BELONGING TO YOU

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An eerie hush fell over the group.

The place… was breathtaking.

Polished roads stretched out like silk ribbons, lined with tall sycamore trees swaying gently in the breeze.

Expensive cars purred softly as they passed, their sleek bodies glinting under the late afternoon sun.

The scent of freshly trimmed grass mingled with the distant notes of blooming roses from the manicured gardens.

Elegant villas loomed behind wrought-iron fences, each one unique and grand, standing like kings and queens of their domain.

Ma Zhen blinked. "Wait… this is Yunhe Garden."

Du Liyao's jaw dropped. "As in the Yunhe Garden? The place where movie stars and business moguls live?"

Another colleague let out a gasp. "You're joking, right?"

A colleague turned to Lin Yue, eyes wide. "Wait… Lin Yue. You live here?"

A few colleagues behind them gasped.

Even the always-chatty Bai Lili was speechless for a moment before whispering, "This place is more expensive than my parents' entire building…"

Song Ziyan stood still, her steps faltering. Her voice cut the air, sharp and disbelieving. "You… live here?"

Lin Yue turned her head slightly, expression calm. "Yes."

Song Ziyan blinked.

Then, suddenly, she laughed. Loudly. Mockingly.

"Stop lying." She looked around theatrically before scoffing. "A woman abandoned by her husband… living in Yunhe Garden? Don't make me laugh. Do you know how much one unit here costs?"

Lin Yue raised an eyebrow. "Why is it impossible?"

"Because this estate is filled with people who've either inherited generational wealth or married into power!" Song Ziyan snapped. "You? You're just—"

But her words were cut short when several colleagues turned to her with raised brows.

"Why are you always like this with Lin Yue?" Ma Zhen asked, frowning.

"Seriously," Bai Lili muttered. "Even if she did marry someone rich, so what?"

"Maybe her husband left her here," another added. "She said they separated."

Du Liyao narrowed her eyes at Song Ziyan. "What exactly is your problem? Even if she lives here, so what? Why does that bother you so much?"

Song Ziyan flushed. "I just think she's pretending—"

Ma Zhen interrupted, "That's enough."

Song Ziyan's mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Lin Yue didn't answer further.

She simply turned back toward the estate. "Come on, let's go."

They passed luxurious boutiques and salons with marble entrances and gold lettering, their reflections shimmering across glass storefronts. A supermarket the size of a small plaza stood nearby with valet services. Every corner of the neighborhood oozed wealth.

They reached a tall black gate lined with motion sensors and flower-trimmed hedges.

Without a word, Lin Yue pulled a black access card from her bag and swiped.

A soft click.

The gate creaked open.

Her colleagues followed silently, eyes wide.

The watchman at the corner gate post waved politely. "Welcome home, Miss Lin."

Lin Yue nodded back casually.

The group walked along the paved garden path, stunned into silence.

They passed trimmed bonsai trees, a koi pond with a small wooden bridge, and lantern lights that were already beginning to glow with the oncoming dusk.

Song Ziyan trailed behind, dazed.

How…?

How could Lin Yue live here?

Her parents couldn't even dream of affording a rental in this district. They lived in a decent estate, sure—but nowhere near this level.

And Lin Yue… Lin Yue had never even mentioned it.

She was supposed to be poor. Weak. Abandoned.

So why… did it feel like everyone else had been playing checkers, and Lin Yue had been playing chess?

She remembered how she always thought she was the richest among her colleagues.

And now? This felt like a slap.

After walking for several more minutes, they reached a tall gate nestled between two elegant villas.

Lin Yue stepped forward and took out a slim black card.

With a single swipe, the gate buzzed open.

The house behind it wasn't as huge as some of the mansions they'd seen—but it was stunning in its own right.

A three-story contemporary villa with large glass windows, a small rooftop garden visible above, and a wraparound balcony.

She turned to them, smiling softly. "Come in."

No one moved at first.

Even Du Liyao, ever cheerful, looked stunned. "This… this is really your house?"

Song Ziyan finally snapped.

She stepped forward, eyes narrowed with disbelief and jealousy. "Are you serious? Is this really your house? Or are you lying and just work here as a maid? Maybe your boss isn't around, so you thought you'd pretend."

Lin Yue tilted her head. Her voice was mild. "Oh? If this isn't my house, then is it yours?"

Song Ziyan's face flushed deep red. "Y-you don't have to show off. It's not good to brag."

The others exchanged looks.

Bragging?

She hasn't even said anything… Ma Zhen thought.

Why is Ziyan always like this? Bai Lili frowned. We're just here for a get-together.

Du Liyao rolled her eyes and stepped between them. "Enough already, Ziyan. What's your problem? You're always targeting Yueyue. We came here for a get-together, not to pick fights."

She turned to Lin Yue and looped arms with her. "Yueyue, we're starving. Let's go in!"

Lin Yue smiled faintly. "Okay."

Everyone else laughed nervously and followed.

As she took a step forward toward the door, it opened from the inside.

Out stepped six men in crisp white chef uniforms.

They lined up neatly and bowed. "Welcome home, Miss Lin."

Everyone's jaws dropped.

Song Ziyan felt her world shift.

Miss Lin…?

Private chefs…?

What the hell…?!

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