Chapter 21: Going Immediately

On the third-floor room, the shadow cast was that of Mr. Duan. Su Nuo didn’t need to look to know the expression on his face—cold, mocking, with a hint of menace. He had already told her the truth of the matter; what else could she say? Meeting Duan Yubai’s white gaze, she dared not speak. This man had never believed her from the start, wishing only for her to leave the Duan family as soon as possible. How could he possibly trust her words? Even if she told the truth, Duan Yubai would think she was just being fickle, playing a new trick to gain sympathy.

Her eyes flicked past Duan Yubai’s shoulder, catching sight of Mo Xiaoxue, who had rushed out. Mo Xiaoxue, holding a coat, smiled brightly as she draped it over Duan Yubai. “President Duan, it’s cold tonight; be careful not to catch a chill.” Feeling warmth on his shoulder, Duan Yubai instinctively turned to meet Mo Xiaoxue’s gentle smile.

“So late, why aren’t you sleeping? You’ll have trouble falling asleep again.” Duan Yubai placed the coat on Mo Xiaoxue’s shoulders. The two walked side by side toward the villa, no one casting another glance at Su Nuo. Mo Xiaoxue subtly glanced back, then arched her brow provocatively. Seeing Su Nuo’s dull expression, she sneered inwardly. How could she forget that Su Nuo was now a tamed dog, toothless and utterly meaningless.

Following her gaze, Duan Yubai turned his head. “Still waiting for me to invite you in?” “Yes!” Su Nuo trembled slightly, then hurried to follow. Mo Xiaoxue frowned slightly. Could it be that Duan Yubai actually had feelings for Su Nuo? But hadn’t he said he despised her most of all? Thinking of Duan Yubai’s earlier words telling Su Nuo to return to her room, she narrowed her eyes and let out a soft laugh.

“President Duan, don’t be so angry; Miss Su might get scared.” “Scared? What is there to be afraid of?” Duan Yubai spoke coldly. “If you’re going to pretend, then pretend thoroughly. The Duan family does not keep idlers; the storage room of the Duan family isn’t a place for freeloaders. You should do something.” He turned and fixed his gaze on Su Nuo.

Su Nuo asked softly, “What do you want me to do?” “Hmph, what can you do?” Duan Yubai snorted coldly. Suddenly Mo Xiaoxue spoke up, “Miss Su wants to wear a maid’s uniform? Then perhaps she can help clean the house or cook?” She gently tugged on Duan Yubai’s sleeve. “President Duan, didn’t Miss Su often bring you meals before? She ought to know how to cook, right?”

Duan Yubai hummed in response. He neither agreed nor disagreed, instead turning and going upstairs. Mo Xiaoxue shook her head helplessly. “Miss Su, you’ll be a bother from now on. I want bird’s nest soup in the morning, so soak it early—understood?” “Got it, got it.” Su Nuo nodded repeatedly, and Mo Xiaoxue finally went upstairs satisfied.

Su Nuo dared not sleep the entire day, waking nearly every hour. At three in the morning, she carefully got up to soak the bird’s nest. After what had happened the day before, no servant dared to make things difficult for her when they saw her cooking. Yet no one wanted to help either. Sister Cui had made a fool of herself yesterday and was almost fired, so she was even more resentful.

“Oh, Miss is really enthusiastic, getting up so early to cook?” Sister Cui bumped into Su Nuo hard as she approached. Su Nuo quickly shielded the bird’s nest but still did not dare to retort. “Hmph, let’s see how long you can keep this up!” Sister Cui wanted to tease her further but was immediately stopped by others.

“Enough, enough, why bother being like her?” “She’s a lady, not someone we can look up to.” “If she likes cooking, then let her. Today we all have the day off.” They exchanged glances and actually returned to their rooms, leaving Su Nuo alone. Sniffling, Su Nuo forced down the bitterness in her heart. She knew Duan Yubai would soon wake and want coffee.

She began brewing coffee while simmering the bird’s nest and preparing breakfast. Suddenly, the boiling pot of bird’s nest slipped and scalded the back of her hand. She clenched back tears but dared not drop the pot. “Careful!” Chi Ling’s voice rang out, and a large hand took the pot from her. Su Nuo finally exhaled in relief. Without a word, Chi Ling grabbed her hand and ran it under cold water.

Tears welled in Su Nuo’s eyes, but she remained silent, biting her lip hard. The back of her hand was bright red, with small blisters forming. “You’ll need medicine later; rinse it yourself for now.” Chi Ling patted her shoulder and quickly left the kitchen.

Su Nuo stood dazed by the sink, letting cold water wash over her hand. She had experienced burns before, the black scar on the inside of her thigh a testament. Scalding water poured over, followed by a searing, heart-wrenching pain. The skin there was the most tender and sensitive. The more she tried to scream, the more excited the people filming became.

“What are you standing there for? Tap water is free, you know?” Duan Yubai’s voice sounded, and Su Nuo quickly turned off the tap. “Sorry.” Duan Yubai clicked his tongue and looked at the coffee machine. “Su Nuo, is this the coffee you made?” Su Nuo suddenly remembered the coffee machine hadn’t even started. She gritted her teeth against the pain and got the coffee brewing.

When Duan Yubai came downstairs, the other servants hurried over to help. Su Nuo had almost finished most of the work; the others only needed to bring the dishes out. The Duan family sat down happily to eat breakfast. Mo Xiaoxue smiled and said, “Miss Su, join us. Thank you for preparing breakfast.”

“No, no need.” Su Nuo shook her head repeatedly. Seeing Su Nuo’s frequent vomiting during meals, Mr. Duan took off his glasses and slammed them on the table. “If you don’t want to, then don’t. We’ll eat.” Mrs. Duan wanted to say something but could only sigh, knowing how Su Nuo looked.

“Then later, Xiao Nuo can eat with Sister Cui and the others.” Sister Cui quickly agreed, “We’ll go clean the house now.” While the Duan family ate, the servants busied themselves. After the family left for work, the servants only had twenty minutes to eat.

Su Nuo stood there, a little lost. By then, Chi Ling had bought burn ointment and frowned at the redness on Su Nuo’s hand. Such a serious burn—did no one in the Duan family notice? Just as he was about to speak, Mo Xiaoxue looked a bit embarrassed and turned to Su Nuo.

“Since you want to help with the housework, you might not do everything well, but why not help me tidy my room?” She stared intently at Su Nuo, a hint of warning in her eyes. Su Nuo nodded vigorously. “Yes, I’ll go right away.” Saying that, she really turned and went upstairs.

Mo Xiaoxue sighed lightly, “Miss Su really hates eating with us. I wonder how long she plans to keep this up.”