Lin Meilin sat beside her mother, Matilda, as they drove into the prestigious Wenlong Mansion nestled in a quiet part of Hua City. The glossy black gates slowly gave way under heavy security surveillance, and the sleek black car glided into the parking area like a prized guest.

Her jaw nearly dropped as she took in the grandeur.

The lights, the sheer expanse, the elegance,this wasn’t a mansion. This was a palace.

No wonder everyone in Hua city talked about the Wenlong Mansion like it was a monument.

The party was in full swing outside, a lavish banquet that seemed to draw the entire city’s elite. As her mother parked and stepped out, Meilin followed, her eyes still glued to the building.

“Matilda!”

A woman in a sleek velvet cheongsam waved and hurried over.

“Becky,” Matilda smiled, hugging her old friend.

Meilin stood quietly beside them, still admiring the setup.

“Oh my! Is this Lin Meilin?”Madam Becky Lu gasped.

Meilin offered a polite smile. “Good evening, ma’am.”

“She’s so beautiful,” Becky gushed. “Ruiyan’s going to be shocked.”

Meilin blinked.

Matilda chuckled. “Alright, Becky. Let’s go greet your husband. Mei mei, sweetheart, just enjoy yourself for a while. I’ll come find you soon.”

Meilin nodded, though inside, she wasn’t sure what to do next. She didn’t know anyone here.

She drifted into the gathering, scanning the well-dressed guests. Most were older, high-class professionals, murmuring over wine and delicate pastries.

Finding an empty table, she sat and took a glass of white wine.

Her phone rang. It was Li Nian.

“Hey, bestie! Are you at the party already?”

“Yeah,” Meilin replied, sounding tired.

“Did you see Lu Ruiyan yet?”

She rolled her eyes. “No ma.”

“Aww. Don’t forget to snap some pics. Gotta keep me updated!”

Meilin hung up, chuckling slightly.

A group of boys nearby kept glancing her way, whispering. She ignored them.

The party stretched on endlessly, but to Meilin, it was nothing more than an endless parade of strangers in jewels and tuxedos. Her mother had long since abandoned her to mingle with influential business partners, leaving her at the mercy of boredom.

After nibbling on one too many pastries,she suddenly felt the urge to pee. She sighed and went to find her mom because she was the only person she could say she was familiar with at this party.She spotted Matilda near the fountain in animated conversation with the host, Ruiyan's mother.

“Ah, Meilin!” Matilda beamed, gesturing her forward. “Come greet Madam Lu again."

The poised woman turned, her smile warm and assessing. She reached for Meilin’s hands as though she’d known her all her life. “My, I just can't get over how grown up she is. Truly blossoming into a fine young lady. Ruiyan’s bride is already ready.”

Meilin blinked, not quite processing the words through the pressure in her bladder. She bowed politely. “Good evening, madam.”

The woman chuckled softly, patting her hand. “You are family here. No need to be formal.” Then she called over a maid. “Take her to the guest restroom upstairs. Not outside with the crowd. She deserves comfort.”

Meilin mumbled a quick thank you and followed the servant through the marbled hallways. The private restroom was plush, scented faintly of orchids. She quickly relieved herself, grateful for the reprieve, and washed up.

Phone in hand, she strolled back down the quiet corridors. Her thumbs danced across the screen—Li Nian’s endless texts demanding updates.

That was when she froze.

From the half-open door ahead came the unmistakable sounds of muffled moans. She held her breath, intending to turn away—until she heard a name slip out in a breathless cry.

“Ruiyan…”

Meilin’s heart stopped. Her eyes widened in shock. Him?

Disgust prickled at her skin. She’d always heard that he was a playboy, but hearing it firsthand, in the middle of his own house, during his own party—it felt obscene.

She turned quickly, wanting nothing more than to disappear.

And then—

Ring! Ring!

Her phone blared in the silence.

She fumbled, panic rising. In her haste, it slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor. Cursing under her breath, she bent down to snatch it up—

The door swung open.

Meilin froze on her knees. Slowly, she looked up.

Lu Ruiyan towered above her, framed by the doorway. His suit was slightly rumpled, the gold chain at his throat glinting under the chandelier. His dark eyes narrowed with dangerous irritation.

“What the hell are you doing here?” His voice was low, sharp as a knife. “How dare you?”

Behind him, in the dim light, she caught a glimpse of a girl adjusting her dress hurriedly, cheeks flushed from what they’d clearly been doing.

Revulsion twisted in Meilin’s stomach. So it’s true. He really is a playboy.

Ruiyan’s scowl deepened as he took a step forward.

Just then, the maid who had escorted Meilin rushed up, paling at the sight. “Young master, forgive her! She’s Madam Wen’s guest,your mother’s guest. She must have lost her way.”

Ruiyan’s gaze lingered on Meilin for a moment longer, burning with restrained fury. Then he stepped back, lips curling in a cold smirk.

“Watch yourself next time,” he muttered, before turning away.

The maid bowed repeatedly, pulling Meilin along in a flurry of apologies.

Meilin’s face burned with shame and something else- anger. She hadn’t asked to see that. She hadn’t asked to be dragged into his filthy frivolity.

And now, whether she liked it or not, she was on his radar.