Demons Beside You

When James’ car arrived at Rasfa’s manor, he stopped.

The guard tapped on the window, asking, “Sir, how may I help you?”

James took out his invitation. The guard checked it and let them through.

Seeing the dreamy manor, Paris grew even more excited. She’d never come to somewhere like this before. Even the parking lot was surrounded by greenery.

There were countless fancy cars in the parking lot. James’ car was the least eye-catching one.

Paris followed closely behind James. She didn’t dare to walk around alone. Everything here gave her pressure. It was obvious that the mansion was extremely expensive too.

Merely the garden that they walked past was the size of a soccer field. There were a dozen gardeners fixing things there.

After the garden, the golden beach appeared before her eyes. It was beautiful. It completely changed her impression of what “enjoyment” meant. As the saying went, being poor restricted her imagination.

Paris had been quite confident before coming. Now that she was here, she grew timid and shy.

A few pretty girls ran around on the beach in bikinis, frolicking.

After arriving at a mansion, James held Paris’ hand and walked into the living room. Paris saw Steven and another older man. They were talking on the sofa, each with a woman clinging onto them.

Paris wished she could become those women. She didn’t recognize the other man, but he must be important if he could talk to Steven like this.

“Oh, James, you’re here.” Steven saw him. “Your partner is beautiful.”

“Mr. Steven, hello.” James walked forward. “This is Paris.”

“Hello, Mr. Steven.”

“I’m discussing something with Rasfa,” Steven said. “Go have fun by yourself.”

James took Paris to the porch. A server brought two glasses of wine to them.

“Is the man speaking to Steven the owner of this place?”

“He’s Rasfa, a billionaire and the CEO of PLM Film.”

“That’s him?”

“They’re men standing at the peak of Hollywood’s food chain,” James said.

Paris’ eyes flashed. She felt disappointed. She should’ve performed better just then. Maybe then that Mr. Rasfa could look at her some more.

“Come eat with me at the restaurant.”

…

“Hi, Paul.” Chen Zhao pulled up to the entrance of Rasfa’s manor.

Paul was there to invite the guests. When he saw Chen Zhao’s car, he immediately went over.

“Chen, should I park the car for you?”

“No need. It’s not my first time here.”

Chen Zhao parked and found that Paul was waiting for him outside the lot. Paul looked at Briar and Bramble in Chen Zhao’s arms, as well as Princess behind him.

Paul didn’t find it strange anymore. This was Mr. Druid after all. He wouldn’t find it strange, no matter what animal was beside Chen Zhao.

“Chen, do you need anything?”

“Take me to get some food. I’m hungry.”

“Sure, follow me.”

Chen Zhao went to the restaurant and Paul went to tell the kitchen. He knew that Chen Zhao had a big appetite. Soon, a big platter of meat and fruit salad was served.

“Thanks, Paul.”

“No problem. Chen, do you need anything else?”

“Help me take care of this family. Her name is Princess and these are her kids, Briar and Bramble. Princess is really obedient. The kids are a bit playful though. Watch them for a bit.”

“No problem. I’ll go work now. Call me whenever you need anything… Princess, let’s go.”

As expected, Princess followed Paul away. Briar and Bramble stuck close behind too.

Chen Zhao shoved meat into his mouth as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

Just then, two people came to the restaurant. It was James and Paris. The latter immediately saw Chen who was devouring food.

“Him?” Paris was surprised to see Chen Zhao here.

James heard Paris’ voice. Looking at Chen Zhao, he frowned. “So unrefined. He doesn’t even care about the environment… Paris, do you know him?”

“I saw him twice before. We’re not close. I bumped into his car today.”

“Oh.” Holding Paris’ hand, James walked over to Chen Zhao.

Chen Zhao was happily munching. He looked up to see James and Paris. “Oh, Paris? What a coincidence.”

“Hey, pay attention to the surroundings.”

“Surroundings? What surroundings?” Chen Zhao was taken aback, finding this weird. It was just a restaurant in the manor. It’s not like it was a fancy place.

Plus, he was eating here alone. Did he have to pretend to eat daintily? If he ate like that, he wouldn’t be full until tomorrow.

Paris looked at him with disgust too. She felt that Chen Zhao’s presence lowered the class of this place. She had no clue how Chen Zhao got in here… Oh, maybe he came for a part-time job and get a free meal. It must be like this.

“This is the Dream Manor. Do you know who the owner is? Don’t embarrass him.”

“Are you the owner?” Chen Zhao asked.

“I—”

“You’re not, right? Then what right do you have to scold me for embarrassing the owner? He hasn’t even said anything. Mind your own business.”

Chen Zhao glanced at Paris. Uninterested, he started eating again.

James was speechless from his words. Half a beat later, he said, “I heard that Paris bumped into your car today, right? This is $1,000. Don’t appear before her again.”

Chen Zhao rolled his eyes. “I’ll take the money, but please leave. You’re disturbing my meal.”

“Whatever. I don’t want to waste time talking to someone so unrefined and uncultured.” James didn’t get to feel arrogant with Chen Zhao because he completely ignored James. He didn’t show any fear.

Usually, the crew would all be terrified when he scolded them and apologize submissively. Unfortunately, Chen Zhao wasn’t under him. He couldn’t scold Chen Zhao even if he wanted to.

“Paris, let’s go. Someone like him pollutes the air of the restaurant.”