In a guest room of the Mansion, Li Yansheng sat on a chair, his hands and feet icy cold. His right leg twitched rhythmically. A closer look revealed his lips were slightly chapped.
From time to time, he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe sweat that wasn’t there. Occasionally, he glanced at the empty water glass and teapot on the table. After a peek at the maid standing outside the door, he suppressed his urge to drink.
He was the new butler, and it was obvious—he was nervous. Very nervous.
As a highly educated social elite, even though his social experience spanned only one year—spent assisting Old Master Luo without any earth-shattering achievements—he was still a social elite. With his abilities and status, he could earn over 100,000 yuan monthly anywhere else.
But now, he was a butler—in the kind of position where one misstep could get you dumped in the river by tycoons.
At first, when Old Master Luo assigned him here, Li Yansheng was brimming with confidence. Just a butler for a Mansion? Such a small place, so few people—it’d be a piece of cake. After a year or so here, he’d marry a gorgeous heiress and reach life’s peak. He even felt overqualified.
But it was an order from above. What could he say? Rather, it showed Old Master Luo’s trust. Endure a while, wait for his satisfaction, and prominence would follow.
Then, Li Yansheng noticed something was off. Before taking office, Old Master Luo had instructed: “Just be a good butler. For things you shouldn’t ask or know, handle them yourself.” At first, he didn’t grasp it. But thinking he should investigate, he did—and was stunned.
His “master” was actually Old Master Luo’s only granddaughter, Lady Luo Xianxue. When did the Luo family gain a young lady? How did he not know? Wasn’t the current head, Luo Nuo Yan, only having two sons? How did a daughter appear?
Li Yansheng worked for the Luos and was Old Master Luo’s confidant. He knew they were China’s top family, with companies nationwide. Old Master Luo had three sons. The eldest, Luo Nuo Yan, had two sons and no daughters. The second son had one daughter and no sons. The third, nearly forty, was unmarried. And now he was told the Mansion’s master was Luo Nuo Yan’s daughter, Luo Xianxue?
Before arriving, Li Yansheng’s mind raced through clichés from over-the-top novels—like Luo Nuo Yan having an affair. Instantly, he understood Old Master Luo’s warning. But further investigation reassured him: his young lady was gentle and adorable. Great! Being butler would be effortless. Her background showed docility—or bluntly, weakness. This kind of Lady was easiest to handle. He could just coast along.
Li Yansheng arrived at the Mansion full of confidence. But right after entering, he overheard maids discussing. “Lady is cool and aloof!” “Lady’s word is law!” “Lady can eat three strawberry-filled cookies in one go!” What? Wasn’t she supposed to be gentle and timid, unable to refuse anyone? Cool and aloof? Her word is law? This didn’t match his research at all!
Before reaching the guest room, a maid named Mossy Fir greeted him. Li Yansheng noticed she gave him a pitying look, like at a lost puppy. What now? Why that expression? He was just here to greet Lady and start happily. Why did she act like he’d never exit the study room alive?
Probing indirectly, Li Yansheng found Mossy Fir extremely aloof. Her presence was terrifying. Before entering, she bluntly told him, “Perform to Lady’s satisfaction. Only then might you stay in the Mansion.” Li Yansheng was puzzled. Why would a maid speak so boldly to him, the future butler? Didn’t she fear retaliation? Then he realized—she was warning him.
He was Old Master Luo’s direct appointee. Lady couldn’t fire him without his grandfather’s approval. Where else would he be but in the Mansion? But on second thought, it didn’t specify alive or dead. Plus, the maids’ descriptions of Lady. She was definitely not the gentle, weak-willed girl from his files. He must win her favor in the interview.
Li Yansheng fidgeted anxiously in the guest room, waiting long for Luo Xianxue. She didn’t come. He grew so tense he needed the restroom. After nearly half an hour, Chen Mo finally appeared outside the study room. Slowly, he walked in.
Li Yansheng glanced at Chen Mo and was utterly shocked. Nothing like the investigation. Just his aura was icy cold. Sitting opposite, Chen Mo said calmly, “Introduce yourself first.” Li Yansheng hurriedly stood, bowed slightly, and stammered through his introduction.
Chen Mo smiled faintly. “No need to be nervous. I won’t eat you. Since Grandpa assigned you, did he say anything?” Li Yansheng nodded slightly. “Old Master Luo told me to care for Lady and follow her commands.”
“I see. Good.” Chen Mo nodded, then listed Mansion rules. Finally: “The Head Maid returns tonight. Coordinate with her. Follow my requirements. For anything else, ask maids or security. Start tomorrow. Any issues?” Li Yansheng nodded firmly. “No problem.”
He was puzzled. Was it really this simple? Not as dire as Mossy Fir implied? Aside from being aloof and domineering, Lady seemed decent. With this thought, Chen Mo walked out. Li Yansheng felt confused. Had he overimagined everything?
Then Mossy Fir entered and slowly closed the door. “You’ve finished with Lady. Now, let’s talk,” she said calmly. Li Yansheng nodded slightly and sat back down. He sensed dissonance but couldn’t place it. He didn’t dare underestimate her—she clearly knew things he didn’t.
Her first words scared him: “You’re lucky. Lady is quite satisfied with you. Congratulations on surviving.”
