Chapter 36: A False Alarm

In Mu Qiao’s heart, money—whether in abundance or scarcity—was ultimately illusory. After all, she had Jiang Zhengxing behind her, and she never dared to expect a salary from someone like Zhang Shen, who managed an internet café.

“Miss Mu, first of all, you’ll have a three-month probation period. During this time, your compensation will be only 1,000 silver coins. After three months, we’ll decide whether to continue employing you based on your performance.”

In truth, Mu Qiao wasn’t aware that 1,000 silver coins was already equivalent to more than half of Zhang Shen’s monthly wages. Yet, with funds tight at the moment, this was the best he could do.

Hearing Zhang Shen’s offer, Mu Qiao actually found it slightly exceeded her expectations, so she nodded her agreement.

“Very well. From this moment on, Miss Mu, you are now Jiang Muyun’s personal assistant—on duty twenty-four hours a day.”

“Understood.”

Although Mu Qiao’s original intent had been to get close to Zhang Shen, fate had instead made her Jiang Muyun’s personal assistant. Still, this arrangement would allow her to keep close watch over the young miss, monitoring her every word and deed.

After a morning of activity, noon was fast approaching. Zhang Shen announced, “It’s nearly lunchtime. I’m heading home to cook.”

“What? You’re really going home to cook?” Jiang Muyun couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“What’s so strange about that? My medical skills are excellent, but my cooking is first-rate too—believe it or not.”

Truthfully, even as he said this, Zhang Shen felt a bit guilty. He knew full well what skills he truly possessed.

“Come on, let’s be honest. Your daily meals are instant noodles and steamed buns. Can you even make anything else?”

“Uh…”

Watching the banter between Zhang Shen and Jiang Muyun, Mu Qiao couldn’t help interjecting, “Why not let me, as the new assistant, handle this meal? Since I’m to be Miss Jiang’s personal attendant, I should get to know her tastes.”

“That makes sense.” Zhang Shen found her suggestion reasonable. For a newcomer to be so poised was rare, and he found himself feeling something indescribable toward her.

“Big sister, do you really know how to cook?” Jiang Muyun looked at Mu Qiao curiously.

Mu Qiao answered respectfully, “Of course, Miss. Otherwise, how could I be your personal assistant?”

Upon hearing that the new recruit could cook, Zhang Shen’s spirits lifted. “In that case, I’m in for a treat today.”

Both Jiang Muyun and Mu Qiao knew exactly what Zhang Shen meant by “a treat,” but neither commented further.

Jiang Muyun, however, was never one to pass up the chance to bicker with Zhang Shen. “What do you mean? Weren’t you planning to eat at home? Well then, off you go—no need to see you out!”

She winked mischievously.

“You heartless little thing! Do you have any idea what kind of stress I’m under, finding you a personal assistant?”

“Oh, really? Wasn’t it you who insisted last night that you wanted a female assistant?” Jiang Muyun replied with a playful look.

“Don’t you dare misjudge me. Besides, if I’d hired a male assistant to take care of you, would you have agreed? If you say yes now, I’ll dismiss Miss Mu immediately.”

Unexpectedly, Jiang Muyun wasn’t fazed by this, replying, “Fine! But remember, if you do, you won’t get to taste Mu Qiao’s cooking.”

“You… Fine, I’ll go home and eat instant noodles. I’m done with this nonsense.”

With that, Zhang Shen turned to leave.

“Miss, are you all right?” Out of instinctive concern for Jiang Muyun, Zhang Shen always reacted at once to any sign from her. Especially now, seeing her lying on the floor again—though her expression this time was different.

Mu Qiao was a little anxious, and Zhang Shen hurriedly used his Soul-Reading Technique to probe Jiang Muyun, hoping to discover something new about the toxins in her body. But after a while, he found nothing at all.

“How odd. Why is this happening?” Zhang Shen muttered under his breath.

Suddenly, a melodious, bell-like laugh rang in his ears. Jiang Muyun was rolling on the floor, clutching her belly with laughter. So it was all a joke at his expense. This time, Zhang Shen didn’t spare her any dignity.

He roared at her, “Do you have any idea how much you worry people by doing this?”

Usually so quick to retort, Jiang Muyun was startled by his seriousness. But she knew it came from his genuine concern.

Once Zhang Shen’s temper had subsided, Jiang Muyun dared to say, “I’m sorry. I just wanted to tease you. I won’t do it again.”

“Again? You’re already thinking about a next time?”

“No, no, there won’t be a next time. Absolutely not.”

“And how can I be sure?”

“Uh… sure? I just said I won’t do it again…”

“That’s not good enough. Honestly, I’m not sure I can trust you now.”

“What do you suggest?”

“Well… I haven’t decided yet. Maybe I’ll know after I’ve eaten my fill!”

It was only then that Jiang Muyun realized Zhang Shen had gone in circles just to secure a free meal.

“Fine!” Jiang Muyun stood and turned to Mu Qiao. “Since our great doctor wants to sample your cooking, I’ll leave it to you, Sister Mu.”

Mu Qiao replied, “Please wait a moment, Miss. I’ll get started right away.”

Once Mu Qiao had gone downstairs, Zhang Shen reached out and pinched Jiang Muyun’s cheek. “You little rascal, trying to play the farmer and the snake with me? You’re getting bolder, aren’t you?”

“Ow! That hurts.”

“Now you know what pain is! What made you come up with such a wicked idea?”

“I’m clever, aren’t I?”

To his surprise, Jiang Muyun expected praise.

“Clever, my foot!”

“Hmph! Why are you being so rude?”

“Who, me? Who heard anything? There’s no one here!”

Zhang Shen made a show of looking around the room.

Jiang Muyun knew it was just the two of them, so there was no one to back her up.

“I heard it!” Just then, Mu Qiao walked in from outside.

“When did you hear that?” Zhang Shen asked.

“As I was coming in, I heard it from outside.”

“Hmph! Sister Mu heard you. Still won’t admit it?”