BXBX NOVEL Chapter 126 - Nothing To Be Ashamed Of
The moment Shu Xian arrived in the library, Zhang Ren arched a brow at her, his arms already crossed in front of his chest.
"And why are you late?" Zhang Ren asked, the blush on Shu Xian's face still not leaving her.
The moment she sat on her swivel chair, she sighed, fanning her face since she felt warmer despite the night getting colder.
"I-I'm sorry," Shu Xian said, already combing her hair up with her hand, already tying it in a ponytail. "I… when I was walking back, something came up."
With Zhang Ren scoffing as he playfully rolled his eyes at her, he teased her, already guessing right.
"Don't tell me… you were flirting with the professor?"
"Wha—"
Shu Xian's mouth opened, about to say something but she hit his shoulder instead, further making him laugh.
"Yes, I was with the professor… but I wasn't flirting with him!"
"Yeah, right." Zhang Ren didn't believe her, shaking his head. "With the blush you have on your face, how could you not?"
At the same moment, Wang Fang already came out of the office. With her suddenly coming out, Zhang Ren and Shu Xian stood up to greet her, giving her a small bow.
"Good evening, Miss Wang Fang."
The Chief Librarian crossed her arms in front of her chest. With her expecting Shu Xian minutes ago, she raised a brow at her, already calling her to her office.
"Shu Xian, in my office. Now."
With her voice slightly serious, she already went back inside, Shu Xian, biting her bottom lip as she felt nervous.
"Oh… I guess you have to listen to the boss for a while," Zhang Ren said, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry… I guess she was really waiting for your update even though it's short after you did the delivery of books."
With that said, Shu Xian couldn't help but sigh, already giving Zhang Ren a small smile.
"Don't worry. I'll just talk to Miss Wang Fang."
With her already walking to her office, her hands at the side turned into tight fists, already wanting to stab the professor in her head multiple times.
'Oh, Pan An… when I get home, I would really give you lesser share of food this time for dinner!'
The moment Shu Xian opened the door, she gave Wang Fang another small bow, closing the door behind her. With the Chief Librarian already gesturing for Shu Xian to sit down, the girl sat on the single couch chair before her, feeling slightly nervous.
"Miss Wang Fang, I'm sorry for not returning so suddenly. I was—"
"It's alright," Wang Fang interrupted, sighing at the same time. "Since it is your first time, I will let you off the hook. But if this happens again, remember that I won't be this nice," she added, Shu Xian, nodding as she understood why she was being scolded.
"I understand, Miss Wang Fang. Again, I'm sorry."
With her unable to tell her the reason why she was late, she had no choice but to keep it to herself and just vent to her friends, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian, since she would also want to protect the identity of the professor.
"Alright," Wang Fang spoke, shaking Shu Xian out of her thoughts. The moment she removed her eyeglasses and put it inside her case, she smiled at her, starting another conversation.
"Now, I have something to tell you that I'd be willing to help with," she added, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes a few times.
"Umm… and what would that be, Miss Wang Fang?" she asked, not sure what Wang Fang could possibly be talking about since she did not ask help from her.
"Well, you will be surprised of this, but don't worry—I can keep secrets. Professor Pan An has told me that you're living with him because you needed a place to stay."
When Shu Xian heard this, she couldn't help but put her hand on her mouth, indeed surprised that Pan An has told her.
"I… Miss Wang Fang… do know that the reason why we're staying together is that—"
"Relax, Shu Xian," Wang Fang interrupted, letting out a small chuckle. "Don't worry about the image of that professor. I already know this much since he has told me. And I listen without prejudice and help when the person is in need," she added, Shu Xian, sighing in relief.
However, even though that she is relieved, she still wondered why Wang Fang wanted to help her—whatever it is that she meant with the phrase, "helping her."
As Shu Xian waited for her expectantly to speak, Wang Fang leaned on her swivel chair's rest, already getting to the point.
"So, you see… rumors might start if people accidentally see you both together, no? In order for that to not happen, I am willing to let you stay in the house in the same neighborhood, but of course, not for free. You are going to housekeep the house."
With that said, Shu Xian nodded, feeling shy that she is getting this much help.
"Umm… thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang, but uh… with me already working under you for free tuition, it would be too much if I stay in your home. You're already too nice—you and the professor. I think I am taking advantage of your kindness."
"Please, Shu Xian," Wang Fang started, shaking her head. "I told you, there is nothing to worry about! I am willing to help such a hardworking person such as you, I promise!"
Shu Xian gave her a small smile, appreciating her boss' kindness. She not only works under her, but she is being taken care of by her, too!
With Wang Fang reaching out to her hand, she rubbed the back of her palm with her thumb and said something that warmed Shu Xian's heart.
"You know, there is nothing to be ashamed of when help is being offered to you and you accept it. The world is cruel and you're blessed if people are willing to help you get over it. This is not a question and matter of pride. Remember that."