"Oh dear! Ms. Lily, you’ve been so busy you’ve forgotten—look across the city, is there any other Carter Manor? Brindlewood’s Carter Family, whose ancestors were founding heroes of the nation, a family illustrious for generations! The Carter Family has always been low-key and mysterious; the outside world rarely reports on them. This time, they actually took the initiative to contact us, inviting you to make clothes for Old Madam Carter. If this gets out, who knows how many wealthy families will flock to us, following in their footsteps, boosting our brand!" The marketing manager on the side shouted excitedly, "Boss, we’re about to skyrocket!" "Wait!" I stood up, trying hard to stay calm, and looked at Cherry, asking, "Do you want to download an anti-fraud app? Are you sure it’s not a scam call?" Cherry rolled her eyes and almost fainted. "I confirmed it several times. They spoke very politely, with great manners, and even said we could pay a deposit first." "Ms. Lily, do you have time these days? Next month’s schedule is quite tight. If you’re free, you must quickly call back and schedule a time with them." "Yes! Absolutely!" How could I let this golden opportunity slip away? Picking up the phone, I excitedly dialed the number, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and tried to calm myself as I put in the number. Sure enough, as Cherry said, the person on the other end spoke very politely and was well-mannered. After setting the time, I felt embarrassed to let them come to pick me up and quickly said, "Butler Cross, I can drive there myself, no need to trouble you." But on the other end, they remained polite and explained, "Miss Miller, Carter Manor is concealed; it might be hard for you to find it for the first time, so it would be more prudent to have a driver pick you up." "Oh, I see. Alright, see you tomorrow then." After hanging up the phone, I was suspicious in my heart and opened my phone’s navigation to type in ’Brindlewood Carter Manor’ and was surprised to find nothing on the map. Wow, what kind of place blocks off the navigation? "Cherry, what if this place is like a black hole? What if I don’t come back?" I clutched my phone, feeling a bit complex, as if this wasn’t real. Cherry joked, "Don’t worry, worst case, you’ll stay and become the Young Madam Carter! I heard Second Master Carter is still single." The marketing manager on the other side added with a teasing tone, "I heard Second Master Carter has a hidden illness and can’t see people—could it be they’re tricking our President Miller into becoming their captive bride?" I was speechless at the two of them, rolled my eyes, and dashed out. Even though this matter indeed had layers of "weirdness," I decided to take on this task. High risk, high reward. As a castaway daughter, ridiculed by the entire city, what do I have to fear? Worst case, it’s just risking my life. The next morning, I arranged everything at work and received a call from Butler Cross at eight thirty. "Miss Miller, besides the old madam, several ladies of the family also need clothes made. Please bring an assistant with you," Butler Cross specifically reminded me. This reminder was exactly what I wanted, so I immediately called Cherry along. Going downstairs, Cherry exclaimed in surprise at the luxurious, imposing car parked by the roadside, "What kind of car is this? It’s so grand!" I whispered, "Hongqi L5." Then added, "Don’t be so startled, don’t act like Granny Asking-for Things entering Eldallis." Cherry whispered, "When we get to Carter Manor, it really will be like Granny Asking-for Things entering Eldallis." I thought to myself, indeed it is. Nobility has its grades too. Read full story at novel·fire·net Between ordinary nobility and top-tier nobility, there are several levels. And the Brindlewood’s Carter Family is above the top-tier nobility. Just this Hongqi L5 is quite significant. It’s well-known that the Hongqi L5, unlike other luxury cars, is not just about having the money to buy it, like with a Rolls Royce that internet sensations or nouveau riche can show off with. The Hongqi L5 is different. To own this car, besides the financial capability, you need a clean background, high social status, and significant contributions to society. Moreover, this car is custom-made, making each owner’s car a unique "boutique piece." Cherry and I got into the car, feeling quite cautious. The driver, wearing white gloves, was very easy-going. He chatted with us a bit, helping us to relax. After driving smoothly for an hour, we entered a lush forest. The driver said, "Ahead is Brindlewood; we’re almost there." Soon enough, we saw a security gate with armed guards standing watch. Seeing our car approaching, the guard signaled us to stop, lower the window, and after showing the documents, allowed us to proceed. Cherry was so shocked that she whispered, "Ms. Lily, is this a military area or something?" I was surprised too but didn’t show it. The driver politely explained, "This is under special authorization. After the old master retired, he settled in Brindlewood for peace. For security reasons, every entering and leaving vehicle must be checked. Among our own, showing documents is enough. If it’s an unregistered external car, security checks are more rigorous." Cherry and I exchanged a glance, both filled with respect. No wonder, Butler Cross insisted I shouldn’t drive on my own. Besides not being able to find this place on the map, it was also due to security concerns, I suppose. I knew very little about the Carter Family; the only close encounter was at the wedding when Second Master Carter appeared out of nowhere. This day’s experience gave me a deeper understanding and reverence for the Carter Family’s mysterious discretion. Thinking of Second Master Carter, I remembered the handkerchief in my pocket. Knowing I was visiting Carter Manor today, I specially brought it with me. If I happened to meet him, I could return it. The Hongqi L5 drove into Carter Manor, with someone waiting by the grand gate. The driver said, "That’s Butler Cross. Just go in with him." I politely thanked him and got out of the car with Cherry. Butler Cross approached, "Hello, Miss Miller." "Hello, Butler Cross." I greeted him with a bow just like he did. "This way, please. The old madam and the ladies are waiting." Butler Cross gestured us to follow him as he led the way. Cherry and I walked behind him, dazzled by the surroundings. The entire Carter family’s residence is built leaning against a mountain, with carved beams and painted rafters, pavilions and terraces, ancient trees and strange rocks, water pavilions, and theater gardens. It’s truly a breathtaking sight, with every step offering a new view. The pinnacle of aesthetic appreciation from the ancestors is fully displayed here. If I hadn’t known beforehand, I would mistake this place for a paradise on earth, a 5A scenic spot. After walking for several minutes, just as we thought we had arrived, Butler Cross led us to a golf cart. This estate is so vast, one could get lost... Cherry and I looked like Granny Asking-for Things entering Eldallis. Finally, we arrived at an Anhui-style building, and the cart stopped. "Miss Miller, please." Butler Cross led us inside the building, and from a distance, we heard laughter and chatter inside, lively but not noisy. "Madam, Miss Miller and her assistant have arrived." Butler Cross announced loudly, and the laughter in the hall instantly quieted as everyone turned to look at us. A lady dressed in an indigo qipao gracefully stood up and walked towards me. Her face bore the marks of time, but her skin was smooth and supple, her complexion warm and attractive, with dignified and elegant features; she must have been resplendently beautiful in her youth. I don’t know if it was an illusion, but I felt this lady’s face seemed familiar as if I had seen her somewhere before.