Chapter Sixty-One: Welcoming the Goddess

In the early morning, the Splendid Community remained utterly silent, its residents still lost in deep slumber. At this hour, a white BMW cut through the neighborhood’s quiet, gliding gently into a parking spot. The window rolled down.

“Turn off the engine, don’t disturb everyone’s rest,” came a familiar voice from inside—it was Uncle Xiang, who had come to pick up Wang Yuqing.

The driver in the front seat responded and immediately shut off the BMW. Uncle Xiang leaned forward, peering at the floor where Wang Yuqing lived, and noticed a room with its lights still on. He was a little surprised—could Miss Yuqing already be awake?

He shook his head, thinking he was overanalyzing, and quietly rolled the window back up. Eyes half closed, he settled in to rest.

In a cozy little bedroom filled with warmth, a beautiful girl in pink pajamas—namely, Wang Yuqing—was bent over her studies. Sometimes, one truly had to admire these academic stars; even on weekends, they never let themselves slack off. If such people ever scored poorly, surely even fate would protest.

An hour later, Wang Yuqing’s aunt rose as well. She slowly pushed open the door and glimpsed the faint glow of light from Yuqing’s room, shaking her head helplessly.

“This child, even on weekends she won’t relax. How can her body withstand this pace?” Aunt shook her head, heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Before long, a sumptuous meal was ready: milk, bread, oatmeal porridge, and side dishes—everything one could wish for, enough to make anyone’s mouth water. She gently opened Yuqing’s bedroom door and called her out to eat, then went to rouse Yuqing’s uncle as well.

They ate in silence.

Around ten in the morning, still immersed in her sea of exercises, Wang Yuqing finally lifted her head from her desk and glanced at her wristwatch. Hesitation flickered in her eyes as she sighed and pulled out her phone.

“Hello, Gao Zheng? It’s me, Wang Yuqing. Where do you live? I’ll take the bus over.”

“Yuqing, you finally called! Why bother with the bus? Uncle Xiang is already at your doorstep. Just come down—the white BMW is his. He’ll bring you here.”

“Um, isn’t that a bit much? I can just take the bus myself,” Yuqing said, not keen on being collected by Gao Zheng’s people.

“Alright, it’s settled. I’ll call Uncle Xiang now and tell him you’re coming down. I have to go.”

Yuqing stared at her phone, muttering inwardly, “He really is a young master—doesn’t even ask for my opinion.”

She pursed her lips, stuffing books into her backpack. Unsure what question Gao Zheng intended to ask, she decided to bring all her books.

“Uncle, Aunt, I’m going to a classmate’s house. I’ll be back before dinner,” Yuqing called as she shouldered her backpack and headed out.

She’d barely descended the stairs before spotting an elderly man waiting by the car, smiling warmly at her.

“Miss Yuqing, you’re here. Come, let’s get in—the young master is getting impatient,” Uncle Xiang said, beaming.

“You’re from Gao Zheng’s house?” Yuqing asked softly.

“Yes, Miss Yuqing, I’m the family’s steward.”

Yuqing nodded and walked to the car, reaching for the door, but Uncle Xiang was quicker, opening it for her.

“Miss Yuqing, mind your head,” Uncle Xiang said, shielding the edge of the door for her.

Once Yuqing slid inside, Uncle Xiang circled to the front, settling in with the driver, leaving Yuqing alone in the comfortable back seat. The series of considerate gestures puzzled her—why was this elderly man so polite?

After ten minutes or so, the BMW glided into the villa district. Along the way, Uncle Xiang called Gao Zheng to say they’d soon arrive.

Finally, the BMW pulled into Gao Zheng’s garage. As soon as the car stopped, Yuqing prepared to open the door, but before her hand reached the handle, someone opened it from outside.

She looked up—it was a middle-aged man in a security guard uniform.

“Miss Yuqing, please step out,” Uncle Xiang said from the front.

Yuqing acknowledged, disembarking.

“Warmest welcome to Miss Yuqing!” rang out a chorus of voices. Yuqing looked up in astonishment—over thirty people stood in two rows, bowing their heads and shouting greetings. Nearby, a small band played music, and Gao Zheng stood at the front, clad in a black tuxedo—one could only wonder whether he felt cold in such attire on a chilly day.

Yuqing had never experienced such a scene before and was momentarily stunned. Gao Zheng approached, a charming smile on his face, and offered a slight bow.

“Welcome, my goddess.”

“Ah, um… Gao Zheng, what are you doing? This is too much—I don’t know how to react,” Yuqing replied, not noticing his “goddess” remark, only realizing he was already beside her.

She knew Gao Zheng’s family was wealthy, but hadn’t expected such immense wealth. Before her stood a villa as large as a football field, encircled by white wooden fences and lush green lawns, with sharp, towering russet roofs exuding European flair. The grand foyer, imposing red doors, oval arched windows, and marble stonework—all announced the owner’s magnificence.

“Yuqing, come on, let’s go in,” Gao Zheng said beside her.

“Alright,” Yuqing recovered and followed Gao Zheng into the villa.

“Yuqing, please, after you.” Gao Zheng gestured invitingly as Uncle Xiang had already opened the door wide.

“Gao Zheng, you don’t need to be so formal—it makes me uncomfortable,” Yuqing remarked, uneasy at Gao Zheng’s politeness and at Uncle Xiang, a man of his age, opening the door for her.

“Politeness is essential—it shows character. I’m not like some people who disregard teachers’ words and lack even the most basic manners,” Gao Zheng said coolly.

Yuqing frowned slightly. She knew exactly whom Gao Zheng meant and hated hearing anyone criticize Xiao Lin. To her, Xiao Lin was flawless—perfect in every way.

Yuqing ignored Gao Zheng’s words, not wishing to argue out of courtesy. She tiptoed into the villa, eager to discuss whatever issue awaited and hurry home. Though the place was grand and impressive, it held no appeal for her. She’d been momentarily astonished upon arrival, but to her, home was far more comfortable. In the villa, she felt stifled, a discomfort unrelated to its size—just a feeling deep in her heart.