Several months later...
It seemed that Xin Tuyong was attending business meetings every month, but none of them were as violent as that one day. Huan Mao clinged to him more and more as she saw him.
He no longer had to work as a housekeeper... He was making double as the acting head of the Huan Corps. News of his newly appointed position within the "company" spread quickly and rumors spread that he slept his way to that position.
During that period, he often got harassed and received inappropriate comments whispered in his ear. He gritted his teeth and persevered so as to not put himself in a dangerous position with Huan Mao.
In private meetings, he had heard snide comments from some people, but it had suddenly died out and he was treated normally. Those who spoke badly of him faded out and he never saw them.
The rumors vaguely reminded him of the recruit from before, but he hadn't seen him since their last meeting with Mr. Da months ago.
Back at the house, Huan Mao was nearly a homebody, spending hours at home each day, sometimes even in Xin Tuyong's own room. The other housekeeper had taken over Xin Tuyong's duties in addition to his own, but never glanced his way.
At this point, Xin Tuyong no longer bothered hugging Huan Mao's ankles and instead was his honest, irritated self. He tolerated her closeness, but he tried to distance himself from her at the same time.
There was nothing Di Gaohun could do about it but watch. He could tell that Xin Tuyong was getting worn down.
Xin Tuyong was becoming colder and his smile was uncommon. He had been employed for almost a year and his personality was like night and day in comparison to when he first started.
He still had an innocent feeling about him, but it was less naive and more accepting instead. He was starting to act his own age.
And that age grew larger today.
When he woke up, he had no expectations for celebrations because it was the weekend, let alone for anyone to even know that it was his birthday.
Still slightly groggy, he lounged on the couch in the living room while he heard the front door open. Huan Mao's keys jingled loudly as she kicked the door open wide enough for her to pass through.
Her hands were full with bags and a large tray. Xin Tuyong didn't know this as his eyes were glued to the book he was reading, but as she set her things down, he glanced at her.
She saw him on the couch and beamed with stars in her eyes.
"Happy Birthday!" she said in English. She threw her arms around him and gave him an attack of kisses on the cheek.
He wiped at his cheek in disgust. "Thanks."
She went back to the counter where her bags were and pulled out a navy suit in a large plastic cover.
"Go put this on. We're going out to celebrate." She handed him the suit and he sighed with exasperation as he stopped reading and dragged his feet to his room.
She was like his mother in that she dressed him up and ordered him around. He couldn't refuse without putting himself at risk, so he was stuck like a child who couldn't leave home.
Di Gaohun was also nicely dressed as he joined them. He wore a chic but casual burgundy suit with a black turtleneck to match the cold early spring weather.
Huan Mao wore a simple white blouse with a long black skirt over sheer black stockings that hugged her hips and ended loosely past her knees.
Together, the group looked like fashion monsters who would eat anyone who crossed their path.
Huan Mao invited some of the team members from the business who Xin Tuyong was closest to and they went out to get some drinks together.
Xin Tuyong was uncomfortable about the celebration, but didn't want to ruin the light mood, so he actively participated in the conversations at the table they were seated at.
Under the table, his hand was held by Huan Mao while Di Gaohun intertwined his ankle with Xin Tuyong's. It was like a frame from a complicated drama.