Gilded Rust - YiZhan

Chapter 10 - Empty Spaces

They walked around the back of the staircase, and Mr. Xiao pointed to a door leading outside to their left.

"The pool is that way. As with everything else, you're free to use it if there are no guests around or we're not using it."

Not only could Yibo not swim, but even if he did, he had no intention of taking off his shirt in front of anyone in this house.

"We also have a Chinese garden. A nice place to relax. Much better than the parlour."

As they walked around, Yibo noticed that the man was introducing this floor like a guide might a historical building, that is to say, with in-depth but detached knowledge. One could have even gone as far as to say he resented the old, empty building. If that were the case, Yibo couldn't blame him; this place was much too big for one person. However, if he didn't like it, couldn't he pack and move out? Wasn't he rich?

Having reached the other side of the hallway, Mr. Xiao put his hand on the doorknob of yet another door and opened it. The lights turned on automatically, revealing a tiled open space with a small dining nook by the windows on the left and the kitchen proper on the right. Although not a professional kitchen, it appeared well-equipped. Unprompted, Yibo approached, relieved to look at something that mattered to him at last.

A large work surface of pale granite in an L shape equipped with a double sink and a gas stove took much of the space. Tall cabinets covered most of the back wall aside from a double oven, a fridge and a built-in microwave. The brushed stainless steel appliances contrasted with the white of the wooden cabinets. Everything appeared—and he had no doubt was—expensive.

"The dishwasher is next to the sink, and this leads to the larder," said Mr. Xiao, pointing to a door next to the fridge. "You'll find food, one-use appliances, and serving dishes we don't use daily there. You can take a look," he added.

Yibo walked around the counter and into the larder. Once inside, its size surprised him. The shelves overflowed with various dried goods and other kitchen implements. Many markets in his neighbourhood weren't as well supplied. He suddenly worried that he might have bitten off more than he could chew. What if he couldn't manage to cook what the family was expecting to eat?

Schooling his expression, he stepped back out into the kitchen and stood behind the counter to inspect the stove and sinks.

"The wine cellar is over there," Mr. Xiao said, pointing at the corner opposite the small dining table. "My wife will make specific wine requests, so as long as you can read, you don't have to worry about pairing."

The joke—if it was indeed one; Yibo couldn't tell—fell flat. The man cleared his throat.

"And this is the dining room," he explained, pointing at the door next to the cupboards by the opposite wall. "We have dinner there as a family or with guests, which doesn't happen often. If my wife isn't around, I'll be eating my meals alone in my office or here with my daughter."

He exhaled and ran his hand through his hair before sitting on a stool at the counter across from Yibo. His drawn expression momentarily betrayed his chronic lack of sleep.

"And that's the house."

Despite his best intentions, Yibo couldn't help but feel pity for his boss. Although wealthy, the man appeared to lead a complicated life.

"There is also outside, but you can take your time exploring tomorrow. I just wanted to give you an overview."

"Thank you. You've shown me more than I need. I don't think I'll see much aside from my room and the kitchen anyway," said Yibo.