Noelle thought about it: she was getting paid, learning new things, yet her actual work was so little.
The more she considered it, the more embarrassed she felt.
After all, she had been the one to beg the boss to take her in as a maid.
But now it felt like she was the one getting the better end of the deal.
"If you feel guilty about it, how about you warm my bed at night instead?"
Han Feng teased casually.
Recently, he had discovered that he really enjoyed teasing these cute girls.
He had done the same with Barbara before, and now it was Noelle's turn.
Watching them get flustered, their faces flushing red at his words—it was endlessly amusing.
Was this just men's mischievous nature?
Sure enough, Noelle's face turned beet red the instant she heard his words.
If this were an anime, steam would be puffing out of her head right now from sheer embarrassment.
"Eh? Y-you want me to warm your bed? A-are you serious, or are you just making fun of me?"
She never expected the boss to say something like that!
Was this really part of a maid's duties?
Wasn't it… a little improper?
But if it was the boss… maybe it wasn't impossible either?
Her mind swirled with all sorts of chaotic thoughts.
"What, you can't?"
Han Feng asked, feigning a serious expression.
"N-no… if it's the boss, then I suppose it wouldn't be a problem…"
Noelle lowered her head, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
Seeing the little maid's shy appearance, Han Feng chuckled.
He didn't press her further—she already looked like she was about to faint from embarrassment.
"What are you thinking? I was just joking. Come on, let's eat."
"Eh?! So the boss really was teasing me!"
Noelle let out a breath of relief.
Thank goodness—it was only a joke.
If she really had to warm his bed, she would have died of embarrassment.
Though… why did she feel a tiny bit disappointed inside?
Han Feng just smiled without saying anything more.
Of course he was only teasing.
Noelle was only fourteen—how could he possibly think that way?!
She needed at least a few more years of "raising," after all.
Thanks to that little joke, the two grew noticeably closer.
Soon the atmosphere was lively, full of laughter as they ate and drank together.
At one point, Han Feng even materialized a bottle of liquor from back home.
The occasion seemed perfect for a drink.
"Boss, what are you drinking? Is that water?"
Noelle asked curiously, watching him down cup after cup.
"This is wine from my homeland. It tastes pretty good."
Han Feng smiled.
"Wine… from the boss's homeland?"
Noelle was stunned.
Like many others, she was deeply curious about her mysterious boss.
Anyone who could open such a miraculous manga shop surely had an extraordinary background.
And now—he had even conjured up wine from his homeland!
Should she try it?
But… she wasn't even of drinking age yet.
Still, wasn't this a rare chance?
She'd be the first person ever to taste her boss's homeland wine.
It would be such a waste not to!
Alright—just one small cup.
"I'd like to try a little, if that's okay?"
Hearing her request, Han Feng gave her a strange look.
He clearly remembered Noelle's voice line about wanting to preserve the mystery of alcohol until she came of age.
But since she asked, he wasn't going to refuse.
He poured her a full cup—of white liquor.
Heh, one taste of that, and she'd never forget it for life.
"If you hadn't told me, I would've thought this really was water."
Noelle inspected the drink curiously.
She had never seen liquor so crystal-clear.
It even gave off a faintly spicy aroma.
But it should be fine, right?
The boss had just downed his in one go—it couldn't be that bad.
With that thought, she bravely mimicked him and gulped it all down.
"Ahhh—it's so spicy!"
The moment it slid down her throat, Noelle was overwhelmed.
Her throat burned, her whole body flushed crimson.
This time it wasn't shyness—it was definitely the alcohol.
"Eh? Boss… why are there two of you all of a sudden?"
Her head spun, vision blurring. She swayed like she was about to topple.
"White liquor isn't meant to be drunk like that. You're too bold."
Han Feng laughed helplessly.
He had expected her to sip slowly.
Who would've thought she'd be reckless enough to down it all at once?
Now, she was obviously drunk.
"This wine… is… amazing…"
Noelle's muddled words trailed off as she collapsed straight onto the table.
"So her alcohol tolerance is that bad, huh?"
Han Feng shook his head, amused.
Chances were, she wouldn't touch alcohol again for a long, long time.
With the little maid passed out, Han Feng naturally couldn't just leave her there.
He gently picked her up and carried her back to her room upstairs.
Afterward, he ate a little more himself, then ended the celebration.
At that moment, he glanced at the system panel again:
[Host: Han Feng]
[Manga: One Piece – East Blue Arc, Cardcaptor Sakura, Digimon Adventure, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Cooking Master Boy, Cautious Hero: This Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, Detective Conan, Journey to the West, Tom and Jerry, Doraemon]
[Task 1: Serve 10 customers to draw 1 manga. Progress: 2/10. Current Draws: 0]
[Task 2: Serve 100 customers to receive a special reward. Progress: 39/100]
"Already eleven titles in the collection. Tomorrow, there should be even more."
Han Feng mused inwardly.
After all, the branch in Liyue had just opened.
The number of customers was bound to skyrocket.
Thinking of those familiar characters from Liyue, a smile spread across his face.
He couldn't wait to see their reactions when they discovered his manga.
~~--------------------------------------
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