Chapter Twelve: A Narrow Mind Breeds a Narrow Heart

As expected, the matter Qi Yufei wanted to discuss was completely beyond Long Fei’s expectations, yet it left him feeling somewhat disappointed. In truth, she simply didn’t want outsiders to overhear the way Long Fei addressed her. Her skin was too thin—she couldn’t bear the curious looks of others. So, even though she liked being called “sister” by Long Fei, she still changed her mind in the end.

Who was it that once said a woman’s words from her lips are never as honest as those from her heart? Although Long Fei hadn’t yet had the chance to compare Qi Yufei’s two “mouths,” he found himself sincerely admiring whoever first uttered those words. Truly a warning for the ages—better to believe there are ghosts in the world than to trust the words of a woman!

“You know you’re our bodyguard now. If others hear you calling me that, it won’t look good, right? No, no, Long Fei, I didn’t mean anything else! Even though you’re our bodyguard, we won’t treat you as an outsider!” Seeing a trace of displeasure in Long Fei’s eyes, Qi Yufei hurried to explain.

Long Fei understood Qi Yufei’s real intention was simply to remind him of his position as a bodyguard, so he wasn’t truly angry. He smiled, “All right, whatever you say goes. I’ll do as you wish!”

Damn, that sounded problematic too—easy to be misunderstood.

Long Fei wanted to say more but had to stop himself, so he suggested, “Why don’t I drive? Otherwise, if your daughter sees us when we get back, she’ll make things difficult for me again. I’m the bodyguard, so I should also do the driving!”

Qi Yufei hesitated but actually agreed to his suggestion. However, to Long Fei’s surprise, she didn’t sit beside him in the passenger seat but instead chose the back of the BMW.

Long Fei didn’t mind and started the car.

Now that she’d made up her mind, Ye Qian’s mood improved considerably. When Long Fei didn’t return for a long time, she grew anxious, glancing out from the balcony several times without seeing him. At last, hearing the car horn, she was so excited she ran downstairs as if she’d won the lottery.

Just then, Long Fei entered the hall, beaming, carrying several bags of clothes. Seeing his sudden transformation, Ye Qian’s brows furrowed. She circled him a few times, head tilting left and right, clicking her tongue in disbelief. She wasn’t stunned by the brand-name clothes, but she’d never have imagined that the rustic country bumpkin from earlier would, after a bit of effort, become a rather handsome guy.

But even now, Long Fei’s new look did nothing for Ye Qian. To put it plainly, he was still a far cry from her ideal prince charming.

“Miss Ye, is there a problem?” Long Fei, now dressed to the nines, seemed to radiate confidence and energy. He lifted his chin deliberately, like a victorious rooster.

“There is a problem.” Ye Qian shook her head, her exaggerated movements making Qi Yufei, who had just entered the hall, want to laugh.

“You haven’t bathed in three days, have you?” Ye Qian lowered her voice, pinched her nose, and frowned.

Long Fei’s face reddened, but he protested, “It’s only been two and a half days! Today isn’t over yet!”

You had to admire his thick skin.

“Oh, just two and a half days? Not far from three! Ugh, shameless! Are you trying to suffocate us? How can you be so disgusting?” Ye Qian’s voice suddenly rose. She felt that gentle sarcasm wouldn’t work on someone as dense as Long Fei—he didn’t even blush, which robbed her of any sense of accomplishment.

“Qian!” Qi Yufei was nearly amused by Long Fei’s reply, but she held back, unsure how to scold Ye Qian—after all, there really was a certain odor.

Long Fei felt wronged. He’d bathed before getting on the train, and there were no showers on board. The female train attendants didn’t offer back-scrubbing service either—how was that his fault? He’d been brought straight here upon arrival; where had he found the time to wash?

“Long Fei, don’t mind her. Go back to your room—or better yet, take a shower before you come down! I’m going to start cooking. Come eat in a bit!” Qi Yufei hurried into the kitchen, surprised that Long Fei, so thick-skinned before, had actually blushed.

The guest room was quite nice. While it lacked the luxury of the main bedrooms, it was similarly designed, with a small reading room, a bathroom, and even a fancy bathtub.

So this is how the wealthy live! Long Fei soaked in the tub, sighing and closing his eyes. If only that mother-daughter pair would come in and scrub his back—what bliss that would be!

After Ye Qian’s attack, it was impossible for Long Fei not to feel a bit indignant. He was a man—how could he let a woman insult him like this? Girl or not, it didn’t matter! Especially when her fists were bigger than her chest.

Remembering the triumphant glint in Ye Qian’s eyes as he went upstairs, Long Fei ground his teeth. Little brat, just because I’m not showing my claws, you think I’m a sick cat? If the system doesn’t roar, you think it’s just DOS? You want to play with me? Fine, I’ll play along!

In just a minute, Long Fei came up with a hundred ways, including some rather crooked ones, to get back at Ye Qian. But as soon as he thought of the exquisite beauty Qi Yufei, he dismissed all those despicable ideas. After all, you have to look at the owner before hitting the dog. Even if Ye Wentian had his own motives for treating him well, he had, in fact, treated Long Fei well.

Just as Long Fei was enjoying his soak, a knock came at the door. Without looking up, he called, “Who is it?”

“It’s me! Get out here, your ladyship has business with you!”

Ye Qian’s voice—it was exactly as he’d expected. Since only she and Qi Yufei were in the house, and the latter was too shy for this sort of thing, it had to be Ye Qian.

“I’m bathing, no time!” Long Fei replied lazily, like a lord addressing a servant.

Ye Qian was momentarily stunned—who was the employer here?

“All right, Long Fei, get it straight—you’re our bodyguard! I order you to come out right now, or I won’t be so polite! Don’t even think about your salary this month!” She was gritting her teeth, resorting to threats.

Long Fei couldn’t help but laugh. With all the money he had, did he care about his salary?

“Sorry, I’m bathing. We can talk later—dock my pay if you want, it’s no big deal!”

As long as he could see that beautiful woman Qi Yufei every day, salary was the least of his concerns. He’d gladly pay out of pocket, if it meant an occasional shoulder rub or leg massage from her. As for anything more, he didn’t dare entertain the thought—though if good fortune ever did come his way, he certainly wouldn’t refuse.

“Fine, you win!” Ye Qian, out of options, could only fume.

Long Fei, hearing nothing more outside, chuckled to himself. “Trying to take me on? You’re like a puppy barking at the moon, overestimating yourself! Like a mouse biting an electric wire—just asking for trouble! Like trying to out-hooligan a fish—you’re only embarrassing yourself!”

Just as he was reveling in his small victory, Ye Qian’s voice rang out again. “Are you coming out or not?”

He shot back without thinking, “If you’ve got the guts, come in yourself! Don’t worry, I won’t call you a pervert. A little brat like you isn’t even fully developed yet!”

That was Long Fei for you—once he started playing around, he feared nothing. At this point, he’d forgotten his role as Ye Qian’s personal bodyguard; all he wanted was to tease her, not realizing he was crossing her lines.

“Damn pervert! Don’t think I can’t handle you. I’m going to shut off the water now—let’s see how cocky you are then!” With that, he heard the sound of footsteps racing downstairs.

Now he was worried—if she really turned off the water, he’d be in trouble with all this soap. As comfortable as the bath was, he didn’t dare linger any longer. With a splash, he leapt out, water flying everywhere, and rushed to the shower. In just thirty seconds, he’d rinsed himself clean. To his surprise, the water hadn’t been shut off—she was slower than he’d thought. If he’d known, he’d have soaked a while longer.

It was probably almost time for dinner. Long Fei changed into his new clothes, but as soon as he opened the door, he instinctively pulled back. It was a reflex—his body sensed danger.

With a crash, a wooden stick landed right where he’d just been standing. If he hadn’t reacted quickly, he’d be on the ground.

Venomous, truly venomous.

Seeing Ye Qian standing outside with a look of frustration, Long Fei felt a chill down his back. Being a bodyguard wasn’t easy—you never knew when your employer might try to kill you!

He took a deep breath. For the sake of his own safety, now was not the time for open conflict. He forced a smile. “Qian—”

“Hey, who said you could call me by my name?” Ye Qian snapped, raising the stick again.

Long Fei quickly corrected himself, “Miss—”

“That sounds awful! Don’t call me that. If you want to address me, use my family name—call me Miss Ye!” She must have feared misunderstanding; after all, the wrong use of “Miss” could easily cause confusion.

Such a narrow-minded girl—no wonder her chest was as flat as her heart was small.

Long Fei complained inwardly but kept a beaming smile. “Of course, Miss Ye. What can I do for you?”

“You said you wouldn’t come out?” Ye Qian said smugly, though she kept her face stern.

Long Fei thought, I only came out because I heard you leave, never expecting you’d try to ambush me!

“How could I not? You’re my employer—if you call, how dare I not come?” Long Fei didn’t dare complain aloud. He kept grinning, careful not to glance at her chest. Even if he had ways to enhance her assets, staring wouldn’t help, and anyway, why should he help her? It wasn’t like they were close.

“Glad you understand! Now, come with me!” Ye Qian turned and headed downstairs.

Long Fei was puzzled and uneasy, wondering what new tricks this little demon was planning to torment him with. He asked timidly, “Miss Ye, what is it you want? Can’t we talk here?”