A World Apart

After descending the stairs, Bai Xia’s luggage was respectfully taken by Old Chen and placed in the trunk of the understated yet luxurious black sedan. Bai Xia stood nervously beside Mo Bai and the car, her slender fingers nervously fidgeting with her skirt, betraying her slight anxiety.

Despite her deskmate being right beside her, Bai Xia found she couldn’t even muster the courage to step forward and hold onto Mo Bai’s sleeve. Her heart raced in her chest, pounding away.

She had always been just a poor, ordinary student, never imagining that she would one day befriend, or even become friends with, the elite scions of the capital. Facing Mo Bai’s driver and the expensive car before her, Bai Xia felt like a Cinderella who had accidentally stumbled into a world of nobility, standing there helplessly.

Moreover, Bai Xia noticed something was amiss, especially recently when spending time with Mo Bai. She always felt a strange flutter in her heart, so different from her usual self. Although she didn’t dislike it, this feeling also made her somewhat afraid.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing Bai Xia following him, looking anxious and uncomfortable, Mo Bai decided to open the car door for the girl. “Don’t be nervous, Bai Xia. Just act like we usually do.”

“I… I understand, Mo-ge.” Bai Xia took a deep breath and cautiously got into the car.

The spacious rear of the business sedan was far more comfortable than the cramped taxis Bai Xia was used to. There was even a screen for watching movies and a tray for drinks in the back. Yet, this only made Bai Xia feel more out of place.

What if she accidentally dirtied or damaged something in this expensive car? She wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for it even if she sold herself.

Bai Xia sat with her legs pressed tightly together, her small hands neatly placed on her knees, even her breathing was soft. Mo Bai watched his little deskmate, struggling not to laugh at her nervousness.

What a clever and mischievous girl. Who knows what she’s thinking?

“Relax a bit. I said you don’t need to be so formal.”

“But… Mo-ge, this car is very expensive, isn’t it?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Am I going to eat you?”

Reassured by her deskmate, Bai Xia finally relaxed a little, her petite frame finally leaning back in the seat. Still, she remained cautious, afraid to make any sudden movements. Especially when she noticed Mo Bai watching her with a smile, Bai Xia blushed and quickly averted her gaze.

“Really…” she thought to herself, her deskmate has been acting increasingly strange lately.

Of course, she only dared to grumble about it in her heart. If she actually said it out loud, Mo Bai would surely ‘educate’ her thoroughly.

Since they were going to Mo Bai’s home, Bai Xia had taken extra care with her appearance before leaving. Although she hadn’t put on any makeup, a simple white blouse paired with a plaid skirt perfectly showcased her purity and charm. Her long, snow-white hair was carefully brushed, falling softly over her shoulders. Even from a distance, Mo Bai could detect the faint scent of shampoo from her hair. Her feet were adorned with clean white socks and small leather shoes, making her look like a delicate porcelain doll.

“Really, even the most expensive car is meant to be sat in,” Mo Bai said, understanding Bai Xia’s discomfort but preferring her usual lively self. “After all, teasing you is more fun when you’re more relaxed.”

He pressed the button for the seat’s massage function, and a warm sensation spread from the seat back. Bai Xia jumped, her back stiffening like a startled kitten. But soon, the comforting sensation allowed her to relax, her small body slowly sinking into the soft leather seat.

“Comfortable?” Mo Bai turned to look at her, noticing the way her ruby eyes were softly closed, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

“Mmm…” Bai Xia murmured, too shy to meet his gaze. “It’s… it’s quite comfortable, Mo-ge…”

Mo Bai couldn’t help but notice her feigned indifference, but he chose not to point it out, knowing how shy she was. After all, Old Chen was still there.

Besides, once they reached the apartment, he would have plenty of time to spend with his little deskmate.

After glancing away, Mo Bai closed his eyes to rest, leaving Bai Xia blushing beside him, her hands fidgeting with her skirt as she watched the passing scenery out the window.

Of course, everything inside the car was clearly visible to Old Chen through the rearview mirror. He could easily see how much his young master cherished this white-haired girl.

So, it seemed that his young master had finally found someone special…?

Old Chen shifted his gaze, looking at Bai Xia through the rearview mirror. She was still the same girl his master had rescued from the side of the road, but now, with her appearance and attire, she looked every bit the part of a young lady. Even he was surprised by her beauty.

No wonder his master had taken a liking to her. And to think, they were even classmates at school.

With years of experience, Old Chen prided himself on his ability to read people, especially those with ulterior motives. But Bai Xia gave off a pure, untainted vibe, like a blank slate.

Her nervous habit of twisting her skirt, her slightly awkward posture, and the way her cheeks flushed when she stole glances at Mo Bai—all of it spoke to an innocent, youthful charm. And after learning a bit about her family situation, Old Chen found himself admiring the girl even more.

How many children could survive on their own without relying on their parents?

So, Old Chen didn’t treat Bai Xia like an outsider. Anyone could see that she was likely to become his master’s girlfriend in the future.

“Miss Bai, the young master rarely brings friends home,” Old Chen said, his voice gentle. “You’re the first.”

“Ah… really?” Bai Xia was taken aback, a bit surprised.

“Yes, Miss Bai. The young master has always been a bit aloof. To meet someone like you, I’m truly happy.” Looking at the still-nervous Bai Xia in the backseat, Old Chen rarely showed the warm, grandfatherly smile that only family could bring out. This left Bai Xia with no choice but to look out the window, hoping to ease her embarrassment.

It couldn’t be helped… whether facing Mo Bai or his driver, Bai Xia always felt a sense of pressure, making her timid.

After a few more minutes, the car slowly entered a high-end residential area in the city. Seeing the towering luxury apartments with their gleaming glass facades, perfectly manicured greenery, and uniformed security guards, Bai Xia couldn’t help but feel envious.

Those sparkling glass walls, the meticulously trimmed gardens, and the security personnel in uniform—all of it reminded her that this world was entirely different from her cramped rental.

“These houses… even if she worked her entire life, she probably couldn’t afford to buy a bathroom in one of them.”

The car window reflected the girl’s slightly melancholy expression, but even so, Bai Xia didn’t lose heart. Once she had her new identity and could start working, with her abilities, she would at least be able to buy a small apartment of her own.

“But come on… shouldn’t the rich kids on TV live in mansions?”