In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

The man had a strong grip on her hand, and his nose and mouth were covered with a wet towel. He handed one to Grace as they quickly made their way out. There was another passage inside the teahouse where the flames were less intense, allowing the two to pass through.

The fire crackled as it consumed the wood. It was a truly heart-stopping experience.

Grace held onto the wet towel on her face, feeling some relief in her lungs.

"Boss! What are you doing here?"

Other people were also escaping through that passage and were surprised to see the man.

The man scolded them in a hoarse voice, "Hurry and leave!"

There was the sound of hurried footsteps.

Grace hurried down the stairs, keeping an eye on the man's dark silhouette. He was tall and well-built and seemed to be middle-aged.

His voice sounded so familiar, as if she had heard it somewhere before.

She didn't have time to think more about it. All she could think about at that moment was finding a way out of there.

As she descended the last step on the third floor of the teahouse, Grace felt a tremendous sense of relief. She dropped the wet towel and gasped for air.

which all the staff had used to escape. Everyone was visibly

It had just been

spoken and gestured toward the man. The person

to speak. "Thank you for saving me. May I know

and mysterious. Their corners were upturned, making them

the wet towel over his nose and

to thank me. I just happened to see you while I was escaping. I couldn't stand

voice was indeed

coincidental or intentional, thank you. I just heard them calling you "boss".

place suddenly

don't know either. The fire started downstairs. It's probably because it's winter and dry. A guest

The subordinate fell silent.

had drawn the

remained fixed on the manager, whose hard work had just been reduced

but he was also remarkably

with kindness. Could you please share your contact information so that I may have a chance to repay you?" The manager continued to avoid her gaze. "As I said, it was nothing. There's

"I insist."

that he was about to leave and became a bit anxious. She