“Young Master, please come with me to the car. The Master and Madam are waiting for you.”
An ostentatious red carpet stretched out, flanked by two rows of bodyguards in black suits. A booming voice rang out as they bowed in unison toward the handsome youth standing at the entrance of Jinghai City’s First Experimental High School.
Xiao Changyan was dressed in his blue-and-white school uniform. His elegant, jade-like face was expressionless, radiating a detached, cold nobility that made him look like a refined young master from a prestigious family.
Even though he was currently cringing so hard he could have carved out a Magic Fortress with his toes, he had to maintain his noble and icy facade. His parents had told him: when you’re navigating school life, you must always keep your persona in mind to remain invincible.
“…You must have the wrong person.”
When he spoke, his voice was clear and low-pitched, possessing the unique purity of a youth but wrapped in a layer of frost that kept people at a distance. The students who had been secretly watching from the sidelines after school immediately fell silent and cautious.
It was currently dismissal time at First Experimental High School. This school didn’t favor dorm life, implementing a commuter policy instead. The tenth graders had already left, but most of the eleventh graders recognized Xiao Changyan, and they were all craning their necks to watch the spectacle.
Compared to the uniform rows of bicycles and the bus that had finally circled back around, the sight at the end of the red carpet—a red Maserati—was far more eye-catching.
The boy standing next to Xiao Changyan was a head shorter, with fair skin and a bit of baby fat. At this moment, his face was filled with shock as he stared at his best friend, his expression practically screaming, ‘Holy crap, dude, are you actually some wealthy heir?’
His name was Cao Ziming, the “childhood friend” of the cold school heartthrob, Xiao Changyan.
The two had grown up together, from kindergarten all the way to First Experimental High School. He was also the one who had single-handedly masterminded Xiao Changyan’s reputation as the most handsome school hunk and top student across Jinghai City’s major high schools.
“Young Master Changyan, this is your father on the line. Please take the call.”
A bodyguard wearing white gloves handed over a smartphone. Xiao Changyan glanced at the screen to see the call was in progress before taking it. He heard his father’s deep, mellow voice from the other end.
“A-Yan, get into Auntie Zhuge’s bodyguards’ car. Your mother and I are waiting for you at the restaurant.”
…What is this old man pretending for? Why is he speaking so gently?
“Mhm.”
The moment Xiao Changyan uttered a single word, the old man decisively hung up, leaving only the beep-beep-beep of the dial tone.
He returned the phone to the bodyguard, who offered a friendly smile.
“These people should be friends of my parents. They’ve invited them to dinner and came to pick me up on the way. Ziming, go home on your own.”
Xiao Changyan only spoke more than a few words when he was with Cao Ziming. Cao Ziming nodded like a chick pecking for grain, his face flushed with excitement and his eyes gleaming with the look of someone who had ‘seen through the truth.’
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll go back myself. You go have a good dinner.”
…
Note to self: I need to remind Cao Ziming to stop reading those brainless novels. His brain is rotting.
Still maintaining his cold demeanor, Xiao Changyan desperately wanted to ignore the red carpet that felt like a celebrity’s grand entrance. A second later, the friendly bodyguard bowed slightly and made a “please” gesture.
“Young Master, please board the vehicle!!”
!!!
Enough! I heard you! Shut up!!! How much are they paying you a month to try this hard? Have you no shame?
The two rows of bodyguards bowed in unison, their voices perfectly synchronized. Xiao Changyan’s toes instantly carved out two sets of luxury school-district apartments inside his sneakers. Then, with a posture as straight as a pine tree, he stepped onto the red carpet with composed strides. Amidst the respectful gazes of the bodyguards and the curious stares of his classmates, he walked toward the Maserati that he couldn’t afford even if he were sold.
The magma-red body of the car was sleek and opulent. Just a glance felt like smelling the scent of money; it was as dazzling as a burning flame.
As Xiao Changyan approached, a bodyguard opened the door and considerately placed a gloved hand over the roof edge. Every movement was incredibly professional. Once Xiao Changyan bent over to get in, the door was carefully closed, shielding him from the prying eyes outside.
Sitting in such a luxurious car for the first time, Xiao Changyan’s brain felt a bit sluggish as he buckled his seatbelt. Only then did the driver start the engine. The softness beneath him made it impossible for Xiao Changyan to relax; he felt incredibly nervous.
He knew his own father well. Aside from being handsome, the man didn’t have many outstanding qualities, let alone powerful friends. So, who exactly was this wealthy Auntie Zhuge?
The car slowly pulled away. As the red Maserati sped off like a streak of fire, several low-profile Mercedes followed behind like a guard of protectors, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Quite a few students couldn’t help but run over to cluster around Cao Ziming, chirping with questions.
“Cao Ziming! Was that car that picked up Xiao Changyan from his family? Is he really that rich?”
One boy was incredibly curious, though his tone held a hint of jealousy.
“So the rumors on the ‘School Hunk’ voting site were true? Xiao Changyan really is a young master from a wealthy family? Did he come to our First Experimental instead of a private school just to prove his own abilities?”
This female student had clearly been one of those who voted on the site. She firmly believed Xiao Changyan was a young master hiding his identity. Otherwise, how could he be so handsome and have such an aura!
“So the thing I heard about the principal begging Xiao Changyan to come to our school is true? And the Changming Library built last year was donated by his family, right?”
Another boy chimed in with a massive piece of gossip, causing the surrounding crowd to look enlightened. Cao Ziming couldn’t help but rub his nose and cough twice.
“Ahem! Though A-Yan and I are friends, I can’t just go around talking about his family matters. As long as you all understand in your hearts, that’s enough. He’s a low-key person, so I hope everyone won’t disturb him with these trifles.”
No one caught the guilty tone in the chubby boy’s voice. Instead, they all nodded mysteriously and even gave their word.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about this!”
“Right! None of us will say a word! But man, I never expected a wealthy heir to be right by my side. Xiao Changyan is so humble!”
“But with a display like today’s, is Xiao Changyan about to transfer? Has he proven himself, so now he’s being summoned back by his clan?”
The crowd chattered away. Cao Ziming was left speechless, thinking to himself: The backstories I made up for A-Yan weren’t nearly as impressive as yours. If I hadn’t grown up with him, I’d almost believe it too.
“Alright, alright, I’m heading off on my bike. See you guys Monday!”
He pushed through the crowd and fled, thinking about his parents’ previous guesses. Seeing such a spectacle today, it seemed A-Yan’s situation really was related to his parents. Could his parents’ theory be true—that those two were actually a runaway young master and a wealthy heiress who eloped together?
Xiao Changyan sat in the multi-million dollar luxury car in silence, surrounded by soft light music. As a fifteen-year-old high schooler, he had skipped two grades and was now a junior at First Experimental High School. His grades were excellent; he had been ranked first in the entire school since his freshman year, winning so many scholarships his hands were numb.
But right now, his smart brain couldn’t figure out how his beautiful but impoverished parents had met a wealthy auntie who owned a fleet of luxury cars.
If they had such friends, wouldn’t his parents have clung to their coattails long ago? Why wait until now?
He had a hundred guesses, but his face remained indifferent. The driver peeked through the rearview mirror at Young Master Xiao Changyan, thinking the boy was indeed exceptionally handsome, though he didn’t look much like his father.
They both had phoenix eyes, but while Mr. Xiao’s eyes were as gentle as water and a spring breeze, this young master’s eyes slanted upwards with an icy gaze. His porcelain-like profile was sharp and cold, giving off an aura of extreme detachment, like snow or a pine tree.
A handsome man’s son is also a handsome man—what enviable genes. No wonder Ms. Zhuge took a fancy to them; who wouldn’t like them?
The car moved smoothly along the road. Scenes flashed past the window. Usually, Xiao Changyan would be happy to ride in such a car, but now he had no heart for the scenery.
Thirty minutes later, the flame-red Maserati made a turn and entered Jinghai City’s top commercial district, the Haiyun Tower.
Don’t let the name fool you. Haiyun Tower sat in the most prosperous part of Jinghai City, standing eighty-one stories high. From the top floor, one could have a bird’s-eye view of the entire city.
The car expertly navigated to the underground garage. Once it came to a halt, Xiao Changyan didn’t move. A bodyguard had already stepped out to considerately open his door. Xiao Changyan exited under their service and immediately saw a pink, “girly” car parked in the opposite space.
It was a Ferrari, but the light pink color was truly eye-catching. After a bodyguard opened the door for that car, a girl stepped out wearing a red-and-white school uniform and black round-rimmed glasses. She looked every bit the top student, and her eyes lit up the moment she saw Xiao Changyan.
“Brother!”
Shen Jiaren ran over, clutching her backpack. The wind blew back her neat bangs, revealing a face as lovely as spring peach blossoms. Her charming eyes couldn’t hide their sparkle even behind her glasses.
This was Xiao Changyan’s fraternal twin sister, Shen Jiaren. One of them took their father Xiao Guanyun’s surname, and the other took their mother Shen Zhaoyue’s surname. As for why they didn’t go to the same school, it was originally because of school-district housing, and by high school, it was purely for the scholarships.
Both had excellent grades. Going to the same school would inevitably mean competing against each other, so they tacitly separated—one at First Experimental and the other at the High School Affiliated with Jinghai Polytechnic—fighting for those scholarships.
“Jiaren, were you also picked up by Auntie Zhuge’s people?” Xiao Changyan’s expression softened slightly upon seeing his sister, losing some of his coldness. He reached out to take the backpack from her, but the heavy weight made his hand dip.
The bodyguard nearby was very sharp and immediately reached out.
“Young Master Changyan, let me take that for you.”
He kindly took the backpack from Xiao Changyan. Shen Jiaren stuck out her tongue.
“It’s full of photos of you. I was going to sell them to my classmates, but it got awkward before I could even make a sale…”
She glanced sideways at the pink Ferrari and then at the helplessness in her brother’s eyes. The siblings exchanged a knowing look, confirming that neither of them knew who this Auntie Zhuge was.
“Young Master Changyan, Miss Jiaren, please follow me. Ms. Zhuge is waiting for you at the Cloud Restaurant on the top floor. Mr. Xiao and Ms. Shen are also there.”
Hearing that their parents were there, the two felt much more at ease. Besides, there were at least twenty or thirty bodyguards here, each over six feet tall with muscles bulging under their suits; they definitely couldn’t win a fight.
“Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Lei Ting, the chief of Ms. Zhuge’s security. I am responsible for managing and protecting Ms. Zhuge’s life and property. Young Master Changyan and Miss Jiaren may call me Uncle Lei.”
As he spoke, the three entered the elevator. The attendant pressed the button for the top floor. Xiao Changyan and Shen Jiaren had a stomach full of questions, but they had to maintain their image in front of outsiders. After calling him “Uncle Lei,” they remained silent.
The elevator ascended rapidly, reaching the eighty-first floor in just a few seconds. For some reason, both siblings felt a bit nervous. Dressed in their school uniforms, they felt out of place in the golden, magnificent Haiyun Tower. As the doors opened, Lei Ting led them toward the window.
The Cloud Restaurant on the top floor of Haiyun Tower was the most beautiful sight in Jinghai City. Dining here allowed one to see the entire city, and a single meal cost over five thousand yuan, requiring a reservation well in advance.
Today was the first time Xiao Changyan and Shen Jiaren had been here. The leisurely, moving music was relaxing, and the decor was stunningly beautiful. Every corner was a view.
Finally, they reached a long table by the window. They saw their father, Xiao Guanyun, in a suit, and their mother, Shen Zhaoyue, in a champagne-colored evening gown.
Aside from their old studio photos at home, the siblings hadn’t seen their parents dressed up so meticulously in a long time. They almost didn’t recognize them.
However, the most eye-catching person wasn’t their parents, but the woman sitting across from them. She had thick, lustrous curly hair and wore an ostentatious leopard-print gown. She sat there with her fair cleavage exposed, adorned with a gold necklace. A black shawl was draped casually over her arms, revealing a stack of gold and jade on her wrists.
On her left wrist, a carved gold bracelet was entwined with emerald-green jade. Both were precious items, but together they looked somewhat gaudy.
On her right wrist, she wore nothing, except for a warm white jade thumb ring. This ensemble… was truly the look of the nouveau riche.
Hearing the commotion, Xiao Guanyun and Shen Zhaoyue turned their heads and smiled at their children.
“A-Yan, Jiaren, come here. Let me introduce you to Auntie Zhuge.”
The two walked to the table somewhat awkwardly, unable to understand when their parents had met this Auntie Zhuge.
Xiao Guanyun looked at his children with a smile, saying nothing and letting his wife do the introductions.
Across from them, the wealthy woman, Zhuge Rui, looked at the children. Although she had seen their photos, seeing the twins in person was a delight to her heart.
“This is Auntie Zhuge Rui. Greet her.”
Shen Zhaoyue’s name suited her—her voice was as elegant as the moon, and she was as clean and pure as soft jade. With a bit of makeup and a simple evening gown paired with a single strand of pearls, she looked like a moon goddess.
“Hello, Auntie Zhuge. I am Xiao Changyan. You can call me A-Yan.”
“Hello, Auntie Zhuge. I am Shen Jiaren. You can call me Jiaren.”
The two were on their best behavior. Zhuge Rui looked them over, thinking about how these two were top of their class, and felt even more satisfied.
“A-Yan, Jiaren, I knew you two were paragons among men, and seeing you today proves it. I’ve prepared gifts for you; please don’t refuse.”
She clapped her hands, and Lei Ting stepped forward to hand the children two red envelopes.
The envelopes were thin and felt stiff—likely not containing much cash. Xiao Changyan and Shen Jiaren only accepted them once they saw their mother nod.
“Thank you, Auntie Zhuge.”
The two thanked her in unison, appearing incredibly well-behaved, which made Zhuge Rui like them even more.
“Just a small meeting gift. There’s a card inside with a million yuan. The password is your birthday. Go buy yourselves some toys.”
???
The siblings, who had just taken the envelopes, were stunned to hear they contained bank cards with a million yuan each! However, they were used to pretending. Xiao Changyan remained cold, and Shen Jiaren’s expression couldn’t be seen through her glasses.
Unexpectedly, their father, Xiao Guanyun, spoke next.
“If your Auntie Zhuge gave them to you, just take them. Come, sit down.”
He beckoned to his children. He seemed to be in a good mood today, his eyes crinkling with a smile, appearing as gentle as water. Xiao Changyan and Shen Jiaren couldn’t help but exchange a glance that said, ‘The old man’s acting up again.’
Still, they sat down. Now, the Xiao family of four sat opposite Zhuge Rui. The food hadn’t arrived yet. Outside the window was the beautiful scenery of Jinghai City, but the family of four had no time to look.
Zhuge Rui looked at the four of them and spoke her intentions with a beaming smile.
“To be honest, Ms. Shen, I’ve taken a fancy to your husband, Xiao Guanyun. I want him to become my husband. If you agree, I am willing to give you a villa in Jinghai City and twenty million in cash. What do you think, Ms. Shen?”