Li Jing stared at the photo frame for a long time before finally placing it back, letting out a deep sigh: "Mucheng, I'm sorry... as your father..."
...
♪Because I just met you♪
As the ringtone of the phone rang out, Li Mucheng, wrapped in a towel, walked out of the bathroom. The bathroom was still steaming, suggesting she had just finished her shower. Perhaps the ringtone was specially set, as Mucheng's hair was still wet, and her little feet, bare on the floor, looked exceptionally cute with their plump, rounded toes.
"Hello!"
"Mucheng, you finally picked up my call! I've been trying to reach you all night, and it wasn't until today that the servants at home told me you were kidnapped. Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
The voice on the other end was sweet and tinged with a tingling sensation, like a little elf emerging from the woods. What was most unexpected was Mucheng's expression; the usually cold-faced girl was smiling as she spoke on the phone, like a lotus flower emerging from the water, captivating.
"Yu Xin, I'm fine. I was planning to come see you last night, but then this happened. Don't worry, I wasn't mistreated."
"You can still laugh after being kidnapped? Do you know how worried I was? Should I ask my dad to send more bodyguards to pick you up next time?"
"No need, my father is already arranging for more formidable bodyguards for me. Hmph! Who needs his concern!"
"Mucheng, don't be upset. Uncle must have his reasons."
"Reasons? Was his reason to be working outside while my mother was on her deathbed? Why did my mother ever fall for such a cold-blooded man?"
Mucheng's emotions suddenly flared up, and she even shouted at this point, but then she suddenly thought of something and quickly apologized.
"Sorry, Yu Xin, I didn't mean to snap at you."
"It's alright, Mucheng. After all, we're best friends~ My dad has also grounded me recently, so let's keep in touch through our phones."
"Okay."
"Alright, Mucheng, I won't keep you. I have my music class to attend."
"Goodbye, Yu Xin."
After hanging up the phone, Mucheng, disregarding her wet body, collapsed onto the bed and pulled out a fox mask from under the pillow, lightly punching it.
"Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? Was it just for fun? Strange person..."
...
"Achoo!"
At the same time, Ye Feng, just stepping out of a convenience store, inexplicably sneezed.
"Who's cursing me? I paid this month's rent, didn't I?"
Ye Feng rubbed his nose and continued walking home.
As soon as he got home, Ye Feng heard a system prompt. After tidying up the items from the shopping bag, he opened the system and began browsing. To his surprise, the previously garbled symbols on the illustrated manual now faintly showed some legible characters.
Name: Li Mucheng
Background: Daughter of Li Jing, Li Corporation
Progress: 1% (Additional rewards upon reaching 20%)
...
"Why would Li Mucheng's name appear in the illustrated manual? Could it be that I collect everyone I kidnap? But what's the point of that?"
Ye Feng pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with an answer. Eventually, he decided to let it go, as they say, "When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten." For now, survival is the most important.
...
In the evening, after a simple meal, Ye Feng was about to take a shower and go to bed when his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Is this Ye Feng? Your preliminary examination has passed. Please come to the villa entrance tomorrow to discuss further details in person."
"Okay."
The person on the other end was straightforward, quickly hanging up after delivering their message. Ye Feng appreciated this efficiency.
Efficient, quick, and hassle-free.
"Phew... The initial hurdles are finally over. I hope things will go smoother from now on."
...
"What?! Why wasn't I informed beforehand?"
Early the next morning, Li Mucheng's voice rang out in the dining room. Beside her, Ah Fu was bowing his head, saying, "I'm sorry, Miss, but this was Master's order."
"What right does he have to do this? I don't need a tutor! Go back and tell him that I can take care of myself; I don't need his fake concern."
Li Mucheng, who had been quietly eating, suddenly exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her whole body bristling with anger.
"Miss, this is a direct order from Master. We cannot disobey. Please don't make things difficult for us."
"Fine, maybe he's just sending someone to spy on me. My life doesn't need his concern. If he was so caring, why didn't he visit my mother when she was dying?"
As Mucheng spoke, her voice trembled with a hint of tears, and her previously fierce demeanor gradually faded. After a brief moment, she spoke again.
"Where is that person?"
"He's already outside the villa."
"Bring him in."
"Yes."
After Ah Fu left, Mucheng, her hand holding the dining knife trembling slightly, had lost her appetite due to the recent events and immediately threw down her utensils, heading towards her room.
...
"Apologies for the wait, Ye Feng."
Ah Fu led Ye Feng in from the entrance.
"The young lady is currently having breakfast. You might need to wait a bit."
"It's alright. After all, this is part of my future job."
This guy is quite perceptive. Talking to a smart person is indeed simple.
But what Ye Feng was really thinking was that not only could he fulfill the system's task, but he could also earn a substantial salary and improve his living conditions. That would truly be... a rising career!
As they walked, Ye Feng couldn't help but marvel at the luxurious decorations and facilities of the villa, once again appreciating the life of the wealthy.
Upon entering the house, Ah Fu dismissed the maid at the door and led Ye Feng to the drawing room, indicating for him to sit down.
"Mr. Ye Feng, I am representing our company to sign a contract with you for the position of a tutor. Here are the specifics of the contract. Please review them."
Ye Feng quickly skimmed through the document and nodded after finding no issues.
"I have no objections."
"Excellent. We hope you can fulfill the terms of the contract. The current salary is 100,000 yuan per month, with various additional benefits. The contract period is a two-month trial. Do you accept?"
How much? 100,000! So much for a tutor?
Ye Feng forced himself to remain calm, acting as if nothing had happened, and nodded.
"Then... shall we say, a successful partnership?"
"Let's skip the formalities, Mr. Ye Feng. I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart."
Ah Fu smiled, took the signed and thumbprinted contract, handed it to a maid, and then led Ye Feng towards where Li Mucheng was.