After chatting for a while, Luo Xianxue still hadn't agreed to Rui'an Luo's proposal to attend university, but she hadn't refused either.
This was one of her rare chances to choose freely.
University wasn't something she craved, yet a strange, inexplicable anticipation lingered deep in her heart.
At 9 PM, Luo Xianxue returned to the mansion by car. Li Yansheng, who had handled her social duties at the hotel all evening, knocked on Rui'an Luo's door once the guests had mostly left and stepped inside.
"Old Master, I'm here," Li Yansheng said, giving a slight bow to show respect.
Rui'an Luo gestured to the seat opposite him, poured a glass of water without any airs, and said, "Sit. Xianxue changed quite a bit tonight. Has something happened at the mansion?"
Li Yansheng had been sent by Rui'an Luo to serve as Luo Xianxue's butler. Beyond caretaking, his role included regular updates like this—it was perfectly normal.
Hearing the question, Li Yansheng took a sip of water and shook his head slightly. "Nothing major. The only thing worth mentioning is that the Head Maid at the mansion has been overstepping her bounds."
In Li Yansheng's view, since the Old Master had placed him there, there was no need to report how the Lady secretly won over new maids and guards. Such minor tactics were expected in wealthy families. Even if mentioned, it wouldn't catch the Old Master's eye. Did he really think this doting grandfather didn't know the Lady's true nature? Truthfully, the Luo family was exceptionally eccentric compared to others.
This eccentricity showed in two ways. First, Luo family members were universally stunning—excellent genes made the men handsome and the women beautiful. Even eighty-year-old Rui'an Luo stood tall with an unyielding spirit visible in his posture. The current head, Luo Nuo Yan, in his middle age, was a handsome, mature gentleman. And Luo Xianxue's beauty ranked among the best in the capital.
Second was a rumor Li Yansheng wasn't sure was true: every Luo family member had some obsession. Rui'an Luo doted on his granddaughter, Luo Nuo Yan on his daughter, and even Luo Xianxue's uncle and aunt were obsessed with their niece. All these fixations centered on one thing—cuteness. Luo Xianxue herself was incredibly adorable and sweetly gentle. He'd heard this trait was hereditary, dating back to the ancient founders, sisters Luo Xiaomeng and Luo Xiaomo. Every Luo descendant inexplicably fixated on cute things. It was simply a family quirk.
Li Yansheng stole a glance at Rui'an Luo. As an outsider, he could only think such things and dared not say more.
Rui'an Luo tapped the table lightly with one hand and asked slowly, "Tell me about that Head Maid."
"She was placed there by my mother two years ago," Li Yansheng replied. "Now she frequently interacts with the second young master. My investigation shows she's been deliberately consolidating power in the mansion. Since two years ago, she established a set of so-called rules with the Lady, managing most affairs until last week when the Lady abolished them."
As Li Yansheng reported this, he clearly saw Rui'an Luo frown slightly at the words "my mother" and "the second young master." That small detail energized him. Sure enough, the Old Master favored the Lady. If he handled things well and gained her trust, his future would be bright!
Li Yansheng quickly added, "I also found the Head Maid seems to have embezzled mansion funds, but I couldn't uncover the exact amount or evidence."
"So, it's one hundred percent problematic, then?" Rui'an Luo asked calmly.
Li Yansheng pressed his lips together, still not mentioning the Lady's dislike for the Head Maid, and nodded. "I'm certain there's a problem."
"Alright!" Rui'an Luo's eyes flickered. "I'll have someone investigate. You just continue caring for Xianxue. Contact me if issues arise."
"Understood," Li Yansheng said, joy flashing in his eyes. The Old Master truly wanted him to fully align with the Lady—this was about supporting her rise!
Then Li Yansheng saw Rui'an Luo sigh slightly. "Xianxue's personality is too soft. You need to keep a closer eye on her at the mansion."
Immediately, Li Yansheng's expression turned peculiar. Old Master, do you misunderstand softness? The Lady had already secretly ordered the Head Maid's removal. Recently, the newly transferred Zheng Yu was handed directly to Mossy Fir for handling, with a hint he could be eliminated if useless. And you call this soft?
But Li Yansheng, a seasoned social elite, instantly grasped Rui'an Luo's meaning. To ordinary people like him, the Lady seemed cold and strong—but to the wealthy elite, this was mere child's play. The Old Master meant many things were unbecoming for the Lady to handle directly. That's where his role as butler came in—to take the blame. Her soft, cute image was for public consumption; her dark side must stay hidden. Hence, he needed to be the "black-hearted butler." No wonder the Old Master's thoughts ran deeper than others.
Having understood, Li Yansheng nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, Old Master. I understand everything!"
Rui'an Luo observed his serious expression, puzzled but nodding. He truly got it. This sharp, diligent young man had been a good choice to transfer.
Meanwhile, in Chen Mo's hospital room, hours earlier, he hadn't floated as a soul upon returning like usual. The moment his task completed, he lost consciousness—the new reward, seventy percent body recovery, had already activated. With his body healing, he could no longer drift out as a spirit.
Now at 10 PM, three doctors surrounded his bed. Ge Yihai watched the monitors, exhaustion on his face but excitement unmistakable. Every patient's recovery added goodness to the world. Especially this one, ordered for special care from above—how could he, the attending physician, not thrill at the improvement?
The next day, Chen Mo still hadn't woken, but all monitor data showed rapid recovery. His parents, sister, and well-connected relatives arrived to visit.
Another day passed. With a slight twitch of Chen Mo's fingers, he woke.
