Chapter 2: Entering the World of Power

Li Xue's heart pounded in her chest as the man stepped into the small living room, his gaze cold and intense. His presence filled the room, commanding attention without a single word. He wasn't like anyone Li Xue had ever encountered before. Tall, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, with sharp features and a gaze that seemed to pierce through her very soul—he was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Who are you?" Li Xue asked, her voice trembling, though she tried to stand her ground. This wasn't the quiet, ordinary world she was used to. The weight of everything her mother had just told her settled on her shoulders, making her feel small and out of place.

"Li Xue," the man said, his voice smooth but with an edge. "I am Li Wei's associate. He's been looking for you for years, and it's time you meet him."

"Li Wei?" she echoed, the name unfamiliar but somehow tied to the mystery that had just been unraveled. Her brother—one of the four men her mother had just spoken of. The CEO. The billionaire.

Her mother stepped forward, placing a protective hand on Li Xue's arm. "Xue, you don't have to go with him. We can figure this out together. You don't have to be part of this world."

Li Xue felt a wave of emotion surge within her. She had spent her life sheltered, unaware of who she truly was. Now, she was being thrust into a world she didn't understand, and it terrified her. But at the same time, a part of her longed for answers, for the truth behind the veil her mother had kept so tightly drawn.

The man's eyes softened for a brief moment, but the intensity of his presence didn't waver. "I'm not here to harm you, Li Xue. But the truth is, your life is no longer just yours. The Li family is powerful, and they've been searching for you. We need to get you somewhere safe. Li Wei will explain everything to you."

Li Xue looked at her mother, who hesitated for a moment before nodding. Her mother, for all her strength, seemed to know that this moment had arrived. The truth was inevitable.

"Go with him, Xue," her mother whispered. "It's for your safety. I will always be here for you, but you must understand, the Li family... they are dangerous. They play a game where the stakes are high."

Li Xue nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She wasn't ready for this, but there was no turning back. She turned to the man who had introduced himself as Li Wei's associate.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice steady despite the storm raging within her.

"The Li family estate," he replied, his eyes unwavering. "There, you'll meet your brothers. It's time to face your destiny."

---

As Li Xue stepped into the car, she felt an overwhelming sense of unease. The city she had known for so long, with its bustling streets and familiar faces, seemed so far away now. The sleek black car cut through the streets at high speed, and soon, they were leaving the city behind, heading toward a secluded area where the Li family's estate stood—a fortress of wealth, power, and secrecy.

The landscape around her changed as they left the urban chaos behind. The tall buildings, the noise, the crowds, all faded into the background, replaced by vast stretches of land, luxury mansions, and high-security gates. It was like entering another world entirely.

Li Xue's mind raced as she gazed out the window, her thoughts spinning. The name Li Wei echoed in her mind. Her brother, the CEO. What kind of man was he? What kind of life had he led? And what about the others—the famous actor, the hacker, the doctor? They were all part of this family, this powerful legacy. Was she truly ready for this?

The car slowed, and they reached the grand gates of the Li family estate. The gates opened slowly, revealing a sprawling mansion that seemed to stretch on forever, surrounded by lush gardens and elaborate statues. It was like stepping into a dream—or a nightmare.

The associate led her through the grand entrance, and Li Xue's heart raced as she followed him through the ornate hallways. Every step felt heavier than the last, as if the weight of her new reality was pressing down on her chest.

Finally, they reached a large room at the end of a long corridor. The door opened, revealing a tall man standing by the window, his back to her. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair neatly styled, exuding an aura of power and control.

"Li Xue," the man said, turning to face her. His gaze was piercing, his expression unreadable. "Welcome."

Li Xue stood frozen in the doorway, her mouth dry. This was Li Wei. Her brother. The CEO. The man who controlled millions.

She had expected a cold reception, but there was something about the way he looked at her—something calculating, yet oddly... protective.

"You've been waiting for me," she said quietly, trying to steady her nerves.

Li Wei nodded. "I've been waiting for you to understand the truth. There's a lot for you to learn. But first, we need to make sure you're safe. The world you're stepping into isn't one you can leave easily."

Li Xue swallowed hard. "I don't want to be part of this world."

"You have no choice," Li Wei said softly, his gaze unwavering. "This world has already chosen you."