Wan Qingping's expression turned warm as he heard Zhao Erxi speak. He immediately launched into the well-rehearsed lines he had planned. "Ah, Miss Zhao, it's no trouble at all! Perhaps you don't remember me, but half a year ago, my hometown was struck by flooding. If it weren't for Zhao Manor's charity, handing out rice porridge to the victims, I might not be standing here today."
Zhao Erxi stared at him for a moment, then recognition flashed in her eyes. "Oh, it's you!" she exclaimed, though her memory didn't bring up the part where Wan Qingping had pummeled a fellow disaster victim. Instead, what she clearly remembered was his lascivious gaze—the same one that seemed to be glued to her even now.
Wan Qingping, noticing the slight shift in her expression, pressed on smoothly. "It seems we are indeed old acquaintances. Brother Wan, I owe you a great debt for saving me today. What a twist of fate! We must drink together later to celebrate!"
The "country bumpkin" laughed heartily. "No need for that! But if you're really offering, I won't say no." He slapped his chest with exaggerated enthusiasm. "But Brother Wan, let me repay you with a favor! My cousin's family runs a big business in Chishui City. I'll speak to her, and finding you a job will be as easy as saying one word!"
Wan Qingping's heart leapt with excitement, just waiting for this exact opportunity. Without missing a beat, he jumped at the offer. "If you can, I'd be most grateful, Brother. And as for Miss Zhao here, from this moment on, I, Wan Qingping, am in your debt. Whatever you need, whether it's to kill or burn, I'll do it—no, I'll work like a beast of burden for you!"
Zhao Erxi, no fool, felt a surge of discomfort at the way he smoothly climbed the ladder of opportunity. She didn't really think he was speaking from the heart—after all, he was just making use of the situation to get something for himself. But it was hard to turn down when a person spoke in such a way that it would make the Zhao family appear ungrateful if they didn't at least offer him something.
"Then how about this," she said coolly, after a moment's thought. "You can join Zhao Manor as a servant starting tomorrow."
Wan Qingping's face contorted in outrage. "What? A servant? I'm a man of honor—how can I lower myself to be a servant?" His voice rose as he played his part. "Brother, I appreciate your offer, but this is an insult. I must take my leave now unless you have a better position in mind!"
"Wait!" The "country bumpkin" interrupted him immediately, his brow furrowing. "You're right, Brother Wan should never be treated like a servant! Right, cousin?"
Zhao Erxi, slightly annoyed by the whole affair, sighed inwardly but continued her role. "Well, if Brother Wan truly has such impressive skills, then maybe you could work as a bodyguard for our family." She turned her eyes towards him with mild disdain.
Wan Qingping grinned. "A bodyguard? That works just fine for me!" He puffed out his chest, cracking his knuckles for emphasis. "Let me show you, six or seven big men can't even touch me!" He made a show of cracking his knuckles, the bones popping loudly as he spoke.
The "country bumpkin" nodded enthusiastically. "Perfect! You should work as a bodyguard for the Zhao family, then. What do you think, cousin?"
Zhao Erxi sighed. "Fine, then. You'll be a second-tier bodyguard."
Wan Qingping feigned gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Zhao. I've heard that the Zhao family pays well—hopefully, this will be enough to support my family. I'm most grateful."
Zhao Erxi couldn't help but feel a bit more irritated at his words. This man is so shameless. She knew what he meant—it was a thinly veiled comment on her family's generosity—and it irked her even more.
However, before she could leave, Wan Qingping continued, dropping his voice in a way that made her stomach turn. "Ah, by the way, Miss Zhao, my mother, though she doesn't have martial arts skills like me, is a pretty good cook. She also does embroidery work. Perhaps... you could give her a chance to thank the Zhao family for your kindness? She could be of use."
Zhao Erxi's face went pale. She had to resist the urge to punch him. His intentions were clear—he wasn't just seeking a job for himself, he was trying to get his mother into the Zhao family as well. He wasn't even subtle about it.
She clenched her fists, her face tight with barely-contained anger. "Fine," she spat. "Bring your mother to Zhao Manor tomorrow. We'll see what we can do. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." Without waiting for him to respond, she turned briskly, her servant following closely behind.