Jiang Wei stepped into Long Shan's office, greeted by the subtle scent of aged mahogany and leather. Long Shan rose to welcome him, his smile warm but restrained. He gestured toward the velvet armchairs across from his desk.
"Please, have a seat," Long Shan said, already moving toward his sleek liquor cabinet. He poured two glasses of imported white wine, his movements practiced and elegant. They clinked their glasses together with quiet formality.
"Didn't expect you today," Long Shan said with a lift of his brow.
Jiang Wei's expression grew serious. "I believe you already know why I'm here."
Long Shan exhaled slowly and took a sip. "I do. I apologize for the delay in getting back to you."
Jiang Wei leaned forward slightly. "It's a big decision, I understand. But Lifen is fond of you. She's ready to be yours."
Long Shan's smile faltered. "I'm honored, truly. But... entering into something so permanent with someone I hardly know—it doesn't feel right."
"You'll get to know her," Jiang Wei said, his tone measured. "Let the engagement be the beginning, not the end."
Long Shan nodded slowly, though the tension in his shoulders remained.
---
At school, Xiao Yu and Jiang Meili sat side by side in their business class, attentively scribbling notes. Their guard lingered outside the lecture hall, eyes scanning the hallway.
As the class ended, Xiao Yu slumped onto the desk. "He really gave us homework? I feel like I've been hit by a truck."
Jiang Meili giggled. "It's to build business stamina, Xiao Yu. Someday you'll thank him."
"I'd rather eat than thank him," Xiao Yu muttered.
"Then lunch it is," Mabel replied brightly.
They strolled to the school's canteen, their assigned bodyguard trailing behind. Unbeknownst to them, a black-tinted van remained parked at a distance. A figure inside focused binoculars on the girls, particularly Xiao Yu.
While they ate, Xiao Yu leaned in. "There's something I want to tell you."
Jiang Meili perked up. "Spill."
"I'm thinking of getting a part-time job," Xiao Yu whispered.
Meili blinked. "Why? You're the daughter of Long Shan—the richest man in Asia. What kind of job do you need?"
Xiao Yu's eyes darted. "You wouldn't understand."
"Then help me understand," Meili said gently.
Xiao Yu hesitated. "It's... complicated. But can you ask Jiang Yuze if he knows any openings close by?"
"Are you serious? What if your father finds out?" Meili asked.
"He won't. I'll convince him to let the guard go first."
"And how do you plan to do that?"
"I'll just talk to him. Convince him I don't need it anymore."
Meili sighed. "Fine. What kind of job are you thinking?"
"Anything—but not in a bar or club."
"Alright. I'll ask around."
"Thanks, Meili," Xiao Yu said, offering a soft smile.
---
That evening at home, Xiao Yu picked at her dinner nervously. Long Shan eyed her suspiciously.
"You look like you've got something to say," he said.
"I do."
"Then say it."
Xiao Yu took a breath. "I want to go to school without a bodyguard."
Long Shan stared at her. "Why?"
"It's embarrassing. I'm not a baby. I'll go straight to school and come back."
Long Shan studied her. "Is this really what you want?"
Xiao Yu nodded eagerly. "Yes, I swear. There's a free student bus that stops right at the gate."
After a long pause, Long Shan leaned back. "Okay. You can try it."
Xiao Yu blinked. "Really? You're not going to argue?"
"Nope," he said simply.
Her face lit up. "Thank you! This is the first time you're agreeing with me like this."
He smirked. "Maybe you're rubbing off on me."
"I know right!" she teased. "She's changing you for the better." She said referring to Jiang Lifen.
He rolled his eyes. "Do you want me to take it back?"
Xiao Yu laughed. "Absolutely not!"
They continued their meal in comfortable silence, a rare truce warming the air between them.
Xiao Yu and Jiang Meili were eating at the canteen, chatting and laughing together.
Jiang Meili's expression turned relieved, her eyes sparkling. "Finally, you're free from the bodyguard," she said with amusement.
Xiao Yu's expression turned determined, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah, now is the time to get a job. Have you asked around?"
Jiang Meili's expression turned thoughtful. "Not yet, but I will now since you're no longer under constant watch."
Xiao Yu smiled. "Good." They continued chatting.
Meanwhile, Long Shan was in his office, deeply focused on work. His PA entered respectfully. "Good day, sir. There's someone here to see you."
Long Shan didn't look up. "Who is it?"
"A young lady named Jiang Lifen."
Long Shan's eyes narrowed slightly. He raised his head. "Let her in."
Moments later, Jiang Lifen entered, looking attractive in a figure-hugging outfit. "Hey," she said flirtatiously.
Long Shan appeared surprised but cordial. They exchanged cheek kisses before he offered her a seat.
"It's a surprise to see you here," he said politely.
Jiang Lifen smiled. "Yeah, my dad pointed me your way. I thought we could have lunch together."
"Um, sure," Long Shan replied. He phoned his PA. "I'll be out for a while," he informed, then turned to Jiang Lifen. "Shall we?"
They arrived at an upscale restaurant and were ushered into a VIP section. Long Shan appeared impressed; Jiang Lifen seemed pleased.
They ordered and began eating.
"Thank you for agreeing to have lunch," she said.
"It's nothing. This is our first proper meeting. I couldn't say no," he responded.
"Does this mean we can repeat it to get to know each other better?"
Long Shan hesitated.
Jiang Lifen leaned forward. "I really like you. I hope we can be more than just this."
Long Shan looked serious. "You don't know me well enough. I'm not the type of man you want to end up with."
"I know about you, Long Shan. I'm not afraid. I like you just the way you are, enemies and all. I want to be part of your world."
He raised an eyebrow. "I like your courage."
"I learned it from my mom," she replied proudly. "So... can we give each other a chance?"
Long Shan looked at her, thoughtful.
Days passed. Long Shan and Jiang Lifen grew closer. Meanwhile, Xiao Yu secured a part-time job at an exclusive restaurant. She begged Jiang Meili to accompany her to the interview.
Afterward, outside the restaurant—
"Wow, this place looks amazing, and the pay is great," Jiang Meili said.
"Finally, I've got a job," Xiao Yu beamed.
"Be careful. If your father finds out, it'll be a problem."
Jiang Meili's driver arrived. "Wanna ride with me?"
Xiao Yu shook her head. "We're not heading the same way. Don't worry, the bus station's close."
"Okay. See you in school tomorrow," Jiang Meili said before getting in the car.
Xiao Yu turned to leave and was suddenly blocked by two men in sharp suits and shaded glasses.
"Um, who are you?" she asked, wary.
"Come with us. Our boss wants to see you," one said politely.
"Why? Who's your boss?"
"We mean no harm. We'll bring you back safe," the second man assured.
"You don't look like Long Shan's men. How do I know you're not kidnappers?"
The men chuckled and removed their glasses. "We're not. Just trust us."
Xiao Yu studied their faces. They seemed sincere. "Okay... but if anything happens to me, people will come looking."
They nodded solemnly and opened the van door. She inspected the interior before stepping inside.
The drive took nearly an hour. As the van pulled up to a massive, modern mansion, Xiao Yu's eyes widened.
The estate was architectural perfection—honey-colored stone, towering domes, and a grand entrance framed by lush landscaping.
The guards opened the door and offered their hands.
"Welcome to our boss's residence," one said with a polite bow.
Xiao Yu stepped out, her heart racing as she stared up at the mansion's opulent facade, anticipation glowing in her eyes.