Chapter 37 Having a Cup of Coffee

Lu Jinzhi sometimes wondered if his contact information was too easily obtained by others, and how all sorts of strange people could call him.

Where did you find him? He's a domesticated child.

Also, how did Qin Lian get involved with Qiao Wu?

Her life on this business trip seems quite fulfilling.

Before the age of ten, Qiao Wu's life consisted mainly of school and the Lu family, but at the age of twenty-two, Qiao Wu's life expanded far beyond what it used to be, including his social life.

He suddenly realized that he knew very little about Qiao Wu now.

Lu Jinzhi glanced at the time.

This time is not enough to report that you are safe.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the show, the recording of the trainees' relatives and friends ended early.

Qiao Wu didn't rush back to the hotel, but waited for Lu Xuan to get off work at the coffee shop outside.

Because of the confidentiality agreement with the production team, she didn't look at her phone during the recording. Only now did she have a little time to deal with work-related matters.

There's a new message pinned to the top.

Last time, because she ignored the random messages "she" had sent to Lu Jinzhi, she was confronted by Lu Jinzhi's probing questions outside the airport. She learned her lesson and pinned every member of the Lu family to the top of her feed to avoid missing any crucial information.

Lu Jinzhi: I need your detailed resume.

CV?

Qiao Wu didn't think too much about it. After all, she was now working under Lu Jinzhi, so it was normal for her boss to ask for her resume.

But what does a real resume mean?

Qiao Wu was in a bit of a dilemma. Her educational background was simple, but her experience over the past twelve years was completely blank. If she were to write down the things "she" had done in the past, she would receive a termination letter from Lu Jinzhi in less than a minute.

Moreover, what Lu Jinzhi wanted were the detailed rules.

After thinking for a moment, she decided to be honest and replied, "I have no work experience before this, so there are no specific details."

Lu Jinzhi: "Career planning."

Qiao Wu suddenly realized that this was indeed necessary.

I'll send it to you in a bit.

Lu Jinzhi: "In addition, the weekly report will be changed to a daily report."

daily?

This wasn't a demanding request, but Qiao Wu remembered that she had sent Lu Jinzhi weekly reports for a long time, but he either read them but didn't reply, or didn't even read them. What was he up to now?

"Okay, I'll send it to you every night at the scheduled time."

She hadn't been sitting in the coffee shop long when the recording of the show ended. As soon as she went outside after receiving the news, she saw Lu Xuan wearing sunglasses scanning the surroundings. After locking onto her direction, he strode over with a stern face.

What happened? Everything was fine during the recording.

"What's going on between you and that bird?" Lu Xuan demanded immediately. "Why did you watch her perform?"

Qiao Wu: "She's a friend of mine."

"Friends?" Lu Xuan, who had been happy about this word just the day before, instantly flew into a rage, her voice rising several octaves. "How many friends do you have? Does adding someone on WeChat make you a friend?"

Qiao Wu was somewhat puzzled by his attitude and didn't really like his questioning tone. Her smile faded slightly: "Lu Xuan, this is my private matter. I also have the right to make friends. This is not a reason for you to be angry with me."

Seeing that her smile had vanished, Lu Xuan felt a lump in his throat, unable to vent his anger. He said coldly, "You came to keep me company, and I paid for it."

"..."

Qiao Wu said helplessly, "Your 50,000 yuan isn't even enough for the hotel rooms for the next few days. Do you really think I came on this business trip with you for the money?"

"Or else?"

“I told you, you’re my friend,” Qiao Wu said patiently. “I’m here to keep you company out of friendship, and so is Liao Liao, so of course I can keep her company too.”

Lu Xuan wouldn't listen to a word. Pointing to the studio, he scoffed, "So many people, everyone's watching! My friend is appearing on someone else's camera! Do you even understand that I invited you? If anyone can do it, I'd rather you didn't come at all!"

"So what if it's 50,000? Is 50,000 cheap? That's all the money I have! And you're saying that's a long time's expenses for an ordinary family!"

Lu Xuan gripped her shoulders tightly: "Qiao Wu, what do you take me for?"

They claim to be his employees, but they don't care about him at all.

He claims to be his sugar daddy, but he's more patient and easier to talk to than anyone else.

He only asked one question, and now she's giving him the cold shoulder!

Qiao Wu turned his head to look at the large hand on his shoulder, his brow furrowing slightly, but this time he remained silent.

Lu Xuan waited for several seconds but didn't hear her explanation. Following her gaze, he saw his hand, froze, and immediately withdrew it. His anger subsided considerably because of this little incident.

His fingertips curled slightly, his thoughts somewhat frozen.

She seemed so capable, but her shoulders were thinner and more slender than he had imagined.

She's frowning. Did you pinch her too hard?

He didn't do it on purpose; he was just angry.

"you……"

"Can we talk properly now?" Qiao Wu asked.

Lu Xuan: "What?"

"If we can talk things out properly, then we can communicate again," Qiao Wu said calmly. "If not, calm down first, and we'll talk later."

“I’ve been trying to talk to you properly!” Lu Xuan said angrily.

Does speaking loudly mean you're not speaking properly?

Qiao Wu already knew from his few words why he was so angry, and she sighed: "You are not like her."

"What's different?"

“I didn’t grow up with her, so praising her is because she’s outstanding in her own right.” Qiao Wu raised his head. “Praising you would be biased.”

What's the meaning.

Lu Xuan's mind took a turn: "Are you saying I'm not outstanding?"

"..."

Having exhausted all patience, Qiao Wu said expressionlessly, "If that's how you think, there's nothing I can do."

"You can't do it? You have a way!"

I just wanted you to coax me, but you came up to me and got angry and sullen!

"Are you leaving or not?" Qiao Wu turned around. "If you don't leave, I don't know if someone will be squatting nearby taking pictures of you."

Lu Xuan stiffened, but obediently followed her away.

After the two figures disappeared from sight, two other people not far away also got into the car.

Qin Tianrui asked, "Brother, I really didn't do anything to him."

At most, they filmed some negative material, but they haven't had a chance to release it yet.

"You dare."

"Then why are you still looking at him?"

Qin Lian didn't want to communicate with someone whose cerebellum wasn't fully developed; he kept thinking about the scene from earlier.

He originally called Lu Jinzhi on a whim, and while he was somewhat sincere, it wasn't much. After all, he was just a butler, and as long as he spent enough money, he could definitely find a suitable one.

But what he just witnessed made him change his mind. Lu Xuan was no easier to manage than his younger brother. A single glance and a few simple words were enough to make Lu Xuan put away his sharp edge. Lu Jiang couldn't do it, but that butler could.

He's very interested in this butler now.

If only they could also manage those few in his family.

I just don't know how much it would cost to dig it up.

Tsk, Lu Jinzhi seems quite satisfied with her.

But Lu Jinzhi has always valued profit. As long as the money he spends exceeds Lu Jinzhi's limits, Lu Jinzhi will probably give up.

On the other side, Lu Xuan pressed himself tightly against the window after getting into the car.

"Lu Xuan."

Lu Xuan's voice was cold and hard: "What are you doing?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he subconsciously turned his head and saw Qiao Wu leaning towards him. Before he could react, his sunglasses were taken off his face.

Seeing the eyes behind the sunglasses, Qiao Wu felt both helpless and amused; sure enough.

"Why are you crying?"

"Nonsense, I didn't cry." Lu Xuan snatched the sunglasses and put them on, raising her chin. "The makeup artist didn't do my eye makeup well today, and my eyes feel uncomfortable."

"Yes, if you say so, then it is."

Qiao Wu went along with him, and the anger she had felt from his questioning earlier subsided considerably.

She knew that Lu Xuan had been quite possessive since childhood, but it had been ruthlessly suppressed. However, she did not expect him to still be so clueless as an adult.

Qiao Wu might not care too much if it were a child, but Lu Xuan is already 23 years old.

She didn't want Lu Xuan to continue using the mindset he had when he was a child to deal with anything.

Perhaps it was because she returned after twelve years and treated him the same way she did twelve years ago that he couldn't see the difference; she was no longer the Xiao Qiao Wu of the past.

"Lu Xuan." Qiao Wu sat up straight, but her gaze remained fixed on him. "I have something to tell you."

“I have ears.”

Qiao Wu didn't press him, but quietly said, "I'm 22 years old this year."

Lu Xuan didn't understand.

"Stripped of our friendship, just like I said before, I am now an employee working for the Lu family. According to the normal work process, apart from working hours, my private life is none of the boss's business. After get off work, I will go home and have my own friends and private life. You cannot interfere with these things, understand?"

I don't want to understand, but the explanation is so detailed that I have no choice but to.

He didn't say anything.

“I’m not your toy or your personal possession.” Qiao Wu knew he had heard her, so she continued, “You can’t secretly stuff me into your schoolbag and take me to school anymore.”

Lu Xuan didn't say a word until the car stopped in the hotel parking lot.

He followed Qiao Wu into her room, heading straight for the guest room, but didn't close the door.

Qiao Wu watched him pack up the luggage he had left there last night.

The young master never tidies up. He stuffs all the bottles and jars into his suitcase and folds his clothes into a mess, but he doesn't seem to think anything is wrong. He moves cleanly and efficiently, finishing all the tidying up in just five minutes.

Then he came out dragging his large suitcase, and walked past Qiao Wu toward the outside.

Qiao Wu did not catch up.

But the tall figure stopped at the doorway, his hand on the doorknob, hesitant to open the door.

Qiao Wu waited quietly.

Finally, Lu Xuan asked in a hoarse voice, "Coming to the company with me, giving me your card, and coming here with me—was it all because of work?"

Qiao Wu replied, "No."

Lu Xuan stood there for a few seconds: "I'm going back."

Qiao Wu still didn't chase after him; she felt that Lu Xuan needed time.

In fact, Lu Xuan did need time. After returning to his room, his suitcase was left untouched at the door. He didn't even turn on the light before collapsing onto the sofa and looking up at the dim ceiling.

Qiao Wu's words kept swirling in his mind, making him feel like his brain was about to shut down.

He had no idea why he went into the room to pack his things; at that moment, there was only one thought in his mind: get away from her, get away from her and you'll be sober.

But the moment he reached the door of the room, his steps felt like they were made of lead.

The urge to stay here and reason kept clashing in his mind, and in the end, he didn't know where he pulled out the most conspicuous question.

She said no.

That's why he was able to relax and move on.

Lu Xuan didn't know why things had developed this way. He clearly didn't care about Qiao Wu, so what was it that he cared about?

She said he could no longer try to sneak her away in his bag.

Lu Xuan couldn't find any memories of the two of them over the years, so he could only frantically try to recall things from his childhood.

So he habitually considered her his possession, trying to keep her by his side and make her only play with him.

But Qiao Wu is 22 years old. How could he be 22 years old in an instant?

How is he supposed to face Qiao Wu after he grows up? How can this person keep changing?

If she is still the same as before when he sees her for the first time after she returns to China, then even if she leaves with Lu Ning or anyone else, he will abandon her without hesitation, just as originally planned.

But she didn't.

Therefore, he could only find his instinct in his own confused understanding, and his instinct was to hold her tight.

But now, when asked to change his approach and perspective to face 22-year-old Qiao Wu, he was completely clueless.

She's right, it's just that her friend has grown up.

If a friend you grew up with happens to work in your home, you might be nice to them out of friendship, but that's all; you shouldn't interfere too much in their private life.

Lu Xuan understood, but he still felt uncomfortable.

I don't even know how I ended up falling asleep on the sofa. All I know is that I was in a dream all night, sometimes dreaming about my childhood, and sometimes dreaming about the present.

I also dreamt that Qiao Wu told me not to continue playing with him.

He woke up with a start.

Someone is ringing the doorbell.

Lu Xuan dragged his tired body to open the door, and when he saw the neatly dressed and radiant people at the door, he felt very resentful.

"You've made me all this way, yet you're sleeping soundly."

The paparazzi following behind Qiao Wu: "???"

Wait a minute, is this something they can hear?

Only Qiao Wu knew what Lu Xuan was talking about, but judging from his attitude, he probably understood.

She went inside and saw the suitcase still placed by the door, and then she saw that he was still wearing yesterday's clothes: "The camera is outside, and you're going to appear on camera like this?"

Lu Xuan immediately said, "You're not allowed in!"

He quickly opened his suitcase and found everything inside was crumpled and wrinkled, and cursed under his breath.

Qiao Wu squatted down: "Go take a shower first, I'll iron it for you."

Her hair brushed against his cheek as she moved, and Lu Xuan was slightly startled. He casually took out a piece of clothing from his suitcase, and when he saw Qiao Wu reaching for his suitcase, he immediately grabbed her arm and lifted her up.

Qiao Wu: "?"

Lu Xuan said with his head down, "I'll find it for you."

He pulled two pieces of clothing out of his suitcase and handed them to Qiao Wu, then closed his own suitcase tightly.

Just two days ago, he was trying to tear off his clothes to show off his chest muscles and demonstrate his worth, but now he finally realizes that the person in front of him is a 22-year-old woman, the same age as him.

When he came out after taking a shower, Qiao Wu was standing outside ironing his clothes, her head slightly lowered, her hair swaying gently with her movements.

This was the first time Lu Xuan had seen this person from the perspective of someone who had grown up. She found that she was really different from before. Every move she made was more composed than before, and the childishness on her face had faded and she had fully grown up.

No wonder people are always amazed when they see her; it turns out that the doll grew up to look like this.

Strangely, Qiao Wu said he was glowing.

But he felt that every time he saw Qiao Wu, she was the one who was shining.

The person in his line of sight suddenly looked up, glanced at him, and then lowered their gaze again: "Breakfast has been delivered. The cameraman is still outside. Have him come in when everything is ready."

This is not an ordinary room, and the people living here are not ordinary people, so the paparazzi wisely refrained from following them in.

Lu Xuan hummed in agreement and opened the door: "Come in."

Then he said to Qiao Wu, "Let's eat first."

"I've already eaten." Qiao Wu hung up his clothes. "I should head back after I see you off."

The filming for the family and friends segment has come to an end, and the production team left it here to shoot more footage for later editing.

Lu Xuan paused as he sat down at the table, munching on the exquisite breakfast with a bland taste until Qiao Wu finished his work and sat down in front of him.

A card was placed in front of him; it contained the fifty thousand yuan.

Lu Xuan looked up.

"Keep it up," Qiao Wu said with a smile. "We'll be waiting for you to come back."

That smile was simply too dazzling.

Even though the other person has grown up, she still can't escape the shadow of her childhood, because she used to always look at him with that same smile.

Knowing he couldn't fit her into his backpack, she just smiled and said, "Your backpack is too small. How about I wait for you to come home at home?"

At that moment, Lu Xuan felt a sudden sense of relief, and all the turmoil he had been feeling all night disappeared.

Whether it was the Qiao Wu of the past or the Qiao Wu of the present, he wanted to put her in his schoolbag and take her away.

Because she is still herself, what does that have to do with whether she has grown up or not?

He suddenly chuckled: "My suitcase should be big enough."

"What?"

It should be big enough to fit you.

Lu Xuan thought to himself.

However, he didn't say it; it would be too naive.

He's Lu Xuan now that he's grown up; a 23-year-old shouldn't say things like that, or he'll be laughed at.

He quickly finished his breakfast, picked up the clothes Qiao Wu had ironed, and went back to his room to change.

After he finished dressing, the image of Qiao Wu standing by the window ironing his clothes flashed before his eyes, and he inexplicably lowered his head to smell them.

His peach blossom eyes drooped slightly with a hint of disappointment, and he couldn't smell her scent.

As he stepped out of the room, Qiao Wu was sitting on the sofa recording footage and talking to the camera. When he saw him, Qiao Wu smiled at him and said, "Take care on the way."

It was as if she wasn't the cold, reasonable person who had tried to reason with him yesterday.

She's always like this; after doing something upsetting, she'll always offer someone a sweet treat.

But ironically, it is very popular.

Lu Xuan let go of the self that had always been obsessed with whether or not he cared, let go of the employees and investors who were trying to cover up the truth, and faced the fact that what he cared about was not just a name.

She is a very special person; she is a friend he has known since childhood.

As long as it's her, that's fine.

He can choose not to interfere with her freedom, but that will also prove that he is no longer a child and that he will treat her like an adult.

"Wait here." He put on his sunglasses. "I'll get first place."

Qiao Wu smiled and said, "I'm really looking forward to it."

After Lu Xuan left, Qiao Wu returned to her room to pack her things. However, her flight was in the afternoon, and since she still had some time, she decided to go for a walk around the area. She figured she could go back and bring some gifts for her little chicks back home.

But to her surprise, she ran into Qin Lian in the elevator again. She nodded and said, "President Qin."

"Manager Qiao..." Qin Lian paused slightly, then changed his form of address, "Do you mind if I call you Qiao Wu?"

"certainly."

Qin Lian stepped to the side: "Don't we have to go to the production crew today?"

Qiao Wu: "Mm."

The program was sponsored by the Qin family, which is why Qiao Wu felt comfortable letting Lu Xuan participate.

Therefore, it was not surprising that Qin Lian knew about her movements.

"Are you free?" Qin Lian asked with a smile. "I'd like to invite you for a cup of coffee."