His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his heart began to beat faster against his will.
Thump, thump, thump, as if it were about to leap out of my chest.
This...this...
Do not look at what is improper, do not look at what is improper...
Zhou Yang silently recited the teachings of the sages in his heart, feeling his face burning and his heart pounding like a drum.
Even with his two lifetimes and thick skin, he was starting to feel the strain.
Finally, he took a deep breath and, like a thief, quickly reached inside.
She grabbed a set of pink underwear that looked "normal" in color and pulled a loose, soft cotton long skirt from the clothes hanging next to her.
Alright, let's get out of here!
He turned around almost as if fleeing and quickly returned to the bathroom door. The bathroom was filled with the sound of running water and steaming heat.
Zhou Yang knocked on the door and cleared his slightly dry throat: "Um... Xu Yao, I brought the clothes."
The sound of water paused for a moment, and then Xu Yao's faint, mosquito-like voice came from inside: "Um, Brother Zhou Yang, you...you can come in."
Zhou Yang pushed open the door a crack and cautiously peeked inside.
In the spacious bathtub, the air was thick with steam. Xu Yao was almost completely submerged in the water, with only her rosy little head and rounded shoulders showing.
Her soaked nightgown still clung to her body, outlining a hazy yet incredibly alluring curve.
When she saw Zhou Yang peek into the water, she shrank back into the water like a startled rabbit.
Her face flushed bright red, and even the base of her neck was tinged with an alluring pink.
Her eyes, filled with shyness and timidity, and a hint of barely perceptible panic, made Zhou Yang's heart skip a beat again.
He quickly looked away, strode inside, and placed the clothes and a clean bath towel he was carrying on the dry shelf next to him.
"Your clothes and towel are here. Take your time washing yourself. Be careful not to catch a cold or slip again. Call me when you're done, and I'll come in and carry you out."
He tried to make his voice sound calm and natural, but his slightly tight throat betrayed his unease.
Turning to leave, Zhou Yang paused as he reached the door, seemingly remembering something, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, though he himself was unaware of it.
He turned his head and gestured with his chin toward the bathtub, adding a sarcastic remark.
"Of course, if you feel discomfort in your back or have trouble taking a shower, feel free to call me anytime. I'm happy to help, it's free, and I'll teach you everything you need to know!"
"ah!"
Xu Yao let out a short gasp, her whole body turning red from head to toe like a boiled shrimp.
Even the surrounding air seemed to distort as her body temperature rose.
She covered her burning cheeks with her hands, feeling as if her heart was about to jump out of her throat.
How could Brother Zhou Yang say such a thing!
The heat seemed to be rising from her head, and the rising steam couldn't hide her embarrassment and shyness.
Seeing the girl's expression, as if she wanted to dive into the water, Zhou Yang's romantic feelings faded somewhat, and he found her more amusing and adorable.
He coughed lightly to hide the smile on his lips, then quickly closed the door and left.
With a soft "bang," the two spaces were separated.
But it couldn't sever the ambiguous feelings that quietly grew in the air.
Zhou Yang leaned against the wall outside the bathroom door and let out a long sigh of relief.
I was trying to stay calm, but now I realize my back is a little damp. I don't know if it's from the heat or from nervousness.
In my mind, Xu Yao's exquisite figure, wrapped in her soaked nightgown, and her shy yet helpless eyes lingered like a slow-motion scene from a movie.
This little girl... she's such a troublesome little devil.
He scratched his hair in frustration, feeling a tightness in his chest, as if something was blocking his heart.
This can't go on.
His relationship with Xu Yao has gone beyond that of ordinary friends or boss and employee.
From taking her in, to setting up a stall together, to now living under the same roof.
Especially after the "close encounter" with the hospital and the bathroom, some things have quietly changed.
He needs to think carefully about how to handle this relationship.
Should we continue to maintain distance, or...?
Zhou Yang shook his head, trying to shake off those messy thoughts.
He turned and walked towards the balcony outside the living room, wanting to feel the night breeze and calm down.
The river-view penthouse boasts an excellent balcony view.
A gentle evening breeze carries the unique hustle and bustle of the city night, along with the dazzling neon lights.
The air is filled with the moisture from the river, and magnificent cruise ships move on the river like floating palaces.
Zhou Yang leaned against the railing, letting the night breeze calm his restless heart.
"Buzzing".
My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.
He took it out and looked at it. The name flashing on the screen surprised him—Wang Miao?
I haven't been in touch with this rich heiress for several days.
Why is she calling right now?
Zhou Yang pressed the answer button, his tone slightly teasing: "Hello? Miss Wang, did the sun rise in the west today? You actually remembered to call me."
A hearty laugh came from the other end of the phone: "Chef Zhou! What are you saying? I've been thinking about you all along!"
"I wouldn't come to your temple without a reason. I'm here to discuss a big business deal with you!"
"Oh? A transaction?"
Zhou Yang raised an eyebrow, a vague guess forming in his mind.
He deliberately dragged out his words, "Let me guess... you wouldn't happen to have your eye on my braised pork recipe, would you?"
"Hahaha! Zhou Yang, you're quick-witted!"
Wang Miao made no attempt to hide his purpose, his tone filled with excitement.
"That's right! I want your braised pork recipe! Name your price!"
Just as I expected.
Zhou Yang chuckled softly.
His braised food stall is now a hit in the city, even making the news. Savvy businessmen will naturally set their sights on this lucrative opportunity.
"My recipe isn't cheap."
Zhou Yang's tone became playful, "Miss Wang, my braised meat recipe isn't some small-scale thing like instant noodles; it's very precious."
He paused, as if considering his words, and then announced a shocking number.
"Five hundred million! To buy out the exclusive rights to use it."
"Of course, I'll still use it myself. Besides me, only your Wang family is allowed to sell it in the market. Are you in or not?"
"What?! Five...five hundred million?!"
Even though Wang Miao on the other end of the phone was mentally prepared and knew that the prescription was very valuable, she couldn't help but raise her voice and gasp.
Her original target price was a maximum of 100 million, which she already considered an astronomical sum!
This week, Yang is asking for an outrageous amount!
"Zhou Yang! You...you're too greedy! Five hundred million? Why don't you just rob a bank? I thought one hundred million was the most!"
Wang Miao's voice was filled with shock and disbelief.
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