Chapter 4: Lingling Moves in

The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the Sethratanapong estate, its glossy exterior reflecting the grandeur of the house. Lingling stepped out with her usual composed demeanor, though her grip on the suitcase hinted at the nerves she carefully masked.

Mrs. Sethratanapong opened the door with a radiant smile. “Lingling, welcome! It’s wonderful to have you here with us.”

Lingling gave a respectful bow. “Thank you, Mrs. Sethratanapong.”

“Oh, please, call me Mom,” she said warmly. “We’re family now!”

Lingling blinked, a flicker of surprise softening her expression. “Alright… Mom.”

From the doorway, Orm leaned against the frame, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. “Wow, you’re already winning her over? Impressive.”

“Orm!” her mother scolded, waving her hand at her daughter. “Show her to the room. And be nice!”

Lingling followed Orm inside, letting her eyes wander over the elegant furnishings and polished floors. She said nothing, though she silently admired the home’s tasteful charm.

Orm led the way, her tone casual as she pointed down the hall. “The room’s this way. Try not to trip over the antiques or something.”

“Noted,” Lingling replied with a small smile, her calmness throwing Orm off balance as usual.

---

Orm pushed the door open, revealing a spacious room with neutral tones and large windows. Lingling’s eyes went to the single, plush bed in the center.

“There’s only one bed,” Lingling stated, her tone more observational than concerned.

“Yeah, about that…” Orm scratched the back of her neck. “I told Mom to add another one, but she said something about ‘bonding’ and ignored me.”

Lingling smirked faintly. “Interesting strategy.” She set her suitcase down and opened it methodically. “It’s fine. I’ll manage.”

Orm’s brows furrowed. “Wait, you’re not even going to complain? You’re just okay with this?”

Lingling shrugged as she unfolded a blazer and hung it neatly. “I’m here to adapt, right? I won’t let a bed be the first hurdle.”

“Wow,” Orm said, arms crossed as she watched her. “You’re too calm. It’s unnatural. You’re like a corporate monk.”

Lingling glanced at her phone as it buzzed. “Speaking of corporate...” She answered briskly, her tone shifting to one of crisp professionalism. “Yes, I’ll be there shortly. Have the reports ready.”

Orm watched as Lingling grabbed her blazer, suddenly businesslike. “You’re leaving?”

“There’s a meeting I need to attend,” Lingling said, slipping her arms into the blazer. “I’ll be back by dinner.” She paused at the door. “Save me some dessert.”

And with that, she was gone, leaving Orm alone in the room, blinking in disbelief.

---

Lingling returned late in the evening, her posture upright and composed despite the long hours. She stepped into the dining room where Orm’s family was seated.

“You’re back just in time,” Mrs. Sethratanapong greeted her cheerfully. “Come, sit down!”

“Apologies for being late,” Lingling said, taking her seat. “There was a last-minute meeting at the office.”

Orm raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. “What kind of meeting keeps you out this late?”

“The kind where I ensure your father’s company doesn’t collapse,” Lingling replied smoothly, taking a sip of water.

Orm’s father chuckled heartily. “She’s right. She’s been instrumental in keeping things afloat.”

Orm muttered under her breath, “Well, I didn’t ask her to save the company…”

Lingling cast her an amused glance but said nothing, letting the silence speak for itself.

---

After dinner, Lingling stood to help clear the table, but Mrs. Sethratanapong stopped her. “You’ve had a long day. Go rest, dear. You deserve it.”

Lingling hesitated, warmth flickering across her composed exterior. “Thank you… Mom,” she said softly, the word feeling foreign yet comforting.

Mrs. Sethratanapong smiled warmly. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

From the corner of the room, Orm observed the interaction, her arms crossed. She didn’t know why, but seeing Lingling interact so naturally with her mom made her chest tighten—an odd mixture of curiosity and something softer.

---

Back in their shared room, Lingling sat cross-legged on the sofa, a book open in her lap. Orm sprawled on the bed, scrolling through her phone.

“Long day?” Orm asked without looking up.

“Busy, but manageable,” Lingling replied, not taking her eyes off the page.

Orm glanced over. “You’re like a robot, you know. Do you even relax?”

Lingling chuckled, closing her book. “I relax in my own way.”

“Oh yeah? What way is that?”

Lingling smirked, setting the book aside. “You’ll find out eventually.”

Orm raised an eyebrow. “You’re mysterious. It’s annoying.”

“Good. That means I’m doing it right,” Lingling teased.

Orm sat up, gesturing to the bed. “Look, you don’t have to sleep on the sofa. The bed’s big enough for both of us.”

Lingling shook her head. “You’re already uncomfortable enough with me being here. I don’t want to make it worse.”

Orm scoffed. “Uncomfortable? Me? Please. I’m just worried you’ll steal the blanket.”

Lingling smiled as she adjusted her pillow on the sofa. “Then it’s settled. I’ll stay here.”

Orm rolled her eyes, flopping back onto the bed. “Suit yourself.”

As the night wore on, Orm found herself stealing glances at Lingling, who had curled up with her book. For someone so composed, Lingling had a quiet warmth that was both intriguing and unsettling.

Orm let out a soft sigh, pulling the blanket over herself. “Weird,” she muttered to herself.

“What’s weird?” Lingling asked without looking up.

“Nothing,” Orm replied quickly, turning over.

Lingling chuckled softly, her voice a soothing hum. “Goodnight, Orm.”

“Goodnight,” Orm mumbled, though she knew sleep wouldn’t come easily—not with Lingling occupying so much space in her thoughts

The Early Riser

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains as Lingling stirred on the sofa. She sat up, stretching her stiff back and wincing slightly. “This sofa’s trying to kill me,” she mumbled, rubbing her lower back.

Orm, in contrast, was sprawled out on the bed, a bundle of blankets with only her messy hair peeking out. The gentle sound of her snoring filled the room. Lingling smirked, amused.

After freshening up and changing into her usual running gear, Lingling glanced at Orm. “Still asleep,” she muttered, shaking her head. “Somebody’s going to be late for breakfast.”

With that, she slipped out for her morning run, enjoying the crisp air and the rare peace it brought.

---

When Lingling returned, she found Orm’s parents sipping tea on the patio. Lingling, now dressed in her go to comfort tshirt , and fitted pants—stopped to greet them.

“Good morning, Mr. Sethratanapong, Mrs. Sethratanapong,” Lingling said with a slight bow.

Mr. Sethratanapong, her boss, nodded approvingly. “Good morning, Lingling. Up early as always, I see.”

Lingling offered a polite smile. “It’s a habit.”

Mrs. Sethratanapong beamed. “Come, sit down. Join us for tea.”

Lingling hesitated. “I should shower and get ready for work first.”

“dear come sit , its just a tea  . Besides, we have time before breakfast,” Mrs. Sethratanapong insisted.

Lingling finally relented, taking a seat. She couldn’t help but feel a little nervous around Mr. Sethratanapong, who rarely smiled and had an air of authority even when casually sipping tea.

Trying to break the silence, Lingling said, “You have a beautiful garden.”

Mr. Sethratanapong raised an eyebrow. “You’re stalling.”

Lingling froze, her polite smile faltering. “I-I’m not stalling, sir. I just… appreciate the greenery.”

Mrs. Sethratanapong chuckled. “Relax, Lingling. My husband just likes to tease.”

Lingling exhaled quietly, grateful for the reassurance.

---

After finishing her tea, Mrs. Sethratanapong turned to Lingling. “Can you wake Orm? She’s probably still in bed.”

Lingling nodded. “Of course.”

Back in their room, Lingling found Orm still cocooned in her blankets, her face buried in the pillow. Lingling sighed, crossing her arms. “Orm, your mom says to come down for breakfast.”

No response.

Lingling leaned closer. “Orm. Wake up.”

Still nothing.

Finally, Lingling grabbed a nearby pillow and smacked it against Orm’s leg. “Wake up, or I’m telling your mom you’re ignoring her!”

Orm groaned, rolling over dramatically. “Five more minutes…”

Lingling raised an eyebrow. “You’ve already had five more hours.”

Orm peeked out from under the blanket, her eyes squinting. “You’re too loud. Mornings aren’t meant for talking.”

Lingling rolled her eyes. “And you’re too lazy. Get up before your mom sends a search party.”

“Tell her I’m dead,” Orm muttered, pulling the blanket over her head.

Lingling sighed, grabbing her things. “Fine. Stay here. I’ll just tell her you’d rather starve.” She smirked as she added, “And that you said her cooking isn’t worth waking up for.”

Orm shot up instantly, her hair a wild mess. “You wouldn’t!”

“Try me,” Lingling said with a smug grin as she headed for the bathroom.

---

When Lingling stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed for the office and radiating professionalism, Orm was still sitting on the edge of the bed, rubbing her eyes.

“Finally awake?” Lingling asked, adjusting the cuffs of her blazer.

Orm looked up—and froze. Lingling’s sharp blazer and tailored pants fit her perfectly, highlighting her confident posture. For a split second, Orm’s jaw dropped.

“You… clean up well,” Orm blurted, blinking as she quickly looked away.

Lingling smirked. “Is that a compliment?”

Orm shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Don’t get used to it.”

Lingling chuckled. “Good. Now get ready. Breakfast won’t wait forever.”

---

When they finally joined the family for breakfast, Mr. Sethratanapong glanced at Lingling. “Already dressed for work, I see. Punctual as always.”

Orm yawned loudly, slumping into her chair. “Yeah, yeah, she’s perfect. We get it.”

Lingling smirked at Orm’s disheveled appearance. “You should take notes, Orm. Being punctual wouldn’t hurt.”

Orm shot her a glare. “You woke me up five times. That’s punctuality torture.”

Mrs. Sethratanapong laughed. “Lingling, you might be the only one who can keep Orm on her toes.”

“Somebody has to,” Lingling quipped, earning a laugh from everyone except Orm, who muttered under her breath.

---

After breakfast, Mr. Sethratanapong approached Lingling. “You’re settling in well?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you,” Lingling replied politely.

“Good. Let me know if you need anything,” he said, his tone softer than usual.

Lingling nodded, surprised by the unexpected kindness. “I appreciate it, sir.”

Orm, watching from a distance, couldn’t resist chiming in. “Careful, Lingling. If you get too cozy, he’ll have you working overtime.”

Lingling shot her a pointed look. “I’d rather work overtime than spend another morning trying to wake you up.”

Orm grinned. “Admit it—you’d miss me if I wasn’t here.”

Lingling smirked. “Keep dreaming"

_to be continued_