Chapter 6 A Guest Arrives

• As Yulian was lost in his thoughts, Wendy's tone became even more despondent.
• “However, ever since two years ago, when Old Mr. Salvatore fell seriously ill and moved into the hospital, handing over all the power of Salvatore Group to Ms. Salvatore, this vast estate was left with only her. Sometimes, looking at this empty courtyard, Ms. Salvatore all alone, it truly leaves a bitter taste in my heart.” Wendy wiped away her tears, then smiled with relief, saying, “But thank goodness you came, Mr. Yulian. I'm sure that you and your wife will live happily together, and your future will become increasingly prosperous.”
• Yulian felt somewhat moved by Winston's farewell as the local overlord. He then asked, “What about the parents of Selena?”
• Wendy sighed. “Don't even get me started. Ms. Salvatore's father was quite the playboy in his youth, and he often angered Old Mr. Salvatore. Even after his wife became pregnant, he continued his reckless lifestyle, staying out all night. A few years after Ms. Salvatore was born, her mother passed away from a severe illness exacerbated by his behavior. As a result, the relationship between Ms. Salvatore and her father has always been strained. Especially last year, when Mr. Salvatore married another woman, intending to compete with the Ms. Salvatore for the family wealth. Their father-daughter relationship had completely broken down.
• Upon hearing that, Yulian felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. He had never imagined that Selena, who hailed from a wealthy family, could have such a heartbreaking past. Who could have thought that the cold, domineering goddess of the business world was actually a pitiful girl, her radiant childhood marred by shadows?
• Her strength and aura were a form of disguise to protect herself.
• Which girl didn't dream of being a princess, cherished and protected by others? However, without a castle to shield her, she has no choice but to stand alone and defiant, holding up her own umbrella and becoming her own queen.
• A sense of mutual understanding and sympathy welled up in Yulian's heart, familiar yet heart-wrenching.
• “It seems we're both unlucky in life.” With mixed emotions, Yulian wandered through the entirety of Salvatore residence garden.
• Afterward, he proceeded toward the residence. Inside the main hall, the decor remained luxurious yet retained a sense of sophistication. All sorts of modern, high-end appliances were available. The occasional glimpses of calligraphy and paintings were all works of renowned artists, each worth a staggering seven-figure sum.
• Although the room was vast and extravagantly luxurious, it was eerily quiet, lacking a certain human touch.
• Moreover, Yulian had discovered something strange.
• “Wendy, why are all the lights on when it's just gotten dark outside? Isn't this wasteful?” Yulian asked. Salvatore family's estate was vast, and the monthly electricity bill was not a small amount. Although the Salvatore family was wealthy and didn't care about this small amount of money, such extravagance was clearly not in Selena's style.
• “Ms. Salvatore is afraid of the dark.” Wendy sighed deeply, “When she was five, on a stormy night, she watched her own mother die from a severe illness brought on by anger. She cried all night but was powerless to do anything. Since then, she has been left with a psychological scar. She can't stand even a bit of darkness. In medical terms, this is referred to as... what was it again? I think it was—”
• Yulian spoke up. “Nyctophobia.”
• “Indeed, this is it. Mr. Yulian, I won't be going into Ms. Salvatore's room. You rest well. I'll go prepare dinner.” Wendy wiped away her tears, reminded of past sorrows, and went about her tasks.
• Yulian bid farewell to Wendy and stepped into Selena's room.
• Like the rest of the rooms, it was simple yet grand, clean and tidy. On a row of bookshelves taller than a person, a dazzling array of books were neatly arranged. Most of them were dry, specialized books on economics and management. Each book was orderly placed, with meticulous notes in various colors recorded on them. It was evident from this that Selena was diligent and dedicated.
• What greatly surprised Yulian was that, on the soft, large bed, there was an unexpectedly oversized pig plushie. It was pink, chubby, and looked extremely adorable. The whimsical stuffed toy seemed out of place amidst the surrounding austere and solemn environment.
• The thought of Selena, that domineering Ms. Salvatore actually liking such fluffy little trinkets caused an unexpected contrast that made Yulian laugh involuntarily. “She's rather adorable.”
• With a light chuckle, Yulian raised his head. The room was filled with the intense glare of white incandescent light, which was particularly blinding.
• He shifted his body slightly, having made up his mind.
• Half an hour later, Wendy walked into the room, cheerfully intending to invite Yulian downstairs for dinner. However, the sight before her eyes took her by surprise. “Oh, Mr. Yulian, what, what are you doing?”
• In front of her, Yulian was setting up a ladder. He held a hammer and a screwdriver in his hands, tapping away at the light bulb on the ceiling. The floor was littered with wood shavings and circuit boards.
• “Wendy, I'm fixing up the lighting in Selena's room. The incandescent light is too harsh, and it's not good for her health,” Yulian said as he worked. “I'll be done soon. You don't have to wait for me.”
• “All right, all right.” Wendy was overjoyed and comforted as she said, “Mr. Yulian, you've been so good to Ms. Salvatore. She will surely be very touched.”
• In less than twenty minutes, Yulian had taken care of everything, tidied up the room, and quickly descended the stairs. As soon as he reached the living room, he was greeted by the enticing aroma of food, which greatly stimulated his appetite.
• “Wendy, what a great cook you are! It's been a long time since I've had such fragrant dishes. I'll definitely have to eat a few more bowls later,” Yulian said with a laugh.
• Wendy's laughter echoed continuously. “It will be ready soon, Mr. Yulian. Please wait a little longer.”
• “Let me help you, Wendy. I don't have much to do anyway, and it will give you a chance to taste my cooking skills.”
• “That won't do. You're our guest. Besides, you've been working hard for quite a while now. You should rest.”
• “Wendy, you've been working hard for over a decade. Why don't you take a break?”
• With a light chuckle, Yulian took over the kitchen without further ado despite Wendy's repeated attempts to dissuade him. In less than half an hour, the dizzying array of dishes filled the air with their tantalizing aroma, ready to be served immediately.
• Pan-fried salmon, poached chicken, barbecued ribs, and salad.
• The dishes were a feast for the senses, its presentation absolutely enticing.
• Wendy had been grinning from ear to ear for a while, finding Yulian to be the epitome of a perfect man. He was masculine, considerate, and capable. “Mr. Yulian, you truly are remarkable. Knowing that Ms. Salvatore will spend the rest of her life with you, I can finally rest easy. Do you mind if I ask what your parents do for a living? They must be exceptional to have raised a child like you.”
• A hint of melancholy surfaced on Yulian's face as he shook his head. “I have no parents. Ever since I can remember, I've been an orphan.”
• “Oh dear, look at me, always so forgetful. I'm sorry, child.” Wendy slapped her thigh, full of regret.
• With feigned nonchalance, Yulian smiled. “It's all right, Wendy. I'm already used to it.”
• “Ah, poor child, don't worry. From now on, this is your home,” Wendy said with a heart full of sympathy. “I'll make you some mushroom soup. You should rest well.”
• “Thank you, Wendy.” Yulian gave a sincere smile.
• Looking at the life before him, it was somewhat bewildering and complex, yet simple and filled with happiness. However, he knew in his heart, that place would never truly be his forever home.
• The moment he closed his eyes, he was haunted by the vivid images of his brothers from Astral Clan, drenched in blood, victims of a blood feud. The path of vengeance, that hellish road, was one he was destined to tread upon, a journey from which there was no turning back!
• Regardless, I should prioritize fulfilling my duties as a husband first. Take a few days to settle down, to dissipate the resentment in my heart. That would be good. Taking a deep breath, Yulian was just about to take a good rest.
• Outside, a shadowy figure rushed in, his face etched with anxiety and a touch of panic. It was none other than Selena's bodyguard, David. “Yulian, a guest has come to visit.”
• “Who?” asked Yulian.
• “Ms. Caruso of the Caruso family, Winona!”
• Suddenly, Yulian slammed his hand on the table, a cold glint shooting from his eyes. “It's the calm before the storm. I fear this meal won't be eaten in peace.”