Liu Duanhe suddenly looked up at him, his peripheral vision catching the jacket draped nearby. As if a thought had occurred to him, he smiled slightly. “You noticed?”
Secretary Wei, impeccably dressed in a suit and tie, the very picture of an elite professional, shook his head with a solemn expression, a hint of confusion on his face. “Noticed what?”
Liu Duanhe crossed his right leg over his left, leaned back against the chair, and folded his arms. His long brows arched slightly, his phoenix eyes nearly perfect in contour, bright as stars. He let out a scoffing laugh. “Is that so?”
Secretary Wei’s breath hitched for a moment, and just as he was about to catch Liu Duanhe in a slip, the latter gave up the game instead, saying casually, “It doesn’t matter. Even if you did notice, it’s no big deal. I was just teasing you, no need to be so tense.”
He continued reading the documents in his hand, signing his name once he confirmed everything was in order. The car drove smoothly; even in motion, Liu Duanhe’s wrist didn’t tremble in the slightest.
By the time he finished reviewing the documents, they had just arrived at the old estate. Though called an “old estate,” it was actually situated in the bustling city center, thanks to ancestors who had been shrewd and possessed considerable foresight, offering tranquility amidst the noise. It had been renovated multiple times in recent years, its decor elegant and refined, blending understated luxury with tasteful charm.
The old master had no airs about him. He stood at the entrance, leaning on his cane, his silver-white hair combed back neatly with meticulous precision, exuding an imposing dignity that commanded respect without a word.
Secretary Wei got out first and opened the car door. Liu Duanhe tucked away the documents and stepped out, greeting him with measured coolness. “Grandfather, why did you come to the door?”
Knowing full well how cold his true temperament was, and understanding the reasons behind it, the old man didn’t take offense. He merely gave him a long, deep look and let out a sigh.
At the root of it all, it was the sin he and that troublesome son and daughter-in-law had committed.
When he turned around, his back seemed to stoop a little more. “Come in. Tell me, what’s been going on with you lately? You get hurt and hide away in the hospital, not even coming home.”
He paused mid-step, then added, “Look at my memory, age does take its toll. I remembered just a moment ago. Secretary Wei, you come in and join us for a meal too. After all, you’ve been with Xiao He for so long now; we’re all familiar.”
Winding corridors and twisting paths, a new view at every step, every brick trodden upon carried the scent of money. In a city where land was worth its weight in gold, setting aside space for greenery was an act of extreme extravagance.
Though Secretary Wei had visited the Liu family’s old estate many times since being promoted to Chief Secretary to the eldest young master, he still clicked his tongue in awe every time he walked through. Some things, truly, if you weren’t born with them, were nearly impossible to acquire later.
The first time he’d come, he’d secretly calculated how many square meters he could afford with his current salary if he saved every penny for a lifetime without spending a cent. Now, his progress showed in the fact that he no longer entertained such thoughts at all.
Moreover, as long as he made no mistakes, Liu Duanhe was arguably the most perfect boss one could ask for, so long as there were results and profits, he was lavish with material rewards.
Secretary Wei, brimming with motivation, organized the signed documents into his briefcase and followed behind Liu Duanhe.
The old steward stood to the old master’s right, while Liu Duanhe supported his left arm. Flawlessly executed, anyone who saw them would remark on the harmonious atmosphere.
Yet the old master’s face showed neither gratification nor pleasure. He only asked in a low voice, “How exactly were you injured the other day?”
“I only learned about your head injury and hospitalization from that Chen boy. You never tell me anything, do you really think you’re made of iron?”
A desolate wind swept down, scattering a few leaves and twigs. Since night had already fallen, the old estate was now brightly lit, after all, at the old master’s age, a fall from failing to see the path clearly would be no small matter.
The streetlamps were designed with discreet shapes, blending seamlessly into the estate’s antique, elegant character.
The artificial light cast half his face in shadow, draping a layer of allure over his hair strands. Upon hearing this, his gaze remained unmoved, and he replied in a flat tone, “Just a minor injury. Was it Chen Xingdong who told you? He meddles too much.”