A L*st at First Sight (Lily Futa) - Chapter 14

When Liu Yuelan woke up in the morning, her head was splitting with pain. She kept her eyes tightly shut, furrowed her brows, rolled over, and tried to go back to sleep.

Suddenly she opened her eyes and looked at the unfamiliar woman in front of her. Her foggy mind instantly cleared. She scanned her surroundings, her vision going black for a moment. She cursed a string of profanities in her heart, gritted her teeth, and gently turned over. She lifted the quilt and took a look — she wasn’t wearing a bra, but when she moved her legs, her panties were still on.

She secretly got out of bed, found her bra among the messy clothes on the floor, put it on, picked up the rest of her clothes and her phone, tiptoed to the bathroom, locked the door, sat on the toilet lid, and dialed Little A’s number. With one hand supporting her head, she rubbed her temples hard.

“Hello, Ah Lan, you’re awake so early?”

Hearing her tone that sounded like she was watching a show, Liu Yuelan’s anger flared even more. She lowered her voice and threatened, “You’d better give me a reasonable explanation. Why am I here, and who is that woman?”

“Ah? You don’t remember what happened yesterday?” Little A sounded very surprised.

“What happened?” Liu Yuelan only remembered drinking a lot of alcohol and dancing nonstop. Everything else was a blank.

“Yesterday you got drunk. When you went down to dance, you almost fell. Then Little E caught you. You two hit it off, got all tangled up in the bar for a while, and then left together. I saw you smiling happily when you left! You were hugging her and wouldn’t let go.”

“Little E?”

“Ah, the one in your bed. You really don’t remember at all?”

If Liu Yuelan remembered, she’d be a ghost. She rubbed her hair, full of regret, completely unaware of how far things had gone between them last night. Although she wasn’t a very conservative person — as long as both parties were single, a one-night stand wasn’t a big deal — it just so happened to occur at this particular time, making it seem like her feelings for others were casual. Her hangover-addled brain couldn’t handle such high mental workload. She sighed, about to hang up, when a male voice came from the other side.

“Lan, how was last night?”

Liu Yuelan frowned. “DD, why are you with Little A at this hour?”

“We made plans with friends to play ball. What about you? Little A said you went for a one-night stand with a beauty yesterday. Satisfied?”

Liu Yuelan’s face grew darker and darker. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Wang! Xiao! A! What nonsense are you teaching him again?”

“It’s fine, Ah Lan,” DD said seriously. “Having desires isn’t shameful. You haven’t dated for a long time. Relying only on DIY isn’t a long-term solution after all.”

Liu Yuelan was too exhausted to even complain. She let her body go limp. “DD, don’t listen to Little A’s nonsense. I didn’t do that. I’m hanging up now. You guys have fun.”

Liu Yuelan got dressed in the bathroom. Afraid the sound of water would wake the person on the bed, she didn’t even dare wash her face. She quietly slipped out of the room. Only after entering the elevator did she dare let out the breath she had been holding. Then she saw her own disheveled appearance reflected vaguely on the elevator doors — messy hair, clothes crooked and slanted. She quickly straightened her clothes, used her hands to tousle her hair, and pulled it forward over her chest to cover her face as much as possible so no one could see clearly. After leaving the hotel, she took a taxi home.

As soon as Yu Qianlin entered the shop, she headed straight for the changing room. After greeting Xiao Li, she opened her own locker.

Xiao Li stared at her as if she had seen a ghost. “Sister Lin, did you go rob a bank last night?”

“What?” Yu Qianlin was confused.

Xiao Li took the mirror from her own locker and showed it to her. “Look at yourself. How heavy your dark circles are.”

Yu Qianlin looked at her reflection in the mirror. There was a huge dark patch under her eyes and she looked completely drained. With a cold expression, she turned her head and continued putting on her jacket.

“Sister Lin, are you okay?” Xiao Li asked worriedly.

“I’m fine. Get back to work.”

Xiao Li watched her leave with suspicion and noticed she had forgotten to change her pants. She was about to remind her when the door closed.

At noon, Xiao Li still didn’t see any deliveries from Liu Yuelan. It seemed she had really given up on that method, but was there really no follow-up? Miss Liu didn’t seem like that kind of person. Xiao Li thought absentmindedly.

Until another half a month had passed. Not only had she not seen Liu Yuelan once, even her WeChat replies were very brief.

Maybe she’s just really busy lately?

Xiao Li thought so, but soon she no longer had the energy to worry about it.

Xiao Li’s father had been in a car accident back home. His leg was broken and he was hospitalized. Only her mother was taking care of him at home, but her mother’s health wasn’t good either. As the only child, her parents had secretly hidden it from her at first. But that day they accidentally let it slip on the phone, scaring Xiao Li badly. She immediately said she wanted to go back and see them. Her parents originally tried to insist she didn’t need to, but Xiao Li’s attitude was very firm.

After hanging up, Xiao Li calmed down a little amid her anxiety and hesitantly went to ask Yu Qianlin for leave.

“After my dad is discharged, I should be able to come back. If it’s really bad, I’ll hire a caregiver. It shouldn’t be more than a week.” Xiao Li promised sincerely.

“No need to rush. I’ll give you a month. Come back after you’ve handled everything at home.”

“Ah, Sister Lin, that’s too long. Besides, for such a long time, who will cover the front desk? Recruiting new people also takes time.”

“It’s fine. Whoever is free can cover for a while. This afternoon, print out some of the work procedures and explain them to everyone. If there are any questions, just ask you. Don’t worry.”

Xiao Li said gratefully, “Sister Lin, I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much!”

“Mm. Go get busy.” Although Yu Qianlin’s expression was the same as usual, there was a bit more gentleness in her eyes.

That afternoon, Xiao Li hurried to organize all her work procedures clearly and explained them in detail to everyone. Yu Qianlin had often helped at the front desk before and basically knew everything. The shop rotated night shifts, so everyone had to master some basic front-desk work. Everyone picked it up quickly. As for miscellaneous tasks, they could wait until she returned. After finishing everything, she left in a hurry.

Yu Qianlin temporarily took over the front desk and specially brought Xiao C to the front to learn. If something required her to go help, she would leave Xiao C there to watch the desk.

After a brief period of chaos, the shop’s work returned to normal. Life went back to its originally plain and uneventful track — at least that was how Yu Qianlin felt.

Nothing was different.

Until one day Xiao C mysteriously and shyly told her, “Master, I’m in a relationship. Hehe.”

Yu Qianlin, who was writing, directly tore through the paper. When she looked up, her face was full of disbelief.

Seeing her reaction, Xiao C smiled even more proudly. “It’s true, Master. She’s really pretty. I chased her for half a month. I was afraid you’d laugh at me if it didn’t work out, so I didn’t say anything.”

Yu Qianlin lowered her head with complicated feelings and said in a muffled voice, “Oh.”

How old was Xiao C? Why did it feel like her child had grown up? He was so dumb and silly, yet he could still find a girlfriend. Why couldn’t she…

She closed her notebook and stood up. “Watch the front. I’m going to the back to help.”

“Got it!” Xiao C happily walked behind the front desk. Thinking of something, he pulled Yu Qianlin back and said, “Master, don’t tell them yet. Tomorrow I’ll bring her over. I’ll make them so jealous they’ll die. They always say I can’t find a girlfriend.”

Yu Qianlin looked away and softly agreed before leaving.

The next day, as soon as Yu Qianlin entered the shop, she saw several people gathered in the lobby. Xiao C and a girl had their backs to the door. The others were looking at the two of them with either envy or admiration.

When they noticed her coming in, Xiao C quickly pulled his girlfriend around and introduced her. “Master, this is Little Q, my girlfriend. Little Q, this is the very capable Master I often talk about — Yu Qianlin.”

Yu Qianlin quickly sized up the woman in front of her. She had long hair dyed in almost rainbow colors, a palm-sized face with heavy makeup, a crop top that exposed her waist, and extremely short shorts. When she got closer, there was a strong perfume scent.

Yu Qianlin nodded at her. “Hello.”

“Hello. I’ve heard Xiao C talk about you so much. I finally get to meet the real person today.”

Yu Qianlin didn’t speak. She glanced at Xiao C again, told the employees to go back to their own work, and then went to the changing room.

Behind her, Little Q unhappily pushed and shoved Xiao C, signaling him with her eyes toward Yu Qianlin. Xiao C fawningly comforted her. After saying something unknown, the other party reluctantly let him go, crossed her arms, and went to the rest area. Seeing the massage chair, she curiously sat down on it. Xiao C ran over to turn it on for her and introduced the different functions.

When Yu Qianlin came out, she saw Little Q sitting comfortably on the massage chair, sipping a drink through a straw, while Xiao C squatted in front of her like a lapdog, massaging her legs.

When Little Q saw her, she quickly pushed Xiao C away and stood up, signaling him with her eyes to go over quickly.

Yu Qianlin returned to the front desk to handle work. Xiao C walked over with a flattering smile and asked in a negotiating tone, “Master, Little Q doesn’t have a job right now. Since Little Li is on leave, can she work here temporarily? She can help out.”

After hearing him, Little Q clicked her tongue and pinched his arm from behind, complaining softly, “Didn’t you say you could arrange a job for me? How did it become temporary work?”

Xiao C grimaced in pain and rubbed the spot that had been pinched. Yu Qianlin glanced at their little actions and lowered her head to think.

“Master, Little Q learns things really fast. You don’t have to worry that she can’t do it.”

Little Q saw that things could only be like this and could only agree, “Yeah. I used to work as a cashier in a supermarket. I’m good at handling money. I have a friend who worked at a hotel front desk. I hear her complain about her job every day, so I know what front-desk work involves. You can rest assured.”

Yu Qianlin looked at her arm wrapped around Xiao C’s, the two of them standing close together. She looked up again and saw Xiao C’s expectant gaze. “You stay with her and teach her some simple things until Little Li comes back.”

“Got it, Master. Thank you!” Xiao C happily looked at his girlfriend. Little Q, however, said to Yu Qianlin with some reluctance, “Um, about the salary…”

Yu Qianlin stopped in her tracks, turned her head, and looked at her. “Same as Little Li.”

“That’s good, that’s good.” Little Q patted her chest and smiled with satisfaction.

Xiao C pulled her behind the front desk to explain the daily work content. Yu Qianlin watched for a while before leaving. From behind her came the faint sound of their conversation.

“It’s just a computer. Who doesn’t know how to use one? Do you know PPT? I have a friend who does it every day.”

“Yes, yes, yes. You’re the best.”

“That’s right… Aiya, standing is so tiring. Go get me a softer chair. I don’t want to sit on this one.”

“Okay, wait a moment!”

……

Near noon, close to closing time, Yu Qianlin came out of the repair area and saw only Xiao C at the front desk. She casually asked and learned that Little Q had gone to the bathroom, so she didn’t pay much attention.

She entered the women’s changing room. She had just taken off her work uniform and hung it on the door when she heard the sound of the shower stall door opening behind her. Turning around, she saw Little Q coming out wrapped in a bath towel.

She quickly turned her head away and frowned as she asked, “Why are you here?”

Little Q saw her reaction and found it strange. While drying her hair, she walked over to sit on the chair. “I came to take a shower. I just unpacked several deliveries. They were dirty and heavy, and I sweated all over.”

Yu Qianlin took a deep breath. “The things in the changing room belong to specific people. You can’t use them casually.”

“What did I use? This bath towel and towel were found for me by Xiao C. He also said there’s an empty locker I can use. What’s wrong? I work here and I can’t even use the things?”

“It’s not that,” Yu Qianlin rubbed her forehead. “During work hours, try not to run around randomly.”

“It’s almost closing time anyway. The rules are too many.”

After drying her hair, she casually shook the towel a few times. Some loose hair fell on the floor. She threw the towel aside and started getting dressed. While dressing, she noticed Yu Qianlin standing motionless in front of her locker with her back turned. She laughed and said, “Are you facing the wall in punishment? Do whatever you need to do. Are you embarrassed or something?”

“No. Put your clothes on first.”

“We’re both women. What are you being so particular about? Are you a lesbian or something?” She said casually, stood in front of the mirror, and started combing her hair. Yu Qianlin glanced at her. Seeing that the person had finished dressing, she picked up her own jacket, didn’t change her pants, and walked straight out.

The sound of the door closing was quite loud. Little Q glanced at it and muttered, “So annoying.”

In the following days, Yu Qianlin finally experienced what it meant for everything to be in chaos.

“Xiao C, I reserved bay 13 yesterday after work for this morning. Why is someone occupying it now?!”

Xiao C quickly lowered his head to check the system. “Let me see. Don’t panic.”

Little Q sat to the side filing her nails. “I saw the reservation slip but forgot to enter it into the system. Aiya, but isn’t every bay the same anyway?”

“How can they be the same? I put all the parts I needed there yesterday. The customer’s car was wrecked in an accident and barely got transported back. Now you want me to move to another bay?”

“Brother Li, don’t be angry. She didn’t do it on purpose. Let’s ask how much longer that bay will take. If not, I’ll help you switch to another bay and move the parts for you.”

Xiao C pulled the furious Brother Li toward the back, apologizing as they walked.

……

“Didn’t I get a membership card? Why is repairing a car still so expensive?”

“You think 200 yuan is expensive? Then you might as well not drive at all.”

“How can you talk like that? 200 yuan isn’t money? I’ve had a membership here for 2 years. Is this how you scam old customers?”

“Membership makes you special? You have money for a membership but not for repairs?!”

“How can you talk like that? Call your boss out!”

……

A sports car stopped at the entrance. The person in the driver’s seat pushed the door open and walked in.

Little Q stood up enthusiastically and asked, “Hello sir, how may I help you?”

“I’m here for maintenance. Here’s the key.”

“Okay, please wait over there for a moment. I’ll register for you. May I ask your name… Oh, you’re our honored Platinum Member. Wow, your name sounds so nice. As expected, the name matches the person — you look distinguished and outstanding at first glance.”

The person scratched his head awkwardly and said, “The car belongs to my boss. I’m just driving it over for him.”

“Oh,” Little Q’s expression immediately turned cold. She grabbed the key from the table with reluctance and looked at it. “Wait here. I’ll see who’s free.”

……

As for people disappearing everywhere and wrong part numbers being ordered, these kinds of mistakes happened several times. Everyone complained bitterly. Out of consideration for Xiao C’s face, they didn’t say anything directly to him, but they all went to Yu Qianlin to report the situation.

“It’s already been a week. Is the work really that hard? Anyone else would have learned it by now. She’s doing it on purpose. Her attitude is the problem.”

“Exactly. One or two mistakes would be fine, but we’ve told her repeatedly how many times, and she still makes the same errors. It would be better if we did it ourselves! We could even save you some money.”

“I think that woman isn’t someone who will settle down. Xiao C is such an honest person. He’ll definitely suffer if he’s with her.”

“Look at the way she acts — unreasonable and infuriating.”

“She’s vain and looks down on people based on their status. Whenever she sees a nice car, she sits in it and takes tons of selfies. I’ve chased her out several times.”

“Sister Lin, Xiao C is a simple kid and this is his first relationship. We’re all afraid he’ll be tricked. When you have time, you should talk to him properly. This woman definitely isn’t a good person.”

……