Not to mention that a woman with a hot figure like Lin Yiyi wanted to seduce Zhou Yang, and she had no reason to stop her.

However, the feeling of watching others covet the only light in her life while she was powerless to do anything about it still made her feel suffocated.

This complex and subtle girlish sentiment is a mixture of gratitude, admiration, dependence, and a budding but unacknowledged crush.

And a deep sense of shame made her completely at a loss for words.

Zhou Yang looked at her struggle and couldn't understand what the girl was thinking.

However, remembering his previous plan, he changed the subject and spoke directly:

"Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you. That big apartment is quite large, with many rooms. It's a waste to leave it empty."

He looked at Xu Yao and said naturally, "Once we've packed up and moved in, you can move in with us too. There are so many rooms, I'll save one for you, consider it renting it to you."

Xu Yao was shocked when she heard Zhou Yang's words.

That's a river-view penthouse in Jinjiang Garden!

The location, the decor, and the view are all top-notch.

Forget about rent, even the property management fees are beyond her current means.

After all these years, she has only saved tens of thousands of yuan.

Let her move in? That's simply a pipe dream!

"No, no, no, I can't afford it, Brother Zhou. Don't cancel the lease. I'll pay you the rent and I'll rent this place!"

She quickly waved her hand.

Zhou Yang couldn't help but chuckle at her panicked appearance.

"Hey, who told you to pay rent?"

His gaze fell on Xu Yao's pretty face, and he said, "You just need to cook for me and wash the dishes. Use those to pay the rent. As for cleaning and laundry, we'll definitely have to hire a housekeeper. You don't need to worry about that."

For him, it was just a simple matter of lending a hand.

The house was just sitting empty anyway, and Xu Yao's cooking skills were pretty good, so he didn't have to cook for himself, which was nice.

As for the cost of hiring a housekeeper? It's nothing.

"ah?"

Xu Yao's eyes widened, her mouth slightly open, her clear eyes filled with disbelief.

No, you don't need to pay rent?

All you need to do is...cook and wash dishes?

For her, this was practically... practically no different from living there for free!

She enjoys cooking and is quite skilled at it, so washing dishes is a piece of cake for her.

Moreover, since she was doing this for Zhou Yang, she was actually happy to do so, and even secretly looking forward to it.

But……

A blush crept onto her cheeks, and her heart inexplicably raced.

Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, her mind in turmoil.

If I really move in and live under the same roof as him, seeing him every day and receiving his meticulous care and arrangements...

She...she's probably really going to be completely trapped in it, and she'll never be able to get out.

The gap between them is like an insurmountable chasm.

He is a high-ranking billionaire who can easily buy mansions that ordinary people can only dream of after a lifetime of hard work.

She was just an ordinary girl who was rescued by chance and whose own safety was not even guaranteed.

This unequal relationship made her instinctively feel panicked and uneasy.

She was afraid that she would become greedy, afraid that she would have inappropriate delusions.

What I fear even more is... that I will eventually fall into the abyss and be smashed to pieces.

Zhou Yang seemed oblivious to the turmoil in her heart, assuming she was still hesitating about rent or other practical issues. So he offered her more tempting terms and gently coaxed her.

"Think about it, if you stay at my place, it'll be quieter and more convenient for you to do voice-over work or live streaming, right? Most importantly..."

He changed the subject, his eyes sharpening.

"Live with me, and let's see if Zheng Qiang dares to harass you again! If he dares to come, I'll break his legs!"

Zheng Qiang!

These two words were like a needle, piercing Xu Yao's deepest fears.

The man who haunted her like a nightmare was a shadow that she could never shake off.

Zhou Yang's words undoubtedly struck at her greatest weakness.

A sense of security and a desire for a stable life instantly overwhelmed the chaotic, complicated, and anxious thoughts of the young girl.

She could no longer resist such temptation.

Almost instinctively, Xu Yao nodded vigorously, her voice barely audible, yet carrying a hint of relieved determination: "Okay... I... I'll move in..."

The moment she agreed, Xu Yao felt as if something had filled her heart, yet also as if a piece of it had been emptied.

She was enveloped in immense joy and a sense of security, but this was followed by an even stronger sense of inferiority.

She almost dared not look up at Zhou Yang, feeling as insignificant as a speck of dust under his radiance.

Zhou Yang didn't have the delicate mind to fathom the young girl's complex emotions.

Seeing that she had agreed, he smiled easily and clapped his hands.

"Okay! It's settled then! Haha, now we have a house and a car, we have to celebrate tonight!"

He's in a really good mood right now. He hasn't been here long, and he's not only solved his survival problem, but he's also doing very well. It couldn't be better!

Xu Yao tried hard to hide the complex emotions in her eyes, forced a smile, and softly said "Mmm".

"Come on, let's cook! I'll let you taste my cooking today!"

Zhou Yang enthusiastically pulled the still somewhat dazed Xu Yao into the kitchen.

I must say, the two of them actually work together quite well.

Zhou Yang was in charge of cooking, and his movements were swift and skillful, showcasing the demeanor of a master chef.

Xu Yao assisted him from the side, washing and chopping vegetables, and handing him plates and bowls.

Occasionally, a quiet reminder about the heat or seasonings makes everything seem so natural and harmonious.

Soon, the four dishes and one soup were freshly prepared.

Although they were all home-style dishes, they filled the small folding dining table.

"Wow! It looks pretty good!"

Zhou Yang rubbed his hands together with satisfaction, then suddenly remembered something and his eyes lit up.

"Oh right! Didn't that guy who sells cold noodles give me a jar of bayberry wine that his father-in-law made the other day? I should open it and have a taste!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Yao's eyes flickered slightly.

liquor……

She's actually not a big drinker.

But at this moment, looking at the sumptuous dinner in front of her, she felt the warmth and sense of security brought by the man beside her.

Thinking about her unspeakable worries and uncertain future, she suddenly had an urge to let loose and drown her sorrows in alcohol.

So she nodded gently: "Okay."

Zhou Yang quickly found the earthenware jar that looked quite old.

As soon as it was opened, a sweet aroma of wine mixed with the fruity fragrance of bayberries wafted out.

He found two glasses and poured about half a glass for each of them; the liquid was an enticing deep red.

"Come on, have a taste!"

Zhou Yang raised his glass.

Xu Yao also picked up her cup, gently touched it with his, and then, imitating him, took a small sip.