Chapter 9: Just a Worn-Out Shoe

How long had Lou Yizhou been standing there, watching the scene unfold? Song Yin had no idea, nor did she dare to ask.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, she composed herself and took the initiative to greet him, "Third Master, hello."

Lou Yizhou flicked the cigarette between his fingers and jabbed her lightly. "So short on money? Didn’t you just get three hundred thousand?"

Song Yin’s breath caught. So he also thought she had come here backed by some wealthy patron.

After a moment, she lowered her eyes and smiled. "People like me, salaried workers, never complain about having too much money. I’m just translating for a few clients—hard-earned money. Third Master, if you ever need a translator, remember me. My Arabic is pretty good. My English isn’t bad either."

It seemed this was the first time she emphasized that her earnings were legitimate.

Song Yin didn’t know why she felt the need to stress that to him.

If there was a misunderstanding, so be it; there was no need to explain.

“Is that so?” His tone was teasing, clearly skeptical of her explanation.

Not wanting to make things awkward, Song Yin was about to excuse herself when Zhou Yingshi suddenly approached.

He came up and slapped Lou Yizhou on the shoulder. "Yizhou, I was just thinking of going over to join the drinks. What’s this? You know Miss Song?"

Lou Yizhou didn’t answer but countered, "You know her?"

Zhou Yingshi smiled. "Didn't I tell you? A few big shots came over, so I played host. Miss Song is their accompanying translator."

That confirmed Song Yin’s earlier words weren’t lies.

Zhou Yingshi then looked at Song Yin. "Miss Song, haven’t found the restroom? This place is quite big. I can have someone show you the way."

"No trouble, President Zhou. I know where it is. I must be going now."

She nodded slightly to Zhou Yingshi and turned towards the restroom, completely ignoring the handsome figure of Lou Yizhou standing beside her.

Lou Yizhou glanced after her and couldn’t help but smile.

Sensing a whiff of gossip, Zhou Yingshi raised an eyebrow. "What’s going on? I just met a stunning beauty today, and she’s already yours?"

Lou Yizhou said, "Can you believe it? She stood me up."

Zhou Yingshi acted shocked. "Did I hear that right? She dared stand up the illustrious Third Master? That only proves she’s a proper lady, not cut from the same cloth as you."

Lou Yizhou cast him a cold glance, then looked toward where Song Yin had disappeared. "What do you make of running into her three days in a row?"

"Huh?" Zhou Yingshi didn’t catch that.

Lou Yizhou didn’t repeat himself.

Zhou Yingshi shrugged. "She’s a beauty—competent and knows her limits. You know those big shots. If she had played up to them, she’d be swimming in tips. But she’s diligent, no funny business."

Lou Yizhou snorted. "Are you trying to poach her or just have a thing for her, speaking so highly?"

"I’m not that type. My family already arranged my marriage," Zhou Yingshi said with a laugh, giving Lou Yizhou a friendly shove on the shoulder. "Go look around. When I’m done hosting, I’ll find you."

"By my advice, you’d have to tear this place down and start over—the styles clash so badly, it’s a mess."

Zhou Yingshi laughed. "Enough already. This place cost billions. Tear it down and I’m done for. Should’ve known I wouldn’t pass your Third Master’s scrutiny. I’ll have someone bring you a good bottle; then you can stop trashing me."

Song Yin returned from the restroom to find Zhou Yingshi already back.

He raised his glass to her. "Yizhou can be blunt. If he said anything to offend you, please don’t take it to heart."

Song Yin replied calmly, "President Zhou, you’re joking. I’m not close to the Third Master."

Zhou Yingshi thought, not close now, but maybe later. Lou Yizhou’s gaze at her was clearly off.

He smiled and nodded. "If you’re not close, then there’s even less reason to blame him."

As Song Yin expected, she was only responsible for this meal and wouldn’t get involved afterward. She explained to the Arab gentlemen that she had other matters to attend to and could only meet them tomorrow.

They didn’t insist and said they would call her a taxi. Song Yin smiled and said they were more familiar with her than she was with them, so no need to worry—she could go back on her own.

After saying goodbye to Zhou Yingshi, Song Yin reached the hotel entrance.

Just as she opened her ride-hailing app, a Rolls-Royce pulled up beside her.

The passenger in the backseat looked over.

Song Yin couldn’t ignore him, especially as he was looking right at her.

His posture was that of a man accustomed to being obeyed, silently commanding her to approach.

She took two steps forward and bowed slightly. "Third Master, were you waiting for me?"

"What else?" he replied.

"Just an old shoe like me probably doesn’t deserve such an honor."

...He had quite the temper.

Lou Yizhou smiled. "Miss Song, you’re putting words in my mouth. I never said that. I always maintain proper gentlemanly manners with women. You should know that well enough."

...And yet he was trying to pin the blame on her.

"Third Master, did you need something?"

Lou Yizhou said seriously, "I have a job offer for you. You said if anyone needed your services, they could come to you."

...She felt he was seriously talking nonsense, but she had no proof.