Chapter One: Not a Sister, but a Young Master

In the first year, when Zhao Shi Di was six years old, she began living under someone else's roof after arriving at the Jiang family estate with her mother, who had become the Jiang family’s housekeeper.

She was born into a happy family—her father a university professor, her mother a full-time homemaker. Their harmonious and loving household was the envy of many.

But this happiness abruptly ended when Zhao Shi Di was only five. Her father was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer, and before any treatment could be administered, he passed away three months later, leaving her and her mother behind.

She vividly remembered the day of his burial, when her mother, overcome with grief, clung hysterically to the coffin, refusing to let anyone take it away. That scene remained etched in her mind, clear and unyielding, even many years later.

In her innocence, she understood that she and her mother had lost their most beloved person.

Later, her mother, who was well-educated and skilled in cooking, took a position as housekeeper for the Jiang family to provide a better life for her daughter. That year, Zhao Shi Di came to live with her mother at the Jiang residence.

At first, Zhao Shi Di was curious and fascinated by everything around her.

One afternoon, she played quietly by herself in a secluded corner of the Jiang family courtyard. Looking up, she caught sight of a tall figure by the lotus pond.

She rarely saw anyone her own age here and had no playmates. Gathering courage, Zhao Shi Di stood up, approached the figure, took his hand, and sweetly called out, “Hello, sister!”

Jiang Hao En turned his head, looking down at Zhao Shi Di, who was shorter than him by a head.

He pressed his lips tighter and abruptly pulled his hand away, stepping aside to avoid her.

Zhao Shi Di, caught off guard, fell to the ground with a sudden thud and cried out in pain.

Sniffling, she wiped her tears and hurried to find her mother to tell her what had happened.

“What’s wrong, Zhao Shi Di?” her mother asked anxiously as she knelt down beside her.

“That sister pushed me!” Zhao Shi Di sobbed, pointing toward the boy by the lotus pond.

Following her daughter’s gaze, her mother recognized the boy and paused for a moment before gently speaking to her daughter.

“That’s Master Jiang, not a sister. You mustn’t bother Master Jiang from now on.”

Zhao Shi Di didn’t fully understand her mother’s words. Her teary eyes looked helplessly up at her.

“Listen to your mother. Don’t disturb Master Jiang again,” her mother repeated firmly.

Half comprehending, Zhao Shi Di nodded obediently.

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