Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Contrary to the stereotypical image of Central European magnates adorning their homes with gold-plated floors and walls, the Shen residence was designed with minimalist elegance. Dominated by black, white, gray, and silver tones, it was accented with occasional vibrant elements, embodying a low-key yet refined aesthetic.

Shen Mo himself was strikingly handsome—a mix of Chinese and foreign heritage, exuding an aloof, refined demeanor reminiscent of British TV dramas where he could easily play the older supporting male lead. His impeccable physique and model-grade looks offset his corporate executive vibe, making it hard to believe he was one of the world’s foremost tycoons.

Were it not for his icy gaze, anyone might mistake him for a charming playboy. Even his black-framed glasses couldn’t mask the overwhelming masculine presence he radiated.

*Top-shelf male specimen*, Jiang Yao mused inwardly.

At the moment, Shen Mo was seated on the sofa, flipping through a stack of resumes for child caregivers. Buried at the very bottom was Jiang Yao’s profile.

The document was comprehensive. Taking Jiang Yao’s as an example, it detailed everything from his birthplace to his parents’ surnames and origins.

From kindergarten to middle school, skipping grades into high school, earning a diploma from a world-renowned university, then unexpectedly enrolling in a super butler academy—by now, he was only twenty-two.

It also included two prior work experiences, zero romantic involvements, social network, family relations, and even a comprehensive medical report—all compiled into a multimedia PPT and printed into the hundred-page book Shen Mo now held.

System: [So far, no butler has failed at this stage.]

Jiang Yao adjusted his posture into one of proper attentive stance. His appearance was deceptively unassuming—when standing quietly with a neutral expression, he exuded an aloof, chill detachment. Now, he pasted on a smile, eyes crinkling as he watched Shen Mo.

Shen Mo’s shirt was a custom-made piece from a German master tailor, its cuffs embroidered with fine gold thread. The fabric was soft, paired with gemstone cufflinks—six in total, each a masterpiece of top-tier jewelry and cutting craftsmanship, each worth millions.

His jacket was a bespoke, handcrafted piece from a German tailor, its price never publicly disclosed. Online estimates were unreliable, leaving the exact figure unknown.

But his shoes were another story—DR genuine black leather, soles snow-white, crafted from albino crocodile skin. Limited to 100 pairs globally, they had been featured in the 2021 Summer Luxury Guide.

Priced at over €120,000, nearly ¥900,000, they were just another ordinary pair in Shen Mo’s shoe collection.

*He’s wearing close to ten million RMB worth on his person*, Jiang Yao exhaled. He was certain—he would be the perfect butler!

An unremarkable yet flawless butler!

*Him! Jiang Yao!*

*Born for service!*

His smile deepened. Just then, Shen Mo began to rise. Jiang Yao reached out to take back his "resume," but Shen Mo’s hand motioned sideways instead.

Jenny took it. Shen Mo rose without sparing Jiang Yao another glance, instructing Jenny, "You take care of this."

System, bewildered: [Does this mean you passed?]

Jiang Yao chuckled. [It means Shen Mo is pressed for time and needs someone else to test me.]

As Shen Mo walked away, he paused and turned back. "Jenny, check what upset Master Ian."

Jiang Yao: "..."

Jenny: "Understood!"

Shen Mo: "If it’s a person, handle it." His gaze flickered imperceptibly toward Jiang Yao.

Without hesitation, Jiang Yao surreptitiously pinched his thigh, his eyes instantly reddening. His voice oozed guilt, "Did Master Ian cry because of me?"

Two tears welled in his eyes, teetering on the brink of falling. Paired with his slender frame, it lent him a vulnerable air.

Shen Mo had never seen a grown man put on such a delicate crying act. "I’ll take my leave."

Jiang Yao wiped his tears. "Take care, Mr. Shen."

Sure enough, for the next two hours, Jenny subjected Jiang Yao to a thorough grilling.

System, consoling: [You holding up okay?]

[Absolutely not,] Jiang Yao replied, eyes still red.

Finally, Jenny couldn’t resist offering reassurance. "Don’t worry. It’s clear Mr. Shen is very satisfied with you. He won’t dismiss you arbitrarily."

*That ice king is satisfied with me?* Jiang Yao was surprised. "Really?"

Jenny nodded. "Mr. Shen has always wanted to return to China, but work keeps him too busy. So, if you have the chance, share some Chinese cultural tidbits with him."

Just then, a golden remote-controlled car zipped into the living room. Palm-sized, it raced toward him and crashed into his shoe, flipping over.

"Master Ian?" Jenny gasped, spotting the toddler hiding behind the door. "What are you doing here?"

A servant trailing behind explained, "Master Ian just finished his milk and insisted on taking a walk to help digestion."

The child’s round eyes darted about, silently studying Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao bent down to pick up the toy car—it was heavier than expected. *Did this three-year-old just try to take me out?*

He suppressed a chuckle.

Ian took two tiny steps forward and buried himself in Jenny’s embrace, seeking comfort in familiarity. His mop of hair nestled against her, his small eyes warily trained on Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao knelt, one knee on the ground, and held out the car on his palm. He even made a show of dusting off nonexistent dirt. "Young Master, your car is none the worse. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Ian only grew more frightened, burying himself completely in Jenny’s arms without a word.

Jiang Yao sighed inwardly. [Kid, are you going to get me fired?]

System: [Young Master Shen has mild autism and limited verbal skills. He probably can’t articulate wanting you gone.]

Jenny’s gaze had been darting between them for a while before she finally spoke. "Jiang, you’re officially hired."

"Huh?" Jiang Yao was slightly taken aback.

Jenny lifted Ian. "You have half a day to get acquainted with the estate. This evening, Mr. Shen’s aunt, Aunt Zhou, and her family will visit. You’ll handle the reception."

Jiang Yao responded immediately, "Understood."

"Take these." The stack of child companion resumes was handed to him. He just barely stopped himself from whistling.

*Sean’s file might be in here. If he gets hired, he’d be under me.* Jiang Yao smirked. *I can’t imagine what it’d feel like to order around the story's bottom protagonist.*

System: [What are you thinking?]

Jiang Yao: [Just wondering what part I should play as Mr. Shen’s butler.]

System: [Meaning?]

The Shen estate had two main structures—one for the family and guests, the other for domestic staff. Several smaller cottages served as storage or ornamental outbuildings.

The main house had four floors and seven rooms in total.

The floors and walls were all made of natural marble, with jade embedded in the stair railings and corridors, gleaming and crystal-clear. The enormous glass windows reflected Jiang Yao's perfect physique—broad shoulders and a narrow waist.

The front gate of the estate was closely monitored, and ordinary staff were only permitted to enter and exit through the side door.

"Butler Jiang, lunch is served in the small dining room," a Filipina maid rushed to tell Jiang Yao as he was halfway through his tour.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yao immediately turned and strode briskly toward the main building, asking, "What about Mr. Shen and the young master...?"

The maid replied, "Housekeeper Jenny asked you to join them for meals starting tomorrow."

Jiang Yao instantly showed genuine remorse and self-reproach. "Housekeeper Jenny is very considerate. It was my oversight. Starting tomorrow, I’ll make sure to be there on time."

The Filipina maid, a long-time employee of the estate, said, "Butler Jiang, you don’t need to be so nervous. Mr. Shen is actually very kind."

Led by the maid to the staff dining room, Jiang Yao stated without hesitation, "It’s a privilege to work for Mr. Shen. I truly love this job."

System: [...]

Filipina maid: [...]

Jiang Yao sighed. In truth, loving this job was just an act.