As the personal assistant to the young mistress, Qiuyun had no intention of getting involved with a playboy. She took another step back and declined, “Sorry, I still have orders to carry out.”
Jiang Yifeng rested one hand on his hip and took a slow, casual step toward her. “What orders? I’ll have my people handle them for you.”
“...”
He was being relentless—clearly, he meant business.
Qiuyun took a deep breath and forced a smile. “It’s nothing major. No need to trouble your people, Young Master Jiang.”
Jiang Yifeng grinned. “So, can we go to the tea house now?”
“Yes, please lead the way, Young Master Jiang.”
The tea house on Antique Street was naturally steeped in old-world charm.
As Qiuyun walked through, she noticed that everything she passed was authentic—proof that the tea house owner had real taste and means.
A waitress in a cheongsam led them into an elevator and up to a glass-enclosed rooftop terrace.
“Have a seat.” Jiang Yifeng lounged back casually in a wooden armchair. “What would you like to drink? Our tea master’s skills might not match yours, you know.”
Qiuyun surveyed the glass terrace.
It was about twenty-five square meters, with the outer glass seamlessly molded in one piece. Even the entrance was built from below, requiring guests to walk up.
Although there were no windows, the air inside was remarkably fresh. Qiuyun guessed that hidden ventilation systems were embedded among the greenery, and she couldn’t help but remark, “As always, the wealthy really know how to enjoy life.”
“Any tea I want?” Qiuyun asked.
Was she testing him?
Jiang Yifeng narrowed his eyes. “Of course. Pick any of the eight famous teas.”
“Milk tea, please.”
“...?”
Qiuyun sat upright in the armchair, her posture poised and elegant.
After discovering small cakes and pastries, she had recently found another delightful beverage: milk tea. This tea was neither astringent nor bitter, and carried a rich milky fragrance. Add fruit puree or cheese as a topping, and it became even more flavorful—truly a top-tier treat.
Jiang Yifeng studied her for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and pressed the call button on the table. “A pot of Longjing tea and one cup of milk tea.”
The front desk staff exchanged baffled looks when they received the order.
Since when did their tea house serve milk tea?
The terrace faced away from the sun, so while it wasn’t directly lit, it offered an endless view of blue sky and white clouds—a stunning sight.
Qiuyun admired the view for a moment, then turned to Jiang Yifeng. “Young Master Jiang, if you have something to say, feel free to speak directly.”
Jiang Yifeng clasped his hands behind his head and leaned back. “What’s the matter? Can’t I invite a beautiful young lady to a tea house for a chat?”
She glanced around at the surroundings and spoke bluntly, “This place is located in the heart of an ancient city, yet it feels spacious and secluded. If Young Master Jiang were looking to entertain a young lady for pleasure, you wouldn’t choose a spot like this, would you?”
It was like a royal procession clearing the streets.
Once people had money and power, their first move was to isolate themselves from anyone below their station, ensuring they could breathe freely.
And that young lady who had been so easily dismissed earlier clearly hadn’t enjoyed such treatment from Young Master Jiang.
“Talking to a clever woman just kills the fun.” Jiang Yifeng decided not to beat around the bush any longer, not wanting to seem foolish or frivolous.
He sat up straighter, his expression turning serious. “Leave Little Seven and come work as my assistant instead. Name your price.”
Tsk.
Another poacher.
But she wasn’t stupid. Why would she abandon the primary branch, with its capable and honorable mistress, to throw in her lot with Jiang Yifeng, this unreliable playboy?
Qiuyun curled her lips slightly, touched the wooden hairpin behind her ear, and replied with a gentle, regretful smile, “I’m sorry, but I have no plans to switch jobs right now.”
She didn’t even name a price—just turned him down flat?
Jiang Yifeng showed no anger. His peach-blossom eyes narrowed, revealing a hint of charm. “Tsk. This is the first time a woman has refused me the chance to name a price. Assistant Qiu, won’t you give me a reason?”
Qiuyun’s smile didn’t waver. “A reason? Well, my mistress, for instance, doesn’t think I’m the kind of woman who can be bought at any price.”
So, it wasn’t that she, Qiuyun, was worthy of this place—it was that Jiang Yifeng was the type who discussed business in locations like this.
When she finished speaking, Jiang Yifeng’s smile faded.
Out of habit, when dealing with beautiful women—even business partners—his words often carried a teasing undertone.
Given his top-tier looks, physique, and family background, most women never rejected the chance to get closer to him romantically.
“Sorry.” Jiang Yifeng was quick to recover, flashing a warm smile to explain. “I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I’m just surprised you wouldn’t even hear the terms before refusing.”
He tilted his head slightly, showing some confusion. “I’m just curious. A sharp, skilled professional woman like you—how can you be content staying by a little girl’s side? Do you like babysitting?”
Qiuyun looked up.
She gazed at the endless blue sky.
The truth was, after the madam had paid her 420,000 as a reward, her debts had been fully cleared.
As for why she didn’t leave and continued serving the wealthy family, running errands and handling chores—it had to do with a regret of hers.
Back when she had sold herself into servitude at the Vice Minister’s mansion, she had envied the old maid who attended to the elderly madam, whose duties were merely pouring tea and handing her a handkerchief.
That maid even had two servants of her own, and everyone in the mansion—including the master—treated her with great respect.
Back then, Qiuyun had made up her mind to make that her ultimate life goal.
Later, she accompanied her mistress through countless challenges in the Duke’s mansion, on the verge of achieving her childhood dream—until fate brought her here by accident.
Tsk.
People were strange that way.
When the prize was snatched from right before their eyes, they couldn’t help but imagine how sweet, fragrant, and succulent it must have been. They simply couldn’t resist trying to seize it again for themselves.
So, when Jiang Yifeng talked about poaching her at a high price, it held no appeal for Qiuyun.
If she wanted money, a single painting of Guan Yin could fetch 1.2 million in just two or three months.
But her goal was to become Butler Lin—to oversee everything in the estate, assign tasks to all personnel, and have the entire estate run according to her rules.
Comparing the two, the primary branch was clearly the better option.
“Assistant Qiu.” Jiang Yifeng interrupted her reverie. “Is it that hard to answer?”
“No.”
Qiuyun certainly wasn’t about to reveal her true thoughts. “Compared to dealing with Young Master Jiang’s romantic entanglements, I prefer a stable, peaceful work environment.”
That reason...
Well, it was a reason, at least.
Jiang Yifeng, a man of countless romantic adventures, wasn’t the type to chase after someone who gave him the cold shoulder. He gave up on the idea. “What a shame. I was hoping to work with a beauty like Assistant Qiu. It would’ve brightened my day.”
Since she wouldn’t be his subordinate, Jiang Yifeng’s flirtatious tone returned.
Qiuyun offered a sincere suggestion, “If you’re looking for beauties, I think that young lady from earlier was quite nice. Why not consider her, Young Master Jiang?”
“...”
Hmph.
No thanks.
Just then, the server brought over the Longjing tea and milk tea.
“Wait, please pack this to go,” Qiuyun said as she stood up. “You’ve asked what you wanted to ask. I should be able to leave now, shouldn’t I?”
