Yi Fan stammered, "Didn't I already say? She's an employee, has no place to stay, so we split the rent."
"Bullshit! You're just lusting after her!" Yi Fan's mom declared righteously.
Yi Fan lowered his head. "Sharp observation."
"?" Yi Fan's mom clenched her fist.
"Just kidding, Mom." Yi Fan smiled awkwardly. "She's very talented in acting and creative as well. She might even help the escape room make big bucks. We're just purely colleagues, really."
Purely and simply, huh.
Yi Fan's mom gave her son a contemptuous look, too lazy to argue. She patted his shoulder and motioned for him to move over, then sat down next to him. "So, do you know her background? Why did she come to the city alone?"
Yi Fan made something up on the spot. "She said she wanted to 'gain experience' or something. I didn't ask for details."
"You…" Yi Fan's mom shook her head, giving up, and knocked him lightly on the head. "You young people can sort out your own affairs, but this girl seems really nice. You can like her, but you absolutely cannot mistreat her."
Mistreat her?
She's got a barrier on her body—untouchable without permission.
Besides, who likes her?
Yi Fan sighed. "Alright, Mom, let's drop it. We've got work soon."
"Fine."
Yi Fan's mom left the room, pondering how to discuss this with his dad.
When she reached the dining table, Li Yin was nowhere to be seen. Then, she heard the sound of running water from the kitchen.
Turns out, after finishing her meal, Li Yin naturally went to wash the dishes.
Her movements were skillful, flipping the clean dishes upside down on the drying rack—a clear sign she was used to doing chores.
Yi Fan's mom hurried over. "Oh dear, didn't I tell you to leave the dishes? Why are you washing them yourself?"
Li Yin tilted her head. "I feel uncomfortable leaving dirty dishes on the table."
"I see."
Very clean—another point in her favor.
The more Yi Fan's mom looked at her, the more delighted she felt. Compared to Chen Xinyan, this girl was miles ahead.
Good thing they broke up.
In that case, she might as well tell his dad to stop urging him to take the civil service exam. If he went back home, it could jeopardize their relationship. Better to keep the escape room running so the two could work together and deepen their bond.
Work hard for a couple more years, save up for a down payment on a house, and they'd have both career and love!
The more she thought about it, the happier she became. She couldn't wait to discuss it with her husband.
"Alright, you two get ready for work. I'll head out now."
After seeing off his cheerful mom, Yi Fan glanced at Li Yin.
"Judging by my mom's attitude, I think we need to align our stories."
"Okay!" Li Yin nodded obediently.
Yi Fan sat at the dining table while Li Yin floated cross-legged in midair.
He said, "First, we'll claim that you're my distant cousin for outsiders. No problem there. For family, we'll stick with being colleagues. I told my mom you left home to make your way in the world. Is that okay?"
"No problem." Li Yin tilted her head. "So, the external and internal stories are just for others. What about our actual relationship?"
Yi Fan's heart skipped a beat. He almost blurted something out but held back. "In reality, we're important business partners."
"…"
"Three different relationships…" Li Yin frowned, mentally organizing them.
"Alright, if that's clear, let's head to work. There usually aren't many customers in the morning, so we can prepare a bit more. I'll post something on social media later to see if anyone wants to make a reservation."
Yi Fan jumped off the dining table and headed to his room to change.
Then Li Yin said, "Boss, I thought about it last night. To enhance the presentation, I need to fully immerse myself in the role of the ghost bride, right?"
Ghost bride… do you even need to immerse yourself in that?
Yi Fan scratched his head and complimented her. "Exactly. Work hard, and the boss pays better than a husband does."
"Really?"
Li Yin pursed her lips. "This is one of the few things where I feel I've been recognized, so I cherish it a lot."
Yi Fan paused his actions, no longer joking. He turned around to look at her.
Li Yin lowered her head, tugging at the plush bunny stitched onto her pants.
"I don't think I've ever really accomplished anything, or received any praise… But during our test yesterday, you said I was the best actor."
Yi Fan stared at her blankly.
A faint pang of sadness arose in his heart. He quickly emphasized again, "You are undoubtedly the best actor. No question about it!"
Li Yin lifted her head. "Yeah, so I have to work even harder to do my best. Boss, I spent all night thinking about the script. The ghost bride resists the ghost marriage partly because she had someone she liked but was forced to part ways with him, right?"
"Exactly. That's one of her lingering regrets."
"But I've never had such an experience, so I'm not sure how to portray it. I can't find that emotional connection."
Li Yin twisted a strand of her hair.
"If someone could rehearse with me, play the role of my boyfriend, I think I could grasp the feeling."
"…"
"…"
Yi Fan's lips moved slightly, but no words came out.
His throat felt parched, and unspoken words danced on his lips, ready to escape but always swallowed back.
Was she hinting at something?
Wait, wait, what did I tell myself last night?
Don't overthink it! Don't become the cringe guy!
Li Yin is just being professional and wants to do a good job. What am I thinking?
But helping her rehearse doesn't interfere with work, does it?
Two conflicting thoughts clashed in his head, leaving Yi Fan completely frazzled.
In his entire life, he had never felt like this—his mind a mess, indecisive and chaotic.
Once known for his straightforwardness and clarity, what had happened to him now?
Ah!
While Yi Fan's mind spiraled, Li Yin clasped her hands behind her back, tilted her head, and earnestly asked, "Boss, if it's not too much trouble, could you play my boyfriend?"
"Ah…"
Yi Fan stuttered uncontrollably, his voice trembling, eyes darting everywhere. "Since it's for work, I can reluctantly help out. After all, it's our shared business."
"Alright, so now we have four relationships."
Li Yin nodded solemnly.
"Externally, we're cousins."
"Internally, we're colleagues."
"In reality, we're important partners."
"And now, we'll act as a couple."
Her eyes burned with determination. "It's challenging, but I'll give it my all!"
She extended her hand. "Brother, boss, partner, boyfriend—may our cooperation be successful!"
Yi Fan's heart pounded like a drum, threatening to leap out of his chest.
He clenched his teeth to keep his composure. Without restraint, his mouth might stretch into a grin so wide it would make him look like a fool.
Years of emotional discipline paid off.
He finally managed to suppress his feelings, appearing calm as he reached out to shake her hand. Her touch was as cold and soft as ever.
"Sister, employee, partner, g-g-g-girlfriend—may our cooperation be successful!"