Breakfast
1063 Words
"You're still young, just turned 18; of course, you should live at home - it's dangerous out there. Besides, you're a girl who needs looking after. I'm different, I'm tough, I can manage anywhere."
Doris Ye looked down at the floor and said softly: "But if you leave, Brother Eugene won't come to our house anymore. He's moved out, too, and we don't even know where to go. Why do you guys all dislike living at home? It's so nice here! Hey brother, why don't you ask Brother Eugene where he lives now? We could visit him on the weekend."
Roger Ye laughed: "Little girl, I was wondering why you suddenly became so concerned about me - so it's all about him."
"Hmph."
"I heard their company plans to establish a film and television division. Why don't you sign with them? That would put Mom and Dad's minds at ease."
"Really? Is that true?" Doris Ye grabbed his hand excitedly.
Roger Ye smiled at his sister: "Yes, Eugene told me himself. It shouldn't take too long. You're only a freshman, so there's no rush—focus on mastering the basics at school first."
"Yes, yes, that's wonderful! I'll study hard and be their company's first artist!"
Doris Ye happily returned to her room, thinking about how she'd have many chances to interact with Brother Eugene!
And with more interaction, he would surely fall in love with her. Doris Ye hugged her pillow, smiling happily.
Although Eugene said that future breakfasts could be the same as yesterday's, Nina didn't dare become complacent.
The CEO might enjoy the food now, but even the most delicious dishes can eventually become tiresome, and by then, it would be too late to remedy the situation.
The agency had told her that countless people wanted to work as a maid in this household, and she couldn't allow herself to be replaced due to carelessness.
She desperately needed this salary.
As usual, she woke up at five in the morning while it was still dark.
The villa district was tranquil at this hour, and the sudden autumn morning chill made her shiver. Nina instinctively lightened her footsteps as she went downstairs to prepare today's breakfast.
The morning hours are golden. Getting up early daily gave her more time than others and kept her mind sharp.
Besides yesterday's steamed buns and porridge, she also made a few dumplings—not many, going for quality over quantity.
The porridge simmered slowly over low heat, with the aromas of premium rice, lean meat, and preserved egg mingling together. The steamed buns and dumplings needed precise timing—neither too long nor too short—and had to start steaming twenty minutes before Eugene came downstairs.
With everything prepared and some time to spare, Nina took out her textbooks to study. However, she accidentally spotted "Modern Literary History" in her backpack, which instantly reminded her of Professor Yu.
Why did he touch her hand? No, it must have been unintentional, just an accidental touch; Professor Yu is a good teacher... Nina bit her lip, stopped thinking further, and frantically pulled out an English textbook.
She had to stop thinking about it—memorizing some vocabulary would help her calm down.
Taking a deep breath, she began reciting the words from Unit Three.
The warm steam rising from the pot brought her some comfort.
She was so absorbed in memorizing that when she realized it was time to steam the buns and looked up; she found the CEO standing at the kitchen door, holding a cup, watching her.
Oh my god! When did the CEO arrive?!
Nina trembled inside and out, barely able to hold onto her book.
"Um... I came to get some water?" Eugene said, "Did I disturb you?"
"No, I'll get water for you right away!" She hurriedly put down her book and reached for the CEO's cup, then suddenly remembered his germaphobia and turned to wash her hands first...
"No need, I can manage."
Eugene took two strides with his long legs to get his water and left.
Watching the CEO leave the kitchen, Nina didn't know whether to feel relieved or worry about being fired for not focusing on her work, TAT.
But the urgent matter was getting the buns and dumplings into the steamer, and only then did she check the time—six forty.
She hadn't lost track of time studying vocabulary; the CEO had woken up early today.
...
Eugene didn't know if it was because of the bowl of glass noodles he had before bed, but surprisingly, he didn't have insomnia and woke up earlier than usual after a good night's sleep.
Having slept well, he felt more patient with others, especially with the little maid who had contributed to his sound sleep.
Eugene handled some work matters first, and when he came downstairs again, the hardworking little maid had already prepared breakfast.
Yesterday's steamed buns and porridge were there again, along with an elegant plate of dumplings, complete with dipping sauce.
Eugene, who usually had little appetite, was unexpectedly looking forward to tasting the dumplings. He picked one up, dipped it in the sauce, and took a bite—the savory flavors exploded on his tongue.
Her culinary skills caught his attention, and Eugene gave Nina an extra glance of surprise.
When he decided to keep the little maid on, he hadn't expected her cooking to suit his taste so perfectly.
Since that was the case, there was no reason not to let her continue.
Although she had the habit of sneaking peeks at books while working, she was still a student, and being studious wasn't necessarily bad. It was certainly better than those women who only knew how to powder their faces.
So thought the CEO.
Nina had been anxious all day after the CEO caught her reading during breakfast. However, this unexpectedly made her forget about the minor troubles Ralph Yu had caused her.
At noon, while having lunch with Isolde in the cafeteria, she suddenly received a call from the CEO's assistant.
Nina thought he was calling to fire her, and as she stared at the name on the screen, tears were about to fall. She trembled as she tried to answer the call, but because her phone was too old, it suddenly froze, and she couldn't answer it no matter what.
- Writer
