Apart from that, there was no other emotional disclosure.
What is he thinking?
Shang Wu couldn't figure it out at all.
This unpredictable feeling bothered her more than outright disgust.
The rest of the journey was spent in this extreme repression and silence.
The car arrived at the hotel.
Shang Wu thanked the driver in a low voice, then turned and walked quickly into the hotel lobby without saying goodbye to Lu Rang.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Lu Rang neither opened his eyes nor uttered a single word.
It was as if that brief conversation had never happened.
...
The next morning.
Shang Wu adjusted her mindset and prepared to head to the competition venue.
She had just opened the door when she was surprised to see Cheng Zhou waiting outside, with a bright, even romantic, smile on his face.
"Good morning, Awu!" Cheng Zhou's voice was a few decibels louder than usual, and his eyes were sparkling as he looked at her.
Shang Wu was somewhat baffled.
"Cheng Zhou? What are you doing here so early?" And why are you smiling so strangely?
Cheng Zhou chuckled, leaned closer, and spoke with a hint of smugness and surprise.
"Still pretending? Miss Lu called me last night specifically to say that you think I'm quite good and are seriously considering getting to know me. She told me to be more proactive and seize the opportunity! Ah Wu, I really didn't expect you..."
Shang Wu was stunned for a moment.
Lu You called Cheng Zhou and said she was considering contacting him.
She only said this to Lu Rang, just a casual remark in the car on the way back last night.
So, it was Lu Rang who told Lu You? That's why Lu You was so enthusiastic about trying to match her up with Cheng Zhou.
It seems that Lu Rang has truly let her go.
The kind that you wouldn't even glance at.
Shang Wu twitched the corner of her mouth and strode towards the elevator: "I'm going to be late for the competition, I'll go first."
Cheng Zhou was still calling out from behind, "Hey? A-Wu? Wait for me! I'll take you there! Let's have breakfast together..."
Shang Wu seemed not to hear him and quickened her pace.
...
The second round's theme was improvisation.
The challenge is immense.
Shang Wu forcibly suppressed the chaotic thoughts of the previous night and focused all her attention on creating.
Inspired by a butterfly emerging from its cocoon and a broken chain, she used an extremely complex metal weaving technique to design a jewelry set full of power and beauty.
Without a doubt, Shang Wu's design once again amazed the audience, winning unanimous high scores from the judges and firmly ranking among the top in the points list.
After the competition, before Shang Wu could even recover from the joy of success, Lu You greeted her with a smile.
Shang Wu glanced at Lu Rang beside her; he looked somewhat tired.
"Ms. Shang, congratulations, another brilliant performance."
Lu You enthusiastically took her arm, her tone leaving no room for refusal, "We absolutely have to celebrate properly this time! Ah Rang and I happen to know a great private restaurant, how about we join us?"
Shang Wu instinctively wanted to refuse.
She really didn't want to face Lu Rang's unpredictable indifference and the unpleasant aftermath of last night.
She looked at Lu Rang, hoping he would act indifferent as before, giving her a reason to refuse.
However, Lu Rang merely glanced at her indifferently, offering no response whatsoever, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, as if everything was entirely up to Lu You.
This tacit approval made it even harder for Shang Wu to refuse.
Left with no other choice, she could only be half-dragged by Lu You to that upscale private restaurant located in a deep alley.
The private room was elegant and tranquil.
During the meal, Lu You continued to lead the conversation, praising Shang Wu's designs and chatting about interesting industry anecdotes, creating a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.
Lu Rang still rarely spoke, simply eating in silence. Occasionally, when Lu You looked at him, he would very naturally serve her food and water, his behavior considerate, yet carrying a sense of detachment.
After a few rounds of drinks, Lu You seemed to be in even higher spirits.
She smiled and twirled the wine glass in her hand.
Under the light, a flash of light suddenly appeared on the ring finger of her left hand.
It is a diamond ring with a simple design, yet extremely dazzling.
Shang Wu's gaze was subconsciously drawn to that light.
When she saw the design of the ring, her breath caught in her throat.
That ring...
The design of that ring was exactly the same as the one Lu Rang had prepared to use to propose to her.
She would never admit her mistake.
Lu You noticed Shang Wu's face turn pale instantly and her gaze freeze.
She seemed to just realize what was happening, smiled shyly, and proactively extended her hand to show it off.
Lu You said sweetly, "Look at me, I've been so busy chatting that I haven't officially told Miss Shang yet that A-Rang and I are engaged. This is the engagement ring he gave me. Isn't it pretty?"
As she spoke, she glanced happily at Lu Rang beside her.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
