thoughts and said casually, “Whatever you pick. I’m not picky.”

Lin Xiaoxiao relaxed. Not picky was good.

Soon, she bought the ingredients, but at checkout, the prices stung.

No wonder this was a rich area—everything was so expensive…

Zhou Ting noticed and said calmly, “I’ll pay.”

Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head firmly.
“No, I’ll pay. You’ve already helped me a lot.”

Being a mistress was humiliating enough, but she knew her worth—she wasn’t even worth 300,000…

Zhou Ting didn’t insist.

On the way back, he handed her a card, catching her off guard.

“Take it. If you’re my mistress, the allowance isn’t just 300,000. Don’t be so stingy with shopping—it’s annoying.”

Lin Xiaoxiao pursed her lips, rolling her eyes inwardly. Annoying? She didn’t ask him to come along.

And his words were so humiliating—just because he had money, he thought he was something special…

Still, she lacked confidence but shook her head.
“I don’t want it.”

Zhou Ting raised an eyebrow.
“Really? Not even as payment for being a maid?”

Lin Xiaoxiao froze, hesitating before snatching the card, her tone stiff.
“Why wouldn’t I? I earned this!”

She wasn’t about to work for free taking care of this father and son.