Chu Yi had just wanted to find an excuse for him to contact her.

But now, with her mind racing, she couldn’t help but respond immediately.

【Qiao Anchen!!! Boohoo, my water pipe burst, and the neighbors came up to scold me. Now it’s like a flood, and I’m going crazy!!!!】

She added a series of crying emojis, matching her current expression.

Qiao Anchen was reviewing a case file when his phone vibrated on the table. He picked it up and frowned slightly.

【Don’t panic. First, find the water main valve and turn off the water.】

Chu Yi felt a sense of relief upon reading this and ran to the bathroom, but she was still bewildered.

【I don’t know where the water main valve is, boohoo】

Qiao Anchen didn’t say much this time and immediately sent her a video call. Chu Yi hurriedly answered.

Her face appeared on the screen, her big eyes red and watery, seemingly on the verge of tears, with the sound of rushing water in the background.

Qiao Anchen quickly instructed her to switch the camera from the front to the rear view.

Chu Yi nodded repeatedly. The camera view switched to show her bathroom. Qiao Anchen asked her to take a complete look around.

“Wait a moment!”

Chu Yi’s phone moved past a corner, and Qiao Anchen’s eyes widened. He instructed her to stop there and examine the area closely for a few seconds.

“Look under the sink. Move closer and show me.”

That spot was relatively hidden and obstructed by pipes. Chu Yi hurried over and saw a red circular object, which seemed to be the water valve.

“Ah! Is it this one?” She was so relieved she was almost in tears. Qiao Anchen nodded, “It should be. Try turning it.”

Chu Yi leaned over and twisted the red circle. Immediately, the torrent of water ceased, leaving only a few droplets struggling to fall from the broken pipe.

The crisis seemed to be temporarily averted.

She relaxed, squatting on the floor, feeling exhausted.

“Thank you, Qiao Anchen.” She switched the camera back to herself, resting her chin on her knees, her voice soft and weary.

Her eyelashes were wet, and her eyes appeared red, giving her a pitiful look.

For the first time, Qiao Anchen experienced a soft and bittersweet emotion. His tone became gentler.

“Is your home okay? You should contact the property management.”

“Mm…”

“Are the neighbors still around?”

“They left after I apologized. I’ll go downstairs later to check the damage and discuss compensation with them.”

Qiao Anchen paused. “Can you handle it on your own?”

Chu Yi was also experiencing this for the first time. She recalled the persistent faces of the couple and felt somewhat intimidated, her gaze flickering.

“I think I should be okay… I just need to talk to them properly.”

Qiao Anchen glanced at the time.

“I’ll be off work in a bit. Take care of your home first, send me the address, and I’ll come over to help you.”

“Ah.” Chu Yi was stunned, then unconsciously bit her lip.

“Is it convenient for you? Wouldn’t it be too much trouble? Maybe it’s better not to—”

“It’s fine. It’s the weekend, and I was planning to work unpaid anyway.” Qiao Anchen cut her off, seemingly picking up his suit jacket from the chair.

“I’ll hang up now. I’ll drive over.”

Chu Yi generally considered herself quite independent. She had lived alone since graduation and had never encountered any major issues, making this the first time she felt so flustered.

Mainly, the neighbors had scolded her first, and with the house almost flooded and the pipe still gushing water, she felt completely overwhelmed.

At this moment, Qiao Anchen’s few words seemed to resolve much of the problem, making her feel that having a boyfriend might not be so bad after all.

Ah… She covered her face with her hands, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

He’s not actually her boyfriend yet.

Qiao Anchen was quick. The property management sent cleaners to help with the house, and Chu Yi was also tidying up. Many pieces of furniture were damaged. By the time he arrived, they had cleared out about half of the mess.

Chu Yi gave him the address directly. When Qiao Anchen arrived, the elevator doors opened to reveal water still spreading out. He walked to the door and saw Chu Yi, drenched in sweat and working hard.

“Ah, you’re here.” Her sleeves were rolled up, pants cuffed, and a few strands of hair were sticking to her face in a casual home attire.

Qiao Anchen smiled. “Yes, it’s not far.”

Chu Yi and the cleaning lady were moving the sofa. The two women looked somewhat strained. Qiao Anchen took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and stepped in to help.

“I’ll take over.”

With an extra pair of hands, the work went faster. Qiao Anchen was very capable, and with the three of them working together, they quickly cleared the living room and made a list of items to be replaced.

The chaotic situation started to come together, and Chu Yi seemed to gain confidence, frequently asking for Qiao Anchen’s input.

“This cabinet’s legs are damaged. Should we buy a new one?”

Qiao Anchen crouched down to examine it, saying, “This one should be fine. Just put it out in the sun for a couple of days.”

“Mm, okay. What about this stool?”

“This one’s peeling. Replace it. Stools are small items.”

“Got it.” Chu Yi made notes in her book.

As they were checking things, the door was suddenly knocked on forcefully. Looking towards the sound, the couple from downstairs stood at the entrance, looking displeased.

“Miss, you haven’t sorted this out all morning? The ceiling in our place is soaked, the wall plaster has fallen off, and you’re just waiting for us to see it!”