Chapter 6: Candid Photos

“Alright, stop scaring the girl, will you?”

Cheng Li said.

“No matter what you say, I’m definitely docking your pay.”

Xu Baiyan was in a good mood now and didn’t argue with Cheng Li.

He just looked up and noticed the person sitting across from him looked even more nervous after hearing that, which he found amusing.

“I think you’re the one doing the scaring here, making others even more anxious.”

Cheng Li shot him a glare, then grinned at Xia Yu.

“I’m just giving him some pressure to help him grow, it has nothing to do with you.”

Xia Yu took a sip of water, feeling a little embarrassed, and gave a soft “Mm.”

“By the way, Xia Yu, is this your first time in Hai Cheng? I heard from Kk that you want to work part-time at our shop?”

Cheng Li asked.

“Yeah, it’s my first time here.”

Xia Yu sat up straight, feeling a bit like she was suddenly being interviewed.

“Boss, I’ll come for a trial shift tomorrow.”

“Hahaha, that’s great, don’t be nervous, I think you’ll do just fine. So you’re only staying for the summer break, right?”

Xia Yu nodded.

“I’m a college student, so I can only work during the summer. Is that okay?”

Kk chimed in, “Of course it’s okay! Summer break is when we get the most customers. By the way, which university do you go to?”

“Hangda University.”

“Hangda University, so you’re from Hangcheng!”

He Jiasen pointed at Xu Baiyan.

“My brother is from Hangcheng too!”

Xia Yu was a little surprised.

She had subconsciously assumed they were all locals.

“Really? What a coincidence.”

“It really is! From the same place, and now you’re master and apprentice! Come on, the two of you have to toast for this fated connection!”

As soon as He Jiasen finished, he poured a beer for Xu Baiyan, and then filled a cup for Xia Yu.

Barbecue and beer were a classic combination, but Xia Yu hesitated.

She didn’t have much tolerance for alcohol, and she didn’t know how strong this beer was.

“Have some juice instead.”

While she was hesitating, she heard Xu Baiyan from across the table say calmly.

Kk: “Right, right, she’s a girl and still a student, don’t just pour her alcohol.”

He Jiasen scratched the back of his head.

“Sorry, sorry, it’s just a habit. Xia Yu, if you can’t drink, juice is fine!”

Xia Yu breathed a sigh of relief and thanked them.

Kk: “Come on, let’s all have a toast together. To meeting a new friend—welcome, Xia Yu!”

Xia Yu’s eyes widened slightly.

She wasn’t good at facing a group of people being so enthusiastic and kind to her. But everyone was already standing up, holding their glasses and welcoming her.

Xu Baiyan, however, stayed seated, but Xia Yu saw him lift his glass slightly.

After her initial awkwardness, a new and curious smile appeared on her face. She felt surrounded by warmth in this unfamiliar place.

It was a strange feeling.

But also especially wonderful.

“Thank you, I’m really glad to meet you all too.”

***

The next day, it was another bright and sunny morning.

Today she was going to the shop for her interview, so Xia Yu put on some light makeup for a change and braided her hair into a loose side plait.

Then, she crouched by her suitcase, picking out clothes.

Just as Lin Ying had said, all her clothes were pretty plain, nothing special for the seaside.

Maybe she really did need to make a change and pick out some outfits more suited for the beach…

But there was no time today.

She quickly grabbed a white T-shirt and jeans, slipped on some woven sandals, and headed out.

She and Kk had agreed to meet at nine in the morning, and Xia Yu arrived ten minutes early.

By then, Kk was already at the shop and waved her over for coffee.

“We don’t serve coffee here, this is just a little coffee machine I bought for myself. I make some for us to drink. After this cup, I’ll teach you how to make fruit drinks, so you can give it a try.”

“Okay!”

Full of energy, Xia Yu finished her coffee and followed Kk behind the bar.

Kk picked Guava Green Grape Iced Tea from the menu as a demonstration.

To make this Fruit Tea, you first have to wash and cut the guava, juice it, then add a set amount of fruit syrup into the measuring cup and stir evenly.

After that, you pick out a nice-looking glass, add ice cubes, jasmine tea, green grapes, all in order and in the right amounts…

Finally, you top it off with a lemon slice and a little cocktail umbrella for decoration.

The mix of guava and green grape colors looked especially fresh and inviting, making people want to take a sip.

After Kk’s demonstration, Xia Yu followed the instructions posted on the wall to make a cup herself.

She wasn’t very skilled and moved a bit slowly.

But Kk gave her plenty of encouragement and praised her loudly after tasting her creation.

This made Xia Yu feel a little embarrassed.

She knew she was still a bit clumsy, and her measurements weren’t very accurate—Kk was clearly encouraging her on purpose.

“I’ll keep practicing. Once I get the hang of it, I’ll definitely do better,” Xia Yu promised, touched.

Kk laughed, “I believe in you. Oh, and besides the pay I mentioned last night, we’ll also provide accommodation. We opened a small homestay nearby, so we can give you a room.”

“Really? That’s great!”

The homestay she was staying at now had been carefully chosen for its value, but staying for two months was still a big expense.

If she could save that money, that would be perfect.

With everything settled, Kk said she could take Xia Yu to the hospital for a check-up this afternoon to get her Health Certificate, and then help her move “house” on the way back.

[I found a job, it’s at the shop where I learned surfing the other day!]

After learning all the drink-making methods from Kk, Xia Yu sat down in a corner of the shop to rest and sent a message to Lin Ying.

Lin Ying didn’t reply right away, but a message from Song Yu’an suddenly popped up.

He sent her a delivery order, telling her the fruit had been shipped yesterday.

Xia Yu didn’t know what to say in reply.

Now, whenever she saw his messages, she mostly felt dejected and powerless, because she could clearly feel that even though she had come to Hai Cheng, she was getting further and further away from him.

[Okay, thank you, Yu’an-ge]

Song Yu’an sent her a [You’re welcome] sticker, and reminded her to eat the fruit soon, or it would spoil.

Ding-ling—

The chime of the doorbell interrupted Xia Yu before she could reply further.

She looked up from her screen and saw Xu Baiyan entering through the door.

He looked like he’d just woken up, wearing a white T-shirt and loose black shorts, his calves straight and shapely, moving with a lazy, casual air.

He probably didn’t expect to see her as soon as he walked in, and paused before saying, “Already started working?”

After last night, Xia Yu didn’t feel as nervous around him.

“No, I’m just here to learn today.”

Xu Baiyan grunted in response and didn’t say much more, walking over to the bar.

“Is there any coffee?”

Kk was preparing fruit for the day and replied casually, “Yeah, just a moment.”

The machine whirred softly for a bit, and soon Xia Yu caught the smell of coffee drifting over.

The aroma got stronger and closer… She saw Xu Baiyan take his coffee and walk in her direction, stopping in front of her.

She didn’t know why, and unconsciously straightened her back, looking up at him.

He didn’t say anything either, his gaze dropping calmly, with a hint of sleepiness.

“……”

“……”

“Coach… hello.”

Was she supposed to greet him?

“Mm.”

He answered, but didn’t move.

Xia Yu glanced around.

“Is something wrong?”

Xu Baiyan took a slow sip of coffee and nodded toward the sofa chair beside her.

“Can you move a bit?”

Xia Yu turned and realized he wanted to sit inside, and she was blocking the way.

She quickly stood up.

“Oh! Sorry.”

Xu Baiyan stepped past her and sat down inside. His seat was by the window, with a view outside but away from the sun—a great spot.

Seeing him sitting there, Xia Yu didn’t feel comfortable sitting in her original seat, since it would mean sitting right next to him, which was a bit too close.

“Coach, I’ll go help Kk-jie.”

Xu Baiyan lifted his eyes to glance at her. “Go ahead.”

Xia Yu hurried off.

Since she hadn’t officially started yet, Kk hadn’t asked her to help earlier.

Now, seeing her come back in, she said, “Why are you back again? Go take a break, you spent ages making juice just now.”

“It’s fine, I’m not tired. Let me help you wash the fruit.”

“No need, almost done. Oh, Xia Yu, I have to go teach soon. Can you watch the shop for me for a bit? Don’t worry, Cheng Li will be here soon.”

“Okay! No problem.”

After dinner yesterday, Xia Yu had learned more about the shop.

Kk and Cheng Li were a couple, and they ran the Surf Shop together, as well as a homestay.

At the same time, Kk was a popular surfing coach, so whenever she had classes, she wasn’t at the shop.

That’s why they needed to hire someone.

After giving her the instructions, Kk left a few minutes later.

There weren’t many customers in the morning, so for a while, no one came in. The whole shop was just her and Xu Baiyan, who was half-reclining and sipping coffee.

With nothing to do, and not about to start a conversation with the only other person there, Xia Yu got bored and sat behind the bar playing on her phone.

[That’s awesome, you get to work by the sea!]

Just then, Lin Ying sent a message.

Xia Yu replied: [Yeah, the bosses are a couple, really nice people.]

Lin Ying: [I can’t wait to visit you!]

Xia Yu: [I’ll make you a delicious Fruit Tea when you come, I just learned how.]

Lin Ying: [Yes! And I want to try surfing too, I’ll just take lessons from the same coach you had last time!]

Xia Yu paused: [You’re crazy…]

Although she thought Xu Baiyan was actually pretty nice now, when it came to teaching… he was still quite strict, easy to get hurt!

Lin Ying, clueless: [The more handsome he is, the harder I’ll study. By the way, did you see him at the shop today?]

Xia Yu quietly glanced up at the person not far away, and honestly replied: [Yeah, he’s here today.]

Lin Ying: [Whoa, send me a pic!]

Xia Yu: [I don’t think that’s a good idea…]

Lin Ying: [Come on, just one! If you say he’s handsome, he must be! [drooling emoji]]

Xia Yu pursed her lips into a smile: [Pervert.]

Lin Ying: [I am.]

Lin Ying: [Hurry, hurry, take a picture! Don’t make me beg you on my knees!]

Xia Yu cleared her throat and snuck a glance at Xu Baiyan.

He was looking at his phone and didn’t notice her.

Hmm… I’ll just take one and delete it, just to satisfy Lin Ying.

Should be fine, right?

Xia Yu quietly raised her phone a little, pretending she was just stretching her neck for a better angle.

Move a bit to the right… a bit more…

Now half of him was in the frame… then his whole body…

Okay, now!

“Click.”

“?”

“…………”

The camera shutter sound was still on!!!

The person in the frame turned his head at the noise, his expression calm, but Xia Yu was already frozen in place.

Oh no!

Why wasn’t the sound off?!

How! Could! The sound! Not be off!

“Were you taking a picture?” The person in question spoke.

Xia Yu swallowed nervously.

“I-I wasn’t taking a picture of you! I was photographing… the shop! Yeah, I was taking a picture of the shop for my friend, she wanted to see where I’m working part-time!”

She stammered but answered firmly, thinking she was flawless.

But that’s not how it looked to others.

Xu Baiyan’s gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds, watching the “fresh peach” in front of him turn into a “ripe peach.”

Oh, the peach is lying.

“So, what does your friend think of the shop?”

He asked with a slight smile.

Xia Yu flusteredly put down her phone.

“That shot wasn’t clear, I’ll take a couple more for her…”

Seeing her face still red, Xu Baiyan suddenly felt like teasing her.

“Is that so? Do you need me to cooperate?”

“Huh? Of course not, I’m not taking pictures of you!”

“Didn’t say you were.”

Xu Baiyan said lazily, “I meant, I could stand to the side so you can get a better shot of the shop.”

“…No need, thanks, I’ll just take a few random shots elsewhere.”

Under Xu Baiyan’s gaze, Xia Yu picked up her phone and started pretending to take photos of the shop’s decor.

Meanwhile, Lin Ying was bombarding her with question marks:

[Where’s the hottie????]

[Where???]

[Do I really have to beg, sis?]

[Already on my knees [photo]]

Xia Yu was exasperated: [Quiet… No hottie here!]

Ding-ling—

Someone pushed the door open, and Cheng Li’s arrival saved Xia Yu from her huge embarrassment.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m a bit late. Xia Yu, thanks for watching the shop.”

Xia Yu: “No problem, I didn’t have anything to do anyway!”

Cheng Li: “Alright, go have some fun, I’ll mind the shop.”

“Okay!”

Now that someone else was here, Xia Yu didn’t stick around, grabbed her bag, and was about to leave.

“Wait a second.”

She hadn’t even walked out yet when Xu Baiyan stood up and came over.

Xia Yu blinked, thinking in a panic—he’s not going to check my phone, is he?

Oh no… that sneaky photo from just now still isn’t deleted.

“I’m about to head out to the sea for a bit, and I happen to have some free time.” He said suddenly.

Xia Yu looked at him in confusion, not quite catching his meaning.

Xu Baiyan’s eyes flickered.

“I mean, if you don’t have anything else to do, you can come wakesurfing with me.”

“Huh?”

Xia Yu blurted out, “But I can’t do it.”

Xu Baiyan frowned.

“Who says you can’t? Last time you almost managed to stand up. Practice a bit more and you’ll get it.”

Xia Yu looked down, thinking, “…I don’t think so.”

Was she dissing him?

Xu Baiyan’s temple twitched.

He wasn’t in the best mood.

So all those nice things she said last night were fake?

Does she really think he can’t teach?

“Do you know how much your failure last time affected me?”

Xu Baiyan said out of the blue.

Xia Yu: “……”

“My very first student can’t learn wakesurfing, how does that look?”

Xu Baiyan leaned forward a bit, his gaze almost level with hers.

“Come with me and prove yourself, or how will I get any more students in the future?”

Xia Yu fell silent.

Come to think of it, he really was teased about it at dinner last night, and she did feel sorry about that—and wanted to help him.

But… could she really learn it? Did she really have to go through that again?

Xia Yu hesitated for a long time, then suddenly remembered something important.

“Actually, it’s not that I don’t want to surf, it’s just, Coach… after the trial price, how much is it per hour?”

Right, the cost was a big problem!

She couldn’t afford that many surfing lessons.

Xu Baiyan was taken aback.

“So it’s because of the money?”

Xia Yu was a bit embarrassed.

“Surfing is expensive…”

“Free.”

“Huh?”

Xia Yu looked up in surprise, thinking she misheard.

“No charge?”

Seeing her shocked expression, Xu Baiyan’s mood improved.

So it wasn’t that she thought he was a bad teacher, she just didn’t have the money?

Oh, that’s fine then.

Xu Baiyan straightened up, looking down at her. “Right, last time’s price—buy one, get one free.”