Xiao Yu and Meili Jiang sat in the library, books spread out before them. The afternoon light poured in through the tall windows, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. Meili leaned in, her voice lowered in concern.
"You mean your Dad refused to let you come to the party?" she asked, brows furrowed.
Xiao Yu sighed and nodded, her tone resigned. "Yes. I told you he's a hard nut to crack."
Meili pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Then how about I come with you to your house and ask him myself? Maybe he'll listen to me."
A spark of hope flickered in Xiao Yu's eyes, her lips curving into a smile. "Really? You'd do that?"
"Of course," Meili said confidently. "Sometimes, a little charm goes a long way."
After school, the car rolled up to the gates of the mansion. Meili stepped out, eyes wide as she took in the grand estate.
"Woah… this place looks like a palace," she whispered.
Xiao Yu chuckled. "Wait until you see the inside."
As they entered, Meili gasped, spinning slowly to take in the marble floors, grand staircase, and priceless art adorning the walls. A butler offered her a drink, which she accepted politely.
"Your house is unbelievable," Meili said, sitting on the plush couch.
"It doesn't feel like home," Xiao Yu murmured, her tone distant.
At that moment, Long Shan descended the staircase, dressed in a crisp black shirt and dark trousers. He spoke quietly on his phone, his expression unreadable. Meili's gaze locked on him, completely spellbound.
"Oh my God," Meili whispered. "That's your dad? He looks like he just walked off a movie set."
Xiao Yu waved a hand in front of Meili's face. "Snap out of it. And no, he's not my real dad. Just don't mention anything."
But it was too late. Long Shan noticed them and approached. His voice cut through the room. "What's going on here?"
Xiao Yu stood up quickly. "This is Meili Jiang, my friend from school."
Meili stood and offered a charming smile. "It's an honor to meet you, sir. Xiao Yu didn't mention her father was this young and handsome."
Long Shan's eyes darkened for a moment, his expression unreadable. He raised an eyebrow. "Father?"
Xiao Yu paled but kept her head down.
"I'm Meili Jiang. My family owns Jiang Enterprises," Meili continued, unaware of the tension. "My father is Jiang Wei."
Long Shan tilted his head slightly. "Jiang Wei… We've done business together."
Meili smiled brightly. "He speaks highly of you."
Long Shan glanced at Xiao Yu. "So this visit... Let me guess. You came to get my approval for the party."
Meili blinked. "I volunteered. She didn't ask."
His expression turned cool. "She's not going."
Xiao Yu's lips pressed into a line, but Meili stepped forward. "I'll personally make sure she's safe. She'll be with me the entire time. And your guard can accompany us."
Long Shan's gaze flicked between the girls. After a moment, he gave a clipped nod. "Fine. But she doesn't leave your sight."
Later, Xiao Yu walked Meili to the gates.
"Thanks for doing that. I thought he'd never agree," Xiao Yu said, smiling.
"He only agreed because I'm Meili Jiang," she teased. "And also because his guard will be glued to your side."
Xiao Yu laughed softly. "Still, thank you."
Meili tilted her head. "Can I ask… where's your mom? I didn't see her."
Xiao Yu's expression fell. "She passed away when I was born."
"I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," Xiao Yu replied with a soft smile. "It's been a long time."
They hugged briefly before Meili entered the waiting car.
Back inside, Long Shan stood by the living room bar, swirling a glass of whiskey. Xiao Yu approached cautiously.
"You're going out?" she asked.
Long Shan turned slowly. "You told her I was your dad."
Xiao Yu swallowed hard. "What was I supposed to say? That I'm your slave?"
His lips curled into a cold smile. "That would've been the truth."
She glared. "I didn't think you'd want the world knowing you're keeping a girl like me a prisoner."
"Then don't lie," he snapped, stepping closer.
Xiao Yu didn't back down. "You're old enough to be my father, so it's not far-fetched. Dad."
His jaw clenched, and with a sharp exhale, he turned on his heel and left, his men trailing after him.
Xiao Yu watched the door slam shut and muttered to herself, "Asshole." Then she turned and went to her room, already thinking about what she'd wear to the party.
The birthday party was in full swing, with people laughing and chatting as they enjoyed their drinks. Xiao Yu arrived at the party with her assigned guard, who was dressed casually. She wore a simple short floral gown, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, and she held a small shopping bag containing a present.
As she entered the party, Xiao Yu's eyes widened in amazement. "This is what a birthday party looks like," she murmured, her expression fascinated.
Just then, Meili Jiang caught sight of her and rushed over, her expression excited. "Xiao Yu!" she called out, hugging her tightly. "I'm so happy you made it," she said, beaming.
Xiao Yu smiled, her expression joyful. "Yeah," she said as they pulled apart.
Meili's expression turned eager, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Come, let me introduce you to my family," she said, dragging Xiao Yu toward where her family stood.
As they approached, Mr. Jiang's expression turned curious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're Long Shan's daughter?" he asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
Xiao Yu hesitated, avoiding Mr. Jiang's gaze before answering with a polite nod.
Mr. Jiang's expression turned thoughtful. "I never knew he had a child," he mused, then smiled warmly. "But anyway, you're welcome."
"Thank you, sir," Xiao Yu said, grateful.
Just then, a male voice interrupted from behind, smooth and charming. "Who's this damsel?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu turned, facing a tall young man with an easy smile. Meili grinned. "This is Xiao Yu, my friend. And this is my stepbrother, Jiang Yuze—the birthday boy."
Jiang Yuze's expression turned charismatic, his eyes twinkling. "Nice to meet you," he said. "But you can just call me gege." He said smiling.
Xiao Yu returned the smile politely. "Thank you, Yuze," she replied as she handed him the shopping bag. "This is for you."
Yuze lit up. "Wow, a gift! I love surprises," he said, accepting it eagerly.
"Hope you like it," Xiao Yu said, her eyes gleaming.
"I'm sure I will," he replied with a wink.
The party continued, the cake was cut and shared, and laughter filled the air. Xiao Yu and Meili chatted and giggled together, enjoying the moment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jiang Wei and his eldest daughter, Jiang Ruiyu, stood off to the side in hushed conversation, stealing glances toward Xiao Yu.
Ruiyu's expression turned serious. "Dad, it's time. Present the proposal to Long Shan. We've waited long enough."
Mr. Jiang nodded slowly. "You're right. Shan is a loyal partner. He owes me—and it's time to collect."
"What exactly did you do for him?" Ruiyu asked, curious.
"Seven years ago, after his father died, his father's business partner tried to strip him of his inheritance, claiming he wasn't the biological son. I intervened—used my influence to stop it. He swore he'd repay me someday."
Ruiyu smirked. "And now it's time for him to fulfill that vow."
"Exactly," Mr. Jiang said with pride.
Back at the gathering, Meili stepped away to grab something, leaving Xiao Yu momentarily alone. Her guard had stepped aside to take a call.
Yuze returned, holding two cans of juice. "This one's for you," he said, smiling as he handed her one.
"Thank you," Xiao Yu said, grateful, as they clinked cans and took a sip.
"So, you go to school with Meili?" Yuze asked.
"Yes," Xiao Yu replied softly.
Meili returned just then, apologizing. "Sorry, I got distracted."
Yuze gave a small nod. "See you around," he said before walking away.
Meili smirked. "I think my brother likes you."
Xiao Yu scoffed. "Stop it."
Just then, her guard returned. "Miss Xiao Yu, it's time to go."
"Sure," she said, turning to Meili. "See you on Monday."
"Thanks for coming," Meili smiled, hugging her.
Later, back at the mansion, Xiao Yu dozed off in the car. Her guard gently shook her awake. "Miss Xiao Yu, we're home."
She stirred groggily and stumbled into the house, collapsing on the couch.
Long Shan, descending the stairs, paused. "What's wrong with her? Did she get drunk?"
"No, sir. Only soft drinks," the guard replied quickly.
Shan narrowed his eyes. "Then why is she asleep in the living room?"
He walked over and tapped her shoulder. "Xiao Yu. Wake up."
"Five more minutes," she murmured.
"You can't sleep here. Go to your room."
"Too tired..."
He sighed, scooped her up, and carried her to her room, muttering, "Didn't I tell you not to go to that party?"
But Xiao Yu was already fast asleep in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest.