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Zhou You’s expression went blank. *How many times has this happened?* Always being under Sister Hua’s thumb didn’t sit right. Maybe it was time to push back?

After all, he was a guy with three years of dating experience.

“What are you thinking about?”

Yun Mingyue leaned closer, her bright eyes glinting with quiet curiosity. With just a slight downward glance, Zhou You saw her lovely face right before him.

No fear—he had plenty of dating experience.

“Sister Hua.”

Noticing Zhou You looking down at her, Yun Mingyue parted her crimson lips. “What do you want to do… hmm?”

“?” Zhou You froze, utterly bewildered.

“Go on, say it. Don’t you want to…” She gave his chest a light push. Zhou You tilted back instantly, pressing against the wall—delicate and soft, almost like a girl.

“I don’t.” Zhou You shook his head repeatedly. He’d only meant to flirt back—how did it turn out like this?

“What a pity.” Yun Mingyue kicked the wall with firm force. “I was looking forward to trying the close-quarters self-defense moves I’ve been practicing.”

*Cough, cough.*

Zhou You averted his gaze. Better play it smart. Using tactics meant for younger girls on an older sister like her? He’d only end up losing.

Vrrr~

His phone vibrated softly. A message from Chen Youzi: a location pin—Jam Maid Café.

“Sister Hua, I’m afraid I won’t be free tonight.” Retreat was the best option. Time to slip away.

“Because you have plans at a maid café?”

“My sister invited me,” Zhou You added—though he wasn’t sure why he explained. Logically, it had nothing to do with Sister Hua.

Yun Mingyue didn’t press further. She smiled as he stepped into the elevator, but the moment the doors closed, her eyes narrowed slightly.

His words were logical. His attitude flawless. Yet something felt off—as if someone else was watching *her* man.

Honestly, she and Yun Daidai were eerily alike—even this strange intuition matched perfectly.

The more she pondered, the deeper her frown. That nagging, peculiar feeling swelled inside her.

“Should I go check?”

Jam Maid Café was actually hers. No coincidence—like many wealthy people, she cultivated quirky hobbies to spice up her dull life.

She especially enjoyed investing in odd little shops across Hangzhou’s bustling districts.

“That’s settled.” Yun Mingyue oriented herself and headed out.

***

Meanwhile, Zhou You arrived at the maid café. Chen Youzi, who should’ve been waiting, was nowhere in sight.

Drawn by his hesitant glances outside, a maid emerged to greet him.

“Master, are you Zhou You?”

“That’s me,” Zhou You nodded.

The maid smiled, pushed the door open, hands folded neatly over her apron, and bowed slightly. “Please allow me to escort you to the private room, Master.”

Led inside, Zhou You passed several tables. He glimpsed classic maid café antics—like a maid drawing a heart on omurice while chanting a “love spell.” Watching it, Zhou You felt genuine admiration… not for the maid, but for the customer.

*Bro, how do you enjoy such cringey roleplay with a straight face?*

Inside the private room—empty. He sat and messaged Chen Youzi.

Zhou You: [Youzi, where are you?]

Chen Youzi: [Don’t worry, big brother. I’ll be right there.]

Chen Youzi had already changed into a cat-ear maid outfit. As she set her phone down, Ning Mengmeng slid a tray toward her.

“We can take these over now.”

Ning Mengmeng’s bangs still shadowed her eyes. Even the cat-ear maid outfit couldn’t hide her plainness—especially beside the adorably dressed Youzi, she looked utterly unremarkable.

Each carrying a tray, they walked toward the room. Ning Mengmeng suddenly stopped.

“Youzi, I think I took the wrong one.” She pointed to Chen Youzi’s tray. “Take mine first. I’ll go swap with the other maids.”

Chen Youzi blinked, shaking her head gently. “No need. I’m faster. You go ahead.”

Ning Mengmeng watched Youzi run off. Her bangs swayed faintly, revealing eyes gleaming with unreadable intent.

*Everything’s going according to plan.*

*Sorry, Youzi. Once I succeed, I’ll make you my bridesmaid.*

She quickened her pace.

Soon, she stood outside the private room. Tap tap tap~

“Come in.”

She stepped inside. Zhou You glanced up once, then looked down again—no suspicion.

One step. Two steps. Three steps…

Ning Mengmeng drew closer. Her breath hitched slightly, but she stayed calm.

*Seven steps away—trip. Let him see my real face. Then act weak, helpless, pitiful…*

Distance perfect.

“Oops!”

Whether practiced or not, her stumble looked utterly natural—no flaws. The tray left her hands; contents hovered midair. Arms shot forward—she seemed about to fall.

“Are you okay?”

Zhou You caught the “clumsy” cat-ear maid with one hand, steadied the tray with the other—movements smooth, practiced a thousand times.

“?” Ning Mengmeng froze. *Why so fast? This isn’t logical!*

“Startled?” Zhou You kept his voice calm. Dressed normally, he looked more like staff than she did.

Suspicion sharpened in her mind. *Has he worked here before?*

“I’m fine, Youzi’s brother.”

Ning Mengmeng recovered instantly. One failure wouldn’t break her. After two years lying low, she had patience.

“Youzi’s brother? So you know Youzi.” Zhou You set the tray down and studied her.

Not the cute type. Timid. Shrinking. The complete opposite of Chen Youzi.

“So you’re the classmate Youzi mentioned—the one who wanted to meet me?”

“Mm.” Ning Mengmeng’s reply was feather-soft, like a startled white rabbit. She hunched her shoulders, curling into the sofa’s corner.

Zhou You softened his tone. “Don’t be nervous.”

“S-sorry.” Her shoulders trembled deliberately. “I almost spilled food on you, big brother… please don’t be angry.”

Shifting to “big brother,” she seemed even more fragile—oddly stirring an urge to tease her.

The most skilled hunters often pose as prey.