Restricted Fantasy Invasion

Chapter 44
"I feel like Xiaohuan might quit her job after this."

Saturday night, southern district, inside the Nursery Rhyme Bar.

Tian Li, who came to work, had changed into the bartender's attire. While moving tables and chairs, he suddenly said this to his girlfriend Guan Rong, who was also working here.

"Eh, why do you say that?"

"The place I rent is pretty close to Xiaohuan's house. Didn't I take leave halfway last night to go home and get the group report?"

"Mhm, and then?"

"Then, on my way back, I saw Xiaohuan bringing his elder and his sister to visit his house. I heard him call that elder 'Auntie'. She seemed pretty well-off."

Only then did Guan Rong remember something and said,

"Oh right, Xiaohuan didn't come to work yesterday either. But how do you know that Auntie is rich?"

"The car, the car! You know, I'm pretty knowledgeable about cars. The one that dropped them off was a Zhulong III from the Longqi series, Starry Black, even the standard model costs over a million."

Guan Rong didn't really understand cars and such; she only recognized a few famous car logos.

But after hearing the price, she couldn't help but cover her mouth in surprise,

"Ah, but wasn't Xiaohuan raised in the southern district since he was little? I don't think I've ever heard him mention any wealthy relatives."

"Who knows, maybe they found them back in his hometown (Longguo)?"

"Eh, that's nice, but we can't be sure yet. Xiaohuan might not necessarily quit his job."

"If I had money, I wouldn't work part-time anymore either, okay? We're all working to earn money-who's here just to experience life?"

Tian Li set up the tables and chairs one by one, sighing as he did so,

"And isn't Xiaohuan busy enough already? He's the student council president and gets good grades. He has to handle student council stuff, study, and also work to make ends meet. Just watching him makes me tired-if he could rest, why would he still work?"

"That's true."

After a few words of sighing, Tian Li and Guan Rong continued working-moving tables and chairs, wiping off dust.

Just as Guan Rong was about to go back to the shop to wash the rag, she turned her head and saw that Tong Yingtong was somehow leaning against the shop entrance, lighting a cigarette.

"Sister Tong? When did you get here?!"

"Just now."

"Oh, I'm going to wash the rag."

"Mhm."

Tong Yingtong glanced at Guan Rong, her face showing a thoughtful expression, though her eyes still looked dispirited.

Her long legs, wrapped in blue jeans, swung from time to time, reflecting her mood.

Tian Li finished arranging the tables and chairs and took his place at the bar, while Tong Yingtong didn't go back inside the shop today-she just sat on a chair outside.

She pulled out her phone and glanced at the time-it was about when Yan Huan usually came to work on weekends.

She opened plane and went to her chat with Yan Huan.

The chat was still stuck on the "speechless" meme he'd sent earlier.

Would the next message be his resignation?

"Sister Tong, I don't want to do this anymore. Bye~"

Something like that, probably.

Well, it's fine if that guy leaves.

After that, no one would care if she smoked or drank, or when she got up or went to bed.

Free and easy-what's so bad about that?

Tong Yingtong grabbed an ashtray, stubbed out her cigarette in it, but quickly lit another one.

Yet the burning smoke seemed like a catalyst, making her even more restless inside, unable to calm down at all.

"Tsk."

Tong Yingtong bit her lip and looked at the street outside, which was gradually getting livelier.

Groups of people walked by in twos and threes, which only annoyed her.

"Ding dong~"

At that moment, the phone she had pressed face-down on the table suddenly rang.

And that ringtone was special-not a regular notification sound.

It was a plane message!

Tong Yingtong was slightly stunned, but for a moment, she didn't dare flip the phone over.

Was it Yan Huan?

It was about time for him to show up.

Was he going to ask for leave again today?

But yesterday, that guy didn't come either, and he didn't request leave on plane. Instead, he privately brought that rich Auntie to his house.

Yesterday, Tong Yingtong thought it was because she hadn't been gentle enough when chatting with him, which made him angry.

She was clearly concerned about his routine, so she asked about it, but she didn't say anything nice.

If there's never any positive feedback, no matter what, people would get disheartened, right?

In fact, even Tong Yingtong herself hadn't realized she was already being gentle enough to Yan Huan.

It was just her personality-she wasn't good at showing it directly, and could only reveal it through little details.

So, is it possible this message isn't about asking for leave at all?

But rather-

"Feels like Xiaohuan might quit soon."

Tian Li's words still echoed in her ears, like thunder splitting her head, making her hand gripping the phone even stiffer.

"Sister Tong, I don't want to do this anymore. Bye~"

If she flipped it over, would it be a message like that?

Then she'd send a message to ask.

Something like "Why?"-such a pathetic question.

The only reply would probably be a red exclamation mark:

"Yan Huan has enabled friend verification. You are not his (her) friend yet. Please send a friend verification request first."

!!

Tong Yingtong opened her mouth, and her burning cigarette unconsciously fell onto the table.

Her eyes, which were already half-dead, widened a bit as she looked down at the cigarette burning on the table.

Tong Yingtong felt like what was burning wasn't the rolled tobacco, but herself.

After a moment of silence, she picked up the cigarette and stubbed it out in the ashtray, extinguishing it completely.

Whatever!

If it's going to rain, let it rain; if someone wants to get married, let them get married.

It's just a plane message. After so many years of roaming the world, would she really panic over the departure of a high schooler?

Even if he was indeed pretty good-looking, gentle, treated her well, lively, easy on the eyes, and even made her healthier, younger, and more energetic-

But he was just a high schooler, she didn't care at all!

Thinking this, Tong Yingtong's body subconsciously leaned back on the chair, trying to keep her head as far away from the phone on the table as possible.

Then, she cautiously lifted the phone cover a little, revealing a bit of the screen, and peeked at it from the side.

Like a gambler playing "Zha Jin Hua," checking her hand,

What kind of hand did she have?

What kind of message had Yan Huan sent?

At this moment, both things felt equally important!

Well then, let's gamble!

Tong Yingtong gritted her teeth and, going all in, pressed the power button to unlock the phone screen!

Then, she looked-

Li Xiumei (Mom): "I told you to find someone-when are you going to give me some certainty?! Are you trying to make your dad and me die of anger?!"

Looking at the message on her phone screen, Tong Yingtong was slightly stunned.

Then her expression instantly darkened, veins popping on her forehead.

She picked up her phone and opened her mother's chat window.

This time she didn't type, but pressed the voice button directly.

Taking a deep breath, what she was about to say was the distilled essence of her homeland's language!!

"I'll be damned-"

"Sister Tong?"

Gritting her teeth, Tong Yingtong was about to go Super Saiyan, but was suddenly interrupted by a male voice.

Her spell was abruptly broken, and her eyes trembled as she looked up.

She saw a handsome boy holding a bottle of probiotic drink, looking at her.

Dressed in a casual white cotton long-sleeve shirt that made his shoulders look extra broad, his hair seemed a bit longer from not having been cut for a while, but it made his temperament appear even more refined.

It was Yan Huan, here to work.

"Are you arguing with Auntie again?"

"Ah, um, no, I-"

Tong Yingtong was slightly stunned, her hand loosening unconsciously, not realizing she was still pressing the voice button.

After that, a voice message of over ten seconds was sent.

But at this moment, Tong Yingtong's attention had already been captured by Yan Huan, and she didn't notice anything about plane.

She put down her phone and scratched the back of her head irritably, her peripheral vision circling around the ashtray.

Just as Yan Huan said, her talk about quitting smoking and drinking was pure nonsense.

"There was something going on at home yesterday, I forgot to ask for leave for you, Sister Tong."

Tong Yingtong opened her mouth, as if wanting to say or ask something, but in the end, nothing came out.

".It's fine, go change your clothes."

So, that was her reply.

She didn't mention docking his pay?

Yan Huan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Still, if the boss didn't bring it up, he wouldn't either-only a fool wouldn't take advantage.

He nodded, intending to go straight in and change clothes.

Behind him, Tong Yingtong's half-dead gaze followed Yan Huan the entire way.

She felt a bit puzzled.

If what Tian Li said was true, and Yan Huan really had such a wealthy Auntie, would he still come to work?

This state of his didn't look like someone being supported at all.

Could it be that Tian Li was actually mistaken?!

At this thought, a bit of brightness returned to Tong Yingtong's muddled eyes.

Seriously, what can you do.

A lost high school boy who has to work hard to earn a living can only be helped by a generous and beautiful boss like me~

"Yo, Xiaohuan, you still coming in to work?"

"Why do you say that, Brother Li?"

In the shop, Guan Rong chuckled,

"Yesterday, Ali saw your Auntie come to see you. He said the car she drove was super expensive."

"Right? Zhulong III! I'm a gasoline engine guy myself, not really into electric cars. But I've seen the reviews, that car's seriously impressive. I didn't get it wrong yesterday, did I?"

Tian Li, you definitely got it wrong.

Tong Yingtong followed Yan Huan into the shop, her dead-fish eyes clearly saying as much.

However, Yan Huan just smiled faintly and replied to Tian Li,

"So you were here yesterday, Brother Li? I didn't even see you, and you didn't say hi."

Eh?

Tong Yingtong blinked.

"Nah, I was just passing by, pretty far from you guys. You two went straight upstairs after getting out of the car, didn't even have time."

Yan Huan didn't say more, getting ready to go change.

Tian Li had wanted to ask when he was planning to quit, but seeing Tong Yingtong walk in expressionless-

"."

His survival instinct told him now was definitely not the time.

Tian Li gave an awkward laugh, while Tong Yingtong had already walked up.

Seeing her hook her finger, she said,

"Give me the bottle of Highland Queen I didn't finish."

Highland Queen, a whisky.

"Sure thing, Sister Tong."

Tian Li even helpfully handed over the glass with ice.

With these in hand, Tong Yingtong sat back down in her usual spot near the back door.

"Gulp gulp~"

The poured whisky tinted the ice; she didn't pour much-there's a difference between tasting and drinking to get drunk, after all.

Taking a sip of whisky, she propped up her chin and looked around the shop.

Watching Yan Huan come out after changing, and noticing the customers gradually increasing.

Honestly, when it comes down to it, Tian Li's bartending skills are just so-so, self-taught and passable.

Tong Yingtong, on the other hand, is really good at mixing drinks, but she rarely does it herself.

The bar's good business really comes down to two reasons:

First, it's on the main street with heavy foot traffic, so of course there are more customers than those shops hidden away.

Second, the decor is stylish-it's a high-quality, chill bar, totally out of place with the rest of the southern district.

If you want a quiet drink, this is the best spot in the southern district.

The first reason is thanks to Tong Yingtong-after all, she bought the shop.

As for the second, her "idea queen after drinking" reputation makes it clear-it's mainly thanks to Yan Huan.

When she first planned to open the place, Tong Yingtong was going to run it as a bare-bones, unfinished space.

But Yan Huan, who'd just gotten hired, talked her into spending a bit more on renovations.

That's right, Yan Huan was the first employee Tong Yingtong hired; Tian Li and Guan Rong joined later.

You could say the current "Nursery Rhyme" was built bit by bit by Tong Yingtong and Yan Huan together.

Their relationship is casual, and Tong Yingtong really is generous with the pay.

Twenty-eight hours a week-while others are paid hourly, Tong Yingtong pays by the month.

Two hundred a day, fourteen hundred for twenty-eight hours a week, plus all kinds of red packet bonuses for holidays. As Yan Huan always says, Tong Yingtong really is generous to him.

"Still, no matter how generous, this kid must be pretty tired, huh?"

Sipping her whisky, Tong Yingtong watched Yan Huan's back as he worked, thinking this.

Well, even though having him around is easy on the eyes and might even make her healthier-maybe even live longer-

But if that's the reason to keep making him work so hard, isn't that kind of selfish?

Tong Yingtong poured herself another drink and exhaled a smoky breath.

She had some savings, so she could just copy his Auntie and give him money without making him work.

But, under what pretense?

She's his relative, but who are you?

Besides, isn't that basically just keeping him?

Tong Yingtong didn't actually mind, but to Yan Huan, that would probably be blatant humiliation.

Taking away his right to work hard by throwing money at him-

That's just too cruel.

"Ding dong~"

Just then, her phone on the desk rang again.

It was a message from plane.

She picked it up-another message from her mom,

"Hey, sneaking around doing big things? Who was that boy talking just now? Nice voice, sounds like a young guy. When did you two get together?"

Tong Yingtong typed one-handed, speechless,

"Tsk, don't make stuff up, we're not together."

"Who are you fooling? The way you talk to us and the way you talk to him-it's like you're two different people! Are you two-faced?"

"Isn't it just because you guys are so annoying?"

"Yeah, we're annoying. Honestly, I'd rather have given birth to a roast pork than to you!"

Tsk.

Tong Yingtong couldn't be bothered to reply, just kept pouring her drink.

But Comrade Li Xiumei sent another message,

"You've been independent since you were little, going off to Linmen to study all by yourself. We don't have much money, so we can't help you much.

"We're not trying to force you to get married, but every time we video chat, you look so tired. We just worry about you.

"Are you making soup for yourself over there? Are you eating properly?

"Plane tickets to Linmen are so expensive, we hardly ever get to see you. That's why we hope someone can look after you for us.

"If that boy just now is a good fit, then go for it. Don't use that bad temper of yours on him-be sincere, okay?"

Tong Yingtong didn't reply again, for the same reason as always with cold-shouldering-

"I don't know what to say."

But this time, she really didn't know what to say to her mother.

If her parents found out she was mixed up with the underworld in Linmen, they'd probably lose sleep for three days straight.

"Okay."

After sending that simple reply, Tong Yingtong downed another glass and reached for the bottle again.

But a hand gently reached out to stop her.

"."

Without even looking up, she could tell there weren't many people who could stop her like this.

"Sister Tong, I always knew your talk about quitting smoking and drinking was just hot air, but is it getting worse lately?"

Tong Yingtong propped up her chin and turned to look at Yan Huan beside her,

"Hmm?"

"Sister Tong, I told you before-the more you drink because your parents nag you about getting married, the more they'll nag you about getting married."

Tong Yingtong looked at Yan Huan in front of her, fell silent for a moment, but didn't reply to that.

Instead, she pointed to the seat across from her and said softly,

"Sit, I have something to tell you."

Yan Huan blinked and glanced over there, saying,

"I'm still busy in the shop."

"It's fine, sit."

Yan Huan thought for a moment, then sat down across from Tong Yingtong,

"So, what is it?"

"What Tian Li said-is it true?"

"It's true."

There was nothing to hide about it, no need to play dumb.

Tong Yingtong poured another drink, but didn't drink it. She just held the glass in her palm and asked Yan Huan,

"You've lived in the southern district for so many years. How come your aunt didn't come looking for you all this time, but now she suddenly shows up?"

"It's a bit complicated, it's just-"

"Be careful someone doesn't steal your kidney~"

Tong Yingtong sipped her drink, not looking at Yan Huan, and suddenly said that.

That offhand comment made sweat bead on Yan Huan's forehead,

"No, she's really rich, why would she-"

"Isn't it the rich ones who do that? They target your premium organs, treat you to something nice, and then, to replace their own kid's failing organs, they set up a trap for a high schooler with no connections like you."

"."

"By the time the anesthesia wears off and you groggily wake up to find a kidney missing, you'll just be lying on the operating table, helpless and regretful for the rest of your life. Tsk tsk, Yan Huan, don't get fooled~"

"What kind of movie plot is that?"

"All movie plots come from real life, that's just common sense, right?"

"."

Yan Huan looked at Tong Yingtong, whose eyes weren't even on him, just quietly drinking and mumbling to herself, and for a moment he was speechless.

Still, why did it feel like-

So he stroked his chin in mock thought and muttered,

"Hiss, if that's the case, it is a little worrying."

"Right?"

"Then tell me, Sister Tong, what should I do? I'm still young and inexperienced, so I'll listen to you."

"Hey, I've got an idea."

At that, Tong Yingtong's eyes lit up and she turned to look at Yan Huan, even raising a finger.

And what she saw was Yan Huan's expressionless face, as if he'd already seen through everything.

"."

"."

The two of them exchanged a glance, and the bright idea on Tong Yingtong's face froze instantly.

Crap, this kid saw right through me!

"Go on, Sister Tong, what's your idea? I'm listening."

Yan Huan smiled at Tong Yingtong and asked.

Under that relentless pressure, a thin layer of nervous sweat broke out on Tong Yingtong's forehead.

Her gaze darted away, and she answered with extreme guilt,

"I-I forgot."

"."

Yan Huan sighed, then looked at Tong Yingtong and smiled as he asked,

"Sister Tong, could it be you just can't bear to see me go?"

"Absolutely not."

Instant reply.

But her gloomy eyes still didn't look at Yan Huan, just gripped her glass and stared toward the shop entrance.

Yeah, that was totally a yes.

"Whether you do or not, I don't plan on quitting just yet."

"!"

Tong Yingtong's movement toward the shop entrance didn't change, but her eyes shifted to Yan Huan.

She took a sip of her drink and said, as if she didn't care at all,

"Huh?"

"Aunt Ye will send me living expenses after this, but I've been here so long, and you've always helped me out when things were tough, so I've got feelings for this place. It'd be too heartless to just up and leave. Plus, it's so close to home, just a few steps away."

"Huh-"

Same sound, just a slight change in tone.

Probably meant "go on."

"But Sister Tong, I probably won't be able to work five days a week anymore-just whenever I have free time. It wasn't too tiring before, but it'll be nice to have more time for myself. So, you'd better hire another employee to help out."

"Huh."

That meant "I got it."

Tong Yingtong bit the rim of her glass, and the head that had been facing the shop entrance finally started to turn, little by little, to face Yan Huan.

Feelings for this place?

It's just a run-down bar, what's there to be attached to?

If there's any attachment-

Hiss, could it be this kid actually likes me?

Tong Yingtong blinked and studied Yan Huan's handsome features.

For a moment, all her earlier worries and her mother's words in the plane chat surged together in a torrent.

That kind of force made her open her mouth and actually take the initiative to ask,

"What did you mean just now, about being attached to this place?"

The faint smell of alcohol swirled in the glass, fogging up the sides.

Looking through the glass, the handsome boy sitting across from her seemed so hazy.

That was probably how Yan Huan looked in Tong Yingtong's eyes right now.

"Oh, I just meant I'm attached to Nursery Rhyme, this bar-what else could it be?"

"."

Tong Yingtong was slightly stunned and set her glass down.

The fog cleared, and she looked at Yan Huan, who wore a sunny smile.

"Huh?"

"Look, Sister Tong. With your skills, this bar would've gone under ages ago without me. If I left, I bet you'd see a 'For Sale' sign on the door in no time."

"."

"After all, I've worked here for over a year, and it's so close to my house. Every day when I go out, I pass by and see it. If it closed down, even if you didn't feel bad, I'd feel bad."

"."

Tong Yingtong's evasive gaze slowly turned half-dead, then from half-dead to murderous.

She took a sip of her drink, set the glass down, and showed a gentle smile.

Meanwhile, her right hand had already slipped into her coat,

"Mm, and? Anything else you want to say?"

Seeing this, Yan Huan quietly stood up and said to Tong Yingtong,

"One more thing-I need to take tomorrow off. I'm going to a game convention in Linmen with classmates, and I'll probably eat out, so I won't make it back."

"."

Tong Yingtong had already pulled out her electric baton, while Yan Huan looked nonchalantly around the shop,

"There are more customers now, so I'd better go help out, Sister Tong."

Yan Huan turned to leave, but Tong Yingtong kept staring at his back.

Her lips trembled, then she suddenly spoke up,

"Wait."

Yan Huan didn't turn around, just asked helplessly,

".What is it now, Sister Tong?"

"From now on... your pay stays the same."

Yan Huan was a bit surprised and quickly turned his head, but all he saw was Tong Yingtong lowering her head to pour drinks.

Her red bangs hung down, covering her eyes, making it impossible for Yan Huan to see her expression-he could only see her rosy, inviting lips.

".Alright, Sister Tong."

After a moment of silence, Yan Huan smiled slightly and replied like that.

The boy turned and went back to work, leaving Tong Yingtong sitting there alone, her cheeks tinged with a blush no one else could see.

"."

Maybe it was because she'd had a bit to drink?

Highland Queen, whisky~

(End of this chapter)