Rong Qian had come to understand what it felt like to be “kept.”

During the days she spent recovering from her injuries, Rong Qian rarely left the house — essentially staying within its walls day and night, being kept by Shen Yi, eating well, sleeping well. She was starting to wonder whether she’d put on a few pounds.

When she passed by a full-length mirror, she looked herself over from side to side, feeling vaguely like she’d gained weight, yet not quite sure. So she went to find Shen Yi and asked: “Do you think I’ve gotten fatter?”

Shen Yi gave her a quick once-over and replied: “Fatter? I can’t tell.”

“Really, not at all?”

“No.”

Satisfied, Rong Qian cheerfully went off to have her afternoon tea. But on her way past Xu Mo, he greeted her with: “Miss Rong, have you gained weight?”

Rong Qian: “!!!”

Wealth and ease breed complacency. For the next two days, Rong Qian threw herself into the gym, sneaking off to box behind Shen Yi’s back. She worked up a good sweat, and only then did she feel alive again — full of energy coursing through her. Perfect. She, Rong Qian, was back.

To be precise, she hadn’t actually gained weight. It was simply that eating well and sleeping well over these past few days had replenished her vitality and spirit.

The fatigue of recent weeks had worn her down considerably. Shen Yi must have noticed, because he’d instructed the cook to prepare a variety of tonics and nourishing soups.

It was that which had left her looking radiant and glowing, with an altogether different air about her.

After the day Shen Yi had come down with a mild fever and rested at home, he’d gone back out again the very next morning, not returning until well past midnight.

With a schedule like his, even the paparazzi couldn’t be bothered to follow him.

Several peaceful, uneventful days passed. Then one morning, a line of black sedans pulled up at the villa gates. A gentleman by the surname He had come to call.

Xu Mo heard the message relayed through the security guard, recognized who this Mr. He was, and hurried to inform Shen Yi: “Boss, He Jicheng is here.”

“He Jicheng?”

Rong Qian, who had been sitting down to her morning tea, paused at the name. It sounded oddly familiar.

Xu Mo explained: “He Jicheng is Yao Zhengxing’s adopted son — taken in, not born to him — so he kept his original surname.”

“It’s him?” Rong Qian’s expression turned thoughtful.

She recalled something she’d read in the newspapers. At the time, in order to familiarize herself with the social events at each point in history, she had read through virtually every section of every paper she could find.

And the name He Jicheng — she had indeed come across it there.

“Do you know him?” Shen Yi caught her murmur.

Rong Qian leaned closer to his ear and said quietly: “I’ll tell you more later.”

At that, Shen Yi gave Xu Mo a glance, signaling that he could show their visitor in.

Xu Mo understood and turned to go receive He Jicheng, who was waiting outside.

He Jicheng entered with only one assistant, a briefcase in hand. He wore glasses and a courteous smile on his face. His suit was impeccably pressed — every inch the senior executive. From the moment he walked in, Rong Qian kept her eyes on him.

This He Jicheng — modest, amiable, polished to a fault, wearing that agreeable, harmless face — no wonder no one could see through him.

“Mr. Shen, I’ve long admired your name.”

He Jicheng stepped forward warmly to shake Shen Yi’s hand. Shen Yi invited him to take a seat. He Jicheng was perfectly mannered, nodding politely to Fu Bozhong and Xu Mo as well.

But when his gaze landed on Rong Qian, it lingered for three seconds longer than necessary. Then, feigning ignorance, he asked: “And this lady is?”

“Rong Qian.” She introduced herself.

He Jicheng caught the crisp, standard Mandarin in her voice and smiled. “Miss Rong is from the mainland?”

He Jicheng had already heard about her from Yao Na — described as an older woman, coarse and foul-mouthed, an uncultured country bumpkin without a shred of manners. Seeing her now in person, he found that to be far from the case.

This woman had a very unusual presence.

He Jicheng prided himself on having encountered all manner of people. He could tell at a glance what class someone belonged to — whether they were the wealthy elite or those of lower means. But this Miss Rong was unreadable to him.

He had been to the mainland as well. It was a country still in the midst of development and construction — populous, certainly, but its cities couldn’t compare to here in terms of prosperity and vibrancy.

Yet on this Miss Rong, he saw a certain confidence.

It was the pride of someone whose nation stood powerful behind her, inviolable — a self-assurance that gave her a fearless, unhurried dignity, bowing to no one.

Rong Qian replied: “Yes, China. And this place — is also a part of China.”

“It seems Miss Rong’s geography and history lessons left something to be desired,” He Jicheng said, careful in his phrasing.

But Rong Qian held his gaze, unwavering. With complete confidence and composure, she said: “Is that so? Then I’ll look forward to seeing it for myself.”

“Indeed, I’ll wait and see.” He Jicheng didn’t take her words to heart.

He Jicheng’s visit that day was to deliver a message on behalf of Yao Zhengxing — his adoptive father wished to meet with Shen Yi and was inviting him to the casino that evening.

As for what Yao Zhengxing wanted to see him about or what he intended to discuss — that would only become clear upon arrival tonight.

“Mr. Shen, I’ve conveyed the message. I won’t take up any more of your time.” He Jicheng rose to leave as he spoke.

Xu Mo quickly asked: “What happens if he doesn’t go?”

“That question, I believe Mr. Shen would know the answer to.” He Jicheng glanced at Shen Yi, who sat drinking his tea with unhurried calm, smiled slightly, and turned to leave.

Xu Mo was puzzled. He asked Shen Yi: “Boss, what did he mean by that?”

Shen Yi smiled and said in the gentlest of tones: “It means you asked a very foolish question.”

Xu Mo: “…”

He was only asking just in case — maybe they didn’t have to go after all?

Well, alright. He had to admit it did sound rather foolish…

Rong Qian asked Shen Yi: “Have you met Yao Zhengxing before? He suddenly wants to see you — could it be because his precious daughter said something unfavorable about you in front of him?”

“By chance, I’ve met him twice. He’s quite taken with me, and there has indeed been talk of bringing me into the Yao Family.” Shen Yi reflected for a moment, set down his teacup, and said to Rong Qian: “Yao Zhengxing is known for doting on his daughter, but he’s not unreasonable.”

“Then what does he want by inviting you to the casino?” Rong Qian didn’t know much about this Yao Zhengxing, so it was understandable she couldn’t work it out.

Shen Yi looked at her and said: “If I’m not mistaken, the person he really wants to see — is you.”

“Me?” Rong Qian blinked, taken aback. Why would he want to see her?

Shen Yi had already figured out what Yao Zhengxing’s purpose was in summoning him. He also knew why He Jicheng had been so certain he would come.

Because this was a trip he genuinely couldn’t afford to miss.