Chapter 158: Chapter 135: THE UNEXPECTED CONNECTION

Jun Hao followed the butler’s tall, dignified figure through the massive main doors. Just as they stepped inside the grand entrance hall, the butler came to a gentle halt and turned toward him, extending his hand politely toward the heavy professional suitcase Jun Hao was carrying.

"Allow me to carry your equipment for you, Sir," the butler said in a steady, respectful tone. "It will be more convenient for you to walk unburdened. I shall keep it safe and return it directly to you once we arrive at the designated room where you will be working."

Jun Hao nodded calmly and handed over the case. "Thank you very much."

However, before they could proceed further into the house, Jun Hao realized that the security measures were far from over. Hidden just past the doorway, standing rigidly against the walls, were four more professional guards—just as tall, broad, and imposing as the ones at the outer gate, dressed in sharp black suits and with communication earpieces fitted snugly in their ears.

"Please pardon the procedure, Sir," one of them said politely as he stepped forward. "We must conduct a standard security check before anyone proceeds deeper inside the residence."

They performed a thorough, meticulous body check, running their hands professionally over every part of his clothing and using detection devices to ensure absolutely nothing dangerous, suspicious, or unauthorized was being brought inside. It was strict, thorough, and completely serious. Only once they were fully satisfied and signaled that he was clear, was Jun Hao permitted to move forward.

As he began walking deeper into the mansion, following the butler down long, wide corridors, Jun Hao finally had the chance to properly observe his surroundings. Even though he came from a family that was quite wealthy and well-established—he was no stranger to luxury or comfort—what he saw here still managed to leave him utterly stunned.

Every single detail, from the high-gloss marble floors that reflected the light like mirrors, to the intricate gold detailing along the walls, the rare and expensive art pieces hanging in frames, and the exquisite furniture that looked like museum pieces, screamed of immense wealth. It was not just rich; it was grand, majestic, and belonged to a level of opulence that far surpassed anything his own family owned or anything he had ever seen before. It felt less like a house and more like a royal palace or a five-star luxury hotel, making him truly understand just how vast the gap was between being well-off and being a billionaire.

They continued walking until the butler finally stopped in front of large double doors leading into a spacious, bright room.

"Please enter, Sir. Mistress Yan is waiting inside."

Jun Hao stepped into what was clearly a casual sitting area—large, airy, and beautifully decorated with plush sofas and a view overlooking the private gardens. And there she was.

Yan Jingshu.

She sat gracefully on the main sofa, her posture elegant yet commanding, radiating an aura of power and calm authority that came naturally to someone of her status. At thirty-eight years old, she looked stunning, sophisticated, and incredibly poised. Standing respectfully beside her was another woman—intelligent-looking, neatly dressed, and clearly her personal secretary or assistant. The two had been engaged in conversation, but as soon as Yan Jingshu noticed Jun Hao entering accompanied by the butler, she raised a hand, instantly signaling her assistant to stop speaking and step back.

Her sharp, intelligent eyes shifted entirely toward Jun Hao, watching his every step as he approached.

Jun Hao stopped at a polite distance, standing tall and confident in his work uniform—which, as always, was the largest size available but still clung tightly to his strong build, especially bulging prominently and noticeably around the groin area. He introduced himself professionally and once again took out his official identification card, holding it up clearly for her verification.

"Good day, Mistress Yan. I am Jun Hao, the therapist from Bailong Reflexology Center assigned to attend to you today."

Yan Jingshu glanced briefly at the ID card, then back at his face, her expression shifting slightly into a look of confusion and scrutiny.

"Excuse me," she said in a calm but firm tone. "But you... you are not the person nor the name that was originally scheduled and supposed to come here today. Why are you the one standing before me instead?"

Jun Hao explained the situation honestly and clearly.

"You are correct, Mistress. The therapist originally assigned to you was my colleague. However, early this morning, an emergency arose in his family. His parents suddenly fell very ill, and their condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing him to rush home immediately to take care of them. At that moment, inside the center, every other therapist was fully occupied serving other clients with pre-scheduled appointments; no one could be spared or reassigned. I was the only staff member available and free to come. That is why I was sent here as a replacement."

He paused, then added with an open, confident gesture, "If you still have any doubts or wish to confirm the truth of my explanation, please feel free to contact the management or owner of Bailong Reflexology Center directly to verify everything I have told you. All details regarding this assignment are officially recorded there."

But to his surprise, Yan Jingshu simply waved her hand dismissively, a faint, knowing smile appearing on her lips.

"There is no need for that. Don’t bother making the call," she said calmly.

Jun Hao blinked, genuinely puzzled. "No need? But... Mistress, you said I wasn’t the person you were expecting... aren’t you worried?"

She looked straight into his eyes, amusement glinting in hers. "Do you really think you can hide your true identity from me, Young Master Jun Hao? I already know exactly who you are."

Jun Hao was completely taken aback. He stared at her in genuine shock. "You... you know me? But... we have never met before in person until today! How could you possibly know who I am?"

Yan Jingshu let out a soft, elegant laugh. "Ao Jin and I are close friends. We have known each other for years, long before he opened that center of his. Of course, he has told me all about his good friend—the son of his father’s best friend, someone from a prominent family just like him. How could I not recognize who you are when you stand right here?"

She leaned forward slightly, curiosity clear in her tone. "But there is something I truly do not understand. Since you are who you are... born into wealth and status, with absolutely no need to work for a living... why on earth are you working as a simple therapist at Ao Jin’s place? That makes no sense at all."

Jun Hao answered casually, shrugging his shoulders innocently as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Oh, that? I just did it on a whim, really. Just looking for something to do, something to keep me busy and fill up my free time. And... well, just a way to earn a little extra pocket money, that’s all."

Snap.

The sound was soft but distinct. Yan Jingshu, the woman who was always composed, always calm, never surprised or thrown off balance by anything—actually lost her cool for a split second. Her eyes widened slightly, her perfectly maintained composure cracking as her hand instinctively twitched, almost as if she wanted to slap her own forehead in disbelief. She stared at him, utterly stunned, unable to believe what she had just heard.

Just... pocket money? she thought. That is the reason? For something this simple and trivial?

It took her a few seconds to recover from the absurdity of it, shaking her head slightly in amusement and disbelief. Then, she turned her attention away from him and looked toward the two people standing respectfully by the side—her personal secretary and the butler. Her expression turned serious and authoritative once again.

"You two may leave now. Step outside and close the door. Leave us alone here."

Her personal secretary immediately stepped forward, her face filled with worry and disagreement. She bowed respectfully but spoke up firmly.

"Forgive me for objecting, Mistress, but I do not think it is appropriate or safe. To be left alone in a closed room with an outsider... please allow us to remain nearby or inside the room for your protection and security."

Yan Jingshu looked at her assistant with a calm, confident expression, completely unfazed by the concern.

"It is fine. I know exactly who he is, remember? There is absolutely nothing to worry about." She gestured around the vast mansion. "Besides... with the 24-hour surveillance systems installed everywhere in this residence, and with the dozens of highly trained professional bodyguards I have hired patrolling every corner of this estate... what exactly are you afraid could possibly happen to me? What would be the point of paying for all that security if I cannot even have a private conversation in my own sitting room?"

Hearing that logical, unarguable reasoning, the secretary could only sigh inwardly, a helpless yet understanding smile appearing on her face. She bowed deeply in acceptance.

"Very well, Mistress. As you wish."

She turned to Jun Hao and gave him a polite, professional nod. "Excuse us then, Sir."

Together, the secretary and the butler walked backward respectfully toward the door, stepped out, and pulled the heavy doors shut with a soft, solid click.

The sound echoed slightly in the large room.

And just like that, amidst the overwhelming luxury and grandeur of the private manor, only two people remained inside—Jun Hao, and the powerful, stunning woman, Yan Jingshu.