Ji Hua looked up in disbelief. “Aunt Liu, she…”
“Fine, you and your son decide the household matters yourselves.”
Han Wenzhou didn’t want this dispute to drag on any longer. After making the decision, he quickly left the villa.
A knot of frustration tightened in Ji Hua’s chest, leaving her feeling both aggrieved and indignant. “Oh, look at him, flaunting his boss’s authority even at home! Just wait until my son marries into the Jing family—let’s see if you still dare to look down on me!”
Then she turned eagerly to her son and asked gently:
“Shixu, how has Yuanxi been lately? Has she come to see you? Invite her over to the house sometime soon. You should spend more time together.”
At the mention of this, Han Shixu’s temper flared.
“Stay out of our business. Focus on your own marriage instead, before Dad really divorces you and you start making a scene again.”
Watching her son walk away, Ji Hua exploded once more, shouting at his retreating back, “Do either of you, father or son, have any respect for me? Honestly, haven’t I given enough for this family?”
Fuming, Ji Hua smashed a cup on the floor. “You’re so ungrateful!”
…
Song Zhenxian and her daughter were cleaning the villa together when they received Han Shixu’s call.
“Tomorrow? Alright, we can come over anytime.”
“May I ask what the monthly salary will be?”
“Yes, thank you.”
After hanging up, a faint smile finally appeared on Song Zhenxian’s aged face.
She walked over and snatched the mop from Song Enya’s hands, forcing her to take a break. “I’ll be earning eighteen thousand a month, and he just said you can live with me at the Han residence.”
“Right… you need to go back to school. The money we save should be enough for tuition.”
Her daughter had always been an excellent student, praised by every teacher.
Song Zhenxian’s greatest wish now was for her to return to school.
“But the first few months of your salary will have to go toward repaying him, remember?”
Even as she said this, Song Enya still longed to go back to school.
She didn’t want to suffer like this forever. Education was probably their only chance to change their fate.
Lost in thought, Song Enya rolled down her sleeves, went to her room, took out a little over a hundred yuan, and headed out.
“Where are you going?”
“To work and pay off the debt.”
…
“Our restaurant occasionally hosts distinguished guests. While serving, mind your words, keep your eyes and ears to yourself, and focus on your work.”
The supervisor walking ahead spoke sternly as he lectured them. Song Enya and the other servers followed behind, responding in unison.
After a full hour of instructions, the supervisor finally dismissed them.
“There’s a three-day probation period. Those who pass will stay. Alright, everyone head to your assigned private rooms and wait.”
This wasn’t Song Enya’s first time working as a server. She had plenty of experience, and luck was on her side—she found a job fairly quickly.
Although this restaurant had many rules, the pay was high. With full attendance bonuses, she could earn up to five hundred yuan a day.
“I know your father well. The fact that he’s still willing to see me means he still cares. Be patient for a few more days, and I’ll arrange for you two to meet.”
As soon as Song Enya pushed open the door to the private room, she overheard the conversation inside. Without changing her expression, she entered carrying a tray.
Looking further in, she saw an elegant, dignified woman and a young man around eighteen years old seated at the dining table.
Their faces bore a sixty percent resemblance, clearly marking them as mother and son.
However, the woman’s features were softer, belonging to the delicate and charming type.
The young man’s expression was rather cold and aloof, dressed impeccably. Had one not overheard this conversation, he would have seemed every bit the noble young master.
Song Enya subtly lowered her head and continued arranging the dishes.
The young man lifted his eyelids to glance at the server and asked, “You made me return to the country overnight just for this?”
“Of course not. I was worried about you being alone out there. Besides, how could abroad compare to home? I’m confident I can win over your father. Just wait and see—we’ll be able to go home soon.”
The woman spoke with growing excitement. “In a little while, I’ll have your father transfer you to Di’an International. I’ve heard it’s filled with nobles and aristocrats—the best school in the entire empire. Only a school like that is worthy of my son!”
Song Enya didn’t listen to the rest. She soon retreated from the private room, muttering softly as she left.
“These days, mistresses dare to be so brazen… I wonder who’s so unlucky.”
…
The next day, Song Zhenxian and her mother moved to the Han residence.
The taxi could only drop them off outside the villa area. Carrying their belongings, the two followed the directions Han Shixu had sent and made their way inside.
The luxurious villas were surrounded by unknown flowers and plants. Every few meters, a few caretakers could be seen trimming the greenery, while cleaners occasionally passed by with brooms and buckets.
As Song Enya looked around, she noticed sleek, spotless floor-to-ceiling windows embedded in the buildings. Through the railings, she caught glimpses of opulent chandeliers and various furnishings inside.
“These houses are truly beautiful…”
Song Zhenxian pursed her lips and followed quietly behind her.
Soon, they found the Han family villa.
“You must be the new arrivals?” Seeing the two looking around outside, an older servant emerged from inside.
Song Zhenxian nodded. “Yes.”
Noticing the servant glance at Song Enya beside her, she quickly explained, “I’ve already discussed it with the master of the house. She’ll stay in my room and won’t take up any extra space…”
“Alright, come in.”
The servant led them into the villa, giving instructions as they walked.
“You’ll stay in the room formerly occupied by Aunt Liu and take over her duties. I’ll explain the details to you later.”
“Understood.”
Song Enya followed behind, looking around in awe.
The tea set on the coffee table was exquisitely crafted, and the walls along the spiral staircase were adorned with various certificates of achievement.
Beyond the living room was a long corridor. Through semi-transparent glass, she could see an extravagantly large dining room, a room filled with gowns and dresses, and cabinets stocked with perfumes.
The servant ahead noticed the footsteps slowing and turned to see the girl staring at the walk-in closet.
“Why aren’t such delicate things stored upstairs? What if they accidentally get broken?” Song Enya whispered.
“The mistress said it’s more convenient this way, so another walk-in closet was built on the first floor.”
The servant glanced at their attire and added, “Don’t worry, this isn’t your responsibility. Specialized staff will take care of it.”
Song Enya nodded, taking one last look before following along.
“Well, this is your room. Try not to make too much noise—the mistress doesn’t like it.”
“Understood, understood.”
As soon as she entered the room, Song Enya set down her bags and began inspecting her new living quarters.