After signing the contract, Shen Ying extended her hand to Lu Linwei—
"Nice to meet you, President Lu. I look forward to working with you."
Her attitude was noticeably more deferential, like an employee eager to please her boss.
Recalling how she had repeatedly infuriated him over the past few days, only to now become somewhat docile over a mere job offer, Lu Linwei wasn’t sure whether to be pleased or annoyed.
He gave an awkward nod. "From now on, you’ll follow my lead. Understood?"
Shen Ying replied without hesitation, "Absolutely understood."
"Then, President Lu, let’s clarify my job responsibilities now to avoid having to schedule a separate meeting later."
Lu Linwei had assumed her only goal was to swindle a salary, never expecting her to actually intend to work. For a moment, he was skeptical.
But he couldn’t deny that the role of "companion" stirred something in him, adding an unexpected layer of anticipation. It was no longer just a meaningless position to him.
He cleared his throat, speaking with forced indifference. "There’s not much you’ll need to do."
"Just accompany me to social gatherings, business dinners, and events where I need to appease family elders."
Then, to prevent her from getting smug, he added, "Frankly, with your qualifications, you’d barely meet the minimum standards for these occasions. But since the position exists, I might as well avoid the hassle of finding different companions each time."
His true intentions slipped out amid the rambling: "Of course, outside of formal events, I might also require your company during personal downtime—meals, sports, entertainment, and so on."
Lu Linwei had braced himself for her to haggle, given her usual laziness.
To his surprise, Shen Ying agreed immediately. "Of course, no problem. All part of the job."
Then, hesitantly, she added, "But the social circles President Lu moves in are far beyond what I’ve ever experienced."
"As your companion, the required wardrobe standards would be impossible for me to afford on my modest salary."
"President Lu, clothing expenses should be covered by the company, right?"
Lu Linwei scoffed. "Do you really think I’d be stingy enough to make my companion pay for her own outfits?"
Still, he was in a good mood—she had agreed so readily to his terms.
Eager to flaunt the perks of being his woman, he instructed Assistant Fang, "Contact an image consultant tomorrow."
"Her formal wear, casual outfits, and personal care—all unlimited budget."
Though it sounded simple, Shen Ying had arrived empty-handed.
Starting from scratch under Lu Linwei’s standards meant a staggering sum.
A pleased smile deepened on Shen Ying’s face. "Thank you for your generosity, President Lu."
She pressed on, "Since my working hours will be flexible, I’ll mostly be on standby at the residence."
"May I ask about my permitted areas and access to facilities within the estate?"
In the original story, the female lead had lived in fear, isolated and harassed by staff despite the male lead’s material generosity.
Shen Ying had no intention of tolerating that.
True to form, Lu Linwei replied, "Aside from the vault and my private quarters, you’re free to go anywhere. All facilities are available to you."
Shen Ying thanked him again. "And what about meals?"
"President Lu won’t always dine at home. What are my meal allowances during those times?"
Lu Linwei waved a hand impatiently. "Why even ask?"
"Order whatever you want from the kitchen. No restrictions, no limits."
Shen Ying nodded, satisfied.
With the boss’s explicit approval, no one could sabotage her comfort—unlike in the original plot.
Tragic romance was fine, but compromising her lifestyle? Unacceptable.
Noticing her questions solely revolved around benefits, Lu Linwei smirked mockingly.
"Anything else? Speak now, or don’t complain later."
Shen Ying said, "One last thing."
Of course. Lu Linwei braced himself. "Go on."
"During work hours, will President Lu require physical intimacy? If so, what are the boundaries?"
A jolt shot up Lu Linwei’s spine—he hadn’t seen this coming.
"*What?*"
Shen Ying clarified earnestly, "Not necessary? I assumed certain events might call for kissing or embracing."
Then, as if recalling something, she smiled apologetically. "Ah, right. You once said others cater to *you*, not the reverse."
"My mistake. Forget I asked, President Lu."
Before she could finish, Lu Linwei interjected, "Well, not *always*."
Catching his own eagerness, he took a sip of water.
"Some occasions do demand appropriate social gestures."
Assistant Fang: "???" *Since when?*
Lu Linwei nodded. "We’ll handle it case by case."
Suddenly, Shen Ying frowned. "Oh? So there *are* such requirements? That complicates things."
Lu Linwei’s expression darkened. *Is she toying with me again?*
She continued, "I’m inexperienced with physical contact. Not sure if I can manage."
Just as Lu Linwei was about to snap, Shen Ying leaned in—
Her lips brushed his, warm and soft.
His eyes widened, fury melting into something far more heated.
But before he could reciprocate, she pulled away.
With a relieved smile, she declared, "Confirmed."
"If it’s President Lu, I can handle the job."
Rising, she added, "No further questions. It’s late—where’s my room?"
As the housekeeper led her upstairs, Lu Linwei touched his lips, grinning triumphantly.
*So this was her game. She’s been after me all along.*
***
With the job secured, Shen Ying’s quality of life skyrocketed.
The male lead’s schedule was conveniently erratic—when the plot demanded, he’d appear at any hour, as if unemployment were his full-time job.
But during this non-critical period, realism applied: Lu Linwei was *swamped*.
Most days, Shen Ying only saw him at breakfast.
His recent corporate purge had left vacancies, requiring meticulous replacements, so his social calendar was light.
Meaning, for now, her duties were minimal.
Therefore, Shen Ying had been living an exceptionally comfortable life lately. If not for her naturally thick skin, she’d almost feel guilty about earning her paycheck.
Her days were leisurely and enjoyable. After breakfast, she’d usually go back for a nap. By the time she woke up, it was almost noon. After lunch, she’d head to the private cinema to enjoy a movie or two.
Then she’d visit the game room, which was equipped with top-tier gaming setups and a vast selection of titles—practically an entertainment paradise. Shen Ying could easily spend hours there.
Alternatively, she might opt for afternoon tea in the greenhouse, meticulously maintained by the gardener into a breathtaking oasis.
At night, she could gaze at the stars through the glass ceiling or even dine under the celestial glow. If she felt like moving around, she’d hit the gym, or if that seemed dull, she’d go horseback riding or take a drive around the estate.
The kitchen was staffed with chefs specializing in various cuisines, ensuring that none of her meals, snacks, or late-night cravings were ever repeated.
When exhaustion set in, she’d soak in the hot springs before indulging in a massage.
A personal styling team would occasionally drop by to tailor outfits to her tastes and features.
Lounging on the sofa, Shen Ying sighed contentedly to the system: “What a heavenly life.”
“System, the first time you spoke to me, I knew you had a good heart. You’re the real deal.”
“And you haven’t disappointed me. As a player in this angst-ridden novel system, I feel truly honored. Really.”
The system: […]
Other players resented and raged against the system, desperate to escape. But this one? She was the first to say such things while fully aware of the game’s true nature.
Though recognition from a player should’ve been gratifying, the system couldn’t shake a sense of frustration.
It replied dryly, “Thank you for the praise, Host. But allow me to remind you—don’t forget your mission while enjoying yourself.”
Shen Ying waved a hand. “How could I? I’d never forget to romance the male lead.”
“I’ll have him sooner or later.”
The system: [!!!]
No, the task was to move the male lead with unwavering love, not to treat him like a gullible sugar daddy for free meals, drinks, and... other favors.
Just what did this woman think of him?
The system took a deep breath and warned: [Host, I must remind you—you seem unaware of your current situation.]
[Haven’t you noticed how cold and distant everyone in the mansion has been toward you lately?]
[Unless absolutely necessary, no one speaks a word to you. Many even glare at you with outright hostility. Host, you’re being isolated.]
Shen Ying blew on her nails. “So?”
That night when she spoke with Lu Linwei, it wasn’t just Assistant Fang present—several staff members had witnessed it too.
Lu Linwei might not have realized it, but to everyone else, Shen Ying came across as a calculating gold-digger.
The incident spread through the eyewitnesses, then quickly circulated in the mansion’s staff group chat.
In the original novel, many around Lu Linwei had deemed the female lead unworthy, subjecting her to humiliation and neglect.
With Shen Ying, their disdain only deepened.
True to form, the system said: [This means the female lead’s suffering arc is about to begin.]
[Though the male lead has guaranteed your material comforts, cutting off some of their usual tactics, these people are deeply embedded in the mansion’s workings.]
[They refuse to stand by while their exceptional boss is deceived by someone as greedy and fake as you. They’ll find endless ways to make your life miserable.]
Shen Ying nodded, her face lighting up with anticipation. “Oh really?”
As if on cue, the tension reached its peak just as Lu Linwei had to leave for an urgent two-day business trip.
Everyone knew—the opportunity had arrived.
