Nourishment of Love

[1]

I hired a handsome bodyguard at a high price. Whenever I was in a bad mood, I would dock his pay. One day, I finally pushed him too far. He took off his three-million-dollar watch, rolled up his sleeves, and sneered.

[2]

"My salary's gone, but look who I've caught.

[3]

Want to run away?

[4]

Too late.

[5]

Humph!"

[6]

1.

[7]

I'm a somewhat famous food blogger.

[8]

Just before a live-stream braodcast, my assistant quit.

[9]

In a moment of desperation, I grabbed a tall, handsome guy from another department to taste-test my dishes.

[10]

He looked about six-foot-three, wore gold-rimmed glasses, and was dressed in a suit.

[11]

His almond-shaped eyes with slightly raised ends peered through the lenses with an icy aloofness, making him seem unapproachable.

[12]

"Have you eaten?"

[13]

I asked him kindly.

[14]

The handsome guy scanned the room, mistaking my question for a pick-up line.

[15]

I patted him on his shoulder, raised my head, and reassured him, "Don't be nervous.

[16]

I'm just offering you a taste test."

[17]

My explanation only made it seem more like a pick-up.

[18]

The man turned to leave, but I held on tight and dragged him inside.

[19]

"Just one review comment.

[20]

You'll get a small gift."

[21]

"For real?"

[22]

The handsome man was finally intrigued. His eyebrows arched, showing a hint of interest.

[23]

"Yes.

[24]

I'm serious.

[25]

It's for real."

[26]

Now, he sat in front of the camera, frowning at the grilled lamb kidney on my fork.

[27]

I coaxed him, "Go ahead. Have a try.

[28]

The audience is watching."

[29]

The live chat exploded with comments.

[30]

"Run, handsome. Run!

[31]

It's a trap."

[32]

"Everyone she ropes in ends up regretting it.

[33]

Run!"

[34]

Afraid he might escape, I grabbed his tie and whispered, "Handsome, there's really a gift.

[35]

I'm not lying. Come on. Open your mouth. Ah..."

[36]

He stared at me for a moment before finally parting his lips.

[37]

I swiftly fed him the bite.

[38]

I watched him chew a couple of times and asked,

[39]

"Is it good?"

[40]

His elegant eating style made me want to keep him around.

[41]

He swallowed slowly, then gave a polite smile and remarked,

[42]

"Not good."

[43]

I pulled a long face. How bold!

[44]

How dare he speak the truth!

[45]

The chat was filled with laughter and laughing emojis. The netizens called him "a star guest".

[46]

Feigning calm, I turned off the camera and fake-smiled, "Are you trying to ruin my stream?

[47]

Have you never faced criticism?"

[48]

He pried my fingers off his tie and smirked,

[49]

"Sorry, just being honest."

[50]

I flashed a big grin, "Great. I like honest guys.

[51]

How much do you make in a month?

[52]

Tell me."

[53]

He pondered for a moment and casually replied,

[54]

"Fixed salary, not much fluctuation."

[55]

I proudly offered, "I'll give you an extra two thousand. Join my team.

[56]

Your meals are covered."

[57]

As the saying goes, with great rewards come brave men.

[58]

Who wouldn't be tempted by cold, hard cash?

[59]

He glanced down.

[60]

"Meals like these?"

[61]

I put on a stern face.

[62]

"Watch your manners."

[63]

"Oh.

[64]

All right."

[65]

He chuckled, almost making my heart skip a beat.

[66]

Before I knew it, he was at the door, ducking slightly to avoid hitting his head.

[67]

Halfway there, he paused and asked,

[68]

"Where's the gift?"

[69]

Leaning against the table, I blew him a kiss with one hand, "Here.

[70]

A kiss from Ms. Clark.

[71]

Not something you get easily."

[72]

My name is Emma Clark, account name "Whale Baby". I was a blogger known for both beauty and talent.

[73]

I waited for him to look at me with admiration.

[74]

Surely, he knew of such a famous beauty blogger, didn't he?

[75]

His lips twitched, and he nodded before leaving.

[76]

He really didn't know who I was?

[77]

I called out, reluctant to see him go.

[78]

"What's your name?"

[79]

He took a deep breath, smiled, and said, "Waylon," before striding away.

[80]

From that day on, I remembered him, carefully writing "Waylon" into my plan to win him over.

[81]

Our studio's boss was Rhys Fowler.

[82]

He usually granted my every request.

[83]

One evening, I sashayed down the corridor and saw Rhys walking with the six-foot-three Waylon.

[84]

Rhys was struggling with a thick stack of documents while walking.

[85]

Opportunity knocked!

[86]

I dashed over, jumped up, and clapped Waylon on the shoulder, making him bend down.

[87]

"Mr. Fowler, what a coincidence! I've been short an assistant lately.

[88]

Can I have Waylon?"

[89]

Sweating and looking like he'd seen a ghost, Rhys stammered,

[90]

"W-W-Way...

[91]

Waylon?

[92]

Seriously?"

[93]

Still bent over, Waylon replied in his usual calm tone,

[94]

"Yes? Mr. Fowler?"

[95]

Rhys's eyes widened.

[96]

"Is that...

[97]

Is that okay?"

[98]

Waylon smiled noncommittally.

[99]

Rhys nodded at me in response.

[100]

"Sure."

[101]

I grinned,

[102]

"Then it's settled."

[103]

Being short, I tugged on Waylon's tie. "Show some initiative, look how tired Mr. Fowler is!

[104]

Hurry!

[105]

Help out!

[106]

Help him!"

[107]

Rhys immediately stepped back and kindly said, "No need for that. Our company culture is all about caring for employees.

[108]

We're all family. No need to be so formal."

[109]

Waylon quietly reached out to take the documents.

[110]

Rhys immediately shut up, handed them over, and rushed off after taking a call.

[111]

In the quiet corridor, the sun slanted in warmly.

[112]

I circled Waylon slowly, smiling. "You're in my hands now.

[113]

One needs to understand social graces. I'll teach you slowly.

[114]

You can learn slowly. Got it?"

[115]

Waylon glanced at his watch, "Miss Clark..."

[116]

"No!"

[117]

I corrected him sternly while reaching out a finger.

[118]

"In the workplace, you should call me Whale Baby."

[119]

His expression was as if he'd swallowed a fly.

[120]

After a long pause, he managed to say, "Whale."

[121]

It was barely acceptable.

[122]

I couldn't be too strict with someone who didn't understand social graces right away.

[123]

"What is it?"

[124]

I asked.

[125]

He said, "Lunch break's over. You should clock in.

[126]

You're a minute late."

[127]

I looked at the time clock just a step away and let out a scream, "Ah!

[128]

Waylon, why didn't you tell me earlier?

[129]

I'm docking your pay.

[130]

It's all your fault."

[131]

Waylon became my new assistant and quickly became the top "fan favorite" among my fans.

[132]

I placed him in a corner of the studio, by the window.

[133]

My office wasn't spacious.

[134]

His sitting space was a bit cramped for his long legs.

[135]

However, it was the best spot in our office.

[136]

He was handsome, and with his glasses on, sitting in the sunlight, he had that polished GQ look that screamed wealth and privilege, exuding an extraordinary aura.

[137]

I appreciated him a lot and took him on a business trip with me.

[138]

Waylon was dressed casually. While he walked through the streets, heads turned around.

[139]

His six-foot-three frame followed my five-foot-five self. I felt like having a bodyguard brimming with a sense of security.

[140]

Wearing sunglasses, I wanted to talk to him.

[141]

Hence, I tugged on his clothes and jumped up a bit, "Hey!

[142]

Keep a low profile!

[143]

I can't have any scandals.

[144]

Understand?"

[145]

Carrying the suitcase, Waylon pressed down on my head.

[146]

"If you stop hopping around like a grasshopper, you won't get noticed."

[147]

My new assistant was hard to deal with and always had a comeback.

[148]

After a long journey, we arrived at the hotel, only to find our company's front desk had booked the wrong room.

[149]

Only one room with a king-sized bed had been left.

[150]

I widened my eyes in surprise and turned to ask his opinion,

[151]

"Do you prefer the room or a bench at the railway station?"

[152]

I never forced my staff; it was all up to them.

[153]

Waylon looked at me silently for a few moments, then tapped the reception desk.

[154]

"The room key, please."

[155]

The receptionist, eyes sparkling, eagerly handed it to him.

[156]

"Sir, may I see your ID?

[157]

Yours, too, Ma'am,"

[158]

she requested.

[159]

I took a big gulp of my drink. "It's in my suitcase.

[160]

Waylon, could you get it for me?"

[161]

Waylon sighed, accepted his fate, and laid the suitcase flat.

[162]

Then, I heard the receptionist gasp.

[163]

Sensing something was wrong, I turned to see my suitcase overflowing with colorful clothes.

[164]

The lining of my suitcase had torn, and my intimate apparel was in a mess. My ID photo was taken when I graduated high school, and now it was faced up. I looked like a pumpkin in the picture.

[165]

At that moment, I was so embarrassed that I wished to vanish from the scene.

[166]

As if seeing nothing, Waylon calmly pushed aside the clothes on top, picked up my ID, and handed it to the receptionist.

[167]

"Can we check in now?"

[168]

I pressed my sunglasses tightly, wishing they could cover my entire face.

[169]

As soon as I got the room key, I bolted, leaving Waylon far behind.

[170]

Ding!

[171]

The elevator doors slid open on the first floor. As I rushed in, someone grabbed my arm.

[172]

"Emma?

[173]

Emma Clark?"

[174]

A voice I hadn't heard long sounded suddenly.

[175]

I pressed my sunglasses down and saw the shocked face of my ex-boyfriend.

[176]

Beside him was a petite, pretty girl, her curious gaze sweeping between us.

[177]

"Honey, who is she?"

[178]

My ex-boyfriend's expression was hard to describe.

[179]

"Oh... the one...

[180]

The one I mentioned before..."

[181]

The girl clapped her hands and laughed, "Oh, I see!

[182]

You're his ex-girlfriend who was always jobless and unsuccessful, right?

[183]

He said you used to rely on him for everything.

[184]

Financially."

[185]

She tossed her hair back and added gently, "But it's okay. Let's just call it even after the breakup, no need to return the money.

[186]

Think of it as my charitable act, considering your poor living conditions."

[187]

What the heck?

[188]

He owed me five thousand bucks, and now he just decided not to pay it back?

[189]

Also, who was living in poor conditions?

[190]

How could she ignore my designer outfit?

[191]

How shameless!

[192]

"Why are you standing here?

[193]

Go in."

[194]

Waylon appeared behind me with a suitcase, his calm gaze assessing the bizarre scene.

[195]

My ex-boyfriend's eyes slowly moved upward until he craned his neck to meet Waylon's eyes.

[196]

"Who is he?"

[197]

the scumbag asked.

[198]

I jumped up and affectionately wrapped my arms around Waylon's neck.

[199]

"He's my new boyfriend."

[200]

Bang!

[201]

The suitcase slipped from his hand and fell to the ground.

[202]

Waylon's face darkened as he grabbed the back of my collar.

[203]

"Get down, Emma!"

[204]

2.

[205]

My ex-boyfriend gradually showed a look of realization and said with a laugh, "I know you want to prove you're doing better than me, but you don't need to bother others.

[206]

Tell me the truth.

[207]

I won't mock you."

[208]

How could I bear to be suspected of living a poor life?

[209]

I pushed up my sunglasses up and clung to Waylon, speaking in a sweet voice,

[210]

"Honey, hold me..."

[211]

I knew Waylon wanted to peel me off him right now, so I gritted my teeth and threatened, "Cooperate with me,

[212]

or I'll dock your pay!"

[213]

My tactic worked wonders. Waylon immediately stopped moving, letting me hang on him as we walked into the elevator.

[214]

I pressed the button for the 6th floor, shifted to the couple, and asked,

[215]

"Aren't you getting off?"

[216]

My ex-boyfriend snapped back to reality, pulled his girlfriend along, and after one last glance at me, hurriedly exited the elevator.

[217]

Once the elevator doors closed, I slid down like a deflated balloon, facing the wall.

[218]

"Whale..."

[219]

"Don't talk to me. I'm really angry right now,"

[220]

I interrupted Waylon, sulking.

[221]

The elevator fell silent.

[222]

Ding!

[223]

We reached the 6th floor. I didn't wait for Waylon to grab the suitcase but dragged it myself and hurried forward.

[224]

Halfway there, I suddenly remembered the room key was still with him.

[225]

I turned back and saw Waylon's figure gradually disappearing in the opposite direction.

[226]

Sniffling, I dragged the suitcase back, but my high heel caught in a hole in the carpet, causing me to trip and sprain my ankle.

[227]

Hearing the commotion, Waylon turned around and saw me face down on the floor, the suitcase pressing on top of me.

[228]

A few minutes later, I was sitting on the big bed in the room, my nose bleeding fiercely. Looking unfazed, Waylon pressed an ice pack against my nose with one hand and wiped with a towel with the other.

[229]

My lips were swollen, and a bump had formed on my forehead. I scowled at him and growled,

[230]

"If you want to laugh, just laugh out."

[231]

Waylon replaced the ice pack.

[232]

"My salary this month has already gone, so I don't dare laugh."

[233]

I really appreciated that.

[234]

Once the bleeding stopped, Waylon went to the bathroom to freshen up. When he came out, he saw me rummaging through the suitcase with my back to him, muttering,

[235]

"My outfit will steal the show!

[236]

Where is it?"

[237]

"What are you looking for?"

[238]

he asked.

[239]

I twirled a swimsuit on my finger.

[240]

"I'm going to the pool downstairs."

[241]

Waylon frowned.

[242]

"We have things to do this afternoon."

[243]

"That's why I'm swimming at noon.

[244]

Any problem?"

[245]

Waylon was momentarily speechless. "Whale Baby shows up at the hotel pool in an exposing outfit.

[246]

You can go if you're okay with that headline."

[247]

I hesitated, recalling the newly renovated office on the 19th floor of the company's headquarters six months ago. My heart hammered.

[248]

Although the new president was just inspecting, no one had seen him yet.

[249]

Rhys kept it secret, so I guessed the president was just a hands-off boss.

[250]

"He can't possibly fire me, right?"

[251]

I asked hopefully.

[252]

Waylon gave me a meaningful look.

[253]

"Trust me. He definitely will."

[254]

With Waylon's warning, I gave up on confronting my ex-boyfriend's current girlfriend downstairs. I quietly packed my things and built a fortress out of blankets to prevent Waylon from getting any ideas at night.

[255]

He looked at me emerging from my fortress-like cocoon, his expression a bit grim.

[256]

"Are you building a fortress to sleep in?"

[257]

"Is it any of your business?"

[258]

I picked up my phone and retreated back inside, asking in the employee group chat,

[259]

"What do you guys do when you run into an ex?"

[260]

The group chat exploded instantly.

[261]

"Of course, you have to show him up!

[262]

Slap him in his face!"

[263]

"Boss, hang your Porsche keys on your belt!

[264]

That works."

[265]

"Order a bottle of '82 Lafite, a prestigious vintage wine.

[266]

Drink it at his presence."

[267]

I scrolled through. There were only seven messages, and after searching for a while, I realized Waylon was silent, so I tagged him for a response.

[268]

Everyone joined in, tagging him too.

[269]

Waylon replied, "Thanks for mentioning me. I'm male and interested in women. I have no ex-boyfriends."

[270]

I was completely furious. After weighing my options, the only reliable suggestion was to strut around in a bikini in front of my ex-boyfriend. Unfortunately, I was at the mercy of the 19th-floor boss, which made me angrier the more I thought about it.

[271]

Therefore, I boldly declared, "Guys, just wait.

[272]

One day I'll start my own company and surpass the one on the19th floor!"

[273]

I even tagged Waylon separately. "You've never been to the 19th floor, right? Big office, bright and clean.

[274]

When Ms. Clark takes over the company building, I'll give you an office on the 19th floor."

[275]

Then I sent tip packs to the chat group with the title "Surpass the 19th floor."

[276]

The group chat was instantly flooded with "Surpass the 19th floor."

[277]

"Oh, why is there one left?

[278]

Who hasn't claimed it?"

[279]

"Waylon.

[280]

Waylon hasn't claimed it. Hurry!

[281]

There's a lot of money."

[282]

I struggled out of my cave, shaking my numb legs. "Waylon, don't be shy.

[283]

Take it."

[284]

Waylon opened his phone, and soon his black avatar popped up with "Surpass the 19th floor," and he claimed the biggest tip.

[285]

3.

[286]

In the afternoon, I woke up from a nap and found Waylon was gone, no idea where he went.

[287]

Later on, the hotel manager invited me downstairs for a taste test.

[288]

Dressed up, I stepped into the elevator in my small heels.

[289]

In the elevator, I ran into my ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend again.

[290]

The jerk discreetly sized me up.

[291]

"Going on a date?"

[292]

Facing his girlfriend's scrutinizing gaze, I tugged my strapless dress down a bit and lifted my elegant neck.

[293]

"Yes!"

[294]

Then, his girlfriend said, "But I saw him talking to a pretty woman.

[295]

You know who I refer to."

[296]

I was taken aback.

[297]

Then, I became a big annoyed.

[298]

Besides me, Waylon wanted to cozy up to another rich woman?

[299]

How bold he was!

[300]

However, I was always generous and never fussed over such things. I decided not to meddle in. One day, he would know how nice I was.

[301]

When the elevator reached the first floor, I walked out with my small purse.

[302]

Halfway, I suddenly turned back. "Hey, you!"

[303]

My ex-boyfriend stopped in his tracks, slowly turned around, and looked at me quietly.

[304]

I opened my mouth, then gave up on politeness.

[305]

"Where did you see him?"

[306]

My ex-boyfriend didn't answer my question, his expression complex.

[307]

"You haven't forgotten my name, have you?"

[308]

I was silent for a long time, then pulled a hundred-dollar bill from my purse and tossed it at his face.

[309]

"Cut the crap, where is he?"

[310]

His girlfriend quickly bent down to pick it up.

[311]

"By the poolside sun loungers."

[312]

My ex-boyfriend was furious.

[313]

"Emma Clark! You're always like this!

[314]

Do you know why people don't like you?

[315]

Humph!"

[316]

I ignored his angry rant and walked away.

[317]

In the afternoon, after finalizing the video script with the hotel manager, I was dizzy from all the food and still savoring that bottle of '82 Lafite.

[318]

Passing by the outdoor pool, I found night had fallen. A pretty little lights strung together were twinkling.

[319]

I was so drunk that I could barely see straight, wanting to get some fresh air. I struggled to push open the large glass door and wobbled to the poolside.

[320]

There I saw Waylon still cozying up to a rich woman.

[321]

He'd been at it all afternoon.

[322]

He was sitting at a table for two by the pool with a woman in a backless red dress, and there was a ten-dollar rose on the table.

[323]

The night breeze blew a clump of hair into my mouth. I wiped my face messily and called the hotel front desk.

[324]

Ten minutes later, 999 red roses descended from the sky, crashing onto that table for two.

[325]

Sweating profusely, I caught my breath, Under the surprised gaze of the woman and Waylon's calm eyes, I grinned.

[326]

"Darling, for you."

[327]

The woman blinked, her gaze flicking between Waylon and me, and smiled. "So many red roses from Rufraygro.

[328]

You are quite generous, young lady."

[329]

Of course.

[330]

My bodyguard shouldn't be working for another rich woman.

[331]

I also refused to admit I was a young lady.

[332]

Waylon remained extremely calm, asking, "Did you finalize the deal?

[333]

When will you start the collaboration?

[334]

Any details?"

[335]

I put on a stern face.

[336]

"That's not what you are supposed to have concern with.

[337]

Get over here!"

[338]

The pretty woman raised an amused eyebrow.

[339]

Waylon nodded in response.

[340]

"Excuse me."

[341]

With that, he got up and grabbed me, leading me away.

[342]

I struggled fiercely.

[343]

"Let go! Look at those roses.

[344]

My wallet's empty now!"

[345]

"I didn't ask you to send them,

[346]

Did I?"

[347]

"I was worried you hadn't seen the world and might be lured away simply.

[348]

I was helping you."

[349]

Waylon frowned.

[350]

"Are you drunk?"

[351]

I wasn't sure if I was drunk, but I was definitely feeling bold. Grabbing his collar with both hands, I taunted, "Haven't you ever seen a stunning woman before?

[352]

Let me show you.

[353]

Look!"

[354]

With that, I tried to tear my blouse open, but it didn't budge.

[355]

"Huh? Why didn't it rip?

[356]

Maybe if you look at it this way. Hmm..."

[357]

Waylon quickly covered my mouth and whisked me away from the scene.

[358]

Due to the lack of oxygen, I soon wilted, hanging limply from Waylon's arm, no longer causing a scene.

[359]

"What's up with Emma?

[360]

What did you do to her?"

[361]

I heard my ex-boyfriend's voice through my haze.

[362]

My drooping eyelids shot open, and I straightened up, grabbing onto Waylon to steady myself.

[363]

"She's drunk,"

[364]

Waylon answered.

[365]

"I'm not drunk. I'm just out with my security guard,"

[366]

I muffled.

[367]

My ex squinted at me.

[368]

"What security guard?"

[369]

Waylon caught me just as I was about to collapse, his tone indifferent.

[370]

"Boss, go back to sleep."

[371]

My ex seemed to catch on, his expression turning sour. "Oh, I see. You've moved up in the world. Why settle for someone like him?

[372]

Can't any other man stand you?

[373]

A security guard, huh?"

[374]

I narrowed my gaze and glared at the man, suddenly letting out a cold laugh. I grabbed Waylon's tie and kissed him with fierce determination.

[375]

Waylon froze, bent over, not moving for a long moment.

[376]

He hadn't had a drink tonight, and his lips were cool and refreshing. I enjoyed kissing him.

[377]

I ravaged his lips with a stormy passion, then turned back to my ex with satisfaction.

[378]

"Ha! Even if I pick a security guard, it won't be you!"

[379]

My ex stormed off in anger.

[380]

Waylon and I remained standing there. I tugged on his tie, then turned my head to the side and vomited into a nearby flower pot.

[381]

Waylon spoke coolly,

[382]

What?

[383]

Kissing me sickened you?"

[384]

4.

[385]

My eyes were red, and I started to sob softly.

[386]

Waylon crouched down and tied my hair back.

[387]

"It's okay. Let the bygones be bygones."

[388]

What bygones?

[389]

My eyeliner was a mess.

[390]

"It's not over yet."

[391]

"null, you can't force love. There's no need to...

[392]

"I got caught dating a security guard.

[393]

Boohoo..."

[394]

Waylon suddenly stopped.

[395]

"What?"

[396]

I clung to him, tears in my eyes.

[397]

"I lost. I love you so much. Even if you're just a security guard. Even if my ex mocks me."

[398]

Waylon's brow twitched, and he seemed to consider for a split second whether to throw me out.

[399]

In the end, after we returned to the room, Waylon tossed me into the bathtub.

[400]

I struggled for a while, finally coming to my senses.

[401]

I washed up in a daze and left the bathroom wrapped in a robe.

[402]

Waylon was fully dressed, sitting by the window, engrossed in his phone.

[403]

Feeling a bit embarrassed about tonight, I wanted to crawl into my cave again, only to find Waylon had flattened my emotional walls.

[404]

I was dumbfounded.

[405]

Waylon patted the sofa.

[406]

"Come here."

[407]

I walked over, feeling down.

[408]

"What is it?"

[409]

"Let's talk about today's collaboration.

[410]

sit down."

[411]

I instinctively started to speak, but stopped after a word. Why did it feel like I was reporting to my boss?

[412]

I put my hands on my hips, one foot on the chair, locking him in.

[413]

"Let's talk about you and that woman today."

[414]

Waylon replied indifferently.

[415]

"There's nothing to say."

[416]

His lips still bore the mark of my bite, looking a bit sexy.

[417]

"Really?

[418]

Are you sure nothing to say?"

[419]

"Nothing.

[420]

I'm sure."

[421]

Fine.

[422]

Waylon himself said it; he had nothing to do with that woman.

[423]

I sat on his lap, lifted his chin, and teased.

[424]

"You are so manly. So, you're interested in me, aren't you?"

[425]

Waylon's eyes were deep. He calmly watched me.

[426]

"How do you know,

[427]

Whale?"

[428]

I grinned triumphantly.

[429]

"You tore down my emotional walls. You want to sleep with me."

[430]

Waylon's hand suddenly wrapped around my waist, lifting me up.

[431]

I'd never reached such heights before, and I screamed as he tossed me onto the bed.

[432]

He leaned over, trapping me in a narrow space, his hand slowly moving down. Amidst my pounding heart, he grabbed the blanket, wrapped me up tightly like a cocoon.

[433]

I protested.

[434]

"Hey!"

[435]

Waylon said,

[436]

"Stop shouting. I live next door."

[437]

I twisted around in difficulty, watching Waylon's retreating back, and shouted,

[438]

"I'm not reimbursing the new room.

[439]

Think it over before you leave!"

[440]

Click.

[441]

The door closed.

[442]

5.

[443]

The hotel collaboration went smoothly, and in a few days, we were ready to head back.

[444]

On the way, I was calculating out loud. "This trip cost 30 thousand. Roses 20 thousand. Hotel booking 10 thousand.

[445]

Since the roses and the other room are your expenses, 25 thousand will be deducted from your salary."

[446]

"Why should the roses come out of my salary?

[447]

Explain."

[448]

I turned to meet Waylon's puzzled gaze.

[449]

"Because they were for you."

[450]

Waylon felt tongue-tied.

[451]

I hoped he could be smarter.

[452]

How could he kiss me and not do anything afterward?

[453]

At the company entrance, someone blocked my path.

[454]

An elderly lady who seemed familiar, evoking a sense of respect.

[455]

"Oh, it really is you!

[456]

Your uncle just told me about it, and I didn't believe his words."

[457]

She looked me up and down.

[458]

"I heard you owed my son five thousand dollars."

[459]

I was choked.

[460]

Suddenly, I recalled who she was.

[461]

She was my ex's mother.

[462]

"Ma'am, it's actually your son who owes me five thousand."

[463]

"Nonsense!

[464]

My son isn't short of money.

[465]

He's too embarrassed to ask you, so I'm here to do it."

[466]

Her voice was loud, drawing attention at the company entrance. I tried to usher her away.

[467]

"Let's talk somewhere else."

[468]

"What? Can't even offer a drink to your creditor?"

[469]

She suddenly pulled out her phone and started recording me. "I know you're famous.

[470]

If you don't pay up, I'll post this online so everyone knows you're a girl with no morals."

[471]

Me?

[472]

She declared I borrowed five thousand dollars from my ex and called me a girl with no morals?

[473]

"Then call the police."

[474]

I picked up my phone and dialed, only to be hit by an egg.

[475]

The sticky yolk dripped down my face onto the ground.

[476]

I froze.

[477]

People on the street recognized me, pointing and taking pictures with their phones.

[478]

In all my life, no one had dared throw an egg at me.

[479]

I tried to continue to call the police.

[480]

Wham!

[481]

A second egg hit me.

[482]

It landed on my eyes.

[483]

A rotten one.

[484]

This old woman was quick.

[485]

I was furious.

[486]

"Don't provoke me!"

[487]

For the third time, I troed tp call the police. She pulled out another egg, ready to throw. Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of me. The egg shattered on his back.

[488]

Waylon saw my disheveled state and gently wiped it off with a tissue. He turned to her and said, "I've already called the police.

[489]

Do you want to keep this up?"

[490]

The old woman hesitated, her eyes darting.

[491]

"If you don't pay your debts, come with me to the police station!"

[492]

Waylon replied, "If you want to sue for unpaid debts, go ahead.

[493]

But she's injured, and I'll make sure you're held accountable."

[494]

The old was was flustered. "Don't talk nonsense!

[495]

A few rotten eggs can't hurt anyone!

[496]

I'll accuse you of extortion!

[497]

Wait for it!"

[498]

Waylon sneered and handed her a business card.

[499]

"Go ahead."

[500]

The old woman clutched the card, gave Waylon a guilty look, and fled with her backet of rotten eggs.

[501]

A crowd had gathered, including some company employees.

[502]

I stood there, drenched and silent.

[503]

Waylon glanced at me.

[504]

"Did you get hurt?"

[505]

I said nothing and turned to walk inside.

[506]

As I entered the elevator, Waylon slipped in just before the doors closed.

[507]

"Look up at me,"

[508]

he said, lifting my chin.

[509]

Reluctantly, I glanced at him. His expression grew serious.

[510]

"What happened to your eye?"

[511]

"It's bruised,"

[512]

I muttered.

[513]

He suddenly grabbed my wrist, pulling me out when the elevator arrived. I stumbled along behind him, hard to keep my balance.

[514]

"My feet hurt. My hand hurts, and I'm disfigured..."

[515]

I whined,

[516]

"I need someone to hold me."

[517]

"Shut up,"

[518]

Waylon squeezed a response between his teeth.

[519]

He dragged me towards the restroom. Rhys approached energetically from afar, noticing our miserable state.

[520]

"Hey, what happened to you two?"

[521]

Waylon shot him a cold look.

[522]

"Doesn't the company have a first aid kit?"

[523]

Rhys immediately straightened up, serious.

[524]

"Of course we do!"

[525]

Waylon pulled me into the restroom and turned on the faucet.

[526]

"Wash your face,"

[527]

he commanded.

[528]

With egg smeared all over, I had to keep one eye closed.

[529]

"You should speak politely to Mr. Fowler."

[530]

"Shut up, pirate."

[531]

Waylon scolded me, soaking a handkerchief to wipe my face.

[532]

I struggled like a drowning person, dodging and resisting.

[533]

"Murder!"

[534]

"TSK."

[535]

Waylon grew impatient. "Rhys,

[536]

get in here."

[537]

Rhys burst in with a first aid kit. Waylon tossed me towards him.

[538]

"Take her to the hospital."

[539]

I figured Waylon had a rebellious streak. Wasn't it said those born in the '90s were bold enough to even scold their bosses?

[540]

I quickly put on a smile, watching as Waylon disappeared. I hurried after him.

[541]

An hour later, Waylon and I stood in Rhys's office.

[542]

I said,

[543]

"Apologize to Mr. Fowler."

[544]

Waylon, hands in his pockets, wore a sour expression.

[545]

"Sorry."

[546]

Rhys grinned from ear to ear.

[547]

"It's fine."

[548]

I patted Waylon on his back.

[549]

"Give a proper bow and be sincere."

[550]

Waylon barely acknowledged me.

[551]

Instead, Rhys stood up and ushered me out.

[552]

"Go home, take a day off!"

[553]

I was pushed out. At the door, I bowed to Rhys, sincerely saying, "Waylon is young and inexperienced. Please don't be mad.

[554]

He just started, and his salary is low.

[555]

If there's an issue, blame me."

[556]

Bang!

[557]

Rhys shut the door in my face.

[558]

I was utterly dejected and asked Waylon.

[559]

"Don't you want your year-end bonus?

[560]

I still want mine..."

[561]

Waylon gave me a nonchalant glance.

[562]

"Go wash your hair."

[563]

I checked on the large glass door and saw my hair, which had been washed with hot water. It was covered in egg bits.

[564]

Before I let out a piercing scream, Waylon wisely covered his ears.