“How much is ‘some money’? Do you even know how expensive housing is at Seven Shields Academy?”

Shia sighed, shaking his head slightly as if explaining the obvious. “Let me break it down for you: even the most basic accommodations here cost several hundred gold coins per month.”

“I could lend it to you, sure. But how would you repay me?”

Rong clamped her mouth shut. This time, it wasn’t her social anxiety silencing her; she had nothing to say.

Several hundred gold coins a month? How could she possibly earn that kind of money to repay him?

Borrowing money without the ability to repay wasn’t borrowing—it was charity. And she couldn’t accept that.

In that moment, she realized just how powerless she was. She had no means of earning money, no skills to sell, and no plan to escape her predicament.

Shia remained silent, giving her the time to weigh her options. She quickly saw that borrowing wasn’t feasible, and the idea of living off charity was something her pride wouldn’t allow.

That left only one choice.

“I... I’ll work for you,” Rong said quietly, lowering her head in defeat.

Her voice carried a mix of resignation and bitterness.

Shia shrugged with a smirk that seemed almost pitying. “See? Wouldn’t it have been easier if you’d just agreed from the start?”

Rong’s tiny fangs pressed together as she ground her teeth. She wanted to bite him.

But her cheeks were burning, her face redder than ever. Being caught homeless was embarrassing enough; having her only classmate witness it and tease her about it made it even worse.

“Come on,” Shia said, standing up and motioning for her to follow. “Let’s get you home.”

He towered over her, his tall frame casting a shadow that completely enveloped her.

By the time they reached Shia’s villa, Rong’s face was still flushed. But the sight of the building in front of her left her stunned, her crimson cheeks paling with shock.

“This is… your home?” Rong asked in disbelief, her voice faint.

The sprawling villa was enormous, far larger than anything she had imagined.

“Living here must cost a fortune,” she murmured, almost to herself, her tone dreamy as though she were walking through a dream.

“It’s an academy reward,” Shia replied casually as they walked through the courtyard. “Our achievements broke records, remember? You would’ve had a share too if you hadn’t been so quick to give up. Trying to act cool, huh?”

Rong’s embarrassment surged again, her previous shock giving way to humiliation. She felt like she was being publicly scolded.

She bit her lip to stifle the retort that threatened to escape her, her face practically glowing with shame.

Shia chuckled softly but didn’t push further. Instead, he led her on a tour of the villa, showing her the elegant living spaces, the spacious bedrooms, and the grand common areas.

Despite the teasing, Shia maintained a level of respect for Rong. He understood her personality—proud, determined, and fiercely independent. She wanted to carve her own path, even when it was difficult.

Rong’s resolve to find a way to stand on her own was a quality Shia admired. It was also what made her so easy to tease.

As they sat down in the living room, Shia leaned forward slightly. “You’re the type who wouldn’t settle for freeloading, aren’t you?”

Rong nodded solemnly, her expression firm. Of course, she couldn’t accept charity. Her dignity wouldn’t allow it.

Even though she might have once had a rightful claim to the villa, she had forfeited that when she gave up her achievements.

Her determination to earn her keep was precisely the trait Shia found most endearing—and most entertaining to poke fun at.

“Let’s reintroduce ourselves,” Shia said, extending his hand. “I’m Shia.”

“Rong,” she replied curtly, hesitant as she glanced at his outstretched hand.

Social anxiety reared its head again. Rong wasn’t fond of physical contact, but shaking hands seemed polite.

Tentatively, she extended her own hand.

Shia grasped her fingers lightly, giving them a brief shake before releasing them.

“Since you’ve decided to work for me, let’s start right away.” Standing, he retrieved a neatly folded maid uniform and placed it in her hands.

Rong stared at the outfit, her head tilting slightly in suspicion.

“Why does it feel like you were expecting this?” she asked, her tone cautious.

Shia laughed, brushing off her concerns. “What are you talking about? Don’t worry about the details.”

Of course, he had expected it. Knowing she would end up on the streets, he had prepared in advance. The maid uniform had been ready for days.

But saying that out loud might make him sound like a creep.

Despite her earlier resolve, Rong hesitated. She stared at the black-and-white uniform, her lips pressed into a thin line as her internal struggle played out.

Ten minutes later, Rong emerged wearing the outfit.

The black leather flats highlighted her slim, stocking-clad legs, the sheer white fabric giving her skin an almost ethereal glow. The lace trim of her thigh-high stockings hugged her legs perfectly, accentuating their shape.

The puffed black skirt and white apron cinched at her waist, emphasizing her slender figure. She tugged nervously at the hem of her skirt, trying to pull it lower.

Even with her disguised features, the delicate and bashful demeanor she exuded was undeniably captivating.

Shia’s gaze traveled from her face downward, and a disappointed sigh escaped him.

'Flat as a board… What a waste of a succubus’s natural talent.'

Though Shia said nothing, Rong could feel his eyes lingering. A surge of irritation bubbled within her.

Even in her social awkwardness, Rong couldn’t hide her displeasure. Shia caught the slight frown on her lips and the twitch of her brows.

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs as his gaze lazily swept back to her face.

“So, do you really think you can handle being a maid?”

The shift in topic caught Rong off guard. Her irritation dissipated as she straightened her posture slightly.

“Of course I can,” she replied, puffing out her modest chest with a hint of pride. Inwardly, she vowed to prove her worth.

'I’ll make you regret doubting me!'

Despite her confidence, Rong’s inexperience quickly became evident. When it came time to formally greet her “master,” she hesitated, her lips moving silently as she struggled to get the words out.

“What should you call me?” Shia prompted, leaning back with a smug grin.

Rong’s cheeks burned brighter, her hesitation giving way to pure embarrassment.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com