Starting Check-in Reward: Tomson Riviera

There was a good reason Tan Palace was known as Modu’s premier villa community. It wasn’t just because of its vast size, but more importantly, its design.

The eighteen villas were primarily based on classic British, French, and Italian architecture. They were designed abroad by world-class architectural firms, resulting in a variety of styles where every single home was unique.

Stepping inside felt like entering an ancient palace.

’Tsk, living in a place like this is definitely more comfortable than Tomson Riviera.’

Although Ye Ling was a little nervous, he couldn’t help but marvel at the sight before him.

Not only was the architectural design flawless, but the surrounding scenery had also clearly been meticulously planned. With rockeries and flowing water, it had everything one could imagine, making one feel as if they had stepped into a hidden paradise.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, who would believe that such a place existed within Modu, a city of steel and concrete?

Ning Tianliang’s villa, one of the more centrally located of the eighteen, was built in a British royal style, giving it an incredibly lavish and upscale appearance.

To the east, a stream flowed with a small bridge crossing over it, creating a picturesque scene.

Ye Ling had thought living at Tomson Riviera was the good life. But now, seeing this, for a brief moment he felt, ’Now *this* is what I call living!’

"Miss? You’re finally back!"

Just as Ning Ruoxi led Ye Ling to the front of the villa, a woman in her fifties or sixties walked over. The moment she saw Ning Ruoxi, a look of sincere happiness spread across her face.

"Nanny Wang, see? I’m back. Where’s my dad?"

Ning Ruoxi offered a rare smile to someone other than Ye Ling and asked gently.

"The Master came back yesterday. He’s in the study right now..."

Nanny Wang’s gaze suddenly shifted to Ye Ling, a hint of curiosity on her face. Then, she asked:

"This must be the young master-in-law, then?"

"N-no, it’s not like that..."

Hearing this, Ning Ruoxi’s face flushed crimson as she quickly waved her hands in denial.

"Oh, Miss, what’s there to be shy about with me? Nanny Wang has watched you grow up since you were a little girl..."

Nanny Wang said with a laugh.

At that, Ning Ruoxi’s face burned an even deeper shade of red.

"Hello, Nanny Wang."

Ye Ling greeted her politely as well.

"Oh, wonderful, wonderful. Hello, young master-in-law. Tsk, tsk, this young master-in-law is so handsome. He’s a perfect match for our Miss, a perfect match..." Nanny Wang was smiling so hard her eyes crinkled shut.

It was clear she was very pleased with Ye Ling.

"Nanny Wang..."

Ning Ruoxi whined, pouting. "I only brought Ye Ling here this time because my dad wanted to see him."

"Oh, is that so? Then this might not be the best time..."

Hearing this, Nanny Wang couldn’t help but frown and let out a sudden sigh.

"Is something wrong with my dad?"

Ning Ruoxi asked, her curiosity piqued.

Nanny Wang shook her head. "I’m only a servant, how would I know about such things? But... the Master hasn’t been in a good mood lately. You should try to be agreeable with him."

"Oh, I see."

Hearing this, Ning Ruoxi playfully stuck out her tongue.

"Okay, Nanny Wang, I understand. I’ll take Ye Ling inside now."

As she spoke, Ning Ruoxi took Ye Ling’s hand again.

Ye Ling had been feeling quite flustered. After all, he was about to meet a man who was a renowned entrepreneur throughout Xia Country—and more importantly, he was Ning Ruoxi’s father.

But the moment Ning Ruoxi took his hand, Ye Ling’s anxiety vanished. That small hand was the source of his courage.

Ye Ling gave her small hand a gentle squeeze. ’Her hand is so small,’ he thought, ’and so soft...’

The villa was deathly quiet inside. The floors were polished so clean they gave off a sense of meticulous perfection.

Holding Ye Ling’s hand, Ning Ruoxi bypassed the main hall and went straight to the study on the second floor.

Ye Ling glanced inside and saw a man who appeared to be in his late thirties or early forties sitting at a desk, quietly reading a book.

’This must be Ning Ruoxi’s father, Ning Tianliang!’

Ning Tianliang had sharp, chiseled features and a pair of sword-like eyebrows that hinted at a cold and aloof temperament.

’Considering he fathered a daughter as beautiful as Ning Ruoxi, it’s no surprise that Ning Tianliang himself is handsome. And with the passage of time, he’s gained a mature, composed air.’

"Come in."

As if sensing their arrival, Ning Tianliang suddenly spoke. He didn’t look up, however, his eyes remaining fixed on the book in his hands.

Ning Ruoxi stuck out her tongue, exchanged a glance with Ye Ling, and walked in.

In truth, she hadn’t seen her old man in a long time.

Ever since she had insisted on applying to Modu University’s fine arts department, enraging Ning Tianliang, she had moved out.

It had to be said, Ning Tianliang’s presence was absolutely overwhelming. The moment Ye Ling stepped inside, he felt a powerful pressure bearing down on him.

Ning Tianliang raised his head slightly, his gaze suddenly locking onto the hands Ye Ling and Ning Ruoxi were holding. Instantly, both of them subconsciously let go.

Ning Ruoxi immediately gave a sheepish smile. "Dad..."

"So you still remember you have a father?"

Ning Tianliang put down his book, slammed his hand on the desk, and glared.

"You didn’t consult me about your college application, then you ran off to East Asia without a word, and now you’ve been back for ages and haven’t even thought to come home! You’re going to be the death of me!"

"What? Think your wings have grown in? Ready to fly the coop?"

Ning Tianliang said coldly.

With the way he was fuming, it was hard to believe this was the same financial titan who dominated the business world.

"Of course not, Dad. See? I’m back now, aren’t I?" she wheedled.

Seeing her chance, Ning Ruoxi hurried over and began massaging her father’s shoulders, trying to placate him.

Only then did the look on Ning Tianliang’s face soften slightly.

"So this is your boyfriend?"

At this, Ning Tianliang’s gaze fell upon Ye Ling.

Standing behind her father, Ning Ruoxi gave Ye Ling a quick wink, as if trying to give him courage.

Ye Ling suddenly didn’t feel so nervous anymore. He offered a calm, faint smile.

"Uncle Ning, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Ye Ling. This is a gift I prepared for you."

With that, Ye Ling placed the tea set he was carrying on Ning Tianliang’s desk.

"So you did your homework."

Ning Tianliang shot it a glance and snorted.

With his discerning eye, he could naturally tell that the tea set had some history behind it.

"But you’re the one who waltzed in and stole the precious daughter I spent so many years raising. You think a mere tea set is going to get you past me?"