Cherry Miller worked quickly, reading and translating at the same time.
Her interpreting skills were top-notch, and she almost never made mistakes.
Soon, she finished translating a document, neatly typing out a Chinese version on the computer.
Before Cherry could print it out, Ethan Yin leaned in, practically resting his chin on her shoulder as he stared at the screen. "Wow, you're really fast!" he said.
Cherry stiffened, instinctively wanting to escape. "I've finished translating. You can just print it out. If there's nothing else..."
"There is!" Ethan interrupted her directly. "I have something else for you!"
Cherry nearly bit her own tongue!
Why was she so clueless sometimes?
She’d already fallen for it twice—why hadn’t she learned her lesson?
She really shouldn’t have said that!
She was just trying to be polite, but he was anything but!
Cherry didn’t know whether to stand or sit anymore.
"You’ve been busy all morning—I feel bad about it. How about I treat you to a drink later... and you help me with one more thing?" Ethan said, leaving no room for argument. "Nora and Miles will be joining us soon. You can ask Nora if she needs anything done!"
That was the perfect excuse!
Cherry couldn’t even think of a reason to refuse!
After all, she was Nora Yin’s personal chief assistant!
Technically, wherever Nora went, Cherry had to be there too!
So if Nora was having drinks with Ethan, Cherry had to tag along!
Ethan noticed how stiff Cherry was and stopped teasing her, straightening up. "I just checked—everything’s fine. You can print it now."
Cherry snapped back to reality, hurriedly printed the translated document, and neatly placed it in front of Ethan.
At that moment, the sound of the door opening echoed from outside, followed closely by the voices of Miles and Nora in conversation.
Nora: "Miles, do you think my performance today was too stiff?"
"Hmm, just keep practicing and you'll be fine," Miles replied, his voice steady and calm.
"Alright, then you have to play basketball with me every day! I have to beat you someday!" Nora said enthusiastically.
"Sure," Miles answered, indulging her.
As soon as their conversation ended, Ethan's door rang with a knock.
"Come in! I could hear you two from all the way out there," Ethan said helplessly.
The door swung open and Nora breezed in, making a beeline for Ethan. She called out excitedly, "Bro, one day I’m going to beat you!"
"Alright, I’m looking forward to it," Ethan replied nonchalantly.
Just then, Nora noticed Cherry sitting off to the side, looking rather unenthusiastic. Unable to hold back, she called out, "Hey? Cherry? What are you doing here?"
Cherry answered with a huff, "Ethan caught me and put me to work. I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to."
Her words carried a hint of irritation.
If this had been the old Cherry, she never would’ve said something like that.
But this whole morning, Cherry hadn’t done anything except serve Ethan.
How could she not be annoyed?
Ethan heard it loud and clear and just curled his lips in response.
Miles’s crimson eyes swept over Cherry’s angry face, then glanced at Ethan, instantly understanding the situation.
Looks like Ethan’s got his eyes on Nora’s assistant!
Well, the one closest to the water always gets the moon first!
And rabbits always eat the grass closest to their burrow!
Oh no, the big boss is about to make a move!
But hey, why let outsiders benefit?
Cherry Miller grew up with everyone here. Miles knew this girl’s character very well.
She was modest and patient, smart and eager to learn, and knew how to read the room.
Even at five years old, she knew how to take care of three-year-old Nora.
That’s why both Ethan and Miles had a great impression of Cherry from the start.
As she grew older, she kept her distance, never trying to get close like other women did. She always made sure to avoid any misunderstandings with the two young masters.
It was because of her thoughtfulness and intelligence that Cecilia decided to send her abroad for several years, planning to invest in her future.
No one expected that after a few years away, that little tomboy would turn out so striking.
And now, she seemed even more determined to keep her distance from Ethan and Miles.
She really was an interesting girl.
No wonder she caught Ethan’s interest.
Miles caught Ethan’s glance, and the silent understanding they'd shared since birth kicked in. Miles immediately got what Ethan meant and said to Nora, "Nora, let’s go back to our room and take a shower. We should grab a bite after playing tennis all morning—I'm starving. You’ve got more classes this afternoon, too."
Nora didn’t notice a thing about the three of them. She just nodded and walked off.
Cherry was just about to follow Nora out when Ethan lazily said, "Nora, I’m swamped over here, and even Quayson’s been sent out. Can Cherry stay and help me for a bit?"
Without even turning around, Nora waved her hand. "Fine, fine, Cherry, just help my brother out! I’ll be done with my shower soon!"
Cherry’s step faltered, and inside, she was crying rivers.
Miss, don’t sell me out like this!
Your brother is dangerous!
Wahhh...
Ethan asked meaningfully, "Are you scared of me?"
"N-no, that's not it..." Cherry turned stiffly and tried to explain, "I'm just more concerned about Miss Nora."
"Hmm, that makes sense. You are Nora’s assistant, after all. I shouldn’t keep asking you to help me," Ethan mused, nodding thoughtfully.
Cherry was practically crying inside. Yes, exactly! You already have an assistant—Quayson should be doing all this! Can’t you just call Quayson back?
I really don’t want to climb the Yin family’s social ladder!
I just want to be a regular assistant, okay?!
All I want is to grow up smoothly, take the generous dowry Mrs. Yin promised me, and marry a nice guy!
You’ve got so many pretty girls around—just pick one and stop getting so close to me!
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I heard that when Mrs. Yin and the CEO first got together, there were tons of drama queens around!
I really don’t want to repeat Mrs. Yin’s mistakes!
And I never wanted to be the CEO’s wife anyway!
So, Ethan, can you please let me go?
Just let me go take care of Nora, okay?
"How about this: I’ll pay your salary from now on. Double, as compensation," Ethan said seriously after thinking for a moment. "If double’s not enough, then triple. By the way, what’s your annual salary now?"
Cherry nearly choked on her own spit!
This isn’t about salary at all!
What I want is freedom!
Ethan noticed Cherry’s fingers freeze again, and his mischievous grin grew even wider.
"Alright, go get yourself cleaned up," Ethan said, checking his watch. "Wow, it’s already ten-thirty. By the time they’re done with their showers, it’ll be about lunchtime. Let’s head to the dining room first—Nora’s got classes this afternoon."
Finally granted permission, Cherry didn’t linger for even a second—she turned and bolted.
Escaping Ethan’s room at last, Cherry couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Ugh, we’re going to be living under the same roof from now on—how am I supposed to survive this?
Ethan watched Cherry practically run away, his smile lingering long after she left.
Just then, his phone rang. Ethan glanced at the caller ID and picked up.
It was Quayson calling: "Sir, I’ve got news. The academy just accepted a transfer student from France named Lifiya. Madam called me about it and said that Lifiya is an old acquaintance of yours and Miles’s."
"An old acquaintance?" Ethan searched his memory for a long time, but couldn’t recall knowing any French girl named Lifiya.
Quayson continued, "Apparently, when you and Miles were little, you helped the CEO look for Madam in France—that’s when you met her."
With that reminder, Ethan suddenly remembered!
Wasn’t she that little girl who fought for a parking spot?
She seemed about the same age as Miles, right?
Is she enrolling in the undergraduate program or the graduate program?
She couldn’t possibly be joining Miles and me in the doctoral program, could she?
Ethan’s mind raced. "Send me her enrollment info!" he ordered.
Quayson agreed, hung up, and quickly sent over Lifiya’s file.
Ethan glanced at the file and immediately grinned.
She really is an old friend!
But Lifiya was just the daughter of a minor French noble—she shouldn’t have been eligible for Saint Dia Noble Academy.
She transferred to China as the niece of a British marquis.
After more than ten years, Lifiya had grown into quite the standout.
But who knows if that arrogant, headstrong personality has changed at all?
A quick glance at the file confirmed she was coming to China for graduate school.
Thank goodness she’s not joining the doctoral program.
Since she was just a half-familiar acquaintance, Ethan didn’t think much of it and tossed the file aside.
Time to eat soon!
For some reason, after teasing Cherry today, Ethan suddenly felt a little addicted!
He found it oddly fun to mess with that little girl.
Ethan put down his work and left the room. Looking downstairs, he saw Cherry in a pale yellow spring dress—she looked absolutely stunning.
Cherry heard movement behind her, turned around, and her skirt swirled—she looked just like a fairy.
A flash of surprise crossed Ethan’s eyes.
He’d never realized Nora’s assistant was actually... so easy on the eyes.
Turns out this little girl had a lot of hidden sides no one knew about.
"Mr. Yin!" Cherry realized it was Ethan and immediately bowed her head respectfully.
"No need to be so formal," Ethan suddenly realized he didn’t like Cherry treating him like some distant superior.
Just then, Miles and Nora came out of their rooms too.
Ethan immediately said, "Perfect timing—let’s all go eat. It’s just about lunchtime."
Nora glanced at Ethan, then at Cherry, feeling like there was something weird going on between them.