Chapter 500 Distressed Xiong Mei! Doesn’t want to be Canary anymore! Want Freedom? (2)

Reaching the Penthouse!

“Keep this and stay outside. Also, good work today.” Zhang Wei extracted a thick stack of cash from his inventory and handed it to Anna as they paused outside the luxurious entrance.

“Master—I didn’t do it for the money; it’s just part of my job.” Anna hesitated, trying to hand the money back, clearly uncomfortable.

The stack was substantial, easily tens of thousands.

Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and sternness. “You work for money, Anna. Don’t play the martyr. As long as you’re diligent, you’ll be compensated. Just tell me next time if you need something specific.” He insisted, his tone firm.

Anna’s reluctance was evident as she clutched the cash.

Her principles wrestled with the practicalities of her situation. “I… understand, Master Zhang. But I hope you know my loyalty isn’t bought—it’s earned.”

Zhang Wei smirked, “Loyalty, huh? Let’s see about that.”

He slowly unbuttoned the top button of her shirt, a deliberate and provocative gesture, and stuffed the cash into the gap.

“…”

Anna stiffened, her face a mask of professionalism masking her discomfort. “Is there anything else you need before you go in…?” She asked.

Zhang Wei gave a short nod, satisfied with her response. “No, that will be all. Make sure we’re not disturbed.” He turned and strode into the penthouse, leaving Anna to collect herself and resume her post.

_____

As Zhang Wei open the door to the penthouse, his eyes quickly adjust to the dim ambiance, taking in the sleek, modern furnishings that filled the space.

To his side, a grand, unlit chandelier hangs silently above a large, glass dining table surrounded by high-backed chairs.

Straight ahead, the open-plan kitchen’s marble countertops and stainless steel appliances gleam faintly in the dark.

To another side, the living room comes into his focus, where a single lamp casts a soft glow on a girl curled up under a blanket on a luxurious sectional sofa.

She was sitting blankly as a movie playing on the large flat-screen TV, which casts dynamic shadows across the polished hardwood floors and the sparse, tasteful decorations that line the walls.

“Huh?”

She spun around as the creak of the door echoed ominously through the room.

Her eyes flickered, struggling to adjust in the darkness where only the flickering light from the television danced across her face.

“Anna, is that you? Can you bring me a glass of water, please?” Her voice sliced through the silence before she swiveled back to immerse herself in her show.

“…”

Zhang Wei blinked, his eyes seeing through the dark effortlessly—a sharp contrast to her disoriented gaze.

And now, she was even commanding him?

Despite this, a mischievous smile crept over his face as he slipped off his shoes and strode directly to the kitchen.

He extracted a bottle of cold water from the fridge.

Moving with stealthy grace, he approached Xiong Mei from behind. “Here,” he announced, his voice crisp and clear.

“Huh?” Xiong Mei’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t noticed Anna’s silent approach. Her hands reached out instinctively for the bottle, only to freeze in shock the very next moment—

Splash!

“What!?—”

The cold water cascaded down her face, leaving Xiong Mei stunned and shivering as she sat there, momentarily paralyzed.

“…”

The chill seeped through her, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the room.

Gathering her wits, she whipped around, her anger flaring as she prepared to confront the perpetrator.

“Anna! What the hell!” she sputtered, her voice a mixture of rage and disbelief until—

Her eyes met Zhang Wei’s smug smirk, his presence an unexpected twist.

“!!”

She froze and before he could respond, her anger melted into a flood of relief.

Whoosh!

Overcome, Xiong Mei lunged forward, throwing her arms around him, her tears spilling freely. “You’re back… I thought… I thought I’d never see you again!” she sobbed, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

Zhang Wei, taken aback by her sudden shift, hesitated before his arms gently encircled her, his smirk fading into a soft, understanding smile. “Hey, hey, I’m here now,” he murmured, soothing her as he held her close.

Although he felt a pang of pity for his clothes, now soaked once more, he found himself at a loss as Xiong Mei threw herself into his embrace.

“Hey, what happened? You can tell me about it…” He placed his hand gently under her chin, lifting her face to look into her eyes.

Seeing her blurry, tear-filled eyes, Zhang Wei’s heart tightened. “Meimei, if you don’t tell me what’s going on, I might just have to throw you into the pool next,” he joked lightly, trying to coax a smile from her as he wiped away her tears with his fingers.

Pfttt..

Xiong Mei, sniffling, rubbed her eyes and broke into a weak smile. “What are you saying? I don’t like pools…” she muttered softly.

Zhang Wei couldn’t help but smile at her gentle protest. Carefully, he helped her back onto the couch she had been sitting on, mindful that it might tip over if he didn’t stabilize it quickly.

Circling around to the front, he gently pulled her toward him by the waist, noting the softness under his hands. But seeing her face, just moments away from crumbling into tears again, he sighed deeply.

“Zhang Wei…” Her lips quivered as she pressed her head against his chest, seeking comfort in his presence.

As Xiong Mei wriggled out of his embrace, Zhang Wei was taken aback. “Give… give me a minute,” she muttered, locking eyes with him as she freed herself from his grasp and grabbed her phone.

Turning away, she walked off, leaving Zhang Wei puzzled.

Grabbing her phone, she turned and walked away briskly.

“Hmm?” Zhang Wei raised an eyebrow, curious about her sudden need for space, but she quickly returned.

A minute later, she reappeared, clutching a few items in her hand.

Her eyes looked weary despite the forced smile on her face. Her long hair cascaded beautifully down her back, complementing her thin, loose white top with full sleeves and a mini skirt.

Her posture was graceful, her legs straight and slender.

Zhang Wei’s eyes unintentionally swept over her, noting the subtle curves of her waist—delicately thin yet softly rounded in just the right places.

She seemed to have gained a little weight since they’d first met, filling out her frame to a soft and perfect touch.

But his curiosity peaked as he noticed she had brought over her handbag, keys, and cards.

“Why did you bring all this? Are you going somewhere?” Zhang Wei asked, his voice tinged with concern and curiosity, as he tried to understand her sudden change in behavior and appearance.

Just then, Xiong Mei, her gaze filled with a mix of complicated emotions, extended her hand towards him.

In her grip were the keys to a penthouse, her phone, handbag, and several cards.

Zhang Wei, startled by her sudden gesture, turned to her with a mix of confusion and concern. “What’s going on?”