"Ying'er is the hope of our family. I sincerely hope you'll show mercy, senior."
The head of the Cao Clan spoke humbly, his voice low and submissive.
He truly feared Yang Ji's strength and was unaware of his background, so he spoke with genuine humility.
"You really have a narrow view of the world. Do you think your family's young talents, when they are under my Young Master, could possibly be worse than the Pill Tower?"
Yang Ji frowned, showing his displeasure.
If they had merely requested a marriage alliance, that could be understood. But a personal attendant?
How could the Cao Clan's prodigy be a personal attendant?!
Yet from Yang Ji's tone, it seemed their backing—the Pill Tower—was truly not worth their attention.
"You brat, I am Mang Tianchi. Have you ever heard of me?"
At this moment, Mang Tianchi spoke.
The Cao Clan head paused.
He had indeed heard of Mang Tianchi.
Even the Cao Clan knew of the Canaan Academy.
"You are the dean of Canaan Academy, Mang Tianchi?" the Cao Clan head asked.
"Yes, that is me," Mang Tianchi replied.
"In that case, Ying'er will be handed over to you," the Cao Clan head suddenly said.
Mang Tianchi's reputation was formidable. But his words alone would not have been enough for the Cao Clan head to entrust the family's "hopeful star" to Lei Qi.
However, a long-standing family like theirs naturally knew of hidden sects and powerful bloodlines.
Mang Tianchi's background was no simple matter.
The Thunder Clan—an imperial family once home to Dou Emperor-level power.
To establish a connection with such a family, how could the Cao Clan not seize the opportunity?
"You won't regret this. I am Lei Qi. In the future, if you need help, come to Tianlei City and find me."
Lei Qi said firmly.
At this moment, the Cao Clan head could already tell that, though the others were strong, the real authority rested with Lei Qi.
"Thank you, Young Master Lei Qi," he immediately bowed in gratitude.
The Cao Clan head knew how to handle this well. Once he agreed, he immediately sent people to bring Cao Ying.
Soon, an elderly woman led out a thirteen-year-old girl.
Although only thirteen, she was already gracefully grown, with long burgundy hair cascading to her waist.
Her arched eyebrows and sparkling eyes reflected intelligence, and her delicate porcelain face framed full, rose-petal lips.
Beyond feminine charm, she also radiated a subtle wild beauty. Her icy expression added an additional mysterious allure.
For a thirteen-year-old, her presence was striking—this was far beyond the "little talent just emerging."
Though still youthful, it was clear she would be stunningly beautiful in a few years.
Watching Cao Ying arrive, the Cao Clan head said calmly:
"Ying'er, this is Young Master Lei Qi. From now on, you will stay by his side and do as he instructs."
Cao Ying froze, staring at the clan head in disbelief.
Her face quickly showed distress:
"Clan head, I don't want to leave the Cao Clan."
She had heard that she was to become a servant!
The treatment she had enjoyed as a Cao Clan princess-level member would now be replaced by servitude for someone else!
Recalling her aunt's previous warning, Cao Ying felt both upset and fearful.
"You are not leaving the Cao Clan. You are merely accompanying Young Master Lei Qi, which is your blessing. You must cherish this opportunity," the Cao Clan head said, ignoring the child's reluctance.
"Clan head…"
Her voice carried the edge of tears.
It was obvious she truly did not want to leave.
But the Cao Clan head knew they had no right to refuse. Even the Pill Tower could not influence this matter. Making a scene would benefit the Cao Clan in no way.
"All right, Cao Clan head, I'll take her now. Don't worry, she will not be wronged under my care," Lei Qi said as he approached and took Cao Ying by his side.
Cao Ying wanted to resist, but dared not.
Though young, she was clever enough to realize that this man would control her future.
If she defied him, what would happen?
Everyone had servants. She had seen how cousins treated their attendants.
Lei Qi was naturally a bit surprised by Cao Ying's obedience—but that worked in his favor.
"Let's go."
With Cao Ying in his arms, Lei Qi spread his Dou Qi wings.
In the next moment, they left the Cao Clan's gate, quickly vanishing in a streak of light.
Back aboard the space ship, Lei Qi took Cao Ying to his room.
On the ship, Cao Ying remained silent, standing obediently to the side.
Lei Qi paid her no mind.
He knew she needed time to adjust.
Saying anything to her now would likely only make the girl think of returning herself.
In fact, Cao Ying stood there, clearly confused and uncertain.
No matter how clever, she was still just a thirteen-year-old girl.
She didn't even know where Lei Qi was taking her.
Three days passed.
Cao Ying seemed to adapt quickly, attending to Lei Qi's daily needs, preparing his meals, and standing obediently.
"You're adapting well," Lei Qi noted after three days, seeing that she wasn't pretending.
After all, she was responsible for warming the bed—the duties her aunt had assigned before she left.
Though reluctant, Cao Ying had no choice. From the moment she was sent out, she knew Lei Qi would be everything in her life. Defiance was not an option.
"Young Master, any instructions?" Cao Ying asked.
"Come sit."
She did not resist, and after sharing a bed every night, she already regarded herself as belonging to Lei Qi.
In truth, she simply did not understand.
As she sat, Lei Qi carefully observed her.
When Cao Ying pouted, her full lips were strangely captivating.
If not for knowing her young age, Lei Qi might have already turned into a lustful wolf.
Yes—the "young" referred to her age.
Years, or perhaps decades, would pass before she fully matured.