After finishing her work in the Yunhua Space, Zhang Yanyan raised a hand and wiped the thin layer of sweat from her brow. Once she had put away all her tools, she left the space.
She took out her phone to check the time. When the screen lit up, she realized with a start that it was already a little after six in the evening. Outside the window, darkness had long since fallen, while the orange-red glow of sunset slipped through the gap in the curtains and stretched a long band of warm light across the bedroom floor.
From a little after eight in the morning until a little after six in the evening—that meant she had spent roughly four days in the space getting everything done.
Fortunately, she could cook and rest in the space as well, but even so, those few days had exhausted her. She definitely did not want to go through that again.
Zhang Yanyan casually slipped her phone into her pocket, opened the bedroom door, and went downstairs via the spiral staircase.
She had just reached the landing when the aroma of food drifting from the dining room reached her. The rich fragrance of braised pork mingled with the fresh scent of stir-fried vegetables, instantly whetting her appetite.
“Miss, you’re awake? You finally came down. I’ve kept the dishes warm in the pot and have been waiting for you.”
Auntie Chen was carrying out a plate of garlic stir-fried lettuce from the kitchen.
The moment she saw Zhang Yanyan coming downstairs, she greeted her with a smile, placed the plate securely on the dining table, then returned to the kitchen and brought out a bowl of warm rice.
“Come sit down. The braised pork just came out of the pot. It’s been stewed until tender, with the sweet flavor you like.”
The solid-wood dining table was laden with dishes: glossy red braised pork, fresh steamed sea bass, garlic stir-fried lettuce, tomato and scrambled eggs, and a pot of winter melon and meatball soup simmered until its broth was creamy white. Everything was the sort of home cooking she enjoyed. Steam rose from the dishes, making the whole table look warm and inviting.
“Thank you for waiting so long for me, Auntie Chen.” Zhang Yanyan pulled out a chair and sat down. She picked up her chopsticks and took a piece of braised pork first. It melted in her mouth, perfectly balancing sweetness and saltiness. The flavor was so delicious that her eyes narrowed in pleasure.
She had barely taken a few bites when Uncle Chen, dressed in a crisp black suit, quietly approached from the entryway. He stood straight beside the dining table, bowed slightly, and greeted her with respectful composure.
“Good evening, Miss.”
Zhang Yanyan set down her spoon and looked up at him. “Uncle Chen, is something wrong?”
“I came to update you on the small villa near Tengyuan University.”
Uncle Chen’s voice was steady and clear. “The house you asked us to prepare was mostly finished this afternoon. The bedding and daily necessities for the bedrooms, study, and guest rooms have all been arranged according to your instructions. The entire house has been thoroughly cleaned, and it’s ready for you to move in at any time.”
After a brief pause, he added, “Rooms have also been simply prepared for Auntie Chen, Aunt Wang, and the other two bodyguards. Once their personal belongings are moved over, everything will be ready. There won’t be any additional work required.”
Zhang Yanyan nodded, very satisfied.
There were only three days left until the university term began, so moving tomorrow would be perfect.
She put down her chopsticks and nodded. “You’ve done very well. Thank you, Uncle Chen. Since everything is ready, we’ll move there tomorrow. Make the necessary arrangements for the vehicles and staff. After breakfast tomorrow morning, we’ll start packing and transporting everything over.”
“Yes, Miss. I’ll make the arrangements right away.” Uncle Chen bowed and continued without any unnecessary words. “I’ll prepare three vans, two cargo trucks, and a few nimble workers to help with the packing. I’ll make sure none of your belongings are damaged.”
“That will do. Go ahead and arrange it that way.” Zhang Yanyan waved a hand. “Nothing else for now. You may go.”
“Yes, Miss. Enjoy your meal.”
Uncle Chen bowed once more, then quietly withdrew and gently closed the dining room door behind him, taking care not to disturb her meal in the slightest.
Only after Uncle Chen had left did Auntie Chen come over with a smile.
“You’re finally moving over there? I packed up my own things yesterday and have been waiting for you to give the word. I went to look at the kitchen in the villa ahead of time. All the appliances are new, and they’re even easier to use than the ones here at the estate. I’ll make all sorts of delicious food for you every day once we move.”
“Wonderful. Then I’ll be looking forward to enjoying your cooking.” Zhang Yanyan smiled as she took a bite of a meatball. It was tender and springy, and its juices burst in her mouth. “I’ll have to trouble you to take good care of everything over there.”
“Why are you being so polite with me?” Auntie Chen said with a smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “I’ve watched you grow up, and taking care of you has long since become second nature. It doesn’t matter where we are. As long as you eat well and sleep soundly, I’ll be happier than anything.”
Dinner was lively and cheerful. By the time she finished, Zhang Yanyan’s stomach was pleasantly round, and warmth spread through her entire body.
Afterward, she didn’t return upstairs. Instead, she took a leisurely stroll through the estate’s garden to help digest her meal.
The evening breeze carried the fresh fragrance of grass and trees. She walked at an unhurried pace, thinking about what she needed to bring the next day, feeling completely relaxed.
By the time she returned to her bedroom, it was nearly nine o’clock.
After washing up, she changed into a soft cotton pajama set and curled up in the comfortable lounge chair beside the bed. She browsed through the class schedule and campus map for Tengyuan University saved on her phone, familiarizing herself in advance with the locations of the teaching buildings.
Before long, drowsiness overcame her. She returned to bed and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Early the next morning, Zhang Yanyan woke up right on time, before the alarm on her bedside table had even gone off.
She had just sat up and stretched when the system’s familiar mechanical prompt rang out in her mind.
[Ding—the host’s daily check-in is now available. Would you like to check in immediately?]
“Check in,” Zhang Yanyan silently replied, casually smoothing the loose strands of hair over her forehead with her fingertips.
[Check-in successful! Today’s rewards have all been delivered to the system space. Congratulations, host. You have received:
One natural pigeon-blood ruby haute couture jewelry set, including a necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring, along with a custom jewelry box
One premium digital gift set for the start of university, including a lightweight business laptop, tablet, wireless earphones, and stylus
One Montblanc custom fountain pen and stationery set
Two waterproof, hard-wearing casual backpacks
One gift set of daily necessities for university life
One complete stationery set containing gel pens in every style, notebooks, document folders, and more]
A series of notification sounds rang out. Zhang Yanyan took a quick look at the rewards in her mind.
Hmm. The quality was quite good.
The ruby jewelry set in particular looked exquisite. Its design was simple and elegant rather than ostentatious. It would be understated enough for everyday wear while still holding its own at formal occasions. The rest of the supplies for the start of university were exactly what she needed, saving her the trouble of buying them separately.
She mentally expressed her satisfaction to the system, then threw back the covers and got out of bed.
She slipped on her cotton slippers and entered the bathroom. Warm water splashed over her face, fully rousing her.
After applying her skincare products in front of the mirror, she changed into a simple white T-shirt and light-blue jeans. She tied her hair into a neat high ponytail. With no makeup on, she looked fresh and comfortable.
By the time she went downstairs, the aroma of breakfast was already drifting through the dining room.
Auntie Chen was carrying out a bamboo steamer filled with freshly made soup dumplings from the kitchen. The moment she saw Zhang Yanyan come down, she greeted her with a smile.
“Miss, you’re awake! Come sit down. Breakfast is ready, and it’s all your favorites. I made extra just for you.”
The solid wood dining table was laden with breakfast: soup dumplings with thin skins and generous fillings, creamy millet porridge simmered until smooth, tea eggs, crisp pickled radish, and a plate of freshly pan-fried egg pancakes. Steam rose from everything, filling the air with an enticing aroma.
“Morning, Auntie Chen.” Zhang Yanyan pulled out a chair and sat down. She picked up a soup dumpling with her chopsticks and carefully bit a small hole into it, sipping out the savory broth inside. Its deliciousness made her eyes crinkle with delight.
She had barely taken a couple of bites when Uncle Chen hurried in and stood respectfully beside the table, bowing slightly. “Good morning, Miss.”
