What to do if you become the female lead's best friend?

Chapter 16

Under the night sky, a black car climbed the mountain road and drove into a large, secluded mansion nestled on the mountainside outside the capital, hidden among trees.

From a distance, only the upward-curving eaves of the mansion could be seen.

This was an excellent place for relaxation and recuperation.

Those who lived here were either wealthy or influential.

The car was stopped by a guard at the entrance.

The window slowly rolled down, revealing Mu Mingcheng's expressionless profile.

The guard gave a respectful salute, opened the gate, and the car proceeded smoothly inside.

Not far inside, a traditional courtyard appeared.

Mu Mingcheng got out of the car, adjusted his clothes, and walked straight in, followed closely by Assistant Fang and the driver.

On both sides of the winding path, lamps emitting a soft glow were placed every few meters. It was early summer, and the courtyard was very quiet. Occasionally, the croaking of frogs and the chirping of cicadas could be heard, but soon someone would either catch or drive them away.

Under normal circumstances, the noises would be acceptable, but tonight was different. The old master was ill, and the important figures in the courtyard found the noises disturbing.

"Good evening, Young Master Mu."

The Xu family's servants moved briskly but without fuss. Upon seeing Mu Mingcheng, they paused to bow and greet him with high courtesy.

Many in the mansion had watched Mu Mingcheng grow up, so he gave a nod of acknowledgment to familiar faces.

At the entrance of the main hall, a stern-faced man dressed meticulously, with his hair neatly combed, appeared. He looked like a traditional, rigid elder.

He approached Mu Mingcheng, frowning in displeasure, and asked, “Why are you so late? Grandpa has been mentioning you for a while.”

This man was Xu Chenghui, the Xu family’s eldest son who had called Assistant Fang earlier. Standing at about 1.82 meters, with a robust physique and a square face, he was considered handsome among ordinary people.

Such a face was a natural advantage in politics.

However, standing in front of Mu Mingcheng, his height and appearance seemed lacking. So, he deliberately stood two meters away to look directly at the cousin he disliked.

Mu Mingcheng glanced inside and smiled. “Cousin, why the hurry? If Grandpa knew the reason I’m late, he might even be happier.”

His words hinted at something, but Xu Chenghui couldn’t guess what could possibly make the old man happy.

He stepped aside with an air of authority. “Go on in.”

After Mu Mingcheng entered, Xu Chenghui's mouth twisted into a sarcastic smile as he followed behind.

Assistant Fang and the driver were not allowed to enter, but that didn’t prevent them from observing Xu Chenghui’s expression.

Once the surroundings were clear, Assistant Fang nudged the driver with his elbow and said, “Old Liu, look at Xu Chenghui’s smug little face.”

Driver Liu turned to glance at him, flicked away the spot he had been nudged, and moved a few steps away in silence. We’re all adults here, no need to make a fuss; just speak properly and I can hear you.

Inside the inner room, Old Master Xu lay half-reclining on the bed with an IV in his wrist. His cloudy eyes occasionally looked toward the door, his voice weak. “Mingcheng—why are you still not here?”