Today, Qin Cheng was set to meet someone he’d already arranged to see.

The eldest son of Liuxing Group—one of the nation’s top conglomerates—Xuan Yi.

Following Qin Cheng’s orders, Lao Biao moved swiftly and soon reached Xuan Yi.

But… though contact was made, Xuan Yi didn’t seem to take Qin Cheng’s purpose seriously.

Instead, he sent an invitation, summoning Qin Cheng to a party he was hosting at his own residence.

Muyue Residence.

Xuan Yi’s home also lay in the affluent district at the foot of Yunli Mountain—his to the west, Qin Cheng’s to the east.

The journey there was short.

Mu Yi’s Muyue Residence outshone Qin Cheng’s home in luxury. Qin Cheng’s estate followed a classic European style with all standard amenities, yet still fell short.

Muyue Residence blended black-and-white Eastern and Western villa aesthetics. Inside stretched a plaza the size of two or three basketball courts, centered by a silvery-white dragon-shaped fountain. Dozens of luxury cars lined the asphalt path beside it—the guest parking zone.

“Young Master Qin, we’ve arrived.” The car halted before the estate gates.

Lao Biao opened the door with courteous grace. Qin Cheng stepped out promptly.

Meanwhile, the young maid smiled gently, taking Cheng Yu An’s hand to guide her out.

Today, she wore no maid uniform—too conspicuous—opting instead for a simple black-and-white casual outfit. Her sunny, lively charm was utterly endearing.

Cheng Yu An’s style had subtly shifted: womanly heels, a mature strapless maxi dress, silver crescent-moon earrings, delicate makeup—captivating, mesmerizing.

Lao Biao rang the doorbell. A butler in a tailcoat, hair slicked back to a glossy sheen, emerged and accepted the invitation.

Bowing respectfully, he gestured inward. “I am Liu Wei, butler of the Mu household. Welcome, Young Master Qin. Please, step inside—Young Master Mu awaits you on the steps.”

“The two young ladies may follow me as well.”

“Waiting for *me*?” Qin Cheng’s eyes flickered with mild surprise and curiosity.

He glanced toward the distant staircase.

As Liu Wei led them inward, he smiled. “Indeed. Young Master Mu personally welcomes every guest.”

The remark quietly piqued Qin Cheng’s interest.

Soon, Qin Cheng, Cheng Yu An, and the young maid reached the far side of the fountain. Liu Wei bowed silently and withdrew without a word—an act that might seem rude.

But Qin Cheng barely noticed. His full attention was locked on the figure standing atop the steps.

Mu Yi stood with hands clasped behind his back, gaze looking down from above. A cryptic glint swirled in his amber eyes.

Qin Cheng met it unflinchingly, his wolf-like eyes sharp and unwavering.

Their stares collided—a single heartbeat stretching into eternity. The air itself seemed to freeze.

Behind Qin Cheng, Cheng Yu An shivered slightly, uneasy. The young maid remained adorably oblivious, untouched by the tension.

After a beat, Mu Yi broke the silence with a smile and descended the steps. A faint bead of cold sweat traced his temple.

He extended a hand, voice layered with meaning. “Know what crossed my mind the very second I saw you?”

Qin Cheng offered a calm smile, shaking his hand. “I’m no mind reader.”

“I thought: *Who is this handsome man whose looks fall just a hair short of mine?* Then it hit me—could it be anyone but Young Master Qin of Azure Cloud Group?”

True to his boast, Mu Yi was strikingly handsome. Judged by face alone, he did hold a clear edge over Qin Cheng.

Qin Cheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.

*How shameless. How dare he claim our looks are “just a hair apart”? So arrogant. Does he even deserve the comparison?*

Withdrawing his hand, Qin Cheng replied evenly, “Guess what *I* thought when I saw you?”

“Oh? Do tell.” Mu Yi’s sharp brows lifted in curiosity.

“This young lady is truly lovely.”

Mu Yi’s smile stiffened. A faint smirk touched Qin Cheng’s lips.

To deflect, Mu Yi turned toward the two women beside Qin Cheng—and froze. His eyes flared with blatant heat, his gaze clinging to Cheng Yu An like glue.

Yu An felt that invasive stare again—a shadow she couldn’t shake. Her body trembled; she stepped back half a pace. Instinctively searching for the young maid, she found only empty space. Panic bloomed. Head bowed, flustered and tense, she looked like a startled little rabbit.

“May I ask your name?”

Her vulnerable beauty only intensified Mu Yi’s fixation. He stared, utterly unrestrained.

Qin Cheng’s dark, deep eyes flicked toward them—calm, detached, observing everything.

He made no move.

*If she can’t handle this trivial scene…*

*…then the vase might as well shatter.*