Chapter 85: No Need for Such High Specifications

Ye Hua sat on the terrace of her room, swirling a glass of red wine in her hand, her gaze cold as she stared at the waning moon.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

A video and more than a dozen high-resolution photos were automatically received.

She played the video, and when she saw Qiao Wan’er being tormented to the point of utter exhaustion, a cold smirk curled at her lips.

She browsed through the photos, and upon seeing Qiao Wan’er’s clear, anguished face, she lit a slim menthol cigarette, taking a long, satisfied drag.

Anyone who dared stand in her way—she would never grant them the mercy of death. She wanted them to live a life worse than death.

Ding, ding, ding.

Ye Hua’s phone rang again, displaying a string of encrypted numbers.

“Well done. The footage is clear. The money’s already been transferred to your account. Make sure you finish the job cleanly!”

“Sis Hua, you can rest assured with me. By tomorrow morning, the whole city will know.”

“Good.” Ye Hua let out a thoughtful hum.

“Tiger seems to have taken an interest in that woman.”

“He fancies someone like her?”

“Yes.”

At this, Ye Hua’s lips twisted into a wicked grin, her voice icy cold. “Then let him get tangled up with Qiao Wan’er. Perhaps they’ll create a new life together, and he might even become the consort of the city’s wealthiest heiress. Wouldn’t that make things even easier for you?”

“Understood. The message will be delivered.”

Ye Hua hung up, her mood lifted as she sipped her wine.

Little did she know, hidden in a shadowy corner, a pair of bright eyes were silently watching her.

…

When Lu Yao awoke, the clock read eight in the morning—she had just an hour before work.

After hurrying through her morning routine, she stepped out of her room to find the house quiet, with no sign of Ye Zehong.

She entered the dining room and saw a neatly arranged breakfast on the table. A sweet smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.

In three years, this was the first time he’d made such a lavish breakfast for her.

Just as she thought this, a familiar face appeared, smiling kindly. “Miss Lu, you’re awake. The congee and sandwiches are still warm—please, sit down and eat.”

At those words, something inside her seemed to shatter.

Truly, a woman should never expect too much from a man.

She pursed her lips awkwardly, walked to the table, and sat down. Looking up at the woman, she said, “You’re the lady who helped me pick up the pearls, aren’t you?”

“Miss Lu, you have a good memory.” The housekeeper approached and explained, “The Second Master asked me to come take care of your daily needs and his. Aside from mealtimes, I won’t disturb you or the Second Master’s private time.”

“Thank you for your help,” Lu Yao replied with a gentle smile, polite as ever. “How should I address you?”

“You can call me Aunt Yin.” Shen Qingyin had no intention of giving Lu Yao her full name, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention.

Lu Yao nodded, smiling. “Aunt Yin, no need to be so formal with me—just call me Lu Yao.”

Shen Qingyin agreed, keeping a respectful distance. After finishing her explanation, she quickly returned to the kitchen, saying not a word more, careful not to cause Lu Yao any discomfort.

After breakfast, Lu Yao left for the law firm.

As she reached the ground floor, a chauffeured car pulled up in front of her. She was puzzled, and the driver hurried out to open the back door for her.

“Miss Lu, please,” he said respectfully.

Lu Yao frowned, unmoved, and sighed. “Please tell the Second Master not to arrange such ostentatious displays for me. I’m just a junior lawyer at the firm—I don’t need anything so extravagant.”

“But Miss Lu, the Second Master—”

Before the driver could finish, Lu Yao turned and headed towards the subway station.

She had just arrived at the entrance of the law office when someone blocked her way—a person wearing a mask, a hat, and a long trench coat.

Given the previous brushes with danger, she immediately took two steps back, wary.

“Who are you?”

(End of chapter)