"The young master, Miss Rong has arrived."
The little girl in Ji Zhiyuan's arms lifted her head.
Her large eyes stared at Rong Yu for a long moment before she tightened her grip around Ji Zhiyuan's neck and asked, "Daddy, who is this auntie?"
"Xiao Yue, don't call her that," the woman in the bodycon dress quickly stepped forward. "Uncle Ji has a guest. Come sit with Mommy."
The little girl stubbornly retorted, "I'm not calling her wrong. This is my daddy."
"It's fine, let Xiao Yue call me whatever she likes," Ji Zhiyuan interjected, introducing, "This is Auntie... Rong."
An eighteen-year-old high school student would usually be called "sister," but Rong Yu carried herself with such composure that people instinctively forgot she was still a student.
"Auntie" seemed more fitting.
"Hello, Miss Rong," the woman beside them extended her hand. "I'm Lan Rouxue, Secretary Lan, Mr. Ji's assistant. I brought my daughter to visit the old master today. The child can be a bit unruly—please excuse her."
Rong Yu nodded. "Secretary Lan."
She gave a brief handshake before stepping toward the inner chambers, adding, "Please have the housekeeper prepare dinner for me."
The housekeeper nodded and immediately went to arrange it.
Lan Rouxue was taken aback.
This Miss Rong had just casually ordered the Ji family's housekeeper around?
From the familiarity in her tone, it didn’t seem like her first time here.
The Hibiscus Manor was the Ji family's ancestral estate, a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. Even close friends might not know of its existence.
Softly, she asked, "Zhiyuan, who is this Miss Rong?"
Ji Zhiyuan's expression darkened.
He had professionals investigate Rong Yu's background again, but all they found was an ordinary high school student—nothing more.
He still didn’t know who this Miss Rong really was.
He could only shake his head.
Lan Rouxue bit her lip lightly.
Was Miss Rong’s background so significant that even she couldn’t be told?
She wasn’t just Ji Zhiyuan’s secretary—she was also his childhood sweetheart.
They had met abroad, spending their most formative years together from ages twelve to eighteen. Later, she had hastily married, only for her husband to cheat during her pregnancy. She divorced without hesitation and returned home, just in time to attend Ji Zhiyuan’s wedding...
After his wife died in childbirth, Lan Rouxue seized every opportunity to slowly weave herself back into Ji Zhiyuan’s life... Now, he didn’t even mind Xiao Yue calling him "Daddy."
She had thought marrying into the Ji family was only a matter of time.
So why had this Miss Rong suddenly appeared?
Lan Rouxue smiled gently. "Xiao Yue, go pour a glass of water for Miss Rong."
Lan Yue pouted. "But there are servants for that."
"Be a good girl," Lan Rouxue coaxed, stroking her cheek. "You’re the most well-behaved little girl, aren’t you?"
Lan Yue slid down from Ji Zhiyuan’s arms, poured a glass of water, and walked toward the inner chambers.
Rong Yu was painting.
Her artwork depicted Yingbao and a dog—one Yingbao had rescued from a ditch on his way home from school. The dog had been on the brink of death but survived under Yingbao’s care. Yet, less than half a year later, it was stolen...
"Auntie Rong, here’s water."
Rong Yu turned and reached for it. "Thank you."
But before she could take it, Lan Yue suddenly let go.
If not for Rong Yu’s quick reflexes—catching the cup midair—the water would have either splashed onto the painting or scalded her hand.
"Sorry, Auntie Rong. Are you okay?"
The little girl apologized repeatedly, but Rong Yu clearly saw a flicker of frustration in her eyes.
"It’s fine," Rong Yu smiled faintly. "This time, I’ll let it slide. But if you’re this careless again, it means you lack discipline—and I’ll pour this water on your mother’s face."
Lan Yue froze.
Then burst into loud, dramatic sobs.
"Xiao Yue, what’s wrong?"
Lan Rouxue rushed in and scooped her daughter into her arms.
Lan Yue cried hysterically. "Auntie Rong is so scary! Waaah... Daddy, I want Daddy!"
Ji Zhiyuan took the child into his arms, soothing her gently before fixing a cold glare on Rong Yu. "Miss Rong, care to explain?"
Rong Yu lifted her gaze lazily. "I thought you were a smart man, capable of leading your family. But it seems you still lack discernment."
She shook her head and turned away.
Ji Zhiyuan had never been looked at like this before—as if he were a fool.
He was the Ji family’s eldest grandson, a prodigy who graduated from university at twelve, courted by prestigious institutions. By sixteen, he had taken over Ji Corporation and was the family’s next heir.
What right did a high schooler have to judge the Ji family’s affairs?
Ji Zhiyuan’s breathing grew uneven.
Rong Yu’s voice cut through the tension. "The patient needs rest. Everyone, out."
Ji Zhiyuan turned to leave.
After one step, he paused—realizing he, the CEO of Ji Corporation, had just obeyed a high schooler’s command without thinking.
"Miss Rong, your dinner is ready."
The housekeeper entered, dispelling the strange atmosphere.
"Thank you," Rong Yu said, then glanced at the others. "Do I need to escort you out myself?"
Ji Zhiyuan took a deep breath and strode out.
Lan Rouxue followed closely. "Zhiyuan, who exactly is Miss Rong? She acts like she owns the place. That’s your grandfather’s bedroom—how can she just stay there alone? What if she does something to him—"
"She won’t."
Ji Zhiyuan’s reply was firm.
Though he didn’t know Rong Yu’s background, something in his gut told him she would never harm the old master.
"Daddy, I think Auntie Rong really doesn’t like me," Lan Yue sniffled, wiping her tears. "Maybe we should go home, Mommy."
Ji Zhiyuan pinched the bridge of his nose. "We promised to take you to the revolving restaurant tonight. Once Miss Rong leaves, we’ll go."
As usual, Rong Yu stayed for half an hour before leaving.
The housekeeper arranged a car to take her back to the Rong residence.
It was Friday, so she had the weekend free. She locked herself in her room, reading and scribbling equations...
Early Saturday morning, her phone rang.
"Hello, is this Rong Yu? We’re from the Star Dream Project talent show. Congratulations on passing the auditions! You’re invited to the preliminary round tomorrow at 9 AM at Ji Entertainment Tower..."
Rong Yu sat up immediately. "Understood."
She wasn’t sure what the preliminaries entailed, and since they hadn’t specified any preparations, she didn’t bother. She simply returned to her books.
The next morning, she slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed downstairs.
There, she saw Rong Ruoyao dressed in a sparkling pink princess gown, her makeup flawless, looking like a delicate porcelain doll.
Shen Lin adjusted her hair. "Today’s just the preliminaries, not even the official recording. No need to be nervous—just do your best..."
Rong Ruoyao nodded obediently.
Then she spotted Rong Yu descending the stairs and, as if struck by a thought, asked, "Oh, sister, didn’t you sign up for Star Dream Project too? Did you get an invitation?"
Rong Qing'an scoffed. "As if a country bumpkin like her could pass the auditions."
