The noodles were finally done. Xu Zhen looked up at Shen Lingfeng."They're ready—bring the bowls over."
He walked over. She reached out to take one, but he glanced at her, didn't hand it over, and instead ladled the noodles into the bowls himself.Then, he carried the two bowls of beef noodles to the dining table.
Leaning on a chair, Xu Zhen slowly moved over and sat down.She glanced at Shen Lingfeng, wondering whether he would like her cooking.It had nothing to do with his wealthy background or the fact that he was her husband—whenever someone ate her food, she always hoped they would enjoy it.
Everyone had their own preferences; for instance, a few days ago he hadn't touched the boiled egg.The cilantro had already been washed and placed on the table. Shen Lingfeng took half, put it in his bowl, stirred a little, and began to eat.Xu Zhen also started eating, waiting for his opinion.
But he just ate silently, without saying a word.Still, since he was eating, at least it wasn't bad.
As she ate, a thought occurred to her, and she asked,"Does the property management here offer car service for residents—like rides to and from work?"
Hearing that, Shen Lingfeng sneered inwardly.So soon? She already wanted the life of a rich lady, having a car take her to work?
He looked up at her, his tone cool."Why are you asking that?"
Xu Zhen swallowed a mouthful of noodles."I sprained my ankle. It's inconvenient to take the subway, so I wanted to know if the property could arrange it."This was a luxury residence. A few days ago, the property had arranged a car to take her to the airport—perhaps they could drive her to work for a few days too. It wasn't a long-term thing, just ten days or so.
But his face darkened at her suggestion."If your foot's injured, then stay home and rest. Why bother going to work?"
"I'm still in my probation period," she said softly. "Taking too many days off might hurt my chances of becoming permanent."
His dark eyes locked onto hers."You know AK Bank merged with OCL, right?"
She blinked, not sure why he'd changed the subject, but nodded. "Yes, I know."
"AK Bank doesn't mistreat employees. Not even interns. If you're sick or injured, you take leave. Simple as that."
Xu Zhen looked at him, unsure how to explain.He wasn't wrong—but things weren't that simple.
Sometimes low-level managers made life hard for employees, especially interns.If your direct supervisor wasn't happy with you, even small mistakes could cost you your job.She'd seen it happen many times over her nearly year of work.
Her branch was also very busy—every position mattered.Taking one or two days off was fine, but making someone cover your work for several days would make anyone upset.And if you were just an intern, that resentment was even worse.The boss might even decide you were fragile, not tough enough—someone not worth keeping.
Shen Lingfeng, sitting in a corporate office at headquarters, couldn't possibly understand the pressure at the bottom.
Suppressing a sigh, Xu Zhen said quietly,"A sprained ankle isn't serious—it's just inconvenient to move around. I can still work. Our branch is really busy—even losing one person adds a lot of pressure."After a pause, she added,"I'm still an intern. I need to perform even better than regular employees to get the job. If the property can't arrange transport, I can ask my friend to drive me."
Shen Lingfeng's eyes sharpened slightly."You keep emphasizing that you're an intern. Are you hoping I'll help you with your permanent position?"
Xu Zhen froze, staring at him in disbelief.He looked serious.A flush of embarrassment crept up her face.
He had completely misunderstood her."That's not what I meant!"
Her voice rose a little. Her eyes were clear and firm."I can tell you very seriously—I don't need your help to get a permanent position. I can earn it myself. If I can't, then it just means I'm not good enough."
Shen Lingfeng was a bit surprised by her sudden emotion, but his face remained calm. He glanced at her briefly and said,"Good."
Then he went back to eating his noodles.
Xu Zhen felt a mix of anger and hurt.It was obvious—he had a very poor opinion of her.He thought she had approached the old master with ulterior motives, that she had married him for profit—that she was a calculating woman.
She had no appetite anymore, but she forced herself to finish her bowl.She understood one truth: never punish your own body for someone else's mistakes. No matter how upset you are, you should still eat and sleep well—a strong body is the foundation for a better life.
The dining room was silent; the air felt heavy.
When Shen Lingfeng finished eating, he stood up.Xu Zhen looked at him and asked instinctively,"The noodles were okay, right?"
"Not bad. Thank you."He had to admit—her cooking was genuinely good.
He carried his bowl and chopsticks to the sink.Xu Zhen glanced at him and said, almost out of spite,"I made the noodles, so you can do the dishes."
She finished her last bite, set down her chopsticks, and stood up."My foot's not convenient—please take care of the cleanup."
As she hobbled out of the dining room, Shen Lingfeng chuckled quietly.He washed the dishes, cleaned the pot, and wiped down the stove.
He wasn't some spoiled aristocrat. During his years abroad, he'd learned self-reliance.Housework wasn't difficult—it didn't take intelligence, only willingness.Some people weren't stupid, just lazy.
Xu Zhen finally made it back to her bedroom.After some thought, she decided not to take sick leave and to ask Lin Jing to drive her instead.She had just picked up her phone to call when she heard a knock on the door.
The door wasn't closed. Shen Lingfeng stood there."I told the housekeeper to start driving the property's car tomorrow to take you to and from work," he said.
If she wanted to prove she was a hardworking, capable employee, he'd help her do that.If not for the need to keep their relationship private, he would have just sent his own driver.
"This is her business card. Contact her to arrange your schedule."He walked in and handed her a card.
Xu Zhen was surprised but accepted it. "Thank you."She wasn't one to be overly polite.As long as it didn't cross her principles or dignity, she could accept help with grace.
Besides, as his wife, she had cooked, cleaned, and done laundry—it was fair she got to use the property's services.
"If you need anything, tell the housekeeper," he said evenly. "Whatever she can handle, she will."His tone was calm, his expression neutral—as if they were just two housemates discussing chores.
Then he turned and left.
His poor opinion of her didn't mean he wanted to make her life difficult.And though he hadn't shown it, deep down he still felt guilty—after all, her sprained ankle had happened because she'd brought him his ID card.