"Let's get this straight: once the marriage contract is signed, you are not to interfere in my private life unless it involves the Yao Family. That includes who I see or spend time with," Xu Wuyan said.
"As if anyone would want you," Yao Can scoffed.
"That's not for you to worry about. Just remember to pay my salary on time so I can afford to take a girlfriend out. What's the point of going to college if you don't date?" Xu Wuyan replied confidently.
"Do whatever you want, as long as you don't cause me any trouble." Yao Can didn't pursue the topic. She stood up, ready to leave.
"Hey, hey! Where are you going? What’s the plan for me?"
...
Xu Wuyan was relieved that Yao Can hadn't gone back on her word; she really had solved his housing problem. However, his face turned green the moment he stepped into a room decorated in garish, girly colors.
"I’m not actually staying here, am I?"
"Where else? What, are you shy?" Yao Can’s lips curled into a playful smirk as she watched the flustered man, clearly relishing his discomfort.
"Good thing I’m already eighteen, or this would be a crime."
"You really are shameless. You didn't think I'd let you live here for free, did you?"
"I understand. There are rules for cohabitation, I'm sure. Lay them out; I can take it."
Xu Wuyan felt a bit uneasy. Even though he had lived through a lifetime before, he was a virgin, and this was his first time being this close to a woman—especially an elegant, high-status one.
The accommodation Yao Can had arranged was simple: she had brought him straight to her home. It wasn't large—a two-bedroom apartment—likely a place she kept outside of the Yao Family's sphere. The place was filled with traces of her life, and every detail made him feel out of place.
"If we're going to put on a show, we have to make it convincing. At the very least, they need to believe I’m keeping a man hidden away, or they won’t buy it."
"I'll tidy up this room for you to stay in. I won’t charge you rent, but you'll have to pay for the use of anything in the house. That’s fair, right?" Yao Can said bluntly.
"Pay? Pay for what?"
"Usage fees. You’ll be using my bed, my bathroom, and so on. Plus, your presence here will cause me a lot of inconvenience, so there’s a mental damages fee as well. I won't charge much—eight hundred yuan a month, deducted from your salary."
"Hell, you really are a sharp one, aren't you? Isn't that just rent?"
"Think what you want. I'm hungry; go clean up and get to cooking."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the live-in son-in-law. It's your duty, as per the contract. Or I could just deduct it from your wages."
Yao Can looked smug, unfazed, with a faint smile that seemed to say, *What are you going to do about it?*
Xu Wuyan felt a headache coming on. He felt like he had fallen into a trap. There wasn't much to clean, so he just looked around. He wasn't picky about living conditions—as long as there was a roof over his head, he was fine. His real challenge was how to avoid making mistakes while living with a woman like her. After all, he was still just a man.
He kept reminding himself: she is your boss. The person who signs your paycheck.
He dropped his bag and turned to walk out of the room. In the living room, Yao Can was already curled up on the sofa, snacking away while watching a dramatic soap opera on TV. She acted as if he weren't even there, showing no anxiety or awkwardness at having a man in her home. After a quick glance in his direction, she called out toward the kitchen.
"You're in charge of buying whatever the kitchen needs. I don't usually cook, so if you don't know how, just order takeout."
"You really don't treat me like an outsider. Aren't you worried I might be a bad guy?" Xu Wuyan asked, amused. He walked over and sat on the edge of the sofa.
"Hmm..." Yao Can paused, then added, "I’ve received the report on your background from a friend. Do you want to see it?"
"That fast?" Xu Wuyan was surprised.
"Of course. Why else would I feel safe bringing a man into my home? Did you think I was just reckless?"
"So, does that mean I passed your background check?"
"To be honest? No. Your identity is very suspicious, but I don't want to dig deeper. Everyone has their secrets."
"I don't know what you mean."
Yao Can gave him a deep, penetrating look, her sharp eyes seemingly trying to see right through him. It made him feel guilty. Had she actually found something out?
"It doesn't matter. Your background is sufficient to satisfy the old fogies on the Board of Directors. I’ll draft the contract as soon as possible so you can stop worrying. Your salary will be paid as usual."
Xu Wuyan nodded. Clearly, Yao Can wasn't prepared to reveal what she knew about his background. If he pushed to see the report, it would only raise more suspicion, so he let it go. It was a shame, though—he’d forgotten to ask about the origins of this identity when he’d been running away. Other than the information on his ID card, he knew nothing about who he was.
"I'm going to buy groceries, then. Rest well, boss. I'll make sweet and sour pork for lunch."
He stood up, but as he reached the door, he turned back, looking embarrassed. "You should probably change your pajamas. I know it's hot, but... they're a bit much."
He quickly opened the door and fled, fighting the urge to let out a nosebleed. Behind him, Yao Can’s furious voice echoed through the apartment.
"Xu Wuyan, you dirty pervert! Get out of here!"
Standing outside, his heart was still racing. Yao Can had those classic long legs, a perfect figure, and a face like a celebrity's. Perhaps because she lived alone, her pajamas were somewhat suggestive. The moment he’d walked out, he’d nearly had a nosebleed. Her cleavage had been—well, it had been hard to miss.