Old Cheng, who had been waiting outside, caught sight of the Dark Iron Ring on Su Li’s finger at a glance. He bowed respectfully to her and called out, "Head of the Family."
Su Li nodded and said, "Inform everyone within the family to attend to their own duties. I shall return for today; we can discuss the inauguration ceremony later. Oh, and once you have found the people I requested, just give me a call."
"Understood, Head of the Family," Old Cheng replied.
Su Li gave a soft "Hmm" in response. She then looked at Old Cheng, her expression sincere as she said, "Please take good care of your health. I must be going now." With that, she strode toward the gate.
Watching her retreating figure, Old Cheng lost himself in thought, his eyes brimming with tears. He couldn't help but sigh to himself: *Old Master, you left us too soon. Look at this—our young lady has grown up.*
*She has changed. Today, she came back to see you and has fulfilled your last wish by taking up the position as Head of the Family. The young lady has shed all her childishness; her eyes now reveal a profound wisdom and a resilient character. I can see her resolve and that streak of ferocity in her gaze—yes, ferocity. That was the one thing she lacked in the past.*
*Seeing her today makes me realize that the legacy of the Su Family lives on. The Su Family truly has a successor. Old Master, oh Old Master, I must admire your judgment once again. You were right; our young lady will surely become a remarkable person in the future.*
When Old Cheng finally snapped back to reality, Su Li was nowhere to be seen. Stamping his foot in frustration, he muttered to himself, "I really am old, useless now. How could I have let my mind wander?" Fretful and hurried, he rushed toward the entrance.
Su Li walked at a steady, measured pace. As she crossed the corridors and gardens, she passed a few servants. Seeing her, they all stopped what they were doing and stood still, bowing in unison as they called out, "Eldest Miss."
Su Li raised her chin slightly, acknowledging them with polite nods, her eyes carrying a touch of warmth tempered by authority. She soon reached the main gate, where she saw a young man standing beside her car.
Su Li approached and examined him closely. The man appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six, with short, crisp hair that made him look remarkably spirited. His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a hint of bronzed skin, and the sleeves were rolled to his elbows, hinting at lean, solid muscle underneath—a look of effortless charm. He had phoenix eyes that were deep and piercing, a high, sculptural nose, and slightly upturned lips that held a faint, mysterious smile. His physique was comparable to a male model’s—broad shoulders, narrow hips, and perfectly balanced, toned muscles. A pair of seemingly ordinary black dress pants emphasized his long, powerful legs, giving him an air of masculine, hormone-fueled intensity.
Su Li’s eyes flickered; she couldn't help but feel a surge of internal astonishment. *What kind of day is this, exactly?*
Ever since her rebirth, she had wanted to cherish every day, which was why she had chosen to return to the ancestral home early this morning. She wanted to visit her grandfather and arrange some recent matters, but also to adapt as quickly as possible to her new life and plan for the future. After seeing her father early that morning, she had decided to drive to the old estate alone. Despite a minor incident on the road, it hadn't delayed her much. She had thought the man she met on the road was already monstrously attractive, but to find another top-tier handsome man the moment she stepped out of the estate was unexpected.
Though she had lived to be thirty in her previous life and had seen many men, she had been completely hoodwinked by Ji Qinchuan, trapped in a "true love" snare she couldn't escape. Her mother-in-law had constantly used terms like "three obediences and four virtues" to confine her thoughts and bind her to the small, stifling world of the Ji Family. Looking back now, compared to the two men she had encountered today, Ji Qinchuan was lacking in every regard.
However, despite being dazzled, Su Li did not lose her composure. She was no longer the eighteen-year-old girl who had just awakened to love.
While Su Li scrutinized Wuchen, he was likewise quietly observing the alluring young woman before him. She remained the same as in his memories: cold and aloof, as if keeping everyone at a distance. Yet, he knew well that beneath that seemingly icy exterior lay a passionate heart.
Time had passed quietly; he hadn't seen her in several years. Now, at nineteen, she had shed her former childishness and blossomed into a stunning young woman, her brows and eyes radiating a charm beyond her years. Dressed in casual clothes, she appeared fresh and innocent, yet that couldn't hide her devilishly hot figure. Her skin was flawless; perhaps due to her quick walking, her cheeks were flushed a faint pink, as delicate and beautiful as peach blossoms in spring. Her long eyelashes fluttered like delicate little brushes, and those bright, lively eyes looked straight at him, as if they could see into his very soul.
As they locked eyes, Old Cheng caught up to Su Li. Out of breath from his pursuit, he felt a wave of helplessness regarding his fading vitality—*sigh, I really am getting old.*
Seeing Wuchen standing by the car, Old Cheng hurried to say, "Head of the Family, this is my foster son, Wuchen. I noticed a small scratch on the car earlier and asked him to handle it for you. It looks like he’s already taken care of it."
Su Li shifted her gaze from Wuchen to the car. Seeing the paintwork restored to its original state, she said with a smile, "Hmm, it looks like he has a steady hand." She then turned her gaze back to Wuchen, who was standing to the side.
Su Li silently wondered about this man’s background. Old Cheng’s foster son—he clearly had some ability. But why was he here? Was it just to fix a car scratch?
When Wuchen heard his foster father address Su Li as Head of the Family, he caught a glimpse of the Dark Iron Ring on her hand and stepped closer. Placing one hand over his chest, he bowed deeply and said in a low, resonant voice, "Wuchen greets the Head of the Family."
Su Li raised an eyebrow. His formal etiquette was impeccable. She asked, somewhat playfully, "Your name is Wuchen?"
"Yes, I am Wuchen."
Su Li continued, "Old Cheng, please take the trouble to send Wuchen’s file to me. And as for the people I asked for, send their files to me first once you have selected them."
Old Cheng quickly replied, "Certainly, Head of the Family. And the computer and phone you requested have been prepared and are inside the car. Aside from being the latest domestic and international models, I have installed anti-eavesdropping and anti-leak software on them. You can use them with complete peace of mind."
Su Li smiled knowingly. Between smart people, there was no need for unnecessary words. Of course, it wasn't that she didn't have a phone or computer, but everything she used from now on had to be specially treated for her to feel secure.
Before getting into the car, she said with a playful touch, "Old Cheng, let’s keep it like it was when I was little—just call me Eldest Miss."
Old Cheng said, his eyes filled with kindness, "Very well. Just like when you were young, I shall call you Eldest Miss."
Su Li nodded slightly and turned to enter the car. In her mind, she was still pondering what kind of person Wuchen really was. Was today’s meeting a coincidence, or was it intentional? In this world full of variables, she had to stay vigilant.
As the car slowly pulled away from the estate, Su Li took one last look through the window at Wuchen and Old Cheng standing there. She knew a new journey had begun, and she would have to face all challenges with courage.