Chapter 33: The Young Housekeeper

Seeing that Lin Chen did not seem truly angry, Bai Lan breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing his teasing, she felt a bit shy, but still retorted, "I’m not stupid. I can tell what most men want the moment I look into their eyes. Most of them approach me with ill intentions, and I don't even have to think to know the sordid thoughts in their minds. But you’re different, Brother Lin Chen. From the first time we met until now, there hasn't been that kind of filth in your eyes, and you’ve been helping me all along."

A flash of surprise crossed Lin Chen’s face, but it quickly faded into understanding. Having struggled to survive in society from a young age, Bai Lan, though innocent, had seen all sorts of people. It would be impossible to say she lacked any discernment. However, she was not exactly mature either; if she encountered a man skilled at deception, she would likely be easily misled.

With Bai Lan leading the way, they soon arrived at her place. Once she had packed her belongings, Lin Chen hailed a taxi and brought her back to his own residence at Liantang Village Apartments.

Lin Chen carried her few belongings while Bai Lan followed closely behind. Whenever they passed residents of the complex, Bai Lan would offer a shy, polite smile, terrified of leaving a bad impression. She was truly a girl who lived her life with extreme caution.

Finally reaching his small rented room, Lin Chen opened the door and stepped inside. "It’s a bit small here. Tomorrow, we’ll look for a new place and see if there are any suitable apartments nearby. For tonight, we’ll just have to make do. Come on in, why are you standing at the door?"

Bai Lan was curiously eyeing the small room. Hearing his words, she nodded and stepped inside, looking somewhat awkward. Seeing that there was only one bed, her face flushed crimson, and she stammered, "Brother Lin Chen, is there... is there only one bed here?"

Seeing her reaction, Lin Chen laughed. "What kind of crazy thoughts are running through your little head? I’ll sleep on the floor tonight, and you take the bed. Don't even start with the 'I'll sleep on the floor' nonsense. You're just a little girl, stop overthinking things."

Bai Lan pouted, "I'm an adult, I'm eighteen! I'm not little. You only look about three or four years older than me, Brother Lin Chen."

After being teased by Lin Chen, Bai Lan’s initial nervousness began to dissipate. She wandered around the room, filled with curiosity. Lin Chen couldn't help but chuckle; he caught a glimpse of his own mother in her—that familiar aura of a homemaker.

He watched as Bai Lan crouched down to inspect several spots, then picked up a broom from the doorway of the bathroom to sweep those areas. Once done, she grabbed a rag and started cleaning. Lin Chen was left speechless and bemused; he hadn't hired her as a housekeeper, after all.

"Why do you look like a maid? Just so we’re clear, I won’t be paying you any wages," Lin Chen teased.

Bai Lan smiled at him adorably but didn't reply, continuing to wipe down the computer desk as if it were her job. In her eyes, Lin Chen had saved her from bad men today and was even going to treat her illness; she couldn't find a way to repay him, so she felt she had to be diligent. If she didn't do anything, she would feel very uncomfortable.

Lin Chen smiled and stopped bothering her. Having a girl cleaning in the room actually felt quite nice—it brought a sense of warmth. He sat in the only chair, turned on his old desktop computer with its third-generation Celeron CPU, and began checking for available rentals nearby.

As evening fell, Lin Chen took Bai Lan downstairs for dinner, after which he began her treatment. Bai Lan lay prone on the bed while Lin Chen sat beside her to perform acupuncture. With every silver needle he inserted, he used a peculiar technique to twist it. Bai Lan felt a warm, flowing sensation traveling through her body, which was incredibly soothing. After about ten minutes, dozens of silver needles were embedded in her back. By then, Bai Lan was drenched in a light sweat.

Lin Chen smiled and asked, "How does your body feel now, kid?"

Bai Lan lifted her flushed face and replied, "I feel so warm. When you twisted the needles, it felt especially comfortable, like a stream of energy was drilling into my body and flowing through me."

After a brief exchange, Lin Chen removed the needles. Once the treatment was over, the drenched Bai Lan took her fresh clothes to shower. At that moment, Lin Chen’s phone buzzed with a text message notification: his bank account had received 30,000 yuan.

A look of confusion crossed Lin Chen's face. He had no idea why he had suddenly received 30,000 yuan. Could someone have sent it to the wrong account? But then he dismissed that thought—it seemed impossible. So, who could have sent it?

Suddenly, his phone rang. He answered, "Sister Xixi, I just received 30,000 yuan. Did you send this to me?"

Su Xiran’s gentle voice came from the other end. "Yes, I sent it. You have no idea what your situation is right now; you quit your job, and it seems you have no plans to find another one. I don't know what you're thinking. I figured you must be short on money, so I sent you some. Don't worry about when you'll pay me back; I don't really spend much money anyway. Just remember to take care of yourself and don't go hungry."

Lin Chen fell silent, his heart swelling with emotion. He knew that although Su Xiran earned a decent income every month, she had to send the vast majority of it home to her family. She didn't have much for herself, and these 30,000 yuan were likely all her savings.

Su Xiran didn't know he had inherited a legacy, nor did she know why he had stopped working. Yet, simply because she was worried he wouldn't have money to spend, she had sent him everything she had. He felt an extraordinary sense of gratitude toward this beautiful sister, who was like a guardian angel in his life, along with a special kind of affection.