"Good morning" Zi Hao seemed to be much more composed compared to his earlier demeanor. It also appears that he tidied up a little before going out of the bedroom. He tensed a little before forcing himself to relax.
The scene in front of him could nearly be a still picture, if not for the vapors of tea floating from the rim. Lin Yang's eyes focused on him and with a smile, she also greeted him.
"How was your sleep?" She asked
"It was fine..." he hesitated a little before continuing.
"It was actually the best sleep I've had since I had woken up." He raised his eyes to meet hers and she beckoned him to sit down at the front of her, in which he obliged.
He had more to say... but it seems he couldn't utter it. A moment of silence passed before he finally found his voice.
"I'm sorry for coming in... especially in the middle of the night." He was a little ashamed and slightly peeked into her eyes trying to understand her just a little bit.
She hummed before replying...
"I think we need a new arrangement." As she talked, she reached out for something, a card, and placed it on the table.
What did she intend to do? He couldn't understand. His stomach was already sinking from the thought of leaving so could he not? He expected it. Since who in their right mind would cater to a stranger that tried to kill you.
Well, one should not be surprised as the world works in mysterious ways... Zi Hao doesn't know that Lin Yang has a clear mind and just does not follow the common sense of the world they're in.
Zi Hao lowered his head slightly before firmly gazing back at her. If she asks him to leave, it will be what should be.
"Since you may stay here for an indefinite time, just use this card to buy what you want and need. " she stated
A moment passed before he finally comprehended what he heard.
'Stay?'
"I'm lacking a housekeeper, you shouldn't have any problems helping out?" Lin Yang added. Actually, when all the burdensome chores around the house were meticulously done and since he was such a good cook, she had been planning on ways to keep him. It's a good way to keep an eye on him, afterall he is her mission, definitely not just because her stomach had been conquered.
A spark seemed to return to his eyes and Zi Hao smiled brightly.
"Really? I can stay?" He asked quite fragilely, wanting to affirm what he heard.
"Yes" Lin Yang rubbed her head before looking away from the villain. It seems that she was tricking a naive one. It's good that she's still conscientious to give him a card so she's definitely not exploiting him.
Seeing the time, Lin Yang got up to prepare for work.
"Be good and entertain yourself. I'll go to work."
The tea had already gone cold and yet Zi Hao feels quite warm. He should not waste what she prepared and it seems he can finally relax himself as he was unconsciously tensed.
'I can stay.' He looked at the card just placed in the center of the table before reaching out and taking it. He also got up to at least prepare a small breakfast for her.
The days continue with such warmth. Zi Hao would wake up just at but early to prepare a simple meal and Lin Yang proceeds to her work. When she leaves, Zi Hao packs up and goes to the market to buy some fresh produce. He would go earlier if possible but Lin Yang advised him to not do so or to just sleep in. He listened to only the first part but still he wanted her to go out with something in her stomach.
He could be seen bartering with the local vendors and he really developed a good dynamic with some. He also knows which would have the freshest produce for that day. When she comes home, she'll stay full enough and the delivery app is finally put to rest. She'll also bring home simple desserts for the both of them and simple knick knacks that caught her eyes.
During the weekends, Lin Yang also began to bring Zi Hao out to the malls for simple activities. For her it's more of discovering the world and bringing him along so as not to be cooped up in that apartment. She had a mission to redeem the villain and well to make up for his good housekeeping skills.
One time, Zi Hao was staring at a laptop and it had good specs. Lin Yang didn't think much before asking a seller to assist Zi Hao.
"Eh?" Zi Hao surprisingly muttered
"Just pick what you'd like, ask the mr. to find the best suited for you." Lin Yang graciously said
"No, I don't need it. I'm all good." He refused, eyeing the price of the laptop.
"Oh, but I also need a laptop at home or a computer. Help me pick the best one?" Lin Yang said which Zi Hao immediately responded to.
Well if she would need it, then, it's okay. It's better to find a good one.
"Mr. Please help me find a good one, that's also good for gaming." Lin Yang told the employee before lying low and just patiently accompanying them.
Zi Hao seems to be so interested and knowledgeable about these technologies that it didn't take long before he fancied one.
"Then buy it." Lin Yang cool-y handed another card to the employee.
Eventually, it ended up in Zi Hao's room since Lin Yang already had a company laptop also equipped with functional specs and she said it took up space in her study.
He was speechless about how she took things easy especially since it's quite a lot of money.
"So what do you think? Should I also give her something?" Zi Hao asked this brother who was just a new neighbour a week ago.
"Maybe, you should." Jin Xuan muttered mindlessly.
"But, are you sure you're not a couple?" He added
"Huh? N-No" Zi Hao was taken aback by the sudden question.
"You cook and clean for her, you only talk about her, and you're with her everyday. Cohabitating like this without scruples, you'd only do this if you like her. Don't you?" Jin Xuan chattered, speechless at these neighbours who are unclear with each other. Not that he minds, it's a drama to watch everyday. If not frustrating, it's mentally draining. Like when you watch dramas and couldn't help but say, 'just kiss already!'
Zi Hao just stared blankly at him without any response. Seemingly, he was an eye-opener or something.
"Or she likes you, otherwise why take you in?" Jin Xuan looked at this friend up and down. Zi Hao was definitely not lacking. If you put out the cold aura and obvious distance that he exudes with others, he'll definitely turn heads. This friend also has a good body.
"No, nothing like that." Zi Hao found himself muttering, if he was only unsure about himself he was quite clear on the gap that Lin Yang had always put up with him. Not to mention his unclear circumstances.
"Well, they say that when a woman spends her money on you, she definitely likes you." Jin Xuan obnoxiously said really feeling like this brother's brother, a feeling that he thought he wouldn't feel at all in this life. Seeing that Zi Hao was still unconvinced, he continued...
"Act sick and see if she'll care for you. I mean really care for you, not just handing you medicine but staying by your side and all that." Jin Xuan stated his dumb idea, well that's where the protagonist from the drama realizes their feelings so it's only right. He nods to himself, and laughs.
Zi Hao looked at him like he was crazy and excused himself before being infected with this crazy dude.
'Why did he even bother to come to him?'