Xing said she used the excuse of wanting to become a beast attendant, but Aier felt that if this went on for too long, she might also fail to keep up with the other consorts.
No matter if it was Tang Guan or Mary, their family backgrounds were anything but simple. It wouldn’t be long before they investigated and realized she hadn’t actually taken on any side work, and might even dig up evidence. If that happened, she’d be exposed again and lose another way out.
Because of this, Aier felt it was really necessary to actually do some side work.
First, it was to block Tang Wan and Mary; second, she truly needed money herself. Only then could she pay off her debts quickly and finally break free from Xie Yier!
Luckily, lately Lady Xie Yier’s official duties had gotten busier by the day, and she often left early and returned late, so Aier could easily take advantage of the times when she was home alone to sneak out and earn a little extra on the side!
“But… would my master even allow me to take on a side job…”
Aier whispered to herself in a small voice.
With her understanding of Xie Yier, even if she allowed her to work, she would definitely arrange for her to work at one of the workshops under her own control, keeping an eye on her at all times.
Just imagining that kind of environment gave Aier enough pressure to want to collapse.
Forget it, forget it, she decided not to make trouble for herself after all.
The little flame of fighting spirit that had just risen in Aier’s heart was instantly extinguished, and she shrank herself into a little ball under the covers, only poking out a bit of her head.
The lesson learned through hardship told her—don’t run around when there’s nothing to do, just behave and you’ll be absolutely safe.
Suddenly, she felt that just living peacefully like this was actually pretty nice and comfortable. :(:“uut.
[Knock on the door +]
Today was the weekend. Xie Yier had gone out early for official business, and Aier herself didn’t have to deal with Tang Wan or Mary, so she could relax and lounge around the mansion all day by herself. It was absolutely delightful.
To be honest, after being tormented by Xie Yier every day, her body was already worn out. Since she finally had the chance to properly recover her strength, why shouldn’t she enjoy it?
So, salted fish Aier spent the entire day in bed. It wasn’t until the little maid Annie, together with the old housekeeper, knocked on her door several times and got no response, that they had to bring her lunch inside, afraid she might starve.
When Annie entered, Aier was still lying in bed, muddle-headed and drowsy, when suddenly she felt something lightly tracing along her brows.
It felt a little itchy, a little tingly, making her body involuntarily shudder.
Aier furrowed her brows slightly and let out a soft hum.
Then, like a kitten, she slowly opened her large, watery green eyes.
And then she saw that the one beside her was not a stranger, but Xie Yier.
Aier’s cheeks quickly flushed red. She whispered, embarrassed, “Master, y-you’re back…”
“Mm, little Aier is really lazy today.”
“I’ve been sleeping all day.”
“Why didn’t you go out and have fun with your friends? I never said you had to stay home while I’m away. Didn’t the girls from the Family of Teluowei Si or the Wenli Family invite you out?” Xie Yier stood at the head of the bed, smiling gently as she asked.
“I…”
Aier hesitated, stammering and unable to speak clearly.
Wasn’t it you who told me not to get too close to those girls? And now you want me to hang out with them? What is this woman really thinking?
Besides, it’s not like I don’t want to go out, I’m just afraid if I make you mad, you’ll humiliate me again in front of everyone…
“Little Aier…” Xie Yier’s face drew closer and closer, her deep purple eyes locked onto Aier’s, as if trying to read something from within.
Danger! Danger!
Aier’s back broke out in a cold sweat, her heart pounding with alarm.
“Tell me…” Xie Yier leaned in even closer, her eyes unwavering. “What’s on your mind? Why do you look so troubled?”
At that critical moment, Aier’s normally slow mind suddenly became sharp. Her small mouth quickly took the initiative and pressed forward.
A trace of surprise flickered in Xie Yier’s eyes… So little Aier just wanted a kiss!
The haze in her expression quickly melted into tenderness.
A few moments later—
The two finally parted.
Aier opened her small mouth, gasping for breath, somewhat embarrassed.
“Little Aier, you’re so silly. How come you still don’t know how to breathe while kissing?” Xie Yier said, a doting smile on her face, and reached out to gently pinch Aier’s soft cheek.
“Ow…”
She pinched my face again…
Aier was aggrieved. She really didn’t understand why all the girls around her liked to pinch her cheeks so much. It really hurt.
“Here, this is for you.”
While Aier was still sulking, Xie Yier pressed a cold stone into her palm.
“What is this…?” Aier asked curiously.
“Didn’t I promise you before? It’s a Secret Speech Crystal. With this, you can contact me anytime if anything happens. If you want to go out and play, just use this to report to me first.”
“Eh?!”
Aier was shocked. She had thought Xie Yier was only joking about it before, but she actually got her a Secret Speech Crystal!
This thing must be crazy expensive.
How many gold coins? Thousands? Or tens of thousands?
In any case, it definitely wasn’t cheap.
Xie Yier was extremely satisfied by the astonished expression on her little darling’s face, her smile growing even brighter.
“How is it? Do you like it?”
Aier hung the Secret Speech Crystal around her wrist and examined it carefully. It was a translucent green gemstone, clear and flawless, beautifully crafted. The color matched her own wrist perfectly, making it look both lovely and magical—practically a work of art.
At the time, when Xie Yier was picking out a Secret Speech Crystal for Aier, she had fallen in love with this one at first sight, feeling it was especially suited to Aier.
“It’s so beautiful!” Aier couldn’t help but sigh, her eyes lingering on the crystal. “But… Master, this is too precious for me to use…”
“My little Aier definitely deserves it!” Xie Yier’s tone brooked no argument, shutting down Aier’s refusal directly. “Why do you act like such an outsider? You’re mine. Accepting my gifts is only natural, isn’t it? Or… could it be that’s not how you see it?”
While she spoke, Xie Yier played with Aier’s hair. The dangerous aura made Aier’s scalp tingle. She hurriedly shook her head, “No, no! I’ll definitely treasure it and use it well!”
“That’s more like it~” Xie Yier’s demeanor immediately softened into joy. “Without further delay, let’s exchange contact information, Aier. For your first time, no matter what kind, it must be with me.”
As she spoke, she took out her own purple Secret Speech Crystal from her pocket.
It was a different color from the one she had used for public communication before—this one must be for private use.
Afterward, under Xie Yier’s patient guidance, Aier learned how to use the Secret Speech Crystal, and, at Xie Yier’s insistence, sent her several voice messages.
The content was all what Xie Yier wanted to hear things like “Little Aier loves Master the most” and “Little Aier wants Master’s kiss.” These embarrassing messages made Aier’s face burn red for ages, and afterward she even secretly replayed them to herself a few times.
This really is… too embarrassing!
Aier seriously suspected that Xie Yier specially got her this Secret Speech Crystal just to satisfy her own unique preferences, and that making Aier’s life easier was only a secondary reason.