Xiao Yu stepped into the grand living room, and the luxurious scent of rich mahogany and chilled air conditioning welcomed her like a whispered promise. The marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandelier, and every surface sparkled with quiet elegance. Her eyes widened with awe as she took it all in, unaware that someone was watching her from the balcony above, his lips curled into an amused smile.
"Why does this place feel like Long Shan's?" she wondered silently.
A smooth, masculine voice interrupted her thoughts. "You seem quite taken with my house," it called from the staircase.
Startled, Xiao Yu looked up. A handsome young man descended the stairs, dressed in a sleek black suit that hugged his tall frame. His smile was warm, his charisma palpable. Her expression turned curious.
"Please, have a seat," he said, gesturing graciously. The two suited guards who had brought her bowed slightly and stepped back as the man took a seat.
"You must be the one who wanted to see me," Xiao Yu said, her tone cautious, her eyes narrowing.
"That's right. I'm Lu Yiren—but my friends call me Viper." His smile deepened, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Why did you bring me here?" she asked, still on guard.
"Relax," Yiren replied, lifting his glass of wine. "Nothing dramatic. I just wanted to get to know my newest employee."
Xiao Yu blinked. "Employee?"
"I own the restaurant you just got hired at," he said casually.
"You're the owner?" she asked, surprised.
"Indeed. So there's no need to be frightened."
She crossed her arms. "Is this how you welcome all your waitresses?"
"Only the special ones," he replied with a smirk.
At that moment, a maid entered and bowed. "Master, dinner is served."
"Shall we?" Yiren said, rising to his feet.
"No, thank you. I'd like to go home," Xiao Yu declined politely.
Viper tilted his head. "Come on, just a little bite. You can't leave without tasting the food."
She shook her head firmly. "With all due respect, sir, I'd rather not. I'll take my leave."
He didn't argue. "Fair enough. But promise me next time you'll stay for dinner?"
She hesitated, confused by his persistence.
---
Later that night...
Xiao Yu returned home to find Long Shan sitting at the mini-bar, a glass of liquor in his hand. Her heart skipped—she hadn't expected him to be home.
"Why are you just getting back?" he asked coldly, without turning.
"I... I'm sorry. There was traffic... and a lot to do at school," she replied quickly.
He didn't respond. He just sipped his drink. Xiao Yu took that as her cue and hurried upstairs, exhaling with relief once she shut her door.
---
Meanwhile...
Viper stood on his private balcony, wine in hand, staring at the night sky. A wicked smile curved on his lips.
"She's grown into a fine woman," he whispered. "I've waited eighteen years for this moment."
Behind him, one of his men stepped forward. "Boss."
Viper didn't turn. "Keep an eye on her. Find out where she lives and who she's living with."
"Yes, sir."
Viper took another sip, his voice cold and deliberate. "Soon, my little one, you'll be exactly where you belong—beside me."
---
The Next Day...
Xiao Yu resumed work at the restaurant, more focused than ever. The staff's unusual friendliness puzzled her, but she brushed it off.
After her shift, she walked to the bus station. Just as she reached it, a sleek black SUV pulled up. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Yiren's smirking face.
"Hey, pretty. Need a ride?"
Xiao Yu's eyes darted nervously. People were watching. "No, thank you," she replied, and quickly boarded the arriving bus.
Yiren watched her go, a sly smile on his face. "Run while you can, little flame."
---
Later at Home...
Xiao Yu was surprised to find Jiang Lifen—Long Shan's supposed fiancée—emerging from the kitchen with a bowl of steaming rice.
"Oh, hey, you're back," Lifen said, her voice overly cheerful.
"Yeah... Is he back from work?" Xiao Yu asked.
"You mean your dad?" Lifen replied with a raised brow.
Xiao Yu nodded, trying to stay polite.
"Nope. Probably still stuck in traffic," Lifen answered, then grinned. "I came to surprise him."
"So... you two are officially a thing now?"
Lifen laughed softly. "We're still figuring it out."
Xiao Yu glanced at the food. "Smells good."
"Thank you. Go freshen up. You're welcome to join us for dinner."
Xiao Yu nodded, smiling faintly, and walked to her room—her thoughts spinning in every direction.
...
During dinner, Jiang Lifen sat beside Long Shan, smiling lovingly at him. Her cheeks flushed softly as she watched him eat, her eyes twinkling with adoration. Long Shan, on the other hand, was quiet—calm, but noticeably reserved. Though he played it cool, his expression was unreadable, his gaze avoiding hers.
Xiao Yu observed them quietly. She noticed the chemistry—however one-sided it felt—and her eyes narrowed slightly in thought. A soft smile crept onto her lips.
"I must say, you cook well," Xiao Yu complimented, her tone genuinely appreciative.
Jiang Lifen beamed. "Thank you!"
"Can you teach me how to cook, then?" Xiao Yu teased, and Jiang Lifen laughed lightly.
"Of course. I'd love to," she said warmly.
Then Jiang Lifen turned to Long Shan. "Do you like the food?"
He gave a polite nod. "Yes. It's nice," he said simply.
Her smile widened. "I'm glad."
Xiao Yu leaned forward. "So… are you spending the night here?"
Long Shan looked up, startled by the question. Jiang Lifen hesitated, clearly unsure how to answer.
"I'd love to, but..."
"But what?" Xiao Yu pressed. "It's already late. You won't make it home at this hour. You should stay. I'm sure Long Shan doesn't mind."
Long Shan sighed, setting down his utensils. "Fine. You can stay. I'll have one of the staff prepare a guest room."
Jiang Lifen's smile returned. "Thank you."
---
Later that night, Long Shan walked into the kitchen in nothing but his pajama pants, revealing his well-toned physique. He moved with fluid grace, his face relaxed. He was reaching for a bottle of water when he noticed Jiang Lifen by the cabinet.
She was also getting a glass of water, dressed in a silk nightgown that left little to the imagination. Her eyes widened when she turned and saw him, and she nearly choked.
"You're awake," she said, trying to sound casual.
"Just thirsty," he replied, opening the fridge.
She stared openly at him—his shoulders, his back, the quiet dominance he exuded even in silence. She gulped, fighting the impulse surging inside her.
"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing her dazed look.
She snapped out of it. "Y-yeah," she said, turning to leave—but halfway to the door, she paused.
This is your chance, Lifen. Don't walk away again.
She turned and walked back toward him. Long Shan's brows furrowed, confusion flickering in his gaze.
"Is something wrong?" he asked—but she didn't answer. Instead, she stepped forward and kissed him.
Long Shan froze, caught completely off guard. The moment lingered just long enough before she pulled away.
"Goodnight," she whispered with a bold smile and left the room.
Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Yu had witnessed the kiss from around the corner. Her expression was unreadable—a mixture of amusement and something else—before she quietly slipped away.
---
The next morning, breakfast was quiet. Jiang Lifen kept stealing glances at Long Shan. Xiao Yu noticed and smirked behind her cup.
"I'll head out now," Xiao Yu said, standing.
"I'll drive you," Long Shan said.
Xiao Yu paused, surprised. It was the first time he'd ever offered.
"You don't have to. It's not on your way," she replied.
His voice turned firm. "I insist."
"Okay," she murmured.
Long Shan turned to Jiang Lifen. "I'll have one of my men drop you off."
"Sure, thanks," she replied with a soft smile.
As they drove, Long Shan seemed lost in thought, his jaw tight. Xiao Yu watched him, concerned.
"Are you okay?"
He didn't respond right away. "Yes."
She didn't believe it. "You don't look okay. Is something bothering you?"
Still silence.
She sighed. "It's alright if you don't want to talk. I know I don't have the right to meddle, and I owe you more than I can ever repay. But I hope whatever's troubling you… you'll overcome it."
He scoffed. "You're right. Don't meddle. Focus on yourself."
Xiao Yu smiled faintly. "Okay. But I think Jiang Lifen is a good woman. You should give her a chance. She'll make a good wife."
She turned to look out the window.
---
Later at the canteen, Xiao Yu and Jiang Meili sat at their usual table.
"How's the job?" Meili asked.
"It's great so far," Xiao Yu replied.
"Just don't get into trouble."
"I won't."
They continued eating until a delivery man walked in.
"Delivery for Miss Xiao Yu," he called.
The room went quiet. Students turned to look.
"We have two Xiao Yus here," someone said.
"I have a picture," the man said, holding it up.
"That's her," a student pointed to their table.
He approached. "Please sign here."
Xiao Yu signed and took the small shopping bag. Inside was a brand-new iPhone. Her eyes widened.
"Wow," Meili gasped.
They found a small card inside:
"Hope you like your present. You can call me on this number. I can't wait to see you again."
They exchanged confused glances.
"Who do you think it's from? Your dad?" Meili asked.
Xiao Yu's expression was uncertain. "No…"
A shadow of unease crept into her heart.
---