"Do I have a choice?"
Meng Jingwei sneered, a cold smile pulling at her lips, feigning reluctance.
In reality, her heart was overjoyed, practically leaping with delight.
Throughout the meal, Meng Jingwei kept praising 'Tie Zhuzi's' culinary skills, 'involuntarily' eating two extra bowls.
"Ah, I can't, I'm stuffed, absolutely stuffed. I need to go for a walk."
She stood up, rubbing her stomach, her expression one of discomfort.
The servants cleared the dishes, and Meng Jingwei, clutching her abdomen, paced back and forth in the living room.
Old Chentou's face broke into a rare smile. "You're all grown up, getting so full from just one meal."
Meng Jingwei rolled her eyes, not replying, and walked towards the exit.
Just then, 'Tie Zhuzi' emerged from the kitchen. Old Chentou beckoned him over.
"Tie Zhuzi, Ming Jin won't be able to accompany Jingwei these few days. You'll be responsible for accompanying her every day."
Old Chentou couldn't find a suitable candidate, and Meng Jingwei was highly resistant to the Hidden Clan. Old Chentou knew that if he assigned anyone else, Meng Jingwei would surely be dissatisfied, so he had to discuss it with him.
"Then, about the cooking..."
Qing Muye hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping himself.
"When Jingwei is home, you'll be responsible for cooking. When she's out, you'll be responsible for accompanying her."
Hiring 'Tie Zhuzi' to cook was for Meng Jingwei's convenience. If Meng Jingwei was out, 'Tie Zhuzi's' responsibility naturally extended to protecting her.
Qing Muye stood before Old Chentou with his head bowed, looking hesitant, and remained silent for a long time.
His demeanor clearly indicated he had something to say.
"Can you just say yes or no?" Daisy Tini, seeing Qing Muye standing there speechlessly, spoke with a hint of displeasure.
"It's fine, but..."
He tilted his head, drawing out his words, leaving them unsaid.
"But what? Say it!" Daisy Tini, impatient, was somewhat annoyed by 'Tie Zhuzi's' hesitant demeanor.
"Well... I applied for the position of chef, and now I'm being asked to moonlight as a bodyguard..."
Qing Muye 'dared not' look directly at Old Chentou and Daisy Tini's faces, instead rubbing his thumb and index finger together with his right hand.
His meaning was self-evident.
Daisy Tini's lips twitched. She shot him a look, conveying a sense of "disappointed that he didn't live up to expectations." "Hmph, in the words of your Lan City folk, you really are 'narrow-minded'."
"I'm just out here working. I have a wife and children at home. If my friends hadn't told me I could earn some money on this job, I wouldn't have come here."
Qing Muye portrayed the image of a common man to perfection. Even standing before them, they had no hint of suspicion.
"Alright, alright, it's not easy for anyone."
Old Chentou, unconcerned with trivialities, waved his hand. "Your salary will be doubled, but you must take good care of Jingwei. Otherwise, you won't get a penny."
"Okay."
He replied.
"Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and go follow Jingwei," Daisy Tini snapped.
"I... I'm out of money. Can I get an advance on my salary?" He tugged at his clothes. "I'm wearing kitchen clothes, they smell heavily of oil and smoke. I'm afraid I'll embarrass the young lady."
"You...!"
Daisy Tini was inexplicably angered and was about to lash out when she saw Old Chentou pull a wad of Hidden Clan currency from his pocket and place it before Qing Muye. "Here's five thousand. Take it to use for now. What you said makes sense; if you're protecting Jingwei, you do need to tidy yourself up."
"Okay, thank you, boss."
'Tie Zhuzi' took the five thousand dollars, bowed respectfully to the two of them, and then bolted away.