Chapter 15: The Intoxicated Boss

That evening, they returned to Bai Xueyan’s home in an upscale villa complex. She lived in villa number seventeen.

When the lights came on inside, Chen Ye was astonished. The place was magnificent. Crystal chandeliers reflected in the polished marble floor, scattering light and shadow around the room. He didn’t know where the furniture came from, but every piece looked extraordinary. Even the carpet beneath his feet was exceptionally soft.

“Here. These slippers are for guests. They’ll do for now.” Bai Xueyan tossed a pair in front of him.

He changed into them and followed her into the living room, admiring her graceful, mature figure as she led the way.

They went downstairs to the basement, which was also luxuriously furnished and divided into areas for karaoke, billiards, wine, and exercise. Bai Xueyan opened a door.

“This is the housekeeper’s bedroom. You’ll have to make do here for now.”

When she turned on the light, Chen Ye saw a spacious, bright, neatly arranged room with a beautiful desk and wardrobe.

“Make do? This is wonderful!” he said sincerely. He’d never lived in a room so luxurious. Even in the basement, it felt like heaven.

“You’ll stay here. When you’re bored, you can exercise or entertain yourself downstairs. The toilet and bathroom are next door, but the bathroom pipes are broken. For now, use the bathroom on the second floor. I’ll have someone repair it another day.”

“All right.”

“Any questions?”

“No.” Then one occurred to him. “If I’m staying in the housekeeper’s bedroom, where does the housekeeper live?”

“I don’t have one.” She pointed at him, then at herself. “There are only two people in this villa: you and me.”

The words made the atmosphere feel oddly intimate to Chen Ye. A man and a woman alone together in a villa…

Suddenly, Bai Xueyan checked her watch. “Oh! I have a party to get to. I’m going to be late.”

As she hurried upstairs, she called back, “Settle into your room. If you’re hungry, look in the kitchen fridge on the first floor. I have to go!”

“All right, Bai-jie.”

Once she was gone, Chen Ye took a deep breath and lay down on the clean, soft bed, delighted. Riding in a luxury car, living in a villa, wearing clothes that cost thousands of yuan apiece—wasn’t this how the rich lived?

But he knew none of it belonged to him. The car and house were hers, and even the clothes were charity. He was only sampling someone else’s life. The moment she changed her mind, he’d be back where he started.

He vowed that one day he would have all of it himself, and something grander still.

Tired, he drifted off. He didn’t know how long he had slept when he woke to faint footsteps upstairs. His phone showed that more than four hours had passed. It was after one in the morning.

“Is Bai-jie back already?”

He went to the stairs and looked up just as she passed. She wore a short backless dress and seemed drunk, swaying as she walked.

“Bai-jie? Have you had too much?” He hurried after her.

“I had a little.” She turned with a hazy smile, her body wavering. “Why are you… still awake?”

“I slept for a while and just woke up. Shall I help you upstairs?”

“No. I… I can manage.” She hiccuped, waved him off, and turned unsteadily toward the stairs.

Perhaps distracted by their conversation, she missed a step and fell hard onto her knee.

“Ow!”

“Bai-jie!” Chen Ye hurried to help her. She was badly drunk, with barely enough strength to stand. He ducked beneath her arm, lifted it over his shoulder, and supported her waist as he helped her upstairs.

He had never been so close to her before; he could feel her breath beside his ear.

“Careful.”

“I’m fine,” she murmured, though her body kept sagging against him. With considerable effort, he got her to the bedroom on the second floor.

She fell onto the large bed, sinking into the soft covers. Her short dress rode up slightly, revealing a glimpse of black lace. Chen Ye forced himself to look away and checked her knee. It was bruised, but there was no wound, just some broken skin; it didn’t need attention for now.

“Get some rest, Bai-jie.” Afraid he wouldn’t be able to keep his composure if he stayed, he quickly turned to leave.

“It’s so stuffy.” Her dress felt tight across her chest. She pulled off an undergarment and threw it on the floor, then lay back and breathed out, more comfortable.

But the deep breath brought a sudden wave of nausea. She sat up and leaned over the edge of the bed, vomiting.

“Ah!” she cried, miserable from the drink.

Chen Ye hadn’t gone far. Hearing her vomit and cry out, he hurried back and pushed open the bedroom door.

“Bai-jie, are you all right?”

The sight inside made him freeze.