At 6:45 p.m., Chen Wei stood outside the gates of the Chen family estate. The black iron gates were exactly as he remembered, and beyond them stretched the tree-lined driveway toward the main house.
The last time he had been here, security guards had dragged him through these gates and thrown him onto the street. Now, he was walking back in wearing a suit, carrying wine, and was invited as a guest. The absurdity nearly made him laugh. Chen Wei pressed the intercom, and a moment later, the gates swung up the driveway, recalling the oak tree he climbed to avoid tutors.
Everything looked the same. Perfectly maintained. As if the past five years never happened.
The front door opened before he reached it. A butler in formal attire bowed slightly.
"Mr. Wei. Welcome. Please follow me."
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