Chapter Fifteen

Out of KTV, The air seemed much fresher.

It was half past twelve, not early, but still early for those who stayed up late.

Tomorrow was the weekend, so there were still many people tonight.

Zoe went to the public restroom to wash her face before leaving with Luna. Her nose was still a bit red, and she rubbed it vigorously with her hand.

Luna glanced at her with her arms folded, "What happened?

When did you get your nose hurt?"

Zoe opened her mouth, could she say it was Nick who threw the dice at her?

It was really embarrassing to talk about it.

She said, "I got it accidentally."

Luna nodded and smiled, pulling her out of the door. The two didn't call a cab immediately and walked slowly towards the school along the road.

Luna looked at the shadows of the trees falling, creating a nice atmosphere. She put her arm around Zoe's shoulder and said, "You should tell me now, you and Nick, Leo, you two must be old friends, right?"

Zoe turned to look at Luna, and Luna smiled with a knowing look.

Zoe paused and smiled, a reassuring smile.

She took Luna's hand and said, "Yes, we know each other. We were high school classmates."

"Oh, what a coincidence."

"Yes, it's too coincidental. China is so big, and we still met here."

This was the first time Zoe had talked about this in front of Luna. After her family fell on hard times, Zoe's family hid themselves away, and relatives and friends closed their doors for fear of being implicated.

Zoe took a leave of absence and went to a third-tier city like City B.

She lost contact with her former classmates and was afraid to contact them as the aftermath of the bankruptcy loomed.

She had always kept her past to herself.

And there was no one to talk to.

However, spending time with Luna, Zoe admired her personality.

When Luna finally asked, Zoe answered.

She finished telling the story in a few paragraphs.

Luna realized, "I didn't expect that. No wonder..."

No wonder Zoe had lost her composure when they met in the administrative office.

Luna fiddled with her short hair that had been blown by the wind and said, "So now it seems like the brothers have turned against each other for you."

Zoe was shocked: "What?"

Luna laughed heartily and hugged Zoe's neck, "Let me ask you, since you have such culinary skills, why not pursue further studies to become a chef?"

Zoe shook her head: "I want to be an accountant."

"Eh?"

Luna was curious, "Why?"

Zoe: "It's my dream. My father's company went bankrupt due to financial chaos."

"I also don't want to be confined to the kitchen."

Upon hearing this, Luna nodded: "Yes, being a chef is difficult. It's better for girls to wear professional suits and walk through glamorous companies."

Luna herself was a strong professional and enjoyed this kind of life. She couldn't imagine being confined to the kitchen, dealing with daily necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt.

The two returned to their dormitory, but Ellie and Stella were not back yet. It was said that they had gone to another party location.

Zoe had already taken a shower, but she had to take another one.

As soon as Luna entered, she started making phone calls, indicating that she had something to do tomorrow.

After sending messages to Ellie and Stella to confirm that they might not return tonight, Zoe and Luna went to sleep early.

Although it was Saturday the next day, Zoe still had a class to attend. After finishing the class, she headed to the new East China City area.

Arriving at the building, Zoe hesitated slightly. Her mind replayed Nick's appearance from last night.

Amidst the tobacco smell, there was actually a hint of alcohol.

He had asked her that to confirm if she still liked him, right?

Zoe shook off the thoughts on her face and went upstairs.

The living room was empty and quiet, with only a faint scent of air freshener.

Zoe kept her gaze straight and entered the kitchen. On the kitchen table, the maid aunt had already bought some groceries.

Zoe put down her small bag, put on an apron, and started working.

Only the sounds of pots, pans, and bowls echoed in the kitchen, and the entire house was immersed in silence.

The door of the study room opened, and Nick walked out wearing black house clothes. He scratched his hair and glanced at the kitchen.

Zoe was facing away from him, boiling soup.

The apron was bought by Liu Ma before, grayish-brown. It was originally a bit big, but Zoe had slightly modified it, making it very fitting for her figure now.

Nick leaned against the wall, watching from afar with a casual expression and deep eyes like the sea.

Last night, Leo and Nick were both drunk. Leo grasped Nick and said, "Zoe is someone you gave up on in the past. You can't compete with me for her now."

Hmph.

The past is the past.

The present is the present.

In the kitchen, Zoe's apron had loosened, but she was unaware of it and was focused on cutting vegetables with her head lowered.

The glass door slid open, and Nick walked up to her, standing behind her. He reached out, pulled up the apron strings, and tied them securely.

Zoe raised her hand to grab something and suddenly realized someone was behind her. She turned sharply.

Her gaze met Nick's eyes.

He lowered his head, and they were very close to each other. Their breaths mingled, and their eyes reflected each other's faces.

He raised his eyebrows and said, "Hmm?"

As soon as this sound came out, Zoe hurriedly moved aside in panic, but Nick's fingertip was still hooked on the apron strings. With a slight pull, Zoe spun around and returned to his side, pressed against the kitchen counter. They were so close that they could kiss if they tilted their heads up.

Zoe's breath caught in her throat.

Nick's gaze lingered on her lips, a teasing smile on his face. "What's the rush?"

He said, "Just tying your apron strings."

Zoe stammered, "Thank you... You can go out now. It'll be a while before it's ready."

Nick glanced at the sweat sliding down her forehead and nodded, then turned and left.

Zoe let out a sigh of relief.

She returned to the kitchen counter, picked up the knife she had been holding earlier, and continued cutting vegetables.

After a while, her movements paused briefly. Her expression was slightly dazed.

Nick seemed a little different today.

No... It must be a mistake.

After a while, the dishes were ready. Zoe's forehead was covered in sweat, and beads of perspiration slid down her back.

She wiped her forehead and admitted that she didn't really enjoy cooking, but strangely, her culinary skills were extremely similar to her grandmother's.

She carried the dishes out and found Nick playing a game.

Zoe arranged the dishes and called out, "Dinner is ready."

Nick was self-aware enough to put down his phone and come over. He picked up his chopsticks and tasted a piece of sweet and sour ribs first.

Zoe served him rice and then went back to the kitchen to grab her bag before leaving.

Nick stretched out his long leg and blocked Zoe's path with his chair.

He propped his forehead on his hand and said, "Eat."

"I'll eat at home."

Nick's face darkened, "If you leave this door, I'll deduct your salary."

Zoe said indifferently, "Do as you please."

Nick's eyes narrowed as he stared at her coldly.

Zoe ignored the threat and turned to leave, slamming the door behind her.

Nick tightened his grip on the chopsticks for a moment, then let go and lowered his head to eat with a malicious look in his eyes.

The next time Zoe came to cook for the evening party, Nick didn't keep her there. Zoe felt more comfortable with this arrangement, though when she entered, he would sit on the windowsill, lazily watching her with his hands in his pockets.

Zoe met his gaze, but somehow, she felt her face flush under his scrutiny, a strange warmth that she couldn't quite explain.

Even after she entered the kitchen, the sensation lingered for a long time.

Zoe furrowed her brows, wondering what was going on.

After cooking and returning to her dormitory, Zoe took a shower, and the feeling gradually dissipated.

That night, Nick sent her a WeChat message.

"You don't have to come tomorrow noon. I have to go out."

Perfect, Zoe thought, she could have lunch with her roommates tomorrow.

However, when Zoe woke up the next day, Ellie and Stella had already left, leaving her alone in the dormitory. She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a bit dazed.

Later, Luna called her and said with a smile, "Ellie and Stella are attending a networking event. They asked you in the group chat, but you said no, so they went by themselves. I'm calling to invite you for lunch."

Zoe was silent for a moment, realizing that she had been busy with rehearsals recently and hadn't spent much time with her roommates.

"I'm downstairs at your dormitory. Come down."

Luna's voice was always cheerful, and Zoe felt her mood brighten. She nodded and got out of bed to wash up, brush her teeth, and change clothes. When she went downstairs, she saw Luna's Tesla parked next to the dormitory's administrative office.

Zoe walked up and got into the passenger seat.

Today, Luna was wearing a black dress that looked very pretty. Zoe glanced at her a few times, and Luna smiled, saying, "I'm meeting a friend this afternoon. Would you like to join me?"

"Sure." Zoe nodded.

After lunch, Luna drove Zoe to the financial district in the city center.

Zoe had been to this place before. Her father's office had once been located here, but not in the same building. The floor where her family's office was had been auctioned off by the bank.

Luna whispered to Zoe, introducing that this was a law firm started by a friend of hers, which had only been established for two years and was currently recruiting new members.

As she spoke, she looked at Zoe with a smile.

Zoe paused for a moment when she saw Luna's smiling eyes. "So, will he take on someone who's still studying like me?"

"Of course he will," Luna replied, taking Zoe's hand. "They need someone to help out, and you're perfect for the job. Besides, since you don't like working in the kitchen, you don't have to do that anymore. The salary here might not be as high as what you earn in the kitchen, but it has more potential. You can work here directly after graduation."

It turned out that Luna was introducing her to a job.

Zoe felt grateful.

The elevator arrived at the sixth floor, and in front of them was a long corridor with two companies on either side.

Shengding Law Firm belonged to Luna's friend.

Across the corridor, the other office had yet to hang its sign, and there were people inside busy with renovations.

Zoe glanced at it casually.

Luna led her into Shengding Law Firm and introduced her to the firm's boss, Sampson.

He was a refined man.

Sampson trusted Luna implicitly and, after taking a brief look at Zoe, smiled and said, "It's fine. You can start whenever you're ready."

Zoe's new job was settled just like that.

As they exited Shengding, the sky was already starting to darken.

Luna and Zoe's future boss had some business to discuss, so Zoe had sat for the entire afternoon, her butt aching from the long hours.

Luna tapped the steering wheel and asked, "You still need to go cook tonight?"

Zoe nodded. She told Luna everything, so Luna knew about her part-time job.

"Alright, I'll drop you off there."

Luna shrugged and drove Zoe to East China New Town. Before Zoe got out of the car, she turned back and smiled, "Thank you, Luna."

Luna was taken aback for a moment and waved with a smile, "You're welcome."

Zoe smiled and closed the car door. She looked up at Nick's residential complex and strode inside.

Luna had given her a new perspective.

If she started to explore new work opportunities, Lindsay wouldn't constantly pressure her to continue her grandmother's culinary career.

That way, she could choose a path she wanted to follow.

And if she could establish herself in the city of Hai, she wouldn't have to return to B-City after graduation. It was a win-win situation.

As for Nick...

The door clicked open.

The curtains in the house were all open, and there was a pleasant aroma in the air.

Nick heard the sound and emerged from his study. He was wearing a black shirt and trousers, with the collar open, looking similar to his usual attire but somehow more formal.

His hair was neatly styled.

Zoe paused and nodded at him.

Nick bent down to grab a cigarette, but didn't light it. He turned his head to look at her, his gaze seemingly wandering over to the dining table.

Zoe was about to enter the kitchen but noticed a bouquet of vibrant red roses on the dining table. They were gorgeous, bound with a ribbon tied into a bow with tiny curls.

It was clearly a gift meant for someone.

Zoe took a closer look and then walked into the kitchen expressionlessly. It seemed like Nick was going out after dinner.

Nick watched her enter the kitchen and leaned back against the sofa, lighting his cigarette with a casual expression.

There weren't many ingredients in the kitchen, but enough for Nick's meal.

Zoe quickly prepared two dishes and a soup, placing them on the table.

Nick adjusted his collar, extinguished his cigarette, and walked over to the table, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

As Zoe turned to go back into the kitchen, he reached out and grasped her wrist.

His palm was warm, and the sudden touch startled Zoe.

Nick looked at her with his deep, narrow eyes and smiled lowly. "Sit, I have something to say to you."

Zoe looked into his eyes, deep and inscrutable, and after a moment's thought, nodded and obediently sat down. Their chairs faced each other, and as he casually swung his long legs, he tightened his grip on her hand.

Zoe struggled and shook her wrist, and he finally let go.

Nick leaned back lazily, appearing relaxed and sexy.

Zoe: "..."

She was thinking about resigning.

Nick seemed to be considering something as well, and after staring at each other for a minute, he stopped swinging his legs, leaned forward slightly, and drew closer to Zoe.

Zoe's breath caught.

As he opened his lips with a smile, she heard him say,

"I'm planning to resign."

"Zoe, let's..."

[Here, the text is incomplete and cuts off abruptly.]