Chapter 037: The Beautiful Woman Emerging from the Bedroom

Chapter 037: The Beauty Emerging from the Bedroom

"Would you like to come upstairs for a bit?" At the entrance of the stairwell, Chen Xiaoman asked politely.

"Sure," Chu Fei nodded.

"Ah?"

Chen Xiaoman was stunned for a moment. She had only meant to be courteous, never expecting Chu Fei to accept. But since the words had already been spoken, it was too late to take them back. She could only bite her lip and walk into the stairwell.

Chen Xiaoman lived on the second floor. Unlike Chu Fei’s modest Three Small Rooms apartment, her place was a one-bedroom unit of less than forty square meters. The living room was so cramped it felt more like a hallway, but the bedroom was spacious, with a bathroom and kitchen fully equipped.

Small as a sparrow, yet complete in every way.

"Have a seat, I’ll pour you some water." Chen Xiaoman appeared nervous; it was her first time having a guest here. Even Jiang Kai had never come inside. She invited Chu Fei into the bedroom, moved her only chair in front of him, and went to fetch water.

Chu Fei didn’t stand on ceremony. Seated, he took in the girl’s private sanctuary: clean, tidy, the furnishings somewhat sparse and almost heartbreaking in their simplicity, but everything was spotless. That was his first impression upon entering—the old house couldn’t be described as pristine, but not a speck of dust could be seen on the windowsill. Evidently, Chen Xiaoman was a diligent and fastidious girl.

Children of the poor mature early.

Chu Fei suddenly recalled an old saying.

The bedroom held little more than a double bed near the balcony, a simple wardrobe, a large writing desk, and the solitary chair on which Chu Fei now sat. That was all. Yet the room didn’t feel monotonous—on the walls were several enlarged photos of Chen Xiaoman herself, as well as posters of female celebrities, adding brightness to the simple space.

So Chen Xiaoman was a fan?

Chu Fei noticed that, aside from a handful of other posters, almost all were of the superstar Mu Qingyan. It seemed Chen Xiaoman was a devoted fan…

"Here."

Just then, Chen Xiaoman handed him a cup of hot water. It was her own cup—she had never had guests, so there were no extra cups, not even disposable ones. Earlier, she’d thought about pouring water into a small bowl, but after much hesitation, she had finally used her own cup.

Chu Fei’s sharp eyes immediately spotted the issue—especially as the cup bore Chen Xiaoman’s personal photo. He smiled inwardly and shook his head, "I’m not thirsty, but thank you."

"Oh." Chen Xiaoman exhaled in relief, but still placed the cup on the desk, then stood nearby, watching Chu Fei. She seemed at a loss for words. Regret flooded her heart—why had she invited him in? What if he turned out to be a bad person?

Her mind spun with wild thoughts, when suddenly Chu Fei spoke.

"That Jiang Kai guy—is he your boyfriend?" Chu Fei’s tone was casual.

"Yes," Chen Xiaoman nodded, with nothing to hide.

"He’s not right for you," Chu Fei frowned, seeing her stunned look and realizing his words were abrupt. He added, "I mean, his character is questionable. He doesn’t trust you at all, didn’t even give you a chance to explain earlier. A person like that isn’t reliable."

"Of course, that’s just my opinion. I only saw tonight’s incident, maybe I’m mistaken," Chu Fei continued.

"No, you’re right," Chen Xiaoman’s expression dimmed. She’d already noticed this—what hurt most tonight wasn’t the quarrel, but Jiang Kai’s lack of trust. That was what truly pained her. Especially when his friends accused her, and Jiang Kai didn’t defend her—that moment froze her to the core, making her realize the vast gulf between them.

Seeing her sadness, Chu Fei felt a pang in his heart, wishing he could comfort her with an embrace, but he didn’t. He smiled instead, "Don’t be upset. Even without Jiang Kai, you’re so beautiful—you’ll surely find your own prince soon."

"Heh…" Chen Xiaoman was amused by Chu Fei’s words. She looked up, suddenly stunned. She had never really looked closely at Chu Fei before, only thought him handsome. Now, at such close distance, she realized how striking he was—not delicate, but rugged and bright-eyed, with a masculine charm far more appealing than the pretty boys with delicate features…

Chu Fei noticed Chen Xiaoman staring at him, her eyes wide and fixed. Puzzled, he asked, "What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing, really. Thank you for everything today. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known what to do in that situation," Chen Xiaoman quickly looked away, her heart beating fast. It was the first time she’d stared at a man like that—totally improper. Thankfully, he hadn’t noticed, and she hastily found an excuse, or she would have wanted to bang her head against the wall.

Chu Fei smiled, "Honestly, you don’t need to thank me. If it weren’t for me, none of this would have happened today."

"Heh…" Chen Xiaoman forced a smile. Even if not today, it would have happened eventually—a person’s nature doesn’t change. She and Jiang Kai simply weren’t from the same world. Strangely, after realizing this, much of her sadness faded…

"It’s late. I should go. You should rest soon," Chu Fei stood up. He’d only come to see Chen Xiaoman’s living conditions, and now he’d seen enough. He didn’t want to overstay and be mistaken for a bad guy—that wasn’t the outcome he wanted.

"You’re leaving already?" Chen Xiaoman was surprised, and felt reluctant.

"It’s almost midnight," Chu Fei pointed at the wall clock and smiled.

"It’s that late?" Chen Xiaoman exclaimed.

"I’m off."

Chu Fei smiled and walked out…

Chen Xiaoman watched him leave, standing at the door until he disappeared downstairs. Only then did she return to her room. Looking at the chair Chu Fei had sat in, memories of the scenes at the spicy hotpot stall flooded her mind—especially those moments when Chu Fei stepped forward and fought. Her mind had been chaotic before, but now she realized how fierce Chu Fei had been, almost murderous in his anger…

Why was he so angry?

Was it really just out of principle?

Chen Xiaoman felt confused. She sensed there was something off—Chu Fei seemed to care about her, but his gaze held no desire. Though naïve, she knew she was attractive, and many boys pursued her. Yet Chu Fei’s eyes were pure, warm—like…

"Big brother?"

Chen Xiaoman suddenly recalled her brother, whom she hadn’t contacted in ages. Chu Fei’s gentle gaze reminded her of her brother’s—it was so similar…

—

"Er Gou, you bastard, you left so decisively, but what am I supposed to do now?" Chu Fei cursed through gritted teeth. The more he interacted with Chen Xiaoman, the more he realized her kindness and vulnerability. He dared not reveal the truth to her, afraid she couldn’t bear it…

What should he do?

Chu Fei’s mind was troubled. He shook his head, forcing himself not to dwell, took out his key, opened his apartment door—and was stunned.

Was this really his home?

Chu Fei stared at the living room, now adorned with fresh flowers and potted plants. He blinked hard, stepped back out, checked the door number, and confirmed it was correct. He stepped back in, gazing dumbfounded at the unfamiliar room…

"Snap—"

Just then, the bedroom door swung open. A graceful figure in a camisole nightdress emerged, yawning and frowning at Chu Fei, complaining, "Chu Fei, why are you back so late? It’s almost midnight."

Seeing the sultry woman at the bedroom door, Chu Fei finally reacted, "Ximen Lu, what are you doing here?"

The woman in sleepwear was none other than his company’s boss, Ximen Lu.

She had not only appeared inexplicably in his home but also emerged from his bedroom in a nightgown. What was she up to?

Wait a minute.

Chu Fei suddenly recalled another issue. He looked at Ximen Lu and asked, "Wait, how did you get in?"

"Obviously, I used the key," Ximen Lu rolled her eyes at him, as if saying, ‘How could you ask such a silly question?’

"Where did you get the key?" Chu Fei pressed.

"I took it this morning when I left," the boss admitted, a rare hint of embarrassment on her face.

"So you just let yourself in? And moved into my bedroom?" Chu Fei stared at the somewhat guilty Ximen Lu, frowning, "What do you think this place is? A temporary hotel?"

"I’m not treating it like a hotel. I plan to live here from now on," Ximen Lu smiled seductively.

"What?" Chu Fei was completely speechless.

"This morning, I realized your place is close to the office. Plus, I don’t have a permanent home in Kun City. Usually, I stay in hotels when I return, which is inconvenient, so I…"

"So you decided to move in here?" Chu Fei interrupted, his face darkening as he finally understood her intentions.

"Of course I won’t live here for free. I’ll pay you rent," Ximen Lu nodded.

"Stop right there. It’s not about the rent. The issue is, you moved in without asking me. How do you know I’d agree?" Chu Fei’s face was completely dark.

"We’re old classmates. Surely you wouldn’t be so ruthless as to throw me out, right?" Ximen Lu gave him a charming, ingratiating smile.

"I mind very much. Please move out right now," Chu Fei frowned. Did she really think he wouldn’t be angry at her presumptuousness?

"Come on, Chu Fei, you heartless man! It’s the middle of the night, and you’d kick me out? Aren’t you afraid that a delicate beauty like me might run into some thug and get hurt?" Seeing Chu Fei angry, Ximen Lu acted pitiful.

Chu Fei pretended not to notice, muttering, "What thug would dare mess with you? It’d be lucky if you didn’t mess with them first."

"Damn!"

Ximen Lu was furious. She glared, hands on her hips, "Chu Fei, I’m staying here tonight. Not just tonight—from now on, I’m living here. If you’ve got the guts, throw me out right now!"

"I—"

Faced with Ximen Lu’s sudden domineering attitude, Chu Fei was utterly stumped…

They say when a woman acts shameless, even gods must retreat. Tonight, Chu Fei finally witnessed it…

This morning, I rushed to the hospital and forgot to set the update. Just got back—sorry!