Su Li walked into the courtyard, her poised figure catching the sunlight like an elegant painting.
As she slowly stepped into the first-floor reception hall, the familiar atmosphere—steady, imposing, and steeped in a rich, classical charm—rushed to meet her. The hall was exceptionally spacious, with dark, heavy, rustic wooden floors. With every step, Su Li was reminded of her childhood, when her grandfather would hold her hand as they walked in and out of this very room.
She looked up at the ceiling, where the exquisite Chinese-style chandelier still hung in silence. The surrounding walls were a soft, elegant beige, decorated with several landscape paintings hung with deliberate care. Their brushwork was bold and vigorous, the ink like swirling clouds, making one feel as though they were suddenly transported into an ethereal mountain landscape.
In the center of the hall, a set of antique mahogany sofas sat with solemnity. The intricate carvings on the wood, like traces left by time itself, whispered of ancient legends.
Everything remained as it had been, yet her grandfather, who used to sit there, was gone forever.
It felt as though time had slowed down in this space. Su Li’s eyes reddened with childhood memories. She sat in the central sofa with a seasoned air, her posture bearing no resemblance to that of a girl of eighteen or nineteen, but rather that of a decisive leader of men.
She waved her hand, dismissing everyone else and leaving only Old Cheng behind.
"Old Cheng, you have served my grandfather your entire life with diligence and unwavering loyalty. I need not say much regarding your devotion to the Su Family and to my grandfather."
"When my grandfather passed, he told me: 'You are the only person in this family I can trust unconditionally. You will assist me in taking over the Su Family business.'"
Upon hearing Su Li’s words, Old Cheng’s eyes grew moist. His voice trembled as he spoke slowly: "Eldest Miss, this old servant has been here from beginning to end, waiting for your return."
"The Old Master showed me such immense kindness. On his deathbed, he entrusted me with a heavy duty: to ensure I assist you in taking over the Su Family’s estate."
"I have always known that this was not only the Old Master’s profound expectation for the future of the Su Family, but also his ultimate trust in you."
"In all this time, not a moment has passed where I haven't worried about you, hoping day and night for your return."
Hearing Old Cheng’s words, a complex array of emotions surged through Su Li. As she watched his expectant gaze and his trembling frame, she felt both touched and deeply moved. She was touched by his loyalty to the Su Family and the way he cherished and trusted her as if she were his own granddaughter. After the betrayal by her partner and the calculated schemes of her own kin, Old Cheng’s words were like a warm current, soothing her scarred heart.
She was also struck by the realization that by hiding away for so long, she had not only failed her grandfather’s expectations but had left Old Cheng waiting in agony.
In her previous life, she had failed to follow her grandfather’s dying wish to become the head of the Su Family because she had her own doubts. At the time, she truly didn't understand why her grandfather would bypass her father to hand the business to her—a mere girl not yet twenty. After all, besides her, he had his only son. Though her father rarely returned to the old estate, he was still her grandfather’s flesh and blood, and for many years, he had been dutiful and respectful.
Yet, in the end, her grandfather had announced that everything belonging to the Su Family would skip her father and pass directly to her. She could never fathom the reason. She had expected her father to jump up and protest, but after hearing the will, he remained silent and calm. In her past life, torn by her feelings for her father, she had hesitated, even though she resented him for her mother's death.
Her grandfather had placed the Su Family in her hands before he died, but she had betrayed his high hopes and never returned to the estate to complete the transition of power. She had assumed her father would eventually reclaim control, yet until the eve of her car accident, the Su Family seemed to have vanished from the upper-class circles just as it had years ago, and her father had never assumed the position of head of the family.
Despite the many things she still did not understand, Su Li decided to take it one step at a time. Since her grandfather had chosen her as his successor, she would give her all to take over the Su Family business. In this life, she would never again depend on anyone else.
"Eldest Miss, I am convinced that with your return, the Su Family will surely regain its former glory under your lead. I am willing to spend the rest of my days assisting you in achieving the grand ambitions of the Su Family. Old Master, are you watching from above? I have finally waited for the Eldest Miss to return!" Old Cheng said, his voice choked with emotion.
Su Li nodded slightly. A flash of sorrow crossed her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Old Cheng, I know that my grandfather’s passing is a massive blow to you as well. But I am still here, and the Su Family business requires us to guard it together." Su Li looked at Old Cheng with a firm gaze.
Old Cheng wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded heavily. "Rest assured, Eldest Miss. I will assist you with all my might in taking over the family business. This is not just a promise to the Old Master; it is my duty to the Su Family," he said firmly.
Su Li bowed deeply to the loyal veteran of the Su Family in gratitude. "With you by my side, I am certain we will be able to make the foundation of the Su Family grow stronger."
Straightening her back slightly, Su Li looked at him with a serious expression. "There are two things that need to be handled immediately."
"First, I need two assistants. Choose them from the family's secret guards. They must be female, and aside from being steady and capable, they must be skilled in combat. They will stay by my side to help me handle affairs, and they will also need to make preparations for my personal security."
"Second, prepare a state-of-the-art computer and a mobile phone for me, so it will be easier for us to stay in contact."
Su Li’s gaze was sharp and determined. She paused for a moment before adding, "That is all for now. Start working on it. Call me once you have selected the candidates."
"Understood, Eldest Miss," Old Cheng replied respectfully. "I have noted everything you asked. Leave it to me. Rest assured, I will notify you the moment the people are found."
"Good."
She then turned to him. "Old Cheng, I wish to pay my respects to my grandfather first. I want to offer some incense."
"As you wish, Eldest Miss."
The two walked out quickly, crossing the long corridor toward the Su Family Ancestral Hall behind the rockery.
As the old saying goes: "The ancestral hall is the symbol of a family; it not only carries the past of the family but also lays the foundation for its future."