Cheng Zhou was wearing a high-end custom-made black suit, which accentuated his tall and straight figure, broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving him an outstanding temperament.

He took off his sunglasses, revealing a face that was still handsome but had inexplicably lost all its youthful sunshine.

He was no longer the head chef wearing an apron and busy in the kitchen.

At this moment, he walked with composure and exuded a powerful aura, resembling a refined young master who had been in the business world for a long time.

He stopped at the doorway, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally lingering for a moment on Lu You's pale face, his expression complex and unreadable.

Lu Zheng clearly recognized him and stood up with a slight smile.

"So it's Young Master Cheng? What a rare guest! May I ask what brings you here today?"

Young Master Cheng?

The Li family members looked at each other, their eyes filled with confusion.

The Cheng family, one of the most prestigious and wealthy families in Yecheng?

How did this young master of the Cheng family, who is said to have run away from home for many years, suddenly appear here?

Cheng Zhou stepped forward, extended his hand and shook hands with Lu Zheng politely. His voice was deep and pleasant, yet carried an undeniable sense of distance.

"Uncle Lu, I apologize for disturbing you. I heard that the Yu family has a happy occasion, and I just happened to be passing by and came to join in the fun."

His gaze returned to Lu You, a half-smile playing on his lips, his tone carrying a deeper meaning.

"And while I'm at it, I'll come and see my old friend."

His tone was meaningful, and his eyes were fixed on Lu You.

The atmosphere in the entire living room instantly became subtle and tense.

Lu Zheng was a very experienced person, and he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

The smiles on the Li family members' faces also froze. Li Zhewen's gentle gaze swept back and forth between Cheng Zhou and the pale-faced Lu You, his brows furrowing slightly.

In the eerie silence, Cheng Zhou suddenly chuckled, breaking the stillness.

His posture was languid yet exuded a powerful confidence. He no longer looked at Lu You, but instead met Lu Zheng's gaze directly.

His tone was casual and confident, even carrying a hint of nonchalant provocation.

"Uncle Lu, let's not beat around the bush. The congratulations are just a pretense; our real purpose is to steal the bride."

"Bridal kidnapping?"

When those two words were uttered, everyone present was stunned.

The Li family's expressions changed drastically in an instant.

Lu You was stunned, as if she were seeing Cheng Zhou for the first time.

Cheng Zhou seemed oblivious to their reactions and continued talking eloquently, every word clear.

“I know that when you chose a husband for Sister You, you valued family background, strength, and the benefits he could bring to the Yu family.”

"Regarding family background, Uncle Cheng knows in his heart which family is stronger, the Cheng family or the Li family. Regarding strength..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Li Zhewen with a hint of barely perceptible sharpness.

"Young Master Li is in charge of the family's technology sector and is young and promising. But I, Cheng Zhou, am about to take over all the core businesses of the Cheng Group."

"The resources, cooperation, and future prospects I can bring to the Yu family will only increase, not decrease."

He stepped forward, exuding an imposing aura, yet he nodded slightly to Lu Zheng, striking a pose that appeared respectful but brooked no refusal.

"Therefore, I hope you will reconsider, Uncle. I, Cheng Zhou, formally propose to Miss Lu You that we are engaged. Please grant my request."

These words, though blunt and domineering, precisely hit Lu Zheng's core needs.

What he wants is to maximize the family's interests.

For a moment, Lu Zheng looked at the young man in front of him who was exuding a powerful aura, but he did not immediately lash out. Instead, his eyes revealed a sense of weighing the options and hesitation.

"Cheng Zhou! How dare you!" Li's father finally reacted, his face turning ashen with anger, and he abruptly stood up.

Li Zhewen also stood up, and for the first time, a crack appeared on his gentle face.

He looked at Lu You with a shocked and hurt expression, as if he wanted an explanation from her.

The entire living room was a complete mess.

"Quiet down!"

Lu Zheng shouted in a deep voice, suppressing the situation.

His shrewd eyes glanced at Cheng Zhou again, then at Lu You, whose face was pale and whose fingers were clenched tightly.

Lu Zheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Xiao You, what do you have to say about this?"

He passed this hot potato directly to Lu You.

In an instant, everyone's attention was once again focused on Lu You.

Lu You felt as if those gazes were pricking her like needles.

She looked at Cheng Zhou, a man both strange and familiar, and watched him put on the suit she hated most, play the role of a wealthy heir whom she despised, and use the exchange of benefits he loathed most as a bargaining chip for his marriage proposal.

Her heart felt as if it had been torn in two, one half shaken by his reckless madness.

His partner, however, felt oppressed by his enormous sacrifice.

Shang Wu took a deep breath, trying her best to remain calm, and looked at Lu Zheng, her voice trembling slightly.

"Dad, I'd like to speak with Young Master Cheng alone."

Lu Zheng glanced at her, nodded, and said to the Li family, "Zhewen, I apologize. Please sit for a moment. Qianjue, take Young Master Cheng and Miss to the side hall."

In the side hall, as soon as the door closed, cutting off the view from the outside, Lu You suddenly turned around and stared intently at Cheng Zhou.

Her voice was filled with suppressed emotions: "Cheng Zhou, what are you doing? Where is your restaurant? Why are you dressed like this and coming here to spout this nonsense? What are you trying to do?"

Seeing her agitated state, Cheng Zhou's coldness and pretense vanished instantly, leaving only an intense, overwhelming pain.

"Can't you tell what I'm up to? I'm trying to take you back!"

Lu You took a deep breath. "I don't need you to make this kind of sacrifice for me! It's not worth it! You also said you hate scheming and being tied down! Everything you're doing now is betraying yourself. Wake up!"

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