Ye Chen wanted to say no, but that would require a long explanation, so he chose not to answer the cleaning lady.
The cleaning lady didn't ask any further questions, and Ye Chen quickly took the clothes back to the dormitory, placing them in a plastic basin.
"I can't believe you! An hour just to take a shower, and you couldn't wash your clothes at the same time?" Ye Chen said, shaking his head.
"I told you, I don't know how," she replied, then added, "I'm hungry."
"Then go eat." Ye Chen wanted to mention that he hadn't eaten breakfast either because he was waiting for her and was also hungry.
"Do I look like I have any money right now?"
"Fine. What do you want to eat?"
"Let's go check it out." The girl took Ye Chen's arm and pulled him outside without a hint of politeness.
Ye Chen just wanted to get her out quickly so the captain and the others could come back and sleep. He followed her outside.
"Where to?" he asked.
"I don't know. Where do you usually eat?"
"I eat in the cafeteria, but it's probably closed now." Ye Chen checked the time and saw it was past breakfast. "Let's go eat outside."
Since coming here, Ye Chen had always eaten in the cafeteria. This was his first time eating breakfast outside.
Although he hadn't eaten outside before, he knew where to find breakfast. After all, he had been here for a while and knew the area somewhat.
To the west of the mall, there was a small alley with a few breakfast shops that sold things like buns and fried dough sticks, and they looked clean.
"You're letting me eat this?" the girl asked, sounding disappointed.
"What else would you eat?" Ye Chen was taken aback by her reaction.
She rolled her eyes and walked inside.
"What would you like to eat?" asked a middle-aged woman, probably the owner of the breakfast shop.
"What do you have?"
"Steamed buns, tofu pudding, wontons, fried dough sticks, porridge, and tea eggs."
"Give me one of each to try."
"Uh…"
The woman seemed a bit hesitant, likely because it was an unusual request.
Ye Chen quickly interjected, "Can you eat all that?"
"You're here too, aren't you?"
"Fine." Ye Chen turned to the owner, "Just give her what she asked for."
"Alright."
The breakfast shop had most things ready, so the food came quickly, within two minutes.
The girl took a pair of disposable chopsticks, examined them, and then picked up a steamed bun, taking a small bite.
"Not good," she said, putting it down. Then she tasted the tofu pudding. "This is okay, I'll eat this."
Ye Chen shook his head and started eating the things she didn't want. He wasn't angry because he could tell she was from a wealthy family and used to getting her way.
At least she wasn't throwing a tantrum. If she had been unreasonable and arrogant, Ye Chen might have had a much harder time, even if he was just trying to help.
So, in a way, she wasn't that bad, just a bit spoiled.
After breakfast, Ye Chen paid the bill and led her back. Before they entered the basement, Ye Chen said, "When we go in, just take your clothes and leave."
"What! You want me to leave wearing this?"
"What else would you wear? Your clothes aren't washed."
The girl rolled her eyes and smiled, "How about you lend me some money? I'll buy a set of clothes from the mall. Don't worry, I'll pay you back once I get my bag."
Without thinking, Ye Chen replied, "I don't have money."
This was a luxury mall where clothes could cost tens of thousands. Even if he had the money, he wouldn't take it out. As a security guard, it would look suspicious to suddenly have so much cash.
"You're so stingy! I'll pay you back when I get my bag from the nightclub next door."
"Miss, he's not being stingy. He really doesn't have it. He only makes 2,800 yuan a month. That's probably less than what you spend on a single piece of clothing." Captain Li Gang had appeared, likely overhearing their conversation.
"What! You only make 2,800 yuan a month?" The girl looked genuinely surprised.
"What did you expect? You should wear these clothes home and come back when the nightclub opens tonight. You can change then."
"I'm not going back."
The girl strode into the basement. Ye Chen looked back at the captain, who was looking at him too.
"You caused this trouble; you handle it," the captain said, leaving Ye Chen behind.
"Wait, Captain, I…"