At 8:55 a.m., a taxi screeched to a halt at the gates of Yuhua Manor.
Chen Mengyao’s heart ached as she pulled out 20 yuan and handed it to the driver. If she’d had more time, she could have taken the bus—it would’ve only cost 2 yuan. Still, at least the money wasn’t wasted. She had made it to Yuhua Manor before nine o’clock and wouldn’t be late.
She quickly opened the door, barely glancing at her surroundings before rushing toward the manor. But just as she reached the gate, a group of armed security guards stopped her.
“Sorry, miss, no outsiders are allowed inside,” said the security captain, Wang Qiang, with a stern face as he stepped forward with his men.
“I…I am…” Chen Mengyao stammered, her face flustered and breath quick from running. After pausing to steady herself, she continued nervously, “I’m here to see CEO Lu.”
“Do you have an appointment?” Wang Qiang asked coldly.
“N-no…” she faltered, her voice dropping as she whispered, “He told me to come.”
“Oh?” Wang Qiang raised his brows, studying her closely. She was simply dressed, clean, her features delicate and pure. Exactly the type that matched CEO Lu’s rumored preferences. Probably a newly hired maid? he thought.
As a security guard, he had seen all kinds of women entering CEO Lu’s villa—actresses, singers, models—he was no stranger to it. But with so many women trying to cling to the powerful, he preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble. “Please wait here while I report this,” he said.
“Thank you,” Chen Mengyao said quickly, her tone full of gratitude.
“You’re welcome. Please wait a moment,” Wang Qiang replied politely.
Chen Mengyao stood obediently by the side, anxious, lips pressed tightly together as she lowered her head. She checked her phone.
8:57. Just three minutes left… If she was delayed any further, she would really be late. Her heart clenched tighter and tighter.
As she prayed silently, Wang Qiang returned from the guardroom. She immediately looked up, eyes filled with hope, and asked nervously, “Well? Can I go in?”
But Wang Qiang shook his head. “Sorry, miss. I just called CEO Lu’s steward. He said CEO Lu is still sleeping, and he doesn’t dare disturb him.”
“This… what should I do…” Chen Mengyao froze in place, dumbfounded.
Chen Mengyao shook her head, her eyes reddening as she fought back tears. “No, I can’t. I’m here to work. CEO Lu told me to be at the villa before nine. I can’t be late…”
Wang Qiang checked the time. 8:58. He scratched his head awkwardly. “Even if I let you in now, you wouldn’t make it. From here to CEO Lu’s villa takes at least ten minutes by car.”
Chen Mengyao fell silent. So Lu Chen’s so-called fifteen minutes had been a deliberate trick. It was impossible to get from Emperor Group to his villa in that time.
“What do I do…” she muttered helplessly, staring up at the imposing Yuhua Manor. Her legs trembled, almost giving out beneath her.
Wang Qiang shook his head. “There’s no way, miss. CEO Lu’s temper when waking is serious. We can only wait.”
Hearing this, Chen Mengyao suddenly thought of something. She bit her lip, took out her phone again, and dialed Lu Chen’s number.
The ringing made her nerves tighten. At last, the call connected.
“Speak,” came a lazy male voice.
Chen Mengyao drew a deep breath, summoning her courage. “CEO Lu, I’ve already arrived at Yuhua Manor, but I can’t get in. Could you give me another ten minutes…”
She had expected to be scolded. But to her surprise, Lu Chen agreed easily. “No problem. I’m in a good mood today. I’ll give you ten more minutes.”
Chen Mengyao froze, stunned. “R-really?”
On the other end, a faint voice came: “Eat properly, don’t get distracted.”
“Huh?” Chen Mengyao blinked in confusion. “Eat what?”
“Not talking to you,” Lu Chen sighed, then added calmly, “You now have nine minutes and fifty seconds.”
Her eyes widened, panic rising. “Wait, wait! Can you at least tell the gate guards to let me in?”
Lu Chen chuckled, his tone cool and emotionless. “Beg me.”
“No? Then figure it out yourself. If you can’t make it in ten minutes, don’t blame me for docking your pay,” he said, hanging up without hesitation.
“Hello? Hello!” Chen Mengyao called out, stunned as the busy tone echoed in her ear. He had hung up so decisively, without leaving any room for negotiation.
He was unpredictable, heartless, and seemed to enjoy making things difficult for her. Chen Mengyao fumed, her fists clenched, stomping her foot in frustration. But no matter how angry she was, she had to give in.
Resigned, she called again, biting her lip, her voice small and aggrieved. “P-please…”
“Not sincere enough,” Lu Chen said flatly.
Swallowing her humiliation, Chen Mengyao pleaded softly, “CEO Lu, please…”
Satisfied, Lu Chen smirked. “Now that’s better. Give the phone to Wang Qiang. I’ll have him send you up.”
Pouting, Chen Mengyao handed the phone to Wang Qiang.
He glanced at the phone, his face full of suspicion. Was this girl really talking to CEO Lu? And why hadn’t he gotten angry?
“Wang Qiang, send her up,” Lu Chen’s voice ordered through the receiver.
Wang Qiang straightened instantly, replying respectfully, “Yes, CEO Lu!”
Moving quickly, he personally drove Chen Mengyao up to the villa halfway up the mountain.
When she got out of the car, Wang Qiang rolled down the window and said meaningfully, “Miss, CEO Lu must be very fond of you. He didn’t even show his usual temper when woken. You’d better treasure this chance.”
Chen Mengyao froze on the spot, stunned.
Could this be… favoritism?
…