"Feels like Little Huan might quit soon, huh."
Saturday night, South District, inside the Nursery Rhy Pub.
Tian Li, dressed in bartender attire, was arranging tables and chairs. Suddenly, he said this to his girlfriend Guan Rong, who was also working part-ti there.
"Huh? Why do you say that?"
"I live pretty close to Little Huan’s place. Rember how I left halfway through yesterday to pick up my group report?"
"Mhm, and then?"
"On the way back, I saw Little Huan bringing an older relative and his sister to visit his ho. He called that relative ‘Auntie,’ and she seed pretty wealthy."
Guan Rong paused, recalling sothing. "Oh yeah, Little Huan didn’t show up for work yesterday either… But how do you know she’s rich?"
"The car! You know I’m into cars, right? The one that dropped them off was a Zhu Long 3, from the Longqi series. Starry Black, base model alone costs over a million."
Guan Rong didn’t know much about cars—only a few well-known logos. But hearing the price, she still covered her mouth in shock.
"What? But Little Huan grew up in the South District, didn’t he? Never heard him ntion any wealthy relatives before."
"Who knows? Maybe they ca from his family back in the Dragon Empire."
"Wow, that’s great... But it doesn’t an he’ll definitely quit, right?"
"If I had money, I wouldn’t work anymore either, okay? Working is for making money, not for the fun of it."
Tian Li finished setting the tables and chairs, sighing as he added, "Besides, isn’t Little Huan busy enough already? He’s the Student Council President, has great grades, and juggles council duties, studying, and working to make ends et. If he could take a break, why wouldn’t he?"
"True enough."
After a brief exchange of sentints, Tian Li and Guan Rong continued their tasks—moving tables and wiping surfaces.
As Guan Rong headed back to the store to wash a cloth, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Tong Yingying leaning against the doorway, lighting a cigarette.
"Tong Jie? When did you get there?!"
"Just now."
"Oh, okay. I’m off to wash this."
"Mhm."
Tong Yingying gave her a glance, her face thoughtful but still bearing that perpetually dejected look. Her long legs, wrapped in blue jeans, swung idly, reflecting her mood.
Tian Li returned to the bar while Tong Yingying didn’t go back inside. Instead, she sat on a chair outside, pulled out her phone, and glanced at the ti. It was around the hour Yan Huan usually ca in for his weekend shift.
Opening Plane, she checked their chat.
The last ssage was still his earlier "speechless" emoji.
Would his next ssage be a resignation?
"Tong Jie, I don’t want to do this anymore. Goodbye~"
It’d be sothing like that, right?
Well, if he left, that’d be fine too.
No one would care if she smoked, drank, or ignored the clock anymore. Freedom sounded nice, didn’t it?
Tong Yingying stubbed out her cigarette in an ashtray but quickly lit another. Yet, the rising smoke only fueled her agitation, making it impossible to calm down.
"Tch..."
She bit her lip and gazed at the bustling street outside. Groups of people passed by, and the sight irritated her further.
Dingdong~
Her phone buzzed suddenly, and it wasn’t the usual notification sound—it was a Plane ssage!
Tong Yingying froze slightly, hesitating to flip the phone over.
Was it Yan Huan?
He hadn’t arrived yet at this hour… Could it be another request for leave?
But yesterday, he didn’t even notify her through Plane. Instead, he quietly took his rich aunt to visit his ho...
Yesterday, Tong Yingying thought maybe he was mad because she wasn’t gentle enough while chatting with him.
She had only asked about his rest habits out of concern, but her tone was far from kind.
Always like this, with no positive response, anyone would get disheartened eventually, wouldn’t they?
Even Tong Yingying herself hadn’t realized she was already gentle enough to Yan Huan. It was just her personality, incapable of openly expressing her feelings. It only showed in small details.
Could it be possible that this ssage wasn’t about taking leave at all?
But...
"Feels like Little Huan might quit soon, huh."
Tian Li’s words echoed in her ears like thunder, paralyzing her hand on the phone.
"‘Tong Jie, I don’t want to do this anymore. Goodbye~’"
Would flipping it over reveal a ssage like that?
And then, if she sent a reply asking "why," wouldn’t she just look like a clown?
The only response would probably be a red exclamation mark:
"Yan Huan has turned on friend verification. You’re not their friend yet. Please send a verification request..."
!!
Tong Yingying’s jaw slackened, and the cigarette in her mouth dropped onto the table.
Her already dispirited eyes widened slightly as she stared at the burning cigarette on the table.
For a mont, she felt like it wasn’t the tobacco burning but herself.
After a brief silence, she stubbed out the cigarette firmly in the ashtray.
Forget it!
If it’s going to rain, let it rain. If soone’s going to leave, let them go.
It’s just a Plane ssage. She had road the world for so many years—why would a high schooler leaving her life leave her flustered?
Sure, he was good-looking, kind, lively, and pleasant to be around, even making her feel healthier and younger...
But he was just a high schooler. She didn’t care!
Resolving herself, Tong Yingying leaned back in her chair, putting as much distance between her head and the phone as possible.
Carefully, she tilted the phone slightly to peek at the screen, as if checking a poker hand.
What kind of ssage was it?
What had Yan Huan sent?
In this mont, the two questions were one and the sa.
So, let’s see!
Tong Yingying gritted her teeth and unlocked the screen.
Then, she looked at the ssage—
Li Xiui (Mom): "I told you to find a partner. When are you going to give
a straight answer?! Do you want to drive your dad and
crazy?!"
Tong Yingying froze for a mont, then her face darkened, veins bulging on her forehead.
Grabbing her phone, she opened her mom’s chat.
This ti, she didn’t type but pressed the voice button directly.
Taking a deep breath, she was about to unleash the essence of her native tongue!
"I swear to fu—"
"Tong Jie?"
Her teeth-gritted tirade was abruptly cut off by a male voice.
The spell was broken. Tong Yingying’s gaze quivered as she looked up, spotting the handso young man holding a bottle of yogurt drink.
Dressed in a casual white long-sleeve shirt that made his broad shoulders stand out, Yan Huan’s slightly overgrown hair added a scholarly charm to his appearance.
"Arguing with your aunt again?"
"Ah… no, I…"
Tong Yingying was montarily stunned, loosening her grip. She didn’t notice her finger was still pressing the voice button.
A ten-second voice ssage was sent, but Tong Yingying’s attention had already been diverted by Yan Huan.
She put her phone down, irritably scratching the back of her head while glancing at the ashtray.
Indeed, her promises to quit smoking and drinking were all lies.
"Sothing ca up at ho yesterday. I forgot to ask for leave, Tong Jie."
Tong Yingying opened her mouth as if to say or ask sothing, but nothing ca out in the end.
"…It’s fine. Go change."
That was her only response.
Not even ntioning docking his pay?
Yan Huan raised a curious brow.
Well, if the boss didn’t bring it up, neither would he. Never let an advantage go to waste.
He nodded and headed inside to change.
Behind him, Tong Yingying’s half-lifeless gaze lingered on him.
She felt puzzled.
If what Tian Li said was true, and Yan Huan really had a wealthy aunt, would he still co to work?
His deanor didn’t seem like soone who’d just been financially supported...
Could it be that Tian Li misunderstood?
As the thought crossed her mind, a flicker of clarity returned to Tong Yingying’s dim eyes.
Ah, what a predicant.
This hardworking, struggling high school boy... looks like it’s up to , his generous and gorgeous boss, to take care of him~
"Yo, Little Huan, you’re here for work?"
"Why wouldn’t I be, Brother Li?"
Inside, Guan Rong chuckled. "Tian Li said he saw your aunt yesterday. Said she drives a super expensive car."
"Right? Zhu Long 3! I’m a combustion engine guy and not into electric cars, but I’ve seen reviews. That car’s no joke. I didn’t missee it yesterday, did I?"
Tian Li, you definitely mis-saw it.
Following Yan Huan inside, Tong Yingying’s dejected eyes carried that certainty unmistakably.
Yan Huan smiled faintly at Tian Li’s remark and replied,
"So you were around yesterday, Brother Li? I didn’t even notice you, and you didn’t co over to say hi either."
"Huh?"
Tong Yingying blinked in surprise.
"Oh, I was just passing by. I was pretty far away. You guys went straight upstairs after getting out of the car, didn’t even get the chance," Tian Li explained, shrugging.
Without saying more, Yan Huan headed inside to change.
Tian Li had wanted to ask when Yan Huan planned to quit, but seeing Tong Yingying’s blank, expressionless face as she walked in, he quickly reconsidered.
"..."
His survival instincts warned him against pursuing the topic. Instead, he forced a sheepish smile as Tong Yingying approached him.
She gestured with a crook of her finger and said, "Hand
that unfinished bottle of Highland Queen."
Highland Queen—a whiskey.
"Sure thing, Tong Jie."
Tian Li handed her the bottle along with a glass filled with ice, his movents practiced and smooth.
With her drink in hand, Tong Yingying retreated to her usual corner by the back door.
Glug, glug~
The amber liquid tinted the ice as she poured. Not much—there was a distinction between savoring a drink and drowning in it.
She took a small sip, rested her chin on her hand, and gazed around the pub.
Yan Huan erged in his work attire, and the number of custors began to grow.
Truth be told, Tian Li’s bartending skills were passable—diocre at best for soone self-taught. Tong Yingying’s skills were far superior, though she rarely made drinks herself.
The pub’s popularity owed itself to two key factors:
First, its location. Situated on a bustling street, it naturally attracted more custors than more obscure spots.
Second, its tasteful décor. A classy, cozy pub that stood out starkly in the gritty South District.
For a quiet drink, it was the best choice in the area.
The first factor was thanks to Tong Yingying’s foresight in buying the storefront. The second was credited to Yan Huan, whose knack for ideas while tipsy had earned him the nickna "Alcohol-Fueled Genius."
When planning the pub’s opening, Tong Yingying had initially intended to run it as a bare-bones dive. It was Yan Huan, during his job interview, who persuaded her to invest in renovations.
Yes, Yan Huan had been her first hire. Tian Li and Guan Rong joined later.
One could say that everything about "Nursery Rhy" had been built piece by piece through discussions between Tong Yingying and Yan Huan.
Their relationship was casual, and Tong Yingying’s pay was generous.
Working 28 hours a week, Yan Huan wasn’t paid hourly like most; instead, Tong Yingying offered a monthly salary.
200 yuan per day. For a full week’s 28 hours, she paid 1,400 yuan, along with holiday bonuses and red envelopes.
As Yan Huan always said, Tong Yingying was indeed generous.
"But no matter how generous, the kid must be exhausted, right?"
Tong Yingying thought, watching Yan Huan’s back as he worked.
Sure, having him around was pleasing to the eye and even made her feel healthier and more energetic—perhaps extending her lifespan.
But expecting him to keep pushing himself just for her benefit? That felt selfish.
She poured herself another drink, exhaling deeply.
She had so savings—maybe she could imitate his aunt and simply give him money so he wouldn’t need to work anymore.
But under what pretense?
His aunt was family. What was she to him?
Wouldn’t it feel like outright... keeping him?
Not that Tong Yingying minded, but for Yan Huan, that might feel like a slap in the face.
Stripping him of his right to strive for success with a pile of cash...
Too cruel.
Dingdong~
Her phone buzzed again, a Plane ssage.
She glanced at it—another text from her mother.
"Yo, keeping secrets, huh? That boy’s voice was nice. Sounded young, too. When did you start seeing him?"
Tong Yingying sighed and typed back with one hand:
"No way, don’t start rumors. We’re not dating."
"Who are you fooling? The way you talk to him isn’t how you talk to us. Are you two-faced or what?"
"That’s because you guys are annoying."
"Sure, we’re annoying. Honestly, having char siu would’ve been better than having you!"
Tch...
Tong Yingying couldn’t be bothered to reply. She poured herself another drink instead.
But Li Xiui wasn’t done yet:
"You’ve been independent since you were little, going to Linn for school on your own when the family couldn’t afford to help much.
We’re not pressuring you to marry; it’s just every ti we see you on video calls, you look tired. We worry.
Do you make soups? Eat properly?
Plane tickets to Linn are expensive, and we rarely see you, so we just hope soone there can look after you.
If that young man is a good match, treat him well. Don’t take out your bad temper on him. Be sincere, okay?"
Tong Yingying didn’t reply.
For once, it wasn’t out of indifference but genuine loss for words.
How could she tell her parents she was involved in Linn’s underworld? They’d lose sleep for days.
"Got it."
She sent the terse reply, finished her drink in one gulp, and reached for the bottle to pour another.
A hand stopped her mid-pour.
"..."
She didn’t need to look up to know who it was. Not many would dare.
"Tong Jie, I already knew your claims about quitting smoking and drinking were BS, but isn’t it getting worse?"
Tong Yingying rested her chin on her hand and turned toward Yan Huan.
"Mmhm?"
"Didn’t I tell you before? The more you drink out of frustration over your parents nagging you to marry, the more they’ll nag you."
Tong Yingying stared at Yan Huan in silence for a mont, then gestured toward the seat across from her.
"Sit. I need to talk to you."
Yan Huan hesitated, glancing at the busy pub.
"The shop’s busy."
"It’s fine. Sit."
After a mont’s thought, Yan Huan obliged, taking a seat across from her.
"So, what is it?"
"Is what Tian Li said true?"
"It is."
No need to hide it—it wasn’t sothing to downplay.
Tong Yingying swirled her whiskey without drinking it.
"You’ve lived in the South District for years. Why is it your aunt suddenly shows up now?"
"It’s complicated. Just..."
"Careful she doesn’t steal your kidney~"
Her words made Yan Huan sweat nervously.
"N-no, she’s wealthy. Why would—"
"The wealthier they are, the more likely. Offering sweet gestures, then using you for spare organs to save their own kids. Happens all the ti."
"..."
"Next thing you know, you wake up missing a kidney, lying on a surgical table with no one to bla but yourself. Oh, poor Yan Huan, don’t get scamd~"
"What kind of movie plot is that?"
"Movies are inspired by reality. Everyone knows that."
Yan Huan sighed, seeing her half-joking, half-serious deanor. He stroked his chin in mock thought.
"Hm, if that’s the case, I guess I should worry..."
"Right?"
"So what do you suggest, Tong Jie? I’m young and inexperienced—I’ll take your advice."
"I’ve got an idea."
Tong Yingying’s eyes lit up as she leaned in, raising a finger as if unveiling a grand plan.
Then she saw Yan Huan’s calm, knowing expression.
"..."
"..."
They stared at each other until Tong Yingying’s confident smirk faltered.
Busted.
"Well? What’s your idea, Tong Jie?"
Sweating slightly, Tong Yingying avoided his gaze and muttered, "I... forgot."
"..."
Yan Huan sighed.
"Tong Jie, don’t tell
you don’t want
to leave?"
"Not at all."
Instant denial, though her gaze avoided him, fixed instead on the pub’s entrance.
Yeah, she totally did.
"Regardless, I don’t plan to quit anyti soon."
"!"
Though her gaze didn’t shift, her eyes flicked toward Yan Huan.
Taking a sip of her drink, she feigned indifference.
"Oh?"
"Auntie will help
financially, but I’ve been here so long. You helped
when tis were tough, Tong Jie. I can’t just leave. Plus, it’s so close to ho—just a few steps away."
"Oh..."
Her tone subtly shifted—an invitation to continue.
"That said, I may not work five full days a week anymore. I’ll stop by when I can. It’s not that exhausting, but having extra ti to do my own thing would be nice. You might want to hire another employee to help out."
"Oh."
This ti, her tone carried acceptance.
Tong Yingying bit the rim of her glass, finally turning her head to face Yan Huan.
Attachnt? To this shabby pub?
It couldn’t be.
Unless... did this kid actually like her?
She blinked, studying his handso features.
Flooded by mories of her mother’s words and her own thoughts, she opened her mouth to ask, "What did you an by ‘attachnt’ earlier?"
The slight fog on her glass added a haze to her view of Yan Huan.
It might as well have mirrored how she saw him in that mont.
"Oh, I ant the pub, of course. What else could it be?"
"..."
Montarily stunned, she set her glass down, the haze clearing to reveal his bright, playful smile.
"Huh?"
"Think about it, Tong Jie. Without , this pub might’ve closed ages ago. If I left, I’d hate to see a ‘For Sale’ sign outside in no ti."
"..."
"I’ve worked here over a year. It’s right by my place—I pass it daily. Watching it shut down would hurt, even if you don’t mind."
"..."
Tong Yingying’s listless eyes sharpened, narrowing with a murderous glint.
She took another sip, smiling sweetly.
But her hand disappeared into her jacket.
"And? Anything else to add?"
Yan Huan stood, calmly replying, "Yeah, I need to take tomorrow off. I’m going to Linn for a gaming convention with so classmates. Might eat dinner there, so I won’t make it back in ti."
"..."
She pulled out her stun baton as he casually glanced at the bustling pub.
"Better get back to work, Tong Jie."
Yan Huan turned and left, but Tong Yingying’s gaze lingered on his retreating figure.
Her lips twitched slightly before she called out, "Wait."
Without turning, Yan Huan sighed, "What now, Tong Jie?"
"Your salary stays the sa."
Surprised, Yan Huan turned to see her pouring another drink, red bangs shadowing her eyes. He couldn’t make out her expression, just her lips—soft and rosy.
"...Alright, Tong Jie."
He smiled faintly and returned to work, leaving Tong Yingying behind with flushed cheeks.
"..."
Perhaps it was the whiskey?
Highland Queen—what a drink.
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