Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Chapter 169
It was eleven o‘clock at night by the time Serenity closed the shop. She rode her e–bike home.
“Drive safe, Serenity.” The female store owner from next door graciously said. Serenity replied with a smile, “I will.” Watching
Serenity‘s receding figure, the female store owner muttered, “She‘s such an independent child with a sad past. It was a good
thing she stood up to her bloodsucking relatives and refused to succumb to their
absurd demands.
“Just watch her. Serenity will rise above all the bad. Her good fortune is written in the stars, and she‘s bound for success. Things
are difficult before they are easy. Those who picked on her will be sorry.” The female store owner then glanced at her husband
and pursed her lips. “You‘re always into the mystic mumbo jumbo. Why don‘t you start a business on fortune telling or
something? Why don‘t you give me a reading? When will I be rich?
“Hurry up and move the stuff into the shop so we can close for the day. We should wash up and get some sleep.” It was unlikely
that her husband would be an expert at
reading tarot cards after flipping through a few books on astrology. Anyone could be a fortune teller if it were that easy.
Serenity reached home at half past eleven at night. She opened the door to the house and was welcomed by darkness. Since
Zachary was not home yet, she left the door unlocked
The huge house was only occupied by the duo. The place appeared rather deserted as the couple were often at work.
Feeling a little hungry, Serenity went into the kitchen and opened the fridge to check for existing ingredients. In the end, she took
out butter, milk, and parmesan cheese to make a nice plate of macaroni and cheese.
Following a rattle at the door, Serenity came out of the kitchen and watched Zachary enter the house.
“You‘re back, Mr. York.”
Zachary turned his head around to look at her and hummed a response. After locking the door behind him, he approached her
and asked, “Did you just get back?” “Jasmine had to leave early, so I was on duty at the shop tonight. I usually get home at half–
past eleven at night. I‘m making mac and cheese for supper. Do you want some?” Zachary shook his head. “No, thank you.”
Food and drinks were served during his social

engagement tonight, so he was not hungry.
Since Zachary did not want supper, Serenity only made a plate of mac and cheese for herself. Seeing that Zachary quietly sat on
the sofa without turning the TV on or looking at his phone, Serenity got the impression that he was bothered by something. She
asked out of concern, “Do you have something on your mind, Mr. York?”
“No.”
Zachary pulled out his phone and put it on the coffee table before standing back up to take off his suit jacket. He then stared at
Serenity. Taking the hint, Serenity put down her plate and went to take his suit jacket. With a smile, she inquired, “Should I take
off the tie for you?”
She was happy to be of service to a hunk. Zachary‘s silence was his consent. Hence, Serenity attentively removed his tie and
examined it before saying, “You tie looks familiar. Did I buy this for you?“.
Zachary murmured to himself, “That took a while.‘
Still, he remained his usual blank face and gave a nod.
Serenity was surprised as she thought he would not wear the clothes she got him. It was unexpected of him to wear
them to work right away.
“Should I wash the jacket and tie for you?”
“No. Just hang them up. I‘ll put the washer on later.”
The couple had their individual washing machine in their rooms. They did their own laundry.
After hanging the suit jacket up as told, Serenity went to sit down at the dining table. She took out her phone to scroll the news
while enjoying her mac and cheese.
“Is my maneki – neko ready?” Zachary asked out of the blue.