Often, beyond words and expressions, a person’s actions reveal their character and current thoughts.

Chen Mo leaned back in his chair, his posture turning casual—subtly signaling his dominance to Jiang Jie. But he wasn’t overly arrogant; the Head Maid had earned her position for a reason. He’d test the waters first.

At his words, Jiang Jie frowned slightly. “Lady, this breaks the rules. The Mansion’s regulations were set long ago and have remained unchanged. The maids are all accustomed to them.”

“Who set these rules?” Chen Mo rested one hand on the table, his index finger tapping lightly.

In the silent room, aside from birds chirping outside and their breathing, only the sound of his tapping remained.

A stifling atmosphere spread around them. Chen Mo didn’t look at Jiang Jie, simply waiting for her reply.

Environment shapes people—that much was true. The rhythmic tapping echoed in her ears, and Jiang Jie found herself lowering her head slightly. “I established them based on your wishes at the time, Lady. You confirmed and approved these rules back then.”

Jiang Jie had quickly gathered her thoughts before speaking. Though she’d set most rules, Luo Xianxue had been present then. The subtlety of her wording now proved useful.

This was all too strange. The usually obedient Lady seemed changed. Though she still wore that gentle smile, beneath it, Jiang Jie felt a trace of unease.

“Change them.”

Chen Mo remained smiling, but his voice held a hint of a probing sigh. This made Jiang Jie look up in confusion. Was the Lady… starting to rebel?

She couldn’t fathom it. The Lady, who had always obeyed her, had suddenly become self-willed—even abolishing these rules. It was as if she’d become a completely different person!

Jiang Jie had always kept a close eye on Luo Xianxue. She’d planned to use this rule-breaking to tighten regulations further, adding more restrictions. But now, she felt that was impossible. Jiang Jie had the illusion the person before her wasn’t her Lady. After all, as rumored in the Mansion, she and Luo Xianxue occasionally had minor disagreements.

Suppressing her doubts, Jiang Jie didn’t act rashly. Instead, she adopted a humble posture. “How should we change them?”

Chen Mo paused, then said slowly, “How do you want to change them?”

He wasn’t asking Jiang Jie; he was asking Luo Xianxue. But to Jiang Jie, it sounded like he was asking her. She hesitated. Was the Lady testing her stance?

In any case, it was best to placate her for now. She could investigate what had happened over the past two days later.

Jiang Jie replied, “You decide, my Lady.”

Hearing this, Chen Mo couldn’t help but respect her more. Truly, no one in a wealthy household was simple. This short exchange was laden with subtle tests. Though Chen Mo had been reasonable, if Jiang Jie had faltered even slightly, he could have exploited it to push further. Unfortunately, she didn’t give him that chance.

Just then, Luo Xianxue’s voice echoed in his mind: “Could we remove some daily restrictions? I’d like to manage my own time during regular hours.”

She was tired of having every hour of her day scheduled. This regimented life had gone on for years. Luo Xianxue had wanted to bring this up long ago but hadn’t dared. Though the rules restricted her, the maids in the Mansion were content. From her tone, Chen Mo even detected a hint of caution. He didn’t know what she was so afraid of.

Chen Mo sighed inwardly and said to Jiang Jie, “Keep everything as is for the servants. Cancel all rules concerning me. I’ll manage my own activities and time. Assign the new maid, Mossy Fir, to my side. I’ll have her convey any messages for me.”

“This…” Jiang Jie hadn’t expected such changes. She was momentarily speechless.

“What, do you have an objection?”

“I still hope you maintain a regular routine, Lady—structured living and studying to become more excellent. This is also your parents’ wish.” Jiang Jie invoked the elders’ authority.

Chen Mo smiled at her but didn’t reply.

Finally, Jiang Jie’s eyebrows twitched. She stepped back and bowed. “Apologies, Lady. I overstepped. I’ll follow your wishes.”

As she was halfway out, Chen Mo suddenly called out, “Wait.”

Before Jiang Jie could turn, she heard his next words: “Don’t think I know nothing. If you wish to keep this position until retirement, you know what to do.”

After a slight shudder, Jiang Jie left the room.

After a moment, Luo Xianxue exclaimed in Chen Mo’s mind, “Phantom Sir, you’re incredible! Aunt Jiang was so gentle this time!”

Chen Mo shook his head slightly. “Probably because I’m not like the usual you. She must be confused too.”

“Is that so? I could never speak to Aunt Jiang like that. Whenever she looks at me sternly, I feel scared,” Luo Xianxue said, her voice tinged with envy.

Chen Mo replied, “Next time when I’m not around, if someone asks you something or says something to you, and you don’t know how to respond, just keep a stern face and stay silent. Ignore whatever they say. If you must speak, just say to let Mossy Fir handle it.”

“The new maid?” Thanks to Chen Mo, Luo Xianxue also remembered Mossy Fir.

Chen Mo nodded slightly. “Yes, Mossy Fir is trustworthy for now, and she’s quite smart.”

And most importantly, Mossy Fir had ambition. As a new maid, she was already scheming to overthrow the Head Maid and take her place. At least in the short term, Luo Xianxue was someone Mossy Fir needed to rely on.

“Of course, you can also go to the new butler.” Chen Mo added. Though he didn’t know much about the new butler, he knew he was an ally.

Nothing was simple here. Whether it was Mossy Fir or the Head Maid, neither was a pushover. In this wealthy household, Chen Mo didn’t dare underestimate anyone.

Hearing his instructions, Luo Xianxue responded firmly, “Okay!”

Then she asked, “But Phantom Sir, about that last thing you said to Aunt Jiang—how did you find out about what she’s been doing?”

“I don’t know anything.” Chen Mo stretched, picked up a cream-filled biscuit from the table, took a bite, and closed his eyes in satisfaction. Strawberry-flavored. Delicious.

“If you didn’t know, why did you say that?”

Chen Mo replied between bites, “I recalled some information Mossy Fir had gathered earlier. I just bluffed her. I didn’t expect there to be real problems—she felt guilty.”

“Really? I didn’t notice.”

“Because you’re dumb.”

“Huh? How am I dumb!”

Hearing the panic in her voice, Chen Mo found it amusing. It was just a tease—surely she didn’t take it seriously? He glanced at the system panel; the affection level had reached 77.

Chen Mo ate the biscuit casually. “Ever heard of ‘big breasts, no brains’?”

“Ugh… Phantom Sir, pervert!”

Chen Mo: “???”