The early morning sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawns of the Tang villa as Yang Mei made her way towards the staff quarters. Her steps were purposeful, her eyes darting about to ensure she wasn't being observed. It had been two days since she and Zhao Liang had moved in, and the time had come to set their plans in motion.
As she approached the service entrance, Yang Mei smoothed down her designer blouse and plastered on her most charming smile. A young maid was just exiting the building, a basket of laundry balanced on her hip.
"Oh, good morning!" Yang Mei called out, her voice dripping with false cheer. "You must be working so hard already. I'm Yang Mei, Ziyi's mother. I don't believe we've been properly introduced."
The maid, startled by the sudden attention, nearly dropped her basket. "G-good morning, ma'am," she stammered, clearly unsure of how to address this new resident of the villa.
