NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Villa
"Alright, you all go ahead. I'll take a look inside. No need for an inspection; if there are any issues, I'll let you know later!"
"Yes, Mr. Shang. Wishing you a pleasant stay and a joyful life!"
After watching Shang Yunyan enter the villa's backyard gate, the two housekeepers left, chatting as they walked away.
"This Mr. Shang looks so young. How could he afford such an expensive house? And his clothes… they're so plain!" remarked a housekeeper named Peony.
"You wouldn't understand! The truly wealthy elites are always low-key. He might even be the heir to some massive business empire. Anyway, let's focus on our jobs instead of gossiping about others. But I must admit, he's quite handsome for someone so young! Did you notice how pure his gaze was when he looked at me? I haven't seen such a sunny and charming young man in ages. And so rich, living in such a grand villa! If only I could…"
"Ugh, Jasmine! It's not spring yet, so stop going into heat!" Peony interrupted mercilessly.
"Ugh, shut up! You're the one who's being vulgar!"
Meanwhile, Shang Yunyan pushed open the villa's garden gate. Not far away stood an enormous estate. The grand European-style architecture featured pristine white walls, exuding luxury. Beyond the gate, vast, expansive lawns stretched out on either side, interspersed with plants Shang Yunyan couldn't name.
Directly ahead stood a massive fountain, intricately designed with two playful children chasing each other. Water spouted elegantly from a central pipe between the children, visible even from the villa's third floor.
Walking across polished marble pathways, Shang Yunyan approached the back entrance of the villa. Suppressing his excitement, he stopped at the towering doors—over two meters tall, nearly three—and instinctively wondered if he had the strength to open them.
Inserting the key, he unlocked the door and felt another surge of excitement.
A sprawling 5,220-square-meter villa greeted him, with four above-ground floors and three basement levels, each spanning roughly 700–800 square meters. The first floor housed a reception hall and relaxation areas, with four massive pillars supporting the main structure.
The center of the living room featured stairs leading to the basement, while two elevators on the opposite side offered convenient access to other levels.
The main seating area was situated near a three-meter-high floor-to-ceiling window on the south side. The top-grade gray and white tiles were adorned with an expansive white sheepskin rug—likely pieced together from several smaller ones, given its size. On it rested a stylish coffee table.
However, the house seemed to have been unoccupied for some time, with a thin layer of dust covering the furnishings.
It was afternoon. Shang Yunyan sank into a plush, breathable sofa bathed in sunlight. He wasn't in a rush to explore the upper floors or check out each room. He trusted that everything provided by the system would be the best.
The warm sunlight and the absence of pressure lulled him to sleep.
In his dream, Shang Yunyan saw his grandfather, Shang Quan, smiling at him and reminding him to uphold the family's humble values. Shang Quan encouraged Shang Yunyan to lend a helping hand to others in the future.
Elsewhere, at United Fit Investment Corporation, all employees were buzzing with the news that the company's chairman had been replaced overnight.
"Yongqing, let me tell you something. Our chairman has changed! But I'm the biggest project manager here, so even the new chairman will have to respect me," boasted Ma Yongsheng in his office, pushing Yan Yongqing onto the sofa. "Unlike that punk you were with before, I'm the real deal. Don't even think about crossing me—unless you want me to mess with this..."
"Come on, honey. Why say such things? I wouldn't leave you, not in a million years! I adore you!" Yan Yongqing replied, her youthful shyness still evident. "But isn't this your workplace? Isn't it a bit inappropriate for me to be here so openly?"
"Inappropriate? What nonsense! Everyone out there works for me. I can do whatever I please here!" Ma Yongsheng laughed arrogantly.
Unbeknownst to them, people outside were already gossiping—and secretly recording everything, capturing every word and action.
Back at the villa, Shang Yunyan woke up to find the moon hanging high in the sky.
"Oh no! I fell asleep! What time is it?" he exclaimed, grabbing his phone.
"Damn! It's almost 8 PM! Are the housekeepers here already?"
Quickly finding Duan Yuruo's contact, he called her.
"Hello, Young Master Shang!"
"Ms. Duan! Where are you?"
"We're almost at the villa district. We'll be there soon!"
"Alright, my house is at No. 13. I'll wait for you here. I'll also inform the gatekeeper to let you in."
"Understood, Young Master!"
Hanging up, Shang Yunyan contacted Jasmine before stepping outside to wait for Duan Yuruo and her team.
Not long after, Jasmine arrived with Duan Yuruo and her team, who carried suitcases toward Shang Yunyan's villa.
"Mr. Shang, your housekeeper team has arrived!"
"Thank you, Jasmine, for coming all this way so late!"
"You're too kind, Mr. Shang. This is part of my job. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
"Alright, thank you!"