Chapter 6. Grumpy Boss

I squeezed myself tightly and even leaned back just to avoid getting too close to Rozzean in front of me. Apparently, he tasted the dish I cooked using his finger. But did it have to be in this position?

Take a deep breath, Tangi. Don't let that guy affect you. You're here in his house to investigate, you can't fall for his trap. It looks like he's testing my patience and checking if I'm interested, just like the helpers he kicked out.

"Sir, if you're hungry, I'll prepare something for you," I politely said.

He stepped back. I breathed a sigh of relief. Does he really walk around his house without anything on his upper body?

"Where's Selya?" he asked me.

"She's probably outside," I replied while scooping rice for him. I also served the viand.

I felt uneasy. It's as if he's watching my every move.

I opened the refrigerator and took out some juice. I poured it into a pitcher and placed it on the island counter. I could see Rozzean from the corner of my eye, closely observing me. He had his arms folded and was leaning against the counter.

Goodness. He's acting like a CCTV camera or something. It seems like he's making sure I'm not like the helpers he kicked out.

When I had served his food, he looked at it. He sat down, grabbed his utensils, and started eating. I remained on the side, watching him. Quite intense...

I felt like I was watching a commercial for a restaurant while looking at him. The way he used his spoon, even the way he swallowed, the way he drank his juice. It seems this guy doesn't have an unattractive angle. He's effortlessly handsome!

"Are you going to stare at me until I finish this food?"

I was taken aback by his question.

"Sir?" I asked, pretending not to understand what he said.

I could see that Rozzean is an observant person. The kind of looks she gives aren't ordinary. It's like she's studying every move and action of mine.

"Nothing," he cleared his throat and coughed. Did I get the juice mixture right?

"I'm done eating. Look at me; there's something I want to discuss," he said.

I obeyed.

"The food is good. It suits my taste. You've passed in the kitchen," he said.

Oh, wasn't it when he told me to cook earlier? I thought it was all good because he instructed me to cook for him.

"I did tell you, sir! I'm also skilled in house cleaning, and I know how to take care of plants!"

I pleaded with my hands clasped together. I wouldn't allow myself to be kicked out of this house. Even though I was sure I wouldn't develop feelings for him, I still needed to excel at my job, or he might fire me.

"I don't allow other helpers to go to the garden. I take care of the flowers myself, so don't go there."

What?

Why not? That's exactly where I wanted to go!

But I didn't expect that he knew how to take care of plants. I was momentarily taken aback when he mentioned it. There's something about a guy who loves plants that has an effect on me.

It's one more thing we have in common.

"O-Okay, sir."

"You can go to the pool, to the rooftop, to every place in my house to clean except the garden. Do you understand?"

I nodded. It's a bit disappointing. I wanted to visit that garden with lots of flowers, but it turns out it's off-limits. When he excused himself to go back to his room, I quickly cleared his dining area. I washed everything and then headed to the living room to clean up.

I took the feather duster and began to remove the dust. It seems that even without a helper, that guy manages to maintain the cleanliness of this big house. But the question is, can I clean this three-story house? There's also a garage. It's just me and Manang Selya, I think.

Doesn't he plan to hire anyone else?

I probably won't last two months. I might die from exhaustion cleaning this huge house.

"Tali?"

I heard Manang Selya's voice. She approached me, holding a broom made of bamboo.

"Has sir eaten?"

I nodded, "Yes, he went back to his room."

"Oh, okay. There are two helpers outside, they said they're applying. I'll let them in and direct them to his room."

He really talks to potential helpers in his room! But he doesn't want helpers who are interested in him, so it's unlikely he's being friendly with them.

I continued cleaning and wiped down some vases. When I heard some commotion, I turned around. Two women entered with Manang Selya. I paused in my cleaning and looked at the two women from head to toe.

Joke!

Wow, their makeup is so thick. And they're applying for a maid position, but they're wearing mini skirts?! The other one is wearing pants, but her top is a crop top with cleavage showing!

"Go upstairs; sir's room is on the third floor at the end," I heard Manang say.

"Thanks," one of the women replied, and they both went upstairs.

I approached Manang, holding the cloth and feather duster. I didn't think those two would apply as helpers just based on their appearances alone!

"Manang, are you sure they're applying as maids?" I asked.

Manang smiled again. She's quite a cheerful one, isn't she?

"Yes, they are. Truth be told, among all the maids who have applied here to sir, you're the one who looks different."

Wow, different. I pretended to be hurt and placed my hand on my chest.

"You're being mean to me, Manang."

Manang laughed and gave me a gentle tap on the shoulder.

"Just kidding, you're not very good at taking jokes. What I mean is, those who apply as helpers here are always sexy women. They wear makeup and have stylish clothes. I don't really believe they're applying as helpers, but sir needs someone to clean this house."

Considering the size of this house, having just five maids isn't enough. And now, there are only two of us, Manang Selya and me.

I wonder if those two women who went upstairs will be lucky?

"Does that mean, Manang, that I'm the only one with a different appearance?" I asked.

Manang laughed again. I was starting to feel a bit insulted.

"Oh, it's also from you that the idea of having a different appearance came."

I scratched my head.

"Maybe when sir saw you at the guardhouse, he noticed what you were wearing and your appearance. He's used to beautiful and sexy applicants for the helper position. And since he wasn't satisfied with the helpers the agencies provided, he started accepting walk-in applicants," Manang explained.

Not satisfied?

"What do you mean by not satisfied, Manang?"

"Well, they steal. I often catch them stealing. Once, I even had my life in danger when I caught two helpers stealing from sir's room; they hit me on the head with a vase."

Huh?!

"Many helpers have applied, and almost all of them get fired. I wish, Tali, that you'll stay longer. Sir needs more than just maids in this house."

I raised my eyebrows at what Manang said.

"What else, Manang? As far as I know, we only need helpers for cleaning the house. If he needs more than helpers, then what?" I asked.

Manang was about to answer when we heard boss's baritone voice.

"Get the f*ck out."

Manang and I were about to go upstairs when we saw Rozzean with the two women.

"Out. I don't need b/tches in my house. What I need are real maids who will clean the mess, not whores."

That was harsh. When I looked at the two women, I saw that they were really pissed off. They stormed down the stairs and headed outside. When I looked up to see Rozzean, he was massaging his temples. I also noticed him rubbing his throat.

He did that again. What could be...

"Selya, don't let any more applicants in for now. Wait for me to tell you when it's allowed again," he said to Manang.

Before turning away, I saw Rozzean rub his throat again. I heard him clear his throat three times. I also heard him cough.

Hmm...

My grumpy boss seems to be catching a cold.