80: Chapter 80 Settling Down

Lin Yu strode with his long legs directly toward the right side of the living room. There was a heavy solid wood door there; pushing it open revealed a bedroom of nearly fifteen square meters. Sunlight spilled onto the floor through floor-to-ceiling windows, and the room came with its own private balcony and a spacious bathroom.

"Let's go with this one." Lin Yu was very satisfied. This bedroom was on the opposite side of the living room from Jiang Shuying's master bedroom, separated by the massive living room and dining area, offering excellent privacy—it was the perfect distance for "cohabitation."

He turned back to the living room, casually placed his not-so-heavy black suitcase in the corner, then turned around to look at Jiang Shuying, who was standing quietly by the sofa, a playful curve tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Miss Jiang, since the room has been chosen, let's discuss the specific 'terms of cooperation'."

Lin Yu walked over and sat in the single-seat sofa, his posture lazy yet elegant, and gestured to the seat opposite him, signaling for Jiang Shuying to sit.

"Leng Yue mentioned to you before that the rent is 200,000 a year. Since we are sharing the place, logically it should be split, 100,000 each." Lin Yu held up a finger, then changed his tone, "However, I have certain standards for quality of life, but I am… very lazy and completely incapable of doing housework."

Jiang Shuying sat down elegantly, her movements fluid and natural, without a hint of unnecessary flurry. She looked at Lin Yu, her eyes clear and focused, waiting for him to continue.

"So I have a proposal." Lin Yu leaned forward slightly, his deep eyes fixed on Jiang Shuying, "I won't split the rent with you. I'll pay 150,000, and you only need to pay 50,000."

"50,000?" Jiang Shuying raised an eyebrow slightly. For this luxury property, an annual rent of 50,000 was practically a steal.

"But there are conditions." Lin Yu smiled, "The 50,000 you save will be your salary as a 'house manager.' The conditions are simple: first, you are responsible for cleaning the house; second, you are responsible for preparing three meals a day. As for the grocery money, it's on me; I'll give you a card or transfer a living allowance to you every month."

Jiang Shuying was silent for a moment.

As a Legal Director, she was accustomed to analyzing the logic behind someone's words in an extremely short time. Lin Yu's proposal appeared on the surface to be him "taking advantage," but in reality, it hinted at a strange probe.

She showed no signs of timidity, nor was she servile just because he was the "landlord." She met Lin Yu's gaze, her tone calm yet firm: "Mr. Lin, this proposal is very interesting. But before I agree, I want to confirm one thing."

"Go ahead." Lin Yu looked at her with interest.

"You bought this house through Leng Yue, then suddenly proposed moving in, and are even willing to pay extra to get… the opportunity for me to do the housework." Jiang Shuying's voice was steady and clear, every word distinct, "I don't believe you are the type of person who actually needs to save money in this way. Therefore, these 'three rules' are actually just an excuse you made up to get me to accept you moving in, right?"

She saw through Lin Yu's trick at a glance.

Lin Yu was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. There was no embarrassment in his laughter, but rather an added touch of admiration.

"Miss Jiang is indeed clever." Lin Yu leaned back into the sofa, crossing his arms, "That's right, money is not an issue for me. I just thought that instead of hiring a strange nanny, it would be better to have a future roommate share a bit of 'domestic atmosphere.' And…"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Shuying's long, slender legs—the result of practicing yoga—and said meaningfully, "I trust your aesthetic and taste in life; the meals you make should be more to my liking than those of a chef from outside."

Jiang Shuying didn't blush at his teasing; she merely smoothed her hem calmly, as if she were negotiating a multi-million dollar contract.

"Since Mr. Lin thinks highly of me, I'll be direct as well." Jiang Shuying raised her head, her gaze firm, "I can accept the 50,000 rent, and I have no problem with the housework. But I also have two conditions."

"Oh? Please go ahead."

"First, my working hours are irregular; if I have overtime or social engagements, housework can be deferred, or I can hire a part-time cleaner, with the cost deducted from my 'salary.' Second," Jiang Shuying paused, her eyes becoming a bit sharper, "we do not interfere with each other's private lives. Do not step half a foot into my room without my permission. Likewise, I will not inquire about your affairs."

Lin Yu looked at her, the smile in his eyes deepening. This seemingly docile cat, it turned out, had sharp claws.

"Deal." Lin Yu extended his right hand, "Pleasure doing business with you, Miss Jiang."

Jiang Shuying extended her hand, lightly shook his fingertips, then immediately let go.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Lin."

At that moment, the air between them seemed to freeze for an instant. A subtle, evenly matched tension quietly sprouted in this spacious flat.

Lin Yu took out his phone: "Let's add each other on Green Bubble for easier contact. Your 50,000 rent will count as living expenses, so you don't need to transfer it."

Jiang Shuying did not decline; she took out her phone and scanned the QR code. With a "beep," the two officially became "friends."

Seeing the friend request accepted, Lin Yu put away his phone in a good mood, stretched, and sank into the soft sofa: "Alright, the serious business is done. Director Jiang, shouldn't you fulfill your duties as a 'house manager' now? I'm hungry."

Jiang Shuying glanced at the time; it was already past one in the afternoon.

"There are still some ingredients in the fridge; what would you like to eat?" She stood up, straightened her skirt, and spoke in a natural tone, without a trace of resentment. Since they had reached an agreement, she would perform her duties diligently; this was her professional standard.

"I'm not picky, as long as it's not some culinary disaster." Lin Yu closed his eyes and said casually, "Keep it simple; a bowl of noodles or fried rice will do."

"Alright, one moment."

Jiang Shuying turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Lin Yu opened his eyes and watched her back. Her back was straight and elegant, her steps light when she walked, without a hint of hesitation. He had originally thought finding a roommate would be troublesome, especially with a woman, but Jiang Shuying's personality—independent, calm, and having a sense of boundaries—made him feel quite comfortable.

Less than twenty minutes later, a rich, fragrant aroma wafted out from the open kitchen.

Jiang Shuying walked out carrying an exquisite porcelain bowl and placed it on the coffee table.

It was a seemingly simple bowl of Yangchun noodles, but the broth was clear and bright, topped with two golden-fried sunny-side-up eggs, sprinkled with vibrant green scallions, and accompanied by a small side dish of refreshing pickled cucumbers.

"This is all there is; please make do for now." Jiang Shuying handed him a pair of chopsticks.

Lin Yu sat up straight, picked up a mouthful of noodles, and put them in his mouth.

The noodles were chewy and smooth, the broth was delicious, and the eggs were fried to perfection, with the yolks runny.

"Great cooking skills." Lin Yu praised sincerely. He had only said it casually before, but he hadn't expected the taste to be unexpectedly good. His stomach felt very comfortable.

"Thank you." Jiang Shuying sat on the single-seat sofa nearby, holding a cup of warm water, watching him eat quietly.

"By the way," Lin Yu said while eating, his voice slightly muffled, "my work is a bit special, so I might often be away or come back in the middle of the night. If I disturb you, please bear with it. Also, I don't like others entering my room; except when cleaning, please don't touch my things."

"That's basic courtesy; rest assured, Mr. Lin." Jiang Shuying replied calmly, "My bedroom and study are also off-limits. Additionally, the living room is a common area; if you have friends visiting, please inform me in advance so I can avoid them."

"No problem." Lin Yu finished the last bite of noodles, put down his chopsticks, and sighed with satisfaction, "Then, please take care of me from now on, Roommate Jiang."

"Likewise." Jiang Shuying nodded slightly, a very faint curve appearing at the corner of her mouth.

...

Less than five minutes after Lin Yu entered his room, the doorbell rang softly.

Jiang Shuying got up from her yoga mat and looked through the video doorbell to see the person standing outside. It was the chubby guy whose photo Lin Yu had sent, carrying several large bags.

She opened the door.

"Sister-in-law… oh no, hello Miss Jiang!" The chubby guy was all smiles, but his eyes quickly swept over Jiang Shuying, then he reined in that bit of frivolity and became respectful, "I am Old Lin… I mean, I am Mr. Lin's assistant, here to deliver some daily necessities for him."

"Please come in." Jiang Shuying stepped aside, her gaze falling on the pile of things.

The chubby guy piled the things in the entryway and sorted them efficiently: "Miss Jiang… this box is imported ingredients, this box is daily necessities, and this one," he pointed to an exquisite gift box, "this is for you, as a housewarming gift."

Jiang Shuying frowned slightly: "I cannot accept a reward for no service; leave the things, take the gift box back."

"Don't be like that!" The chubby guy was anxious, "Miss Jiang, please don't misunderstand. This is a token of Mr. Lin's appreciation, thanking you for taking care of his daily life. If you don't accept it, I won't be able to report back."

"I don't need it." Jiang Shuying's tone was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable resolve, "Since we've signed the contract, everyone should do their part. Leave the things, take the gift box away."

The chubby guy was stunned. He had seen too many women—greedy, vain, or pretentiously aloof—but someone like Jiang Shuying, who could refuse an obviously expensive gift (the box clearly contained top-tier skincare products) without batting an eye, was truly rare.

"This…" Just as the chubby guy was in a difficult spot, the bedroom door opened.

Lin Yu walked out wearing a dark gray loungewear set, his hair still a bit damp, clearly having just taken a shower. He glanced at the two of them in the standoff, then looked at the gift box, a knowing smile curling his lips.

"Fatty, if Miss Jiang doesn't want it, forget it. Take it back." His tone was relaxed, as if he didn't care at all, "Miss Jiang is a person of principle; she doesn't like to owe favors."

The chubby guy was relieved as if granted amnesty. He hurriedly stuffed the gift box back into the bag and turned to leave, but was stopped by Lin Yu: "Wait, leave that tea behind."

The chubby guy was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant, placed a canister of seemingly ordinary tea on the coffee table, and scurried away.

Only the two of them were left in the living room.

Jiang Shuying looked at the canister of tea, then at Lin Yu, a hint of inquiry in her eyes.

"What? You won't accept gifts, but surely you can accept tea?" Lin Yu walked over to the sofa and sat down, picking up the tea canister and shaking it, "This is my prized Da Hong Pao, you can't buy it on the market… let's try it together sometime."

Jiang Shuying was silent for two seconds, then turned and walked toward the kitchen.

She didn't speak, just silently took out two thin white porcelain cups and boiled a pot of water. When she returned to the living room, she seemed to carry an aura of tranquility with her.

She slowly knelt down opposite Lin Yu, her movements as gentle as a falling feather. She first rinsed the cups with boiling water; the warm porcelain cups turned between her slender fingertips, glowing with a gentle luster. Then, she opened the tea canister, used a tea spoon to gently scoop out a few curled tea leaves, and dropped them into the cups.

"Da Hong Pao emphasizes the 'rock rhyme'; the water temperature must be high, and the tea must be poured quickly." She said in a low voice, as soft as a whisper.

Boiling water was poured into the cups, the tea leaves tumbling and unfurling in the water, and the originally clear liquid was instantly dyed an amber color. A rich orchid fragrance mixed with the scent of charcoal fire instantly filled the air.

Jiang Shuying did not rush to pour the tea, but waited quietly for a moment. She lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her eyelids, her expression focused and devout, as if she were performing some sacred ritual.

A moment later, she extended her right hand, her thumb and index finger gently pinching the rim of the cup, her middle finger supporting the bottom, and her wrist tilted slightly to pour out the first brew—this was rinsing the tea.

Immediately after, she poured water again. This time, she controlled the height of the water stream, letting it fall into the cup like a thin thread, without causing a single bubble.

The tea was poured, and she held the cup with both hands, gently handing it to Lin Yu.

"Please."

Lin Yu took the cup, his fingertips accidentally brushing against her slightly cool fingertips, and his heart stirred slightly. He lowered his head and took a sip; the tea was rich and mellow, with a long-lasting aftertaste—truly a premium brew.

"Good tea." He praised, "Miss Jiang, not only do you know how to cook, but you also understand the tea ceremony?"

"I know a little." Jiang Shuying picked up her own cup of tea; she didn't rush to drink it, but first held it to her nose to smell, then took a shallow sip.

Her posture while drinking tea was extremely beautiful; her neck was long and elegant, her throat moved slightly as she swallowed, and her movements were gentle and restrained, without making a sound. When she set the cup down, the base of the cup clinked against the saucer with a crisp "ding," which sounded exceptionally melodious in the quiet living room.

"One must know a little about hospitality." She said calmly, her gaze looking at Lin Yu over the rim of the cup, her eyes cool and deep.

"Hospitality…" Lin Yu chewed on these words, the smile at the corner of his mouth deepening, "Then, Miss Jiang, do you think I am a qualified guest?"

Jiang Shuying set down the cup, rubbing her fingertips gently along the rim, as if thinking, or perhaps just feeling the temperature of the porcelain.

"Mr. Lin is the landlord, not a guest." She finally spoke, her tone calm and waveless, "As long as you abide by the agreement, you are a qualified roommate."

"Well said." Lin Yu set down his cup, leaned forward, and looked at her with burning eyes, "Then I'll give a reminder too. I am the type of person who hates others prying into my privacy. Miss Jiang is a smart person; you should know what should be asked and what should not."

"Rest assured." Jiang Shuying stood up, her movements still elegant, without a hint of flurry, "I have no interest in Mr. Lin's privacy. As long as you don't disturb my life, we can live in peace."

Having said that, she turned and walked toward the balcony to continue the yoga she hadn't finished.