BLALS Chapter 5
Translated by Novice Translations
Proofread by Nesryn
Translation Checked and Edited by Pure
Chapter 5
Boss Lady's driver quickly became familiar with the way to Little Shopkeeper's house.
The scene was about the same every time. He helped Boss Lady, who seemed to be drunk unconscious, knocked on the door of Little Shopkeeper's house, apologetically and sincerely stated Boss Lady’s situation and expressed his helpless request. The kind Little Shopkeeper will take Boss Lady from him, carefully let her lean on her shoulder, and bring her into the house.
The next day, she will send out a happy Boss Lady.
The driver worried for Little Shopkeeper's naivety. Did she not understand the ugliness of the world? Who would be so bold to force Boss Lady to drink so much alcohol? Except for some must-visit banquets, their boss could choose to not attend if she wanted to. Even if she did go, with Boss Lady’s high alcohol tolerance, she would almost never end up drunk. At most, she’f be slightly tipsy. Afterall, there weren’t many people who could force to toast with her.
It could be said this certain affair of Boss Lady had become an open secret.
The matter of Boss Lady taking the company security guards to a public venue had been quietly posted by an employee into the company’s private group chat. Everyone was amazed that Boss Lady had such a side, for her to go so far for a beauty. Her domineering CEO image was so on point.
The unexpected pairing of an overbearing yet affectionate president Boss Lady x the cute mengmeng proprietress of a milk tea shop actually garnered a small following of CP fans.
No one was able to see the inner essence of Boss Lady, and once again, aftering handing over the drunk Boss Lady into the hands of Little Shopkeeper, the driver’s inwardly cursed: ‘Even if she was a big boss, when in pursuit of love, she was just another scheming girl. Maybe compared to wealthy people, I’m just too thin-skinned. Alas, I’m so tired.’
Little Shopkeeper didn't know what the simple-looking driver in front of her was thinking. She helped Boss Lady into the house, took off her shoes, let her lie down on the sofa, and turned around to cook the sobering soup.
The process had long been familiar.
Little Shopkeeper was well aware of Boss Lady’s intentions. She was gentle, not stupid.
What's more, Boss Lady’s thoughts towards Little Shopkeeper had become understood by everyone.
She would be picked up for work in the morning, stay in the store at noon, get dropped home after work in the evening. When idle, they would make appointments to eat together, climb mountains, go shopping, and watch movies. When Little Shopkeeper wanted to research new products, Boss Lady would buy her the best tools and materials. When Little Shopkeeper wanted to improve the taste of her products, Boss Lady would push away her company's affairs and personally accompanied Little Shopkeeper to other places and try out their products to compare and gain inspiration.
Once again, Little Shopkeeper became an elusive figure in Boss Lady’s company’s pirate group chat.
Little Shopkeeper was not stupid, how could she not detect the thoughts of Boss Lady? But she didn't know how to face it.
Little Shopkeeper did not discriminate against homosexuals, but she didn’t think she was one of them. In terms of romance, her relationships were relatively simple. After breaking up with a senior after graduation, she has never gone into another relationship. Although during this time, there were many people chasing her, girls included, Little Shopkeeper had always maintained a friendly distance with them. Since she didn’t want to be in a relationship, she never wanted to give those people false hope.
However, she did not reject the approach of Boss Lady.
Perhaps it's because Boss Lady had a good grasp of boundaries, she never overstepped nor did she ever make Little Shopkeeper uncomfortable. Or maybe perhaps because Boss Lady approached her at a good time and gave her a lot of useful advice. Or perhaps because Boss Lady was just that skilled and it was a blessing to be taken care of by her.
Either way, Little Shopkeeper’s bottom line had always been gradually succumbing to Boss Lady.
Sooner or later, her walls will crumble down because of her.
This person was just this powerful. Once taken fancy upon, she will launch an all out attack, but she won't make the target feel hurt. However, no matter how they tried, it was difficult to drive her away, almost couldn’t bear driving her away.
Looking at the twitching eyelashes of Boss Lady, who was lying on the sofa and groaning, a smile flashed in Little Shopkeeper’s eyes.
Who would actually dare pour her so much wine? So childish.
Although she was clear headed, Little Shopkeeper still felt distressed for Boss Lady, whose body reeked of alcohol. She stretched out her hand and squeezed the bridge of Boss Lady’s tall nose. Little Shopkeeper’s voice was helpless and indulgent, "You like (me) that much ah?"
The drunk Boss Lady inadvertently rubbed her face upon Little Shopkeeper’s hand.
…
The crashing of her psychological barrier happened without a warning.
It was Little Shopkeeper’s birthday. As mentioned earlier, her circle of friends, relatives, and life growing up was never in this city, and she knows not many people. This birthday was different from the previous years, where she would either be eating cakes with roommates or at home with family. This year, she could only cook a bowl of noodles for herself and make a small cake—it couldn’t be too big as it wouldn’t be able to be finished, after all, it was just her alone.
She had invited Boss Lady in advance, but Boss Lady called this morning. She said the company was going to receive a very important partner today, so there she had no time to find her these days. There was a strong sense of weariness in the Boss Lady's voice, which showed how tired she was.
Although Little Shopkeeper felt a little disappointed, she still comforted Boss Lady in a sweet voice and cheered her on. It was undoubtedly very hard for Boss Lady to support a big enterprise by herself.
Little Shopkeeper operated normally for a whole day, and sure enough, she did not see Boss Lady. Only at noon did a security guard send a bouquet of flowers and a gift to her, he relayed Boss Lady’s words, ‘to take care of herself and sorry that I can’t visit you these days.’ The little suspicion that the childish Boss Lady was playing a trick on her was completely put down. Little Shopkeeper laughed at herself, she was too accustomed to her being around. She always felt that this person was able to appear by her at any time, like magic.
She closed her store early today, in the afternoon, and Little Shopkeeper squatted in a shop alone to celebrate her birthday.
She doesn't feel lonely. Family members made video calls early, and friends had sent many blessings and gifts. The loneliness of being alone in a foreign land did not invade her. Although Little Shopkeeper looked young and soft, her heart was strong enough. After making this year's wish, she blew at the cake candles.
She was living the life she wanted and doing what she liked— living in the city, her job, and daily life— this was everything she had wanted for herself. She was very satisfied. Although her family members always say that girls should get married and establish herself early, Little Shopkeeper was not in a hurry. This kind of thing when it comes, it's all part of fate. Even if she was not in a hurry, she would occasionally be a little annoyed. For example, right now, the cake was small yet she could not finish it.
At this time a Kumamoto Bear knocked on the door.
Little Shopkeeper thought it was a nearby staff member who was wearing a doll costume and handing out flyers. As soon as she walked over to open the door, she saw Kumamoto Beat awkwardly making a heart sign with their hands and conjured a bouquet of flowers.
The frightened silly Little Shopkeeper:...
This couldn’t be who she’s guessing it is, right? Didn’t she say… that she couldn’t make it?
Little Shopkeeper was about to laugh out of anger.
The bear in front of her took her hand, urged her to lock the doors of her shop, and led her to the next building.
Passersby, who happened to witness this: ...
Little Shopkeeper has no fluctuations in her heart. She even guessed the next routine. Fireworks with her name written all over the sky, wishing her a happy birthday.
Sure enough, well, it might be a little childish than she thought.
Although it was a cliché from a very old romance novel— when Boss Lady took off her headgear and her hair was stuck to her head with sweat, she looked like a cut of a sorry figure, and no longer so boss-like. When Boss Lady looked at Little Shopkeeper and smiled and said, “Happy birthday baby,” Little Shopkeeper’s heart still inevitably skipped a beat.
Although it was silly, this gesture really hit home. It was undeniable that when a person kept their word in front of everyone, absent-mindedly put her in front of everything else, innocently pleased her, and didn't mind showing all their softness and childishness, this sincerity was really irresistible.
But this does not prevent Little Shopkeeper from pulling a prank, after all, she had been feeling down all day.
So when Boss Lady’s eyes reflected only her as she lowered her head and said somewhat tepidly, "I like you, can I be with me?"
At the time, Little Shopkeeper lowered her gaze and replied softly, "Sorry."
Boss Lady, who was waiting while holding her breath, felt as if a cold bucket of water was poured on her. However, she still managed to laugh and say, "It's okay, I will continue to work hard, happy birthday, I— "
Without a warning, Little Shopkeeper blocked her lips with hers, using the softness that Boss Lady had coveted for a long time.
"As a punishment, you have to be my girlfriend." Little Shopkeeper spoke in a gleeful tone. She realized that she had indeed become arrogant due to Boss Lady’s pampering, but she didn't want to correct it at all.
Boss Lady brought Little Shopkeeper into her embrace and took the lead to kiss her back.
"Okay," she replied.
