Chapter One: Return to the Homeland

Ye Family Estate, Country Y

Shangguan Roran had just stepped out of her family's casino when she received a call from her grandfather. The news that she could finally return home made her so ecstatic she was about to burst with joy.

“Grandfather, did you really say I can go back to China? Is it true?” She spoke to the elderly man seated on the sofa, her voice brimming with excitement.

Since she had completed her studies, she had been required to stay here. Her father insisted it was to give her more experience, but she often wanted to protest—why should she have to?

The old man replied with a haughty air, “Look how happy you are. Hmph.”

“That’s not true, Grandfather. I’ll still miss you,” Roran said, sitting down beside him and looping her arm through his, trying to curry favor. “Father and Mother only come second in my heart.”

“Alright, as if I don’t know your temperament?” Ye Hai looked at her warmly. “Your father just called. He wants you to return and start learning the family business. It’s time you got involved.” Over the years, she had stayed by his side, enduring no small amount of hardship.

Though it was all for her own good, her nature was impossible to change. He worried that once she returned to China, she’d be at risk of being bullied.

“And once you’re back, you must be careful. Our country isn’t like this place—you can’t just do as you please. Don’t act on impulse. Think carefully whether something can or should be done, and always follow the rules—”

“Grandfather, I know, you don’t have to worry.” Roran cut him off before he could finish. She wasn’t a child anymore; she understood all this. After all, she was already twenty-two.

“It’s your temperament that worries me even more. Butler?” Ye Hai called upstairs.

“Yes, sir,” Butler Li promptly descended.

“Are the arrangements complete?”

“All taken care of, sir. I’ve instructed them to wait at the airport,” the butler reported.

“Uncle Li, who did you arrange, Grandfather? You even assigned people to me?”

“Miss, it’s for your safety. The master is concerned you may be bullied on your return, so I’ve arranged for two escorts. Your luggage is already packed and upstairs. You may leave whenever you wish.”

“Thank you, Uncle Li. Then I’ll have dinner with Grandfather before I go.”

Country Y, Airport

“Miss, hello. My name is Ye Xin, and this is Ye Zuo. From now on, we’ll be responsible for your safety,” the woman in the professional suit said respectfully.

Beside her stood a man in a black suit, gold-rimmed glasses gleaming over his refined features—a gentleman in every sense, making it hard to imagine how he could serve as a protector.

“Very well. My name is Shangguan Roran. I’ll be relying on you from now on. Let’s board—have you bought the tickets?”

“They’re ready. We’ll go straight through the gate. I’ve also arranged for someone to pick us up in China,” Ye Xin replied.

Shangguan Roran wore a white jacket over a pale blue camisole dress that revealed her delicate collarbones. On her feet were silver-pointed shoes. Her small face was partially obscured by black sunglasses, leaving only her bright red lips visible—the lipstick was a striking shade of crimson. Her ash-brown hair fell to her waist.

She strode first toward the boarding gate, drawing countless eyes—though she hardly seemed to notice.