Chapter 309 : What Happened to the Chapter Title
“Hmm?”
Zheng Yun squinted at the maid in front of her. Although the maid kept her head down, there was something oddly familiar about her—her scent, her presence.
But as far as she could remember, she didn’t know any girl with that kind of exaggerated figure. So why did she feel like she knew her?
“This way, please~”
The sound of the maid’s voice intensified that familiar feeling, yet Zheng Yun couldn’t quite place it.
Li Si kept her head down, feeling the weight of Zheng Yun’s gaze. She might look calm, but inside, she was panicking. She dreaded being recognized.
For some reason, she felt like she was experiencing the cliché nightmare of a guy working at a maid café and bumping into someone who knew him. Why was she feeling like this when she was, in fact, a girl?
She could only hope that Zheng Yun wouldn’t recognize her. If she could just get through the order-taking, she’d be safe. She could do this!
“Here’s the menu. Please have a look.”
Zheng Yun glanced at the menu briefly before setting it aside. “Got any recommendations?”
“Eh!?”
The question caught Li Si off guard, and she stammered as she hurried to suggest a few of the café’s signature items.
Raising an eyebrow, Zheng Yun observed her and asked, “Am I that scary? Why are you standing so far away from me?”
“Eh!?”
“And why are you keeping your head down? Look up and let me see your face. Is that how you’re supposed to treat customers? I’m wondering if I should have a little talk with your manager.”
Zheng Yun’s spoiled demeanor came out in full force. When it came to Li Si, she softened, but with others, she didn’t hold back her temper.
Li Si felt panic rising as Zheng Yun mentioned speaking with her manager. She bit her lip and finally looked up at her, mentally preparing excuses in case she was recognized.
Zheng Yun studied her face. “You’re actually pretty cute! I thought you were keeping your head down because you were too ugly to show your face. Alright, I’ll take one of everything you just recommended.”
“Eh!?”
Li Si was stunned. Even now, Zheng Yun hadn’t recognized her. She didn’t know whether to feel relieved or exasperated.
In truth, Li Si had underestimated her own transformation. Before, she’d kept her long bangs and wore thick-framed glasses that covered half her face. Although her classmates had caught a glimpse of her face once or twice, their mental image of her was as a quiet, brooding guy who always wore glasses. It was nearly impossible for them to link that image with the curvy, bubbly maid before them.
“What are you waiting for? Are you really trying to make me call your manager?”
“S-sorry! I’ll be right back with your order!”
Grateful to escape, Li Si bowed quickly and walked away. That had been too close. She could hardly bear to be around Zheng Yun any longer, fearing that she’d be recognized.
Wait… why am I avoiding this? Li Si realized. It’s bound to come out eventually. I can’t hide forever. Still, since she’d already dodged it today, maybe she’d just arrange to tell her outside of work. Discussing it here in the café didn’t feel appropriate.
“Why is my student so dense? She can’t even recognize Li Si standing right in front of her!”
Watching them from a distance, Xia You was exasperated, nearly ready to spit blood. Li Si had even looked Zheng Yun straight in the eyes, yet her apprentice still hadn’t realized who it was. She had no words.
“What’s wrong, Xia You?”
Hearing that voice, Xia You’s irritated expression softened instantly, replaced by her usual delicate, innocent look. Only Ling Ning could have that effect on her.
“Oh… nothing, I was just thinking about something,” Xia You replied evasively.
“Oh? I saw you zoning out over here and thought you might need something. I guess I was just overthinking it,” Ling Ning said with a smile.
Seeing her concern, Xia You’s face lit up with a pure, happy smile.
Meanwhile, Zheng Yun, who was waiting for her order, was glancing around, wondering what the “surprise” her mentor had mentioned might be. She craned her neck so much it started to ache, yet she still couldn’t figure it out.
Maybe I’m just not perceptive enough?
Just as she was about to call her mentor, Li Si returned with her order. She’d tried to ask someone else to deliver it, but everyone else was busy, so she’d had no choice but to bring it over herself.
She didn’t recognize me the first time; she probably won’t recognize me this time either, Li Si reassured herself. She planned to serve the order and quickly make her exit.
And indeed, Zheng Yun didn’t recognize her; she simply started eating. She was pleased with the food—it matched her taste well—and the café’s ambiance was great too. She could see herself becoming a regular and even imagined bringing her beloved Li Si here.
Thinking of Li Si, she drifted into a daydream and forgot about calling her mentor.
Meanwhile, Xia You, too, had gotten caught up with work as more customers arrived, completely forgetting about giving her apprentice any further hints.
After all, what was her apprentice compared to the chance to work alongside Ling Ning?
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Author's Note:
Still in lazy mode with two updates today. Lately, I’ve found myself getting hooked on single-player games again. Is this a sign I’m doomed?