Chapter 225: Filthy Stuff
When Song Zhibai heard this, his eyes lit up, but moments later, he slumped again.
“My troubles might not be something Miss Xu can solve,” Song Zhibai said.
Xu Youyou felt he was being a bit self-defeating and said, “Since you’re not ready to talk now, I won’t force you. I’ll wait until you’re willing to tell me.”
Song Zhibai smiled apologetically. “Did I ruin your mood?”
Xu Youyou quickly shook her head. “Cheering up employees is one of my important jobs as a boss.”
Song Zhibai pressed further, “In your heart, are we really just boss and employee?”
Xu Youyou immediately shook her head. “We’re good friends too.”
Song Zhibai’s expression softened a little, but he still looked a bit lonely as he asked, “Before, when I was too busy filming, I didn’t get a chance to ask carefully. Now, I want to ask—are you really dating Mr. Lu?”
Xu Youyou didn’t intend to hide it and nodded lightly.
“Do you really like Mr. Lu?” Song Zhibai asked.
Xu Youyou paused. In the beginning, dating Lu Jingyao was 50% because he was a quality partner, and 50% because her life was smooth and she wanted to experience the sweet, bitter, and sour aspects of love.
But after dating for more than two months, all she experienced was sweetness. Whatever odd bad habits Lu Jingyao might have had in the past, they never showed up in front of her.
Xu Youyou even felt a kind of energy from him—a strength she herself didn’t possess, a strength purely coming from the Lu family.
Lu Jingyao lived as dazzling as the sun because he had a family that supported him unconditionally.
“I like him,” Xu Youyou said. Her feelings for Lu Jingyao were growing day by day.
Song Zhibai slightly lowered his head, hiding his eyes, and said, “Then I wish you two happiness.”
Xu Youyou vaguely realized something. Both she and Song Zhibai knew clearly that once certain words were spoken, they would only add trouble to each other’s hearts.
“Cheer up, young man! You’re the top superstar in the country right now! If I were you, I’d be so proud, I’d be walking around with my head held high!” Xu Youyou patted him on the shoulder.
Song Zhibai forced a smile. He knew where his problem lay.
When he had been most guarded against Xu Youyou, it might have been when he had the greatest chance. But back then, he was like a hedgehog, ready to raise his spikes at the slightest touch.
Compared to someone like him, full of internal conflict and vulnerability, Lu Jingyao must be much easier to get along with.
Thinking about this, Song Zhibai thought, Since Xu Youyou likes money, I’ll work hard to earn more for her, and said, “What I wanted to tell you is—I want to buy the place I’m renting now. Please arrange more work for me this year; I want to make more money.”
Xu Youyou didn’t agree immediately and instead said, “If you really like that place, I’ll just buy it for you right now. As for work, there’s no rush. You need a good balance between work and rest.”
Song Zhibai knew she said that to win him over, but he couldn’t help feeling happy, as if the house was a special gift from Xu Youyou to him.
But he couldn’t bear to take advantage of her and said, “It’s fine if you buy it for me first, but then I won’t take my bonus this year. Let’s use the house to offset it.”
Xu Youyou frowned. “Are you underestimating me or yourself? It’s just a house. It’s not like I can’t afford it. And you’re a top star—you might earn enough for two of those houses in a year.”
Song Zhibai’s lips curled up slightly. There’s nothing happier than getting recognition from someone you admire.
The two of them tugged back and forth over the house and the income issue for nearly ten minutes before finally reaching a compromise: Xu Youyou would buy the house for him upfront, but the money would be deducted from his bonus.
“Xiao Song is here too! No wonder the house feels so lively!”
Lu Jingyao resisted the urge to rush over, but his footsteps were fast and tight, sweat even visible on his forehead, showing how quickly he had rushed back.
Lu Jingyao didn’t live in this house, but that didn’t stop him from calling it “home.”
Hearing this, Song Zhibai felt annoyed but couldn’t help laughing bitterly when he saw the little dog Guai Guai circling happily around Lu Jingyao. They really were a perfect match—even the dog supported Lu Jingyao. Why should he be the bad guy?
“I need to get back and study my script. I won’t stay and bother you,” Song Zhibai got up to leave.
Lu Jingyao, who had been watching him like a hawk, now pretended to be gracious and said, “Why are you leaving as soon as I come back? Xiao Song, stay and have dinner. I’ll ask Aunt Zhang to make some of your favorite dishes.”
Song Zhibai knew Lu Jingyao was asserting his dominance. He understood and even thought that if he were Xu Youyou’s boyfriend, he’d probably act even more possessive.
Still, understanding didn’t lessen the anger in his heart. He simply stopped in his tracks and said, “Sure, since Mr. Lu has invited me so enthusiastically, it would be rude to refuse.”
Now it was Lu Jingyao’s turn to look awkward. He had only said it out of politeness; he hadn’t actually wanted to invite him. After all, he hadn’t had enough time alone with Xu Youyou, so why would he want a love rival as a third wheel?
“Alright… I’ll go tell Aunt Zhang…” Lu Jingyao said awkwardly.
Song Zhibai didn’t let him off the hook and asked, “Does Mr. Lu know what dishes I like?”
Of course, Lu Jingyao didn’t know his rival’s preferences. Embarrassment visibly crept across his handsome face.
“Woof woof! Look how stupid he is! Even dumber than Da Huang! He’s definitely not my dad!” Even Guai Guai barked in disdain at Lu Jingyao.
Xu Youyou said helplessly, “He doesn’t remember, but I do. Aunt Zhang, Xiao Song prefers light flavors—less oil, less salt. Tell Chef Chen in the kitchen too.”
Aunt Zhang smiled and agreed.
Song Zhibai sat back down, the curve of his lips impossible to hide.
Lu Jingyao sulked for a while, then said, “Youyou, you have such a good memory. You even remember your employees’ tastes. Unlike me—I’m so careless, I don’t even care about employees as much as you do.”
Lu Jingyao emphasized the word employees heavily.
At this, Song Zhibai looked at Lu Jingyao like he had seen something filthy.
He couldn’t help but think: If Lu Jingyao managed to win Xu Youyou’s heart with tricks like this, then I really have no right to complain.
Meanwhile, Xu Youyou didn’t pay much attention to the little war of male rivalry happening in front of her. Her gaze drifted, landing on the system prompt:
[Ding! Host, the “bargain-hunting” task has been activated. Please complete it within five working days. If overdue or incomplete, a random punishment will be triggered.]
