007 marks the beginning of the Wheel of Fate.

The journey was made in silence. Mu Jingchi drove himself, not stopping for a break, and drove straight back to the Imperial Capital. Even so, by the time they arrived at the Mu family estate, it was already around six in the evening. They could have arrived earlier, but several accidents on the highway had delayed them.

Mu Qingcheng herself had never been to the Mu household before. However, she had long since researched everything about the Mu family online and had a clear understanding of everyone's situation. Now, she simply stood quietly by Mu Jingchi's side, reserved and a little shy among strangers. She said nothing, but her eyes glistened with a crystalline clarity, like polished glass behind her thick, exaggerated black-framed glasses—still untainted by the world.

The old master of the Mu family had been waiting by the window for a long time. As soon as he saw Mu Jingchi's car slide into the empty space in front of the main building, he couldn't wait and hurried outside to greet them. A group of servants and the butler came out with him. However, the other three Mu brothers were nowhere to be seen.

After getting out of the car, Mu Jingchi's expression turned cold and he demanded domineeringly, without the slightest restraint, "Where are Eldest, Second, and Fourth? The fifth has come home, and none of them bothered to come out and greet her?"

The butler stepped forward at just the right moment. "The eldest young master had urgent business at the company and had to go abroad at the last minute. The second young master had a recurrence of his old illness and returned to his own place. As for the fourth young master... you know how he is—always coming and going without a trace." As he explained, the butler also took the backpack from Mu Jingchi's shoulder and handed it to a servant nearby. His manner was warm, impeccably polite, and respectful.

He gave Mu Qingcheng a gentle smile and bowed slightly in greeting. "Miss Fifth, welcome. I am the house steward here. My surname is Ji."

"Uncle Ji, hello," Mu Qingcheng replied sweetly, her voice soft and endearing.

Uncle Ji was momentarily startled, his eyes widening a little. In all his years working for the Mu family, no one had ever called him so kindly. His smile grew even more genial as he supported the old master and quietly reminded him, "Sir, it's cold out. Let's go inside."

"Yes, let’s go, Qingcheng. Come in with your grandfather."

"Alright," Mu Qingcheng replied, nodding. She quickly took two steps forward and, showing her thoughtfulness, offered her arm to support the old master.

****

Elsewhere—

Southern Suburb Villa, Imperial Capital

A vast mansion was surrounded by dense woods, offering a tranquil seclusion despite its proximity to the city center. The owner seldom returned, yet the estate was always impeccably clean. Even the small patch of forest encircling the property was free of weeds and litter; every brick and stone was painstakingly maintained.

Tonight, however, the grand front gates, which had not been opened for a long time, swung open at last. Upon hearing the news, the household staff dropped their chores and lined up quietly on both sides of the main entrance, standing in perfect order—a clear sign of meticulous training.

Soon, a black SUV emerged from the narrow forested lane and came to a halt at the main entrance. From the passenger side stepped a tall, stern-faced man, expressionless and serious. He moved to the rear and opened the door.

The first thing visible was a pair of long, strong legs clad in tailored trousers. Then came the equally powerful torso, wrapped in a trench coat. Even the man's ascetic, dangerous features radiated a raw, surging strength. There was a heavy aura about him; if he chose to unleash his presence, he would surely be the kind to send chills down one’s spine. Even now, with his energy restrained, no one dared to approach him lightly. A single glance inspired involuntary awe.

Suddenly, the tall man who had followed behind quickened his pace, leaned in, and whispered, "Boss, Si Nan has returned."

The man's stride did not falter; he merely nodded slightly and replied in a low voice, "Have him come to the study."

"Yes, sir!"