"Uncle Fu, you’ve been quite talkative lately. This isn’t like the cautious you at all."

Luo Yao had noticed the significant changes in Uncle Fu recently.

"Perhaps all of us are changing in some way?"

Luo Yao frowned slightly. "Then tell me, how have I changed?"

At this, Uncle Fu perked up with interest.

"Never mind, this old man values his life too much."

"Speak. I’ll spare you."

A faint smirk tugged at Uncle Fu’s lips—this was the first time he’d ever been given the chance to critique his young mistress.

"Young Mistress, you used to be... well, quite cold. And please don’t take offense—you were ruthless and indifferent to everyone. I thought that was just who you were, until Young Master Lin came along..."

Uncle Fu had witnessed their entire journey, from the cat-and-mouse games of their early clashes to their current "madly in love" phase.

"When Young Master Lin first appeared, you became irritable, even vicious, radiating hostility. But then he changed, and so did you."

Here, Uncle Fu cautiously glanced at Luo Yao’s expression, relieved to find it unreadable.

"As an outsider, I’ve watched your love story unfold—from him running and you chasing, to now being so infatuated you’re practically drowning the world in your affection. Even an old man like me can’t help but envy it."

"You’ve grown softer, more prone to smiling—though, of course, that’s all thanks to Young Master Lin. You only show that warmth when you’re with him."

"In my eyes, you’ve transformed from an emotionless machine into someone capable of love."

Uncle Fu abruptly stopped, noticing Luo Yao’s gaze turning icy—almost chilling in the night’s darkness.

"Young Mistress, you did promise to spare me..."

Lin Ran, who had been listening with amusement, finally saw his chance to chime in.

"Uncle Fu, you’ve just signed your own death warrant."

A cold sweat broke out on Uncle Fu’s back as he feared for his life.

"I may be a ruthless machine, but I keep my word. Your life is safe."

Uncle Fu exhaled in relief.

"But your bonuses are gone. Including the year-end one."

Uncle Fu groaned. "The sky has fallen."

"Young Mistress, I have a wife and grandchildren to support!"

Luo Yao arched a brow. "Are you bargaining with me?"

"...I wouldn’t dare."

Uncle Fu sighed.

Bargain? What a joke.

Even the three great families didn’t dare negotiate with Luo Yao.

In this world, the only person who could bargain with her was Lin Ran.

"This old servant will take his leave now."

Uncle Fu didn’t dare stay another second. He regretted opening his mouth at all.

Once he was gone, Lin Ran finally relaxed.

For some reason, seeing Uncle Fu squirm always put him in a good mood.

Logically, they were half-friends and confidants—he shouldn’t take pleasure in it. But he couldn’t deny the satisfaction.

"Ran, are you still cold?"

"Not when you’re with me. I’ll never feel cold."

Luo Yao paused. Just moments ago, Lin Ran had complained about the chill.

"A man’s words are a devil’s lies."

Lin Ran scratched his head awkwardly. "I’m not lying. I just like saying sweet things to you. Your happiness is mine."

"Someone once told me I loved you too cautiously—overthinking every little thing. But now I understand: if I love you, I should show it boldly. Even if I make mistakes, I want you to feel the intensity of my love."

"Who told you that?" Luo Yao frowned. She disliked outsiders meddling in her relationship.

"Uncle Fu."

Another pause.

"...That old man. Fine, I’ll let it slide this time."

Luo Yao wasn’t known for her generosity. She held grudges—not over money (she could waste fortunes without a care), but over personal critiques.

She’d only asked Uncle Fu to comment on her changes, yet he’d dared point out her flaws. That irked her.

Didn’t she already know herself?

And to say it in front of Lin Ran—what if he didn’t like what he heard?

But learning that Uncle Fu had helped Lin Ran overcome his reservations softened her stance. Maybe the old man wasn’t entirely unforgivable.

"He’s probably over the moon right now."

As time passed, the two lay on a bed brought by the servants, gazing at the stars.

"‘Stargazing from a well’—that’s how you described this place."

They watched the stars, but the stars watched more than just them.

Meanwhile, Shanghai was anything but peaceful.

The Lu Family and Wang Family were drowning in chaos—especially the Lu Family.

Wang Dacong of the Wang Family only had personal scandals to worry about. As the eldest son, he could throw money at most problems, and Wang Xiaolin was actively cleaning up his messes without shielding him.

The women collectively suing Wang Dacong were either negotiated with or compensated. Even the computer repairman who leaked the scandal was let off the hook.

This magnanimity somewhat improved the Wang Family’s public image.

But what really surprised people was Wang Xiaolin’s stance on his son:

"Handle him as the law demands. Execute him if necessary."

The crisis didn’t harm the Wang Family’s conglomerate—it even salvaged some reputation.

But the goodwill was short-lived. As Wang Dacong’s scandals simmered, old accusations of box office fraud resurfaced.

Wang Family’s cinemas across the country stood empty, much to the delight of rival theater owners. Even their real estate projects stalled.

Wang Xiaolin was exhausted—his hair seemed grayer overnight.

The Lu Family’s troubles were worse.

Customs at the Wang Family’s port had seized 500 kilograms of drugs.

Enough to warrant executions for many.

Previously, the Lu Family had flown under the radar—partly because they’d been careful, partly because their influence deterred scrutiny in a city like Shanghai.

Who’d expect a family of their stature to traffic drugs?

But this time was different. The tipster had revealed the Lu Family’s smuggling method, forcing authorities to act.

Sure enough, the drugs were found at the port.

Their method was ingenious: dissolved in water, absorbed into towels, then shipped overseas for extraction and purification.