2 Your Home From Now On

Shanghai City, China.

The day when Li Mei turned 10 years old, she became the adopted daughter of Liu Shen, the cold and ruthless CEO of JS Corporation. It was an unexpected news since most people would never think that a 20-year-old narcissist would bring such a cute little girl into the Liu household. Everyone in the company was shocked, especially the shareholders who immediately disapproved of this. They found it ridiculous for a child who is not blood-related to the Liu family to already have a strong backing. If Liu Shen weren't so sudden with his decision, these greedy, old men would have planned an engagement for him with their daughters.

Liu Residence.

Li Mei stayed in the back of the car, observing the beautiful scenery outside as they arrived at the iron gates of a huge, luxurious mansion. The driver stopped in front of the house and soon, there were servants coming out to welcome them. Liu Shen was sitting next to Li Mei the whole time, but he did not make the slightest movement nor start a conversation with her. Just like two complete strangers, both sat distant from each other and looked outside in despicable silence. The door opened—a senior butler bowed to Li Mei and introduced himself as Lao Bao. He was probably in his 60s and had been serving the Liu Family for quite some time.

When Li Mei followed Lao Bao inside the mansion, Liu Shen interrupted and spoke, "I'll be gone for a while. Lao Bao, if there is any trouble, contact me." As soon as he said that, Liu Shen glanced at the lifeless person behind the old butler and left.

Upon her arrival, everyone seemed to talk about Li Mei's quiet personality. She was unapproachable the first day she came and did not speak to anyone.

The little girl remained in the corner of her bedroom, looking out of the window. The light penetrated through the silky curtains, shining on her pale, glowing skin as she stood like a doll-like figure. She stayed inside there until there was a knock on the door. "Young miss, please come out for dinner."

After a few minutes, Li Mei came down, wearing her nightgown and sat silently in the dining room. Plates of delicious food were laid on the table for her. She stared at the appetizing meal right in front and took in a spoonful of warm chicken broth—recalling how happy she was back then to eat with her family. But when Li Mei opened her eyes, she was the only one sitting and enjoying this bittersweet moment.

'Why does it feel so lonely?' Li Mei thought as she drowned herself in the lingering taste of sorrow.

She finished her dinner when Lao Bao walked in. He politely asked, "Young miss, was the food to your liking? It was what master wanted me to prepare for you."

Li Mei gave her response with a nod.

The butler continued, "If you need anything, feel free to tell me. I've been around here ever since Mr. Liu Shen was a kid. He was just like you—" Lao Bao paused as if he had remembered something from the past.

When Lao Bao was about to take away the unfinished food, Li Mei suddenly requested,

"Tofu pudding... can you make that?"

"Ahh that, yes—yes I can. Just wait a little bit, I will make it for you, miss." Lao Bao was surprised to hear the girl's crystal clear voice. It was the first time she spoke, of course, the old butler would have to call Mr. Liu right away!

Tofu pudding is one of Li Mei's favorite desserts. Even though it was not the same as her mother's, her mouth was still filled with the sweet aroma and happiness. But this happiness did not last forever. When Li Mei gulped down the last bit of pudding, the joy quickly disappeared and she was forced to face reality. She did not want to acknowledge that fact and pleaded to Lao Bao, "Please make tofu pudding for me. From now on, I want to eat it every day."

At night, when Li Mei had fallen asleep, Liu Shen came home to see Lao Bao waiting at the front gate. "Master, I think young miss is recovering fairly quick. She is currently sleeping in her room," The old man expressed a glint of relief on his face.

Liu Shen trotted up the stairs to where Li Mei's bedroom was. Without making any noise, he entered to see her wrapped under a blanket. The girl suddenly moved and rolled out of her sheets. As Liu Shen was about to cover Li Mei with the blanket, she murmured, "Mom...dad. You do not need to worry. I am living well...your daughter is happy... I hope you guys are happy as well.... wait for me..."

Liu Shen brushed Li Mei's soft cheeks that were stained with tears. He did not know what to do but wipe them for her. That night, Liu Shen stayed and watched over the timid girl. It was the first time that he had to comfort someone.

When spring came, Li Mei settled into her new home and became familiar with everyone there. She was the least close with Liu Shen because they rarely see each other. Sometimes, she asked Lao Bao how her father was doing, and he would say that Liu Shen was always busy with work. It was once a month that he came home, but usually, that happened at night.

Li Mei began going to school, meeting new friends and doing what she liked. As time passed, she also grew older with the changing seasons.

When she turned seventeen, what Li Mei thought of as the beginning of her new life, in truth, became the beginning of a living nightmare that she could not wake up from.