From Dropout to Housemaid-The Upper Crust's Favorite - Chapter 16 - Su Linyuan

Jiang Xianyu’s voice trembled as she spoke, “I… I completely forgot…”

Grandma Su gently patted her head. “Good child, make a wish. Life will only get better from here.”

Jiang Xianyu avoided their kind, loving gazes, afraid her emotions might overflow. She sniffled, closed her eyes, and made a wish. It was simple: she hoped for peace and happiness for everyone she loved and everyone who loved her.

After making her wish, she began slicing the cake.

Later that evening, the three elders surprised her with red envelopes. Grandpa Su and Grandma Su had thought it through carefully. Xiao Jiang was a hardworking girl, and giving her some money was far more practical than any flashy gifts.

This time, Jiang Xianyu didn’t refuse. She had already decided that once her job here ended in two weeks, she would buy them some thoughtful gifts in return.

After tidying up the dishes, Jiang Xianyu spent some time watching TV with Old Lady Su before heading back to her room. Once she had washed up and settled into bed, she began scrolling through her phone.

Birthday calls from Chen Siling and Liu Lijun came in one after another. They both knew about Jiang Xianyu’s current job and had deliberately waited until later in the evening to avoid disturbing her.

The next day, Jiang Xianyu received two gift boxes. One was from Chen Siling-a set of skincare products recommended by industry makeup artists, perfectly suited to Jiang Xianyu’s skin type. The other was from Liu Lijun-a stylish coat, just right for the current weather.

When she tried on the coat, it fit perfectly. Stepping out in her new outfit, Old Lady Su showered her with compliments.

Jiang Xianyu wasn’t used to such direct praise, and her fair cheeks flushed a soft pink. Grandpa Su and Butler Lu watched from the side, their faces lit up with smiles.

During Jiang Xianyu’s final week at the Su Family, their long-time housemaid Aunt Li called to inform them that her husband’s health had stabilized and she would be able to return to work in a week.

Grandma Su cheerfully agreed, but after hanging up, a trace of hesitation clouded her face. Aunt Li had been with them for years, always diligent and faultless. There was no reason to dismiss her. Yet, looking at Jiang Xianyu, she couldn’t help but feel reluctant.

Since Jiang Xianyu’s arrival, their days had become so much more lively. Every morning felt invigorating. Comparing the two, Grandma Su found herself torn.

Jiang Xianyu, however, didn’t dwell on it. The Su Family elders had treated her with kindness, but Aunt Li had shared over a decade of memories with them. No matter how well she got along with the elderly couple, it wouldn’t be right to stay and take Aunt Li’s place.

So, during this time, she had been searching online for apartments, preparing to move out once her job here was done.

Noticing the couple’s growing anxiety over the past few days, Jiang Xianyu decided it was time for a heart-to-heart.

“Grandpa Su, Grandma Su, Uncle Lu, is there anything special you’d like to eat? Let me make it for you while I’m still here.”

Old Lady Su’s eyes brimmed with even more reluctance at those words. Ever since Jiang Xianyu arrived, the house had felt different. They had become more like cherished grandparents surrounded by attentive family, rather than lonely elders whose children were too busy with their own lives.

Jiang Xianyu had brought warmth into their lives-watching TV dramas with Grandma Su, joining her for square dances, and helping her tend to the vegetable garden and flower beds. She had also bonded with Grandpa Su, accompanying him on fishing trips, helping him care for his plants, and even taking photos for his social media posts.

This bustling, joyous life was about to disappear, and the sense of loss was inevitable.

“Xiao Yu, why don’t you stay on? You and Aunt Li can split the work and handle it together,” Grandma Su suggested warmly.

Jiang Xianyu shook her head in polite refusal.

“Grandma Su, there’s no need for that. If Aunt Li comes back and finds her workload reduced, she might feel uneasy. Besides, the tasks here aren’t complicated enough to justify hiring an extra person and paying another salary.”

“My work here is wrapping up soon. It’ll be a good chance for me to take a few days off, sort out my savings, and then look for my next job. I still have some income coming in every month.”

Grandma Su, however, was thinking further ahead than Xianyu. She knew how unpredictable employers outside could be.

Most families in their social circle had housemaids and butlers, and it was common knowledge that being a housemaid required finding the right employer. Xiao Yu was young, beautiful, and kind-hearted-qualities that could easily lead to her being taken advantage of.

At that moment, Uncle Lu chimed in, “Madam, didn’t Aunt Qian-the housekeeper for Young Master-mention that her daughter-in-law is due to give birth soon? She told me she’d need to take a month off in early December to help with the postpartum care.”

Grandma Su’s eyes lit up with sudden realization.

“That’s right, I almost forgot about that!”

Aunt Qian had been with their family for years. Back when all the children were still at home, the household had several housemaids. Now, Aunt Li and Butler Lu stayed with the elder Su couple, while Aunt Qian was assigned to care for their grandson. As for their son, Su Lixin, his preferences differed from theirs-he had hired a private chef to cook at home and relied on assistants to coordinate housekeeping services.

Grandma Su turned to Jiang Xianyu with a hopeful look. “Would you be willing to go to my grandson’s place for a month and help out?”

Jiang Xianyu’s eyes softened as she nodded slightly. “Of course, Grandma Su. Thank you for thinking of me.”

Grandma Su clasped Xianyu’s hands warmly. “It’s us who should thank you. After Aunt Qian takes her leave, hiring a temporary housemaid might be hit-or-miss. But with you, someone we know and trust, taking care of Linyuan, we’ll feel much more at ease.”

Xianyu replied earnestly, “I’ll make sure to take good care of Young Master’s daily needs.”

Old Master Su snorted, “Young Master? Just call him Su-Ge¹. No need to inflate his ego. He’s got a temper like a stray dog. If he says anything out of line, let me know, and I’ll set him straight.”

Xianyu chuckled lightly. “Oh, I don’t think that’ll be necessary. I’ve heard Su-Ge call you both quite often during this time. He seems like a filial person and shouldn’t be hard to get along with.”

In front of the elder couple, Xianyu smoothly adopted the nickname “Su-Ge,” though she knew she’d have to revert to a more formal address once she started working for him.

The elder couple laughed heartily. Compared to his father, their grandson was indeed much more considerate.

After dinner, Jiang Xianyu sought out Butler Lu to inquire about Su Linyuan’s habits and preferences.

Perhaps recalling some fond memories of the Young Master, Butler Lu’s expression softened noticeably.

Xianyu pulled out a notebook and pen, ready to take notes as Butler Lu began his “lesson.”

He started with Su Linyuan’s daily schedule-what time he woke up, when he had breakfast, his usual return home, and bedtime routines. Every detail was meticulously outlined.

Next came his culinary preferences, favorite coffee types, preferred clothing styles, and even the placement of his belongings. Butler Lu even mentioned the specific designs of tie clips Su Linyuan favored.

Xianyu diligently jotted everything down, her expression calm and focused.

She had once managed to cater to the whims of numerous demanding clients, learning their likes and habits in detail. Now, with only Su Linyuan as her sole focus, the task felt surprisingly manageable.

As Butler Lu’s descriptions unfolded, Xianyu began to piece together a more vivid image of Su Linyuan in her mind.

She had seen Su Linyuan before, though they had never exchanged words. Her understanding of him had been limited to fragmented impressions from the business world-portraying him as a decisive, sharp leader with an air of authority.

But now, thanks to Butler Lu’s detailed account, her mental “profile” of Su Linyuan expanded to include nuances she hadn’t considered before.

Footnote:

1. Ge(哥): In Chinese culture, it is quite common to address someone as “xx 哥” (pronounced as “xx ge”). The term “Ge” means “older brother” and, when used in this context, typically carries a sense of affection and friendliness. It indicates respect and amiability towards the person, similar to calling someone “bro” or “big brother” in English.