Batter My Heart,Mr Xi (Book 2)

Chapter IX

Yang Zhilan woke up slowly, her eyes adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. She was enveloped in a sense of comfort, snuggled into the plushness of the bed.

She let out a contented sigh and burrowed deeper into the covers, relishing the rare feeling of relaxation.

As she lay there, the memories of the previous day flashed before her eyes. The events played out like a movie reel, and suddenly she gasped, sitting up abruptly.

Her surroundings looked unfamiliar-it wasn't her own home but Mr Xi's place. A groan escaped her lips as she stretched her tired muscles, her mind failing to recall how she ended up here.

With a yawn, Yang Zhilan finally swung her legs over the edge of the bed and got up. She made her way to the bathroom, still clad in the clothes her boss had gotten for her the evening before. She splashed cold water on her face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she contemplated her appearance, her long hair cascading down her back. A thought crossed her mind-should she cut it?

The weight of her job had been taking a toll on her. However, after a moment of consideration, she decided against it. She tied her hair into a high ponytail.

Leaving the bathroom, Yang Zhilan entered the living room and noticed the house help diligently cleaning the house. "Good morning," she mumbled groggily, sinking onto a plush sofa.

"Good morning, Miss Yang. Had a good rest?" the house help inquired, her tone filled with genuine concern.

"Mm," Yang Zhilan replied nonchalantly, her mind still preoccupied with the events of the day before and waking up in her boss's house.

"Where is Mr. Xi?" she asked, realizing it was already 7 in the morning and she had to be at work in an hour.

"He left earlier. Had some urgent work at the company," the house help responded, continuing her cleaning duties.

"Oh," Yang Zhilan couldn't help but feel a hint of disappointment. Some irrational part of her had envisioned a cliché drama scene - her powerful CEO boss chivalrously driving his devoted employee to work, dropping her off discreetly to avoid office gossip. She flushed, mortified her silly romantic fantasy had manifested on her face.

"Okay then. See you," Yang Zhilan said, turning to head back to the room to gather her belongings and leave. She hadn't even had a chance to thank her boss for letting her stay the night.

"Wait, Miss Yang!" The housekeeper gestured to the dining table. "Mr. Xi missed breakfast. Why don't you have it instead of letting it go to waste?"

Yang Zhilan's stomach rumbled at the sight of the mouthwatering spread. "Really? Are you sure?" She bit her lip, hesitant yet tempted.

The housekeeper chuckled. "Of course! Can't have good food going to waste."

Gratefully, Yang Zhilan made her way to the dining table and eagerly started to indulge in the delicious spread before her.

The food tasted just as good as it looked, satisfying her hunger and lifting her spirits.

Once she was finished, she thanked the house help sincerely and gathered her belongings. She still had to make a pit stop at home to pick out fresh clothes for work.

"Goodbye, Auntie. Thanks for the meal again," Yang Zhilan hurriedly said, rushing out of the door.

"Wait, wait, wait, Miss Yang," the house help called after her, catching her attention. The housekeeper pressed a thermos into her hands. "Please give this to Mr. Xi when you see him. He forgot to eat, and with his grandmother hospitalized, someone needs to look after him."