Assistant Tian bowed slightly, his tone measured yet carrying a trace of urgency.
"President Rong, three weeks ago we successfully closed the sale of the last villa in Yunqi Shanzhuang—Tianyuan No. 1. And today, the owner has personally arrived to take possession of the property."
Rong Minghao, who had just set his calligraphy brush aside, slowly raised his gaze. His eyes, dark and fathomless, locked onto his aide. He did not utter a word, yet the silence weighed heavily.
Assistant Tian had been with him for sixteen years, long enough to understand that his president never entertained trivialities. Selling the crown jewel of Yunqi Shanzhuang was indeed a landmark transaction for Rong Groups subsidiary Real estate company, but not something worth disturbing his quiet calligraphy session—unless there was more to the matter.
Understanding the meaning behind that silence, Assistant Tian drew in a breath and continued respectfully.
"Three weeks ago, the moment I received confirmation that Tianyuan No. 1 had been sold, I launched a discreet investigation into the buyer. As you know, there are only a handful of individuals capable of spending four hundred million yuan on a single villa, particularly in Wuhan. Naturally, I thought it prudent to know who they were."
He paused, his brows knitting. "But when I saw the name listed on the property deed… it was completely unfamiliar. No records in the business world, no family background that I could trace. It was as if this person had appeared out of thin air. And yet—" He hesitated.
Rong Minghao's sharp gaze narrowed slightly. His voice was low, steady, but carried an unmistakable edge.
"Assistant Tian… finish what you intend to say."
"Yes, President." Assistant Tian straightened. "The investigators came back empty-handed. Every attempt to gather information was blocked—her records were locked down, sealed at a level even my most trusted private agents couldn't penetrate."
For the first time, Rong Minghao's expression shifted. His brows furrowed, and a shadow passed over his handsome features.
Assistant Tian pressed on. "And just moments ago, I received a direct call from the property manager. The owner has arrived at Yunqi Shanzhuang to claim the villa. The shocking part is…" His voice dropped lower, as if even the walls should not hear it. "The buyer is a fifteen-year-old girl."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.
"What?" Rong Minghao's hand stilled on the armrest of his chair. His normally unshakable composure cracked ever so slightly, and the single syllable carried disbelief.
Assistant Tian inclined his head. "Yes, President. A girl of fifteen purchased Tianyuan No. 1."
A profound silence fell over the office. The faint scent of ink, coffee, and tobacco lingered in the cool air, broken only by the faint ticking of the antique clock on the far wall.
For Rong Minghao, the unsettling part was not that Tianyuan No. 1 had finally been sold, nor even that an adolescent girl had somehow acquired it. What disturbed him was the fact that she was utterly untraceable. No files. No history. No trail—not even the best investigators in China could touch her background.
After what felt like an eternity, his deep, magnetic voice finally broke the silence.
"Assistant Tian, withdraw all investigations. Recall every agent from Wuhan immediately. There's no need to probe further." His eyes darkened, a chill edge in his tone. "Remember this: there is always a bigger fish in the ocean. There are forces even we cannot afford to provoke. The next time you encounter such a shadow… be cautious."
Assistant Tian lowered his head in solemn acknowledgment. "Understood, President Rong. I will see to it at once."
Rong Minghao gave a faint nod, signaling dismissal. But just as Assistant Tian turned to leave, his voice came again, deep and unhurried.
"Wait. What was the buyer's name?"
Assistant Tian stopped, straightened his jacket, and answered clearly,
"Her name is Li Ziqing."
The name seemed to linger in the air, reverberating softly against the quiet hum of the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Rong Minghao's gaze darkened, his fingers tightening ever so slightly on the armrest of his chair. Something within him stirred—an ache, a memory long buried yet never truly forgotten. Almost against his will, he murmured under his breath,
"Ziqing…"
And at that moment, a fragment of the past came rushing back—hazy, fragile, yet vivid enough to claw at his heart.
"Hao Ge, why are you so certain we'll have a daughter first?"
"It's just my intuition. And if it happens, I've already thought of a name for her—Ziqing. Like the catalpa tree, clear and bright. Rong Ziqing."
Then there was laughter—two voices, warm, carefree, brimming with hope. That laughter now echoed only in his mind, fading like smoke into the emptiness of his office.
For the first time in years, Rong Minghao felt a tremor of uncertainty ripple through his usually unshakable composure. Could it be her? Could this Li Ziqing be… their child?
Didn't Rong Lihong once mention that Li Jianfang had quietly visited the gynecology department before vanishing from Shanghai altogether? And she had been found pregnant… if she had given birth to their child in secret… could this girl, this mysterious owner of Tianyuan No. 1, truly be his daughter? And the surname—Li. It aligned too perfectly.
His chest tightened, a spark of hope flaring in his eyes as he abruptly pushed himself to his feet, half a breath away from calling Assistant Tian back into the office. Yet the impulse faltered just as quickly, smothered by another, colder thought.
Li Jianfang had always lived simply. Poorly, even. He had never pried too deeply into her family background, but he remembered vividly the first moment he saw her. She had been breathtaking—so beautiful that he had nearly forgotten to breathe, his heart stumbling in his chest, but her cloths were little too shabby, like worn by rural folks.
Even when they began going out, when he whisked her away to fine dinners and dazzling venues, she had confessed with a quiet smile that she was unaccustomed to such extravagance.
So how could the daughter of such a woman—if indeed she was Jianfang's child—command such untraceable influence, wealth, and mystery at only fifteen years of age? Could it all really be coincidence?
The thought gnawed at him.
Slowly, Rong Minghao sank back into his chair, a wave of despair pressing down on his shoulders. His mind warred with itself—part of him longed to board a plane that very night, to rush to Wuhan and see the truth with his own eyes. But another part whispered caution: What if it isn't her? What if all of this is nothing but a cruel mirage? And worse… what if, in chasing shadows, he offended that girl?
For the first time in years, Rong Minghao—who stood unshaken before countless storms in the business world—felt truly conflicted. And alone, with only the soft scratching of the calligraphy brush drying on the table beside him and the weight of the name "Li Ziqing" in his heart, he sat in silence, caught between hope and dread.
---
The sheer size of Tianyuan No. 1 Villa was overwhelming. Though Butler Yao had been diligently showing her around, Li Ziqing quickly realized that one afternoon wasn't enough to take in even half of its marvels. By the time the call came through the internal line announcing the arrival of her car, she had only managed to tour the entirety of the first floor and a portion of the second.
Now, seated in the opulent living room with a porcelain cup of coffee resting lightly in her hands, Li Ziqing let her gaze wander over the space. The first floor alone was enough to make most people speechless.
The double-height ceilings rose above her like the nave of a cathedral, adorned with a chandelier that glittered like a cascade of stars. The banquet hall opened up just beyond the main sitting area, a cavernous space capable of hosting two hundred guests. To the left of the hall, discreet sliding doors led into a private indoor heated pool, where the glass ceiling above allowed natural sunlight to shimmer over its turquoise surface by day, while moonlight would undoubtedly transform it into a pool of silver at night.
What stunned her most, however, was the transition to the second floor. Butler Yao had guided her only as far as the library, and it was there that Li Ziqing had nearly forgotten herself. Entire walls of bookshelves stretched upward, lined with first editions and rare manuscripts, the smell of leather and old paper weaving into the air like a spell.
Luxury, she realized, was not simply gold leaf on walls or extravagant chandeliers. Luxury was space—space so vast it silenced you, space designed not only for comfort but for power. It was in the subtle details.
Taking a slow sip of the rich, dark coffee, Li Ziqing leaned back against the velvet cushions of the sofa. Outwardly, her expression remained calm, but beneath the surface her mind was quietly unsettled, still absorbing the overwhelming grandeur of Tianyuan No. 1 Villa.
Just then, her phone buzzed sharply, breaking the silence. Glancing at the screen, she saw Zhou Yichen's name and answered without hesitation.
"Miss Li," Zhou Yichen's voice came brisk and respectful through the receiver, "the meeting venue has been confirmed. It will be at The Grand Ascot Club, 7 p.m. sharp."
The name immediately made Li Ziqing's brows knit together. As a student of Wuhan City No. 1 Middle School, how could she not know The Grand Ascot Club? A private sanctuary of all the second generation hairs, it was a place ordinary people could only cross if loaded or through connections.
"Why not a normal restaurant?" she asked evenly, though there was a faint edge of disapproval in her tone.
On the other end, Zhou Yichen hesitated before replying, his voice lowering a little as though to soften the strangeness of it. "Miss Li… didn't I tell you before? My friend is a little… unusual."
Li Ziqing rolled her eyes slightly, though there was a flicker of amusement in her expression. "You've said that more times than I can count," she murmured to herself.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, she noted the time—already close to 6:30 p.m. Without wasting another second, she spoke decisively into the phone. "Don't worry. I'll be there within half an hour. I'm nearby."
Before Zhou Yichen could add anything further, she ended the call. A faint spark of curiosity lit her eyes. She had been intrigued for days about this so-called "weird" friend of his. If Zhou Yichen, someone she already recognized as highly capable, held this person in such regard, then this man could not be ordinary. And the fact that he was an MIT PhD who had chosen to remain idle for so long only made him more mysterious.
Li Ziqing's lips curved faintly. She was determined—if he was as capable as Zhou Yichen claimed, then she would make sure to bring him into Huiheng Group, no matter what it took.
She finished the last sip of coffee, setting the porcelain cup down with a soft click upon the glass table. At that moment, the familiar, measured footfalls of Butler Yao approached from behind.
He bowed slightly, his posture impeccable, his voice calm yet carrying a subtle note of satisfaction.
"Miss Li, the car has arrived. It is waiting outside."
Li Ziqing rose gracefully from her seat, her movements steady, exuding a natural authority that belied her young age.
"Very well," she replied.
Without another word, Li Ziqing followed Butler Yao toward the entrance.
The moment she stepped through the grand doors of Tianyuan No. 1, her eyes lit up in astonishment.
Parked neatly at the foot of the villa's sweeping driveway was a gleaming black Bugatti Veyron 16.4. Under the soft evening light, its aerodynamic curves shimmered like liquid obsidian, the polished chrome grille catching the last rays of the setting sun. The car seemed less like a machine and more like a beast poised to unleash unimaginable power, its low, aggressive stance exuding dominance. The signature horseshoe grille, the twin air intakes, and the smooth lines that cut across the body made it look as though it belonged to another world entirely.
Li Ziqing felt her breath catch in her throat.
Who said luxury cars were a man's obsession? At this moment, even she—a girl barely fifteen—found herself entranced. The Veyron stood like an untouchable work of art, and she couldn't tear her gaze away. The closer she walked, the more her heart raced.
Just as she was absorbing every inch of the car's beauty, a sharply dressed middle-aged man stepped forward. His eyes instinctively widened the moment they landed on Li Ziqing.
Heavens above… he thought, nearly losing his composure. So young, so stunning… almost otherworldly.
He had prepared himself to meet the mysterious new owner of Tianyuan No. 1 Villa, but what he hadn't expected was this—a girl with the kind of beauty that could shatter hearts and make time stop. First the villa, and now this car… and with such a face? Jealousy twisted in his chest. Some people are simply born under heaven's favor.
Clearing his throat quickly, he straightened and greeted her with a respectful smile.
"Congratulations, Miss Li. This Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has now been officially delivered to you. Allow me to introduce some of its features."
He gestured toward the car proudly, his voice taking on a note of reverence.
"This is one of the most exclusive supercars in the world. A 16-cylinder, quad-turbocharged engine, capable of producing 1,001 horsepower. It goes from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in just 2.5 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 400 kilometers per hour. Only a handful exist in all of China, and now—one belongs to you."
Li Ziqing's eyes widened slightly. Even though she didn't fully grasp the mechanical jargon, the reverence in his tone was enough to convey just how extraordinary this machine was.
The man's smile deepened as he moved closer to the rear of the car. "And, Miss Li… there is something else."
With a slight flourish, he pointed at the freshly mounted license plate.
"This number plate—single digit, number 8—has been registered exclusively under your name. You must know its significance. Not only is the number 8 considered auspicious, representing wealth and infinity, but such a plate is rarer than any jewel. Its value alone rivals that of some villas. With this plate… no one in the country would dare stop you on the road."
For the first time, Li Ziqing's brow furrowed. Slowly, she stepped closer, her gaze falling on the black-and-white plate gleaming under the villa lights.
Her pupils shrank.
"A… single digit?" she whispered in disbelief.
It wasn't just the car. It was the plate itself—an untouchable symbol of status and power. Such plates were fought over by billionaires, often costing tens of millions at auctions. And here it was, gifted to her without her lifting a finger.
She exhaled slowly, her thoughts tangled. The system didn't just gift me a car… it gave me something far beyond what money could measure. With this number plate, even the most arrogant officials or tycoons would think twice before crossing me.
The employee watched her stunned expression and smiled inwardly. To him, this young girl was not just wealthy—she now carried an aura that was untouchable.
"Miss Li," he said, his tone polite but eager, "if you would please sign here, we can finalize the transfer of ownership. The Bugatti Veyron and the exclusive number plate will be officially yours."
He held out the sleek leather folder with trembling hands, still not entirely sure if the surreal figure before him was real.
Li Ziqing glanced at the documents, then at the car again. A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Alright," she said softly, her voice calm but resolute. "Let's do it."
She took the pen, her delicate fingers moving with quiet authority, and signed her name.
The dealership employee bowed low once more before taking his leave, disappearing down the sweeping driveway.
Meanwhile, Li Ziqing stood perfectly still, her gaze fixed on the sleek black Bugatti as though afraid it might vanish if she so much as blinked. Her expression was calm, but the faint shimmer in her eyes betrayed her awe.
Butler Yao, who had been silently observing her, allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. His voice, deep and steady, carried a subtle warmth.
"Miss Li, this car is indeed a masterpiece. But more than that, it suits your aura—elegant, untouchable, and commanding."
Li Ziqing blinked, the corners of her lips lifting slightly at his words.
"Butler Yao, you flatter me," she said modestly, though she didn't deny the truth of it. Her gaze returned to the car, her tone softening with a trace of wistfulness. "Still… it really is wonderful. I only regret that I'm not yet of legal age. If I could, I would drive it onto the roads right now."
A quiet sigh escaped her lips. For a moment, her composure wavered, a hint of vulnerability flickering across her features. In truth, she had never driven a car in either of her lives. Cars were beautiful to her, but only as art—she knew nothing of their mechanics or the thrill of pressing her foot to the accelerator.
Butler Yao chuckled lightly, his expression calm but reassuring.
"That time is not far, Miss Li. In a few years, you will hold the world at the wheel. Until then, if you wish, I can drive you wherever you need to go."
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"Butler Yao… you can drive this kind of car?"
The butler inclined his head respectfully, his tone even, matter-of-fact yet faintly proud.
"Of course, Miss Li. I am a graduate of the Royal Butler Institute in London. My training there was… comprehensive. We were taught not only the finer points of etiquette, household management, and diplomacy, but also advanced culinary arts, classical wine knowledge, antique appraisal, medical first aid, personal defense, and the operation of nearly every type of car."
He paused, his voice taking on a quiet gravity.
"In short, I was trained to ensure that my master's needs, whatever they may be, are met without flaw."
Li Ziqing listened, stunned into silence. Her gaze lingered on him, her mind reeling. She had thought of him as simply a butler—composed, capable, and dignified. But now, hearing the breadth of his skills, she realized that Butler Yao was far more than a servant. He was a man honed to perfection, a guardian molded by the most rigorous traditions of service.
"Butler Yao," she finally said, her voice low with genuine admiration, "I must say… you are truly learned. A man of many abilities."
He bowed with practiced grace, his expression never faltering.
"All for your service, Miss Li."
Her heart gave a strange little tug at those words. His loyalty seemed absolute, his composure unshakable. Yet as she stood there, watching the man who could have ruled entire enterprises with his talents bend to her alone, she couldn't help but wonder—
Why? Why devote such ability to me? Why choose a life of service, when he could have forged an empire of his own?
The question lingered in her mind. Then, as if remembering something crucial, her eyes flickered with intent.
The Jinshi Coupon.
Without hesitation, she silently activated it on Butler Yao.
At once, a faint hum resonated in her mind, and a translucent golden interface bloomed into existence before her eyes—visible only to her. It shimmered with authority, as if forged from strands of light itself. Across the screen, words formed and scrolled rapidly, resolving into Butler Yao's complete profile.
Li Ziqing's breath caught. The entire interface exuded a radiant golden glow, clearly meant for high quality individuals.
Her gaze moved downward, and there it was—the skills list. The neat golden characters unfurled like a scroll, and line after line left her more and more astounded:
Advanced Culinary Arts (Western & Eastern Fine Dining)
Antique Appraisal & Authentication
Business Analysis & Strategic Planning
Crisis Management & Negotiation
Medical First Aid & Emergency Response
Classical Wine & Tea Connoisseurship
Stealth & Surveillance Awareness
Advanced Etiquette & Diplomacy
Martial Defense & Close-Combat Training
Household Management & Logistics
Financial Forecasting & Investment Insight
Multilingual Communication (Fluent in 8 Languages)
Expert in Driving All Classes of Automobiles
… and more.
Li Ziqing felt her heartbeat quicken. Each line radiated competence, a level of mastery no ordinary person could possess.
But what made her inhale sharply was not the skills. It was the number displayed just below them.
Loyalty Score: 94.
Her mind blanked for a moment. That number was only slightly below with He Zenyu and Zhou Yichen—two people whose ties to her were unshakable. Yet Butler Yao… she had only just met him.
Why? she thought, her fingers tightening slightly at her side. Why is his loyalty so high? What binds him to me so deeply?
No answer came, and she did not linger on the question. Instead, a slow, measured smile tugged at her lips. The more capable people gathered around her, the stronger her path forward would be.
"This meeting," she thought silently, her gaze drifting back to the black Bugatti glinting in the sunlight, "is about to become much more interesting."