Chapter 19 The Deal "The nights of the rainy season are not suitable for being alone..."

I stared at this WeChat message for a full half minute.

Bai Yeke's eyes were tired from staring, and she sighed.

That was such a tiring day!

But one should not be a person who breaks promises.

Bai Yeke slightly curled the corners of her lips as she replied to the message.

Coconut Cola: I remember, Miss Yi, are you free later?

A life of simplicity: I'm leaving room for Designer Bai; just send me the restaurant address.

Bai Ye was too exhausted to travel any further, so she chose a nearby restaurant that she and He Xin had eaten at before and found to be quite good, and sent them the location.

The two arrived at roughly the same time.

Just as Bai Yeke found a private room with the front desk, Yi Sheng sent a message asking for the room number.

Fortunately, Bai Ye could get the private room number and go directly to the restaurant entrance to pick up Yi Sheng.

"Miss Yi." Bai Yeke walked to the door and saw Yi Sheng walking towards her after parking her car.

Today is a bright and sunny day. The torrential rain from last night has vanished under the scorching summer sun. The leaves on the roadside trees are glistening green in the sunset, and the surrounding area is bustling with people and vehicles.

Yi Sheng was wearing a simple short-sleeved white shirt and light-colored suit pants that were somewhere between gray and white. He had probably changed into nude shoes for driving. He casually held his phone in his left hand, revealing his fair and slender wrist and silver watch. He looked every bit the elite. Against the backdrop of the summer sunset, every frame he took could be used as a poster.

Hearing Bai Yeke's voice, she put down her phone, nodded slightly, and approached.

Bai Yeke led her to the private room, "It's on the second floor."

"Designer Bai seems quite familiar with this?"

"It's alright," Bai Yeke said. "I've been here a few times."

Since there were only two of them, the private room provided by the restaurant was very small, but it still had a round table, so it should be a standard five- or six-person room. After they sat down, the two of them sat next to each other, and most of the seats were still empty.

Bai Ye was really hungry, so she ordered stir-fried beef with yellow peppers to go with rice and gave the menu to Yi Sheng.

Yi Sheng flipped through the menu, seemingly uninterested in anything, and casually ordered, "Two small bowls of pigeon soup, one dry-pot cauliflower, and one stir-fried seasonal vegetables."

Bai Yeke rested her chin on her hand, bored, waiting for her to order. After the waiter left, she remarked, "Miss Yi seems to prefer vegetarian food?"

“No, I like meat.” Yi Sheng shifted her gaze. “But I ate a bit too much for lunch today.”

"oh……"

Bai Yeke thought to herself, "It's amazing that ordinary cows and horses have time to eat a big meal at noon on a weekday."

But since we've already had a good lunch, why are you still thinking about having her treat us to dinner?

Thinking of this, Bai Ye glanced at Yi Sheng, who was looking at his phone, and smiled faintly.

Just then, Yi Sheng seemed to have finished reading an unimportant message and didn't reply. He looked up at her, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "?"

Bai Yeke immediately stopped smiling and shook her head to indicate that she was fine.

This restaurant is located in a bustling area, so it naturally has its own way of surviving. Not only is the food delicious, but the service is also very fast. It caters to office workers who can finish their meals and then have the dishes ready for the next round. It wins by offering large portions at low prices.

After all the dishes were served, Yi Sheng was still the same as last time, drinking a little soup and slowly eating the dishes.

Bai Ye was already hungry, and the high rent prices today, coupled with her not-so-full wallet, made her very worried about Yi Sheng's obvious waste of food. So, she ate with great gusto.

Yi Sheng watched her eat, his gaze gradually deepening.

Before this, Yi Sheng felt that Bai Yeke's personality was a bit strange. It's normal for a rich young lady to be introverted and calm, but he always felt that Bai Yeke was overly cautious.

The last time I chatted with Bai Yeke, it seemed that her family had a preference for sons over daughters.

But this time, although she didn't ask Bai Ye about what happened last night.

But any family that cares about their daughter would not let her go out in such a rainstorm. Bai Yeke also said that she would find a place to rent.

Even now, although Bai Yeke's eating manners are quite pleasing to the eye, it's clear that she's reluctant to waste a single grain of food.

However, judging from the fact that Bai Yeke refused her invitation to get in the car three times last night, and only got in after being threatened on the fourth time, this woman did not want her to know the inside story.

Everyone has their own secrets and past. Before reaching the right distance, crossing the line is a big taboo.

Therefore, Yi Sheng did not intend to ask any more questions, nor did he intend to bypass Bai Yeke to investigate.

However, some things cannot be ignored.

After finishing the last sip of soup, Yi Sheng wiped her mouth and looked at Bai Yeke, "Designer Bai, don't you need to maintain your figure?"

“You don’t understand how hard it is for cattle and horses.” Bai Yeke waved her hand. “We eat irregularly, sometimes we’re starving, and when work comes, we don’t even have time to think about it, so we don’t get fat.”

Yi Sheng was genuinely taken aback by her words.

She pondered this seriously: why were there still quite a few overweight people among the lower-level employees in her company… or perhaps most of them weren’t actually overweight, but compared to her own figure, they were probably considered slightly overweight.

Is it because her company offers better benefits? Is the employee experience happier than at a store like Baiyeke?

wrong.

She remembered that she had seen the fat man when she first went to the store.

Yi Sheng wouldn't waste time thinking about meaningless things. "Oh, but eating too much at night will put a heavy burden on my stomach."

“Hmm…” Bai Ye did not deny this.

"So, let's go for a walk later."

"Huh?" Bai Ye was a little surprised that Yi Sheng had actually asked her to take a walk after dinner.

Although it seems like something that any normal person would do.

"OK."

When Bai Ye got into Yi Sheng's car, she thought he was going to take her for a walk in a park or square, since he was the kind of person who would pursue a high quality of life.

But when Yi Sheng drove her car into the underground parking garage of a shopping mall, she was still confused.

"Are there any places to take a walk around here?" Bai Ye thought that even if Yi Sheng changed her mind halfway and planned to buy a few clothes, she wouldn't come to a shopping mall that she could afford.

"You're going shopping for clothes," Yi Sheng said naturally as she got out of the car, "so I'll accompany you for a walk while I'm at it."

"Huh?" Bai Yeke thought to herself, "I didn't say that."

Yi Sheng glanced at Bai Yeke and gestured for her to follow, heading towards the elevator. "Now that you've moved out, you should have some clothes to change into, right? As a designer, it's very impolite to wear the same clothes every day."

"...!"

Bai Ye had almost forgotten about this.

She actually had two spare outfits at the Santen store for emergencies, but since she was already there, she should definitely buy some clothes.

I'll buy two or three sets of summer clothes for easy changing, and I'll also buy a suitcase.

Bai Yeke reasoned that since Yi Sheng was willing to accompany her for a walk, she had no reason to refuse.

However, after Bai Yeke tried on and bought three outfits, Yi Sheng became somewhat uneasy as she continued walking to the next store.

"Miss Yi," Bai Yeke quickly called out to her.

"Um?"

"I've bought enough."

Yi Sheng glanced at the bag she was carrying and nodded. "It's okay, I can help you carry it."

He looked like he was condescending to make a sacrifice.

"...?"

Bai Ye was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and said, "That's not the reason."

"What is that?"

"I'm staying in a hotel for now. I'll find a place to put my clothes later," Bai Yeke could only explain.

Yi Sheng seemed to have forgotten something, then suddenly remembered and said, "Oh, why don't you stay with me for the time being?"

"What?" Bai Yeke blurted out, her shock going beyond mere astonishment.

Yi Sheng had previously offered her free hotel accommodations, which she could understand as an act of sympathy and assistance.

How could someone of Yi Sheng's stature be willing to let someone move into his home for no reason?

"Aren't we friends?" Yi Sheng retorted.

That's true, but it seems we're far from that point...

Bai Ye didn't know how to tell Yi Sheng.

Yi Sheng walked back a few steps to her side and casually said, "Nights during the rainy season are not suitable for being alone; it's better to have someone with you."

“? ???”

What's the meaning?

Why is Yi Sheng being so sentimental? Also, when he says "someone who is suitable to be with someone," does he mean her?

"When I have free time, I read horror novels. Thunder and lightning can create a scary atmosphere."

If that's the case, Baiye can understand it.

However, horror novels?

Shouldn't a sophisticated woman like Yi Sheng be reading financial or fashion magazines?

Bai Ye asked with genuine concern, "Why do you read horror novels?"

"Just killing time out of boredom." Yi Sheng shrugged. "Romance novels are too boring."

Bai Yeke suddenly remembered Yi Sheng's not-so-pleasant nickname—the Abbess of Extinction.

She understood somewhat; someone like Yi Sheng certainly wouldn't be interested in romance or love.

“It’s not like you’re staying for free,” Yi Sheng said, offering a condition. “Miss Bai should be able to cook, right? It would be even better if she could help with some housework as well.”

Hmm... to put it this way, it's like friends helping each other out in an emergency, staying at someone else's house, and doing housework as rent.

It's like a romantic relationship, where one person provides shelter and daily necessities, while the other takes care of the housework...

Wait a minute, let's bring our thinking back. If we look at it this way, while it's not exactly fair, it's not an overly unbalanced trade either.

However, Bai Ye didn't want too much sympathy involved. She needed to clarify, "I thought Miss Yi must have a live-in housekeeper to take care of her home."

Even her stepfather's family has one, and every household in that neighborhood has one, let alone Yi Sheng.

And Yi Sheng's family naturally has one too.

Yi Sheng paused for a moment, then said naturally, "I don't like having outsiders in the house either."

also.

Bai Ye once said that she doesn't like having outsiders in her home.

Bai Ye really disliked both the slightly surveillance look in her stepfather's aunt's eyes and the ingratiating gaze she gave her stepfather.

She nodded understandingly.

Therefore, in Yi Sheng's mind, compared to the live-in housekeeper, she was not an outsider.

A friend who's neither too close nor too distant.

This positioning is quite acceptable to Baiye.

So, Bai Ye glanced at Yi Sheng, then turned her head away somewhat shyly, "Okay."

She heard Yi Sheng's soft laughter, which contained not only pleasure but also a hint of mockery, a mockery that was quite obvious, stemming from her embarrassment.

This woman!

Bai Yeke then looked up again, pursed her lips, and gently pushed Yi Sheng with her hand, "Tsk."

Just like the playful banter between true best friends.

The two visited several more stores, and Bai Ye bought a total of seven outfits before Yi Sheng felt that was enough.

What Bai Yeke really wanted to say was that if she bought another place, she really wouldn't have the money to pay rent, so it wouldn't be a temporary stay, but a long-term one.

After buying the clothes, Yi Sheng drove her home.

Clearly, this is not Yi Sheng's only residence in the city, but it should be the one he lives in most often, as it contains traces of his life.

As for the distance between this house and the Baiyeke store, she had already used a map to navigate there on her way.

The commute to the subway station, including the walking distance and the subway ride, takes a little over half an hour. Although it's not as close as the apartments I looked at today, it's still a very good commute distance.

There are six bedrooms in the large apartment. Yi Sheng pointed to one of them and said, "This is the one I'm staying in. You can choose the others yourself."

Bai Ye didn't go to see each one individually; that would be too presumptuous. She chose a sunny room that was separated from Yi Sheng's room by one room. "This one will do."

"Okay." Yi Sheng raised her hand and glanced at her watch. "I won't help you pack your clothes."

Bai Yeke laughed out loud, "Of course, this is not something that needs Miss Yi's help."

"Yes, my flight is later. I'm going on a business trip for a day and will be back the day after tomorrow."

Bai Yeke picked up a few bags and was about to walk towards the bedroom she had just chosen when she froze in place. "Are you going on a business trip?"

That's so sudden! Does she live here alone?

Yi Sheng nodded, took a bottle of water from the refrigerator, unscrewed the cap and drank it. "There's chilled water in the refrigerator, or you can get water from the water purifier. These are all unused cups, you can choose whichever you like."

"oh……"

“Well, and the rest…” Yi Sheng looked around, “You can handle it yourself.”

It's up to you to handle this yourself.

Yi Sheng's catchphrase left Bai Yeke feeling both familiar and confused.

After saying that, Yi Sheng seemed to have explained everything and left with the bottle of water.

Bai Ye could hear the faint sound of the door closing in the entryway. She was still standing there with the bag in her hand, looking around blankly.

The air was faintly filled with the scent of Yi Sheng Fragrance Shower Gel, and the house was furnished with a variety of furniture and decorations.

A thought popped into Bai Yeke's mind: Yi Sheng really didn't like the wabi-sabi style. This house doesn't really have a defined style. If you had to name one, it would probably be luxury.

She took a deep breath. In any case, she might as well make the best of it. Yi Sheng leaving her to go on a business trip was unexpected, but she couldn't just run away now, could she?

Bai Yeke carried the bag into the bedroom she had chosen and began to tidy up.

Go to work the next day.

I've been away from home for a day and two nights.

Bai Yeke's phone still had no news from that family, no news from...her mother.

That night, the image of her mother's devastated expression flashed before Bai Yeke's eyes once again.

If she could do it all over again, Bai Ye felt she would still do and say the same thing.

Leaving was inevitable; it was the best choice for both her and her mother.

However, fledglings that have just left the nest will still have some worries, nostalgia, or feelings of emotion.

This made Bai Ye less averse to Lü Feiteng. If Lü Feiteng came to her about his family matters, she would probably be willing to listen, even if she didn't change anything.

However, Lü Feiteng did not go to Bai Yeke.

Given Lü Feiteng's nature, he really enjoys kicking someone when they're down.

But now, he is avoiding Bai Yeke. He feels disgusted by Bai Yeke and a little bit of inexplicable fear towards her.

Perhaps it was because Bai Yeke's coming out had the effect of his own efforts that day, and he was worried that Bai Yeke really liked women and would no longer be with men, nor would he help him pursue Yi Sheng.

In short, what happened that night had a great impact on him.

While he was playing games absentmindedly in his office, the store manager came in and closed the door as soon as he entered.

Lu Feiteng was only a nominal leader, and there was no need to discuss store affairs with him in such a confidential way. However, the fact that the store manager had closed the door puzzled him. He quit the game and impatiently put on a serious face, "Is there something you need, store manager?"

"Yes." The store manager came to discuss something with him.

After all, Lü Feiteng is the son of a high-ranking executive at headquarters. Although the store manager here is one level above him, he still gives him face, which is why he personally came to his door and had a private chat behind closed doors.

The store manager stood in front of his desk and asked, "I heard you and Xiao Bai have some kind of conflict?"

Lu Feiteng frowned, wondering what the store manager was up to, but he really didn't want to pay any attention to Bai Yeke right now. "I don't care about that kind of lowly employee."

Seeing that he was trying to hide something, the store manager coughed twice and said, "Rumor has it that you're pursuing her."

Lü Feiteng: "What?!"

He looked shocked.

The store manager, a few years older than him, assumed the young man was just shy and adopted a more experienced tone, saying, "It's understandable. Designer Bai is so good-looking, has a bright future, and comes from a good family."

Lu Feiteng leaned back, his swivel chair making a soft creak. "Ha, that's just a rumor. I would never like her. So what if she's good-looking? At our level, the kind of woman we value isn't just pretty; she has to be able to support the man."

Just like Yi Sheng...

Lu Feiteng had a thought, but seeing the store manager's expression, he thought, "I can't reason with a poor bastard like you who's a fake high-class guy with a trashy family background."

Of course, he wouldn't slap the store manager in the face like that. He just sneered while thinking to himself that Bai Ye's family background was nothing but a false one, and that false family background was gone now.

The store manager looked at his twisted and strange expression, "...In any case, it's best if there's nothing between you and her. If there is, at least try to control yourself."

Lu Feiteng scoffed and continued to laugh coldly, thinking to himself, "Stop trying to restrain yourself! That woman has an abnormal orientation and has been kicked out of her home. She'll be nothing more than a stray dog ​​from now on."

Come to think of it, why was he avoiding her today?

Since he's no longer of any value and won't help him pursue Yi Sheng, he can vent his anger on that guy to his heart's content.

Seeing his dazed look, the store manager worriedly instructed him, "President Yi's house is finished. Tomorrow, both of our headquarters will announce the news. Headquarters has also given instructions. Seize the opportunity to promote Xiao Bai's reputation. Xiao Bai is going to become our star designer."

Lu Feiteng's cold smile froze.

?

What is that?!