Somewhere on the quieter outskirts of the city, a sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling villa. The iron gates had already swung open in anticipation, the path lined with manicured hedges and lantern-lit pillars leading directly to the front steps.
The moment the vehicle halted, a maid hurried forward and opened the door with a practiced bow.
A young man with sharp black hair and an unreadable expression stepped out. Another pair of servants immediately appeared, lifting his suitcase with a silent efficiency that came only from years of drilled routine.
It was Leng Cheng.
The family butler, an elderly man with silvered hair and impeccable posture, inclined himself deeply. "Welcome back, Young M—"
He didn't finish.
The young man raised a hand, cutting him off with a small gesture of impatience."As usual, Butler Fu."
The butler bowed again, retreating without protest.
Inside, the scene shifted seamlessly into orchestrated precision. Several maids approached the moment Leng Cheng entered the foyer, moving to remove his shoes, loosen his tie, and collect his coat as though the motions were second nature.
"Prepare me some afternoon tea," he instructed, his tone flat and devoid of any visible warmth.
A maid bowed from across the hall. "Understood."
Without further comment, Leng Cheng disappeared down the corridor leading to the private wing, his figure soon swallowed by the polished oak doors.
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Moments later, another door opened this one into the lavish living room that overlooked the villa's expansive gardens.
A tall woman with flowing black hair entered, her stride deliberate, her presence commanding. She wore a fitted purple blouse paired with black trousers, the simple elegance of her attire doing nothing to soften the quiet authority she carried.
Rather than take the central seat reserved for guests, she crossed to a single couch by the window. Sitting gracefully, she leaned back and let her gaze drift outside, where autumn sunlight spilled across the stone courtyard.
Her voice, when it came, was cold yet beneath that glacial tone was something softer, a thread of emotion carefully hidden but impossible to erase.
"I wonder what Anran is doing right now."
The words hung in the air, weighted with a familiarity that didn't belong.
Because this woman was not Leng Cheng, the supposed roommate of Anran.
In truth, within the Leng family records, no such man existed.
There was only one heir. Leng Yue, the sole daughter and heiress of the Leng estate. A child born into privilege, raised in solitude, and guarded as the Leng family's most prized treasure.
The door opened than three maids entered in perfect unison, each balancing a tray with quiet grace. They moved as a practiced unit, placing an array of delicate desserts on the low table before Leng Yue, then pouring fragrant tea into a porcelain cup that gleamed in the soft light.
Once their task was done, the maids bowed deeply and stepped back to wait silently by the door.
Leng Yue picked up the cup with slender fingers and brought it to her lips. She took a slow sip, eyes half-lidded, the faint steam curling upward like a veil.
All the while, she remained perfectly composed, her expression unreadable. Only the smallest flicker in her gaze betrayed her anticipation she was waiting for Butler Fu to arrive with news.
Moments later, Butler Fu returned, his footsteps measured and steady as always. In his hands, he carried a slim folder.
"My lady," he said, bowing as he presented it, "this is the document you requested."
Leng Yue accepted it with a nod, her elegant fingers brushing across the cover before she began leafing through its contents.
Butler Fu remained by her side, silent but attentive, until her voice broke the stillness."Butler Fu… have you noticed anyone suspicious trying to approach Anran recently?" Her tone was calm, yet the faint tightness in her words betrayed her concern.
The old butler shook his head. "There has been no one of note, Young Miss."
Leng Yue exhaled softly, almost in relief. The tension in her shoulders eased—at least for now. What she feared most was the thought of being absent from Anran's side, only to have some "random vixen" steal him away.
Butler Fu hesitated, then spoke cautiously. "Forgive me if this is presumptuous, my lady, but may I ask something?"
Leng Yue gave a small hum, still scanning the papers in her lap. "Go on."
"If you are truly fond of this young man named Anran… why not approach him directly, rather than concealing yourself under the guise of Leng Cheng?" His voice carried no judgment, only gentle curiosity.
For the first time, Leng Yue stilled completely. Silence settled in the room, heavy and telling.
Realizing his misstep, Butler Fu lowered his head deeply. "My apologies, miss. I should not have spoken so freely."
But Leng Yue raised a hand, a graceful gesture to signal it was fine. She did not rebuke him.
Because, in truth, the butler's words struck closer than she would admit. Why did she go to such lengths disguising herself as a man when she could have simply walked up to Anran in her true form? What young man in his right mind would refuse her?
And yet…
Her cheeks warmed. She covered her face with one hand, embarrassed by the very thought. Even as Leng Cheng, she sometimes struggled to maintain composure around him how could she possibly face him openly as herself?
It was unfair. How easily Anran could laugh and chat with others, yet when it came to her like her invitations, her presence he always seemed distant. Was it truly his indifference… or simply her own overthinking?
Across the room, Butler Fu and the maids exchanged subtle smiles. They had raised and cared for this girl since she was small. To see their aloof young mistress blushing over someone was both endearing and bittersweet. They were happy she had found someone who moved her heart, yet unsettled knowing that "someone" was a boy oblivious to her feelings.
And that boy's name was Anran.
Leng Yue cleared her throat, feigning composure, and lowered her hand.
"Ahem." She returned her eyes to the folder, flipping another page with exaggerated calm, as if nothing had happened.
Leng Yue turned another page in the file, her eyes narrowing slightly as she caught sight of a new entry.
[Name: Unknown]
[Age: Estimated early 20s]
[Gender: Female]
[Description: A streamer and cosplayer who appeared recently. Attended a cosplay event at Changshu Aeon Mall.]
Her brows drew together. "...Who is this?" The confusion in her voice was uncharacteristic. Even she found it odd—how could someone so visible remain nameless?
Butler Fu inclined his head. "As you instructed, my lady, we have been monitoring individuals who appear near your vicinity. This person surfaced not long ago. We attempted to trace her, but aside from her sudden popularity on Bilibili and her appearance at the cosplay event, there is little to be found."
Leng Yue studied the sparse details again, fingers drumming lightly against the folder."Hm."
"If you wish," Butler Fu offered carefully, "we can investigate deeper."
Leng Yue shook her head. "No. I was simply curious. If she bears no relation to Anran, then let her be. I won't intrude on a stranger's life without cause."
"Understood, my lady."
She paused, then added quietly, "Still… keep watch. If she ever draws close to Anran, I want to know immediately."
Butler Fu bowed, accepting the order.
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Meanwhile, in the city
Anran ended his livestream and stepped out of the café, tucking his phone back into his pocket. A small smile tugged at his lips.
Earning money like this is almost too easy… Is this what they call 'girl privilege'?
He shook his head, dismissing the thought. Still, the income was real, and he wasn't about to complain.
Deciding his next errand, he headed toward a clothing boutique nearby. Of course not for his original body but for Raiden Shogun's form. It wasn't that he had developed a hobby for women's clothing, he reassured himself. But since he can became her… it was only natural to dress the part properly.
On the way, he idly scrolled through the news on his phone. Scandals, celebrity gossip, the usual noise nothing worth his attention.
He had just reached the boutique's glass doors when his phone rang. A missed call flashed on the screen, the number unfamiliar.
Frowning, he dialed back, cautious. Only a handful of people knew his number. He held the phone to his ear, waiting.
The line clicked, and a young woman's voice came through.
"Hello, is this Miss Suyi? We're calling from the Bilibili team."
Anran's posture stiffened for a beat before he answered smoothly, "Yes, this is Suyi. How can I help you?"
"Forgive the sudden call," the woman continued, professional but warm, "but we'd like to extend an offer for an exclusive partnership with our platform. Would Miss Suyi be interested?"
"An exclusive contract, hm?" he replied thoughtfully. "I'd like to see the details before I make any decision."
"Of course. If you'd prefer, we can arrange a meeting to discuss further. Any time, any day—just let us know."
"Alright. I'll be in touch," Anran said, his voice even.
They exchanged parting courtesies before the call ended. Sliding the phone back into his pocket, Anran pushed open the boutique doors.
Inside, the crisp scent of new fabric and perfume greeted him. A staff member approached almost immediately, bowing politely."Welcome, customer. How may I assist you today?"
Anran offered a faint smile. "It's fine. I'll take a look around myself."
The staff nodded and stepped back, leaving him to browse at his leisure.
(A/n: bit short but there will another chapter soon.)