Chapter 80: I Can't Live Without Her

Qiao Wu chose to spend his winter break in China so he could quickly return in case of any emergency. Lu Ning had no objections to this; she would be perfectly content even if he just took her for a short trip to the outskirts of the city.

She thought Qiao Wu was so busy every day that he had forgotten about the agreement.

Not only Lu Ning, but also two elders who had been staying at the Still Water Villa came along.

It was rare for Lu Jiang to have some personal time. Unlike previous years, everyone was in different places in China or abroad, so Qiao Wu suggested that everyone spend the New Year here and give the servants at the Lu residence two days off.

The Lu family hadn't spent the New Year together for many years. Although they didn't say it on the surface, their actions spoke louder than words, and they packed their things faster than anyone else.

So the whole family, except for Lu Jinzhi who had to work two more days at the company, all boarded the plane.

Lu Yingchi stared at Lu Xuan, who was also carrying many bags: "Why are you here too? Aren't you going to join the crew?"

"Choose a room before you go in," Lu Xuan said naturally.

Last time I went out to play at the Still Water Villa without telling him, and this time I didn't plan to bring him along on vacation either. So what if I'm filming? Can't I just stop over for a layover while filming?

Even if he's joining the crew tomorrow, he still needs to choose his room today, sleep in it all, and make sure he gets his money's worth before leaving.

"I went to film a movie, I didn't die and won't be coming back, right?"

The crew has a day or two off for Lunar New Year's Eve, and he only went there to meet with everyone for a script reading; the official filming will have to wait until after the New Year.

“Whether I’m here or not, that room is mine,” Lu Xuan threatened. “No one is allowed to take it.”

Lu Yingchi couldn't understand: "Nonsense."

With winter approaching, many people come to the south for vacation, and the public beaches are packed with people. They are going to private vacation villas, which are also resort hotels under the Lu Group and have a private beach.

Qiao Wu arranged the rooms for the two elders as before, then simply tossed a few crumpled pieces of paper in front of the others: "Let's draw lots."

Having learned from the experience at Stillwater Villa, no one objected this time.

But when the lottery was finally drawn, Qiao Wu's room was still on the same floor as Lu Jinzhi's. She stared at the paper for a few seconds, but in the end, she didn't ask to change rooms.

Everyone went to pack their things, and Qiao Wu, seeing that the weather was nice, went to the beach outside to enjoy the sea breeze while waiting for the hotel staff to come and report on their food, clothing, accommodation, and travel arrangements over the past two days.

This was the first time that a hotel under the Lu family's umbrella was hosting the boss's family, and it was such a big event on New Year's Eve, so every aspect had to be arranged in advance. The meals each day couldn't be made according to the hotel's usual cuisine, but rather different menus were created based on the boss's needs.

Qiao Wu, who was browsing through the menu, heard a very familiar voice: "Miss Qiao?"

She turned her head and saw Shen Yan, shirtless and wearing only a pair of bright floral shorts, running over excitedly with a surfboard in his arms, his eyes shining: "Long time no see!"

"Long time no see," Qiao Wu greeted casually. "Here for a vacation?"

Shen Yan always thought of himself as one of the most handsome rich men, with a great physique. Back when he was abroad, countless young girls were drawn to him.

And now, with so many of his abs swaying in front of Qiao Wu, she can still look straight ahead without glancing at them.

This person is terrifying.

“We’re still destined to meet,” Shen Yan said. “We even come to the same hotel for vacations.”

Qiao Wu chuckled: "This is the Lu family's hotel, are you surprised?"

"Whether fate or human intervention determines the depth of a connection, if you meet someone, you meet them." Shen Yan persisted. "Since we're here on vacation, how about we hang out together? Want to go surfing?"

Qiao Wu asked, "What kind of invitation is this?"

Shen Yan was stunned for a moment.

Having navigated the dating scene for many years, he quickly understood Qiao Wu's meaning.

She made it very clear at the time that she wasn't interested in his type, and the two of them were just ordinary friends.

So this also shows her current stance.

Shen Yan suddenly felt that Qiao Wu was so rational and meticulous that it was almost terrifying. He would not give anyone any opportunity to take advantage of him, nor would he give anyone any leverage. This was someone he would never have dared to provoke before.

But when it comes to Qiao Wu, she doesn't seem so shrewd or calculating. She openly puts all her relationships out in the open, which doesn't make people feel pressured or disgusted.

This is her innate confidence and composure.

“Friend.” Shen Yan truly admired her. Even if they weren’t dating as lovers, it would be great to have a friend like her. He improvised, “Friends can hang out together.”

"Okay." Qiao Wu indicated that he still had things to do. "Shall I finish this first?"

Shen Yan sat down to the side and said, "I'm not in a hurry, you go ahead and do your work."

As he listened to Qiao Wu discussing the arrangements for the next few days with the hotel employee, he felt increasingly uneasy.

She didn't come alone? How come Old Lu is involved?

Besides, isn't she the chairperson of the Lu's Charity Foundation? Why is she involved in these matters?

After the employee left, he asked in confusion, "Did that bastard Lu Jinzhi exploit you?"

"Um?"

Qiao Wu didn't understand.

"You do so much work for one salary."

Realizing that he seemed to have some misunderstanding about him, Qiao Wu raised an eyebrow: "Don't you know? I am the Lu family's butler."

"..."

What the heck?

In Shen Yan's mind, a housekeeper and a chairman are two completely different jobs, with nothing in common.

How come his family's butler is an old man over fifty, while the Lu family's butler is a beautiful and capable young woman like Qiao Wu?!

Lu Jinzhi, you're doing something inhuman.

"Then..." He hesitated, becoming wary, "Lu Jinzhi is also here?"

Qiao Wu casually replied, "He has work and won't be here for another two days."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yan immediately straightened up, raising his head slightly: "He's really a heartless person. Why does he expect you to do everything inside and out? Look, he even took you to the dock the other day. That's not something those two jobs are supposed to do. If you ask me, I'd say get away from this kind of black-hearted capitalist as soon as possible. You have no idea what kind of miserable life I had with him before. His mouth, tsk."

He took the opportunity to smear Lu Jinzhi, and after listening for a while, Qiao Wu suddenly asked, "How much does your hotel cost per night?"

"Huh?" Shen Yan blinked. "I don't know, it was just recorded under my dad's card."

"You can look into it," Qiao Wu said meaningfully. "I'm not sure if it will become 500,000 a night in the future."

"..."

Dead memories suddenly attacked.

Shen Yan immediately stopped, and complained, "He's not here."

“But he’s my boss.”

"How much do you earn a month?" Shen Yan asked. "I can hire you too, and I'll make sure you're on equal footing with me."

The annual salary of a charitable foundation is just so-so, and even with the butler's salary, it shouldn't be too high, but he can still afford it.

Qiao Wu smiled and said, "No one but the Lu family can hire me."

If it weren't for the Lu family, she wouldn't have taken on the job of a housekeeper.

She planned to go back and change into a sun-protective outfit. She was more worried about getting a tan than looking pretty, especially with surfing.

Shen Yan went inside with her and waited for her on the first floor.

Bored, he suddenly remembered something, took out his phone and sent an emoji to Lu Jinzhi.

OK.

Still blocked.

The older a person gets, the weirder their temper becomes, so don't blame me for taking your butler around on trips.

Shen Yan put his phone away with satisfaction, but inexplicably felt a gaze fixed on him.

He looked up and saw two tall, handsome young men standing in front of him. Each of them had a uniquely striking appearance, which put a lot of pressure on this good-looking guy.

He knew something about the Lu family, so he didn't need to guess who the two people in front of him were.

Damn, what kind of lottery did the Lu family win in terms of genes?

Is one Lu Jinzhi not enough?

He stood up and said, "Hello, my name is Shen Yan."

Regardless of what kind of person Yan was, neither Lu Yingchi nor Lu Xuan had heard of him, and they exchanged information during their eye contact, realizing that neither of them recognized him.

Lu Yingchi asked, "Who are you looking for?"

“Qiao Wu,” Shen Yan said with a smile, “I’m her friend, and we made plans to go surfing together.”

He had barely finished speaking when he noticed that the two people in front of him were like chameleons, their faces turning red and white in turns.

Shen Yan never imagined in his life that he would be looked down upon by two grown men, their gazes like scanners that seemed to pierce right through him.

What, are you feeling inferior because you saw his abs?

Then he saw the two men leave without looking back.

No, the Lu family members are all so strange.

After changing her clothes, Qiao Wu didn't go downstairs immediately. Instead, she went to find Lu Ning. Since she was out having fun, she wouldn't leave her home alone.

Lu Xuan and Lu Yingchi were nowhere to be found; they weren't in their room.

Upon learning that they were going surfing, Lu Ning excitedly changed her clothes, grabbed her camera, and followed her downstairs. Then, she squinted at the sight of the white, fleshy figures below.

Seeing Lu Yingchi and Lu Xuan sitting there upright in only their underwear, Qiao Wu paused for a few seconds and asked, "Are you going too?"

The two asked in unison, "Why not go?"

Caught in the middle, Shen Yan still doesn't know what happened and is a bit confused.

“Okay.” Qiao Wu couldn’t understand their thought process, so he picked out a beginner’s float for Lu Ning. “Let’s go.”

Lu Ning hugged her board, hesitated for a moment, then turned around and asked, "Aren't you going to put on some sunscreen?"

Lu Yingchi: "There's no need."

LOL, there wasn't even time to apply sunscreen.

If a young, handsome man suddenly appears at home, naked, looking for Qiao Wu to go surfing, they won't let their guard down for a moment!

Qiao Wu turned Lu Ning's little head around: "Ignore them."

They're all grown up, and they can't even take care of themselves. They only have themselves to blame.

Fortunately, before leaving, Lu Xuan at least remembered that she was going to join a film crew. She went back to get a piece of clothing to put on, grabbed a full tube of sunscreen, and rushed out. She applied it as she walked, glancing to the side a few times before reluctantly squeezing a little bit of sunscreen onto Lu Yingchi.

"Take it." Lu Yingchi said firmly, "A real man is not afraid of the sun."

Lu Xuan, who rarely showed any sincerity, immediately withdrew his hand: "Idiot."

Shen Yan listened to their conversation the whole way, then turned to look at Qiao Wu. He couldn't see her as a housekeeper at all.

He finally understood that the two Lu brothers were clearly wary of him.

Let alone these two who don't seem very bright, the 500,000 yuan that Lu Jinzhi swindled from them is blatant proof.

What kind of strange family culture does the Lu family have?

The group arrived at the beach.

Shen Yan loves to play, and he's good at all of these activities. He originally wanted to invite Qiao Wu to go with him, but when he turned around, he bumped into two fleshy walls, which made him laugh in exasperation.

The three of them stood there, neither giving way to the other.

Then Lu Ning, who was already wearing a life jacket, led Qiao Wu into the water and innocently asked, "Aren't you guys going to play? Then Qiao Wu and I will go first."

The three of them suffered a silent loss, and none of them said a word.

Qiao Wu glanced back, wondering what kind of ritual they were performing, and said, "You guys play first, I'll teach Lu Ning."

In the past, no one taught Lu Ning these things, nor did anyone take her to play, so she basically didn't know what her uncles knew.

There was one exception: Lu Ning. No one disagreed with her.

Even Shen Yan was unwilling to compete with a pretty child for someone. Seeing Lu Yingchi and Lu Xuan's eager looks, he smiled and said, "Shall we go?"

"Let's go."

Seeing the three of them enter the sea, Lu Ning asked, puzzled, "Do they know each other?"

Qiao Wu said lazily, "I don't know him."

Lu Ning muttered, "Then you had such a good time."

Qiao Wu smiled.

If she didn't realize it at first, she now knows why.

It wasn't that they were having a good time; it was that Lu Yingchi and Lu Xuan sensed that strangers had entered their private space, so they were very wary.

In their eyes, she has been one with them since childhood, and even now, no matter what happens or who she encounters, she will always stand by their side. They have become accustomed to this way of getting along.

In the past, they would argue and fight among family members, but now that they have finally broken free from the family circle, they are triggering their defense mechanism when facing a complete stranger.

Just like Lu Xuan was wary of Liao Liao and Cui Sitong, regardless of gender, they simply disliked outsiders.

But she will eventually have her own circle of friends, and in the future... she will also have her own lover, even if it's not Lu Jinzhi, it will be someone else.

They would face this day sooner or later, so she didn't intend to stop them. That was also the reason she agreed to go out with Shen Yan – she wanted them to get used to it.

Lu Ning paddled on the board for a while but then got tired of it. She couldn't go into the sea yet, so she didn't find this kind of sport fun. Instead, she was more interested in the jet skis over there.

Qiao Wu is open to all kinds of activities and finds them all relaxing, so after putting the board on the shore, he took Lu Ning on a jet ski and gave her a thrill.

The three burly men who had been showing off in the sea turned around and realized that they had been throwing flirtatious glances at a blind man, so they had no choice but to return to the beach and sit down.

An awkward and strange atmosphere filled the air.

The three of them kept their eyes glued to Qiao Wu's speedboat, remaining completely silent.

Lu Xuan and Lu Yingchi rarely have time to be alone together like this, so they don't know how to communicate at all, and they feel even more uncomfortable than when they are alone with Lu Ning.

Shen Yan was a bit better off. He didn't care about anything at the moment and stared at Qiao Wu with great interest: "Has Qiao Wu always been like this? Can he do everything?"

He knows a lot of people, both men and women, who all know how to have fun, and some even have more sophisticated and extravagant ways of doing things.

But Qiao Wu is different; she seems to know a little bit about everything and can always surprise you.

When he first met her, he thought she was a very beautiful and strong woman. When he met her a second time, he thought she was a very rational and gentle person. But now he thinks she's actually quite cool.

He didn't receive a reply.

Because Lu Yingchi and Lu Xuan were also somewhat at a loss, unsure how to answer.

Lu Xuan remembered that Qiao Wu could neither ride a jet ski nor surf, but then he realized that was Qiao Wu before he was ten years old.

They suddenly realized that their understanding of Qiao Wu later on was actually very superficial.

Perhaps it's because she gives them the same feeling as before, so they subconsciously didn't think about this issue and subconsciously ignored the subtle differences between them over the years.

Can a person change overnight?

Lu Xuan suddenly paused for a moment.

Clearly, Shen Yan wasn't one to engage in internal strife; even without an answer from others, he could still answer his own question: "My judgment was indeed excellent."

Upon hearing this, the two people who were in a daze immediately turned their attention to him.

Lu Yingchi narrowed his eyes dangerously: "What kind of taste do you have?"

Shen Yan coughed lightly: "Do you think Qiao Wu and I are a good match?"

To be honest, he was just a superficial person who wanted to get close to Qiao Wu, but now he's really serious about pursuing her.

Qiao Wu is the Lu family's butler, and he will inevitably have to deal with these strange Lu brothers in the future, so Shen Yan's attitude is very good.

But the other people weren't so nice.

Lu Yingchi's eyes turned fierce in an instant: "You're the one who pursued her?"

Shen Yan was flattered and a little shy: "She mentioned me to you?"

It turns out that he held some weight in Qiao Wu's heart.

"Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Shen Yan, and my family is in the shipping business..."

"You're not even fit to be a player, don't even think about it!" Lu Yingchi interrupted, unable to contain himself any longer. "You're not even worthy of it!"

He actually wanted to kick the person into the sea, but he held back.

From today onwards, Lu Jiazhong, He Jing, and Shen Yan are all prohibited from entering!

In contrast, although Lu Xuan's face looked unwell, he was not as agitated.

If Shen Yan said he was Qiao Wu's friend, he might care more, but if he said he was a suitor, he wouldn't really care.

Lu Xuan scoffed lightly: "You're not her type."

Enraged, Lu Yingchi turned around, suspicious: "Do you know what type of girl she likes?"

Although he didn't really want to admit it, Lu Xuan did know a little bit about it. He clicked his tongue and said, "She's amazing, smart. She said she wouldn't acknowledge anyone who wasn't even as good as her."

The little confidence that Shen Yan had just gained was immediately wiped out.

Um?

Someone better than her?

Although unwilling to admit it, Shen Yan felt that he did lack some confidence in front of Qiao Wu.

His expression changed, and his tone became complicated: "It can't be someone like Lu Jinzhi, can it?"

Lu Yingchi immediately looked disgusted: "How could that be?"

Who would like Lu Jinzhi?

Of course, he is indeed very rich, and he is also... somewhat presentable.

But no one can tolerate that mouth; it attacks indiscriminately.

Qiao Wu isn't a masochist.

Although reluctant, Lu Xuan inexplicably felt a stronger sense of empathy for Lu Yingchi at this moment, and also felt a bit more proud: "She doesn't like rich people."

That's great, luckily he didn't have much money in his pocket.

That's his only redeeming quality.

Even Lu Yingchi realized what was happening.

Very good!

Fortunately, Lu Jinzhi stopped his card, since he wasn't exactly rich anyway.

“Our family is most averse to rich people.” Lu Yingchi’s temper immediately subsided, and he snorted, “Especially rich people who are bosses. She definitely doesn’t like someone like you, an heir or a domineering CEO. It’s really a targeted minefield.”

Shen Yan: "?"

Lu Yingchi felt a pang of pity for him, seeing no chance whatsoever: "You'd better watch yourself, don't waste your time."

Shen Yan: "..."

No, she likes men who are more capable than her, but who don't have money.

Do such people really exist in the world?

Or do pretty girls always have to be a little different from ordinary people?

Shen Yan was completely bewildered as two idiots personally escorted him away.

After seeing the person off, Lu Yingchi and Lu Xuan looked at each other and for the first time felt a sense of mutual recognition. At least they were on the same side, weren't they?

As for Qiao Wu, they all knew it, but no one said it.

But after returning home, Shen Yan still felt somewhat confused.

Just then, his father came downstairs and his face darkened as soon as he saw him: "You're always out playing, did I send you out to eat with someone?"

After returning to China, Shen Yan was constantly pressured by his father to go on blind dates. He used to think about going out for a meal, but after seeing Qiao Wu, he felt that the others were not quite right.

He thought for a moment, then stepped forward and hooked his arm around his father's neck: "Tell me your thoughts, there's a girl who likes someone more capable than her, but doesn't like rich people, what does that mean? She's already very rich."

At his age, Mr. Shen had never heard such unreasonable demands.

But when she thought about her son's intelligence, she felt it made perfect sense: "Tell me exactly what you said."

After hearing the whole story, Mr. Shen kicked the idiot in exasperation: "That means you don't like rich people! That means you don't like incompetent people!"

But in his heart, he felt that this girl must have her own ideas, so he asked curiously, "Which family's daughter are you from?"

"The Qiao family."

"The Qiao family?"

"It's not any particular family." Shen Yan was still completely confused. He briefly explained Qiao Wu's situation, at least so his father wouldn't force him to go on blind dates. After finishing, he cautiously asked, "You're not like those feudal tyrants who are prejudiced by social class, are you?!"

"I only have prejudices against fools." Father Shen felt that such a person might not even look up to his son.

What's wrong with the Lu family's butler? How could an ordinary person catch Lu Jinzhi's eye?

Moreover, he is the chairman of the board.

This kind of girl is obviously independent and thoughtful; she's not from the same social class as his foolish son.

“The Lu family has three sons.” Father Shen was very self-aware. “Not the third or fourth son, but even Lu Er is better than you. She’s with Lu Er every day, how could she possibly look at you?”

"What's wrong with me?" Shen Yan reacted. "You haven't spent time with Lu Jinzhi. He's sharp-tongued and petty. Who can stand the pressure he puts on? Besides, people have said that Qiao Wu is the least likely person to like Lu Jinzhi."

His indignant tone even swayed Shen's father somewhat.

If we really have this opportunity, and the family has another capable daughter-in-law, then it doesn't matter if this son is useless.

His mind raced. "You mean your Uncle Lu and the others are here too?"

"hold head high."

Mr. Shen pointed to his nonchalant demeanor and said, "I'll have someone prepare some gifts later, and I'll take you to visit some neighbors tomorrow."

"Damn!" For the first time, Shen Yan felt his father radiating a fatherly glow. "Old man, this is the first time I've ever admired you this much!"

"Get lost."

Mr. Shen was genuinely concerned about his son's marriage, but since it was a home visit, he didn't act rashly and called Lu Jiang beforehand.

Lu Jiang's expression grew increasingly strange as he listened. He was a seasoned shrew; how could he not know what the other person was subtly trying to get at?

But after remaining silent for a while, he finally agreed.

After hanging up the phone, he looked at Qiao Zhiyi beside him: "Do you remember the Shen family?"

Qiao Zhiyi nodded: "The Shen family, who started out in shipping?"

"Hmm." Lu Jiang sneered, "His youngest son saw Xiao Wu somewhere and wants to get to know her. He said he'll come to visit tomorrow."

Qiao Zhiyi understood this perfectly and immediately resisted, saying, "Xiao Wu is still young."

“So if he brings it up tomorrow, you must refuse without hesitation.” Lu Jiang was very satisfied with his reaction, and then added, “I’ve heard about his youngest son. He studied abroad with his second brother for two years and has a lot of messy relationships. He’s not suitable for Xiao Wu.”

Qiao Zhiyi immediately realized that this kid was definitely not up to par.

His daughter can't be with a playboy like that!

"Then why did you let them come?"

Lu Jiang's expression froze for a moment before he said, "Having a meal isn't a big deal, but there's something I'd like to confirm."

Ever since he saw the second brother's movements at the Still Water Villa, he felt something was off and secretly told Xie Yi to keep a close eye on things.

He deliberately avoided returning to the Lu residence during this period, but he still had spies there.

Neither the servant's nor Xie Yi's response was optimistic.

The second son and Xiao Wu are very close.

Xiao Wu is one example; she has a good relationship with her family. But the second brother is not that kind of person.

He drives himself to and from get off work every day, and only his few dim-witted sons at home can't see anything wrong with him.

Lu Jiang had his own plans; Qiao Wu was someone he had personally mentored.

Even though some of his behaviors were inappropriate in the past, he had watched his children grow up. They had good personalities, were very capable, and were devoted to their families. Otherwise, the Lu family would not be in this state.

He now treats Qiao Wu like family, so he gives her the same treatment as his children.

She genuinely felt that Qiao Wu was still young and there was no need to rush into marriage.

Furthermore, that old fox from the Shen family, whose own son is useless, is now eyeing Qiao Wu; how could he possibly agree to that?

But one thing at a time.

The children in the family all care about Qiao Wu. They are family, and he doesn't want any more changes to happen in the family.

But I can't say these things to Qiao Zhiyi.

After everyone left, he took out his phone and called his second brother.

"When is the flight?" he asked.

Lu Jinzhi: "The day after tomorrow."

"No rush, take your time." Lu Jiang asked casually, "How long have you been working with Shen's youngest son?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Jinzhi put down his work.

In his opinion, the question was unnecessary; how could Lu Jiang not know what he had been up to for the past two years abroad?

So he didn't answer, but instead opened the drawer, took out the spare phone, and asked casually, "What?"

"It's nothing." Lu Jiang had been paying attention to his tone and didn't notice much change in his expression. He continued, "I ran into Xiao Wu here today. She said she's coming to visit tomorrow."

Theoretically speaking, these are three unrelated things.

But Lu Jinzhi understood in an instant.

He knew very well Qiao Wu's place in Lu Jiang's heart. Someone like Lu Jiang wouldn't let her go easily, but he also wouldn't let her disrupt the calm and stable surface of the lake.

He lowered his eyes, and on the backup phone was the flight search interface he had already brought up.

Hearing nothing, Lu Jiang frowned and asked, "Did you hear me?"

Lu Jinzhi gave a curt "hmm" without any emotion.

"I'm asking you, what kind of person is he?"

"Not familiar with it."

"..."

I've been by your side for two years, and you say we're not close!

Before he could say anything, he heard the second brother patiently ask in return, "Do you know why we're not familiar with each other?"

Before I could answer, the other person calmly continued, "Because he wanted to ask Qiao Wu for his WeChat, I was very unhappy and blocked him."

"?"

Do you know why I'm unhappy?

Although the tone was gentle, Lu Jiang knew he wasn't about to say anything pleasant, and tried to interrupt, "Wait..."

Lu Jinzhi didn't give him that chance, and said directly, "Because I like her."

Although he had expected it, Lu Jiang clearly hadn't anticipated that his second brother would be so blunt. He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice, "Lu Jinzhi, have some sense of propriety!"

Lu Jinzhi on the other end of the phone was not intimidated at all; instead, he laughed and said, "Father, don't you know who I am?"

"No need to test me," he chuckled. "I can't live without her."