Cherry Miller, wearing a safety helmet, carefully inspected each part of the project.
"Reinforce this area a bit more. And here—these corners need to be handled again." Cherry's eyes were like X-rays, spotting every flaw with precision. "The slope on this passage isn't gentle enough. Add a bit more so sports cars can enter and exit without scraping the chassis."
"Alright, alright," the project manager nodded repeatedly. Every problem Cherry pointed out was indeed a construction mistake, and he couldn't help but give her a mental thumbs-up.
Such a young girl, yet so capable—no wonder Mrs. Yin entrusted her with such responsibility.
She really has the skills!
After Cherry finished her inspection, she assigned another team to transport fertile soil to the designated area outside, preparing for planting.
Just as Cherry was directing her team, someone hurried over: "Ms. Miller, your mother is here."
Cherry was stunned for a moment before responding, "Got it. Please ask her to wait for me in the parlor."
"Yes, ma'am." The messenger quickly turned and left.
Cherry slowly took off her safety helmet, her feelings a complicated mix.
Recently, she had been burying herself in work to avoid thinking about anything related to Ethan Yin, and also to escape what might happen when facing her mother.
But her mother still came.
What must be faced, must ultimately be faced.
Cherry was never one to run away. Avoiding Ethan Yin was already her limit.
Now, she couldn't avoid it any longer.
Cherry turned and returned to the villa.
As soon as she entered the parlor, she saw Mrs. Miller sitting upright in everyday clothes, holding a teacup with a serious expression.
Mom.' Cherry handed her safety helmet to someone and stepped inside. 'You came.
Mrs. Miller looked up at her daughter.
When she saw her daughter's once-round face now turned thin and sharp, all her words of reproach were stuck in her throat and she couldn't say them.
How could a mother not love her own daughter?
But the trouble her daughter caused this time was just too much!
And yet, the madam still indulged her.
If someone hadn't let it slip, she wouldn't even know her daughter had caused such a big problem.
When she went to apologize to Cecilia Gu, the madam just brushed it off, saying it was a small matter not worth mentioning.
The madam could say it was a small matter, but she couldn't really treat it as such and ignore it.
So, when her day off came, she decided to come in person.
Sit.' Mrs. Miller nodded at Cherry.
Cherry sat opposite her mother, helpless. She knew the interrogation was about to begin.
I already know about you and the young master. You really have some nerve, keeping it from me.' Mrs. Miller said, 'And the madam still spoils you. You did this, and not only did she not blame you, she put you in charge of the manor project.'
I'm sorry, Mom.
You're not apologizing to me, but to the madam and the young master.' Mrs. Miller said sternly. 'Cherry, I've told you long ago, without the madam, we mother and daughter would probably be dead. You promised me you wouldn't hurt the madam and the young master!
Yes. I always remember that! Mom, I promise, from now on, I will never let the madam, young master, or young miss get hurt! Even if I die, I won't let any stain fall on them!' Cherry clenched her fists and said through gritted teeth.
Good.' Mrs. Miller finally showed a hint of satisfaction. 'Then tell me why you did it.'
Cherry quickly lowered her gaze. "During my years studying abroad, I suddenly realized I really wasn't qualified to be Ethan Yin's girlfriend, let alone the next young matron of the Yin Family. I didn't want to hold Ethan back, and I couldn't afford to. The madam has been so good to me—how could I repay her kindness with betrayal? When the madam and sir got together, she was also a commoner, but she was still a Yun Family daughter. The Yun Family has its own status. We have nothing. If I can't help Ethan, what is the point of my existence?"
Mrs. Miller's eyes flickered. "Is that really what you think?"
Yes.' Cherry took a deep breath and spoke quickly. 'Besides, I've had new thoughts. In the past, maybe I longed for love and a happy marriage. But in those years abroad, I've seen too much joy and sorrow, too many couples who were once sweet but eventually drifted apart and never met again. I don't want that. If the future is uncertain, I'd rather not choose. Being a career woman isn't bad. I want to keep being Yina Yin's chief assistant, always helping her. As for love and marriage, they can be set aside for career and ideals!
I admit I'm selfish, but I couldn't think of a better way. I had to act quickly, before Ethan's feelings for me grew deeper. I'm sorry—I didn't realize my decision would have such terrible consequences.' Cherry clenched her fists, held back, but finally couldn't help but ask, 'Is Ethan... okay?
Mrs. Miller sighed. "How could he be okay? He woke up after you left and wouldn't eat or drink. Two days later, the madam finally persuaded him to eat something. Since then, he rarely smiles. On the surface, he seems the same, but we know he's deeply hurt by you. Cherry, why didn't you refuse him sooner? If you'd done so four years ago, maybe things would be much better now."
Cherry's heart ached terribly.
Hearing what Ethan Yin had become hurt her more than any pain she herself could bear.
But what could she do?
"I'm sorry." She heard her own voice, hollow and full of despair.
"Since this is your choice, we respect your decision." Mrs. Miller said, "Cherry, remember: people can't keep making mistakes. You've made one already, don't make a second."
"Yes." Cherry dug her nails deep into her palm, trying her best not to let any emotion show.
She had to endure. She must endure.
She must never disturb the young master's life again.
She couldn't be that selfish.
She had to let go of him, and also of herself.
Mrs. Miller couldn't help but say, "If you ever feel wronged, you can tell me..."
"No, Mom." Cherry refused immediately. "I'm not wronged at all. This whole thing is my fault, and I understand my mistake. I promise—I won't make it again!"
Mrs. Miller didn't know what else to say, so she just nodded. "Alright, then redeem yourself properly."
"I know." Cherry bit her lip, forcing her tears back.
She put on a relaxed front and said, "All my energy now is focused on renovating the manor. This is the madam's estate, and I must turn Luoxia Manor into the most beautiful, best manor to repay her kindness."
Mrs. Miller said, "It's good that you think this way. Do you need my help with anything here?"
"Yes." Cherry answered quickly. "It's my first time as a manor housekeeper, I lack experience—please teach me, Mom."
Mrs. Miller gladly agreed.
Mrs. Miller stayed there for three whole days.
During those three days, Mrs. Miller taught Cherry how to be a competent housekeeper, how to make the manor more comfortable, beautiful, and practical.
Mrs. Miller gave her suggestions for Cherry's designs, and Cherry made some changes accordingly.
Mrs. Miller's vacation was limited, so she couldn't stay long.
Before leaving, Mrs. Miller suddenly said to Cherry, "The madam said that once Luoxia Manor is finished, she'll come stay for a few days. I don't know if the young master and young miss will come too."
Cherry's fingers trembled.
Ethan Yin might come?
No, please!
She's been avoiding him—she can't face him again!
"Prepare yourself." Mrs. Miller gave her daughter a deep look, then had the driver take her away.
Cherry watched her mother's car disappear, her heart a mix of emotions.
There's nothing she can do now but silently pray that when the madam comes, anyone can come—just not him.
She couldn't guarantee that, if she saw him again, her heart would stay calm.
After sending Mrs. Miller off, Cherry threw herself back into the busy construction work.
With ample funding, Cherry transformed the half-finished Luoxia Manor into a complete, self-sustaining estate in just two months.
The manor had its own generator, supplying electricity for the whole mountain.
With its own greenhouse, fresh and clean vegetables could be supplied even in winter.
A huge cold storage held enough supplies for everyone to live comfortably for a month or two.
Everywhere was full of birdsong and flowers, full of vibrant life.
Luoxia Manor greeted a brand new look.
People passing by the foot of the mountain couldn't help but marvel.
Was this really the shabby little hill it used to be?
Now, it had become a hidden paradise!
On the day the construction finished, Cherry hosted a banquet for every staff member at the manor.
"I'm truly grateful to all my colleagues for your hard work and cooperation during this time. That's how we have the Luoxia Manor we see today. On behalf of the madam, thank you for your efforts!" Cherry raised her glass and smiled. "I've submitted a report to headquarters—everyone's year-end bonus will be increased by thirty percent!"
"Wow!" The staff were overjoyed, raising their glasses to toast Cherry. "Thank you, Housekeeper Mi! You've worked so hard!"