Xiao Yu and Meili Jiang sat in the library, books spread out before them. The afternoon light poured in through the tall windows, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. Meili leaned in, her voice lowered in concern.
"You mean your Dad refused to let you come to the party?" she asked, brows furrowed.
Xiao Yu sighed and nodded, her tone resigned. "Yes. I told you he's a hard nut to crack."
Meili pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Then how about I come with you to your house and ask him myself? Maybe he'll listen to me."
A spark of hope flickered in Xiao Yu's eyes, her lips curving into a smile. "Really? You'd do that?"
"Of course," Meili said confidently. "Sometimes, a little charm goes a long way."
After school, the car rolled up to the gates of the mansion. Meili stepped out, eyes wide as she took in the grand estate.
"Woah… this place looks like a palace," she whispered.
Xiao Yu chuckled. "Wait until you see the inside."
As they entered, Meili gasped, spinning slowly to take in the marble floors, grand staircase, and priceless art adorning the walls. A butler offered her a drink, which she accepted politely.
"Your house is unbelievable," Meili said, sitting on the plush couch.
"It doesn't feel like home," Xiao Yu murmured, her tone distant.
At that moment, Long Shan descended the staircase, dressed in a crisp black shirt and dark trousers. He spoke quietly on his phone, his expression unreadable. Meili's gaze locked on him, completely spellbound.
"Oh my God," Meili whispered. "That's your dad? He looks like he just walked off a movie set."
Xiao Yu waved a hand in front of Meili's face. "Snap out of it. And no, he's not my real dad. Just don't mention anything."
But it was too late. Long Shan noticed them and approached. His voice cut through the room. "What's going on here?"
Xiao Yu stood up quickly. "This is Meili Jiang, my friend from school."
Meili stood and offered a charming smile. "It's an honor to meet you, sir. Xiao Yu didn't mention her father was this young and handsome."
Long Shan's eyes darkened for a moment, his expression unreadable. He raised an eyebrow. "Father?"
Xiao Yu paled but kept her head down.
"I'm Meili Jiang. My family owns Jiang Enterprises," Meili continued, unaware of the tension. "My father is Jiang Wei."
Long Shan tilted his head slightly. "Jiang Wei… We've done business together."
Meili smiled brightly. "He speaks highly of you."
Long Shan glanced at Xiao Yu. "So this visit... Let me guess. You came to get my approval for the party."
Meili blinked. "I volunteered. She didn't ask."
His expression turned cool. "She's not going."
Xiao Yu's lips pressed into a line, but Meili stepped forward. "I'll personally make sure she's safe. She'll be with me the entire time. And your guard can accompany us."
Long Shan's gaze flicked between the girls. After a moment, he gave a clipped nod. "Fine. But she doesn't leave your sight."
Later, Xiao Yu walked Meili to the gates.
"Thanks for doing that. I thought he'd never agree," Xiao Yu said, smiling.
"He only agreed because I'm Meili Jiang," she teased. "And also because his guard will be glued to your side."
Xiao Yu laughed softly. "Still, thank you."
Meili tilted her head. "Can I ask… where's your mom? I didn't see her."
Xiao Yu's expression fell. "She passed away when I was born."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," Xiao Yu replied with a soft smile. "It's been a long time."
They hugged briefly before Meili entered the waiting car.
Back inside, Long Shan stood by the living room bar, swirling a glass of whiskey. Xiao Yu approached cautiously.
"You're going out?" she asked.
Long Shan turned slowly. "You told her I was your dad."
Xiao Yu swallowed hard. "What was I supposed to say? That I'm your slave?"
His lips curled into a cold smile. "That would've been the truth."
She glared. "I didn't think you'd want the world knowing you're keeping a girl like me a prisoner."
"Then don't lie," he snapped, stepping closer.
Xiao Yu didn't back down. "You're old enough to be my father, so it's not far-fetched. Dad."
His jaw clenched, and with a sharp exhale, he turned on his heel and left, his men trailing after him.
Xiao Yu watched the door slam shut and muttered to herself, "Asshole." Then she turned and went to her room, already thinking about what she'd wear to the party.