Chapter 68: The Scarlet Maid
"What are you saying?"
Faced with Xi Nian suddenly speaking seriously, Diana tapped his forehead lightly with her smooth, cool finger. "Even if my money is also yours, I still hope that in the future you can earn through your own effort. After all, working is a very good social experience…"
"Okay…" Xi Nian replied weakly, his dream of lying flat completely shattered.
"As for that girl, I can cover all her expenses until she reaches adulthood. But is that what she would want?" Diana looked at Xi Nian meaningfully. "Have you thought about whether she's willing to accept the arrangements you want to give her?"
Xi Nian froze.
She was right.
Just remembering how Wanda had stood alone beside her parents' bodies that day—silent, without tears, without complaint—already showed she was a girl with her own will, strong and independent.
Xi Nian only thought of protecting Wanda by his side, giving her shelter and money for daily life, without knowing what she herself truly wanted.
"What should I do, Auntie?" Xi Nian lifted his gaze, sincerely asking for Diana's advice.
Diana thought for a moment and then said softly, "Let me handle it."
…
That same evening.
New York, in a quiet five-star hotel on the outskirts where reconstruction was still ongoing.
Little Wanda followed a hotel staff member to a window-side table on the second floor. Even before she reached the seat, she could see from a dozen meters away the woman who had been waiting there. Her eyes rippled, and she couldn't help but whisper in her heart—
Such a beautiful person.
Like a movie star or a model on television.
"You must be Wanda?" Diana looked at the girl who approached and said warmly, "Sit, let's talk."
She wore a beige trench coat, which couldn't hide the graceful curves of her mature figure.
Wanda sat across from her. Though her body was far from Diana's, her delicate face was porcelain-like, with features that already carried the promise of future beauty. And that naturally crimson hair made even Diana pause with a hint of admiration.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Wanda asked curiously.
"My name is Diana," Diana introduced.
"Xi Nian's aunt?" Wanda's eyes widened in surprise.
Diana nodded gently, smiling. "That's right. I'm Xi Nian's family."
"Hello. My name is Wanda… Wanda Django Maximoff." Hearing she was related to Xi Nian, Wanda instantly became less guarded, even showing respect.
"I already know your general situation. Xi Nian told me." Diana rested her chin lightly on her hand as she studied the red-haired girl. "His idea is to help you transfer to a private school in Washington, arrange your housing nearby. And regarding your brother, I'll also arrange someone to search for him…"
"No! That's too much trouble!" Wanda quickly shook her head and waved her hands in panic. "Xi Nian already helped my brother, and even saved my life. I'm already so grateful, I don't know how to repay him!"
"Don't refuse so quickly," Diana said gently. "I want to know, what do you think about Xi Nian's proposal?"
"It's very good. Too good, even." Wanda lowered her head and spoke softly. "But to let him give so much for nothing… I really can't accept it."
She paused, her eyes turning slightly red, and pleaded, "If possible, please help me find my brother. As for myself, it doesn't matter."
What a good girl.
Diana thought, suddenly admiring Xi Nian's judgment. She continued, "But don't you want to study? Right now, schools in New York will likely stay closed for a long time. In Washington, you could see Xi Nian more often."
Wanda hesitated for a moment before murmuring, "I don't have money now. But I can work. When I get more stable, I'll definitely go to Washington."
"You're only thirteen," Diana said bluntly. "Who would hire you? If this continues, you'll probably end up in a welfare home. Not to mention being controlled by others, but in the future you might not even get to see your brother again."
Wanda clenched her hands under the table, frozen with helplessness.
Thirteen years old, with no family, no house, no property…
Surviving alone in post-war New York, while still searching for her brother who had been taken by some mysterious force—what an impossible burden for her future.
"I have a solution." Diana looked at the desperate girl and suddenly said, "A way for you to study and live in Washington, while also letting you repay Xi Nian for everything he's done. You could even think of it as a long-term internship."
Wanda's eyes widened hopefully. "What… solution?"
…
The next morning.
The curtains of a single room were tightly drawn, blocking out every trace of sunlight.
Xi Nian was still asleep when he dreamed of a blue-haired horned maid standing by his bed, calling softly: "Young Master, it's time to wake up."
"Five more minutes," Xi Nian mumbled.
"You can't keep sleeping, it's time for breakfast." The soft, somewhat familiar childish voice continued close to his ear, while his blanket was being tugged at.
Wait. This dream feels way too real.
And that voice—
Xi Nian's eyes shot open. Right before him stood a girl in a scarlet maid outfit, an apron slightly too large hanging over her chest.
Something's wrong. Very wrong.
He slapped his own cheeks, staring at the red-haired girl holding onto the corner of his blanket. Shocked, he asked, "Wanda?! Why are you here?!"
"Why can't I be here?"
Seeing the boy who had rescued her again, Wanda suppressed her joy, walked to the window, stood on tiptoe, and pulled open the curtains to let the morning light in. "Miss Diana gave me an internship that lasts three years, until I become an adult. I can get part of the salary in advance, so I can live here and cover daily expenses."
"What kind of job?" Xi Nian asked curiously. His aunt hadn't told him about this.
"Taking care of you, Xi Nian. For example, waking you up in the morning, making breakfast, cleaning the house, washing clothes, and meeting your daily needs…"
Wanda began counting on her fingers, but Xi Nian quickly interrupted, "Wait, wait!"
This… isn't that just a maid?!
His original intention was for Wanda to come to Washington so he could look after her.
But now it had flipped—Wanda was here to take care of him?
"I don't need someone to take care of me, especially someone younger than me…" Xi Nian started, but then realized. This must have been Aunt Diana's compromise, so Wanda could accept financial support without guilt.
"Don't need it?"
Seeing Wanda's face fall, Xi Nian instantly caved and said quickly, "I need it! Definitely! I can't manage daily life on my own at all!"
Hmm… maybe that was a little exaggerated.
He quickly added, "But don't call me 'Young Master.' I'm not used to being called that."
"Then…" Wanda, the scarlet maid, blushed slightly, hesitated, and finally asked softly, "What would you like for breakfast… Master?"
Xi Nian was speechless.
…
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