When the phone rang, Ling Chuxia had just fallen asleep; her mind was fuzzy, and she thought she was having another nightmare.
Until the familiar ringtone gradually became clear in her ears, Ling Chuxia reflexively sat up from the bed. She didn't even have time to put on her slippers, running downstairs barefoot, grabbing the phone, barely daring to breathe, her voice respectful with a hint of awe, "Madam."
"What happened to your voice?"
Mrs. Shi's voice was as gentle as ever, but this gentleness carried an innate aura of authority that even over the phone felt oppressive.
Only then did Ling Chuxia realize how hoarse her own voice was, as if speaking with gravel in her throat, very unpleasant and harsh.
Ling Chuxia froze for a moment, cleared her throat, and replied softly, "Madam, I'm fine."
Mrs. Shi paused and said nothing further, then continued, "I've sent Old Chen to pick you up. The car should be almost there. Get ready and come over."
Ling Chuxia knew that Mrs. Shi's words were far from a request but merely a notification. She, of course, could only nod in agreement.
After hanging up the phone, Ling Chuxia nearly collapsed on the sofa.
Every phone call from Mrs. Shi was definitely a life-or-death struggle; every visit to the old house would take half her life away.
The purpose of Mrs. Shi's call for her to return to the old house was something she knew all too well.
Her previous warning was still fresh in her mind, but she hadn't made any progress at all on her end. This time going back, she would definitely not get off so easily.
Just thinking about what Mrs. Shi might say this time made cold sweat break out on Ling Chuxia's back.
While Ling Chuxia was lost in her thoughts, the sound of a car came from outside, snapping her back to reality. She looked out to see a black Bentley driving slowly up and stopping at the door.
Old Chen had arrived.
Ling Chuxia quickly rose from the sofa and rushed back upstairs to her bedroom.
Mrs. Shi hated all those who weren't punctual. She believed punctuality was a virtue, so she could only arrive early and never late, not even by a second.
In a flurry, Ling Chuxia washed her face, brushed her teeth, selected clothes to change into, applied makeup, groomed her appearance, and ensured her image was impeccable. Only then did she take her purse and head out the door.
The Shi Family's code of conduct dictated that they must always maintain an appropriate demeanor and never disgrace the Shi Family.
Old Chen stood by the car waiting for her. As soon as he saw her come out, he respectfully called out, "Young Madam," and then opened the back seat door for her. Ling Chuxia nodded at Old Chen and said warmly, "Thank you."
Seated in the car, it started and headed steadily towards the old house.
Ling Chuxia watched the passing scenery outside the car window, thinking about the issues she might face later, her heart sinking inevitably into the abyss.