Bai Ningning’s expression froze slightly.

What could she even do?

Loli, older sister type, younger sister type, pure love, JK, busty, swimsuit, cosplay, sports shorts…

A long scroll of tags from the pink app flashed through Bai Ningning’s mind.

“Unfortunately, I don’t need help with odd jobs. I have dedicated maids at home,” Qin Yue said. “Their skills far surpass yours.”

Huh? So she meant *actual* work.

Bai Ningning thought carefully, then replied with a cool little face, “PPT.”

“What?”

“I’m proficient with PPT, Word, and Excel. I can handle basic Adobe tools too—make spreadsheets, organize logs.”

Don’t underestimate a fresh grad. She’d worked part-time every summer and winter break.

Qin Yue smiled. “Why wouldn’t I hire someone more qualified for that?”

Office clerks or secretarial assistants—post a job ad, and top-university grads would flood in.

“But they can’t stay by your side 24/7, right?” Bai Ningning said. “Like… late at night or early morning, if you need something.”

Qin Yue snorted. “What could I possibly need at—”

Wait.

She remembered that morning: cozy in bed, drifting back to sleep, when the meeting suddenly hit her. She’d forced herself awake to make the call. That groggy struggle had been miserable.

If only a secretary had been there to cancel it for her… she could’ve kept sleeping.

“Fine,” Qin Yue decided. “But this is just a college student’s part-time clerical role. Pay won’t be high.”

Bai Ningning thought: *Doesn’t matter. Just having work is enough. Should say thanks.*

“Hmph. How… *grateful* I am.”

Qin Yue didn’t mind. She quietly logged it in her mental notebook.

*Now that you’re here… how hard can it be to handle you?*

“Realistically, your hours will be minimal—nowhere near a standard part-time gig,” Qin Yue calculated. “So the money on this card covers your entire next semester’s wages. No issue, right?”

*Once this semester ends, I’d normally scramble for next semester’s tuition… This job locks me in.*

Bai Ningning’s expression shifted slightly.

*Such a deal? Earn tuition while in school—breaks free of part-time hustle?*

“Since you put it that way… how could I object?”

Qin Yue felt deeply satisfied. She’d not only claimed the aloof beauty she once longed for—but made her work for her.

Bai Ningning felt satisfied too. She’d actually *landed* a job to cover her fees.

To her, that brief exchange *was* the interview.

Recalling it, her mood lifted.

*Passed with just a few lines? My communication skills must be improving!*

*Good. Once I clear the original owner’s debt… better days await.*

After speaking, Qin Yue vanished. Bai Ningning lingered in bed until her stomach growled. A maid entered with a tray.

A bowl of fragrant fish congee, delicate side dishes, Chinese pastries.

The maid set it down and stood silently nearby—waiting to clear the dishes.

*Their shifts end at dusk… She’s still here. Waiting for me. Does that mean… overtime?*

First time *she’d* caused someone’s overtime. Flustered, Bai Ningning kept her head down.

*Just eat.*

The maid watched the girl eat without a word. Thoughts swirled.

*This girl who haunted the young mistress’s heart… Back then, she wore the same icy pride daily, making Miss Qin feel so small.*

*Thank goodness Miss Qin woke up and reclaimed herself.*

*Look at Bai Ningning now—still cold-faced, but we all know Miss Qin’s tamed her completely.*

*Serves you right for that arrogance. Go, Miss Qin! Next time—crush her harder!*

*…Though… she really is stunning. No wonder she captivated Miss Qin.*

…

After leaving home, Qin Yue visited a friend.

A psychologist—the very one treating her lately.

“Ah Yue, you’re here,” said the thirty-something woman in a white coat, pulling out a chair. “Sit. How are you today?”

Dr. Chen was slightly older. Family ties meant they’d known each other since childhood. One became a psychologist; the other, a corporate president. Paths they thought would never cross again—until Qin Yue’s romance triggered psychological strain.

“Actually, I tried your suggestion,” Qin Yue cut straight to it. “It’s done.”

*Compensatory psychology: seize what was once unattainable. Experience it fully.*

Dr. Chen blinked. “You… *her*…?”

“Yes. Brought her back last night.”

“…And how do you feel today?”

Qin Yue paused. “I feel great.”

*(She’d almost said “incredibly satisfying,” but chose politeness.)*

Dr. Chen fell silent, then smiled gently. “Glad to hear it. So… what’s next?”

“Next?”

“If you’ve moved past this shadow, you’re ready for new love. A fresh relationship.”

“No need,” Qin Yue flatly refused. “No interest in anyone else.”

Dr. Chen’s eyes widened. “You plan to keep dating *her*?”

Qin Yue shook her head. “Not that either.”

Dating Bai Ningning had been exhausting—endless effort, zero sweetness.

Last night was better. *Her* Bai Ningning: pinned down, obedient, perfect.

“Then…?”

“This is fine,” Qin Yue said. “Your advice was excellent. I enjoyed the experience.”

A cold sweat beaded on Dr. Chen’s temple. “Wait—that was meant to be *temporary*. Not something to—”

“Why not?” Qin Yue countered smoothly. “I’ve found what makes me happiest. Why chase shadows?”

“But…”

“Time’s up. I’m heading back,” Qin Yue stood. “See you next time. I’ll return if issues arise.”

“I…”

Watching Qin Yue’s graceful figure disappear, Dr. Chen stood speechless.

*My dear Miss Qin… You haven’t healed at all. Sink deeper into this, and worse problems will follow.*