When Nan Lu whispered, "Che Che, we're not in the same world anymore,"
Lin Che knew exactly what her friend meant.
Nan Lu wasn't just talking about the difference between the capital and the village.
She was talking about her—about Lin Che—now being tied to the Gong family through Zhang Rui.
But hearing those words out loud… they didn't sound as sweet as they should have.
Lin Che looked out of the car window again, her gaze fixed on the towering golden gates ahead. The metal shimmered like molten sunlight, the family crest of the Gongs carved proudly at the center. It was so large, so elaborate, that for a moment, she wondered if it could actually be pure gold.
It was breathtaking.
And terrifying.
If this was going to be Zhang Rui's new home… then yes, Nan Lu was right—they really weren't in the same world anymore.
The gates slowly creaked open, the sound mechanical yet graceful, and the car rolled forward. The sheer size of the estate swallowed them whole.
Everything around them screamed luxury. The gardens were trimmed to perfection, marble fountains danced with water, and statues lined the driveway like silent sentinels.
Lin Che felt herself shrinking in her seat.
She'd read novels about rich families—their palaces, their elegance, their traditions—but reading was one thing.
Seeing it… being inside it… was another.
The future suddenly looked uncertain.
Almost bleak.
Like she had stepped into a world where no light from her old life could reach her anymore.
When the car came to a slow stop before the grand entrance, several uniformed servants rushed forward. Their movements were swift and perfectly coordinated, as if rehearsed. One opened the car door, bowing slightly.
"Welcome, honored guests."
The three of them stepped out, slightly dazed.
And then another man appeared from the doorway—a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman with silver-streaked hair and a calm, practiced smile.
"Ah, you must be Old Master Zhang," he greeted warmly. "I am Butler Huang. Madam Gong has instructed me to take care of everything in her stead. Please, allow me to escort you to your rooms."
His tone was polished, his bow respectful—but his manner carried that faint air of refinement that only came from long years of service in a powerful household.
Old Master Zhang quickly waved his hands humbly. "No, no, we cannot trouble you too much."
"It is no trouble at all, sir," Butler Huang replied with an elegant smile. "This way, please."
The moment they stepped inside, all three of them stopped in their tracks.
It was like walking into a palace.
The chandelier hanging from the ceiling sparkled like a cluster of stars. The marble floors were so polished that Lin Che could almost see her reflection clearly beneath her shoes. Every wall was adorned with intricate art—ancient calligraphy scrolls, oil paintings, porcelain vases resting on ornate stands.
Nan Lu's head turned in every direction at once, her eyes wide and round. "Che Che…" she whispered, her voice trembling, "this… this isn't a house. This is a museum. No… a palace! Do people even live here?"
Lin Che didn't answer. She couldn't.
Her gaze swept across the long hallway, catching glimpses of sliding wooden doors, gold-lined staircases, and large glass windows that opened into gardens outside. The whole place was an elegant fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and modern design—rich in culture yet shining with new-world grandeur.
It was beautiful.
And completely overwhelming.
Even Nan Lu, the ever-gossipy, ever-lively Nan Lu, fell silent for once. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.
---
Butler Huang led them through the long corridor, his footsteps soft and measured. "Madam Gong is occupied with the preparations for tomorrow's event," he explained. "She regrets not being here to welcome you personally, but she will receive you properly during the celebration."
Old Master Zhang nodded politely. "Please convey our gratitude to Madam Gong."
"Of course," Butler Huang replied with another small bow.
Finally, he stopped before a pair of grand double doors.
"These will be your rooms. Miss Lin Che and Miss Nan Lu will share this one," he said, gesturing to the left, "and Old Master Zhang, your room is just next door."
"Thank you," Lin Che said softly.
When the doors opened, even Nan Lu gasped again.
The room was enormous—far larger than any they had ever seen. A king-sized bed rested in the center, its headboard embroidered with silver patterns. The curtains were silk, pale gold in color, and the air carried a faint scent of jasmine. A crystal lamp hung above, casting soft light across the elegant furniture.
Nan Lu practically dove onto the bed the moment they entered.
"Ahhh!" she squealed, rolling onto her stomach. "Che Che! Feel this! It's like lying on clouds! Clouds, I tell you! Oh heavens, I'm never leaving this bed again!"
Lin Che laughed softly, walking over to touch the sheets. The silk was so smooth it slipped between her fingers like water.
She looked around, still in awe—the carved dresser, the mirror framed with gold, the balcony overlooking a sprawling garden that glowed under the city lights.
This was the kind of life she'd only ever seen in magazines or television dramas.
Nan Lu turned her head and muttered into the pillows, muffled but full of emotion, "You think anyone would notice if I packed this mattress and took it home with me?"
Lin Che smiled helplessly. "They'd probably notice when they found you missing with it."
Nan Lu groaned dramatically. "Ah, cruel fate! Why was I not born into the Gong family instead?"