Jiang Ge wasn't sure if it was just his imagination.
Just as he was putting his arm around Stelle's shoulders, calling her his "bro" and "little sister," Corin returned. The moment she saw the scene before her, her gloomy eyes suddenly darkened with something almost frightening.
But before things could spiral, Jiang Ge quickly stepped forward to explain Stelle's origins.
"Come on, Corin, let me introduce you. This is my capable assistant—Stelle."
"You can also call me the Galactic Batter," Stelle said proudly.
"The… Galactic Batter?" Corin repeated, clearly bewildered.
She looked at the unfamiliar girl who had suddenly appeared and was already so close to Jiang Ge. Though confusion filled her heart, she still maintained the manners expected of a maid. Bowing slightly, she said,
"I am Corin Wickes, a maid from Victoria Housekeeping. Um… pleased to be of service to you?"
After Corin finished speaking, Stelle's eyes narrowed slightly as she scanned her up and down. The scrutiny made Corin instinctively straighten her back, trying to look composed. But her eyes darted nervously, completely avoiding Stelle's gaze.
After a long moment, Stelle finally withdrew her look and said to Jiang Ge,
"Kinda resembles Huohuo."
"I get it—matcha petit gâteau, right? Their personalities are pretty similar too. I quite like her," Jiang Ge replied, nodding thoughtfully.
"Then shall we call Huohuo out to play?" Stelle asked, half-joking.
"To be honest, I've had the same thought," Jiang Ge sighed dramatically. "But unfortunately… my 'financial resources' are insufficient."
By "financial resources," Jiang Ge meant his limited number of free selections. Stelle immediately understood.
Corin, however, did not.
She didn't know who Huohuo was or what "matcha petit gâteau" meant—but the moment she heard "financial resources" were lacking, her face paled.
"M-Mr. Jiang Ge…" she began anxiously.
"What's wrong, little Corin?"
"Could it be… you can't afford to hire Corin anymore? It's alright… Corin can resign from Victoria Housekeeping…"
"Resign?" Jiang Ge blinked in confusion, then realized what she must have misunderstood. Laughing awkwardly, he quickly waved his hands. "No, no, don't worry. I've got enough money to support little Corin for several lifetimes. Stelle and I were talking about something else entirely."
"I see…" Corin exhaled in relief, her shoulders loosening.
Seeing her reaction, Jiang Ge couldn't help but chuckle and gently pat her head. Corin instantly blushed at the sudden gesture.
But then, Stelle leaned in from behind, cutting right into Jiang Ge's line of sight. She looked at the flustered maid, then gave Jiang Ge a disapproving look.
"Your answer just now wasn't good enough."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You should've kept it ambiguous—not just said you're rich."
"Are you trying to be my love coach now?" Jiang Ge said helplessly.
As he joked with Stelle, his attention was completely on her. He absentmindedly moved his hand away, still talking animatedly. He didn't notice the flicker of disappointment that flashed through Corin's eyes.
Watching Jiang Ge laugh and chat so easily with Stelle, Corin couldn't understand what they were talking about—but she could feel the growing distance between them.
Finally, she couldn't help but call out softly, "M-Mr. Jiang Ge, there's something I'd like to ask you…"
Jiang Ge turned toward her with a smile. "What's up?"
Corin hesitated, her cheeks turning red. "It's… um… has Miss Stelle known Mr. Jiang Ge for a long time?"
"Hey, that's a great question!" Jiang Ge said cheerfully. "I practically watched Stelle grow up!"
He laughed as he said it, clearly joking—but Corin didn't take it that way.
In her understanding, "watching someone grow up" was something an elder might say to a child. Yet Jiang Ge and Stelle looked around the same age. If not literal, then it must mean… childhood friends.
That realization hit her hard. Her legs suddenly felt weak.
She'd lost—not just in status, but perhaps in Jiang Ge's heart as well.
"Little Corin, are you okay?" Jiang Ge asked, noticing her pale face.
"I think she's not okay because of you," Stelle said bluntly.
"Ah, Stelle, I appreciate your help," Jiang Ge sighed, "but maybe don't roast me while you're at it."
He reached out to steady Corin, helping her sit down on the sofa. Then, after making sure she was alright, he turned to Stelle.
"Alright, I have a small task for you." Jiang Ge handed her an envelope. "This contains a cheque—the payment for Belle and Wise. You could just transfer it, but I want you to meet them in person. You know them, but they don't know you."
"Understood," Stelle replied simply.
"Take this too," Jiang Ge said, reaching for his pocket. "Use the money however you like—buy whatever you want. Consider it a reward."
He reached in… but came up empty.
"That's weird. Where's my card?"
He patted his other pockets, confused. "I remember putting it in my wallet… my wallet was on the table… where—"
"What's this? Commendation of High Morals?"
Jiang Ge froze, staring at the golden balance scale now sitting in his palm—while Stelle stood nearby, holding his wallet with a smug grin.
"My god," Jiang Ge muttered, covering his mouth. "She's absolutely perfect like this."
"But," he added quickly, "you still have to give me my wallet back."
Stelle chuckled sheepishly and handed it over. Jiang Ge shook his head in amusement and pulled out the card, finally giving it to her.
"Then I'll be going," Stelle said.
"Mm. Be careful on the way."
After saying goodbye, Stelle left the bookstore. Jiang Ge watched her go, satisfied. She'd handle the errand well—he was sure of it.
Now, time to relax.
"Little Corin, could you please make me a cup of tea?"
"O-of course, Mr. Jiang Ge!"
Corin, who had been sitting quietly, immediately jumped to her feet and hurried to prepare the tea.
Jiang Ge leaned back on the sofa, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV.
But before he could even get comfortable, the door to the bookstore suddenly burst open.
"Huh? Ellen? Skipping class again?"
It was indeed Ellen—clearly flustered.
"Forget that for now, Jiang Ge," she said urgently. "I just saw something weird!"
"A weird person?"
"Yes! Over by the trash can on the corner—there's someone stuck headfirst in it! Only their legs are sticking out!"
Headfirst in a trash can… only legs visible?
Jiang Ge froze for a moment—then bolted out the door.
He shouted at the top of his lungs:
"Stelle—!"
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A/n: While I am a new translator, I have a Patreon! While it may be a bit empty right now both this and the other book on my page has advanced chapters posted on patreon.
patreon.com/deadlygoober