The kitchen maids looked on in horror as several masked men in black descended from the sky, their faces pale with terror.

BANG! BANG!

With a few muffled thuds, the masked men kicked the maids to the ground. They then dashed toward the interior of the villa, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"You…"

Seeing the black-clad men leave, the maids couldn't help but heave a collective sigh of relief.

"Miss Cui Hua, we are so sorry! We couldn't stop them!" one of the maids exclaimed as she stood up, her face filled with apology.

Cui Hua shook her head. "Never mind. Since they're injured, they can't stay in the villa for now. For the time being, arrange for a few more people to take care of them here. Make sure they aren't mistreated in any way."

"Yes, Miss!" the maids hurriedly responded in agreement.

***

"Cui Hua, how did it go?"

In the study, Xu Fu watched with a beaming smile as Cui Hua entered the room.

"Dad, what are you doing? Are you trying to send me to a brothel?" Cui Hua ignored his question, her expression a mixture of vigilance and displeasure.

My father is a famously wealthy merchant in the capital, and my mother was a celebrated courtesan. But he's just a businessman who's always using excuses to make us do this and that! Whenever it happens, I feel like I'm being used! He's a crooked merchant, a completely crooked merchant!

"Silly girl, how could your father dare!" Xu Fu laughed heartily at her reaction.

How could I bear to send my only treasured daughter to a brothel? But I have my reasons for doing this. After all, I've invited an expert this time, and this expert said that as long as I cultivate according to the taught method, I will surely become a legend in the world of martial arts!

That's why Xu Fu was so eager to find Cui Hua.

"If you don't send me to the brothel, I won't acknowledge you as my father!" Cui Hua threatened, pouting.

Hearing her words, Xu Fu was startled for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.

"You, you're just a little impatient!"

***

"Sister Cui Hua, you're back!"

Just then, a handsome young man dressed in a yellow brocade robe hurried over.

"Have you caused trouble again?" Cui Hua glared at him irritably.

"Sister Cui Hua, I just missed you, that's all," the youth giggled.

"Alright, alright," Cui Hua said, waving her hand dismissively. "Just stay inside the villa for the next few days. I'll have someone keep a closer eye on you. If you stir up any more trouble, I really will wash my hands of you!"

"Okay, okay, I promise I won't wander off!" the youth said with a playful grin.

"That's more like it." Seeing his compliance, Cui Hua finally nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, you can go back and rest now."

"Mm-hmm!" The youth nodded and turned to leave.

Watching his retreating figure, Cui Hua couldn't help but sigh. Sigh, how did I end up responsible for a boy like this? Though he's mischievous, he doesn't have a bad heart… It's just…

Cui Hua shook her head. The child is just too naughty! Oh, well. I'll just take it one step at a time. I hope he doesn't cause any major trouble for me!

With these thoughts, Cui Hua turned and walked toward her own courtyard.

***

"Sister Cui Hua, you're back?"

Just as Cui Hua reached the entrance to her courtyard, a young maid named Cui Xiang stopped her. Cui Hua was very fond of Cui Xiang; her mother had died early, so Cui Hua had raised her. Moreover, Cui Hua was a kind person who treated others with great generosity.

"Yes," Cui Hua nodded.

"Sister Cui Hua, we have important guests coming tonight! You must be sure to treat them well!" After saying her piece, Cui Xiang hurriedly ran off.

Cui Hua sighed. Could it be true? Are important guests really coming?

After a moment's thought, Cui Hua walked into the house.

***

"Miss, what should we do now?"

"Indeed, Miss, that old wretch is simply despicable!"

"He actually demanded that Miss Cui Hua accompany them for drinks!"

At that moment, a group of maidservants surrounded Cui Hua in her room, all chattering at once.

Listening to them, Cui Hua couldn't help but grind her teeth. "That old wretch… I will never forgive him!"

"But Miss, that old wretch has already driven us out of the villa, and we're powerless against him!"

"And what's more, he's already declared that anyone who dares to mention this again will be defying him!" the maidservants added quickly.

"Hmph! That old brute!" Cui Hua snorted coldly. "If he dares to lay a finger on any of you, I will crush his bones and scatter his ashes!" she said fiercely.

Hearing this, the maidservants couldn't help but shiver.

"Miss, what should we do now?"

"Yes, Miss. It seems we're more likely to be doomed than saved this time!"

Cui Hua furrowed her brow and said, "Don't worry, nothing will happen to me."

I know perfectly well that if I don't go drink with that old wretch today, he might kill all these maids in a fit of rage. If that happens, our entire family will be finished. My current situation is extremely dangerous.

***

"Cui Hua, you're finally back! We've been looking all over for you!"

As Cui Hua walked into the house, she was greeted by Zhao Fufu, the steward of the villa.

"Zhao Fufu, were you looking for me for something?" Cui Hua asked.

Zhao Fufu nodded with a smile. "Miss, we have important guests tonight. You must see to their reception. We can't afford to neglect them!"

"Yes, I understand." Cui Hua nodded lightly, then asked, "Do you know when the guests will arrive?"

Zhao Fufu pondered for a moment, then smiled. "Miss, you needn't worry about that. The guests simply said to prepare a warm reception for them."

"What?" Cui Hua startled. "They're coming?"

"Yes!" Zhao Fufu smiled reassuringly. "Miss, you have no need to worry."

"Alright, I understand." Taking a deep breath, Cui Hua said, "I'll go change my clothes first."

"Of course. I will wait for you, Miss," Zhao Fufu said with a slight bow.

"Okay, I'm going to get changed," Cui Hua nodded lightly and headed toward her room.

Seeing this, Zhao Fufu smiled to himself and rubbed his nose.

***

"Miss, that old man is already waiting for you in the main hall."

As soon as Cui Hua stepped into her room, she saw Cui Yu standing by her bed, smiling.

"Oh, I'll go right now," Cui Hua replied, immediately getting up and walking toward the hall.

As Cui Hua walked into the main hall, she could already hear the sound of cheerful chatter from within.

"Miss, please, have a seat!"

"This humble one greets Miss Cui Hua!"

"My lord, you are too kind," Cui Hua said with a smile, giving a respectful curtsey. "I thank you, my lord."

Her demeanor was respectful, but her eyes were furtively scanning the room, searching for a particular person.

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