’They say dancing brings good luck! And sure enough, it did!’

Mei Lin woke up bright and early to find a private message on her personal live-streaming account.

A single glance revealed it was from Jiang Qiuqiu.

—Dear friend, thank you for your incredible support for our streamer, Jiang Jiujiu. This year, on December 31st at 8:00 PM, Juju would like to invite you and two of your closest friends for dinner at the holographic simulation restaurant, room 98******4qiu.

—This is a special reward for our top 500 fans~ Thank you for supporting Juju!

’I got an invitation without spending a dime! And it came with two guest spots!’

She got out of bed, her heart pounding with excitement, but just as she finished breakfast, another message came in from Qian Xingxing.

It said that as thanks for her previous support, Jiang Qiuqiu was also inviting her and her friends to the virtual restaurant for New Year’s Eve dinner. ’Right,’ she thought, ’they still don’t know what my live-streaming account is...’

’Not only did I get an invitation, I got a total of four spots!’

That morning, she told Jiang Jiang all about it. After he congratulated her, she gave a smug little "ahem" and happily went to Jiang Jiujiu’s foodie fan-circle to show off. With a grand gesture, she sent out hundreds of red packets to celebrate and even re-followed Jiang Jiujiu for good measure.

Her childish antics made Jiang Jiang laugh.

But he’d barely chuckled when his terminal beeped. "Young Miss, the Duke is looking for me. I may have to step out for a moment."

"My father is looking for you?" Mei Lin said with a little "oh." "Well, you should go. Come back soon."

"Yes."

’Why would the old Duke be looking for him at a time like this?’

-

As soon as he pushed open the door to the old Duke’s study, Jiang Jiang noticed that the Duke’s mood was off. He was extremely serious.

"Your Grace."

Duke Dais didn’t even crack a smile, just gave him a direct look.

This left Jiang Jiang a little confused.

"Do you know why I’ve called you here?"

"What is it regarding? Is it about the Young Miss?"

"Yes. I was looking over the Young Miss’s recent expense reports. Why are they getting higher and higher?"

’Hasn’t he asked this question before?’ Jiang Jiang replied as he had previously, "It’s because the Young Miss has taken a liking to a streamer, so—"

"A streamer?" the old Duke interrupted stiffly. "A male streamer or a female one?"

"A female streamer."

The old Duke’s expression softened only after hearing the word "female." "Good. If it were a male streamer, you would have to notify me immediately."

"She is the eldest daughter of the Dais family, and its sole heir. She’s young and has always been doted on. I’m afraid she’ll be swindled by some no-name punk. As her butler, you need to watch over her carefully. Do you understand?"

’He couldn’t shake the feeling that the Duke was implying something. And why did he himself feel a pang of sadness mixed with a faint sense of guilt upon hearing those words?’

"Yes, I understand."

"Good." The Duke stood up. Though he was weathered by the years, his posture remained ramrod straight. "By the way, she was making a fuss about going back to school. Find a girl in the castle of a similar age and train her. It would be more appropriate for a female steward to accompany her to school."

"Your management of the estate has been excellent recently. Once Mei Lin goes to school, you can help oversee the mines registered in her name."

’A new steward?’

Jiang Jiang’s head sank lower. "Yes, I will select someone with care."

"Good. You may go."

After he left, the old Duke slammed his fist on the desk.

’Damn it. I thought he was a sharp one. And he is, he’s sharp, all right.’

’Too bad...’