The system almost squealed. "See, I told you she'd appear sooner or later! And look—she's already resisting the male lead. Perfect. Absolutely perfect. This world is setting the stage for you."
The guards' chatter continued for a moment until Xu Ming glanced at them through the rearview mirror. His eyes were sharp, the kind that didn't need words. The guards immediately fell silent, shrinking into their seats.
The car rolled on quietly, the hum of the engine steady. Less than fifteen minutes later, it slowed as they approached the Li Mansion.
The iron gates loomed tall, guarded on both sides by uniformed men. When the guards saw the sedan, they straightened and saluted before pulling the gates open. The creak of the metal echoed loudly as the vehicle rolled forward.
The driveway stretched long, paved with smooth stones that caught the sunlight. On either side, manicured hedges stood in neat rows, trimmed to perfection. Tall parasol trees lined the path, their leaves rustling faintly in the breeze.
"Not bad," the system said, half impressed. "Rich people always love showing off with long driveways. Like they need you to know just how far it is before you get to the actual house."
"To build distance," Ji Yu answered calmly, her eyes scanning the scenery. "It gives people time to adjust before entering the center of power."
The system hummed thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Still, it's a little dramatic, don't you think?"
On the left side of the driveway, an artificial pond stretched wide. Lotus leaves floated gently on the surface, their round shapes catching bits of sunlight. Beneath the water, flashes of orange and white revealed koi swimming lazily.
On the right, a carefully arranged rock garden displayed stones of different shapes and sizes, each placed just so. Evergreen plants dotted the space, giving it balance and serenity.
The mansion itself came into view, tall and imposing. Unlike the softer southern-style homes with winding corridors and bridges, this residence was built with power in mind. The front façade rose solid and straight, pillars holding up the entryway like a temple. The dark wooden doors were carved with dragons and clouds, symbols of strength and prestige.
The sedan stopped smoothly in front of the steps. Xu Ming stepped out first, walking around to open Ji Yu's door again. His every gesture remained precise, courteous.
"Madam Ji."
Ji Yu emerged calmly, her shawl draped loosely around her shoulders. The sunlight touched her hair, but her expression didn't shift. Without hesitation, she followed Xu Ming forward.
They passed through several courtyards, each one revealing another layer of wealth. The first courtyard held rows of flowering plants in full bloom, their fragrance faint but sweet. Servants moved quietly, watering the soil, trimming the leaves, careful not to disturb the guests.
The second courtyard had a pavilion with carved wooden railings, where more servants polished furniture and dusted surfaces. The wood gleamed under the sunlight, showing how much attention went into keeping everything pristine.
Finally, they reached the back garden, and Ji Yu saw something unexpected.
There stood a Western-style building, two stories tall and painted white. Its design was clean and simple, elegant in its own way. Large windows reflected the light, and on the second-floor balcony, a lounge chair sat waiting, as if someone had just stepped away.
The contrast between the traditional courtyards and this Western house was striking. It was as if two worlds had collided and settled side by side.
The system whistled again. "Well, well… someone's trying very hard to be modern. Mixing East and West like this? That's bold. Either genius taste or terrible taste, depending on who you ask."
Inside, the living room on the first floor opened up into a vast space. A crystal chandelier sparkled overhead, the light scattering like shards of frozen rain. Below it, European-style sofas in rich velvet lined the room, soft enough to swallow anyone who sat down.
The walls were decorated with bold oil paintings—nudes, their colors vivid, their brushstrokes daring. A gramophone sat against one wall, its brass horn shining, while a massive clock ticked steadily beside it. Every detail spoke of wealth, indulgence, and a hunger to display both.
The system's tone turned amused. "Oh, Host, this place screams, 'Look at me, I'm rich and cultured!' Honestly, it feels like they raided a Western catalog and ordered one of everything."
Ji Yu's eyes swept the room once, calm and measuring. She didn't reply, but the faintest flicker in her gaze showed she agreed.
Ji Yu's eyes flickered briefly, but her face stayed calm. In front of her, the mansion was dripping with wealth—oil paintings, European furniture, glittering chandeliers, and even the faint scent of imported cigars lingering in the air. For a moment, she let her gaze sweep across everything, then returned it to Xu Ming.
Li Mingxuan had abandoned his wife in a remote countryside village for eight long years, leaving her to rot away with gossip and hardship. Yet here he was, surrounded by the finest comforts money could buy, sipping tea in silk, sleeping in feather beds, and playing the role of a noble master.
She thought to herself, so this is the man the world praises as powerful, rich, and untouchable?
Xu Ming bowed slightly at her side, always polite, always controlled. "The Master is in the study on the second floor," he said in his smooth voice. "Please allow me to take you up."
Ji Yu gave him a single nod. "Lead the way."
They ascended the grand spiral staircase together. Each step echoed softly against the polished wood, the sound of her sturdy shoes contrasting against Xu Ming's light, measured pace. She didn't rush. Her stride was calm, steady, the kind of walk that belonged to someone who had no fear of what waited behind the next door.
At the top of the stairs, they turned right. The hallway was wide, lined with oil lamps and a deep red carpet that swallowed sound. Xu Ming stopped at the first door and knocked three times, each rap clean and firm.
A deep male voice came from inside almost at once. "Come in."
Xu Ming reached for the knob, but just before turning it, he looked back at Ji Yu. His eyes, usually calm, flickered with something unreadable—respect, maybe, or curiosity.
Ji Yu lifted her chin slightly, her shawl slipping a little down her shoulder. Her voice was calm and cool, carrying no room for debate. "You don't need to come in. Li Mingxuan and I need to have a good chat."
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Thanks for reading.
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