Chapter 249 Truth or Dare
In the days that followed, Shang Wu began a life of true pregnancy preservation.
Except for necessary outings, she stayed in bed almost all day, and even her meals were brought to her by Lu Rang.
Every slight abdominal pain or unusual sensation terrifies her, causing her to be under immense mental stress.
To alleviate her anxiety, Lu Rang turned down all non-essential work and stayed by her side every step of the way.
Despite using the best medications to prevent miscarriage and having her family doctor visit her daily, Shangwu's progesterone levels remained unstable.
This matter remained a dark cloud hanging over both of them.
Lu Rang used all his connections to find the top obstetrics experts.
Before any results were available, Cheng Zhou went directly to the villa.
His face lacked its usual cheerfulness, instead displaying an unusual seriousness and earnestness.
"Lu Rang, I've heard about Shang Wu's situation."
Cheng Zhou got straight to the point, "I know a national-level doctor named Qin, who is especially good at treating gynecological conditions and preventing miscarriage. Many cases have turned around in his hands."
“He doesn’t see patients much anymore, but my father has some connections with him, so maybe we can get him to come and take a look.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Rang stepped forward.
"Really? Thank you, I'll wait for your message."
Cheng Zhou shrugged and said frankly, "I haven't finished yet. I have conditions."
Lu Rang paused, then narrowed his eyes: "You still have conditions?"
Sensing the displeasure in his voice, Cheng Zhou finally smiled. "My condition is that you help me arrange to meet Lu You tonight, and I'll choose the location."
"Don't worry, I won't do anything to her. I just want to see her and say a few words."
Lu Rang's brows furrowed immediately, and his face darkened.
"Cheng Zhou, you actually came up with the idea of using A Wu and the child as a bargaining chip."
This is not a deal!
Cheng Zhou hurriedly explained, his tone earnest, "Lu Rang, I really want to help! Old Qin's medical skills are truly superb, but you also know the current situation of You-jie and me. If I go directly to her, she definitely won't listen to me. I can only do it through you."
"Even if I beg you, please help me this once. I promise, it will only be one meeting. If she still refuses to talk to me, I will never bother her again!"
Lu Rang looked at the anxiety in Cheng Zhou's eyes and slowly pursed his lips.
He loathed the feeling of being manipulated, but he couldn't let go of any sliver of hope that could save his child.
Lu Rangbi regained his composure: "Time, place."
Cheng Zhou breathed a sigh of relief and immediately gave the number of a private room in a high-end bar.
night.
Lu You received a call from Lu Rang, who said he had an urgent matter and asked her to meet him at a bar.
She had some doubts.
Lu Rang has never been one to enjoy going to bars, especially since Shang Wu is at home taking care of her pregnancy.
Why did you meet there?
Moreover, his tone sounded a bit strange.
However, trusting Lu Rang, Lu You didn't ask any more questions and went to the appointment on time.
The moment she pushed open the door to the private room, deafening music and a group of noisy men and women instantly came into view.
Sitting in the main seat, surrounded by everyone, was Cheng Zhou.
Lu You's face instantly turned cold, and she turned to leave.
She knew it wouldn't be good!
"Youyou!"
Cheng Zhou reacted quickly and immediately got up and chased after her, stopping her in the corridor.
"Cheng Zhou, what do you mean? Did you have A Rang trick me into coming here?"
Lu You's chest heaved with anger, her eyes slicing through him like knives.
Seeing her angry expression, Cheng Zhou felt a pang of sadness and softened his stance.
His voice lowered: "I'm sorry, I asked A-Rang to invite you out. Today is my birthday, and I just wanted you to come. It would make me very happy."
He paused, then, seeing Lu You's still icy expression, quickly added.
"I know Shang Wu's condition isn't good. I know a very skilled doctor, and I've already spoken with A Rang. If you stay tonight, I'll personally go and invite Old Qin over tomorrow to examine Shang Wu. I promise!"
He spoke the last three words with unusual solemnity.
Lu You's heart sank.
She had been worried about Shang Wu's situation, but she never expected Cheng Zhou to use this as a bargaining chip.
She wanted to refuse firmly and turn away, but she couldn't bring herself to do it when she thought of Shang Wu's pale face and the unborn child.
She glared at Cheng Zhou, finally squeezing out a sentence through gritted teeth: "Cheng Zhou, you're despicable!"
A hint of guilt flashed across Cheng Zhou's face, but more than that, there was a stubborn determination to burn one's bridges.
"Just this once, I'm begging you."
Lu You took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to turn around and leave. With a cold face, she turned around and walked back to the noisy private room.
She chose a corner furthest from Cheng Zhou and sat down, exuding an aura that kept strangers at bay.
Cheng Zhou breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her return. He followed her and carefully sat down next to her, trying to start a conversation.
Lu You kept a cold face the whole time, either ignoring her or using monosyllabic words to brush her off.
The other people in the private room were all Cheng Zhou's cronies, and they naturally noticed the awkwardness between the two, exchanging knowing glances.
To liven things up, someone suggested playing a game of truth or dare with a wine bottle.
The wine bottles spun on the table, and after a few rounds, the atmosphere warmed up a bit.
However, when the bottle pointed precisely at Lu You, the entire private room fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on her.
The person in charge of asking the questions was a spoiled brat who loved to stir up trouble. He looked at Lu You with a grin and said, "Miss Lu, truth or dare?"
Lu You didn't even bother to lift her eyelids, and said coldly, "Truth or dare."
She didn't want to be asked any awkward questions by these people.
The spoiled brat's eyes lit up, clearly he was prepared. He glanced around at the men present and said with a wicked smile, "Miss Lu is indeed straightforward! Then please choose any man and kiss him on the cheek! How about that? Exciting enough?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes instinctively turned to Cheng Zhou.
Cheng Zhou's heart jumped instantly. Although he tried to remain calm on the surface, a secret expectation was uncontrollably revealed in his eyes.
He unconsciously straightened his back slightly.
However, upon hearing this, Lu You slowly raised her head.
Instead of showing embarrassment or anger, she gave a charming yet cold smile.
Her gaze swept lightly over Cheng Zhou, and under the astonished gazes of the crowd, she extended her slender finger and pointed directly at the纨绔子弟 (spoiled brat) who had just posed the question.
Lu You parted her red lips slightly, her voice carrying a nonchalant provocation: "I'll choose you then."
In an instant, the entire private room fell silent.
Everyone was stunned.
Including the so-called spoiled brat.
His mouth dropped open, his face filled with astonishment; he had never expected Lu You to pull such a move.
Cheng Zhou's expectant expression froze instantly, turning deathly pale.
He stared intently at Lu You, his eyes filled with hurt and embarrassment.
His once straight back seemed to have lost all its strength, and it bent slightly.
Lu You, however, seemed oblivious to his reaction, still smiling radiantly as she looked at the dumbfounded playboy.
"What? You're scared to play now? Weren't you having so much fun just now?"
The spoiled young man realized what was happening and immediately blushed deeply, waving his hands repeatedly.
"No, no, no! Miss Lu! I was wrong! I was just joking! This dare doesn't count! Let's try another one! Let's try another one!"
An awkward burst of laughter and attempts to smooth things over immediately filled the private room.
Amidst the commotion, Cheng Zhou silently picked up the wine glass on the table, tilted his head back, and downed the strong liquor in one gulp.
He looked at her smiling profile and felt a pang of disappointment.
She would rather choose a spoiled brat she despises than get even a hair's breadth away from him.
Cheng Zhou's fingers, hanging by his side, curled slightly, the expectation he had been deliberately hiding in his eyes shattered completely.
Her eyes, which had been shining like they were filled with starlight just moments before, were now veiled in mist, and even her jawline was tauter than usual.
A friend next to her slammed his hand on the table, deliberately raising his voice to smooth things over: "If you don't do the truth, you have to drink a penalty shot. Sister Lu You can't escape this one!"
These words seemed to offer Cheng Zhou a way out, and also to push the unspoken awkwardness into the shadows.
Lu You ignored Cheng Zhou's expression, pinched the cold rim of the glass with her fingertips, tilted her head back and gulped down the whiskey.
The burning sensation in my throat from the alcohol made it feel tight.
When she put down the glass, the bottom of it made a soft sound as it hit the table, and the corners of her eyes were slightly red from the alcohol.
Lu You smiled nonchalantly: "Alright, a bet's a bet."
But the more she acted like this, the more uncomfortable Cheng Zhou felt.
The fact that his friend deliberately slowed down his hand speed when spinning the wine bottle, and even his little scheme of having Lu Rang lure people here beforehand, all became a joke at this moment.
He stared at the wine stains remaining on Lu You's fingertips and suddenly felt as if that glass of wine had been splashed on his heart, both cold and burning.
"Time for the next one!"
Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, another friend quickly pushed the bottle towards the center.
"Brother Zhou, it's your turn to spin, don't just stand there!"
Cheng Zhou snapped out of his daze, his fingertips touching the cold glass of the bottle. He didn't control his strength well, and the bottle spun fast and fast before finally coming to a stop in front of him, wobbling.
The private room instantly became lively again, with Li Ran, Cheng Zhou's friend, being the first to come over and rest his elbow on Cheng Zhou's shoulder.
"Wow! Zhou-ge's luck! Is he punishing himself? Truth or Dare?"
"A great adventure!"
Everyone shouted in unison, their eyes full of ambiguity.
Li Ran was even more direct, pointing in Lu You's direction.
"That's easy. Just like Sister Lu You, choose someone to kiss. We won't be picky, we'll just kiss Sister Lu You!"
Upon hearing this, Lu You paused, holding her water glass, and looked up at Cheng Zhou.
She wanted to see what this person, who had posted photos of afternoon tea with Ms. Zhao on her WeChat Moments just a few days ago, would choose.
But Cheng Zhou's reaction surprised everyone.
He didn't look at Lu You, nor did he respond to his friend's words. He reached directly for the wine bottle on the table and said in a stiff voice, "I choose to drink."
"No way, Brother Zhou!" Li Ran was shocked. "You're going to drink now that I'm letting you choose? You might as well just go with the drinks!"
"Yeah, what are you pretending for!"
Some people joined in the commotion, deliberately pushing an entire unopened bottle of whiskey in front of him.
"If you're going to drink, drink this! Down it in one gulp, don't dawdle!"
They originally wanted to provoke Cheng Zhou, telling him not to be afraid and to kiss her directly.
But to everyone's surprise, Cheng Zhou actually unscrewed the bottle cap.
The liquor dripped down the bottle neck, and he tilted his head back to gulp it down, his Adam's apple bobbing violently, and the veins in his neck bulging.
The liquor dripped down Cheng Zhou's lips, soaking his collar and leaving a dark stain.
Seeing his stubborn expression, Lu You finally couldn't help but frown.
What's wrong with this person?
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