Having returned from Ji Feng’s place later than usual last night, Xu Miyu woke up a bit late, nearly half an hour behind schedule.
By the time she arrived at elder sister’s home both her and brother-in-law seemed somewhat resentful already.
Brother-in-law took lead criticizing: “Third Sister how is it you make increasingly grand entrances to our place huh?”
Elder sister chimed supportively: “That’s right, you used to come immediately when called but now it takes repeated urging and invitation while each visit you grow later and later in arrival!” After brief pause she detoured the topic towards Jiao Xiuwei: “There’s more! Heard mom went finding you at your hotel few days ago and you set strangers against her! You ought treating mom, who birthed and raised you, better than acting hostile as an unfilial child!”
Normally Xu Miyu would’ve just smoothed over listening to whatever they said with some perfunctory acknowledgment and private snarky thoughts.
But having absorbed some of Ji Feng’s coaching these days she now understood cowardice proved even worse than being bad.
So she had to gradually grow past meekness, learning capability voicing refusal.
She first rebutted brother-in-law: “It’s not that I’m acting highly, but rather you guys started taking my availability for granted. Forget my late arrival, I’m not even obligated making appearances at all! And since it was you two wanting my presence shouldn’t that warrant better attitude from you instead of querulous demands? Wouldn’t you agree Brother-in-Law?”
She watched him gape speechlessly under her sharp retort.
Ignoring him she then turned addressing elder sister: “Elder Sis that wasn’t mom ‘visiting’ me alright, ‘visiting’ doesn’t look like her disruptive scenes! Even outsiders couldn’t stand watching her cheat and pressure her own daughter anymore by then!”
Clearly unhappy hearing Xu Miyu’s bold words elder sister exclaimed: “Hey, how can you talk that way ’bout your own ma?!”
Xu Miyu swiftly returned: “Then maybe you should first ask Madam Jiao why she torments her own daughter so!”
That rendered elder sister momentarily lost for words. With piles of meat still awaiting Xu Miyu’s preparations she couldn’t afford estranging little sister either so barely managed preserving some face: “Who’d you learn all this slick talk from Lil Sis, you’re completely spoiled rotten!”
Capitalizing on opening Xu Miyu further tested: “Elder Sis have you ever considered that so called ‘unspoiled’ state – endlessly bankrolling family and brother while they exploit me dry might actually be the true ‘spoiled rotten’ state?! We three sisters got brainwashed too extremely since youth with constant parent drilling that boys are the precious golden child while we girls only deserve love conditional on playing perfect ‘Brother Worship’ roles! But flip view sideways – have our parents been deserving of us?!”
Xu Miyu inhaled then gazed straight at elder sister: “Let’s make clear I’m now awake to things and will never again subsidize that family or Xu Mibo! I intend living my own life. Do seriously consider waking up too Elder Sister.”
Elder sister gawked unbelievingly as if hearing some inconceivable treasonous blasphemy.
“What nonsense you spewing sis?! How can you talk as if your parents are sworn enemies?! Did you get possessed or a knock on the head?!”
Xu Miyu just slowly shook her head. Elder sister’s mental shackling ran even deeper impossible freeing overnight through sudden awakening.
Unexpected support came instead from brother-in-law at the sidelines: “I actually feel Lil Sis makes loads of sense this time, we did overspend on your brother…”
Instantly elder sister whipped round lambasting him: “Keep that trap shut! If not for me you wouldn’t even have a city job or meals on table! Quit spouting rubbish without clue!”
Subdued, brother-in-law obediently went mum but didn’t budge from vicinity. Elder sister urged Xu Miyu hurry commence preparations, “It’s gotten late, we can continue this after the meat finishes. Chat later!”
Donning apron inside kitchen Xu Miyu raised a request while checking cuts of meat.
“Elder Sis after everything is done braising today I’ll be taking some portions.”
Voice instantly lifting elder sister rejected outright: “No way! Amounts are calculated specifically!”
Glancing once over Xu Miyu calmly said: “Elder Sis claims special cravings only satisfied by my cooking nowadays. These cuts supposedly perfectly mapped guaranteeing your personal supply duration. Taking some means you fall short. Did it not strike you strangely difficult coaxing me over nowadays for unpaid labor services? I won’t be granting future appearances without travel cost, meal reimbursements plus labor fees upfront.”
Elder sister was stupefied hearing such unthinkable words. “What craziness you uttering lil sis?! How can you demand money from your big sister?! Did you really lose your mind after bumping heads? What became of my formerly well behaved sensible lil Third Sis?!”
Xu Miyu just smiled. “If I remained that spineless doormat still I’d be the deranged one! Regardless whether you like it from now on no more free trips without paying my fees! Take this batch as settlement for my efforts today but next time without recompense I refuse coming!”
Departing elder sister’s home afterwards toting meat portions she ignored lingering choruses of complaints fading behind.
Stepping outside the old residential building Xu Miyu inhaled deeply facing the skies.
No rains today but still overcast, mildly humid airs. Sense of earthy fragrances still lingered deeply inhaled though.
This felt the most cathartic departure yet from elder sister’s place.
En route home the bus meandered slowly sapping an hour. Alighting Xu Miyu felt famished immediately seeking roadside eatery for a quick bowl noodles first before heading dorms.
Post quick wash up she reclined opening a book. Either accumulated fatigue from the day’s shuttling or engrossing contents, she unknowingly dozed off mid read.
By the time she awoke awareness felt muddled. Out the window was pitch darkness belonging only to deep nights where all things slumbered. Only constant music seemed playing somewhere inside this room.
Regaining wits she realized it was her ringtone. She’d been jolted awake by a phone call.
Fumbling device blearily she discovered it was already nine at night.
The caller ID displayed Xue Rui.
Connecting, initial sounds were Xue Rui’s relieved sigh.
“Sis you finally picked up!”
A tad groggy from recent rousing she asked: “It’s rather late for a call, something the matter?”
Xue Rui stuttered briefly seemingly realizing how inappropriate ringing someone up so late for favors upon prompt. But evident reluctance compelled him through nervous trips: “Uh…well evening already…is it?” Almost questioning himself whether it really was that late. Clearly awkwardness and hesitance abounded attempting logic twist justifying the unreasonable wake up demand. Before Xu Miyu gently helped him save face: “It’s not terribly late Assistant Xue, what did you require of me?”
Coughing lightly Xue Rui enquired: “Yes, well, Manager Ji asked me check if you managed bringing him several portions of that braised meat from your errands today?”
“……” Xu Miyu truly hadn’t expected the urgent house call just for meal confirmation.
She informed him she did.
Xue Rui instantly responded: “Great! Sis Mi where are you staying? I’ll swing by collecting them now!”
Such urgency…
Xu Miyu had intended directly bringing portions over tomorrow during work shift instead.
Mentally calculating, tomorrow would conclude her borrowed assignment up top. She’d return resuming original administrative floor supervisor duties afterwards.
She even contemplated beautifully plating the braised meat tomorrow as farewell gift when handing to Ji Feng. It could signify thanks for his assistance safeguarding her job.
Also a form of repayment for his overt and covert aid extended these days – regardless whether he still radiated darkness with temper foul as week old durian shells, watching everyone with customary contempt and derision, fact remained he helped her significantly.
Others might not clearly recognize his actual contributions but she personally understood it was him who enabled her thorough metamorphosis progress.
Didn’t expect his appetite so impatient it truly couldn’t even wait until tomorrow!
Through the line Xue Rui rapidly explained away: “Really sorry for disturbing so late denying sleep but, Chef Chen isn’t on duty today. And Manager Ji can’t swallow anything from other chefs. He’s gone entirely foodless again today…”
“Plus last night’s blasted drizzling rain all dragged into dawn robbed him of a wink either…just envision his current depleted states after simultaneous full starvation and sleep deprivation! Practically male consumptive maiden incarnate! I tried reading him English passages hoping it’d help him nap a bit but he still couldn’t sleep instead endlessly correcting my pronunciations the entire time! It was maddening I tell ya, now I’m questioning whether I truly grasped English fluency at all previously! Fine, no rest recuperable, let’s attempt nutrition instead. Got him all sorts of delivery but his nausea reacted like some pregnant woman, appalled at a sniff or small sample…I’m just speechless ya know?!”
Listening to Xue Rui’s unconstrained venting Xu Miyu internally laughed voicelessly.
Exactly how disastrously did he torment Assistant Xue from dawn to dusk finally dismantling that composure? Now seizing opportunity freely disparaging his superior before her.
But truly such complaints brimmed purely with care and concern.
Xu Miyu sighed and said: “No worries I already rested so fully energized presently. Surely you’re also fatigued after today’s circus handling everything alone. I’ll personally swing those portions over no need visiting me, it’s too late burdening you further.”
Xue Rui quickly declined: “No no, I’ll fetch them it’s fine! Too late inconveniencing you specially traveling over.”
Xu Miyu suggested: “I can read him some English too?”
Instant flip Xue Rui vowed: “Awaiting you Sis Mi, not budging ’til you arrive!”
Hanging up Xu Miyu promptly rose beginning preparations. Splashing some water on face she neatly plated desired meat portions before grabbing an umbrella for the misty night stroll towards hotel.
Another nonstop pitter patter of drizzling rains. Seemed without her English reading services he likely faced further sleepless hours again.
Arriving hotel the sight of Ji Feng nearly startled a “yipe” out of Xu Miyu.
His usual refined striking features now gloomed haggardly. Such heavy set eyes nearly sank fully into sockets.
This exquisitely cultivated specimen really emancipated himself sickeningly via selective appetites and crushed sleep schedules.
Somehow it nearly sparked maternal instincts within Xu Miyu.
Seeing her approach Ji Feng also reacted rather astonished.
Noting container in her hands his eyes instantly sparked akin some desert wanderer finally glimpsing oasis salvation as he eagerly pointed commanding: “That’s the braised meat for me right?! Bring it here, quick!”
Watching Ji Feng’s response Xu Miyu instead felt he no longer resembled some lofty unreachable fearsome character before her anymore.
Suppressing mirth she placed opened container before the starved man child contentedly reveling in gluttonous feasting.
At the sides Xue Rui openly salivated.
Xu Miyu softly told him: “Got you a portion too Assistant Xue, passing it over later in secret.”
His entire face lit up deeply moved by her thoughtfulness, wanting to recognize Xu Miyu as kin right there.
Meat finished, Ji Feng reclined against sofa shutting eyes momentarily.
Xu Miyu and Xue Rui assumed he’d drifted off. She began tiptoeing departure preparations but right then Ji Feng’s voice sounded again foiling exit.
“You two stand put. Mi, daring poaching my aides before me huh?”
His icy tones half serious half jesting still rather intimidated Xu Miyu.
In contrast Xue Rui remained nonchalant. Having confirmed post prandial Manager Ji’s mood wouldn’t dip drastically he took initiative switching topics: “Boss you’ve been parked here awhile, wanna shift trying bed? Might manage some shuteye.”
Slight aura stagnation surrounding Ji Feng as he seemingly seriously contemplated bedtime’s feasibility.
“Sis Mi offered reading English too.” Xue Rui further piled on bait.
Ji Feng rose from couch ambling towards bedroom.
After advancing some distance he glanced back at still stationary Xu Miyu lifting a brow. “Gonna stand there without budging? Think my hearing that stellar or you planning shouting from the lounge outside?”
Snapping back to awareness Xu Miyu hastily shifted feet trailing him.
She’d merely been unsure whether permitted following Ji Feng enter his private chambers. These days up here she deeply understood one certainty – Ji Feng detested others trespassing into his personal space with bedroom the forbidden nucleus zone. Usually only Xue Rui could enter helping tidy up. Beyond that nobody else held access typically.
Wait…that wasn’t fully accurate. One other individual had stepped in before.
Namely herself.
And that night she hadn’t merely entered…she had also…
A deafening boom resounded Xu Miyu’s mindthen.
Mortification instantly overwhelmed her.
How to now pretend nonchalance re-entering the room harboring vestiges of their accidental intimacy?!
Just when awkwardness peaked she discovered Ji Feng leading her into a different bedroom instead.
…He had switched rooms.
Relief whooshed Xu Miyu’s tight lungs.
Concurrently she obtained further affirmation towards something else – given his neat freak hang ups her inadvertent overnight stay must have chased him from former quarters.
So he’d swapped himself over despite the other room’s slight smaller dimensions.
Entering Ji Feng first shucked shoes then sprawled atop the mattress half reclined. Shutting eyes he softly instructed Xu Miyu: “Drag that chair here and start reading.”
Xu Miyu obediently positioned herself bedside. Clicking on the nightstand lamp while turning off main lights she selected English content beginning narrations.
Beyond windows pitter pattering rain poured tirelessly drenching the night frigidly damp. Solitary warm minimal glow from small apricot shaded bedside lamp softened the indoor aura into soothing tranquility instead.
Not high yet neither too low Xu Miyu’s voice streamed steadily, mildly undulating.
Very soon faint yet rhythmic breathing entered her awareness.
He had fallen asleep.
Likely utterly spent from round the clock chaos. So despite halted reading slumber still rapidly claimed him.
Bathed under the dim lighting Xu Miyu gazed at the sleeping Ji Feng.
Frankly she hadn’t seen any man more attractive than him ever.
Gentled features usually so cold and sharp under current lighting’s tender embrace. Glow kissing smooth forehead, proud brows, tall nose and slightly pursed lips. All simply perfection as if sculpted by brilliant hands rather than born. Utterly peaceful imagery devoid negatives like contempt or aggression. Some priceless art form.
Tearing eyes away Xu Miyu rose turning off that bedside glow before quietly exiting the room.
Xue Rui seemed rather astonished seeing her sudden emergence. He pointed inside softly asking: “Asleep already? That quickly?!”
Xu Miyu nodded gently.
Xue Rui gave her big thumbs up. “You worked miracles Sis!”
Beaming brightly up at him Xu Miyu’s eyes crinkled luminously. Bitten lips parting revealing neatly aligned pearly whites. Some inexplicable quality to that particular smile’s curvature felt instantly disarming. She almost made the night itself shine brighter somehow.
Xue Rui bade her hushed goodbye still reacting to residual impressions left by her sudden dazzling smile even escorting Xu Miyu out.
He contemplated were their positions switched with him needing her meals and sleep aids nightly, then having that captivating grin aimed his way so frequently he might likely inadvertently fall towards her too.
But he understood Ji Feng wasn’t someone easily swayed. Meticulous perfectionist standards applied just as loftily upon self as hypothetical partners. His principles verge heartless rigidity.
So why entertain idle nonsensical fantasies? However beautifully she smiled it hardly capable penetrating and impacting Ji Feng’s hardened heart.
Xu Miyu directly slept upon returning to dorms.
Contrary rain sounds lulled her into sweet satisfied dreams that night.
Rising refreshed early next day she mentally prepared herself delivering utmost capable poise capping final shift up top.
Unexpectedly she discovered Ji Feng in rather fine fettle himself today despite yesterday’s scenes. Evidently he managed some high quality sleep.
By Xu Miyu’s arrival Ji Feng had already breakfasted and changed suited, ready for departure with Xue Rui in tow.
In the brief intersecting indoors-outdoors transitional swap Xu Miyu glimpsed Ji Feng pause slightly canting head her way. The subtle nod constituted basic acknowledgement greeting before brushing past shoulder on.
To any observer it was a remarkably glacial gesture yet Xu Miyu deemed it already extraordinarily cordial.
She understood given his nature, typically she didn’t even merit cursory notice from him. This lone glance plus tilt conveyed certain thanks for yesterday’s successful slumber rendering services. At least that’s how she interpreted it.
In passing Xue Rui also paused hastily informing Xu Miyu: “Jie* plenty time for lazing around on the couch today Sis Mi! We’ve got back to back meets keeping Manager Ji out til nightfall most likely. No set return hour so directly head off shift’s end without waiting up for us!”
Xu Miyu barely managed an “Alright” before Xue Rui was already dashing catching up behind Ji Feng.
She hadn’t even gotten the chance clarifying today actually marked her final shift conclusion before resuming original administrative floor supervisor role.
With Ji Feng’s absence Xu Miyu enjoyed an exceptionally easy stress-free day up there.
It was nearly boring. During leisure she simply rolled up sleeves conducting comprehensive suite sanitization efforts.
All bedding was neatly smoothed creaseless over mattresses while floor carpets meticulously vacuumed end to end. Each bathroom carefully scrubbed – especially his daily usage one sparkling nigh mirror-like post her scouring ministrations over tub, sinks and toilet bowls.
Finally nearing end shift prior departure she contemplated a bit before leaving small note atop the coffee table inside living room.
Returning post elongated day of back to back meets only nighttime darkness greeted Ji Feng entering the suite. He uncharacteristically paused right at entry.
This completely foiled expectations.
In his consciousness the suite lighting ought illuminating everything while Xu Miyu herself awaited them seated on the couch.
Xue Rui swiftly commanded recall of smart lighting systems.
Under returned golden luminance revealed absence of Xu Miyu.
She had already departed.
Some indescribable fatigue suddenly weighed Ji Feng’s entire body near crumbling as he sank onto couch before the coffee table.
Dimly he noticed small note atop its surface.
Ji Feng had initially considered summoning Xue Rui over reciting contents but almost immediately thought better simply reaching out personally retrieving it instead.
Reviewing the neat yet neither unsightly nor necessarily gorgeous penmanship elicited comfortable visual enjoyment.
It was Xu Miyu’s farewell message upon completion of her special penthouse assignment expressing gratitude.
She wrote that today concluded borrowed stint up here and come tomorrow things resumed on administrative level.
Although short stay deeply meaningful constituting the most significant few days in her life perhaps. Because she finally discovered then embraced hopes towards a different lifestyle and possibilities courage battling ingrained inferiority constraints haunting her lifelong. She even specifically thanked him for timely aid retaining employment. Repaying such kindness was now engraved upon heart as important personal goal in days forthcoming.
Signed off with deliberate graceful strokes spelling ‘Xu Mi Yu’ at conclusion.
Perusing this Ji Feng gave single derisive chuckle in reaction.
Quite the casual fare thee well. Leaving mere words on paper about eventual return favors then cleanly disappearing without a single farewell.
At his ear lobes Xue Rui’s blathering played out loudly. “Heavens before leaving Sis Mi already perfectly cleaned everything – bedspread seemed untouchable lest creasing while bath gleamed nigh melting off from herscrubbing! Those glass walls I nearly crashed smack into mid stride they got wiped so purely transparent-less! She’s such capable talent, not just delicious cooking mastery, language competence or magnificent housekeeping skills…”
Listening in Ji Feng couldn’t help allowing slight derision slip lip corners. What a forced string of enumerations from Xue Rui…yet glancing around he truly couldn’t deny how immaculately she left his chambers indeed. Faint lingering traces of lemon accented floral fabric softener fragrances peculiarly suited her seemed subtly diffused lingering. Physically gone yet aroma vestiges inconveniently permeated on.
Typically he intensely disliked remnants of others’ smells inside his private space. Hence not permitting hotel housemen entry cleaning. Even Xue Rui denied all hair product allowances insisting sheer purity standards. Shampoos included lest residue odors surface.
But these gently citrusy airs she unintentionally bequeathed surprisingly got no complaints from him.
Outdoors the STILL ongoing drizzles provided steady white noise…Autumn rains in this blasted city, simply refused cessation overstaying welcome.
Thanks to them he definitely suffered further insomnia again tonight.
Relentless nightly position changes yet the Sandman remained equally elusive. Soon bed itself risked structural integrity under his futile tosses.
During a particular spell overwhelmed by vexed frustration he even desperately contemplated ordering Xu Miyu’s return conducting English narrations again!
But he resisted that dependency impulse.
A woman capable departing so cavalierly – him left yearning her instead was simply too ironic.
Might as well brace onwards…these last days of autumn showers shall eventually pass too right?
Who could’ve expected this year’s drizzling stint extra prolonged though?! Heavens themselves seemingly grieving some tragedy refusing joyous sunny breaks liberation.
So period dragged on leaving him half dead life essence sapped.
A full eighty percent nights spent wide awake with remaining meager twenty percent light dozing at best only granted by pure physical depletion. Of course without proper nightly recharges attempt functioning normally business days proved equally hellish. It wasn’t as if the globe itself halted spins accommodating his plight. Affairs relentlessly churned apace.
Perpetual insomnia plus sleep deprived exhaustion through every sunrise yet still adamantly powering on handling responsibilities till limits got pushed nearing crashes.
Feeling one added straw might just utterly crush his spinal tenacity.
Now what do?
Internally he knew clearly – right now foremost need was just solid uninterrupted slumber.
Yet the sole woman capable granting it was one he resisted summoning over again.
He didn’t wish imposing himself on Xu Miyu further after her reassignment back to original post.
Refusing growing reliant on any female. Let alone one so filled with flaws beyond his standards lacking perfection. Although she certainly garnered less hatred from him compared to initial reactions he still maintained undercurrents of mild disdain.
He disdained how she trashed over half her life only commencing proper restarts at age thirty. He disdained how she’d unmanningly robbed him of prior sexual purity besmirching erstwhile perfection. Just thinking about their night raised endless vexation almost seeking outlet through fisticuffs! He disdained ways she isolated herself from society nearly six years, now utterly behind everything lacking basic common sense after attempts reintegrating workforce. Disdained her ignorance towards even personal competences. Fluencies in three languages yet she somehow felt only qualified functioning as menial hotel attendant?!
Disdained her…
He couldn’t even accurately number the reasons anymore!
Therefore he absolutely couldn’t slip accepting excessive reliance towards someone constantly raising private contempt counters within him right?
Some alternative solutions must exist! He survived fine enough all these years without her English tutelage gentle coaxing him nightly to dreams didn’t he?
Next day Ji Feng instructed Xue Rui selecting candidates from their company roster arranging English reading shifts.
He specially emphasized wanting ‘those capable droning passages akin religious chanting’.
Xue Rui obediently screened a few options nearly lulling himself to sleep during interviews from their potential soporific recital capacities.
He figured these guaranteed fulfilling Ji Feng’s conditions, definitely redeeming Manager’s insomnia dilemmas.
But when stationed loungeside attempting the same routines for Ji Feng none facilitated effective rest. On the contrary he simply grew increasingly tetchy.
“Stop. Everyone out first. Xue Rui here.”
Xue Rui promptly shuffled over.
“Can’t you see who you found plus what rubbish they’re reading?! I wanted those reminiscent sutra chanting monks yet what’s this?! Does listening in scrape your eardrums uncomfortably or what? Annoying enough tearing hair?!”
Xue Rui bitterly thought given options he’d currently prefer punching his superior instead!
How to achieve ‘sutra resemblance without sutra likeness’ from vague mystical nonsense instructions?! Expected properly executing deliverables from such paradoxical gibberish Boss?!
Ushering the awkward rejects away Ji Feng leaned against broad windowside recliner, dark eye circles etched under hard stare boring holes through the glass pane. He began pondering over what made that female reader so uniquely different inducing slumber where nobody else sufficed…
Mulling eventually brought realization it was less word choices but her entire demeanor and quaint engagement rhythm.
Xu Miyu’s gentle voice, leisurely pacing, even the occasionally flawed pronunciations went uncorrected by him. He simply wished continuing hearing that soothing almost monochrome audio tale endlessly unraveling. Such atmosphere naturally secured rapid REM embrace.
Comparatively others jarred his auditory senses instantly pinpointing diction issues, droning tones or misplaced accents…he endured sheer audio torment listening in!
Clearly still required her exclusive narration services providing him English sleep accompaniment?
A touch resigned Ji Feng swallowed this conclusion.
Then without further wrestling or rebelling he summoned Xue Rui over issuing instructions: “Go administrative floor help me run an errand.”
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