In a wealthy household, you can't think like an ordinary person. Everyone here is more than they appear.

Luo Xianxue thrived with her innocence only because she was the Lady. Yet even she had her authority secretly siphoned by the Head Maid. Others fared far worse.

Take Mossy Fir—a new maid. The moment she sensed an opportunity, she revealed her ambition to replace the Head Maid.

As the Mansion’s butler, how could Li Yansheng be simple?

He deliberately mentioned the Head Maid to me, paired with that scrutinizing gaze. Clearly scheming.

Few didn’t know about Luo Xianxue’s friction with the Head Maid. So, stepping into his shoes—

Was his scrutiny testing if this Lady could be used?

Casually bringing up the Head Maid sending staff served two purposes: boosting his favor with me, and worsening my rift with her.

When the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman profits!

He, too, coveted the Head Maid’s power.

I’d assumed anyone sent by Luo Xianxue’s grandfather was an ally. Never expected this guy hid cards up his sleeve.

Inwardly shocked, Chen Mo feigned indifference. "Share your thoughts."

Li Yansheng startled. Was the Lady testing him?

Coupled with Chen Mo’s earlier guard replacement plan, Li Yansheng grasped his intent.

The Mansion’s new maids were nearly under the Lady’s control. Next were the guards—subduing them would bring immense leverage.

Truly the Lady—her mind was razor-sharp. Mossy Fir’s words held truth.

The Lady had hidden herself. Her usual gentleness was likely an act. Her cold spells signaled new staff: Luo Xianxue would no longer hide. A new era dawned.

Growing more impressed, Li Yansheng presented his plan. "How about this, Lady? Transfer Mossy Fir as your personal maid. Let Zheng Yu take her old post. And have Mossy Fir watch Zheng Yu."

As the Lady’s trusted aide, this was ideal.

Though Mossy Fir moved to Luo Xianxue’s side, the maid rotation continued. Making her personal ensured Zheng Yu’s schemes would never pass her scrutiny.

The Lady would surely approve.

Li Yansheng felt confident.

But Chen Mo’s heart churned anew.

This butler’s ambition surpassed his expectations.

He played the mantis stalking the cicada—yet aimed to be the hunter killing the oriole.

First, pit me against the Head Maid. Then throw in Mossy Fir, hungry for the Head Maid role. Stirring the waters completely.

His goal wasn’t just the Head Maid’s power—it was control of the entire Mansion.

Without possessing Luo Xianxue, her gentle nature would make her a pawn. When Mossy Fir and the Head Maid clashed, Luo Xianxue couldn’t resist. Li Yansheng, holding butler and maid authority, would bind her.

Wouldn’t the Mansion then be his alone?

Damn, he’s operating on the fifth level.

Luckily, I, Chen Mo, saw through his scheme from these clues.

Chen Mo nodded. "Do it. Pay special attention to Zheng Yu."

The true hunter often appears as prey.

You’re not facing the naive Luo Xianxue.

This butler needed watching too. First, get him on the Head Maid’s radar. Indeed, only Mossy Fir was on his side. Until the Head Maid fell, they’d be absolute allies.

Watching Li Yansheng leave, Chen Mo finally breathed.

After recovery, he’d binge-watch *Empresses in the Palace*. Truly, not a moment’s slack here.

Outside, Li Yansheng was equally shocked. One sentence from the Lady sealed Zheng Yu’s fate. "Pay special attention"... meaning Zheng Yu had zero value.

Truly the Lady who hid for years—terrifying.

Luo Xianxue witnessed it all but stayed silent, except when Chen Mo spoke.

She trusted his plans. Her nature never interrupted his focus.

Their chats: early on, she chattered from curiosity. Later, Chen Mo led most conversations.

Like now—after Li Yansheng left, she said nothing.

Chen Mo asked, "Aren’t you curious why I agreed to your brother’s birthday party?"

"If Phantom Sir arranged it, it must be fine," Luo Xianxue replied. She knew he’d possess her that day.

Chen Mo feigned evil. "This rare chance—I’ll kidnap you! Then escape this Mansion forever in your body."

"Can I stay at your place, Phantom Sir?" She wasn’t scared—just excited.

Chen Mo froze. His tease failed, hit by a deadly question.

"Alright, no teasing. I’ll take you out to play."

"Okay!"

Her mood shifted to pure anticipation. She’d never longed for the outside like this.

Such an easy-to-read girl.

Yet her favorability remained stuck at 79.

"Keep drawing," Chen Mo said. He fleshed out the male lead’s design, warning her of manga pitfalls.

Drawing for fun was fine, but publishing meant avoiding toxic tropes or sloppy details. Readers wouldn’t hold back.

Since Chen Mo’s simulation ended by afternoon, he was forced back to his hospital bed. His body slowly improved—if there was a progress bar.

A healthy person was at 90%. He was likely at 20-30%.

He checked the system panel. Luo Xianxue’s stats unchanged, but her state read "reluctant to part."

He guessed it was from his departure. The system showed their moods even when he wasn’t possessing them, hinting at their troubles.

Meanwhile, Yun Song—the girl who saved Little Ash—saw her favorability drop from 54 to 50.