Chapter 38 — Bai Construction
When the loud honks of a car echoed from the courtyard, everyone hurried out of the living room, curiosity painted across their faces. An Yu quickly went ahead to open the gate. Two sleek black cars glided into the courtyard—one a Toyota Crown, the other a Lexus LS400.
The Toyota Crown, with its glossy midnight finish and elegant silver trims, looked like the kind of car that carried important officials. Its long body reflected the sun like polished obsidian, the chrome grille glinting sharply. The Lexus LS400, though equally black, had a more modern luxury feel—its curves smoother, its design a mix of quiet power and refined grace. The soft rumble of the engine hinted at wealth and precision.
In this era, owning even one car was a symbol of status. Having two meant prestige and prosperity—people would whisper your name with respect.
Under everyone's expectant gazes, Bai Sung stepped out of the Toyota while Bai Yan emerged proudly from the Lexus.
When Bai Xia saw the cars, her lips curled into a pleased smile. At least Dad knows when to spend money, she thought. But her satisfaction shattered with his next words.
"After we bought the company, they gave us these cars! Isn't it nice?" he said with a proud grin.
Bai Xia's expression froze. So they were gifts...
Her younger siblings—Bai Yang, Bai Xin, and Bai Xuan—didn't care. They ran toward the cars like excited children from the countryside seeing magic for the first time.
"Wow! So shiny!" Bai Yang exclaimed, pressing his face close to the car window.
"Look at the seats! They smell new!" Bai Xin clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling.
Bai Xuan opened the car door, the leather interior scent wafting out. "It smells like...rich people," she said with awe, making everyone laugh.
Bai Yan stood proudly before the Toyota, his hands in his pockets. "One day, I'll teach you how to drive," he said to his younger brother.
"How did you learn, Brother?" Bai Yang asked, his eyes full of admiration.
"I used to work as a driver before," Bai Yan replied, his chest puffed up. "Now, I'm a pro."
Their easy laughter filled the courtyard. Even Chu Sun watched them with a soft smile, as though savoring the sight of her family finally living comfortably.
After their excitement cooled, everyone moved back into the living room. The atmosphere was still bright when Bai Xia stood and introduced Li Wei and Steven to her father.
"Dad, these are the assistants I arranged for you and Bai Yan."
Steven stepped forward first, his posture formal. "Hello Mr. Sung, I'll be your personal assistant, bodyguard, and driver from now on. My name is Steven. I'm sure you've heard my qualifications from your daughter—I'll take care of your matters from now on."
Li Wei followed immediately, bowing slightly. "Hello Mr. Sung, my name is Li Wei. I'll be your son's personal assistant, bodyguard, and driver. I'll take care of his matters from now on."
Bai Xia pressed a palm to her forehead. They had rehearsed this, but they practically said the same thing word for word.
A light chuckle escaped from Bai Sung, easing the tension. "Very good. You both seem reliable."
Then An Yu stepped forward, giving a graceful bow. "Greetings, Master Bai. I am An Yu, your housekeeper and caretaker. From this day, I will handle all matters of the house." Her tone was calm but respectful, her movements elegant—like someone trained in etiquette.
After brief negotiations, Bai Sung arranged their salaries and work schedules. Everything was settled smoothly.
When Bai Xia escorted Li Wei and Steven outside, she asked, "Do you both have a place to stay?"
"Yes, young miss. We've been provided residential quarters nearby."
"Good. Then please protect my father and brothers with your lives. Treat them as your true masters."
"Yes," they both answered in unison before leaving.
Bai Xia returned to the dining hall where everyone was already seated for dinner—everyone except An Yu, who stood by the side.
"Come, An Yu, sit with us," Chu Sun urged gently.
But the maid shook her head. "A servant never eats at the same table as their master. I'll eat later."
Since no one could persuade her otherwise, they let her be.
Dinner was served—a rich family's feast that looked like a painting of abundance.
There was Peking duck with crisp, golden skin glistening under the lights, sweet and sour pork in glossy red sauce, steamed fish seasoned with ginger and soy, braised beef with potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, mapo tofu, and a pot of egg drop soup that filled the room with warmth. Bowls of fragrant rice accompanied every dish.
The family talked, laughed, and savored every bite—their chopsticks clinking softly, the warmth of prosperity finally settling over them.
After dinner, An Yu cleared the table and cleaned the dining room with astonishing speed. Even Chu Sun, who tried to help, couldn't keep up with her precision.
Later, Bai Sung gathered everyone in the living room. His tone carried pride.
"Today, Bai Yan and I bought a construction company after bidding. It cost us 40 million yen."
Bai Yang and Bai Xin blinked, confused.
"This means," he explained patiently, "people will pay us to build their buildings."
The two nodded in sudden understanding.
"I've renamed it Bai Constructions," he continued. "It has five branches across China. The headquarters is here in Shanghai. There are twenty-three three-star hotels under the company's name. Bai Yan will manage those hotels. If he proves capable within a year, I'll transfer those properties to his name—he can start his own company then."
The family clapped proudly. Bai Yan stood up and made a dramatic bow. "Thank you, everyone! I humbly accept this great honor!" he said with mock seriousness, making everyone laugh again.
Bai Sung turned to Bai Xuan. "Bai Xuan, do you want to learn in the company or wait for marriage?"
Before Bai Xuan could answer, Bai Xia quickly grabbed her father's arm, pouting playfully. "Dad! Didn't you say I could do my own business? Me and Bai Xuan will do it together."
Bai Xuan caught Bai Xin's encouraging gaze and immediately latched onto their father's other arm. "Yes, Dad, I want to do business with Bai Xia!"
Even if she didn't know what business Bai Xia was planning, she trusted her sister completely.
When their act of affection ended, laughter filled the room again.
The night drifted on peacefully—Bai Xuan and Bai Xin watching a TV drama in the new living room, Bai Yan and Bai Yang playing with the shiny new computer, and Bai Xia heading to the kitchen.
Inside, An Yu was loading dishes into the dishwasher.
"An Yu," Bai Xia said quietly, "from now on, use the fruits and vegetables from the space to cook for my family. For baths, use the river water. It can also be used for drinking and healing. My mum might not let you help her prepare a bathe, but find a way to persuade her. Add some beauty-effective herbs to her bathwater. If their skin improves, no one will question it."
"Yes, master."
"And stop calling anyone master—it sounds creepy," Bai Xia added with a faint smile.
"Yes, young madam."
"Better." Bai Xia left the kitchen and joined her sisters for a while before retiring to her room.
Meanwhile, in Bai Sung and Chu Sun's room, a large safe sat by the wall—filled to the brim with jewelry Bai Xia had given. Chu Sun carefully removed some pieces to make room for the company's documents, her hands moving with care.
After locking it, she turned to her husband, worry creasing her brow. "Dear, what business do you think Bai Xia wants to do? Don't give her too much money next time. She spends too freely."
Half-asleep, Bai Sung turned to face her. "Everything we have now is thanks to Bai Xia. Let her do what she wants. If she fails, she can always learn at the company."
Chu Sun sighed. As someone who had lived in poverty, Bai Xia's lavish spending unsettled her—it felt too easy, too unreal. But seeing her husband drift to sleep, she swallowed her worries and lay quietly beside him.
At the same time, in her own room, Bai Xia sat cross-legged in her space, summoning the system.
"Draw."
"Congratulations, you got nothing."
"Congratulations, you got 1,000,000 yen."
"Congratulations, you got nothing."
"Congratulations, you got nothing."
"Congratulations, you got 500,000 yen."
Bai Xia puffed her cheeks. "Hmph, no luck."
"Status."
Host: Bai Xia
Height: 5'6
Stamina: 20
Strength: 20
Intelligence: 20
Charisma: 20
Beauty: 23
Skills: Business Tycoon, Frost Eyes, Reaper Tears, Crystal Tears
Knowledge: Master of All Tongues (MAT), Martial Arts (MA), God of Music (GOM)
EXP points: 150
Mission points: 60
Space size: 2000 acres
Money bag: 3,540,000
**(Missions)**
Own five different types of jade
Rewards: Exp 100, Mission Points 50
**(Notifications)**
None
Nothing changed except the amount in her money bag.
"System, I'd like to withdraw the money from my money bag."
"It has been transferred to your account."
"Can you directly transfer it to my bank next time?"
"No. Only daily rewards can be transferred automatically."
"Then do that from now on."
She sighed softly, pulled a few things out of the mall, and lay back on her bed. The ceiling above her glowed with faint moonlight.
There are still things I need to do tomorrow, she thought, her mind already calculating as sleep gently pulled her in…