The car hummed along the road for four long hours, the countryside gradually giving way to the sprawling estate ahead.
When the villa came into view, it felt almost surreal—a colossal structure surrounded by a garden that seemed to stretch endlessly, at least two acres of perfectly trimmed greenery.
The iron gate had a small room nestled beside it where a guard, half-asleep, straightened up at the sight of the car. The gates creaked open at his command.
"Stop the car," Jian murmured, his voice barely louder than a sigh. The driver eased the vehicle to a stop just halfway through the gate.
Next to him, Wen gave Jian a curious glance. "What's going on? Second thoughts already?"
Jian shook his head, fingers tapping lightly against the door handle. "No... just something I need to say to the guard." Without another word, he slipped out of the car, the soft crunch of gravel under his feet barely audible in the quiet afternoon air.
"Uncle, can I speak to you for a second?" Jian called, waving the guard over with a gentle motion. The man blinked in confusion but shuffled closer, his weathered face softening when Jian flashed a calm smile.
"I'm Jian... Jian Wang," he said, his voice warm but firm. "The new young master."
Recognition sparked in the guard's tired eyes, and he broke into a wide grin. "Ah! It's good to finally meet you, young master. I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Jian nodded. "It was. I actually wanted to speak with you about something important," he added, his tone dropping slightly.
The guard straightened, a hint of unease creeping into his posture. "What is it, sir?"
"I need you to remember my face carefully." Jian leaned in just a little, enough to make the guard focus on his features. "I have slightly browner eyes... and that's important because I have a twin brother." He paused, watching as confusion flickered across the man's face. "My brother might show up here. If he does, I need you to stop him—no exceptions. I don't want any unnecessary... sibling rivalry getting out of hand."
The guard scratched his head, still looking puzzled. "But... how will I know it's really you, sir? My eyesight isn't what it used to be."
Jian thought for a moment, then smiled as an idea struck him. "We'll use a code. If it's me, I'll say 'marshmallow.' Only let me in if I say that word. Got it?"
The guard chuckled, the tension melting away as he nodded. "Marshmallow. Got it. I'll remember that. I'll make sure the other guards know too."
Jian gave a soft chuckle of his own and nodded in appreciation. "Good. Oh, one more thing," he added, leaning in conspiratorially. "There might be a chubby, loud old lady who shows up claiming to be my grandmother. Don't let her in either. Chase her away immediately."
The guard's eyes widened, and he blinked rapidly, trying to process the information. "Your grandmother? You want me to... chase her away?"
"Exactly," Jian replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Trust me on this."
He quickly composed himself, offering a firm nod. "Understood, young master."
Jian slid back into the car, the door clicking shut softly.
Mister Wen shot him a curious look. "What was that about?"
Jian flashed a playful grin. "Secret," he chuckled softly.
Wen didn't push further, and the car rolled forward, crunching along the gravel path. Ahead, the massive villa came into view—four stories tall, with thick vines crawling up the walls. Every floor had big windows, and Jian noticed a few faces staring down at him, some with curiosity, most glaring.
'Great. Snake pit,' he smirked.
Coming here wasn't part of the plan. He had planned to lay low, work at the construction site, and run off to the orchard when the invasion started. But Bian forced his hand. His brother had been scheming too much lately, and if Bian got control of the family, he knew he wouldn't live long enough to see the invasion. So, he took his chance and stole his spot.
'Now I just need to figure out how to get out before everything goes south.'
The car stopped in front of the mansion. Jian stepped out, taking in the towering building. Inside, the floors were so shiny they reflected his face as he walked toward the grand staircase. As he reached it, a young man came down the stairs, smiling wide.
"Cousin, I'm so glad you're finally here. We've been waiting," the man said.
Jian smiled back, but there was calculation behind his eyes. "Good to meet you too."
The young man extended his hand casually. "I'm Li Wang, your first cousin," he said with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I can show you around if you'd like."
Jian glanced back, catching sight of his father's retreating figure as he disappeared up the stairs without a word. The man hadn't even acknowledged him. Typical.
'Guess I'm on my own here,' Jian thought, turning back to Li. With a small shrug, he nodded. "Sure, lead the way."
Li's smile widened. "Great! Let's start with the downstairs," he said, turning on his heel as they began walking.