Guide To Lying Flat And Getting Rich As A Kept Alpha - Chapter 22
22
The shopping guide handed over the bags, and Cheng Youqing passed them to Sun Yinuo without hesitation, showing no intention of pampering the “future of the nation.”
Sun Yinuo diligently and eagerly took the bags, then winked at Luo Hetu. “We’ll chat again next time, okay?”
Luo Hetu, also carrying bags of lingerie, wondered why Sun Yinuo had asked so many questions.
After finishing their shopping and leaving the mall, Luo Hetu headed straight to Shanhe Tuling, carrying various bags into the store and walking toward the back.
Ye Qingzhu teased, “The kitchen is off-limits.”
Luo Hetu retorted, “Then I’ll display your lingerie at the front counter.”
Ye Qingzhu: …
Luo Hetu chuckled.
After putting everything away, she came out and noticed a small bookshelf in the store. Besides the latest fashion magazines, there was a row of her new books.
However, only a few copies remained, as most were in the hands of customers who were either sitting or standing in line, flipping through them.
“Boss, are these books for sale?”
Ye Qingzhu replied, “Not for sale. These are ours. There’s a bookstore next door if you want to buy one, but they might be sold out since they ran out of stock yesterday.”
A customer said, “Then I’ll have a caramel roasted milk. I’ll come back to pick it up later.”
Luo Hetu muttered, “Say thank you.”
Ye Qingzhu huffed, “No need for fake politeness.”
Of course, neither of them was truly upset with the other. Ye Qingzhu had completely shed her former delinquent persona. She was naturally smart and had strong leadership skills, growing quickly in her role. Luo Hetu was content being a hands-off boss, and in the past few days, she had bought all of Ye Qingzhu’s New Year supplies, including underwear and socks, leaving nothing out.
“Come to my place for the New Year. Invite whoever you want, and I’ll cook.”
Ye Qingzhu shook her head. “No one. It’s the New Year; everyone has family. We’ll celebrate on our own.”
“Fine by me.”
The store was busy, so Luo Hetu prepared to leave. At the entrance, she spotted Cheng Youqing and Sun Yinuo again.
She pushed the door open. “What a coincidence.”
Sun Yinuo was even more enthusiastic. “Teacher Xiao Luo!”
Cheng Youqing glanced at her but said nothing.
“Come in and sit. I’ll treat you to milk tea.”
Sun Yinuo replied, “Awesome! I was just about to buy some, but my sister said it was too crowded to come in.”
Luo Hetu looked around. “It is packed. Why don’t you stroll around a bit more, and I’ll get things ready here?”
Sun Yinuo said, “But we’re already exhausted from walking.”
Luo Hetu glanced at Cheng Youqing, who was still wearing high-heeled boots for shopping—prioritizing style over comfort.
“Then I’ll find a place for you to sit.”
Cheng Youqing suddenly spoke up. “Boss Luo has her own way of doing business. We’d better not disturb her.”
Luo Hetu scratched her cheek, sensing a deeper meaning in Cheng Youqing’s words.
She used to be strict about rules, but things were different now.
She was already so familiar with Cheng Youqing.
“It’s fine, perfectly within the rules. Consider it a pre-reservation.” Luo Hetu held the door open. “Please, come in.”
The two entered, and Luo Hetu exchanged a look with Ye Qingzhu, who nodded without saying a word.
Just as Luo Hetu was about to lead them to the staff break room, a table of customers left. She quickly claimed it, swiftly cleaning up the empty cups and tissues left behind.
“Sit here. It’s by the street with a nice view.”
Her cleaning was so efficient that even the staff member assigned to clear tables was impressed.
Cheng Youqing and Sun Yinuo sat down, and Luo Hetu asked, “What would you like to drink?”
Sun Yinuo immediately ordered one of their new menu items, clearly a frequent customer at school.
Luo Hetu turned to Cheng Youqing.
Cheng Youqing said, “Just water.”
Luo Hetu responded, “Don’t like sweet drinks?”
Cheng Youqing looked at her. “No.”
“Not into milk either?”
“No.”
“What about fruit or tea?”
Cheng Youqing didn’t respond.
“Wait a moment.”
Luo Hetu spoke briefly to a staff member, who nodded.
Sun Yinuo pulled out some snacks they’d bought and nibbled while observing. She leaned toward Cheng Youqing and whispered, “What do you think of Teacher Xiao Luo’s looks?”
With the New Year approaching, Cheng Youqing, who rarely had a day off, was still preoccupied with work and responded slowly. “What?”
“Haven’t you noticed? The omegas in the store all look at Teacher Xiao Luo with starry eyes.”
Cheng Youqing followed Sun Yinuo’s gaze.
It wasn’t quite starry-eyed admiration, but the staff were noticeably polite and professional with customers, unlike many other shops or malls. This was likely one reason Shanhe Tuling’s business was thriving.
The employees did show a mix of politeness and admiration toward Luo Hetu, which made sense. According to Sun Yinuo, most of the store’s unique and profitable ideas came from Luo Hetu.
Cheng Youqing looked away. “I didn’t notice.”
Sun Yinuo sighed. “Sister, how do I feel like you’re less experienced and perceptive about love and relationships than my classmates? Teacher Xiao Luo is good-looking, talented, and an alpha. Sure, her family might not be wealthy, but she runs a successful shop and is a writer. There’s nothing bad about her, right?”
Cheng Youqing murmured, “I didn’t say she was bad.”
“I heard your family is arranging blind dates for you.”
Cheng Youqing looked at her, realizing what the girl was getting at.
“I don’t understand commercial marriages, but I overheard my mom talking to you. You don’t seem to like any of those new-money types or family heirs. You’re already wealthy yourself, so you don’t have to find someone with perfect credentials, right? Someone like Teacher Xiao Luo—clean-cut, good-looking, and seemingly upright—could be worth getting to know, maybe even dating. It’d be boring to jump into an arranged marriage without ever experiencing love.”
Cheng Youqing asked, “When do your final exam results come out?”
Sun Yinuo: …
“Looks like you don’t have enough winter break homework.” Cheng Youqing reached for her bag, only to realize she hadn’t brought her brick-like phone. She pursed her lips regretfully and smoothed her long hair. “I’ll call your teacher later and sign you up for every winter break training program available.”
As they spoke, Luo Hetu returned with two drinks and straws, neatly placing them on the table with napkins.
For Cheng Youqing, she brought a light-colored fruit tea.
Sun Yinuo, freshly scolded by Cheng Youqing, stayed quiet. Cheng Youqing curiously eyed the visually appealing drink.
“It’s a new item, not officially on the menu yet—jasmine fresh orange. High in vitamins, refreshing, and energizing, with just a touch of sweetness. Give it a try.”
Cheng Youqing stopped looking at the drink and met Luo Hetu’s gaze.
As Sun Yinuo had said, she was attractive—clean and refreshing, unlike most alphas whose eyes clouded with predatory intent when they saw her.
Cheng Youqing recalled that night. Even without seeing her face or expression, Luo Hetu’s gentle, reassuring words made her believe she wouldn’t cause any harm.
Seeing neither of them respond, Luo Hetu said, “Alright, sit tight. I’ve got things to do, so I’ll head out.”