Chapter 11

“You could just rob me directly, but you’re still offering me services. You’re quite generous, aren’t you?”

“Right?!” I laughed along with her.

Then I got another smack on the head. “Right your head!”

Chloe stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at me. “One meal you cook costs more than someone else’s food budget for days!”

Then she added, “And I buy the groceries!”

If we can’t agree, we can’t agree. Why get so angry…

I muttered softly, “When I was little, that’s how we earned our allowance at home. We used to fight over chores.”

Who knew that hearing this made Chloe even angrier.

“Do you think I’m your mom? I can’t afford that!”

I stood rooted to the spot, not daring to breathe. It seemed this repayment plan wouldn’t work.

Seeing my silence, Chloe stood up and started to leave.

She casually tossed out, “Then just write it down. I’d like to see how long it takes you to pay it all back.”

My eyes lit up. Did she agree?

It looks like my path to paying her back is moving forward!

“Thank you, Sister!”

I quickly chased after her, following close behind.

“What do you want?” Chloe frowned, looking at me.

“Of course, to stay by your side and help you whenever you need it!”

Isn’t that how it is in movies? A boss with a subordinate doing everything.

Then every task could be added to the ledger!

“Do you even know what I’m going to do before you follow me?”

“No matter what you do, I can help!”

I blinked enthusiastically. Chloe frowned, rubbing her temples, then smiled sweetly.

“Are you sure?”

Even though something felt off, I nodded firmly.

Rather than staying home every day, agonizing over why I was abandoned, it was better to do more things and pay off the debt sooner.

“Let’s go.”

I followed Chloe out, and we eventually arrived at a vineyard.

Apparently, it was Chloe’s own vineyard, where she worked with her friends, harvesting grapes and making wine.

When we arrived, I was a bit stunned.

Chloe, this tough-as-nails woman, was a winemaker?

They all looked a bit surprised to see me.

“Isn’t that little Asher? Here to see Sister Chloe?”

The speaker was Jasmine, whom I always saw during card nights at Chloe’s house.

She was quite bold and liked to joke around with me in ways that left me unsure how to respond.

“Jasmine, you dare to steal Chloe’s man? Aren’t you afraid you haven’t picked enough grapes?”

“Careful, Chloe might make you go online and pull one of those ‘sick grandpa needs help selling his organic produce’ scams…”

…

“If you keep babbling, I’ll turn you into compost!”

When Chloe spoke, no one dared to say another word.

“Exactly, exactly! Get back to work!” Jasmine handed me a shiny apple. “Little Asher, I just picked this from the orchard next door.”

I was about to take it, but Chloe stepped forward. “Are you done picking today’s grapes, that you’re off picking apples?”

Jasmine scratched her head, chuckling nervously, then left.

“What is it?” Chloe looked at me, annoyed.

I paused, then said, “Chloe, are you always so fierce? They’re all so scared of you.”

Chloe’s cold eyes gazed at me, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“What, are you feeling sorry for them?”