The Unreturnable Refrigerator - Chapter 27.1
Chapter 27.1: The One I Like
Lu Yin was so startled by the sudden statement that she forgot to breathe. It wasn’t until she was about to gasp for air that she regained some ability to think from her shock.
She must be talking about the renovation, Lu Yin thought, blinking rapidly and taking a deep breath.
With that look and those words, is this how Sheng Xiali does business?
This is outrageous!
Doesn’t she know that kind of talk can be easily misunderstood? Or is she doing it on purpose?
Lu Yin was speechless for a long time before finally managing to blurt out, “Crazy.”
After saying it, she swallowed, and her throat suddenly ached.
The pain, thankfully, snapped her brain out of the numbness caused by Sheng Xiali’s gaze, and it started to work again.
“There are so many design firms and so many designers in Hengcheng. Aren’t you a little too confident?”
Just a moment ago, she called herself ordinary, and now she was overflowing with confidence, changing her attitude in an instant.
Lu Yin thought that if Sheng Xiali ever gave up being a designer, she could become a master of face-changing.
Sheng Xiali propped one hand on the smooth marble table and let the other hang loosely. When she heard Lu Yin’s words, the hand at her side curled slightly and tapped her leg.
“You have to be a little confident in your ability to make money,” Sheng Xiali said calmly.
Lu Yin raised an eyebrow. She felt that the person in front of her had changed again.
Although it seemed like nothing had changed on the surface.
Before Lu Yin could figure out what had changed and why, she saw a faint smile appear on Sheng Xiali’s lips.
“Otherwise, how could I earn twenty-five million?”
Lu Yin was speechless again. She hadn’t forgotten the story behind that number, which now seemed like a total mishap.
She shouldn’t have responded to Sheng Xiali’s words back then!
No, wait! I should have just taken the two-and-a-half million!
Why was she so against money? And if she had said yes, would Sheng Xiali have really given it to her?
She probably just said it, figuring I wouldn’t accept!
Why did she play right into her script? She even gave her a point to “mock” her. How stupid!
Lu Yin mentally berated herself. Why did her mind always freeze up during arguments, only to think of better comebacks afterward?
What was the use of coming up with a good argument after the fight was over? The other person couldn’t just have another argument with her.
Or could she? Could Sheng Xiali bring it up again? If she offered to transfer the money now, Lu Yin would accept it immediately.
Sheng Xiali looked down at the person who seemed to be daydreaming again. She watched her eyebrows knit together, then relax, then raise and flatten, and she smiled inwardly. Lu Yin’s eyes were darting around, as if she was deep in thought.
After Lu Yin finished her regretful thoughts, she came back to her senses and saw Sheng Xiali looking down at her, catching the fleeting smile in her eyes. She pouted.
Is taunting her so amusing?
Lu Yin decided not to follow Sheng Xiali’s topic. She looked down at the transparent glass in front of her, where the swirling water had become still.
“Don’t waste your time. I won’t choose your design firm, and I won’t choose you as my designer.”
Lu Yin’s decision had nothing to do with Sheng Xiali’s professional ability, nor was she worried that Sheng Xiali wouldn’t be dedicated because of their past relationship.
It was just… hard for her to imagine describing the “home” she wanted to Sheng Xiali’s face…
She couldn’t do it…
Sheng Xiali looked at the outline of Lu Yin’s face, which appeared a little blurry in the light.
The hand propped on the marble tabletop curled up, slowly forming a fist, and tapped against the table.
Above the dining table, a long lamp emitted a pure white light, under which two shadows sat silently for a long time.
In the silence, Lu Yin slowly composed herself, and just as she was about to finish the food in her bowl, a hand reached out.
And took the bowl…
Lu Yin’s eyes followed the bowl. Sheng Xiali picked it up, turned, and headed for the kitchen.
Lu Yin: ???
She’s taking it away already?
She hadn’t finished eating!
If she didn’t choose Sheng Xiali, she wouldn’t get to eat?
Seriously? This person is really too stingy!
Although, she didn’t really want to eat it!
Perhaps Lu Yin’s accusing glare was too intense. Sheng Xiali, sensing it, turned around just as she was about to enter the kitchen.
Their eyes met again, and there was another moment of silence.
But in that silence, Lu Yin’s piercing gaze seemed to have a voice.
At least Sheng Xiali felt she heard a string of curses.
She looked down at the bowl in her hand. The cold dough drops had congealed into a sticky lump.
She looked at where Lu Yin’s eyes were fixed, which seemed to be on the bowl.
Sheng Xiali looked doubtful: “You still want to eat this?”
She had stopped eating a long time ago. Sheng Xiali thought she was full.
Wasn’t she?
“No, I don’t!” Lu Yin looked away, angrily picked up the cup in front of her, and took a big gulp, which made her wince in pain.
What kind of virus is this? Drinking water is like torture.
Holding her aching throat, Lu Yin felt a wave of sadness, that kind of unique vulnerability that only comes with being sick.
Her current misery was magnified several times by this fragility.
Lu Yin felt so pathetic, inside and out.
The physical pain, the emotional turmoil, her emptied home, and even the two-and-a-half million she had missed out on—each thing made her want to cry.
Feeling a tear well up, Lu Yin quickly lowered her head. She couldn’t cry in front of Sheng Xiali.
Lu Yin grabbed the glass cup, quickly opened the medicine box on the table, and popped a pill into her mouth.
She had to get better quickly.
Sheng Xiali stood holding the bowl, watching the person who was swallowing the pill with a determined look. Her brow furrowed.
She walked back with the bowl: “What’s wrong? You’re not full? I thought you weren’t eating.”
Lu Yin was struggling to swallow the pill and almost choked on Sheng Xiali’s words.
Her throat hurt even more, so much so that it brought tears to her eyes. She lowered her head and turned away so Sheng Xiali wouldn’t see.
After swallowing the pill, she waved her hand: “I’m full.”
She was, in fact, full. She just didn’t want to waste the food and thought she could finish it later.
Sheng Xiali looked down at the person who was looking away from her. After a moment of hesitation, she went around to the other side and crouched down: “Are you really full?”
Lu Yin was caught off guard by Sheng Xiali’s face. The red-rimmed pupils of her eyes trembled, and she pushed her chair back a step.
“Screech!” The chair scraped against the floor with a harsh sound.
Lu Yin stood up abruptly, muttered a few random “ums,” and walked toward the bedroom.
Sheng Xiali was surprised by the glimmer of moisture she had just seen in the corner of her red eye.
Was she crying?
Lu Yin went into the bedroom and quickly wiped away the tears that were a result of the physical pain. She patted her hot face and let out a deep breath.
So close, is Sheng Xiali crazy? Isn’t she afraid of getting infected?
Lu Yin leaned against the door, calming her heartbeat. Once her heart and breathing were under control, she pressed her ear against the door to listen for movement outside.
No wonder they say people can develop amazing abilities when they’re pushed to their limits.
Her brain cells had just started working at an astonishingly high speed.
She had left food. It was Sheng Xiali’s habit to dispose of any food waste on the same day.
If all went as expected, she would have to throw out the trash. Lu Yin’s eyes lit up. All she had to do was wait for her to leave, then she would lock the door!
Wouldn’t that be a way to send this “great god” away?
Lu Yin pressed herself against the door, listening. There didn’t seem to be any sound outside. She cautiously opened the door a crack and peeked out.
From this angle, she couldn’t see the kitchen, but after opening the door, she thought she heard the sound of running water from the kitchen.
Sheng Xiali must be washing dishes!
If she was washing dishes, the leftover food must have already been thrown into the trash can. Now she just had to bet that Sheng Xiali still had that habit.
It’s such a good habit. I hope Sheng Xiali keeps it up!
Lu Yin, peering out from the door, kept a vigilant eye on the outside. Not long after, just long enough to wash a bowl and a pot, she thought she heard the sound of the trash can lid closing.
Perfect, she’s changing the trash bag. The chances are even higher now!
A little while later, there was a “click.” Lu Yin’s eyes lit up completely. Great, Sheng Xiali still has that habit!
Lu Yin pulled the door open and rushed out, intending to close the main door as fast as possible.
But after only two steps, she heard a clear “thud.”
Lu Yin slammed on the brakes, holding her heart, which felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. She heard footsteps coming from the entryway, heading inside.
Oh no! Lu Yin quickly ran back, darting into the bedroom without caring if Sheng Xiali would hear the noise. She locked the master bedroom door with a “click.”
She was so worked up that her head was ringing. Lu Yin stumbled into bed and pulled the comforter over her head.
Dammit, she just left the trash at the door!
Doesn’t she have any common decency?!
And it’s at her door!!!
Lu Yin angrily kicked the comforter. After kicking it, she felt a wave of dizziness.
No, this won’t do. Her head is ringing.
Lu Yin held her head and took a few deep breaths. She finally recovered, and the medicine started to work. Sleepiness washed over her.
Before she fell asleep, Lu Yin silently prayed that she would get better quickly so she could get Sheng Xiali, this “great god,” to leave.
Perhaps it was because she was worried before she slept, but Lu Yin’s sleep was very restless.
She even dreamed of Sheng Xiali, dreaming that she had removed the door to her master bedroom and emptied out all her remaining belongings.
Lu Yin suddenly woke up. There was a strange sound in the darkness, and she quickly looked toward the door. A light flashed by.
Lu Yin quickly turned on the lamp and looked at the closed master bedroom door. Her confused mind gradually cleared up.
The door was fine. It was a dream, but what was that sound just now? She thought she saw a light.
Lu Yin gasped for air, picked up her phone, and saw that it was two in the morning.
Time really flew when you were sleeping.
It was just that this sleep was too exhausting. She remembered in her dream, she watched helplessly as Sheng Xiali emptied out her bedroom. She was so anxious and kept yelling at Sheng Xiali to stop.
Lu Yin held her throat. Did she really yell out loud? Her throat hurts so much.
Lu Yin turned and picked up the cup from her bedside table, wanting to drink some water, but the cup was empty.
Looking at the cup in her hand, it was the water Sheng Xiali had brought in during the day. After the temperature had dissipated, the pattern on the cup had disappeared.
This person is really something. She even found this cup.
Thinking of Sheng Xiali, Lu Yin raised an eyebrow. Did she leave?
She held her breath and listened. There didn’t seem to be any sound outside.
Did she leave, or is she asleep?
Lu Yin hesitated, then got up and quietly walked outside. She opened the door and saw that it was pitch black outside.
Lu Yin didn’t turn on the light. She walked forward, guided by the motion-sensor floor lamp in the hallway.
She walked all the way to the living room and, with the help of a little moonlight, saw a figure curled up on the sofa.
She really didn’t leave…
Lu Yin turned on one of the hallway lights and got a clear look at the situation on the sofa.
Sheng Xiali was lying on her side, nestled on the sofa, covered only by a thin blanket.
The blanket was the one she had originally used to cover the sofa to protect it from dust…
Lu Yin looked at Sheng Xiali’s exposed legs. This person hadn’t even taken off her shoes when she went to sleep. The soles of her shoes were almost touching the sofa.
Lu Yin walked over, took her shoes off, and pulled the blanket to cover her legs completely. Then she went to turn up the AC.
After doing all that, Lu Yin was numb… What was she doing? What did she care if Sheng Xiali was cold or not?! It would be better if she was cold, then she would go back to her own home to sleep.
But on second thought, Sheng Xiali was fragile. If she caught a cold like this, her immunity would drop, and she might get sick.
What if, she said what if she got sick and blamed it on her, and asked her to be responsible?
It felt like the current Sheng Xiali would do something like that. If she came back and said something about “calling it even,” what would she do?
She would ignore it! Lu Yin told herself to be firm and not care!
She absolutely cannot be softhearted. She was so good at pulling things, she might as well go make noodles; she could at least make some money.
It was really annoying. Lu Yin looked at the person on the sofa. Why was she curled up like that again, looking so pitiful? Leaving the bed at her own home to sleep on the sofa here, she was just trying to cause trouble!
Lu Yin felt a tightness in her chest. She walked through the living room to the balcony and closed the glass door behind her.
She walked to the corner of the balcony, curled up in the hanging chair, and skillfully reached for the small coffee table.
She fumbled for a while but couldn’t find what she wanted. She got up and looked at the coffee table.
Where were her cigarettes?
Looking at the empty coffee table, Lu Yin immediately thought of the person curled up in the sofa.
No way, she took these too?
Lu Yin quickly opened the drawer of the cabinet next to her. She looked inside, and sure enough, it was completely empty.
All her stock was gone.
“Smoking is harmful to your health.”
A muffled voice suddenly sounded behind her. Lu Yin was startled and turned to see Sheng Xiali, wearing a mask and with half her face exposed, push open the door and walk out.
Lu Yin realized Sheng Xiali could have a side job as an NPC in a haunted house. Her ability to scare people was truly top-notch.
Looking at her approach, and remembering what she had just said, Lu Yin sneered.
“Do you have any credibility when you say that?”
Sheng Xiali pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Lu Yin, speaking in a low voice.
“I quit.”
Lu Yin was surprised for a moment. This was unexpected.
But what did that have to do with her?
“Just because you quit doesn’t mean no one else can smoke. Where are my cigarettes?”
Sheng Xiali crossed her long legs, which extended out quite a bit, almost touching Lu Yin’s legs, which were dangling from the hanging chair.
“I put them away.”
Lu Yin took a deep breath, suppressing her anger: “What about the ones that were already opened?”
There were only a few left. Why would she put them away?
“I threw them away.”
Lu Yin was furious: “You have to pay me back!”
Sheng Xiali took out her phone from her pocket and placed it on the small coffee table: “You blocked me.”
The implication was that she couldn’t transfer the money.
Lu Yin wasn’t falling for it: “You don’t have to pay me. Just give me the rest back. Where are they? At your place?”
Sheng Xiali nodded.
Lu Yin: “What’s the password to your door? I’ll go get them myself.”
Sheng Xiali pointed to the chat window on the phone on the small coffee table again: “You blocked me. I can’t send you a message.”
Lu Yin was surprised. Was she going to send her the password in a message?
“Can’t you just say it directly?”
“The walls have ears.”
“Are you messing with me?”
“Believe it or not.”
Lu Yin looked at Sheng Xiali’s vague expression in the moonlight and, after much hesitation, unblocked her.
She didn’t really believe that Sheng Xiali would just tell her the password, but she was curious to see what she would do next.
Besides, she could always block her again later.
She wanted to see what she was up to.
“Okay, send it.”
As soon as she spoke, Lu Yin’s phone started buzzing with messages. She looked at them and saw they were all photos: “What…”
“Mm, proof.”
Lu Yin’s eyes widened. She looked through the photos, and they were all pictures of her trying to guess Sheng Xiali’s door password: “You have a security camera?!”
Sheng Xiali said calmly: “The latest fingerprint locks have that feature. When you hire our studio for your renovation, I’ll give you a new one.”
“You knew all along? You were laughing at me?”
“No, I was just curious to see if you could guess the password.”
And that’s not laughing at her? Lu Yin grabbed the pillow from behind her and swung it at her. Her movements were too big, and the hanging chair swayed, threatening to throw her out.