Lee sat beside Yang near the gate, their conversation casual and light. After a while, Lee glanced at his watch, excusing himself, "I need to make a quick call." He got up and made his way toward the garden, finding a quiet spot before dialing Ling's number.
The phone rang only once before Ling answered, his voice smooth, almost teasing, "It's been a long time, Lee."
Lee sat down on a bench, crossing his legs casually. "How are you, Ling?"
"I'm doing just perfect. How's work treating you?"
Lee responded calmly, "I'm managing as always."
"That's good to hear. But, Mr. Lee, is something happening between you and Young Master Zhan?" Ling's voice held a note of curiosity.
Lee's tone remained indifferent as he responded, "Like what?"
"Well," Ling hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I'm just concerned. That boy called me out of nowhere."
Intrigued now, Lee's expression tightened slightly. "And?"
Ling didn't hold back as she relayed everything Zhan had said, from his complaints to his irritation. As he spoke, Lee's face grew darker. When he finished, he simply said, "I'll call you back, Ling." Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket, deep in thought.
The next morning, Zhan stepped out of the shower, steam still lingering in the room as he wiped himself down. Just as he was reaching for his clothes, the door creaked open, and Mrs. Xiao walked in. Their eyes met, and Zhan quickly averted his gaze, bowing his head in respect, "Good morning, Mama."
Mrs. Xiao's expression was stern. "Did you take my car keys?" Her voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Zhan's heart raced, but he quickly lowered his head further, his voice soft and hesitant. "Mama..."
Mrs. Xiao's eyes narrowed, already sensing the truth. "Zhan, you underestimated me. You took the car and drove to school without anyone's knowledge, didn't you?"
"Mama, you don't understand. I can't stand getting into the car with that new driver. That's why I took your car instead." Zhan's voice was a mix of desperation and frustration.
Mrs. Xiao crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "And why can't you get in the car with him? Is he not human? He's doing his job, son. He has strict orders not to hand over the keys."
Tears welled up in Zhan's eyes as he pouted, "Mama, no matter what I say, you never support me. That boy looks down on me and treats me with no respect."
Mrs. Xiao's gaze softened slightly, but she wasn't about to let Zhan off the hook. "Oh, he's just a 'boy' to you now? You need to understand that the world doesn't revolve around you, Zhan. You can't always have things your way."
With those words hanging in the air, Mrs. Xiao left the room, leaving Zhan to sulk as he finished getting dressed.
---
By 10 o'clock, Zhan was ready to leave, his expression still clouded with irritation. With his laptop in hand, he stormed out of the house, spotting Lee and Yang talking near the gate. Without even a greeting, he barked at Lee, "Get up and take me to the city library."
Yang watched as Zhan marched past, shaking his head slightly. He leaned in closer to Lee and muttered under his breath, "I pity that boy. He's got a lot to learn."
Lee straightened, giving Yang a nod before heading toward the car. Zhan, already in a foul mood, initially considered sitting in the back but then chose the front seat. His presence was icy, his face devoid of any warmth as he glared straight ahead.
Yang waved as they drove out of the compound, but Zhan was too absorbed in his own anger to acknowledge it. As soon as they hit the road, Zhan turned on the car's AC, ensuring the cold air blasted in Lee's direction. Lee, however, remained unfazed, his expression stoic. Without warning, he connected his phone to the car's speakers, blasting music so loud it practically vibrated through the seats.
For the next thirty minutes, they drove in near silence, except for the blaring music. Zhan's frustration grew with each passing moment as he noticed they seemed to be going in circles. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he snapped, "Do you even know where you're taking me? Didn't Yang tell you where to go?"
Lee didn't respond, continuing to act as though he couldn't hear Zhan. Furious, Zhan leaned forward and turned the volume down before shouting, "I'm talking to you!"
Lee glanced over nonchalantly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Oh, were you talking? The volume was so loud I couldn't hear a thing."
Zhan's glare could have cut through steel. "So you're deaf now, huh? I asked if Yang told you where to take me."
Lee finally pulled over to the side of the road, parking the car calmly before turning to face Zhan. "I'm listening now. Where do you want to go?"
Zhan opened his mouth, momentarily stunned by Lee's audacity. His voice rose in frustration, "Didn't Yang tell you?"
Lee's tone was firm but calm. "Leave Yang out of it. You tell me directly."
Zhan's eyes flared with anger, but he realized arguing wouldn't get him anywhere. "Fine. Take me to the Snøhetta Beijing city library."
Lee nodded and started the car again, driving smoothly this time. Zhan couldn't resist one last jab. "So you don't even know your way around Beijing, and you got hired as a driver?"
Lee's lips curled slightly into a smirk as he kept his eyes on the road. "I know enough to get the job done, young master. You just focus on your studies. Leave the driving to me."
Zhan huffed in annoyance and crossed his arms, fuming silently as the car finally headed in the right direction. The tension in the car was thick, but it was clear this was just the beginning of their ongoing clash.
Lee's demeanor remained unbothered, his calmness only further agitating Zhan. The tension between them was thick enough to slice through. Zhan's face twisted in frustration as he crossed his arms and tapped his fingers impatiently on the armrest, glaring at Lee, who kept his eyes focused ahead on the road.
As they continued, Zhan sneered, "You're so incompetent, it's a wonder you even have a job."
Lee's grip on the steering wheel tightened, but his expression remained neutral. He turned to Zhan briefly and said with a collected tone, "You should try listening instead of just running your mouth, young master. It might help you get to your destination faster."
Zhan's jaw clenched at the subtle jab. He was used to people catering to his every whim, but Lee's nonchalance was pushing him over the edge. "You're just a lowly driver. Don't forget your place."
Unfazed, Lee responded, "I know my place, but it seems like you don't know how to handle being told 'no'."
Zhan's fists tightened at his sides. He wasn't used to being challenged, especially not by someone like Lee. The irritation and embarrassment of having his authority questioned began to simmer beneath his skin.
After a long, uncomfortable silence, they arrived at the library. Lee smoothly parked the car and turned to Zhan, his gaze steady and unreadable. "We're here."
Without a word, Zhan threw the car door open, grabbed his things, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. He didn't even bother to look back as he marched toward the entrance, muttering under his breath.
Lee watched him go, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Patience is key," he murmured to himself before leaning back in his seat. He knew he was here for more than just driving. He was playing a longer game, and Zhan was only a small part of it.
Zhan, meanwhile, felt the familiar frustration bubbling within him. How dare this man speak to him with such arrogance? Zhan swore he wouldn't let this go. Lee might have gotten away with it today, but this was far from over.
He shook off the lingering irritation as he approached the library entrance, his mind already formulating the next steps. This battle of wills had only just begun.
Lee watched him go with a calm expression, unmoved by the boy's temper tantrum. He knew better than to react; he had a job to do, and indulging in arguments wasn't part of it.
Inside the library, Zhan tried to focus on his work, but his mind kept drifting back to his encounter with Lee. No one had ever treated him with such indifference before. Most people either catered to his every whim or feared his wrath, but Lee seemed unfazed by his authority and attitude. It frustrated Zhan to no end.
Meanwhile, outside, Lee leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, waiting patiently. He knew Zhan wouldn't stay in the library for long...he never did.
A part of Lee couldn't help but be curious about what made Zhan so spoiled and entitled. From what he'd observed, there was more to the young master than just his bratty behavior, but he kept his thoughts to himself.
After a couple of hours, Zhan exited the library, still holding his laptop bag. He spotted Lee waiting by the car, his face as stoic as ever. As Zhan approached, Lee opened the car door for him without a word.
Once Zhan was seated, he muttered under his breath, "Finally, you're doing something right."
Lee closed the door gently and walked around to the driver's seat, starting the car. He didn't acknowledge Zhan's comment, choosing instead to focus on driving.
As they headed back toward the mansion, Zhan stared out the window, his mind racing. He wasn't used to people ignoring him, especially not someone like Lee. The more he thought about it, the more it gnawed at him. What right did a mere driver have to disregard his commands? And why did it bother him so much?
Eventually, Zhan couldn't take the silence any longer. "Why do you act like you're above everything?" he asked, his voice laced with irritation.
Lee didn't look at him, keeping his eyes on the road. "I'm just doing my job."
"Your job is to follow my orders," Zhan shot back.
"My job is to get you where you need to go, safely and efficiently," Lee replied calmly. "Everything else is irrelevant."
Zhan scoffed, turning his gaze back to the window. "You're just full of yourself."
Lee remained quiet, letting Zhan's words hang in the air. The silence stretched on until they arrived back at the mansion. As soon as they stopped, Zhan got out without another word, slamming the car door again before storming inside.
Lee watched him go, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He knew this wasn't the last time they'd butt heads, but he was ready for whatever challenge Zhan threw his way.
Inside the mansion, Zhan headed straight for his room, feeling restless and annoyed. He couldn't shake the feeling that Lee was more than just a driver. There was something about him that made Zhan uneasy, as if the man saw right through his spoiled façade.
Zhan lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling in his mind. He didn't like the uncomfortable feeling gnawing at him, the way Lee's calm demeanor seemed to expose a side of himself he wasn't ready to face. Usually, people catered to his every whim, but Lee's indifference was a mirror reflecting parts of himself he didn't want to acknowledge. The more he thought about it, the more it frustrated him.
The following days passed with similar tension. Zhan continued giving Lee orders, pushing his limits, and Lee consistently responded with cool professionalism, never once rising to Zhan's bait. But the more Zhan tried to assert his authority, the more it felt like he was losing control of the situation.
One evening, after another long day of avoiding his responsibilities and doing whatever he pleased, Zhan found himself outside by the garden. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over the mansion's grounds. Despite his irritation with Lee, something about the calm evening and the soft rustling of the leaves helped soothe his thoughts.
He didn't notice Lee standing nearby until he heard footsteps approaching. Turning his head slightly, he saw the driver walking toward him. For a moment, Zhan considered getting up and leaving, but something kept him rooted to the spot.
Lee stopped a few feet away, glancing at the garden before looking at Zhan. "It's peaceful out here," he commented, his voice low and even.
Zhan didn't respond immediately. He wasn't sure how to engage in a conversation with Lee that didn't involve confrontation. Finally, he muttered, "Yeah, I guess."
A few moments of silence passed before Lee spoke again. "You know, you can have all the things you want-power, wealth, control-but peace isn't something you can demand. It's something you have to find within yourself."
Zhan frowned, his defensive instincts kicking in. "Are you lecturing me now?"
Lee shook his head. "No, just speaking from experience. Life has a way of humbling you if you don't learn that early on."
Zhan narrowed his eyes, unsure of how to take Lee's words. "You think you're better than me?"
"No," Lee said calmly. "I just know what it's like to be angry at the world and feel like no one understands you. But the more you fight against everyone, the lonelier it gets."
Zhan's expression hardened. "I don't need anyone to understand me. I can handle things on my own."
Lee didn't argue, simply giving a small nod. "Maybe you can. But it doesn't hurt to let someone in every now and then."
Before Zhan could respond, Lee turned and walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more. Zhan stared after him, conflicted. He didn't want to admit it, but something about Lee's words struck a chord deep within him. For the first time in a while, he felt a flicker of doubt about the way he'd been living his life.
The next morning, Zhan woke up with that same uneasy feeling. As he got dressed, he found himself replaying Lee's words in his mind. The driver's calmness, the way he seemed to be unaffected by Zhan's outbursts, it all made Zhan feel strangely unsettled. It was like Lee saw through him-past the anger, the arrogance, and the bravado-straight to the core of what was really bothering him.
When Zhan stepped out of his room, he was surprised to find Mrs. Xiao waiting for him in the hallway. She looked at him with a knowing expression, as if she could sense the inner turmoil he was trying to hide.
"Zhan, come sit with me for a moment," she said, leading him to the sitting room.
Reluctantly, Zhan followed her and sat down. Mrs. Xiao didn't say anything at first, just studied her son with gentle eyes. Finally, she spoke, "I've noticed you've been more restless lately. Is something bothering you?"
Zhan shifted uncomfortably. He wasn't used to being vulnerable, even with his mother. "I'm fine, Mama. Just dealing with things in my own way."
Mrs. Xiao nodded slowly. "You know, Zhan, it's okay to feel lost sometimes. You don't always have to have everything figured out."
Zhan's defenses went up. "I'm not lost. I'm just... I don't know. People don't get it."
"Maybe," she said softly, "but sometimes the people who challenge you the most are the ones who care enough to see the real you."
Zhan was about to dismiss her words, but something made him pause. He thought about Lee again, about how the man seemed to see past his façade without judging him. Maybe that's why he was so irritated-because someone finally saw through him, and he didn't know how to handle it.
Without saying another word, Zhan got up and walked out, leaving Mrs. Xiao watching him with a sad, understanding smile.
Later that day, as Lee drove Zhan to another destination, Zhan found himself glancing at him from time to time, trying to figure out what made the driver tick. Lee remained as unbothered as ever, his focus entirely on the road.
Eventually, Zhan couldn't hold back anymore. "Why do you care so much about what happens to me?" he asked suddenly, surprising even himself.
Lee kept his eyes ahead but responded without hesitation. "It's not about caring or not caring. It's about doing what's right, even if it's not what you want to hear."
Zhan scoffed. "You think you know what's right for me?"
"I don't," Lee admitted, "but I know enough to tell you that you're not as invincible as you think. It's okay to admit when you need help, Young Master."
Zhan clenched his fists, the words hitting closer to home than he wanted to admit. He stayed silent the rest of the ride, lost in thought.
As they arrived at their destination, Zhan got out of the car and hesitated for a moment before closing the door. Turning back, he glanced at Lee and, for the first time, said something he'd never thought he would: "Thanks."
Lee simply nodded, watching as Zhan walked away. He knew it wasn't much, but it was a start-a crack in the armor Zhan had built around himself.