Fell in Love with the Crazy Young Lady - Chapter 25

White foam concealed the body beneath the water. Hua Man silently let out a sigh of relief and immediately looked up at Yang Zhao. “What?”

 

 

“Nothing,” Yang Zhao shrugged. “I just felt like splashing water on you. Got a problem with that?”

 

 

Hua Man was left speechless.

 

 

She turned her head away and resumed playing the role of a wooden statue.

 

 

But the young mistress seemed to have developed a habit of splashing water, as another wave soon landed on her.

 

 

Hua Man ignored it.

 

 

She hadn’t forgotten the challenge in Yang Zhao’s eyes when she kissed her earlier. Yang Zhao always seemed to enjoy provoking her emotions.

 

 

The more Hua Man reacted, the more Yang Zhao thrived on it. But if she remained indifferent, Yang Zhao would eventually grow bored and lose interest in her.

 

 

If she could just stick to her wooden persona, perhaps she wouldn’t need a full year before she could leave Yang Zhao’s side.

 

 

But she underestimated Yang Zhao—someone who never gave up until she got what she wanted.

 

 

Seeing no reaction, Yang Zhao called out again, “Come here.”

 

 

Hua Man didn’t move immediately. Though she knew she’d end up going over anyway, she still instinctively delayed. “Why?”

 

 

Yang Zhao’s expression darkened. “Just come here. If you keep talking back, I’ll punish you with an hour-long French kiss.”

 

 

Hua Man: “…”

 

 

The threat was terrifying enough that her legs moved faster than her brain. In one long stride, she stood before the bathtub.

 

 

But the young mistress’s expression didn’t soften at her obedience—if anything, it turned even sourer. “Massage my shoulders.”

 

 

Enjoying a massage while soaking in the bath was something Yang Zhao often did at home. Unfortunately, her quality of life seemed to have taken a nosedive here.

 

 

Realizing this, Yang Zhao frowned.

 

 

Part of her wanted to restore her usual comforts—perhaps call in a professional masseuse for a proper session—while another part wanted to keep tormenting Hua Man.

 

 

Before she could decide, cool hands settled on her shoulders.

 

 

Her thoughts stuttered.

 

 

This wasn’t Hua Man’s first time massaging her, but it was the first time she did so while Yang Zhao was completely unclothed.

 

 

Yang Zhao closed her eyes.

 

 

Hua Man’s palms were slightly rough, and the sensation against her skin always made her feel itchy.

 

 

Not the kind of itch from mosquito bites, but more like ants crawling over her, silently spreading from one spot to every corner of her body.

 

 

Hmm—

 

 

It was an incredibly uncomfortable feeling.

 

 

Yang Zhao couldn’t help but click her tongue.

 

 

The hands on her shoulders immediately stilled. Before Hua Man could withdraw, Yang Zhao grabbed her wrist without hesitation.

 

 

The sudden movement caused her body to rise slightly from the water, and a flash of red stood out starkly against the pale foam.

 

 

Not to mention, Hua Man, standing behind her, had always had sharp eyesight—and from her elevated position, everything was crystal clear.

 

 

Heat rushed uncontrollably to her face.

 

 

Hua Man shut her eyes briefly, trying to ignore the glimpse of rosy pink she’d just seen. “Did I hurt you?”

 

 

Yang Zhao didn’t answer. Instead, she pulled Hua Man’s hand closer, turning it over as if inspecting something.

 

 

Hua Man was baffled.

 

 

But the young mistress had one redeeming quality—she spoke her mind without hesitation, sparing Hua Man the trouble of overthinking or guessing.

 

 

“Starting today, take better care of your hands,” Yang Zhao declared abruptly.

 

 

At this, Hua Man instinctively curled her fingers inward.

 

 

 

Her hands were rough with calluses. Normally, this wasn’t particularly noticeable, but when she massaged Yang Zhao without any barrier, the contrast with Yang Zhao’s soft, delicate skin created an unusually distinct sensation.

 

 

No wonder Yang Zhao complained.

 

 

But should she start daily hand care to become as soft and tender as Yang Zhao?

 

 

Hua Man instinctively frowned.

 

 

Yang Zhao was a wealthy heiress, but she wasn’t.

 

 

“I think my hands are fine as they are,” she attempted to protest.

 

 

Unfortunately, Yang Zhao completely ignored her words.

 

 

“What scent do you prefer?”

 

 

“Never mind, what would you know? From now on, you’ll use whatever I use.”

 

 

“Why are you just standing there? Keep massaging me, don’t stop.”

 

 

Yang Zhao’s commands came one after another, and the matter of hand care was unilaterally decided. Sensing her determination, Hua Man didn’t argue further and continued kneading her shoulders as instructed.

 

 

The moment her hands made contact, she felt the body beneath her palms flinch slightly.

 

 

Hua Man lowered her gaze to Yang Zhao’s shoulders.

 

 

She hadn’t dared to look closely before, but now she noticed large red marks covering Yang Zhao’s pearly white shoulders.

 

 

All left by her own kneading.

 

 

Seeing her marks on Yang Zhao’s skin stirred an inexplicable emotion within her. Hua Man hastily averted her eyes and unconsciously lightened her touch.

 

 

Having just eaten, Yang Zhao didn’t soak for long. Soon, she patted Hua Man’s hand. “Let’s go out.”

 

 

Hua Man murmured assent and turned to leave.

 

 

After a few steps, she heard splashing water behind her.

 

 

Her footsteps hesitated momentarily.

 

 

Thank goodness Yang Zhao didn’t abruptly rise from the water in front of her.

 

 

Only after closing the bathroom door did Hua Man fully relax. Standing in the empty living room, she realized she was drenched in sweat.

 

 

After composing herself for a few seconds, she began clearing the dishes from the table.

 

 

Accustomed to independence, she disliked others intruding in her living space and had no intention of letting hotel staff clean up.

 

 

But…

 

 

Thinking of the young mistress in the bathroom, she sighed.

 

 

Whether she liked it or not, spending a year with Yang Zhao was inevitable. She would have to adapt gradually.

 

 

–

 

When Yang Zhao emerged from the bathroom, the outside area had been completely refreshed.

 

 

Sounds still came from the kitchen—her diligent helper was still at work.

 

 

She clicked her tongue in displeasure.

 

 

It was contradictory.

 

 

She liked Hua Man’s defiant nature, yet also disliked it.

 

 

But truly exhausted today, feeling refreshed after her bath, well-fed and fragrant again, she decided to retire early for beauty sleep.

 

 

All those late nights recently had worsened her complexion.

 

 

She refused to parade around with dark circles like Hua Man.

 

 

With this thought, before closing her door, she called out to Hua Man in the kitchen.

 

 

“What is it?”

 

 

Hua Man appeared, hands covered in soap bubbles.

 

 

Yang Zhao’s gaze fell on them. “This is how you ruin your hands?”

 

 

Hua Man’s hands were beautiful—pale and slender—their only flaw being slightly rough fingertips and palms that always made Yang Zhao itch uncomfortably when they touched her.

 

 

Such lovely hands, yet used to wash greasy dishes.

 

 

The worst part? Those same hands that touched dirty dishes would eventually touch her.

 

 

 

At this thought, she took a deep breath and declared, “Starting today, you’re not allowed to do any housework.”

 

 

“Right now, immediately, go wash your hands thoroughly.”

 

 

Seeing Hua Man obediently head to wash her hands, Yang Zhao sighed in relief. When Hua Man finished, Yang Zhao tilted her chin up:

 

 

“Come here.”

 

 

Taking out her hand cream, she turned around to find Hua Man still standing by the door. Displeased, she asked, “Do I need to personally invite you?”

 

 

Hua Man steadied her breathing and stepped forward.

 

 

Yang Zhao sat on the bed, looking up. “Give me your hand.”

 

 

Hua Man complied.

 

 

Her hand was grasped by Yang Zhao, who then dried the remaining moisture. Hua Man was utterly surprised, never expecting the roles between her and Yang Zhao to reverse like this.

 

 

The sweet, sticky hand cream was applied to her hands, then massaged in by Yang Zhao’s fingers.

 

 

Hua Man fought the urge to pull her hand back.

 

 

It felt strange.

 

 

Yang Zhao’s hands were like snakes, coiling tightly around hers, slithering into every crevice.

 

 

Hua Man’s heart began to race wildly.

 

 

There’s always a reason behind unusual behavior—what was this about?

 

 

Cleaning her up before devouring her?

 

 

After thoroughly working in the hand cream, Yang Zhao reluctantly let go. “Come do a hand mask with me another day.”

 

 

Then she leaned down and sniffed.

 

 

It was her favorite scent.

 

 

The familiar fragrance she always used now clung to Hua Man’s hands, so intense it was as if it had become part of her.

 

 

Realizing this, Yang Zhao’s eyes darkened.

 

 

She loved it.

 

 

Feeling Hua Man try to withdraw her hand, Yang Zhao tightened her grip and pulled her closer without hesitation.

 

 

But Hua Man didn’t budge.

 

 

Yang Zhao narrowed her eyes, locking gazes with Hua Man for several seconds before suddenly laughing. “What are you hiding from?”

 

 

Defiantly, she brought Hua Man’s hand to her lips, maintaining eye contact as she pressed a kiss to it.

 

 

Feeling Hua Man flinch, a secret thrill of satisfaction coursed through her.

 

 

After just a light brush of her lips, she released Hua Man with a smile. “You’re mine. Every part of you belongs to me, Manman. Don’t mistreat what’s mine.”

 

 

–

 

That night, Hua Man lay awake again.

 

 

Though Yang Zhao, an early riser, woke refreshed, her body ached terribly.

 

 

She called for Hua Man the moment she stepped out, hoping for a full-body massage. But seeing the dark circles under Hua Man’s eyes, she fell silent.

 

 

If she remembered correctly, she’d gone to bed early last night.

 

 

“What were you doing behind my back at night?” Yang Zhao pinched Hua Man’s chin irritably, leaning in to examine the shadows under her eyes.

 

 

Warm breath fanned Hua Man’s face, making her extremely uncomfortable. But knowing Yang Zhao’s temperament, she resisted the urge to pull away and stiffly replied, “Nothing.”

 

 

“Nothing?” Yang Zhao’s gaze deepened. “Manman, you’re lying.”

 

 

Hua Man sighed. “Really, nothing.”

 

 

Just insomnia.

 

 

But once the young mistress Yang made up her mind, it was hard to change it. After staring at Hua Man for a few seconds, Yang Zhao declared, “Starting today, you’ll sleep with me.”

 

 

Hua Man’s pupils contracted sharply.

 

 

Pleased with the reaction, Yang Zhao released her. “Contact Yu Shan and have her arrange for a masseuse.”

 

 

Her casual order left Hua Man completely unprepared, and she remained dazed even while contacting Yu Shan afterward.

 

 

“Hua Man!” Yu Shan raised her voice when she got no response. “Hua Man!!!”

 

 

 

“Hmm?” She snapped back to attention. “Sorry, what did you just say?”

 

 

“You’re really getting spoiled by the young mistress, acting all arrogant from favoritism,” Yu Shan said with anger in her voice. “Don’t think just because the young mistress likes you, you can act recklessly and ignore what others say!”

 

 

With the accusation of being spoiled by favoritism weighing on her, Hua Man pressed her lips together. But knowing Yu Shan’s temper, she understood this wasn’t the time to argue—she had to humble herself completely. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

 

 

After all, they had to work together for a year.

 

 

As expected, Yu Shan didn’t press further, her tone softening as she continued, “Anyway, you must take good care of the young mistress. Don’t let anyone bully her, especially Zhao Yang.”

 

 

Hua Man replied, “Understood.”

 

 

After hanging up, she stood still for a moment.

 

 

It was no wonder Yu Shan had given such instructions. Rumor had it that Zhao Yang had also come to City C. If the two were to meet… Just the thought gave Hua Man a headache.

 

 

Yang Zhao would never let herself be bullied by anyone, but encountering Zhao Yang would undoubtedly put her in a bad mood.

 

 

As the saying goes, less trouble is better than more. A happy Yang Zhao was already difficult enough to handle—she didn’t even want to imagine how much worse a displeased Yang Zhao would be.

 

 

So, she had to find a way to prevent Yang Zhao and Zhao Yang from crossing paths.