Sitting right at the power center of the dining table, several girls had been stealing glances our way. The moment Qin Ning "affectionately" peeled a shrimp for me and dropped it into my bowl, a few of them froze in shock.

Especially Xu Wei—who thought she knew the inside story—her face flushed bright red at the sight. Wait, why are *you* blushing?!

Her reaction made my cheeks warm too. There was nothing actually going on, but the atmosphere made it feel like there really was something…

"Ahem… Sister Qin Ning," I whispered, "I can pick my own dishes…"

Qin Ning shot me a sharp look. "Oh, you *can* pick dishes—all vegetables, right?"

"…" Too flustered to reply. It was just one floret of broccoli—was that really a crime?

The girls watched silently as their immediate boss (me) got openly scolded by the big boss. Rustling whispers drifted through the table. I kept my eyes glued to my bowl, too embarrassed to look up.

Ah… so embarrassing.

But food from the boss? Couldn’t refuse. Honestly, even if she handed me the shrimp shell instead of the meat, I’d have to crunch it up and swallow.

No sauce. Straight into my mouth. Soft, springy shrimp filled my cheeks as I chewed slowly. Swallowed. My stomach felt instantly "fuller."

"How’s the taste?"

"Really good… delicious."

…Just a little too full.

I ate the rest of the meal like an undercover agent—lifting chopsticks just enough to keep up appearances, but bringing back tiny bits, often leaving them untouched in my bowl. Luckily, Qin Ning stopped paying attention, so she didn’t notice my "disrespectful" eating style.

In our culture, a guest showing no appetite insults the host.

Girls chatted and laughed around the table. A few bold ones tried talking to Qin Ning—but the second work or the shop came up, she’d point straight at me.

"Ask her."

Both the girl and I gave awkward smiles. That tiny question didn’t need asking. She just wanted an excuse to get closer to the boss.

But Qin Ning stayed ice-cold: "Work? Talk to Su Xiaoxi. Nothing? Eat quietly."

After a few more got shut down, no one tried again. Everyone saw it—our big boss was a distant ice queen.

But only I knew… she was a total tsundere. Hehehe…

"What’s with that silly grin?" A light poke tapped my forehead. "Meal’s wrapping up. Everyone’s waiting for your closing words."

Huh? What?

I snapped back. No one was really eating anymore. While I’d been stalling, the meal had ended—but no one dared stop first.

No wonder they were waiting on me.

"Thank you all for your hard work today."

Chopsticks clinked down instantly. All eyes turned to me, quiet and expectant.

"Don’t forget what I said. Tomorrow, come in a bit later—just be here by ten. And finally, everyone… hic-hoo!"

I clapped a hand over my mouth. Too late. Everyone heard it.

The girls stared. Silence.

"Hmph." A cool chuckle cut through. "Only rabbits hiccup like that."

Then—laughter erupted. The table buzzed with joy. Just like last time… I was the punchline.

Today was *definitely* not my lucky day.

"Let’s go."

"Bye, Boss Su Xiaoxi! Bye, Big Sister Qin Ning!"

"See you tomorrow, Sister Xiaoxi!"

We parted at the shop entrance. Girls scattered in all directions. Minutes later, only Qin Ning and I remained.

Just as I wondered why she lingered, she spoke:

"Something on your mind? You’ve hesitated three times already."

…Was I *that* obvious?

"It’s just… um…" I stared at my shoes, fiddling my fingers. "I didn’t expect you’d take me in today, Sister Qin Ning, so… I forgot a change of clothes."

"So?"

Huh? Wasn’t it obvious?! I looked up, blinking big innocent eyes.

Qin Ning cleared her throat. "I can read hints sometimes. But just say it straight."

Her tone startled me into a shiver.

"I-I… want Sister Qin Ning to buy me clothes. Dresses. Underwear. And… panties."

Panic made me blurt it out. Hand flew to my mouth—but like the rabbit hiccup, too late.

*What did I just say?!* Where was my subtle phrasing art?! Who asks their boss for *panties*?!

Heart hammering. Couldn’t face anyone.

Then—Qin Ning chuckled, warm and teasing. "Just say it next time. It’s no big deal. All that hinting…"

Her laugh was *definitely* deliberate.

She did that on purpose!