Fu Xiaotang was on the late shift today. Since she changed her identity and name to work as a server at “Heaven on Earth,” she always did more work and spoke less, avoiding trouble and even staying away from the hustle. With Doris covering for her, the past two months had passed peacefully. Although not completely at peace, she felt much better. The past was like yesterday’s death to her, and she considered herself reborn. She intentionally worked hard to tire her body, making it easier to sleep; she could fall asleep quickly three or four days a week. However, when she went shopping with Xiao Tao during her breaks, seeing young mothers with their babies, she couldn’t help but rush over to touch their little hands and feet. The baby would smile at her, showing just two front teeth, and she would almost get lost in the moment until Xiao Tao hurriedly pulled her away.
“Xiao Tang, what are you thinking about?” The shift leader, Xiao He, called softly, nudging a tray, “Room 7.” Fu Xiaotang was startled, quickly regaining her composure, pressing down the slight pain in her chest, and gave Xiao He an apologetic smile before taking the tray to Room 7. Xiao He watched her with her head slightly bowed, her slender figure weaving through the crowd. This girl was introduced by Doris, diligent in her work, modest in her behavior, just not very talkative, like a gourd with a sealed mouth. Usually, when everyone was joking around, she would sit aside and laugh along, not drawing much attention even if she wasn’t particularly sociable. But once, he accidentally saw her in a corner of the warehouse, curled up, head buried in her arms, her body trembling slightly. He thought she was unwell, but when he approached, he heard a faint sobbing, realizing she was crying. He stood there, mesmerized, watching her for a long time. Since then, he started to take notice of her, feeling something missing if he didn’t see her frail figure.
Xin Peipei sat on the sofa, somewhat bored. Today’s guest was Mr. Zhao from Fengyuan Media, who had promoted her to the “Twelve Beauties.” Given her current hot status, she shouldn’t have to do such things, but she didn’t want people to say she forgot her benefactors after climbing the social ladder, especially when there were already too many envious eyes on her recent rise. The room was hot, with the hostesses surrounding Mr. Zhao, toasting to him. She sat to the side, holding her cup, just pretending, occasionally interjecting a few words to keep up appearances. Seeing Xin Peipei’s lukewarm attitude, Mr. Zhao’s face turned sour. With Xin Peipei’s charm, she could easily make Mr. Zhao laugh and be delighted with just a few words, but today she was somewhat distracted. Serving the unpredictable Young Master Cheng was too challenging. Everyone said Cheng Yu was bewitched by her, but she knew why Cheng Yu approached her. She always subconsciously imitated that person, but it seemed to have little effect. Today, she wore an expensive silk dress, her hair flowing down, looking very ladylike. However, Cheng Yu’s face darkened upon seeing her, and he threw her a cheap floral dress, telling her to change if she didn’t want to be kicked out next time. She couldn’t understand why; she remembered the most beautiful thing about that lady was her long, shimmering hair, and though her own wasn’t as good, it was still beautiful. But now, she had to cut it, reluctantly, not daring to ask why, and had no one to ask. She cut it, suppressing her frustration. Today, in the private room, her sisters were praising her new haircut: “Wow, Sister Peipei, your new haircut looks great.” “Sister Peipei is getting more and more beautiful!” “Of course, Sister Peipei wouldn’t be able to bewitch Young Master Yu otherwise.” She found these comments irritating.
Mr. Zhao, slightly drunk, pushed away the girl on his lap and grabbed Xin Peipei’s hand, “Peipei, I know I’m not good enough for you now, but your coming here today is giving me face, and I appreciate it. I know you’re the most loyal. If you still recognize me, drink this from my hand, and when you reach the status of ‘Four Beauties of Heaven,’ I’ll be happy for you!” Xin Peipei smiled sweetly and took the cup, “Oh, Mr. Zhao, my success today is thanks to everyone,” she said honeyed words, but didn’t touch the drink. Mr. Zhao’s face gradually darkened.
As they were stuck in this awkward moment, a server brought in drinks. One of the hostesses, friendly with Xin Peipei, leaned in and whispered, “Sister Peipei, this is the country bumpkin Doris brought in. She’s like a mother hen with her chicks. Last time I just asked her a simple question, and Doris came over like a storm, scolding me, saying I had no right to ask. She clearly doesn’t respect you!” Xin Peipei was already in a bad mood and had never gotten along with Doris. She was ready for a showdown in the dance competition. Seeing Fu Xiaotang’s mushroom haircut, she felt an inexplicable irritation. Without showing it, she subtly extended her foot. Fu Xiaotang, already distracted, tripped over it, falling forward, the bottle of wine in her hand smashing onto Mr. Zhao.
Chapter 44: Xin Peipei (Part 2)
Mr. Zhao felt a blur before his eyes as a shadow collided into him, followed by a cold, wet sensation around his waist. He instinctively pushed the person away, looking down to see a large wet stain, unfortunately right at his crotch, making it look like he had wet himself. His anger surged, and he cursed, “What the hell is this?” Xin Peipei’s lips curled into a smile, but she quickly frowned, exclaiming, “Oh my God, what is this?” She glanced at the mushroom-shaped hair on the floor, feeling a subtle thrill. “How could you be so careless, look what you’ve done to Mr. Zhao!” Fu Xiaotang slowly got up, bowing to Zhao Dongyuan, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it was my carelessness, let me compensate you for your trousers!”
Zhao Dongyuan looked at the person before him. Although she had her head bowed and was deeply bent over, she seemed composed, not at all flustered or embarrassed. He couldn’t help but snort coldly, then sat back on the sofa, laughing angrily, “Compensate? Can you afford it?” He glanced at Xin Peipei, who was watching the spectacle with glee, and remarked, “The people at ‘Heavenly Palace’ are getting more and more impressive, each one more temperamental than the last!”
At this moment, Xin Peipei took the initiative, leaning against Zhao Dongyuan, playfully patting his shoulder, and giggled, “Don’t be angry, Mr. Zhao, let me vent for you!” She raised her face, glaring at Fu Xiaotang, and scolded, “What are you standing there for? Come over and apologize! Mr. Zhao is very fond of the fairer sex; drink this bottle of wine, say some nice things, and it’ll be over.”
Zhao Dongyuan suddenly understood; Xin Peipei was after this mushroom head. He was annoyed that she was using him as a tool, but times had changed, and he couldn’t afford to fall out with her. He looked at Fu Xiaotang, whose features were somewhat obscured, yet her figure was quite graceful. Reflecting on her recent calm under his anger, he recalled the soft fragrance when she fell into his arms. Zhao Dongyuan slightly narrowed his eyes, his gaze falling on Fu Xiaotang’s pale, jade-like hands, and said coldly, “Did you hear that? Or do you expect me to invite you?”
Fu Xiaotang straightened her back and said flatly, “I’m sorry, it was my fault. I can compensate for the clothes, but I can’t drink.”
Xin Peipei didn’t wait for Zhao Dongyuan to speak, chiming in sharply, “Oh, quite the attitude, hasn’t Doris taught you that ‘the customer is God’? In ‘Heavenly Palace’, there’s nothing you can’t do!”
