Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Kael’s gaze, charged with an undeniable aggression, raked over Jiang Yao before he finally drove away.

Jiang Yao stood sideways, one hand in his pocket, the other reaching back to lightly knead his own neck. "Work’s exhausting. And I have to entertain colleagues too."

The system consoled him: [Just think of your monthly salary! Over two million RMB a month! Doesn’t that make you feel instantly better?]

Jiang Yao chuckled softly, shaking his head helplessly. He pulled out his notebook and jotted down a line: *Drinks with Mr. Kael.*

The system wondered if it was imagining things, but Jiang Yao’s action seemed almost like… like noting down a grudge against someone on a specific date in a little black book.

Just then, Jiang Yao’s phone alarm chimed precisely at 4:15. A car smoothly pulled up beside him, and the driver leaned out: "Butler Jiang."

A pre-arranged bouquet lay on the passenger seat.

It was a Mercedes-Benz. Jiang Yao raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. Even in Country G, where luxury cars were ubiquitous, renting a Mercedes cost a staggering €2,000 a day. Yet, at the Shen estate, even a servant going out for groceries could drive a BMW.

Truly, the wealthy among the wealthy were in a league of their own.

Jiang Yao: "Arrange for two more cars."

The driver looked puzzled: "Huh? But the Zhou family only has four people?"

Jiang Yao traced the watch face with his thumb, then suddenly asked, "Does the Shen family rarely receive guests?"

The driver nodded: "Yes. I’ve worked for Mr. Shen for ten years, and I’ve never seen any relatives visit."

Jiang Yao tapped his forehead lightly, indicating he understood.

Moments later, three luxury cars departed the Shen estate in succession, heading for the docks at the foot of the mountain.

4:25 PM.

Jiang Yao arrived at the docks punctually, holding the bouquet, waiting quietly for the yacht to approach the shore. His distinctly Eastern features were pronounced, his pure black hair particularly striking in this foreign land. His slender yet upright shoulders, his vest cinching a trim waist, and his long, straight legs made him stand like a rigid spear by the sea. Only the slight ruffle of his hair in the breeze hinted at his refined composure and self-possession.

"Who is that?" a tourist wondered aloud.

Many eyes, coming and going, were fixated on Jiang Yao.

The driver stood just two steps away from Jiang Yao, and seeing these admiring gazes, he too straightened his back, announcing in a gruff voice, "That’s our family’s new butler!"

The docks were bustling. The Mediterranean climate ensured perpetual summer, never lacking tourists. The duty-free zone, in particular, attracted countless merchants and visitors seeking business opportunities or splurging their wealth.

Here, designer labels were the least valuable things.

A banknote, carried by the wind, drifted towards Jiang Yao. He raised a hand and deftly caught it between two slender fingers, folded it once, and tucked the hundred-euro bill into the thin pocket of his vest.

Jiang Yao put away his unexpected windfall and mused: [Big cities really do have more opportunities.]

System: [They’re just throwing money around? Seriously?]

The source was a medium-sized yacht hosting a party. A man in board shorts stood on the deck, tossing money into the air while bikini-clad women shrieked around him.

It was the first time the system had witnessed such an extravagant scene. After Jiang Yao’s explanation, it almost lost its grasp on the concept of a hundred million. [You mean, these boats, they’re all worth hundreds of millions?]

And more than luxury cars, bags, or jewelry, the true display of wealth lay in every yacht sailing the seas. In Country G, where millionaires were commonplace, yachts were the ultimate status symbol for billionaires and super-rich.

A single yacht could cost over a hundred million euros, with annual maintenance costing tens of millions. Over the years, the cost of modifications and upkeep far exceeded the original purchase price, turning these vessels into toys worth hundreds of millions of euros for the wealthy.

They were top-tier consumables with no investment value, solely for their occasional pleasure cruises.

These colossal vessels filled the docks, like floating mountains of gold and silver.

The Zhou family’s yacht was now docking, and Jiang Yao had already spotted them.

Aunt Zhou’s husband was a Spaniard named Dero. Mrs. Zhou, like Shen Mo, had Eastern heritage, making her relatively easy to identify.

The family of four disembarked, followed by two servants carrying luggage—a six-person entourage was no small group.

The Shen family’s driver froze, a cold sweat of belated fear breaking out on his back. If he hadn’t listened to Jiang Yao earlier, the single car he drove wouldn’t have been enough for Dero’s family and their servants!

Had Jiang Yao not been vigilant, he would have committed a fatal error on his very first day.

Jiang Yao quickly approached the Zhou family: "Master Dero, Mrs. Zhou, Master Jerry, and young Master Jesse, you must be tired from your journey."

The system admired: [Thankfully, Host, you were prepared. But how do you know so much about the lives of the super-rich?]

"You’re the butler here to greet us?" Aunt Zhou, with her black curly hair, immediately gestured for the servants to hand the luggage to Jiang Yao. "Shen Mo’s butler is this young? Did they just pawn me off on some rookie?"

The two additional drivers who had been waiting by the roadside had already arrived, taking the luggage one by one to the parked cars.

The driver who had come with Jiang Yao was still shaken, wiping sweat from his forehead as he returned to Jiang Yao’s side. *Thank goodness.* If not for Jiang Yao’s foresight, calling for backup cars from the mansion would have taken fifteen minutes.

The more prominent the family, the more meticulous their hospitality. A misstep would embarrass the Zhou family—and result in their dismissal. The driver patted his chest, looking at Jiang Yao with gratitude.

Jiang Yao seemed completely unfazed, chatting naturally with the Dero family: "Housekeeper Jenny is taking the young master to his lessons, so I am here to welcome you, madam and sir, along with the two young masters. Please watch your step, madam."

"This is a D-series yacht, produced by the local Grand Voyage shipbuilders. Is Master Dero interested?" Jiang Yao spoke at a steady pace, yet his tone carried a casual ease. Even as he attended to Aunt Zhou, he noticed Master Dero’s gaze.

The older man had been staring at a massive yacht for a while and nodded at Jiang Yao’s words. "I’ve heard these are a symbol of wealth."

Master Dero was stern and mature, with deep wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and a thick beard. At fifty, he was said to have considerable wealth in Spain and held a respectable social position as a government official.

"This way, please." Jiang Yao stepped aside, gesturing politely. [See that?]

The system: [What?]

While introducing the surroundings to the Dero couple, Jiang Yao gossiped internally: [Aunt Zhou’s necklace has a pigeon-egg-sized gem. Not only is the chain fully diamond-studded, but the outer rim of the jewel also has two rows of diamonds. I’ve seen an emerald of similar size at an auction—that one sold for twenty million RMB a few years ago.]

The system: [Hiss—if you had a few of those, you could probably retire right now.]

Jiang Yao smiled. [You’re not wrong.]

A plan to steal the jewels quickly formed in Jiang Yao’s mind, but he just as quickly dismissed it.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Jerry, the sixteen-year-old rebellious eldest son of the Dero couple, finally spoke after disembarking.

It would have been better if he hadn’t suddenly leaned so close to Jiang Yao’s ear.

Jiang Yao’s expression froze in shock, his peach-blossom eyes widening slightly. He remained stunned for a second, then tilted his head back to create distance from Jerry.

Jerry smirked triumphantly. "Tsk, did I scare you? A lot of people are looking at you. Are you popular? Are you gay?"

"N-no!" Jiang Yao quickly raised his hands in denial, but before he could say more, Aunt Zhou’s furious shout cut in: "Jerry! Get over here!"

Now it was Jerry’s turn to stumble in fright.

"Easy there, Master Jerry." Jiang Yao turned to steady him.

Jerry regained his balance, his expression full of disdain. "Tsk." The teenager scoffed and shook off Jiang Yao's hand.

Jiang Yao smiled faintly, his gentle and polite demeanor flawless.

The group reached the roadside, where the three drivers opened the car doors one by one.

"Are Sir and Madam tired? I can have the drivers take the luggage back first while I show Madam, Master Dero, and the two young masters around the area?" Jiang Yao asked sincerely.

Aunt Zhou rolled her eyes. "That boat trip wore me out. Can’t we just go back to the estate and rest?"

Jiang Yao immediately arranged for their return, waving his hand to signal the drivers and servants to hurry with the luggage. The driver assisting on the side was nearly frantic, constantly winking at Jiang Yao to stall for time.

"Is something wrong with your eyes?" Jerry, Dero’s eldest son, already impatient, snapped at the driver. "Give me the keys. I’ll drive."

At sixteen, he was still under the legal driving age in Country G. The driver broke out in a cold sweat.

Aunt Zhou: "Jerry!"

Jerry cursed, stomped onto a full-scale replica of a shuttle boat by the roadside, looked around, and then was drawn by a sports car two streets away.

The driver dared not delay, burying himself in his work. Jiang Yao stepped aside slightly and reached out to take Aunt Zhou’s younger son.

The four-year-old, not shy with strangers, had been staring at Jiang Yao since disembarking. Once in Jiang Yao’s arms, he tightly wrapped his arms around his neck.

Aunt Zhou chided gently, "Little Jesse!" Her tone was noticeably softer.

Jiang Yao: "Have Sir and Madam’s luggage been loaded yet?"

Five minutes passed.

Another ten long minutes to go.

Master Dero’s booming voice said, "Done." He glanced at his wife. "What about your personal items?"

Aunt Zhou thought for two minutes before exclaiming, "Jesse’s bottle!"

Jiang Yao spoke gently, "I’ll go back to the ship for it."

"It wasn’t even brought on board! Jesse’s bottle is still in Spain! What do we do? Jesse needs his milk every day!" Aunt Zhou became frantic.

Dero’s expression darkened, his face instantly terrifying as he chastised, "You're always losing things."

Jiang Yao soothed softly, "It’s alright. There are infant supply shops on the island. We can—"

Aunt Zhou immediately dismissed the idea. "No! Little Jesse only uses that one bottle."

Dero: "Who packed the luggage?!"

Aunt Zhou: "How should I know?!"

The little master in Jiang Yao’s arms seemed to sense the tense atmosphere, his mouth puckering, about to burst into tears.

This wouldn't do. Jiang Yao freed one hand, waved it playfully in front of the child to catch his attention, then flipped his palm to reveal a one-yuan coin to distract him.

The family broke into a heated argument by the roadside.

Jerry, at his limit, snapped, "It’s just a bottle! So what if it’s forgotten? Can’t we just go to the hotel already? This is humiliating!" He agilely jumped back onto the road and grabbed his brother’s face. "It’s all your fault, you little troublemaker!"

At sixteen, Jerry was already showing signs of teenage cockiness, though his fair, delicate features starkly contrasted his father’s.

At this distance, Jerry was quite close to Jiang Yao. He sniffed, catching the scent of pine on Jiang Yao, and once again scrutinized him with displeasure.

The four-year-old, already quite verbal, Jesse whimpered, swatting at his brother’s hand. "I want my bottle! I want it, I want it! I want my own!"

Jiang Yao smiled, playing with the child in his arms with his fingers. The family kept arguing—interrupting would only worsen things, but inaction might make him the scapegoat for their frustration.

"There’s an ice cream truck over there," Jiang Yao mused, strategizing. The last thing they needed was a crying child. He leaned down and whispered gently in Jesse’s ear, his voice soft, "Ice cream is smooth and creamy, sweeter than candy, cooler than ice water. And it comes with a Space Ranger on top..."

Two minutes later, Jerry and his brother were picking flavors at the ice cream truck’s window—a handmade Space Ranger ice cream for 20 euros, nearly 150 yuan.

System: [Aren’t you having any?]

Jiang Yao: [20 euros a cone? I’ll save it for retirement.]

The system chuckled dryly. [Hahaha.]

Jiang Yao’s smile seemed to have a calming effect. He ordered a "Tycoon's Treat" for Master Dero and a "Royal Princess" for Aunt Zhou.

The family of four instantly transformed into tourists enjoying Country G, the mood now pleasant as if the bottle incident had never happened.

Seated outdoors, the four ate their treats while Jiang Yao stood quietly nearby, hands clasped, checking his watch. The driver exhaled in relief.

Aunt Zhou: "But what about Jesse’s bottle?"

"Oh..." The driver thought despairingly. Why was Mr. Shen Mo, with his busy schedule, being dragged into a bottle crisis? This... He glanced at Jiang Yao. This was the butler’s job.

Jiang Yao put away his phone and inclined his body slightly towards Aunt Zhou. "If you’d kindly provide the address, I’ve arranged for the estate’s private jet to retrieve the young master’s bottle immediately."

Driver: "……………………"

"Holy shit— What did you say? A *jet*?!" Aunt Zhou blurted out a rare expletive in shock.

Dero was equally stunned. "A butler can access the Shen family’s private jet?"

Jiang Yao: "Not by my authority, but because you are Mr. Shen’s most honored guests. Every servant and partner of the Shen family is honored to serve you."

His words were impeccable. Aunt Zhou glanced at her ice cream, dumped it in a nearby trash can, and declared haughtily, "Well, go fetch it then. Honestly, this wouldn’t be an issue if the Shen family had a proper lady of the house!"

Jerry suddenly interjected, "A jet? Does that mean I can go home now?"

Dero said firmly, "You must visit your Uncle Shen first." He stood and commanded Jiang Yao in a voice leaving no room for refusal, "Lead the way."

The Shen family’s pilot was a retired commercial pilot rehired for his decades of experience—a man whose longer service meant greater expertise and a stronger ability to handle emergencies, serving almost exclusively for Mr. Shen.

When the task came, he assumed it was for an urgent international meeting for Mr. Shen.

"Mr. Shen’s orders?" the old pilot answered the call. A cheerful male voice replied, "Sir, this is Jiang. How lucky we found you among three hundred candidates. I must trouble you for a trip to Spain to retrieve an item."

The pilot: "Confidential documents for Mr. Shen, I presume? Rest assured, new butler, I’ll—"

"No," the man on the phone chuckled, though his tone was completely serious. "A baby bottle."

A trip to Spain... for a *bottle*?

The news set off a storm in the Shen family’s private staff group chat.

[He’s just a probationary butler! And he’s sending you thousands of miles for a *bottle*?!]

[My God! In all of Country G’s 3,000 square miles, not a single bottle could be found?!]

Master Jerry couldn't shake off his resentment over Jiang Yao arranging a private jet to fetch his baby brother's bottle. On the way back to the Shen residence, he insisted on riding in the same car with Jiang Yao.

Jiang Yao, who should have taken the front passenger seat, was ordered to sit in the window seat in the back.

His path was blocked by Master Jerry's outstretched legs.

Jiang Yao smiled warmly, his eyes curving: "Master Jerry, what can I do for you?"

Master Jerry: "Get me a car—I know you have the means! I saw you making calls! You'd better make it happen, or else, as a distinguished guest, I won't make life easy for some lowly servant like you!"

"But you're not yet of legal driving age," Jiang Yao replied, his smile unwavering, though inwardly he sighed deeply.

Master Jerry sneered: "Then just wait. I'll make sure to cause trouble, dear trainee butler—Mr. Jiang."