Chapter 86: Longevity

Qi Huan’s cheeks flushed deeply, sneaking a glance at Aier, her gaze flickering, carrying a bit of an unusual anticipation, her voice much quieter than usual.

“That… do you want to… hug one more time? It’s, It’s not that I want to hug you! It’s just… you seem a little cold too, so if we warm up together for a bit, that’s all!”

Wen Er didn’t even think, immediately refusing.

“No need, I’m leaving.”

Tang Huan watched as the heavy rain poured down, and then saw Wen Er touch the hem of her clothes as she walked away.

Unhappy, she stamped her foot and muttered, “Ah! What’s the point of being so decisive in refusing… What’s wrong with hugging once…”

Returning to her own villa, Tang Huan threw herself onto the big soft bed.

She didn’t, as usual, hand her wet clothes over to the maid, but burrowed straight under the covers.

She hugged that coat which still carried the scent of rain and body warmth, burying her face in it and taking a deep breath.

Because on it, due to her earlier hug, there was quite a bit of Wen Er’s scent.

Qi Huan’s heartbeat sped up uncontrollably, her cheeks burning slightly.

Ever since realizing she had a crush on Aier, she felt she had become a little strange.

She always wanted to find a chance to get close to her, even if it was just to say a few words. If she couldn’t see Wen Er for a day, she’d feel an empty loneliness in her heart, unable to muster energy for anything.

Tang Huan, face buried in the clothes, rubbed her cheeks against the fabric, savoring the texture, a strange sense of satisfaction and security rising within.

Could this be the magic of love?

Even though Lady Xie Yier tried to stop her, and Aier always avoided her, being distant and reserved.

But as long as she could succeed in getting just a bit closer every time, like today, walking a stretch together under the little umbrella, she was confident she could win Wen Er over one day.

She hugged the clothes imbued with the aura of both of them, as if embracing some precious treasure, slowly closing her eyes.

Tonight, she was sure to have a good dream.

On Friday, Wen Er received a message from Tang Huan.

[On Grand Coat Street in the Ship District, ‘Luxury Shell’ Potion Workshop is hiring assistants to help with ingredient preparation. Must be familiar with herbs, preferably with experience. Hourly wage: 5 silver coins. Address: …J]

Wen Er replied with a question mark.

Tang Huan responded: [I saw a hiring sign on my way and thought it was a part-time job. I figured you might need it, so I sent it to you.]

Wen Er saw that the pay was indeed generous, 5 silver coins an hour!

It must be because she’d previously told Tang Huan she needed a part-time job on weekends, so Tang Huan remembered.

Wen Er was a little tempted. Lady Xie Yier gave her 10 gold coins a month as living expenses, which converted to just over 4 silver coins per hour.

So 5 silver coins an hour was indeed attractive.

She was still hoping to save up enough and pay off her debt to Xie Yier, so she could gain her freedom sooner.

So Wen Er decided to go take a look the next day, Saturday.

Wen Er used her usual excuse of going out for errands alone, and secured Xie Yier’s permission to leave.

She didn’t want to tell Xie Yier about the part-time job just yet, fearing Xie Yier would get angry and think she wanted to leave her, and besides, she was only going to check it out for now, not starting immediately.

On Saturday afternoon, Wen Er followed the address to the bustling Grand Farm Street in the district.

Standing before a gorgeously decorated building, she felt some doubt.

This didn’t look like a Potion Workshop at all… more like… a luxury restaurant.

She walked closer, planning to ask someone.

“Wen Er!”

A cheerful voice called out.

Wen Er turned to see Tang Huan spinning lightly as she hurried down the steps.

She was obviously dressed up today.

She wore an orange fitted dress that highlighted her slender figure.

Unlike her usual twin braids, today her hair was down, tied with a large satin bow.

Her bright earrings sparkled, her cherry-red lips glossy and vivid.

Her long, slender legs were accentuated by high-heeled boots, making her look even more striking and unexpectedly elegant.

When she saw Wen Er looking over, she straightened her posture and, with a forced casualness, fiddled with her hair.

“Why are you so slow! I’ve been waiting half the day!”

Wen Er complained, “Why are you here? Where’s the Potion Workshop you mentioned?”

“Oh, that…,” Tang Huan’s gaze drifted for a moment, then she lifted her chin, “The position was taken!”

The next second, she suddenly smiled mysteriously, “But, you’re in luck! I… I just happen to know of another job! Way better pay… 50 silver coins an hour!”

Wen Er suddenly had a bad feeling.

“50 silver coins?! What kind of job pays that much?”

And it’s in a restaurant… Could it be… her old tricks again?

Wen Er glared at her suspiciously.

“Tang Huan, are you lying to me?”

“No way,” Tang Huan blushed, and after pulling Wen Er by the arm, practically dragged her up the stairs, “I said it’s a good job, so it is. All you have to do is eat a meal, don’t say a word, and when you’re done, I’ll give you the 50 silver coins right away!”

Wen Er still felt uneasy, unsure what Tang Huan was scheming.

Could it really be such a cushy part-time job?

Tang Huan didn’t give her any chance to think. She went up to the second floor, directly leading Wen Er to a private room.

As the door opened, the laughter and chatter in the private room instantly fell silent.

All eyes turned towards the two of them at the doorway.

It was as if the air itself froze.

Wen Er saw that in the seat of honor sat a striking figure.

The moment that incomparably cool and beautiful face looked over, she felt her blood run cold.

Tang Huan, seemingly oblivious to the deathly silence, spoke in a proud tone, “Sorry for being a bit late, I went to fetch my girlfriend. I hope everyone doesn’t mind.”

Lady Xie Yier sat directly opposite the two of them, her beautiful face utterly expressionless.

But those golden eyes of hers stared fixedly at Wen Er.

Within that gaze was a cold sharpness, as if something was stirring beneath the surface.

Wen Er: (°ー°〃)

Her soul had already drifted away for quite a while.

Damn you, Tang Huan! If you wanted to set me up, you could’ve just said so! Why all the roundabout nonsense?!

At this moment, not only was Aier in shock, everyone else in the room was stunned as well.

Present were also Tang Huan’s parents and some relatives of Lady Xie Yier’s family.

Tang Huan’s father, Old Count Weiss, glared fiercely at Tang Huan before sneaking a glance at Xie Yier.

If before, this Duchess had managed a polite social smile, by now her entire aura was icy cold.

The old Count forced a laugh and said, “Your Grace, my daughter is young and ignorant. Please forgive her for her childishness, don’t take it to heart…”

He then scolded, “Tang Huan, what nonsense are you spouting? How rude can you be? Hurry and apologize to Her Grace!”

Tang Huan was startled by her father’s anger, but when she saw Xie Yier’s cold face, a strange courage rose in her heart.

“Sorry, Your Grace. I just wanted to bring my girlfriend over—is that not allowed?”

Though she apologized, her words had a note of challenge hidden within.