Translator: Larbre Studio
Editor: Larbre Studio
Ling Chuxia had just dozed off when the phone rang. She was drowsy and thought that she was in a bad dream.
The familiar ringtone was becoming louder which made Ling Chuxia sit up reflectively on the bed. She rushed down the stairs without her slippers, picked up the phone, and without daring to take a breath, she answered the caller with a respectful tone, “Mrs. Shi.”
“What’s with your voice?”
Mrs. Shi’s voice was as warm and friendly as ever. However, this warmth was accompanied by an imposing manner. She could feel the immense pressure across the phone.
It made Ling Chuxia realize that her voice was hoarse as if she was talking with gravel in her mouth, and thus her voice had sounded awful and harsh.
Ling Chuxia was stunned. She paused and cleared her throat before whispering, “Mrs. Shi, I’m alright.”
Mrs. Shi paused in silence. She continued, “I’ve sent Mr. Chen to pick you up. He should almost be reaching. Do come over once you’re ready.”
Ling Chuxia knew that Mrs. Shi did not mean to consult her. She had issued an order and had merely given notice to Ling Chuxia. The latter was expected to comply.
After hanging up the phone, Ling Chuxia, weak and limp, sank into the sofa.
Every call from Mrs. Shi would begin a desperate chain of events. Every visit to the family home would drain away half her life.
Whenever Mrs. Shi summoned her to the family home, she knew exactly what she was called for.
She could still vividly recall her previous warning. However, there had been no new development since their last meeting. She was certain that Mrs. Shi would not let her go unscathed this time.
Ling Chuxia was anticipating the worst outcome and what Mrs. Shi would say. She was drenched in a cold sweat and shuddered at the thought of it.
While Ling Chuxia was lost in her fleeting thoughts, she heard the noise of a car pulling up. Ling Chuxia steadied her focus and saw a black Bentley drive in slowly. It stopped outside the door.
Mr. Chen had arrived.
Ling Chuxia sprang up from the sofa and dashed to her bedroom located on the second floor of the house.
Mrs. Shi abhorred folks who were not punctual. She deemed punctuality as a virtue. Therefore, she could be early, but never a second late.
With lightning-fast speed, Ling Chuxia brushed her teeth, washed her face, put on makeup, and selected the outfit she would wear. She checked her grooming and only after being satisfied with her impeccable appearance, did she don her handbag and walked out of the door.
One of the precepts of the Shi family was to maintain a decent and dignified image at all times. She was to ensure that she did not bring disgrace to the Shi family name.
Mr. Chen stood by the car, waiting. Once he saw her, he addressed the Young Mistress respectfully before he pulled open the back passenger door. Ling Chuxia nodded at Mr. Chen and said gently, “Thank you.”
Once she was in the car, he drove steadily towards the direction of the Shi family home.
Ling Chuxia watched the scenic views dart by. She was pondering about the questions she would be expected to answer. Her heart could not help falling into a deep abyss.