Chapter 6 Hickies Out Of Nowhere

• The first ray of morning light shone into the room. Against the bright red duvet, Tang Xuchun’s skin appeared all the fairer and more delicate. However, it was still peppered with small red bruises from two nights ago.
• The sight of them was tantalizing enough.
• Tang Xuchun rubbed her eyes as she moved under the duvet. When she felt cold air drifting in, she immediately sat up in alarm.
• She quickly looked around before lowering her gaze. Seeing her own naked body, Tang Xuchun gasped.
• I’m not wearing a thing!
• The wedding gown was lying on the carpet next to the bed.
• Did I sleepwalk and take off the gown myself, or did I experience something paranormal?
• Tang Xuchun was completely bewildered. Feeling a sting on her forehead, she reached up only to find a bump. I never sleepwalk. Could I have run into a wall in my sleep and then took my gown off in the process?
• A chill ran down her spine as she considered the possibilities in horror.
• Knock knock. Someone was at the door.
• “Madam. Are you up?” It was the butler.
• “Yeah.” Tang Xuchun pulled the duvet around her.
• “Breakfast is ready downstairs whenever you are done getting ready,” said the butler.
• “Okay. Thanks,” Tang Xuchun answered. She waited until the butler had walked away before getting off the bed.
• Another surprise awaited her as she pulled the duvet away. On her chest was a bright red mark which stood out among the other faded ones.
• Is this a scratch mark? It can’t be - there are no mosquitoes here.
• Moving her head, Tang Xuchun looked at it from different angles and finally concluded that it was indeed a love bite. A love bite on an erogenous body part.
• Ugh. This is driving me insane.
• In a bright and luxurious dining room.
• Tang Xuchun was astonished - not by the grandness of the room, but by the lavish array of food.
• Are they feeding an army?
• Even an army cannot finish all this. This is way over the top.
• “Is anyone joining me?” Tang Xuchun asked the butler.
• Did Young Master Yan return?
• Tang Xuchun took in the view of the dishes. They included every type of cuisine one could imagine.
• All steaming and elegantly plated, the dishes were inviting Tang Xuchun to dig in.
• “No. Madam, you will only be the one eating today,” the butler informed politely.
• Tang Xuchun froze.
• “I can’t possibly finish all this.”
• “It’s all right. Just enjoy whatever you like, and we’ll take care of the rest,” said the butler.
• “What do you do with the leftovers?” asked Tang Xuchun curiously.
• “Either let the staff finish it or we get rid of it,” answered the butler honestly.
• “Oh... but I don’t have a big appetite. I don’t want you to be eating all my leftovers, but I’m not comfortable with wasting food, either. How about this? I will make you a list of food I need so you don’t have to make so much food every day. It’s such a waste.”
• Tang Xuchun had always lived frugally. Growing up in a farming village with her grandmother, she understood the time and effort required to grow one’s own food. Thus, she had great respect and appreciation for the ingredients, and she could never see herself wasting food.
• The butler paused. He was surprised to hear that.
• Judging by the way she spoke, the butler reckoned Tang Xuchun wasn’t just saying that to feign concern. She seemed to genuinely care about the issue.
• “Can you have the staff join me to help finish it? If not, can you send back some dishes for them? I really don’t need this much food.”
• Tang Xuchun walked to the long table and got herself some congee, dumplings, soy milk, and fried dough sticks. She was also tempted by the chicken feet, steamed pork ribs, and fruit salad.
• Staring at a cake, Tang Xuchun debated if she wanted it, too.
• Although it sounded like she had taken quite a lot, the amount of food she took was only the tip of the iceberg compared to what was served.
• The butler was truly stunned by her actions.
• “Enjoy the rest. I don’t like having others eat my leftovers. Also, I don’t agree with such a wasteful lifestyle.”
• Tang Xuchun looked straight at the butler with her shining eyes as she spoke to him. She stood stiffly at the side of the table as she was still not comfortable enough to act casually.
• She spoke with both courtesy and sincerity as if the butler was her peer. The butler could tell that Tang Xuchun was not spoiled like many upper-class girls.
• “As you wish.” The butler followed her instruction and had some maids clear the dishes.
• Tang Xuchun’s phone rang. It was a call from her teacher.
• Through the phone call, she learned a piece of fantastic news.
• “Really? I can intern at Yiyao Corporation?” Tang Xuchun’s eyes widened as her heart leaped for joy.
• Not wanting to mishear a word, she held her breath and concentrated fully on the call.
• After listening for a few seconds, she collected herself and nodded firmly.
• “Understood. Thank you.”
• She was still in a state of shock long after she had hung up the phone.
• Her entire face was flushing red; her breathing unsteady as well.
• I can’t believe I passed the entrance test required by Yiyao Corporation! Their acceptance rate is so low, yet they chose me!
• As she placed her phone on her chest, Tang Xuchun had a strong urge to jump for joy. However, she had to resist it because she was in the Yan family villa.
• “I was recruited to intern at Yiyao Corporation and I’m starting tomorrow. Could you let your Young Master know, please?” Tang Xuchun was happy to share the news with the butler.
• “Of course, I’ll inform the Young Master. Please enjoy your breakfast, Madam.” Gesturing for Tang Xuchun to sit, the butler bowed and left to make a call to He Yanfeng.
• Tang Xuchun was on cloud nine. This is simply too good to be true!
• Yiyao Corporation was a leading company in most fields. Prestigious and financially very influential, they were extremely selective when it came to staff recruitment. This year, there were only two internship spots available despite many more applicants. Needless to say, it was a golden opportunity.
• Tang Xuchun sat down and lifted her spoon. Her bright eyes were full of astonishment and happiness. She drew deep breaths to calm herself down while she waited apprehensively for the butler’s return.
• The butler came back to relay the message, “Madam, Young Master has given his consent for you to intern at Yiyao Corporation. He wants to remind you to be safe and to remember your identity.”
• Tang Xuchun bobbed her head quickly.
• “I know what you mean. I will keep the family’s reputation in mind and not do anything that will bring shame to Young Master Yan.”
• After her husband granted her permission so easily, she now regarded him in a different light.
• “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to it.” The butler exited the room again politely.
• Tang Xuchun basked in happiness throughout breakfast. After that, she immediately went back to her room to start preparing for her new job.
• Little did she know that the more excited she was now, the more regretful she would be the next day.
• At the same time, He Yanfeng, who was sitting next to his bedridden brother, received a text message. He glanced at it casually.
• The butler reported that he had arranged for Tang Xuchun to take up a position in Yiyao Corporation. A mysterious, crafty smirk appeared on He Yanfeng’s otherwise glum face.
• I cannot wait to see the look on her face when she sees me.